CD Review: ‘Watchers of Rule’ by Unearth
In 2014, we saw the demise of several bands that comprised the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Bleeding Through, Chimaira, God Forbid and Shadows Fall were at the top of the heap over the past decade. However, musical differences, line-up changes and wa ...
Interview: Casey Orr of Rigor Mortis – Back from the Dead One Last Time
I recently spoke with bassist Casey Orr of Rigor Mortis about the group's final record, Slaves to the Grave. Jerel Johnson: Glad you could speak with me today Casey. The new record, Slaves to the Grave comes out October 7. How do you feel about that? Cas ...
CD Review: ‘The Year The Sun Died’ by Sanctuary
Before Nevermore, there was Sanctuary. The Seattle power/progressive metal band released two albums; Refuge Denied (1987) and Into the Black Mirror (1989) before splitting up in 1992. Since that time, vocalist Warrel Dane formed highly acclaimed metal out ...
CD Review: “Slaves to the Grave” by Rigor Mortis
There are some bands in the metal genre that have attained cult status. Old school Texas thrash outfit Rigor Mortis is one of those bands. Although the group only released two proper albums in their 30 year history, the band's 1988 self-titled debut album ...
CD Review: “The Return” by Nonpoint
Nonpoint is the machine that keeps on going. The group's eighth album, appropriately titled The Return, is rife with the band's signature no-nonsense riffing along with a few surprises. The opener “Pins and Needles” is a nice groove that switches gears in ...
CD Review: The Haunted: Exit Wounds
From the brink of breakup, The Haunted emerges with Exit Wounds The thrash is strong with The Haunted's eighth record Exit Wounds. The band appeared to be on the brink of break up when three of its members left, leaving only rhythm guitarist Patri ...
CD Review: Adage ‘Defined’
North Carolina rock band Adage makes its national debut with the group's EP, Defined. What listeners can expect is monolithic riffs and heavy grooves. The opening song "Anymore" begins with a distorted, dissonant guitar riff before exploding at the 10 sec ...
CD Review: Crowbar- Symmetry in Black
Crowbar Symmetry in Black review By Jerel Johnson Sludge metal master Crowbar returns to celebrate its 25th anniversary with its 10th album, Symmetry in Black, releasing in North America on Entertainment One Records May 27. The opening track, “Wa ...
Tommy Victor Interview about Prong ‘Ruining Lives’ and future of metal
Prong: Shattering Barriers A Tommy Victor interview about Prong Tommy Victor of Prong discusses the new record, Ruining Lives, his mindset while recording the album and what the future holds. By Jerel Johnson I last talked with Prong fro ...
Kyng Burn the Serum review, a rocking breath of fresh air
Kyng Burn the Serum review recalls early '90s Corrosion of Conformity Kyng Burn The Serum review of April 15 release by Jerel Johnson By Jerel Johnson California trio Kyng’s sophomore effort Burn the Serum is a rocking breath of fresh air. The title tr ...