Another year, another turning point, another chapter in metal has passed. Something that’s always intrigued are music videos so it’s time to take a look at my pick for the Top 13 Music Videos of 2016. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – My Top 13 Music Videos of 2016”
If that frigid air or piles of snow hasn’t hit you yet…well….you lucky bastard. Yes it’s that time of the year and with the holiday season in the air, I always feel the need to rebel more than usual at the end of every year. Continue reading “Elemental Fridays – A Heavy Metal Christmas”
Greetings. It’s a new year, new attitude and another new Six Pack Friday for you all. Like most of us, Friday’s are something to look forward to, unwind, kick back, grab a drink and let loose with us here at We Love Metal. This week had some rather odd events happen in the media so there’s nothing like a big ole’ dose of metal to inject yourself with and restore your energy. Today we bring you some sick and killer tunes to add to your playlist or to prepare you for the weekend.
Hopefully you all have been enjoying the run Six Pack Friday has been having since we launched it a few weeks ago and hopefully that mancave or fridge is stocked with quality beer and you can have some ME time to metal out. I know if I didn’t get my daily dose of metal, I really don’t know what I would do. Anyway if you haven’t noticed, today’s theme is all about the source of life, the thing the creatures of the night lust and crave for. That’s right, time to prepare for some blood. You might need a bloody mary by the time this is all over. HA.
CRADLE OF FILTH – Blackest Magick In Practice
A dark yet intoxicating spell has been cast. Don’t let the tragic melancholy deter you away from it’s full potential. This one might be even better paired with a glass of blood red wine? The scenes of sacrificial blood are very artistic. Whatever your elixir is for this one, the magick has only just begun.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hIsAEH6f5c[/tube]
PRODUCT OF HATE – Blood Coated Concrete
On the trail of blood, this track gets extremely intense. Although I don’t condone violence, it might satisfy some of you to fantasize your bosses blood on the concrete. Seriously, we don’t encourage you to do it, just use this track as a way to relieve those urges. Brutality at it’s most metal finesse.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGw2Da84b40[/tube]
ARCH ENEMY – Bloodstained Cross
Devilishly stimulating and all manners sinister and evil, this track presses unholy buttons. Continuing this path of destruction, the track surely will make heads turn and have those straight edge folk running. Some might say this track is telling it like it is others might say it’s metal up your arse, I say, why not both?
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwi5SJG3K5M[/tube]
CARNAL FORGE – Blood War
After having discovered this group years ago with this track specifically, it was disappointing to hear their lineup and sound changed. Groovy and brutally heavy, this track will win you over. As wild as this video is, one cannot imagine what this lineup would be live.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQVQgcMfjOA[/tube]
AVATAR – Bloody Angel
A world where a man cannot escape that which is haunting him, the “Bloody Angel” in this series stalks him in his dreams only to realize the angel has been waiting for him all this time. The video itself is almost a mini-horror movie, worth it to check out, not to mention the anger this track brings along with it.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h71NBBbOjmw[/tube]
SLAYER – Raining Blood
What? You didn’t think we could leave out the best song about blood could we? This is the best and greatest song about blood. Nothing else can compete. Period.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDk6fvkEp2k[/tube]
If you made it this far, ok you can keep your blood. If not, there’s plenty of creatures here that would be more than willing to aid you with that. Kidding, of course. It doesn’t help that I wrote this during the peak night hours….hmm perhaps my instincts are kicking in…..stay tuned next week where we continue with more havok and terrifyingly brutal assaults of metal for the masses.
Stay Metal m/
Happy New Year to you all from We Love Metal. And so embarks another year, another year to ponder what festivals will be around this year, what tours are coming to town and more importantly, the one factor that influences all that, the albums. While there are a handful of band’s I’ve been waiting for to hear new material from, there are other metal acts that will be (hopefully) releasing a new album this year. There were a few metal acts that I was looking forward to new material from last year and while they didn’t deliver due to various circumstances, I am sure 2015 will be their year to shine. After doing a little bit of research I am pretty stoked, this year looks like it might be even better than 2014! Groups are getting back together, groups are releasing anniversary sets and albums and older groups are still pummeling out tunes to our liking. Many of the big-name metal acts have announced an official release date for their next album while others have promised a general 2015 release timeframe and even others have rumored albums for this year. Now, in no particular order, let’s take a look at the albums I am looking forward to this year so far. Who knows, maybe other metal acts are ready to release an album this year as well but haven’t made the official announcement or swirling rumors yet.
