The North American release of “Festival” is only a week away!

I’ll admit it, I was wrong. Because of half-researched information, I have been incorrectly stating for years than former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach had blown his throat out. Though he had focused less on harsh vocals for the two Seemless albums, there were still occasional hints. One thing is for sure: Awaken is better than the last two releases from either of those bands.

These guys just got a raw deal. The day before their debut album dropped in the Americas, they were denied work visas to play with fellow countrymen Finntroll, Moonsorrow, and Swallow The Sun on the Finnish Metal Tour. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. After all, Survivors Zero actually bears closer resemblance to their Swedish cousins like Amon Amarth and Arch Enemy.

Plus check out the sweet live photos at Brooklyn Vegan.

Read more for links to the live photos of this historic event!

These relatively unsung heroes of the progressive metal movement return to the forefront of the genre with an expanded reissue of their sixth album, ‘Parallels’ – their landmark 1991 crossover hit.

Last year, the German legends Kreator set the thrash standard for 2009. In 2010, we’re getting schooled by those Jersey devils, Overkill. But not only is ‘Ironbound’ a more consistent album than ‘Hordes of Chaos’, it’s one of their best yet. Credit is certainly due in part to producer Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy/Pain), and they’re thankfully backed by stronger labels now. Overkill now enters a dominant new phase of their storied career.

The Florida legends will also be on tour this spring. Read more for details!

This Arizona quintet does much to invoke the hybridized death metal/grindcore that spawned from England in the early 1980s. We’re talking bands like Napalm Death, Carcass, Bolt Thrower… not easy acts to follow. On their third album, Landmine Marathon walks a step ahead of the pack

Do you live around Brooklyn, NY and are willing to tour with an amazing band? Read more!