I’m not sure why those Converge pictures are showing up. Must be a fluke with NextGen Gallery. There are as many more DragonForce pictures on the next page as there are Converge pictures on this page (should be 9).

Karl Sanders – “Saurian Exorcisms” released April 14, 2009 on The End One of the few men with the power to strike fear into the stoutest metal heart offers his second solo effort to the world at large. Though my grasp on international music is somewhat tenuous, I imagine anyone that enjoys sounds of the Middle East will be impressed, if only for his meticulous compositions with lush production. Those familiar with Nile’s Egyptian-steeped death metal will appreciate the dark atmospheres and foreboding themes, not to mention Karl’s phenomenal multi-instrument work (albeit mostly acoustic). Unlike his last album, he also [...read more]

Volbeat – “Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood” released April 14, 2009 on Mascot On their third release, the Danish foursome keeps doing what they do best: deliver distinctive, catchy ‘metal and roll’ with a wink and a fist. The vocals are very similar to Keith Caputo (Life of Agony), or perhaps more to the point, Glenn Danzig, since they have that Misfits-style rockabilly punk thing going for ‘em too. It’s fun as all hell (even if it gets a tad predictable)–perfect for raging arenas, bars, and clubs alike! Stay on your toes, cuz they throw you a few surprises [...read more]

Heaven And Hell – “The Devil You Know” released May 5, 2009 on Rhino I don’t know whether to thank God or Satan for this, but the rebranded Black Sabbath boys are back to teach us all a lesson in heavy. I say ‘boys,’ but the theater-perfect voice of elder statesman Ronnie James Dio is now aged 66 Earth years. Drummer Vinny Appice (the youngest of the group and showing no signs of wear) has been thundering behind him across projects for a Saturnian cycle. And two of the world’s most deadly and delicate axemen–Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi–also [...read more]

Seventh Void – “Heaven Is Gone” released April 20, 2009 on Big Vin Records After 6 years of conceptualizing and solidification, Kenny Hickey (guitar) and John Kelley (drums) of Type O Negative debut their doom rock side project on Vinnie Paul’s indie label. The music rolls at a steady pace that sometimes slows to a sludgy lurch (check 3), in many respects akin to Black Sabbath. Hickey also handles vocal duties. Sounding similar to Sebastian Bach, they’re pretty strong in and of themselves, but it’s the lyrics and their delivery that are often too repetitive, and drag the album [...read more]

Hatebreed – “For The Lions” released May 5, 2009 on E1 Music One of metallic hardcore’s fiercest champions give their voice and music in tribute to those that helped push them there.  Many tracks feature bands with high crossover appeal, like Hatebreed themselves, but what I found most exciting was their treatment of metal tracks, particularly the strong melodies of Metallica’s “Escape” and the metal band they have shown the closest allegiance to since their inception: Slayer, which appropriately ignites the album.  They even take you to the taproot, covering The Misfits’ “Hatebreeders,” from which they adopted their name.  [...read more]