Marilyn Manson – The Pale Emperor: Already having two singles out from this album, scheduled for a January 20th release date in the states, this will be Manson’s ninth album to date. The album will be released on his own record label, Hell, etc., and after hearing both singles,this looks to be a promising album. It isn’t safe to say yet if it will be his best album yet, but so far, it looks good for the King of Shock. He’s been on a roll with his previous two albums that were highly successful and I found to be true to his signature sound. I wasn’t a fan of Eat Me, Drink Me so hopefully this albums adds to the power of three and makes this another memorable album for him.
Symphony X: Another artist to release their ninth album, American Symphonic Power Progressive 
quintet, Symphony X stated in the Fall that the recording process would be finalized sometime this Spring. So far there are ten tracks written and according to the group the album will be less heavy than their last release, Iconoclast. While this might be a downer for many fans, the album promises to have elements of classic Symphony X, which should please the older fans. Straight and solid songwriting also describes the yet to be titled new album.
Coal Chamber: Are the 90’s making a comeback or what? Formed in 1993 then went on hiatus from 2003-2011, Nu-Metal quartet, Coal Chamber, will be releasing their yet to be titled fourth album in early 2015. This will be their first album in 13 years as well as their first album under Napalm Records. Check out their music videos, they scream the nineties, literally. Being a kid who grew up with Nu-Metal, this should be a somewhat nostalgic trip release, I’ll be looking forward to that.
Lamb Of God: After rumors of a new album and then those rumors being shot down and now as of 
last week, the rumors swirled back again that a new Lamb Of God album is on frontman, Randy Blythe’s goals for 2015. The Virginia-based group had entered the studio to record the upcoming eighth album in 2014 but due to Randy’s legal fees from the unnecessary trials and jailtime he endured overseas, the group’s funds were depleted. This though hasn’t stopped the monstrous band from putting their next album out that will feature lyrics Blythe wrote while he was incarcerated. In addition to a new album, Blythe’s new book will also be released this year.
Scorpions – Return To Forever: Though they are older metal and hard rock, who doesn’t like the occasional dose of Scorpion fever? This marks the 50th anniversary The Scorps have been in the industry. What better way to celebrate this huge milestone than with a massive worldwide tour and of course a new album? The album titled, Return To Forever, will include newly recorded songs of never-published songs as well as new songs written from 2011-2014. Slated for a February 23rd release date, this will be their 19th album, hopefully they make it to a perfect 20 albums! Their last original album, Sting In The Tail, was a killer album full of edge and raw tendencies, they still have that wild spark to this day. They’re certainly are getting up their in age also so if you can, check them out live while you still can.
Sirenia: This shouldn’t be a surprise to the writers here. Female fronted Symphonic Goth Metal 
act Sirenia announced that their seventh, yet to be titled album will attempt to be released in early 2015. The album will be released on the first label that signed them, Napalm Records, as their last four albums were released under Nuclear Blast Records. Not much more has been said in regards to the new album, so we’ll be anticipating the first single to be released from their upcoming album.
Tool: Their new album looks very close to being released sometime soon. The torture and suspense of wait time is almost over, I see a light at the end of the Tool tunnel. 2006 marked the year their last album came out, boy was that a while. While in 2014, an announcement was released that stated that the album would be released that same year, a new statement was made the following day saying that the announcement was false. Unfortunately another major contributor to the delay of the new album was a legal lawsuit that ensued with one of the band’s artwork artists. Supposedly the artist was not credited appropriately for his contributions to album artwork so the group had to spend millions and millions of dollars to be defended in court, and of course the fans are upset with the extremely major delay of the album. In addition to that, the group strongly feels the new album should be at the same standard as their past releases, if not better than their past releases. I too would rather wait a little longer for a perfect album than just to hear some mediocre creativity cranked out every other year. They better have made a superb album otherwise the 8-year wait will definitely have many of us upset.
Cradle Of Filth: Scheduled for a June 2015 release, Cradle Of Filth, have 15 tracks currently written 
and ready to record and finalize. They are not sure if all fifteen tracks will make it to the finalization stage overall though the album sounds amazing, according to frontman, Dani Filth. The album is rumored to be titled, Hammer Of The Witches, with the group bringing back elements from their earlier albums like, Cruelty and The Beast as well as Dusk and Her Embrace, with twin-guitar melodies and twin-guitar driven tracks. Although longtime member, Paul Allender, who was with the group 18 out of the 23 years the group has been in existence, left last year, I am crossing my fingers the album will be out of this world phenomenal.
Slayer: Everyone is always so eager to jump the Slayer gun and circulate rumors of an upcoming album, only this time they’re true. 2015 is the year we will finally get a new Slayer album, according to Kerry King. The album will comprise of 10-12 tracks that come to us in heavy, fast and spooky manner. It’s been about six years now since the release of their last album, World Painted Blood, so we are pretty much due for a Slayer dose. If you still haven’t known, they released their first track titled, Implode last year at the Golden Gods Awards Ceremony.
