VARIOUS ARTISTS – BLANK GENERATION: A STORY OF US/CANADIAN PUNK AND ITS AFTERSHOCKS

Am I officially an old codger for saying I simply cannot stomach most punk rock post-1994, and find the '70s first-wavers to be the chef's kiss? Well, if you see eye to eye with yours truly, then you're sure to get a kick out of the new 5-CD box set, Blank Generation: A Story Of US/Canadian Punk And Its Aftershocks. As its title clearly states, you can forget about hearing any selections from punk's UK counterparts (Sex Pistols, Clash, Damned, etc.) here – as it's 100% North American.

Think back to what mainstream rock was like in the mid '70s, and while there were of course some artists offering up some inspired, hard-hitting rock ‘n' roll, by and large, it had become bloated, self-indulgent, and long-winded. Thankfully, punk rock came along and gave rock a much-needed kick in the genre's keyster. Heck, even if you're a staunch metalhead and don't particularly fancy punk – punk was an obvious inspiration/influence on such subsequent metal movements as the NWOBHM and thrash metal (and if you consider hardcore, industrial, and grunge to be metallic, feel free to add those genres to the list as well).

Such all-time punk classics as the Ramones' “Rockaway Beach,” the Heartbreakers' “Chinese Rocks,” the Dead Boys' “Sonic Reducer,” Richard Hell's “Blank Generation,” and the Dead Kennedys' “Holiday In Cambodia” still prove to be no bark and all bite all these years later. Also, such underrated tunes as the Stimulators' “Loud Fast Rules,” Pure Hell's “Noise Addiction,” the Gun Club's “She's Like Heroin To Me,” X's “White Girl,” and Devo's “Come Back Jonee” fill out the tracklist nicely.

TODAY IN METAL HISTORY 🤘 FEBRUARY 7TH, 2024 🤘VAN HALEN, BON JOVI, KISS, METAL CHURCH, EXTREME

TODAY IN METAL HISTORY 🤘 FEBRUARY 7TH, 2024 🤘VAN HALEN, BON JOVI, KISS, METAL CHURCH, EXTREME




TALENT WE LOST

R.I.P. David Jack Peverett (FOGHAT, SAVOY BROWN): April 16th, 1943 – February 7th, 2000 (aged 56)



R.I.P.
Mark St. John (Mark Leslie Norton; KISS): February 7th, 1956 – April 5th, 2007 (aged 51)

HEAVY MUSIC HISTORYTHRASH METAL HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: Hordes Of Chaos – Kreator

This retrospective is dedicated to the incredibly insightful and meticulously researched article our author wrote about KREATOR’s Violent Revolution (2001) before realising it was the wrong album.



There’s an argument to be made that out of all the bands who benefited from the mid-2000s thrash resurgence, none did better than KREATOR. As the millennium dawned, Mille Petrozza and his veteran band mates were at a low point and seemed destined for the dustbin of history. But flash forward to now and they’re an institution. They’re a festival headlining band with a devoted global following and attract the sort of critical kudos that other thrashers can only dream of. In 1999, they were on the verge of being forgotten but nowadays, they get mentioned among the genre’s greats.

And when it comes down to it, they achieved this simply by being bloody good at writing thrash metal. After spending the nineties experimenting with their sonic palette to somewhat…mixed results, they returned to their roots with 2001’s Violent Revolution and began a slow, gradual return to the top of the pyramid. The nineties weren’t a total wash out (1997’s Outcast is an underrated gem), but stripping away the excess and playing no-nonsense thrash metal set them on an upward trajectory that hasn’t yet peaked. They’re currently on a six-album winning streak and there’s no indication that they’re finished.


Right smack in the middle of that run is Hordes Of Chaos. Released on SPV in 2009, it embraces the band’s no-nonsense ethos and takes it to a raw, venomous conclusion. With the exception of the vocals and guitar solos, the bulk of the material was recorded live on an analog tape recorder. Consequently, it has a ramshackle, almost punk vibe. Hordes Of Chaos comes across like little more than a demo because, well, that’s what it is, and it perfectly suits the atmosphere. They hadn’t produced an album like this since 1986 and it shows. Try playing this and Pleasure To Kill back to back; sure, Petrozza’s vocals have noticeably improved, but otherwise there’s not much difference.

This clearly struck a chord as Hordes Of Chaos was a big success. KREATOR could rely on their European fans to turn out, but this was their first album to chart in America. A co-headlining tour with fellow neck-wreckers EXODUS saw their stock rise further and roughly one year later, they inked a deal with powerhouse label Nuclear Blast.

