CRYPTOSIS - THE SILENT CALL

Really enjoyed the full-length debut, Bionic Swarm, from the Dutch trio and this new EP serves as nice taster for what’s to come for Cryptosis. The Silent Call EP features two new tracks plus two live cuts recorded in Athens, Greece.

Opener and title track showcases black metal elements plus the use of keys – unexpected, but it works as the trio wraps thrashing rhythms and a harsh atmosphere around it which makes it a scorcher of a track – a sci-fi blackened thrasher. “Master Of Life” is more traditional in context although and they really capture that methodical intensity of early Megadeth and sci-fi eeriness of Voivod – catchy yet possesses technical prowess.

The two live tracks – “Prospect Of Immortality” and “Transcendence” – are both taken from the 2021 full-length debut Bionic Swarm and replicates the high-pitched, manic vocals and tight musicianship from the studio to the stage. The former has this stalking, Terminator-esque vibe to it while “Transcendence” is thundering speed with tricky drumming.

JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - HOLLYWOOD BOWL: AUGUST 18, 1967

Few rock artists rocketed to superstardom as quickly as James Marshal Hendrix did. If you'll allow me to put it all in perspective, the now-classic debut by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Are You Experienced, was released in North America on August 23, 1967, and by this point, the trio (singer/guitarist Hendrix, bassist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell) was regularly blowing away the headlining acts on bills they shared.

Case in point, opening for the Mamas and Papas five days earlier. And the proof is in the pudding of the recently released live release, Hollywood Bowl - August 18, 1967.

Much of the tunes performed here replicate many of the same ones performed three months earlier at what is usually widely considered the trio's breakthrough (a show-stealing performance at the Monterey Pop Festival), as evidenced by such covers as “Killing Floor,” “Like A Rolling Stone,” and “Wild Thing.”

FORMER MEGADETH GUITARIST KIKO LOUREIRO AND PLINI WRITE AND RECORD A SONG IN ONE DAY

 

FORMER MEGADETH GUITARIST KIKO LOUREIRO AND PLINI WRITE AND RECORD A SONG IN ONE DAY; VIDEO

Former Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro has uploaded a video showing the writing and recording of a song in one day with fellow guitarist Plini. Plini has done guest guitar work on Cynic’s Ascension Codes and Devin Townsend’s The Puzzle albums.

Loureiro, who was with Megadeth from 2015 - 2023, recently spoke with Guitar World about his departure from the band. He commented on his replacement, Teemu Mäntysaari - whom he found to fill his shoes in Megadeth - and revealed that he made another suggestion to management during the scouting process.

Kiko Loureiro sugeriu Marty Friedman para substituí-lo no Megadeth

Ele disse que mencionou a ideia à gestão da banda e a Dave Mustaine

Em 2023, Kiko Loureiro anunciou que estava estendendo seu afastamento do Megadeth e, desde então, Teemu Mäntysaari ocupa o cargo de guitarrista.

Em uma entrevista recente à Guitar World, o brasileiro revelou que pensou em Marty Friedman em seu lugar: “Na verdade, até mencionei à gestão [da banda] e a Dave [Mustaine] que pensei que trazer Marty Friedman de volta seria incrível.”

“Não tenho ideia se eles estão falando sobre isso ou falando com ele, mas eu disse isso”, ele continua. “Mas, novamente, não tenho ideia além disso e não quero complicar nada.”

Loureiro também elogiou Mäntysaari, e o descreveu como um músico “incrível”.

Ao relembrar sua entrada no Megadeth, Loureiro falou sobre o público: “Os fãs nunca disseram nada de ruim sobre mim ou reclamaram, o que foi incrível. Mas eu sou um fã e sempre entendi que Marty fazia parte de álbuns icônicos como Rust in Peace e Countdown to Extinction.”

“Eu entendi que o Marty foi o cara que ajudou a criar aquele som e estilo, sabe? Desde o momento em que entrei no Megadeth, eu sabia que os fãs poderiam me mostrar amor, mas eu nunca conquistaria seus corações sobre Marty.”
Reunião

Após mais de duas décadas, Friedman tocou novamente com o Megadeth no dia 27 de fevereiro de 2023, em Tóquio.

O guitarrista participou de “Countdown To Extinction”, “Tornado Of Souls” e “Symphony Of Destruction”.

As músicas de rock e metal mais buscadas no Google estadunidense em 2023 A pesquisa também mostra os artistas mais buscados por estado

Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Queen, System Of A Down. Arte: Wikimetal



Quais foram as músicas de rock e metal mais procuradas no Google, pelos estadunidenses, em 2023? A Crossword Helper Study trouxe um estudo dessas faixas, além dos artistas mais populares, por estilo, em cada estado.