Helloween: Power Metal legends Helloween will be releasing their fifteenth studio album in May of 
this year. This yet to be titled album is the follow up to 2013’s, Straight Out Of Hell. The album will be a return release on Nuclear Blast Records as the group released two albums on that label in 2000 and 2003. Their last album also cracked the US Billboard charts as well as being #4 in the German Charts back home. No other info has been leaked by the group, I’ll be counting down until May gets here.
Battle Beast – Unholy Savior: Finnish Power Metal sextet, Battle Beast, will be releasing their third album next week titled, Unholy Savior. The group has released two singles so far off the album and the songs are contrast in nature, which tell us the album will cater variety. I have yet to find to a Battle Beast track I dislike, so I am pretty optimistic this album will be no exception. The album will feature eleven tracks that will surely have heads turning their way. This should be an epic album.
Dimmu Borgir: It feels like it’s been a dam while since we’ve last heard anything from the Dimmu
Borgir world, let alone a new album. Their last album released in 2010, Abrahadabra was an amazingly structured and composed album. Personally it was almost on par with some of their older albums but nonetheless the album did deliver satasfactory results. According to guitarist, Silenoz, the album was delayed because he had also been writing material for his side band, Insidious Disease. I agree with the group when they say that they’d rather take their time and create an album they can truly appreciate and stand behind. Nothing else has been spilled in regards to the new album, I am definitely stoked for the album which also should be hauntingly epic.
Nightwish – Endless Forms Most Beautiful: This is perhaps the biggest anticipation for a metal album I have ever seen. From trailers to the announcement of a single being released next month, album boxed sets, shirts and more, Nightwish is certainly not wasting any time in building hype for their eighth album which will be released at the end of March. The first single, Élan, will be released February 13th, which I can bet the servers will be packed with traffic from the crazy fans, including myself. The new album will showcase around 12 tracks and also will ultimately test the group seeing as Floor Jansen is now the groups lead singer after parting ways with Anette Olzon as well as the first album without drummer, Jukka Nevalainen, who had to take a leave of health from the group due to his heavy insomnia. His part will be filled in by Wintersun drummer, Kai Hahto, and also Troy Donockley is also the groups latest member as he played pipes and other instruments on the previous two Nightwish albums. One other strong suit will be that the album will have the group’s longest song to date, so that adds to the strength of the album. This might be the release of the year.
In addition to all those upcoming albums, I’d like to mention Swedish Melodeath metallers, Soilwork is rumored to have demos of new material ready for the next stage. Perhaps 2015 will be their year for their next album and also everyone’s favorite Japanese girls, Babymetal will be releasing their first Official DVD January 7th, 2015. Lastly, Black Sabbath mentioned they are in for one more album as well as one final tour. Tony Iommi seems to believe that while Ozzy doesn’t, more rumors to come throughout the year for the heavy metal world.
Overall though, this year looks like it might be better than 2014 and this isn’t even the full list of band’s officially releasing material this year. I’m sure we’ll hear more band’s making announcements for this year and new albums. So here’s to 2015 may you all have a metal year full of headbanging, horn throwing and more. Keep the metal alive. Stay Metal m/
Our top ten lists are ending now that we are already about a month into the new year. Wow, I cannot believe its been about a month since new years. For my last top ten list of the month, I decided to change it up a bit and list the top ten metal scenes and venues in America. Of course there is a large metal scene overseas, but living here in the states, I thought I could keep it a bit closer to home. Along with some of the metal scenes here in the states, I thought I would post some of the best venues in America. Its a win-win, for each major region/area in the states has something along the lines of heavy metal to offer. I can name some of my favorite venues in my area, but I branched out a bit more. This list may even inspire you to travel and visit these heavy metal friendly locations, such as it is a passion of mine to travel. In no particular order, lets take a look at these inviting metal places.
Alpine Valley Music Theatre – Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Built in the late 70’s this theatre that seats over 35,000 people was the largest amphitheater of its kind up until the early 90’s. 
Located smack in the center between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois, this venue draws crowds from many places within the region. Many metal artists have played here as well as many metal and rock festivals making a stop here every summer. The Ozzfest Tour and The Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, which are the biggest metal tours in the states, make a stop here every summer when the tours are active. Korn also made this one of their usual stops with the Family Values Tour, when it was highly active as well. Lollapalooza also used to be here before it moved to its permanent and present city in Chicago. A few interesting facts, the music video for the Mötley Crüe song, Same Ol’ Situation, was filmed here. Also the Korn music video for the song, Politics, was flimed here as well.