It also helped that going back to basics contrasted with their previous record. 2005’s Enemy Of God was a thrash metal epic; an ultra-heavy, fifty-five minute masterpiece of paranoia and madness. It was a pivotal moment in the band’s history, arriving at a point when many young metal heads were still feeling let down by METALLICA’s St. Anger (2003) and looking for the real deal. It’s an excellent album, one of their bests, but it’s also got a big budget, blockbuster vibe. Enemy Of God is almost an hour long and has a crisp, pristine production, whereas Hordes Of Chaos is shorter and nastier.

This is emphasised as soon as the record starts. The opening title track has a brief melodic intro but quickly turns into a full-pelt monster. It also boasts a simple but effective chorus, Petrozza screams the song title repeatedly, followed by the words “everyone against everyone” over and over again. It’s straightforward, brutal and catchy and became an instant staple of their live shows. The accompanying music video which sees a loincloth wearing barbarian carving a bloody path to kingship left a mark too. This was thrash at its most stark, pulpy and violent.

From there, Hordes Of Chaos barely pauses for breath. Warcurse and Escalation fly past at breakneck speed, Destroy What Destroys You marries technical precision and hyper aggression, and Absolute Misanthropy can only be described as every KREATOR stereotype rolled into one. Enemy Of God was peppered with mini epics, but here, only To The Afterborn so much as hints at a wider sonic palette. If Enemy Of God is a lion in the prime of its life, stood atop pride rock with its mane billowing in the wind, Hordes Of Chaos is a mangy hyena tearing scraps off a giraffe carcass.

The reaction from fans and critics alike was incredibly positive and saw their stock rise. But curiously, the raw intensity that made Hordes Of Chaos a favourite seems to have been a one-off. The follow-up, 2012’s Phantom Antichrist, had a slightly more progressive edge while Gods Of Violence (2017) and Hate Über Alles (2022) continue Enemy’s epic vibe. All of these records are terrific and each has further cemented KREATOR’s post-millennium run as a second golden age, but they don’t have the rabid viciousness of Hordes Of Chaos. They’re arguably better now than they were in their eighties heyday, but Hordes Of Chaos stands out. It’s KREATOR at their most stripped-back, a wide-eyed and deranged album and even if it’s not their best, it is their heaviest. For a few years there, when Mille Petrozza would shout “I want you to kill each other” at their live shows, it didn’t sound like a mosh call. It felt like he meant it.

STRIKER - ULTRAPOWER

Longtime fan here of these Edmonton Canadians, one of the first from the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal in 2010 with their debut (preceded by an EP and demo), Ultrapower is now their seventh album.

Six years since the excellent Play To Win, got to be honest this new album had me worried based on the Dragonforce like title and ‘80s throwback clothing choice and change from the denim and leather. But, single "Circle Of Evil" did not fail, fast heavy riff driven, yet as always melodic with a catchy hook. Singer Dan Cleary the lone original member has a distinct voice and strong delivery, the big backing vocals add to the power packed chorus, see "Best Of The Best". Striker at the start were more speed metal, but even in 2014 and the third album City Of Gold they knew the importance of the melody without compromising the heavy metal. A little saxaphone (see the video) and keyboard melodies compliments "Give It All", and both work. Very ‘80s movie soundtrack.

Sounds like a couple cowboys are ready for a showdown in the intro of "Black Magic" but then it quickly switches to a punchy rhythm and drums driving the tempo in a juxtaposition. Wow, is this one fast and frantic. "Sucks To Suck", (to me) not one of the better ones on the album, but yeah it's as fun as it sounds with big vocals.

WATCH BEHEMOTH PERFORM "BLOW YOUR TRUMPETS GABRIEL" AT RESURRECTION

Professionally filmed video of Poland's Behemoth performing "Blow Your TrumpetsGabriel" at Resurrection Fest on June 26, 2023 in Viveiro, Spain can be viewed below.



Behemoth have announced their "O Father, O Satan, O Svmmer" European tour. A message from the band follows...




"Legions! What a summer we have planned… We cannot wait to get back out into Europe, and celebrate our 33 years of Behemoth. There will be surprises and spoils galore, so be ready! We’ll also be joined by special guest Testament on select dates along with many more incredible bands! Tickets on sale 31st January from behemoth.pl."



