Rating: 4.5/5
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The metal world is rife with bands that play like inhuman automatons and/or incorporate gimmicky elements in order to make themselves stand out. How fortunate are we that a band like Nile exists to concoct doggedly inventive and unequivocally unique technical death metal.

A post-Hallowe’en interview with Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed. We were slated for the week prior (which some of you heard and asked about), but it got pushed to this date. Many thanks to Jamey for doing it in the first place, then finding the time to reschedule! Hear how he and his daughter spent the holiday defending their house from “trickers”, news on both Hatebreed and Kingdom of Sorrow, DIY advice, and more!

Shrinebuilder – Shrinebuilder released October 27, 2009 on Neurot Recordings I have not lost interest in Them Crooked Vultures, but the ‘Supergroup of the Year’ award goes to Shrinebuilder, hands down. If you’re outta the loop, we’re talking about Scott “Wino” Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed), Dale Crover (Melvins), Scott Kelly (Neurosis), and Al Cisneros (OM, Sleep): collectively representing 100 years of sonic bedlam asylum! The fear of incongruence is dispelled immediately, and is never in question as the album progresses. The bookends feature Wino on main vocals, with Kelly as a heavy highlight, but he also eases along [...read more]

Still casting a unique shadow on the thrash landscape, Slayer grit their teeth, curl to a grimace, and scythe through the throng.

I bet you’re wondering the same thing as the rest of us: ‘How long can they milk this cash cow?’. The answer: as long as it’s worth the purchase.

Contrary to popular belief, remember that a ‘saviour’ need not be virtuous, and I certainly place these guys on the darker––and more fun––end of the spectrum.

Rating: 4/5

Heavier, more incisive, and less comical than its predecessor, it feels almost nerdily narrowcast. However, those in the know have wisened up, and would even throw their beloved Dethphones into the throat of a Lake Troll if it impeded their path to this incredible album.

Solid live interview with Vincent of HowL, an amazing new Rhode Island band, who just signed with Relapse Records and have released a killer eponymous EP. Hear about the band’s origins, the process of pinning down their brand of heavy, Vincent’s music background, a taste of their debut, and news of what’s to come.

Church of Misery – “Houses of The Unholy” released July 7, 2009 on Rise Above Records The third full length album of bluesy downtuned doom from this Japanese quartet is absolutely monstrous. Obviously inspired by the godfathers Black Sabbath, they actually manage a darker and more sinister sound, due largely to the fact that every song is themed around a serial killer (the one exception is their Sir Lord Baltimore cover, 5). They even include sound bites retelling the original accounts: some of the people themselves (2, 3), some of officials (also 3, 4, 6), and some which sound [...read more]