Richmond, Virginia
Being the hometown of legendary metal acts, GWAR and Lamb Of God, Richmond is not a town that is famously know for the birth of more metal artists. On top of the many artists, Richmond also shows off a handful of venues friendly to local, regional and national metal and international artists. The big venue saught out by the metal artists is the Farm Bureau Live venue in Virgina Beach. Another venue that hosted metal festivals like the Vans Warped Tour and The Uproar Festival. The record store, Vinyl Conflict, is the most well known store to house hardcore and metal albums and other merchandise.
Whiskey A Go Go – West Hollywood, California
For many artists in the country and especially locally, the Whiskey A Go Go, is a venue that has given rise and was the first major stepping stone for many of the 
legendary and current artists of today. Since its opening in 1964, the venue has played host to many acts including Metallica, Led Zepellin, Black Sabbath, The Scorpions, The Bangles, System Of A Down, Anvil, and many more. This year marks the 50th anniversary year since its doors opened. If you are in the area, I would suggest stoping by and checking this place out, many local metal artists play here often, who knows…..maybe you may catch a band before their breakthrough into the real world here.
Tampa, Florida
What can I say about this city other than some of the biggest and original artists of their genre were born here. Cannibal Corpse, Death, and Morbid Angel all begun their long and legendary journey here. Tampa is surely one of the most important cities for Death Metal. Some of the most memorable albums for the scene were also recorded in a studio in the Tampa area. A few record stores like Mojo Books & Music and Sound Exchange are the more well known metal oriented shops. Finally the venue, The Orpheum, hosts many metal and hardcore artists. Sonata Arcitca is scheduled to play here in the fall, as well as other bands like Animals As Leaders, Nile, and Delain. While portrayed in the media as a state for partying and not metal friendly music, don’t let that discourage you from visiting one of the states that produced some of the earliest metal we still celebrate today.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado
At first glance, this venue is one of the most beautiful venues to grace the face of the planet. Located about 10 miles from Denver, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre 
seats over 9,000 spectators, and has been in business for over 100 years. To say its one of the most beautiful venues after 100 years is a true compliment. Not only does this venue have a great view of the stage, many metal bands have played here over the years. Marilyn Manson, Rush, Alice Cooper, Shpongle, and many other artists have performed here.
San Francisco/Bay Area, California
This general area gave us bands like Metallica, Testament, and Death Angel. After Florida, this is the next most important region of the country that sparked a national birth for heavy and extreme metal. The area also is said to have been influenced by Slayer and Megadeth. Many of these bands also sparked the tape trading revolution that helped gain fame and recognition for many bands around the country. Many years later after the formation of these bands and the Glam Metal movement would take over shortly, and then finally in the 90’s the metal scene begun to quiet down with many members going on hiatus, or bands breaking up. Though the area is not the hustle and bustle with metal as it used to be, it’s is still worth checking out. Also, don’t forget to check out the local music stores like Amoeba Music, Rasputin Music, and Slim’s Presents, which hosts many acts including many metal artists.
The Gorge Amphitheatre – George, Washington
Voted as “Best Outdoor Venue” and “Best Outdoor Venue in America” multiple times, this venue really sets a new meaning for the word “Landscape”. 
With a spectacular and inspiring view of the local Gorge canyon, and the Colombia River, the location is a perfect setting for any genre of concert really. Lollapalooza, Ozzfest, Vans Warped Tour and The Uproar Festival have all been here before too. On top of hosting artists, this venue also serves as a temporary hotel where guests can stay anywhere from noon the next day to a full 24 hours depending on the event scheduled you plan to attend. More mentioned metal names who have graced this place include Black Sabbath and H.I.M. The Venue itself is pretty open and has a small rooftop, so better hope it does not rain a day you plan to attend this amazing land. The venue seats up to 20,000 visitors too. If you would like to camp with an RV here, you must purchase a separate camping ticket on top of your concert ticket, plus the venue has a couple of courtyards for sports, all monitored by 24-hour security. Tell me that view does not have an epic fantasy feel to it.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The city that gave birth to Sludge Metal, New Orleans also houses bands such as Eyehategod, Goatwhore, Soilent Green, Acid Bath, and Down. Not did this town give birth to these metal artists, but a few venues and a record store also inhabit the area. There is a House of Blues here, for there is one in many of the big cities all over the country. The local venue, One Eyed Jacks definitely sounds like a venue to play at if you would like to get noticed locally and hopefully even larger. The venue does promote all the artists that do partake in their shows. Finally, the home and only location for the famous Mardi Gras, another metal attraction found on Bourbon Street, is Skully’z Records, record store. They appear to carry everything from metal albums to merchandise and metal decor. Definitely a place up my alley.
Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, California
Also located in the San Francisco and Bay area, this venue is definitely a venue that many metal acts have played at. Many metal festivals and tours 
do like to coincidentally kick off here before they reach the rest of the country. The venue has been host since the mid 80’s and has been a hoard for an exceptional amount of concerts. Crüe Fest, Crüe Fest 2, Family Values Tour, Ozzfest, Rockstar Energy Festival, Uproar Festival, and The Vans Warped Tour. Many of these venues have been host to the same metal concerts, which is why I put them on this list. On top of hosting many metal shows, speaking of on top, the venue was actually built on a landfill and it wasn’t discovered until later the same year it opened when some methane gas lit on fire from the ground, thus revealing there was garbage landfill underground. Other artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Nine Inch Nails, Iron Maiden, and the aforementioned final tour for Mötley Crüe, will be hitting up this venue, so definitely a reason now to attend the venue if you will be in the area over the summer this year.
Chicago, Illinois
Last but certainly not least on my list, the wondrous city of Chicago not only was the birthplace of a massful of metal bands, but the area itself offers many venues, bars, restaurants and hangouts that cater to the metal ones. The local venues here include Reggie’s Rock Bar, The House of Blues, The Aragon Ballroom, The Congress Theater, The Vic Theatre, Park West, The Metro, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, The Allstate Arena, Mojoes, and a few more names. Those are just the big ones. All of these venues have had their share of metal acts. Not only are there venues in the area, but a handful of metal shops and tattoo parlors/shops as well. The Alley, is a metal shop full of metal clothing, accessories, albums, piercings and a small tattoo parlor here. The area in itself is a metal haven for any metalhead for there are other shops in the area as even more tattoo parlors. Finally, the only restaurant of it’s kind, Kuma’s Corner, names all of their burgers after metal bands. Their burgers include names such as Black Sabbath, High On Fire, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Mastodon, Metallica, Pantera and the famous monstrous Slayer burger served with a side of ANGER grrrrrr! Even though much of the metal scene takes course on both coasts, Chicago is the metal epicenter from coast to coast geographically.
There we go, my list of the Top 10 Metal Scenes and Venues in America. Hopefully you didn’t disagree too much and hopefully you did agree much. If there are any other places, venues, shops or hangouts for us metalheads you would like us to check out please post in the comments section below. I think we can all agree being a metalhead, the world does not really cater to us, so hopefully this list helped you in some way to venture out more into the metal country. That’s it, my final Top 10 list for now. Thank you for taking this adventureous journey through all our top ten lists and thank you for sharing your time with us. Stay Metal m/
Brrrrr!! It feels like New Years was weeks ago, well more like a week ago just about. Now that the holidays and last year are over, its most safe to say that 2013 was an eventful year in metal. From bands disbanding and reuniting, to death and induction, and overall shocking topics, the world of metal endured rather big news in 2013. For me, many of these news bits were my favorite bits, and I thought I’d share them with you all. Now, theres news coming out of the metal machine every day, but these really defined last year. We will start with my number ten and then work our way down to number one. Lets kickoff the list now shall we?
God Forbid Disbands
A band I have been a light fan for, for nearly a decade, my first exposure to God Forbid, was in the mid 2000’s 
with their song, Anti-Hero. This song was featured on the MTV2 Headbangers Ball Vol. 2 Compilation. At the time, I thought the song was very advanced in the guitar work, and seen among the ranks of bands like In Flames and At The Gates. The band decided to call it quits after about 17 years. That’s quite a timeframe for a band that hasn’t been mentioned much around. Lead guitarist, Doc Coyle, announced his departure from the band which pretty much led the rest of the band on a mutual agreement to end God Forbid. While some of the members are ready now to settle down with family and such, it appears as the other members may join other musical projects or start something of their own. What entails the members next? And may I add that those dreads are pretty badass? God Forbid 1996-2013
The Haunted Reunites
Being a huge fan of the Swedish Metal Scene, I was exhasperated when I saw that The Haunted, got back together. I remember hearing and reading that they announced a hiatus, unknown to when they would come back. But now they are back! In February of 2012, one of the members resigned from the band and then months later in October, two more members left the band, leaving the future for the remaining two members uncertain, leading them to announce a hiatus. The following summer 2013, both former drummer, Adrian Erlandsson and vocalist, Marco Aro, returned to The Haunted, as well as recruiting Six Feet Under guitarist, Ola Englund, to be the lead guitarist. Though it was a short hiatus, I am more than glad to have one of the Swedish scene pioneers back and looking better than before. New and refreshed blood is a double plus!
