FEATURE: 10 Bands with Black Creators to Listen to For Black History Month

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When you think of heavy music, images of raw power, defiance, and innovation come to mind—and Black creators have been at the forefront of this movement. Although often underestimated, these innovative musicians are known for their groundbreaking music, which blends punk’s rebellious spirit, metal’s intensity, and unique artistry. I’m a drummer and I’ve done Thrash, Crossover, and Death Metal projects over the years, some known, some not so much. But here in New York, I’ve grown up seeing everyone on stage. So this Black History Month, I want to show off the sounds of ten essential bands shaped by Black visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music. From thrash to hardcore, and everything in between. These bands embody the spirit of heavy music in all its glory. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Tuk Smith and The Restless Hearts – Ballad of a Misspent Youth


 

The opening strains of Ballad of a Misspent Youth (MRG Records) by Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts reminds me of old KISS. It’s the sound of the guitars. There is a bit of The Black Crowes thrown in for good measure. It’s hard driving and pop-ish with a punk tinge. The guitars are simple yet sonically pleasing. The album continues this stylistic choice with savage awesomeness. Be prepared, Ballad of a Misspent Youth is solid from start to finish with plenty of songs that will get stuck on constant rotation. 

 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Night Demon – Year of the Demon


Night Demon did us a solid by putting together a compilation of all the out-of-print 2020 singles into one scorching album, Year of the Demon (Century Media Records). A huge, “Thank You!” to Jarvis Leatherby, Dusty Squires, and Armand John Anthony; “Y’all got our backs and we grateful!” If you were one of the legions of Night Demon fans that missed out on one or more of the 7” singles in coloured vinyl format, then go forth and buy this compilation album. If you’ve no bloody idea who Night Demon are and why this is awesome sauce, go forth and buy this compilation album. If you just like wicked heavy metal, go forth and buy this compilation album. Should you buy this compilation album? Yes, yes you bloody well should go forth and buy this compilation album. 

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Watch The Trailer for the New Documentary About  Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy


Coming This Fall, “Phil Lynott: Songs For While I’m Away”, a documentary about the life and work of Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, has released a teaser trailer. award-winning Irish filmmaker Emer Reynolds and was produced by Universal Music’s Globe Production with backing from Screen Ireland. It is produced by Alan Maher and John Wallace for Cowtown Pictures and Peter Worsley for Eagle Rock Films. The film includes will include interviews with Thin Lizzy‘s Eric Bell, Scott Gorham, Darren Wharton, U2’s Adam Clayton, Suzi Quatro, Huey Lewis, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Ultravox’s Midge Ure. Watch the full trailer now! 

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Watch a Teaser Trailer for the New Documentary About  Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy


Coming This Fall, “Phil Lynott: Songs For While I’m Away”, a documentary about the life and work of Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, has released a teaser trailer. award-winning Irish filmmaker Emer Reynolds and was produced by Universal Music’s Globe Production with backing from Screen Ireland. It is produced by Alan Maher and John Wallace for Cowtown Pictures and Peter Worsley for Eagle Rock Films. The film includes will include interviews with Thin Lizzy‘s Eric Bell, Scott Gorham, Darren Wharton, U2’s Adam Clayton, Suzi Quatro, Huey Lewis, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Ultravox’s Midge Ure. The full trailer will be made available on August 20. Watch it now! 

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Watch Metallica Pay Tribute To Thin Lizzy in Ireland with “Whiskey In The Jar” Cover


Metallica’s headline tour of Europe with Ghost and Bokassa has taken the, to the UK! They performed at Castle Slane in Ireland the other day and paid tribute to their hero, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, the greatest band to ever come from that country! Watch Metallica perform their cover of ‘Whiskey In the Jar’ live! Continue reading


Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous Add A Second Concert This November


Due to exceptional demand, Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous have added a second concert this November at Nells Jazz & Blues in London. Taking place on Saturday 25th November 2017, and tickets are on sale now. Continue reading


Sólstafir – Berdreyminn


Twenty-two years into a career is usually not a time to make a career high point. If you are Icelandic rockers Sólstafir who have already had a career full of great albums, consistent as they are original, it would seem unlikely that the 11th release would be the one where all elements would catalyze so beautifully into a masterwork. This is exactly what they have done on their new album, Berdreyminn (Season of Mist).Continue reading


Black Star Riders- Heavy Fire


 

Back in 2013 when Black Star Riders (BSR) released their début album, All Hell Breaks Loose (Nuclear Blast) there was plenty of excited interest in a band with former members of Thin Lizzy. Throw in vocalist Ricky Warwick who had not only done a sterling job as stand-in vocalist for the late, lamented Phil Lynott but had regularly proved himself as one of the most productive working rock musicians and expectations for BSR were understandably high. Continue reading


Audio: Denimgoat Release Phil Lynott Tribute Cover – Nineteen


Denimgoat, photo credit Emil Andersson

Denimgoat, photo credit Emil Andersson

Hard rock collective Denimgoat has released a tribute cover of the Phil Lynott track ‘Nineteen’. Lynott known for his career with Thin Lizzy and his solo career died on this date in 1986. You can hear the track at this link or below:

Denimgoat features:

Danne Mckenzie (Satan Takes A Holiday, Mustasch, Truckfighters) – Drums
Ida Evileye (Crucified Barbara) – Bass
Richie Puzz (Bandit Rock Radio) – Vocals
Nicke Borg (Backyard Babies, Nicke Borg Homeland) – Guitar
Max Diesel (Junkstars) – Guitar

Phil-Lynott