Melissa Etheridge, Jerry Lee Lewis, e Marshall Tucker Band foram os artistas de rock mais buscados no país, mas isso varia nos estados.

O estado de Minnesota teve como artista mais procurado o Pearl Jam, enquanto o Arizona teve o Nirvana, Utah teve o Rush e a Dakota do Norte, o Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Ao final do estudo, é possível conferir alguns nomes e onde eles foram mais populares. O David Bowie aparece em Utah, juntamente com o Ghost, além de Elvis Presley e Journey, ambos no Mississipi.

Na parte das músicas, artistas como Queen, Guns N’ Roses e Fleetwood Mac aparecem na pesquisa.

Confira abaixo as músicas de rock mais buscadas no Google, pelos estadunidenses, em 2023.

10º AC/DC – “Thunderstruck”
9º Dire Straits – “Sultans Of Swing”
8º Queen – “Killer Queen”
7º Guns N’ Roses – “Paradise City”
6º Simple Minds – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
5º Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”
4º Guns N’ Roses – “November Rain”
3º Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son”
2º Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome To The Jungle”
1º Queen – “Another One Bites The Dust”
Lista de metal

Com relação aos artistas do metal, Five Finger Death Punch foi a banda mais buscada.

Na Califórnia, o grupo mais procurado no Google foi o Deftones, em Idaho foi o Trivium, o Motörhead em Illinois e o Machine Head em Montana.

Ozzy Osbourne, que tem uma música dentre as mais procuradas, foi popular em estados como West Virginia, Dakota do Norte e New Hampshire.

A lista das músicas de metal traz um pouco menos de variedade e com alguns nomes repetidos. Dentre os artistas, Metallica, System Of A Down e Alice In Chains estão presentes.

Confira abaixo:

10º Tool – “Lateralus”
9º Alice In Chains – “Would?”
8º Metallica – “One”
7º Alice In Chains – “Rooster”
6º System Of A Down – “Chop Suey!”
5º System Of A Down – “Toxicity”
4º Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Train”
3º Alice In Chains – “Man In The Box”
2º Disturbed – “Down With The Sickness”
1º Metallica – “Master Of Puppets”

DEATH

In the realm of heavy metal, few bands have achieved the legendary status and enduring impact of Death. Led by the enigmatic Chuck Schuldiner, Death rose to prominence in the 1980s and left an indelible mark on the genre. From their pioneering role in defining death metal to their innovative musicality and unwavering consistency, Death’s influence continues to resonate today. In this article, we delve into the ten reasons why Death stands as one of the most respected metal bands of all time in my honest opinion.





Death band, Spiritual Healing
L to R: Terry Butler (bass), Bill Andrews (drums), Chuck Schuldiner (guitars/vocals), James Murphy (guitars)
Credit: Combat Records



Unwavering Consistency:

Throughout their career, Death demonstrated unwavering consistency, delivering one exceptional album after another. From their early releases like “Scream Bloody Gore” to their later masterpieces such as “The Sound of Perseverance,” Death consistently pushed the boundaries of their musicality while maintaining their artistic integrity. Despite numerous lineup changes, Chuck Schuldiner’s determination and commitment to Death never wavered. The band displayed remarkable consistency in their releases, live performances, and maintaining a boundary-pushing lineup from the beginning regardless of constant changes. Their ability to overcome obstacles and stay true to their sound showcased their unwavering dedication to their craft.
Visionary Artistry:

At the heart of Death’s success was their ability to translate their visionary ideas into captivating and impactful music. Chuck Schuldiner’s songwriting prowess allowed Death to create compositions that seamlessly blended aggression, melody, and technicality, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Chuck Schuldiner possessed a visionary approach to music, creating a unique and distinguishable sound that set Death apart from their peers. His song titles, subject matter, and lyrical depth demonstrated an artistic vision that was ahead of its time. With his creativity and ability to intertwine profound themes with dark and powerful music, Schuldiner established Death as a groundbreaking force in the metal genre.
Chuck Schuldiner’s Charisma:

Chuck Schuldiner’s charisma and captivating stage presence were integral to Death’s appeal. With his enigmatic personality, he drew audiences in and commanded their attention, leaving a lasting impression on fans around the world. Beyond his musical talent, Chuck Schuldiner’s personal charisma played a significant role in the band’s appeal. His intellectual depth, expressed through his lyrics and interviews, resonated with fans and showcased his captivating personality. Schuldiner’s genuine and down-to-earth nature endeared him to audiences, making him a revered figure in the metal community.