Static – X Breaks Up
This snippet of news was very shocking to me. This was the first time a band I really loved, broke up. I honestly thought this band would stay together 
until they all got old. 6 albums later and the eventful journey is over. I remember seeing them live, boy do they get the crowd nuts. I saw them at a festival over the summer years ago and I remember people, including myself, hurling chunks of grass and dirt in random directions hoping to hit someone. It definitely looked like the scene of a riot, pure craziness ensued. In 2012, frontman Wayne Static, reformed the band after a previous mini hiatus, and recruited all new members, due to none of the original members wanting to return. The newly formed band went on until June of 2013 when the final decision was made to end Static – X. It appeared as the frontman was paying former member, Tony Campos, for the use of the name of the band and because of Wayne Static falling ill and not being able to see through the deal, friction between the members occured thus pushing towards the final straw. Almost 20 years, what a history! Static – X – 1994-2013.
Brian “Head” Welch Rejoins Korn
It was nearly 8 years since the original lineup of Korn existed. We all come to either love or hate Korn and in January 2013, it was announced that Head, was going to play a few festivals with Korn. It wasn’t until May that it was confirmed that Head was officially part of the group now. He also confirmed that he would be imputting into the recording of the band’s next album, The Paradigm Shift, which was released later in the year in October. This resulted in the band bringing back their Family Values Festival, for one day in October where tickets were their usual $5 and also the band was inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk, that same month. It appears as it was a strong end of the year for them.
Rush Gets Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
It was a huge night for the Canadian Trio and their overwhelming fanbase. It was about time they get inducted, for the band joked around about the night 
and making it a big deal than it actually was. The fans overwhelmingly showed their support above all the other inductess. The night begun with a small tribute with videos from their beginning early days, to the present. Dave Grohl and Justin Hawkins, were the lucky ones to induct the Hall of Famers. From poking jokes of one another to a humble “Thanks You”, the night was full of memorable events. Nothing else is to mention and Geddy Lee, couldn’t have put it better when he said to his fans, “Thank You So very much.”
Joey Jordison Leaves Slipknot?
The news that drummer Joey Jordison left Slipknot was huge. At first it sounded like he left willingly and mutually, but with time, more news surfaced. According to Joey, he did not quit the band and according to frontman Corey Taylor, the band will continue without him. Its been pretty hush hush around everyone, no one will say anything, Joey must remain silent for the time being. Perhaps this is something with their contracts or a personal vendetta? Who knows. All this seems pretty shady, considering that the band promised their fans new material for 2014. This is still going on as of now, so keep an eye out for any news regarding the status of Joey.
Dave Lombardo Quits Slayer
Another drummer in the metal newstream, Slayer drummer, Dave Lombardo, quit the band last year. The band was scheduled to play a festival gig in
Australia, only to find out that he was no longer part of the band. The reason behind this appeared to be that only 10% of their profits would be split among the bandmates, while the other 90% would be going towards expenses and management. According to Dave, he had tried setting something up with Kerry King so that their profits would be protected but King did not attempt to work with Dave in this matter, upon threatening Dave that he would be replaced soon enough, pretty suspicious and shady. Another band promising their fans new material for 2014 and no drummer present. What will the new album sound like? According to Tom Araya, they have been dipping into their 80’s era style of music, which is a safe route in my opinion, considering the status of the band.
As I Lay Dying Frontman Charged with attempt to Murder Estranged Wife
As I Lay Dying frontman, Tim Lambesis, was charged with the attempted murder of his estranged wife. According to the details, Lambesis, was arrested at a Barnes & Noble Bookstore in California where he was taken into custody. The police were tipped off by whom Lambesis thought was his hired hitman, when in reality it was an undercover detective. Lambesis gave the hitman aka undercover detective, info on their place of residence, entry code to the house gate, etc on top of an envelope full of money. On May 17, 2013 bail was set for Lambesis at $3 million dollars but then lowered to $2 million. Still a $#!tload of money if you ask me. According to his lawyers, he was suffering from steriod abuse, on top of going through withdrawals while in jail. As of now, Lambesis has a restraining order against him from his wife and adopted children, as well as wearing a monitered GPS device, and having very strict travel restrictions.
Randy Blythe Charged With Manslaughter
When I saw this online, I was just shocked, my jaw dropped. At first, I thought the Lamb of God frontman actually intentionally murdered someone, 
but it wasn’t that extreme. To make a long story short, in May of 2010, the band played a gig in the Czech Republic. One of the fans got on stage and Randy accidentally pushed him off the stage, mistaking him for someone else which led the fan to fall on their head which in turn, head trauma, coma and eventually death. 2 years later in June of 2012, the band returned to the Republic only for Randy to get arrested and be charged of such extremities. If found guilty he would serve 5-10 years of imprisonment. Trial stretched from February to March 2013, lasted about a week, only to have Blythe acquitted of charges on June 5th. All the money that the band payed to have Blythe released on bond was returned to them.
