ALBUM  REVIEW: The Barbarians of California – And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth


The sound of what was once considered West Coast Hard Core is changing.  The Barbarians of California‘s new album And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth (oneRPM) carries more of a metallic stomp aligned with modern Hardcore. Right from the first song you can hear the band’s more experimental edge. Once into the meat of the album, they bridge hardcore with a Nu-Metal sound, which is not unlike what System of a Down does. They attack with a more spastic jerk. It’s hard not to appreciate the sense of adventure that runs through these songs. The new generation of nu-metal kids who attend festivals like Sick New World will dig it. Hardcore purists might have some questions. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Northlane – Novelists – Ten56 Live at O2 Ritz Manchester


It is with hot anticipation that Australian metalcore icons Northlane once again grace these UK shores. On their long journey up the band have gathered together a grouping of incredible acts to bring along with them as Ten56 and Novelists round out this whirlwind of a lineup.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: The Funeral Portrait – Greetings From Suffocate City


Despite this being only their sophomore release, the emo rock outfit’s previous release, A Moment Of Silence was released almost a decade ago. Since then, The Funeral Portrait have been hard at work, honing their craft putting out singles here and there, all culminating with their second album, Greetings From Suffocate City. Looking to spin a tale across the album, the band are bringing theatrical charm and themes into their works. It’s clear from this that devising a story across the album has eaten most of the years since their last efforts, will this long passage of time be what the band are needing to take their music to the next level into the scene?Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Orbit Culture – Repentance Live at The Magic Stick


It started out as a quiet Monday evening in Midtown Detroit last week, but the show happening at The Magic Stick was going to change all that. The snug, swanky second-floor spot is a former bowling alley that provides an intimate space to catch some of the best, up-and-coming bands out there. So having Swedish stars, Orbit Culture headline at this cozy hall made a lot of sense.  The Extreme, Modern Metal darlings are currently opening on a few dates for the “Here Comes the Pain” tour with the legendary Slipknot. When they are not crushing it in arenas playing for maggots, they are making their own headlining appearances. They brought along Chicago’s Repentance with them to Detroit and the night was about to get very loud.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Alleviate – DMNS


The two (not entirely insignificant) selling points for Alleviate and their new album, DMNS (Arising Empire) are that the musicians all have credits from other bands and the music is Metalcore, but it’s also technical, has Deathcore influences, and is able to blend all of this together into a forceful display.Continue reading


EP REVIEW: GEL – Persona


As the world comes to an end, one can only hope punk and metal bands will get angry regarding our collective demise to provide a decent soundtrack. Thanks to record labels who want products that can be easily marketed a more pop element has been diluting genres that should be holding the middle finger up to the imminent mushroom clouds to come. A few brave bands are shunning this kinder and gentler direction. New Jersey’s GEL is one of them. Their new album Persona (Blue Grape Music)  finds the band ready to give the middle finger, as they get right up in your face with their pumped-up take on punk. 2023’s “Only Constant”  had not only momentum but did not compromise when it came to the songwriting. This time around the energy leans more into the hard-core side, throwing more weight behind its punches. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Slipknot- Knocked Loose – Orbit Culture Live at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion


Here Comes The Pain, and Slipknot is bringing it along with Orbit Culture and Knocked Loose. The tour came to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ recently and left everyone stunned.

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Kublai Khan TX Shares a New Single and Video “Supreme Ruler” – New Album “Exhibition Of Prowess” Incoming


Texan titans Kublai Khan TX are back with a vengeance in announcing their much-anticipated forthcoming album Exhibition Of Prowess, out 20th September 2024 (via Rise Records). With an established reputation for delivering intense, earth-shattering bangers full of punishing breakdowns, vicious vocals and skull-splitting riffs, Exhibition Of Prowess is a testament to the band’s relentless drive and promises to be their most compelling work yet. Pre-orders are live at the link below. In celebration of the news, Kublai Khan TX has dropped their latest rager “Supreme Ruler” and the official music video. The track is self is a short blast of raw, and powerful metalcore and hardcore metal! Watch it now!

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ALBUM REVIEW: In Hearts Wake – Incarnation


If you kept up with the metalcore scene a decade ago, you definitely knew about Australian outfit In Hearts Wake. Now in 2024, the band is getting closer to qualifying as a “classic” metalcore group—and still embraces every aspect of the classic sound they started with on their new album Incarnation (UNFD). Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: In Flames – Gatecreeper – Creeping Death at Saint Andrews Hall


Spring is here and the warmer weather has numerous bands hitting the road. A multitude of metal acts have made their way to Motor City and the locals are pleased as punch to have them. The Swedish darlings, In Flames graced Detroit with their presence last week. This notorious act has been on a month-long headlining trek and they brought along the mighty Gatecreeper, plus Creeping Death with them. Saint Andrews Hall is a venue known for their affection towards heavier acts and were ready to host the considerable commotion this tour would cause.Continue reading