Boundary-Pushers:

Death’s fearlessness in pushing the boundaries of the genre is a testament to their artistic vision. From incorporating progressive elements to experimenting with intricate song structures and unconventional time signatures, Death expanded the possibilities of what death metal could achieve. In an era of conservatism and narrow-mindedness, Death fearlessly pushed the boundaries of extreme metal. Chuck Schuldiner’s audacious approach to creating intense and heavy music, regardless of societal criticisms, showcased his bravery and determination to stay true to his artistic vision. The band’s name itself challenged societal taboos, demonstrating their defiance and willingness to confront conventions.
Trailblazers of Progressive and Extreme Metal:

Beyond their impact on death metal, Death’s influence extended to the realm of progressive metal. With albums like “Human” and “Individual Thought Patterns,” they showcased their instrumental prowess and forward-thinking approach, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Death’s influence on progressive and extreme metal subgenres cannot be overstated. The band’s innovative compositions, intricate instrumentation, and complex song structures set them apart as trailblazers in the progressive metal scene. Their ability to balance simplicity and complexity created a distinct sound that remains unparalleled. Death expanded the boundaries of what metal could be, inspiring countless bands to explore new sonic territories.
Thought-Provoking Songwriting:

Death’s lyrics delved into profound and thought-provoking themes, transcending the typical tropes of death metal. Chuck Schuldiner’s philosophical approach to songwriting explored existential questions, the human condition, and societal issues, adding depth and intellectualism to their music. Death’s songwriting went beyond typical metal themes, delving into philosophical and introspective subjects. Chuck Schuldiner’s lyrical depth and thought-provoking messages resonated with listeners, offering a fresh perspective on life, society, and existentialism. His ability to communicate profound ideas through his music made Death not only a band but a source of inspiration and contemplation.





“Music shouldn’t be a contest, it should be an individual thing that each band is putting out from within themselves.”
– Chuck Schuldiner






Fearless and Audacious:

Death’s music exuded a fearless and audacious spirit. They fearlessly explored new territories, challenging the confines of the genre and defying expectations. This fearlessness is what allowed Death to evolve and push the boundaries of their sound. Chuck Schuldiner’s fearlessness and audacity as a leader garnered admiration and loyalty from fans, bandmates, and peers. His unwavering commitment to his vision, combined with his intellectual prowess and uncompromising dedication to his craft, solidified his reputation as a fearless force in the metal scene. Schuldiner’s determination to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories was an inspiration to musicians and fans alike.
Enduring Relevance:

One of the hallmarks of Death’s legacy is their enduring relevance. Their music continues to resonate with old and new generations of metalheads, maintaining its impact and relevance even decades after its initial release. Death’s influence can be heard in countless bands across subgenres of metal. Death’s music, production standards, visuals, and brand identity have stood the test of time. Their albums continue to resonate with audiences, remaining relevant and influential years after their initial release. The enduring value of Death’s discography and their iconic album artwork have cemented their place as one of the most revered and recognizable bands in metal history.
Innovative Musical Identity:

Death’s musical identity was truly distinct and groundbreaking. With their fusion of intricate guitar work, complex song structures, blistering speed, and melodic sensibilities, they carved out a unique space within the death metal genre, solidifying their place as one of the genre’s most innovative acts. Death’s musical identity went beyond their compositions and performances. Their distinct visual aesthetic, album artwork, and overall presentation contributed to their innovative image. By creating a cohesive and compelling visual identity, Death solidified their status as innovators within the genre.
Pioneers of the Genre:

At the forefront of Death’s significance is their role as the pioneers of death metal. They laid the foundation for an entire subgenre, blending the aggression of thrash metal with the dark and morbid atmosphere of death metal. Death’s influence on the genre cannot be overstated, and their impact continues to reverberate through the metal landscape. The band’s subsequent releases, such as “Leprosy” (1988) and “Human” (1991), further solidified their status as pioneers. They introduced technical intricacies, progressive elements, and innovative song structures that pushed the boundaries of the genre. Death’s influence on countless bands that followed is immeasurable, as their sound became a blueprint for future death metal acts.




Beyond their musical contributions, Death’s impact extended to the overall culture and community surrounding death metal. They fostered a sense of camaraderie among fans and musicians, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the genre’s possibilities. Death’s influence can be heard in the work of bands ranging from Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse to Opeth and Beyond Creation, showcasing the enduring legacy they have left behind.

In the annals of metal history, Death stands as an icon of innovation, courage, and artistic integrity. They broke new ground with their sound, challenged societal norms, and left an indelible mark on the metal landscape. Chuck Schuldiner’s untimely passing in 2001 was a tragic loss for the music world, but his legacy and the impact of Death’s music continue to resonate.

Today, the band’s music remains as powerful and relevant as ever. Death’s discography serves as a testament to their enduring influence, inspiring new generations of metalheads to embrace the extreme and appreciate the profound artistry that the genre offers.

