The last I heard of supreme lead guitarist / chameleon Steve Smyth, he was battling some health issues and had to leave Nevermore.  Well, it turns out the ex-Testament, ex-Nevermore, ex-Dragonlord shredder has been writing new tunes with Forbidden, another Bay Area thrash/progressive metal band. Forbidden’s sound is more on the thrash side than the progressive side, but there is still plenty of room for guitar leads and big vocals. Smyth actually joined the band … Read entire article »

In San Jose! Be there! It’s gonna rule. … Read entire article »

A non-profit group in Sweden has recruited several bands to partake in a calendar shoot to raise awareness about animal rights. Among the bands included are Amon Amarth, Opeth and Hammerfall. Check out Johan looking totally viking hugging this cat: In this unique calendar 12 Swedish acts takes a stand for the animals. The participating stars, all of whom volunteered for this project, are Amon Amarth, Crucified Barbara, Dead by April, Dia Psalma, Hammerfall, Mando Diao, … Read entire article »

This past Saturday was the 2-year remembrance of the passing of Insanity drummer Bud Mills. The guy was pretty shredding on drums, even when the band started out in the early 80’s. His early use of the blast beat helped the band gain some notoriety in the death metal circuit, as you’ll see here in the bands bio: Formed in 1985, Bay Area band Insanity were instrumental in metal’s evolution from thrash to death metal. Drummer … Read entire article »

Today on MySpace I read a bulletin from Wintersong Guitars. Apparently, another guitar manufacturer, Halo, is taking issue with one of their models. Read the supposed letter that they received from Halo: Hello Winter Song Guitars, This is Jeff Lee with Halo Custom Guitars – I need to start a dialogue with the owner of Winter Song Guitars. In case you are unaware, the Heathen guitar model is far too similar to the Halo GVK Series guitars, which … Read entire article »

In honor of Veteran’s Day, this day is dedicated to all of those that served in the military or continue to serve. Like Manowar so truely proclaimed, you are the true Warriors of the World! Fight For Freedom There’s a sound heard across the land It’s heard across the sea You’ll only hear it if you listen with your hearts And one day hope to be free To hear the sound of freedom many gave their lives They fought for you … Read entire article »

Geeeeet ready, there’s another Metallica live DVD. This time it’s from footage shot in France – so you know it’s going to be awesome. Alright, it actually does look kind of awesome. I just can’t help but be sarcastic when I speak about Metallica these days. Here’s the set list for the DVD. I took the liberty of revising the set list to make it even more awesome-tastic. 01. Blackened 02. Creeping Death 03. Fuel Blackened 04. Harvester Of Sorrow 05. Fade To Black 06. Broken, Beat & Scarred Blackened 07. Cyanide Blackened 08. Sad But True 09. One 10. All Nightmare Long Blackened 11. The Day That Never Comes Blackened 12. Master Of Puppets 13. Dyers Eve 14. Nothing Else Matters Blackened 15. Enter Sandman 16. Stone Cold Crazy 17. Motorbreath 18. Seek And Destroy They should hire me to put together their set list. Seriously. … Read entire article »

Blabbermouth just posted a link to the new Fear Factory track, “Powershifter“. According to the article, the new drummer is none other than “Mr. Atomic Clock”, Gene Hoglan.  The article undoubtedly prompted thousands to then ask, “What friggin’ band ISN’T Gene Hoglan in!?” “Powershifter”, a brand new song from the new band calling itself FEAR FACTORY — featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who played on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — can be streamed below. Here is the original article. … Read entire article »

The sweet thing about this tour is that all of the bands are on record label Nuclear Blast, which as we all know, pretty much has the heaviest damned bands in the world. Obviously Vader is crushing, but if you’re like me and you haven’t heard too much about the other bands on this tour, I’ve provided links to listen to them and a quick description: Vader – Death Metal from Poland. – http://www.myspace.com/vader Decrepit Birth – Death … Read entire article »

Seriously? Do you know anybody that has a Hatebreed album? They must be out there because these guys appear to have a huge-ass following. I just punished myself by listening to their latest album, Hatebreed. Some of the riffs are actually pretty cool, but the content is just way too cheesy to overlook. I thought bands were done with that East Coast hardcore breakdown shit? You know what I’m talking about – that part in … Read entire article »

Seriously. Is this the most awesome thing you’ve seen or what? This portrait puts Cartoon Network’s version to shame. I didn’t think that real people could make stuff like this! Image courtesy of Julie Dillon. … Read entire article »

After you all have finished stuffing your gourds with gobstoppers and whoppers on Saturday night, go to the DNA Lounge on Sunday and check out veteran thrash-metal band Possessed. The band has been fairly low-key over the past few years, but there’s still no denying that almost every metal band in existence lists them as an influence. Not to mention that there have also been a number of bands that released albums that feature Possessed covers. Which band do you think has the best cover for their song The Exorcist? Here’s the original: … Read entire article »

Hey everyone. I had to “upgrade” the site to a more sturdy blog application and wasn’t able to save everyone’s login information. This means that you’ll have to reset your password to login again. It also means all the comments that you posted are gone. I was able to bring over all of the reviews, contests and interviews, but the old news updates and random shenanigans that were posted are gone. Please bear with me while I make some more changes. If anyone has any questions, let me know! -DS … Read entire article »