After a prolonged absence from the British metal scene courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic (save for a scaled-back pilot event in 2021), Leicestershire’s iconic summer rock, punk, and metal weekender, Download Festival returned to Castle Donnington in a maximalist blaze of glory, packing in a full-scale 5-day experience with some familiar favorites, hotly tipped up-and-comers and some of the best international acts that rock and metal scene has to offer.
Hailing from New Jersey and rising from the ashes of East Coast bands including Vessl and A Life Once Lost, Vexes released their debut album Ancient Geometry in 2018, which saw strong comparisons with Deftones and a clear influence of the seminal band in their work. Fast forward five years and Vexes are following up with Imagine What We Could Destroy /// If Only Given Time (Self-Released) their sophomore double album.
Whenever an established act loses its frontman, especially one as talismanic as Max Cavalera, fans are usually left choosing sides. Do you go with the musician striking out on their own or do your allegiances remain with the band? Largely dependent on the situation, an amicable split can leave listeners happily following both parties down separate paths to the promise of glory but when open hostility is at the heart of the separation, loyalties are often put to the test.Continue reading
It was a perfect spring evening last Tuesday in Sterling Heights when Alternative Metal giants Deftones brought their tour to town. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing when a line of traffic started to form outside the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater. Cars were bumper to bumper as they tried to squeeze their way into the sold-out show at this Detroit suburb open-air venue. The opening act of the tour, VOWWS, could not make the gig so the second band on the roster, the mighty Gojira opened up the night.
On the right night, if you walk out from North Quincy Station, past the “brutalist McDonalds,” following the funk towards Wollaston Beach, you might come across a house that seems to be pulsing. On a night like that, if you fight your way through the mass of burly beards, skateboarders, and pitbulls and take a sonic blast to the face, you’ll find yourself in Ugly Robot Studios, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to a front-row performance of Fracture Type. Continue reading
As they wind down their sold-out North American tour with Gojira and VOWWS, GRAMMY Award®-winning band Deftones, have announced an exclusive intimate show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on June 13th 2022. This, and their main stage performance at Download Festival the preceding weekend, will be the band’s first in the UK since they released their 2020 album Ohms (Warner Music). Grandson will provide direct support!
It feels as if it has been a long, long time since Puppy released their debut album, The Goat to the world – although the pandemic may have something to do with that considering it has only been three years. When the album was first released, the trio stunned us with an eclectic mix of heavy sludgy, grungy riffs combined with even more eclectic vocal harmonies you’d find somewhere on a Weezer or a Wheatus release. The combination of the two has allowed the band to access the best of both worlds, appearing on some heavier lineups, while still being able to go onto support acts like Creeper. Whether the three-piece will be able to keep this up with their sophomore release is another matter.Continue reading
Ghost is currently on tour supporting their new album Impera in Europe with Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats and Twin Temple! At tonight’s (April 18th, 2022) show in Paris, the band announced they will be the headliner on the June 18th date of this years’ massive Hellfest lineup, which already looks like one of the greatest bills in history! Catch Ghost with Metallica, Guns N Roses, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Deftones, Gojira, and more soon! Watch the announcement video to the clergy below, and read our reviews of Impera and Ghost live!
Deftones kicked off their first tour date of 2022 last night at The Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. It was also their first show with just announced new touring bassist Fred Sablan (ex-Marilyn Manson). The band played a deep, eighteen-song setlist full of their hits and three songs from their 2020 album Ohms (Reprise Records, review here :). Watch fan-filmed footage of the band and check out!
CROSSES photo credit Clemente Ruiz 2022 ghostcultmag
Today, ††† (Crosses) the synth-pop duo comprised of Chino Moreno of Deftones and producer/multi-instrumentalist Shaun Lopez of Far are back with with two new original songs: “Initiation” and “Protection” as well as a stunning new video for “Initiation.” The two-song set and visual is their first new music of 2022 following their late 2021 single release; their cover for the song “Goodbye Horses” made popular by Q Lazarus in the movie The Silence of The Lambs.