Whenever conversations about thrash metal inevitably turn to the question of, “if the Big Four were a Big Five…”, American acts usually tend to be among the first suggestions. However, when people finally remember Europe exists, the first name mentioned is always the same. Kreator.Continue reading
What used to be seen as major releases back in the ’70s and ’80s, live albums these days tend to be regarded more as a contractual obligation by many – interim releases largely of interest to those who either attended the actual show or saw the band on that particular tour. Continue reading
The bombastic operatic Metal of Avantasia continues apace with their eighth album Moonglow (Nuclear Blast), and just in case you were in any doubt it opens with a nigh on ten minute slice of pomp that would not sound out of place on Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell 2 (MCA/Virgin). The conceptual nature and fantastical sound of previous album Ghostlights is expanded upon here, helped by the ample time Tobias Sammet was given when making it.Continue reading
For the uninitiated, Volbeat is not just an international success, but a very big deal in their home country of Denmark. Perhaps not yet as ubiquitous as more favorite sons Lars Ulrich (more about him later) and King Diamond, but pretty big. Volbeat has cool albums, but the live experience is what seals the deal (see what I did there?). The band is simply incredible live, playing up to the fans, entertaining every second and making a giant crowd of nearly 50,000 feel intimate. All while the band just jams their hits and deep cuts alike on Let’s Boogie! Live From Telia Parken (Republic). It’s a testament to why they are one of the best rock and heavy metal bands in the world right now. Continue reading
As previously reported, Volbeat is releasing a deluxe live album and concert DVD/Blu-Ray will release Let’s Boogie! Live From Telia Parken on December 14 via Republic Records. They have now shared a brand new song, the heavily old-school Metallica influenced ‘The Everlasting’, which you can see the video for now. Continue reading
Danish heavy rock band Volbeat have announced a new live album and concert film, set for release this December 14th via Universal Music Group. The film features guest appearances by Lars Ulrich, Mille Petrozza, Barney Greenway, Danko Jones and more. Let’s Boogie! Live From Telia Parken was filmed at a sold-out show in their hometown venue, Denmark’s Telia Parken, setting the record for the biggest show by a domestic artist in Denmark ever with over 48,250 people in attendance. The album and concert film will be available in the following configurations: Blu-ray/2CD, DVD/2CD, 2CD, 3LP vinyl, and digitally through all major DSPs and features one brand new song, ‘The Everlasting’! The concert album has 26 tracks and many guest appearances from the performance. Pre-orders are live at the link below. Continue reading
Although it sounds more like some kind of horrifying children’s book from in the 1970s, Nog and the Hospital of Death is actually the origin story of UK act Terrible Claw. Introduced to each other by a mutual bandmate in Birmingham over ten years ago, guitarist Paul Harrington (Nog, Anaal Nathrakh, Fukpig, Kroh) struck up a friendship with fellow guitarist Stuart Pendergast (H.O.D., Neanderthal), and shortly after formed Danmaku along with vocalist Mike Pilat (Bad Precedent, Collusion), releasing their debut Turn Up the Gas (Thrash Lizard) in 2011. Unfortunately, personnel problems became an issue and Danmaku disappointingly only managed to play one single show, disbanding shortly after.Continue reading
Back in June last year, we were treated to remastered versions of the first four albums by German Thrash legends, Kreator. This year, Noise Records are following that up by repackaging, remastering, and reissuing the band’s next four studio releases.Continue reading
After wrapping up another successful run in support of Metallica here in the States, Volbeat returned home to Denmark for a massive headlining show filled with a ton of surprises. Continue reading
When presented with the age old question of which bands would make up a second “Big Four” (and after much yawning, eye-rolling and muttering “Oh God, not this again”), it’s safe to say that a large majority of Thrash fans would include Kreator somewhere on their lists. Formed in Essen, Germany in 1982, the band went through a series of name changes (Metal Militia, Tyrant, and Tormentor) before finally settling on the moniker which has seen them become not only one of the most unrelentingly vicious acts on the scene, but also one of the most consistent.Continue reading