RIP JEFF HANNEMAN
What words, what actions, what thoughts could describe the loss of one of our heavy metal brothers. A fallen idol and pioneer and perhaps Godfather of thrash metal. On May 2, 2013, Jeff took his last breath. In 2011, Hanneman reported to have health issues because of a spider bite, only to recover and have something else come back in 2013. Hanneman was in and out of hospitals, and thats when his final days were upon him. A week after his death, the autopsy report showed that he suffered alcohol related cirrhosis. It wasn’t found it until a few days before his death of the condition. An icon lost, a founding member of one of the greatest metal bands to grace the world, Jeff Hanneman, may you Rest In Peace our brother.
Happy New Year’s to all you metalheads! As Bill mentioned yesterday, we are doing a Top Ten January-pallooza! I have the honor to kickstart the epic lists off as well as be the one of the first articles of the new year! Now, today’s first top ten list is “We Love Top 10 Anticipations.” I am going to put down my top ten bands I am looking forward to hearing new material from that is scheduled to be released this year. This was actually quite the hard list to compile, and after looking at the many, many bands that are releasing new material, I tried not to jump out of my chair and have a heart attack. This year looks very promising for the world of metal. Not only are all these acts releasing new material, but there is one thing that even gets me even more enthusiastic and giddy, its their possibility of being chosen to play some metal festivals, as well as touring on their own with other acts. Once an artist schedules a release date for an album, I most definitely research their tour dates, because what band doesn’t tour around the time their newest album comes out? All good things come with time and release my metal friend. Let’s dulge into the metal sweetness with number ten then finally making our way down to my number one anticipated album for the year!
It has been roughly almost 4 years since Black Label Society, released a new album. Their last one, Order Of The Black, was their strongest album yet. These guys fall into a group I put in my mind called, “Bands that get better with each album release.” I saw them live in 2010 when the album came out, and they were great. Not too much has been said about the new album, not even a title has yet been decided, but in my mind, the new album may have a slightly different sound, but still keep to the Black Label style of play. As with the departure of guitarist, Nick Catanese, whom was with the band since nearly their beginning, the sound will most likely have a different tone to it. Fresh blood is always a plus. Let the biker madness unfurl!
2009 marked the last year that Behemoth released their last album, Evangelion. The album was their most brutal one to date with such aggression and power and seriously
the most intense headbanging I can ever recall. The new album, The Satanist, scheduled to be released February 2, may be their most monstrous album to date. Lead singer, Nergal, has had too much to deal with for a while, from legal issues to surviving leukemia and a bit more, he most certainly can channel all that frustration and energy towards the new album. Of course its done and recorded so hopefully that’s what he did. Not only was Nergal in and out of hospitals for a while, drummer Inferno, had to get appendix surgery which forced them to cancel their appearance at last years Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. So yes, this is a huge comeback for the blackened death metal giants.
What can we say about the next Slayer album? With only half the original band remaining, the material that they will be scheduled to release this year is in questions. We have heard the rumors that Jeff Hanneman’s unreleased material may be used for this next album but who knows, some fans might be even offended at the thought of his works being used, for they’d rather let it be untouched, while others want to hear his final works put out. I for sure do not want to wonder what if? Exodus guitar player, Gary Holt, is currently the band’s touring guitar player. It has been said that he will NOT input any work into the next album. As of this point, the band is quite ahead with the writing and recording process and have been dipping into their 80’s era style of writing. I think that’s a safe direction to go in considering their current band status. No release date or album title has been made. This album should be unforgettable.
They have been mentioned and rumored over and over again over the years. Tool drummer, Danny Carey, speculates that their next album will be released sometime
in early 2014. No title or official release date have been announced. We all know that they are a large name in the universe of metal. Pretty much, Maynard James Keenan takes the last part of the album, recording his vocals, whilst the other three members record the material. Its a long process, hence the over 7 year wait for the album. They do an exceptionally well job of keeping lots of news secret as well as their music. Not even a drop of new material has dropped. There is not much else to mention for Tool’s new album. But I’m sure we can all agree that is has been quite the wait and hope its worth it too. I would rather wait a while for a perfect album than hear a bunch of mush compiled and given to me asap.
Time II, is the next album to be released by Finnish Epic metallers, Wintersun. The first part, Time I, was released in 2012 and now its time for the last half in their next chapter to be released. In my opinion, part 1 was amazing, had touches of their previous albums all into one masterpiece. This was another album that took many years to create and now the band is getting ready to release the final part. Though it took nearly a year to finish and mix part 2, the band states that there will be more epic shredding compared to the first one and lots more which should give us a happy tear to our eyes. That most certainly will tie me over for a long time and give my metal appetite a sheer taming and calming down. I am hoping for more progressive tunes and thrashing drumming and shredding melodic solos. I can feel the eargasms coming already.
