Leaves are falling all around, the clocks have moved back, stores are decorated for Christmas (too early), and there is a definite chill in the air. It was still hot inside the Sherman Theater when Richie Kotzen, John 5, and BAND Inc. came to Stroudsburg, PA. Continue reading
Founded by Dallas Toler-Wade (ex-Nile), Narcotic Wasteland has carved its own path with a relentless mix of technical precision and unflinching heaviness. The band is currently wrapping up their “Annihilation of the Wasteland” U.S. Tour.
Keefy caught up with Dallas to reflect on the band’s journey, the vision behind Narcotic Wasteland, and what fans can expect from their first European shows this Fall. With blistering riffs, crushing grooves, and thought-provoking lyrics, the band continues to prove why they’re one of the most vital acts in extreme metal.Continue reading
Jeff Hanneman, legendary guitarist of Slayer passed away on May 2nd, 2013, twelve years ago today. Ghost Cult continues to fly the flag of Slayer high, and customarily we celebrate the life of Jeff, the music he made and the stages he left scorched. His legacy as a riff maker, songwriter, soloist, and metal personality has not been dampened since his death. In the time since he passed, Ghost Cult covered Slayer just as heavily in Jeff’s life, as they released a final studio album with Jeff’s contributions (Repentless), had a legend and friend hold down his spot live (Gary Holt of Exodus), released a comic book with Jeff’s likeness, completed their final world tour ever of two years, released an incredible film/music video trilogy (The Repentless Killogy), and so much more. At the time of Jeff’s passing, many friends and peers, such as, former bandmate Dave Lombardo wrote a loving tribute to his fallen friend, and we have created two career-spanning retrospectives (read them here and here) on the end of the band, back in 2019. From the time Jeff passed and every night on that final world tour, Slayer honored Jeff during ‘Raining Blood’ with the “still reigning” banner. The unlikely Slayer comeback of 2024 (we were quoted in the press release!) and continuing this year is done with love and appreciation for Jeff, always. In addition to the Talking Slayer podcast, and check out the 4th edition of Slayer 66 2/3: A Metal Band Biography… Or, How Fuckin’ Slayer Kicked Fuckin’ Ass, both by our pal D.X. Ferris. As we say every year at this time: Hail Jeff and hail Slayer!
Like many sub-genres, Progressive Rock has seen a stylistic ebb and flow, with a few strong bands rising to set the tone that inspired those who followed in their wake.
As Metal veterans, The Ghost Next Door takes you back to prog’s high water mark in the mid-nineties when bands like Tool and Faith No More rose to prominence and broke boundaries. On Classic Songs of Death And Dismemberment (Ripple Records), they create a moody blend of post-grunge-tinged Rock that puts the lyrics front and center. At the heart of the songs are social observations and commentaries on the state of the world. Continue reading
In this episode, Keefy caught up with Guitar master and Content Creator Charlie Parra del Riego! In addition to having several bands, touring with Chris Jericho’s (Fozzy) covers band around the world, Charlie is an infamous YouTuber with many iconic videos, covers, and collabs, and social media influencer! We talked all about his many interests and areas of expertise!Continue reading
All too often bands falling under the “Power Metal” banner, lack power, diminishing many of the key elements, such as aggression, that are necessary for metal. On Sounds of the Forgotten (DeathWave Records) Witherfall take a heavier route, drawing from the mid-1980s. This tie to Thrash even led to singer Joseph Micheal taking the mantle from the late Warrel Dane to front Sanctuary for a reunion tour. Continue reading
From their formation in 2006 to continuously growing on their timeless brand of Metalcore in 2024, British band While She Sleeps have yet to run out of fuel for their fire. Now three EPs and six albums deep into their career, their new record Self Hell (Spinefarm Records) makes it clear the group is still just getting started.Continue reading
While the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” might work for some bands, UK metal gods Judas Priest are clearly not counted among them. Rarely repeating themselves from record to record, Priest have always preferred creativity over repetition, unafraid to take risks even when some level of criticism inevitably follows.
The artist known as John-5 has had an impressive career playing behind David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and most recently has become a permanent member of Mötley Crüe. He didn’t find himself playing in these positions because he could support anyone but because he is an amazing guitar player in his own right. Versatile is the word that best describes his style and his true talent lies in his ability to switch to any style needed, a musical chameleon if you will. Continue reading
Ace vocalist/songwriter Michael Catton’s first solo collection Point Of No Return (Mighty Music) sounds like a “Best of the Eighties” tribute album, while effectively showcasing the considerable talents of the man himself and all involved.