Behemoth tour dates:

July
11 - Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany - Dong Open Air
13 - Leoben, Austria - Area 53 Festival
15 - Malmö, Sweden - Slagthuset (with Testament)
16 - Uppsala, Sweden - Parksnäckan (with Testament)
18 - Laukaa, Finland - John Smith Rock Festival
19 - Tallinn, Estonia - Noblessner Foundry (with Testament)
21 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja Summer Stage (with Testament, Gaerea)
23 - Kosice, Slovakia - Kulturpark (with Testament, Gaerea)
25 - Tolmin, Slovenia - Tolminator Festival
27 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Arena Sofia (with Testament, Pestilence)
28 - Athens, Greece - Release Festival (with Testament)
30 - Rasnov, Romania - Rockstadt Extreme Fest

August
1 - Bergen, Norway - Beyond The Gates
3 - Wacken, Germany - Wacken Open Air
4 - Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, France - Sylak Open Air
7 - Villena, Spain - Leyendas Del Rock
9 - Schlotheim, Germany - Party San Open Air
10 - Jaromer, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault
11 - Heidelberg, Germany - Halle 2 (with UADA, Imperial Triumphant)
13 - Fontaneta D'Agogna, Italy - Phenomen (with Unto Others, Imperial Triumphant)
15 - Dinkelsbühl, Germany - Summer Breeze
16 - Vallamand, Switzerland - Rock The Lakes
17 - Sulingen, Germany - Reload Festival



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Children of Bodom: Registro de histórico último show da banda é lançado em CD

Em 2019, o grupo filandes de death metal melódico Children of Bodom realizou seu último show em Helsinki, encerrando uma carreira de mais de 25 anos. Agora, um registro oficial desse evento histórico está finalmente disponível, na forma do álbum “A Chapter Called Children of Bodom (Final Show in Helsinki Ice Hall 2019)”, que acaba de ser lançado em CD no Brasil.

O Children of Bodom é um dos grupos de maior sucesso da Finlândia: desde que se formaram em 1993 (inicialmente sob o nome “Inearthed”) venderam mais de 250 mil discos apenas em seu país de origem. A setlist do último show celebrou essa extensa carreira, incluindo 18 músicas e representando cada um dos dez álbuns de estúdio da banda.

A formação final do grupo em sua separação consistia em Alexi Laiho (líder guitarra, vocal principal), Jaska Raatikainen (bateria), Henkka Seppälä (baixo), Janne Wirman (teclado) e Daniel Freyberg (guitarra base). Laiho, que foi um dos membros fundadores do Children of Bodom e seu principal compositor, faleceu no ano seguinte, em 29 de dezembro de 2020.

“A Chapter Called Children of Bodom (Final Show in Helsinki Ice Hall 2019)” já está disponível nas principais lojas, e online via Wikimetal Store.

Tracklist:

01 – Under The Grass Clover

02 – Platitudes And Barren Words

03 – In Your Face

04 – Shovel Knockout

05 – Bodom Beach Terror

06 – Everytime I Die

07 – Halo Of Blood

08 – Are You Dead Yet?

09 – Blooddrunk

10 – Worship Chaos

11 – Angels Don’t Kill

12 – Follow The Reaper

13 – Deadnight Warrior

14 – Needled 24/7

15 – Hate Me

16 – Hate Crew Deathroll

17 – Lake Bodom

18 – Downfall

Bruce Dickinson: Músico lança o single “”Rain on the Graves

Bruce Dickinson lançou seu novo single, “Rain On The Graves”, acompanhado de um emocionante vídeo que destaca a performance ao vivo da banda de Bruce. A formação inclui o guitarrista Roy Z, o baterista Dave Moreno, a baixista Tanya O’Callaghan e o maestro do teclado Mistheria.

“Rain On The Graves” é o segundo single do próximo álbum solo de Bruce Dickinson, ‘The Mandrake Project’, que será lançado em 1º de março, pela BMG. Com um riff de guitarra imponente, teclados dramáticos e uma performance vocal imponente, a música foi inspirada por uma visita chuvosa ao túmulo do poeta romântico William Wordsworth, em Lake District. A música se desenvolveu em uma reflexão sobre a natureza da mortalidade e o pacto com o Diabo que os artistas passaram a fazer desde que Robert Johnson provou que valeu a pena nos anos 1930.

“Eu tinha a letra do refrão desde que visitei Grasmere para um casamento em 2012”, explica Bruce. “E não foi difícil, anos depois, criar o restante da música com tanta imaginação rica na minha cabeça!” É uma colaboração clássica entre Dickinson e Roy Z; uma peça cativante, mas pesada – cheia de melodia, mas retirando os vocais falados dos versos de maneira quase poética – talvez uma ode adicional ao grande mestre das palavras que inspirou o título, de alguma forma contrastado com uma música capaz de evocar o espírito de Robert Johnson em sua encruzilhada metafórica.

