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: Hirax
Thrash Metal Icons Exodus Announce Two Special “Bonded By Blood” 40th Anniversary Shows, with Support for Death Angel
American thrash metal legends and genre originators Exodus are gearing up for a huge 2025, kicking things off with the announcement of two very special Bonded By Blood 40th Anniversary shows, falling upon late original vocalist Paul Baloff’s birthday weekend (April 25). Taking place in Berkeley, CA on Friday, April 25 at UC Theatre and Anaheim, CA on Saturday, April 26 at House of Blues, the shows will feature Exodus performing Bonded By Blood in its entirety, plus more hits, and each show will feature direct support from Death Angel. Blind Illusion and Nukem will open the Berkeley date, and Hirax and Nukem will open the Anaheim date. Special edition Bonded By Blood merchandise will also be available. Continue reading
Exumer Book European Tour with Hirax and Announce New Bassist
Currently hard at work on a new album for a possible release in late 2024/early 2025, Exumer (Metal Blade Records) have just announced a run of live dates in Europe and the UK. Joined by Hirax, the tour kicks off at Wacken Open Air, and will see Exumer perform with their freshly announced new bassist Alex Voss. Keep reading below for further information.
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CONCERT REVIEW: Voivod – Prong – Hirax Live at The UC Theatre Berkeley
I headed out to Berkeley for a night of good old-fashioned Thrash and Progressive metal, in what was to be my most anticipated concert of early 2024. None of these bands have ever disappointed me, and I had no reason to believe tonight would be any different. I was pleasantly surprised that the show was nearly sold out. And after a quick stop by the merch table led me to find out sales were brisk, but also that Prong’s excellent recent album State of Emergency (Napalm Records) was sold out for the entire tour and may not be repressed by the label. This is a total bummer but I’m stoked for all the sales, and glad I got one on pre-order when the record came out. Tommy Victor also remarked from the stage the new album was hard to find now. Feel free to check out our recent interviews with Tommy and the good old times we shared.Continue reading
Cult Of Fire to Perform with Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague at Brutal Assault
In a unique tribute to Czech classical composer, Bedřich Smetanat, black metal band, Cult Of Fire will join their forces with the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague. Together they will deliver a special set commissioned by Brutal Assault, an experience not seen at the festival before, and rarely elsewhere. Keep reading below for more details.
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New Music Friday 4-21-23 Preview
Metal Artists Reflect on The Late Tony Costanza, GoFundMe Launched
As we reported yesterday, drummer Tony Costanza, the original drummer of Machine Head, as well as stints in Crowbar and Crisis and others, died yesterday at age 52. Friends from other bands and many peers of Tony took to social media to share their grief, but also stories about Tony, his talent and how great a person and friend he was. Read the following from Robb Flynn, Chris Kontos, Crowbar, members of Crisis, and more. Also, please contribute what you can to the GoFundMe set up for Tony. Continue reading
Mr. Bungle Are Working on Covers for their Reunion Shows
Mr. Bungle is gearing up for their reunion shows in February in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. The band will perform their 1986 demo, The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny in its entirety. It will mark the first time Mr. Bungle has performed in close to 20 years and the first time these songs have been played live in over 30 years. The band comprised of original Mr. Bungle members Trevor Dunn, Mike Patton, and Trey Spruance will be joined by Scott Ian (Anthrax, S.O.D.) and Dave Lombardo (Dead Cross, Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies) for the dates. Opening acts for the six shows will include Cattle Decapitation, Possessed, Hirax, the Melvins, Ho99o9, C*nts, and Spotlights,.The band posted to social media that they are working on cover songs for the show, and hopefully some other Mr. Bungle tracks will be played, since their final album, California, turned twenty years old in 2019. Once again, no further cities are being added to this mini-tour according to the bands’ spokesperson.Continue reading
Mr. Bungle Adds Incredible Bands As Openers for 2020 Mini Tour
Mr. Bungle set the music world on its ear by announcing a mini-comeback tour with six shows in total in 2020 in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. The hand-picked openers includes Cattle Decapitation, Possessed, Hirax, the Melvins, Ho99o9, C*nts and Spotlights, reflecting a mix of artists that both influenced the Eureka-born outfit’s 1986 demo, The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny, as well as current bands that the musicians are both fans of and feel are carrying on the spirit of that era, both musically and in attitude.Continue reading
Watch The New Documentary About The Debut Of The Lemmy Statue
Director Rocio Romero has released Live To Win, a documentary about the August 24 unveiling of a statute of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister in front of the late Motörhead frontman’s favorite bar, the legendary Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. The clip features interviews with development directors Katon De Pena and Anne De Pena, concept artist Travis Moore and Mikey Maglieri of the Rainbow Bar & Grill. Continue reading