When you think of heavy music, images of raw power, defiance, and innovation come to mind—and Black creators have been at the forefront of this movement. Although often underestimated, these innovative musicians are known for their groundbreaking music, which blends punk’s rebellious spirit, metal’s intensity, and unique artistry. I’m a drummer and I’ve done Thrash, Crossover, and Death Metal projects over the years, some known, some not so much. But here in New York, I’ve grown up seeing everyone on stage. So this Black History Month, I want to show off the sounds of ten essential bands shaped by Black visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music. From thrash to hardcore, and everything in between. These bands embody the spirit of heavy music in all its glory. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Alice In Chains
Ghost Cult’s Top 20 Rock and Metal Vinyl Reissues for 2024
Check out Keefy’s full list of his Top Vinyl Reissues of 2024, with a few honorable mentions! Continue reading
PODCAST: The Dirt on Alice In Chains: Fraudsters or Victims of The System
Did Alice In Chains cause the mess they are in, or did they just use the system to their advantage.
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Alice In Chains and Shinedown Among Artists Named Fraud Over COVID-19 Relief Funds
Following up on a story from 2023, the music industry was one of the most devastated due to COVID-19 pandemic took hold, the U.S government signed into law The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. It was for payroll, and operations capitol for venues and bands. It was meant to keep artists afloat during the lockdowns. Touring did not really resume full-time until 2021. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the Paycheck Protection Program – these federal loan programs were created in 2020 to help businesses, and self-employed workers, impacted by the COVID-19 etc. during the lockdown.Continue reading
Sonic Temple Books Metallica, Linkin Park, Korn, Bad Omens, Rob Zombie, Incubus, Alice In Chains, Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, I Prevail, Chevelle, and More
The full music lineup has been announced for the fourth year of Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, including some incredible firsts for the Pinnacle of Rock Festivals in America, held May 8, 9, 10 & 11 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
More than 100 bands will take the stage during the four-day destination event, marking its biggest year ever. The festival will feature a massive lineup of rock royalty including LINKIN PARK with new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong; they will make their debut at Sonic Temple headlining on Saturday in one of the band’s first shows in seven years. As previously announced, Metallica will also appear at Sonic Temple for the first time ever in 2025 for a “No Repeat Weekend” offering two unique headlining sets over two nights (Friday and Sunday).Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Jerry Cantrell – I Want Blood
Jerry Cantrell, he of Alice in Chains fame, has returned with I Want Blood (Double J Music). It is his fourth solo record and continues the Grunge flavoured Hard Rock and Metal he is known for with an array of famous friends popping in, including Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Better Lovers) and the production help of Joe Barresi (Slipknot, Clutch, Tool, Mastodon) amongst others. Continue reading
CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: Korn’s Influential Debut Album Turns 30
Around the 48-second mark of album opener “Blind” Jonathan Davis screams “Are you ready?” Looking back at 30 years of history and an ever-shifting heavy music landscape, holy shit, Davis could not have realized how impactful of a statement that would become. Continue reading
PODCAST: Classic Albums Revisited: Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue
We look back at Alice In Chains’ comeback album – Black Gives Way To Blue (Virgin Records/EMI) which turned fifteen years old on September 29th, 2024. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Blue Heron – Everything Fades
You might not live on the desert plains, but with Everything Fades (Blues Funeral Recordings), Hard Rock three-piece Blue Heron can show you the way there. Continue reading
Metallica to Headline Sonic Temple Art and Music Festival For The First Time Ever with Rob Zombie, Alice In Chains, and 100 More Bands
Fans asked and Danny Wimmer Presents delivered—Metallica is headed to Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival for the first time ever in 2025! Metallica has been the #1 most requested act to play the destination event, and to celebrate the occasion, they are bringing two full headlining spots for a “No Repeat Weekend.” Metallica will close out both Friday and Sunday nights of the four-day festival weekend, taking place on May 8, 9, 10 & 11 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. This will be the band’s first time back to Columbus since 2017 and is their only appearance in the region in 2025. The partnership between Metallica and DWP began when the band headlined two nights with two unique sets at multiple DWP events in 2021, and DWP is thrilled to be able to bring them to Sonic Temple in 2025! Continue reading