Top 10 Heavy Metal Albums Of 2016
We wrap up another year and it is time for the annual “best of” list for 2016 heavy metal releases. Old school thrash metal acts like Testament and Sodom released stellar albums this year. Symphonic metal band Delain's newest record was a solid metal ...
Carbon Leaf’s Holiday Show, Rams Head On Stage
Carbon Leaf’s winter holiday shows at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD have been something of a tradition for my wife and I since well before we were married. Though we had complications that prevented us from attending last year, we always ma ...
Queensrÿche at Baltimore Soundstage
15 years ago, by accident, I stumbled upon a copy of Queensrÿche's Greatest Hits album. Enticed by their logo, I took a chance on their music. To say I was blown away would be a vast understatement. The heaviness, the melodies, and the twin-guitar har ...
CD Review: “In His Infernal Majesty’s Service” by Witchery
Blackened thrash metal supergroup Witchery return after a six year absence with its sixth hellish offering, In His Infernal Majesty's Service. “Lavey-athan” storms from the abyss like a demon ready to devour innocent souls. The track is full on thra ...
CD Review: ‘The Similitude Of A Dream’ by The Neal Morse Band
It’s been a long day. A very long day. But luckily, The Neal Morse Band’s newest release, an immense double-LP concept album, The Similitude Of A Dream, is the perfect companion. I have been glued to this album for two weeks straight, and I can assure ...
CD Review: “Dim Days Of Dolor” by Sirenia
Sirenia's newest release, Dim Days Of Dolor, is a majestic journey of heavy twists and melodic turns. This record marks the debut of Emmanuelle Zoldan as lead female vocalist. Zoldan has sung back-up with Sirenia for 13 years, making her familiar wi ...
CD Review: “The Serpent Only Lies” by Crowbar
The Masters of Sludge get back to the basics on their 11th record, The Serpent Only Lies. The return of Todd Strange may play a role in this as Crowbar aim for heaviness over experimentation on this album. This is not to say that 2011's Sever The Wicked H ...
CD Review: “MC Chris is Dreaming” by MC Chris
Even when tackling more personal topics, the self-proclaimed king of nerd-core hip-hop has consistently maintained a chipper demeanor, but his 10th album is an exception. There’s still the occasionally danceable track like “MC Chris the Shit” and the ty ...
CD Review: “Maximalism” by AMARANTHE
Electronica meets death metal on AMARANTHE's fourth record, Maximalism. The first half of Maximalism is accessible metal with poppy hooks and choruses. The initial track “Maximize” opens with a driving techno beat followed by choppy riffs. The party ...
Jenn Grinels at Deer Creek House Concerts in Baltimore
My wife and I had the honor recently of attending a private performance by national touring artist, Jenn Grinels, put on in the Baltimore area by Deer Creek House Concerts. We’ve both been fans of Jenn for a number of years, ever since we first happened ...