ALBUM REVIEW: Body Count – Merciless


Bloodlust. Carnivore. Manslaughter. and now Merciless (Century Media/Sony Music). The latest in a string of one-word, no-messing-about album titles since the return from their hiatus in 2014, Body Count deliver their eighth full-length studio release and it’s every bit as acerbic and confrontational as you could imagine.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Cavalera – Schizophrenia


There is something about the Sepultura sound which has rightfully allowed it to stand the test of time. It could be the bombastically frantic stringwork which has the capacity to power some cities. It could also be the cavernous, cacophonous screams and shouts. The drums never disappoint, and the production is mischievous yet meticulously guided.Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Go Ahead and Die – Bodybox – Deep Within, Scoundrel and Cursed Live at Strummers 


Strummers is a really chill and fun venue that’s hosted shows throughout the years, and I have always had the pleasure of seeing bands even as a fan. Located in the Tower District, where there are other places to go for music, bars, dining, or just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere and its beauty. Walking into Strummers through the bar area and into the show side, with lights dim low and only a bit of stage light for the upcoming bands to perform the night away.Continue reading


INTERVIEW: Max Cavalera Talks About the Power of Go Ahead and Die, Hardcore, and More


Ghost Cult Keefy caught up with our old friend Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Cavalera, Killer Be Killed, ex-Sepultura) to discuss another of his heavy projects Go Ahead And Die! We talked about their recent album “Unhealthy Mechanisms” (read our review here) and their current headline tour of the same name, how the new material is going over live, the band’s new lineup, some thoughts on the timeline for the next Soulfly record, and much more! Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Morta Skuld – Creation Undone


Metalheads are suckers for nostalgia.  The very root of its subculture is framed as defenders of a faith that upholds a purity of metal. This did not begin with neckbeards arguing in the comment sections or message boards about what metal is true or false, it came from the earliest days when bands were hosting “anti-disco” shows into the eighties when Thrash bands set themselves against the glam rockers of the Sunset strip that spilled over into parking lot fisticuffs. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: CAVALERA – Incite – Recall the Remains Live at KK’s Steel Mill


 

Another cold night in wintry Wolverhampton beckons but KK’s Steel Mill is always a welcome sight. A former factory building owned by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing, the venue, opened in 2018, has already gained a great reputation, landing many top quality metal acts ahead of other local rivals.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Go Ahead And Die – Unhealthy Mechanisms


 

It’s one thing to see siblings together in music, but two generations in one band is not as typical. Go Ahead And Die features legendary Max Cavalera (ex-Sepultura, Cavalera Conspiracy, Soulfly, etc.) and his son, Igor Cavalera Jr. (Healing Magic, Lody Kong). What’s more, Johnny Valles (live drummer for Cerebral Rot, Black Braid, etc.) has picked up the drumming role on their latest album, Unhealthy Mechanisms (Nuclear Blast Records). The three-piece specializes in a groovy death metal band with some crossover punk spilled over the top.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Festival 2023 – Part 1


 

A lot has changed in the twenty years since my first Bloodstock. What began as a relatively small indoor gathering in the middle of Derby city centre now welcomes around fifteen thousand metal fans from around the world annually. From two days, two halls, a signing room, and a “Metal Market” to four days, four stages, a signing tent, art gallery, gaming zone, and curiosities such as Viking battles and even early morning Heavy Metal Aerobics sessions, the changes to Bloodstock have been gradual but necessary.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Cavalera – Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions


 

Okay, so it was decided that Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions (Nuclear Blast) were to be plucked from the Sepultura catalog for re-recording by founding members Max and Igor Cavalera. Can we all agree on that? Great. Now legions of fans will pound and holler about “we already have those available on CD and on streaming.” Then the other side of the audience moans about the Cavalera siblings being greedy or some such shit.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Static Abyss – Aborted From Reality 


 

To be perfectly frank, the biggest issue with Static AbyssAborted from Reality (Peaceville Records) is that they decided to release the album the same year as Obituary’s recent destroyer, Dying of Everything. It’s been a consistent thorn on the side of Chris Reifert and Greg Wilkinson for quite some time as Obituary has always outshined their most well-known project, Autopsy, as well.

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