In my opinion a highly underrated band, German Power metal outfit, Edguy, are looking to release their next album this year. This would be their follow up to 2011’s, 
Age Of The Joker, which was a pretty decent album in my opinion. Up to this date, the band has finished six songs which according to the band, really use their traditional stuff. They are looking to release it before the summer. If they are looking to use traditional Edguy sounding material, then hopefully we will see more Power Metal than their plain Heavy Metal tastes. The band wants to create their best album yet so again, I am wishing for a fully Power Metal album, just like how they began with. This would be the band’s tenth album since they formed in 1992. Not bad for a band that’s been around for over 20 years.
Hydra will be Dutch Symphonic group, Within Temptation’s sixth album release. The album will be released at the end of the month and will feature many guest artists such as Tarja Turunen, Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage, Rapper Xzibit, and a couple more artists. This honestly, looks like it will be the band’s greatest album to date. The album has already been reviewed by some other sources and have received scores of 5 out of 5 and 10 out of 10. After hearing their EP, if you heard it from one of my past reviews, this does look very promising. Their first single, Paradise (What About Us?), already has over one million views on YouTube. Some consider their version of Symphonic Metal, their own unique sound. I think so too. According to the band, one of the songs has the most drumming the band has ever used before, so I am crossing my fingers for some aggressive double bass and the synthesizer is also aggressive in this album too. Hearing and knowing that makes my spine tingle. Oh boy, let the Hydra wreak havoc!
Spring 2014 is the tentative date range/area that Epica want to release their next album, yet to be titled. During the summer of 2013, that marked the end of 
their last touring cycle, and pre-production would take place. The album has been recorded and now final mixing and perfections are in order. There really isn’t much to mention about the new album, for the band has not really mentioned much at all about what is will sound like or what we can expect. Maybe once it gets closer to spring, we will see a glimmering light and hear what the new album will sound like. Aside from a DVD for the 10 year anniversary as a band being released, titled Retrospect, there is nothing else to say about the new album. Sorry folks, we will have to wait for good news!
Another band that I am extremely antsy to hear new material from, yet nothing has really been announced in terms of the type of material they will be recording, Swiss Folk Metallers, Eluveitie, will be releasing their sixth album sometime later this year. With all these bands not making an official release date of any of their albums is smart, and as I mentioned, I’d rather wait a little longer for a masterpiece than just junk put together. As I say, I mean if we have waited this long for an album, its worth waiting just a little bit more. Good things happen to those who wait. The only snippet of news recently is that former Violinist, Meri Tadić, left the band mutually and will be replaced by Nicole Ansperger. More new blood, yes, things are in order. I am hoping for a bit more folk music than brutal ones for this album, I mean their heavy stuff is sheer epicness, but we need more Folk Metal! Not many bands can combine both elements smoothly like Eluveitie does. Again, nothing new in terms of what their album will sound has been made known. I know I will be at the record store the day it hits the shelves!
And now, my number ONE most anticipated album from one of my all time, highly regarded, five-star band, from one of the metal kingdoms, Sweden, Arch Enemy, 
will be releasing their tenth album sometime this year as well. According to longtime guitar player, Christopher Amott, he tries to raise the bar with his guitar work every time he records an album. This is also one of those bands that gets better with every album release. I can not get enough of this band, I have been a majorly HUGE fan for almost ten years now. The new album will feature new riffs, new tones, and new lyrical concepts. The guitar work should be more technical, more up-tempo and with even more crazy guitar work. They sure know how to abuse the heck out of those guitars. Nothing else has been said about the new album, no title or official release date. I cannot say any more, I’m too amped for the album, makes me want to punch my dashboard when I drive every time I listen to Arch Enemy. Pure Fucking Metal.
Boy oh boy, what a list! This was one of the hardest things I have had to do and the bands to choose from was overwhelming. This definitely looks like one of the better years for metal. Let us not lose any metal icons this year and headbang and metal on more than before. These top ten lists will be a treat to us all and I value you reading this article. If you have read this far, I would shake your hand if I could. One of my resolutions this year is to see most of these bands live this year if they come around to my area. What are your resolutions whether music related or not? Were there any bands you want to make a comment on or anything you would like to add? Please feel free to do so, I always enjoy speaking about metal. That’s it, theres my top ten list of bands I am stoked for this year. May this year bring you pure metal bliss to you and your kin. Stay Metal m/
The Metal Alchemy 