It was a blistering cold night in New England as Slayer guitarist and co-founder Kerry King unleashed a hellish sonic assault upon the small Boston nightclub, The Royale for his first North American Headline Tour. King’s band is made up of metal legends that include Mark Osegueda of Death Angel on vocals, former Vio-lence and Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders, and Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph.
I am neither the world’s biggest Black Metal fan, nor authority, and I would never pretend to be either. That said, the door to me being swept off my feet by Satan’s minstrels is always open. It happened last year with the latest Trelldom release, …By The Shadows….Continue reading
After blasting onto the scene a few short years ago with their electrifying debut, Swedish supergroup The Halo Effect return with second full length studio release March of the Unheard (Nuclear Blast Records). Comprised entirely of former members of In Flames, The Halo Effect is sort of like the musical equivalent of a support group for disgruntled ex-employees, but with riffs instead of complaining.
It has been a whirlwind week where Iron Maiden legend and drummer Nicko McBrain announced he would no longer tour with the band, performed his final show on tour, and saw his replacement announced in British Lion drummer Simon Dawson. The band has shared a heartfelt video recap of the show, featuring Bruce Dickinson’s remarks about Nicko, and Nicko’s final moments with the crowd cheering him on!Continue reading
We discuss the stunning retirement of Nicko McBrain from Iron Maiden and why they chose Simon Dawson.Continue reading
Iron Maiden wasted no time announcing their new touring drummer following the surprising announcement that Nicko McBrain would play his final show with the band last night, December 7th, 2024. Simon Dawson, Maiden leader Steve Harris’ bassist for 12 years in his British Lion band is the new touring drummer, as announced in an official post on Facebook. Read the statement below. Continue reading
Sad news from Heavy Metal legend Iron Maiden as drummer Nicko McBrain has announced he has retired from the band. His final live performance will be tonight in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Citing his desire to step back from the grind of extensive touring in a prepared statement, Nico will still be involved in other future Maiden activities. The band also released at statement honoring their friend and celebrating his nearly 40 years with the band. The band has also chosen a replacement, which they will announce soon. See the statement below. Continue reading
In this episode, get in the time machine (no, it’s not a glass of whiskey) with Nik and Keefy as we discuss Nik’s most expensive and valuable vinyl picks from his collection! We also explain the mythical and majestic “Finger Fudge Pour!”Continue reading
Known more for its repetitive club beats and nauseatingly upbeat dance music, Spain does actually have an ever-increasing underground metal scene, and the symphonic/melodic death metal of Galician act Dark Embrace is about as far removed from glow sticks and foam parties as you can possibly get.
Earth To Grace (Earache Records) is the Lancastrian quintet Massive Wagons seventh album, following on from 2022s rather good, UK top ten hit Triggered. They have teamed up with new record producer Matt O’Grady (You Me At Six, Architects) this time round, their signature brand of humorous and catchy Classic Rock is very much intact but with tauter songwriting and slightly bigger, shinier choruses. Continue reading