INTERVIEW: The Evolution of Misfire: New Album, New Energy


Chicago thrashers Misfire are back with a vengeance. In this exclusive interview, Ghost Cult’s Keefy sits down with drummer James Nicademus, vocalist Tim Jensen, and guitarist Kostadin Kostadinov to discuss their explosive new album, Product of the Environment, out now via MNRK Heavy.Continue reading


Jeff Hanneman of Slayer Died Twelve Years Ago Today


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!

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ALBUM REVIEW: Iron Lung – Adapting – Crawling


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When I was much, much, much younger, I went to a talent show at a girlfriend’s high school. Most of the acts were musical, so they set up a stage in the gym rather than using the auditorium. About four or five of those bands were hardcore punk fronted by the same kid, and every song exploded in a sub-two-minute speed-punk rage blast.Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Machine Head – In Flames – Lacuna Coil – Unearth Live at The Fox Theater Oakland


Making my way to Oakland via the BART, I was super excited to return to the Fox Theater for a night of metal. Heading out extra early, not wanting to miss any of the Bands, I met up with my bro and one of our best West Coast correspondence Pags ,I hadn’t seen in a year and a half in person, and I am so glad we got to reconnect and hang before the big night. Picking up our credentials was a breeze, and I’m always appreciative of the fantastic staff at The Fox.Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: God Forbid – Burton C. Bell and More Live at The Regent 


After a decade, the legendary heavy metal group, God Forbid, returned to the West Coast with a few California shows slated for mid-December in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album, Gone Forever. On Friday the 13th, a killer lineup hits The Regent Theater in Downtown LA with support from local California crushers, Thrown Into Exile, Skinlab, Exmortus, and Burton C. Bell. Continue reading


Shadows Fall Shares First New Single and Video in 14 Years, “In The Grey” – Signs a New Record Deal with MNRK Heavy 


Shadows Fall, who were at the forefront of the New Wave of American Metal scene that dominated the ’00s, are back with a brand new song and a new label! The band has shared the new single “In the Grey.” Watch the video here!Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Fit For An Autopsy – Bodysnatcher – Distant – Sylosis – Judiciary Live at The Worcester Palladium


The Nothing That Is (Nuclear Blast Records) was unleashed on the world on October 25th and the Jersey City deathcore gentlemen of Fit For An Autopsy decided that the perfect place to kickoff their headline tour in support of the new album was the Worcester Palladium, and honestly, I agree. This show is absolutely top-tier, let’s jump in!Continue reading


PODCAST: Glacially Musical 202 – Mastodon’s “Crack The Skye” – The Modern Equivalent of “The Wall”


 

In episode 202, and Nik is relieved our Mastodon series is ending. Keefy’s thinks “Crack The Skye” is a 10/10 album – so let’s see where Nik lands.Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Powerwolf – Unleash The Archers Live at Brooklyn Paramount


A night of power metal besieged Brooklyn Paramount, a palace of a venue located in bustling downtown Brooklyn. Long before 7:00 p.m. doors, a line of people stretched down Flatbush Ave with this the destination of their unholy pilgrimage. Once inside the venue, the baroque ornamentation immediately towers over you. Reminiscent of an opera hall, it lent itself well to the winding, fantastical riffs so common in the genre.Continue reading