In conclusion, Death’s status as one of the most respected metal bands of all time is a testament to their pioneering spirit, unwavering consistency, visionary artistry, and fearless approach to pushing boundaries. Their influence on the death metal genre and the wider metal community is immeasurable, as they continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their timeless music. The legacy of Chuck Schuldiner and Death will forever be etched in the annals of metal history, reminding us of the power of uncompromising creativity and the enduring impact of true musical pioneers.



Here’s another rare photo of Death band members from a family member
Photo Credit: Death (Official) Facebook Page

INTRODUCING: Air Drawn Dagger

It’s only been in the last decade for it to become common for alternative musicians to fully embrace the concept of blending a catalogue of styles and sounds that otherwise wouldn’t be associated with the rock genre. From the blending of J-pop and metal with BABYMETAL, to the combination of rock and EDM as seen with ELECTRIC CALLBOY, to TWENTY ONE PILOTS where no song is the same with their constant roundabout of musical genres, the entire community sits in wait to hear what’s to come next. This is no different when it comes to Sheffield electro-emo, angst-pop trio, AIR DRAWN DAGGER, where a love of various genres and writing songs in the back of a cake shop resulted in their formation, with each new release allowing them to grow in confidence when it comes to creating such unique sounds.



Sitting down with founding members Maisie (lead vocals) and Lewis (guitars/backing vocals), they talk through where their style came from and some challenges they faced as a fresh-faced band within the scene. Lewis says, “I say it came around naturally, I remember when me and Maisie were writing in the back of a cake shop acoustically and sort of deciding that there was going to be no rules. I feel like a few years ago, when we started, that it was still very much tribalistic in the scenes and stuff in that people were like ‘no, it’s pop-punk’ or ‘no, just do emo’.”

“We’ve always loved different stuff, it has to be a melting pot for us, or I don’t think it would be as good if we stuck to one thing. It come from metal to hip-hop influences or synths and electro influences as well, it’s always been in there. And doing the mixtape last year really got us to push it to the forefront, to really shove it in everyone’s faces in that we are going to blend different sounds and genres in what we do.”

AIR DRAWN DAGGER themselves have been fortunate in their time as a band through being able to collaborate with certain producers and filmmakers when it comes to each release cycle. Their latest EP, Songs To Fight The Gods To, was produced by Neil Kennedy [BOSTON MANOR, CREEPER], who they reveal had been first to make contact, along with working with Aaran McKenzie [WHILE SHE SLEEPS] on music videos.


One of their more recent videos for their song You Should Have Known Better depicts Maisie in a range of locations deemed unsafe for women, and one by one she reclaims each space. Maisie herself says that it was a collaborative concept between them and McKenzie: “We had a lot of different concepts being thrown around for this video. We were working with Aaran McKenzie, we kind of threw a lot of concepts back and forth between us and this is what we landed on which is an almost melting pot of a few concepts we had to begin with. Although we came at it from different angles, this is kind of the melding of creative minds, I suppose, of what this has come out to be. There was a lot of back and forth, it’s definitely completely different from where I thought we would go in the first place but I’m glad that we ended up there.”

She continues to explain their history with McKenzie. “We’ve been working with Aaran for a couple of years now, we really trust his input. I think that one of the reasons why we trust him so much is that he’s really open to listening to other people’s ideas, but at the end of the day when you know that you can trust who is doing the filmmaking and you know that you can say ‘this is what we want to do’, and they’re going to make it look good, you don’t have to rein yourself in and be like ‘okay, how’s this skill set going to work out?’ because he’s always just going to make it happen. That’s a big influence towards what we do when we say, ‘we really want to do all of this mad stuff’, and he’ll be like ‘okay, let’s make it happen!’”

“He’s like a really creative genie. We’ll say, ‘why don’t we try this?’ and he’s like immediately onboard, he never like, ‘maybe we shouldn’t’, instead he’s all, ‘yeah! Let’s do all this and more!’” Lewis happily adds on.

From the concept of the music video, it’s evident on AIR DRAWN DAGGER’s stance on topics relating to sexism, calling out oppression, and taking down the patriarchy with their lyrics making it even more obvious on their thoughts and criticism of the world around them. Again, this is something that just comes naturally to them as Maisie says. “I always write from experience; I always write on things that I care about. I don’t want to speak for the guys, but I can imagine that they also feel quite strongly about these topics as well.”

Lewis agrees with her, “for sure! They always come out quite well, don’t they, from how we demo stuff which is, like, not too conscious really. It just comes from a state of just creating and then the finishing touches always come along like, ‘oh, okay, look at that! Look at that saying something eh! Really giving it a go!’”

Songs To Fight The Gods To is out now via Silent Cult Records.

Like AIR DRAWN DAGGER on Facebook.