Attempting to improve on 2014’s The Satanist (review here) was always going to be a near impossible task but with I Loved You At Your Darkest (review here), Polish blackened death metal act Behemoth very nearly succeeded. A robust and forward-thinking follow-up held in high regard by many, the only thing which appeared to hold it back for some was the enormous shadow cast by its predecessor.
Catton Park, United kingdom, 12 Aug 2022, Behemoth performing on the Ronnie James Dio Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival Credit: Rich Price/Ghost Cult Magazine
Main Stage and Sophie Lancaster Stage
THURSDAY
If there are two things we love doing in the UK, it’s complaining about the weather and queuing for things. Well, this year at Bloodstock Open Air, both are freely available and at no extra charge. Not a moment goes by without a comment on the sweltering heat or about having to wait to cross the road to the festival ground. Yes, not content with spending two hours in the main queue, campers have now invented a brand new line to join before even getting that far. For the first time ever, a line has formed for people pulling trolleys and sack carts. Almost a quarter of a mile of people waiting in a surprisingly orderly queue before joining an even bigger queue. England, never change.
With the heat already playing its part, I finally arrive at the Sophie Lancaster Stage in time to catch Italian nutters Nanowar of Steel who send the audience into hysterics with daft costumes and a “Wall of Love” (a traditional wall of death that climaxes with people hugging each other to George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’). Preceding the infuriatingly catchy ‘Norwegian Reggaeton’ with Burzum‘s outdoor recipe for roasted salmon (“you place the freshly caught salmon on a rock and burn down the church next to it”) the band then take the opportunity to use the mighty ‘Valhalleluja’ to build an Ikea coffee table, holding it aloft for the elated crowd. Accompanied by an actual goblin for the duration of their set, US act Nekrogoblikon certainly put on an enjoyable show but find it tough following such a display of irreverent insanity.
Trivium singer and guitarist Matthew Kiichi Heafy has shared more details about his long-awaited and much-anticipated Ibaraki, and his debut album Rashomon will be released on May 6th via Nuclear Blast Records. The band has shared the video for “Akumu” featuring Death Metal legend Nergal of Behemoth. Watch it now!
Anthrax has concluded their Anthrax 40th Anniversary web series with thoughts on “Worship Music, longevity, and the future. The band wrapped up their 40th-anniversary livestream last month (review here) and are plotting next steps including a new album. Their next show is at Welcome To Rockville in November! Congrats on 40 and here’s to many more!
Anthrax was interviewed by their comrade and collaborator Chuck D of Public Enemy in a new interview for Revolver Magazine. You can Watch Part 2 of the interview now, and part 1 below, along with all of the Anthrax 40th anniversary video series. The band will hosted their 40th-anniversary livestream last weekend (review here) and you can still buy a ticket and watch it until July 25th. Event tickets and special 40th-anniversary ticket bundles are still on sale here .
Anthrax has shared a live performance version of their song “The Devil That You Know” from their 40th-anniversary livestream Presented by Danny Wimmer Presents and originating from The Den in Los Angeles, the livesteam is still viewable today. The band also sent a message of thanks to the fans and reflected on 40 years as a band with Scott Ian, Joey Belladonna, Frank Bellow, and Charlie Benante. Check out the clips, their recent interview with Chuck D, and all of their Anthrax 40 for 40 videos. Continue reading
Anthrax was interviewed by their comrade and collaborator Chuck D of Public Enemy in a new interview for Revolver Magazine. You can Watch Part 1 of the interview now. The band will host their 40th-anniversary livestream today, Friday, July 16, beginning at 4 PM PT and 7 PM ET, and in the UK on Saturday, July 17, starting at Midnight BST. Presented by Danny Wimmer Presents and originating from Los Angeles, livestream event tickets and special 40th-anniversary ticket bundles – one including a live video chat with the members of Anthrax – are on sale now, here .
Here is your last chance to enter our GIVEAWAY! Presented by Danny Wimmer Presents and originating from Los Angeles, Anthrax will host their 40th-anniversary livestream even, in North America on Friday, July 16, beginning at 4 PM PT and 7 PM ET, and in the UK on Saturday, July 17, starting at Midnight BST. Livestream event tickets and special 40th-anniversary ticket bundles – one including a live video chat with the members of Anthrax – are on sale now. You can also win tickets for FREE from GHOST CULT! Enter to win on Instagram at the link to the post below, and tag your friends and share the post in your feed and stories for extra chances to win! Full giveaway rules at the bottom of this post.
(Don’t miss your chance to win free Anthrax livestream tickets!) Anthrax has shared its third video in their series celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the band with their “Anthrax 40 for 40” series of videos. The 22nd episode in the series features the band, and their peers talking about the John Bush-era, Rob Caggiano and the album We’ve Come For You All (Nuclear Blast). The 11-week series will include video contributions from Chuck D, Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, Gary Holt, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, John Carpenter, Kerry King, Mike Patton, Nergal, Norman Reedus, Michael Poulsen, Rob Zombie, Robert Trujillo, Roger Miret, Darryl McDaniels (RUN DMC), Slash, Tom Morello and more. There will also be video clips from former band members Dan Lilker, Dan Spitz, John Bush, Neil Turbin, and Rob Caggiano. The band also announced the details of their 40th anniversary livestream event, taking place July 16th. Check out the clip below.
(Don’t miss your chance to win free Anthrax livestream tickets!) Anthrax has shared its third video in their series celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the band with their “Anthrax 40 for 40” series of videos. The 21th episode in the series features the band, and their peers talking about the John Bush-era, Paul Crook, Rob Caggiano and 9/11. The 11-week series will include video contributions from Chuck D, Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, Gary Holt, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, John Carpenter, Kerry King, Mike Patton, Nergal, Norman Reedus, Michael Poulsen, Rob Zombie, Robert Trujillo, Roger Miret, Darryl McDaniels (RUN DMC), Slash, Tom Morello and more. There will also be video clips from former band members Dan Lilker, Dan Spitz, John Bush, Neil Turbin, and Rob Caggiano. The band also announced the details of their 40th anniversary livestream event, taking place July 16th. Check out the clip below.