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
Tag Archives: Thin Lizzy
PREVIEW: Record Store Day 2024 Essential Rock, Metal and Punk Releases
Another Record Store Day is upon us and we are still to bring you our pretty comprehensive list of what releases we think you should be picking up, and labels you ought to support. We get that commercialism and capitalism a kind of destroying the whole world, but at the same time if you love music, and if you especially love underground music, you want to support artists as hardcore as possible. The best way to do that is to put money in their pockets so they can keep doing what you love, and what they love. Continue reading
Listen to Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) And His Country Music Cover of Thin Lizzy’s Classic Hit “Cowboy Song”
Ahead of his eagerly anticipated return to the UK this month, Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett has released the new single “Cowboy Song,” which is a two-steppin’ country version of the Thin Lizzy classic complete with twanged up twin leads and pedal steel. The track is taken from the forthcoming EP Starry Nights & Campfire Lights, which is coming out March 15th via Snakefarm Records. Listen to the track here!Continue reading
CONCERT REVIEW: John 5 – Sticks N’ Stones Live at The Gramercy Theatre
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
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – New Rock and Metal Releases 11-17-23
PREVIEW: New Music Friday – New Rock and Metal Releases 11-17-23
ALBUM REVIEW: Green Lung – This Heathen Land
For lovers of classic British metal with a bewitching, devilish twist – you know who you are, walking ancient ways, creatures of habit, oceans of time – I recommend a deep, deep exploration of the nostalgic but still brand-new and thoroughly splendid This Heathen Land (Nuclear Blast Records).Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Duff McKagan – Lighthouse
Duff McKagan is an interesting character. Having released his first solo album in 1993, a big gap followed till 2019’s Tenderness, with Lighthouse (BFD Records /Orchard/Sony) his third. This of course is but a fraction of McKagan’s musical story. Consistently coming across as the most likeable out of the classic Guns N’ Roses lineup (in which he played bass and for his part was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), such a rock pedigree is already more than most mere mortals would ever get a sniff at.
ALBUM REVIEW: Electric Boys – Grand Explosivos
Swedish rockers Electric Boys had a bit of success in the late eighties and early nineties when their boisterous Funk Metal track “All Hips n’ Lips” caught the eye of MTV and their first two albums, Funk O Metal Carpet Ride and Groovus Maximus, caught the eye of the public. Things fizzled out in 1994 but they reunited fifteen years later and have been steadily releasing new material since.
ALBUM REVIEW: Spirit Adrift – Ghost At The Gallows
As the dog-fighting solos of “Give Her To The River” battle across the sunlit horizon between your ears, flurries of shrapnel-barbed melodic notes and runs fired first from one side of your headphones then the other, for those of us who are battle-hardened Heavy Metal warriors it’s hard not to grin and surrender to the glory of the Ghost At The Gallows, for the Spirit Adrift has claimed another champion to its horde.