For their sixth full-length studio release, Swedish metallers Portrait journey to the land of the concept album in order to conjure up a tale of sword and sorcery set in the seventeenth century. Their first full-blown conceptual release, The Host (Metal Blade) is not an entirely fictional piece but also inspired partly by historic events, with the band imparting the tale of an unnamed protagonist seeking strength after encountering injustice and hypocrisy.
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Formed in the forest hills of Norway, Coffin Storm comprises long-term friends Leif Nagell (aka Fenriz from Darkthrone), Jørgen Moe aka Apollyon (Aura Noir, Lamented Souls), and Olav Knutsen aka Bestial Tormentor (Infernö/Lamented Souls). Having known each other since the eighties, one of the most baffling things about this Kolbotn collaboration is that it’s taken so long to actually happen. But then again, when does Doom Metal ever feel the need to hurry?Continue reading
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mercyful Fate’s debut album, Metal Blade Records is re-releasing the re-mastered version of Melissa. Remastered albums often feel like a record label trying to sell you the same album twice. Continue reading
Life comes at you fast. Since releasing the details of latest album The Dark Parade (Metal Blade Records) to the world just a few weeks ago, Californian legends Cirith Ungol have already had to make two other major announcements regarding their future. First came the news at the end of September that long serving guitarist Jimmy Barraza was having to leave due to ongoing health issues, and then just a few days ago, the band shared the sad news that they were to be retiring from performing live shows as of next year.
Metal Blade Records, known for bringing classic metal albums back to life, have re-issued special vinyl editions of four Mercyful Fate 1990s full-lengths. In the Shadows, Time, Into the Unknown, and 9 are now available in new colors, with US and EU variants. Find out more below.
Today is the last day to order the Super7 Toys – Cliff Burton of Metallica Ultimates Edition figure! Pre-orders are live now at the link below, running until March 10th 2023 at 5 PM PST, and will start shipping in Winter of 2024. Each figure is custom made-to-order, limited-edition, 7” scale and immortalizes the thrash metal icon, right down to his bass and infamous double fist skull rings! In addition to Ultimates based on King Diamond and Lemmy, the ReAction figures, Super7 has released a Slayer Live Undead playset as well as figures based on other music, movies, toy lines, and other pop culture icons. Other reaction figures in the line include Ozzy Osbourne, Cliff Burton of Metallica, Johnny Cash, Misfits, Alice Cooper, several versions of Papa Emeritus, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Agnostic Front, Anthrax, Motörhead, Venom, Circle Jerks, Gorilla Biscuits, King Diamond, Megadeth, Rancid, Judas Priest, Napalm Death, Paul Baloff of Exodus and many more! Order right now since these usually sell out.Continue reading
Super7 Toys will release a new Cliff Burton of Metallica Ultimates Edition figure! Pre-orders are live now at the link below, running until March 10th 2023, and will start shipping in Winter of 2024. Each figure is custom made-to-order, limited-edition, 7” scale and immortalizes the thrash metal icon, right down to his bass and infamous double fist skull rings! In addition to Ultimates based on King Diamond and Lemmy, the ReAction figures, Super7 has released a Slayer Live Undead playset as well as figures based on other music, movies, toy lines, and other pop culture icons. Other reaction figures in the line include Ozzy Osbourne, Cliff Burton of Metallica, Johnny Cash, Misfits, Alice Cooper, several versions of Papa Emeritus, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Agnostic Front, Anthrax, Motörhead, Venom, Circle Jerks, Gorilla Biscuits, King Diamond, Megadeth, Rancid, Judas Priest, Napalm Death, Paul Baloff of Exodus and many more! Order right now since these usually sell out.Continue reading
When one thinks about the Power Metal genre, several European bands might come to mind. There are the greats like Blind Guardian, Helloween, and Rhapsody of Fire that have carried this grandiose genre for many years. Yet things are beginning to change. A fresh take on speed, symphony, and big vocals is occurring in North America and Judicator is one of the bands making it happen. They have been around for ten years and are getting ready to release their sixth full-length, The Majesty of Decay (Prosthetic Records). Even with a handful of lineup changes over the past decade, the sound that made people’s ears perk is still there. Known for writing about historical events and people, this new release is a concept album that takes on a much darker theme.
Going to the King’s Theatre always feels like a pilgrimage if you don’t have a car. It’s a little trek from the closest train station. But, it’s worth it to see the legendary Mercyful Fate. The last I saw them was also in Brooklyn, in 1999 for the 9 album tour at the (former) “Rock Capital of Brooklyn”, L’Amour. So this was a hell of a size upgrade. I’ve seen all of these bands at different times. It’s fitting to catch them at such a fancy venue.
Catton Park, United kingdom, 14 Aug 2022, Lamb of God performing on the Ronnie James Dio Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival Credit: Rich Price/Ghost Cult Magazine
SATURDAY
Considering most people are already feeling like overcooked baked potatoes wrapped in tin foil, the fact that today is meant to be the hottest day of the festival really isn’t the best news. Still, that certainly doesn’t deter a healthy crowd from shaking off the hangovers and getting on with the business at hand, Baest and Lost Society both grabbing the main stage by the scruff of the neck while Sister Shotgun and Mastiff do the same on the Sophie stage.Continue reading