Com um vídeo filmado inteiramente em uma Cornualha invernal – novamente com o diretor Ryan Mackfall – temos a oportunidade de ver Bruce como ator, nada menos que um pregador, fazendo seu próprio pacto com o Diabo e arrastando sua ‘Banda Infernal’ como parte do acordo.

O single subsequente à faixa muito aclamada “Afterglow Of Ragnarok”, “Rain On The Graves”, destaca a natureza inventiva, expansiva e absorvente de The Mandrake Project. Sonoramente pesado e rico em texturas musicais, o álbum vê Bruce dar vida a uma visão musical que estava há muito tempo em desenvolvimento. Criado em colaboração com o co-escritor e produtor Roy Z, eles conceberam um dos álbuns de rock mais marcantes de 2024.

No entanto, The Mandrake Project não é apenas um álbum. A história em quadrinhos de mesmo nome é uma história sombria e adulta de poder, abuso e luta pela identidade, tendo como pano de fundo o gênio científico e oculto. Criada por Bruce Dickinson, é uma série colecionável de graphic novels com roteiro de Tony Lee (Dr. Who), ilustrada de forma impressionante por Staz Johnson (2000AD) e com capas do gigante do setor Bill Sienkiewicz para a Z2 Comics, que será lançada em 12 edições trimestrais que serão agrupadas em três graphic novels anuais, sendo que a primeira sairá no final de 2024. O primeiro episódio individual foi lançado nas lojas de quadrinhos em 17 de janeiro e a edição especial de colecionador se esgotou em 48 horas após o lançamento.

Bruce Dickinson e sua fenomenal banda darão vida à música de The Mandrake Project com uma grande turnê principal nesta primavera e verão. Um show adicional recém-anunciado em Wolverhampton, no renovado The Halls, em 16 de maio, estará à venda na próxima semana, com detalhes de pré-venda disponíveis em www.themandrakeproject.com

A banda de apoio no Reino Unido, Paris e Tilburg será Black Smoke Trigger, roqueiros emergentes da Nova Zelândia.

Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project Tour

18 de abril – Diana Theater, Guadalajara, MEXICO

20 de abril – Pepsi Theatre, Mexico City, MEXICO

24 de abril – Live Curitiba, Curitiba, BRAZIL

25 de abril – Pepsi On Stage, Porto Alegre, BRAZIL

27 de abril – Opera Hall, Brasilia, BRAZIL

28 de abril – Arena Hall, Belo Horizonte, BRAZIL

30 de abril – Qualistage, Rio De Janeiro, BRAZIL

2 de maio – Quinta Linda, Ribeirao Preto, BRAZIL

4 de maio – Vibra, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL

16 de maio – The Halls, Wolverhampton, UK +

18 de maio – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow, UK

19 de maio – O2 Academy, Manchester, UK

21 de maio – Arena, Swansea, UK

23 de maio – Rock City, Nottingham, UK

24 de maio – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London, UK

26 de maio – L’Olympia, Paris, FRANCE

28 de maio – 013, Tilburg, HOLLAND

29 de maio – De Oosterport, Groningen, HOLLAND

1 de junho – Barba Negra, Budapest, HUNGARY

3 de junho – Arenale Romane, Bucharest, ROMANIA

6 de junho – Mystic Festival, Gdansk, POLAND *

5-8 de junho – Sweden Rock Festival, Solvesborg, SWEDEN *

9 de junho – Rockefeller, Oslo, NORWAY

11 de junho – Grona Lund, Stockholm, SWEDEN

13 de junho – House Of Culture, Helsinki, FINLAND

14 de junho – Noblessner Foundry, Tallinn, ESTONIA

16 de junho – Huxleys Neue Welt, Berlin, GERMANY

17 de junho – Grosse Freiheit 36, Hamburg, GERMANY

19 – 22 de junho – Copenhell, Copenhagen, DENMARK *

21 de junho – Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, BELGIUM *

22 de junho – Summerside Festival, Grenchen, SWITZERLAND *

24 de junho – Zeltfestival Rhein-Neckar, Mannheim, GERMANY *

25 de junho – Circus Krone, Munich, GERMANY

26 – 29 de junho – Resurrection Festival, Galicia, SPAIN *+

27-30 de junho – Hellfest, Clisson, FRANCE *

30 de junho – Rockhal, Esch-Sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG

3-6 de julho – Rockharz Open Air, Ballenstedt, GERMANY *

5 de julho – Ippodrome Delle Capannelle, Rock In Roma, Rome, ITALY *

6 de julho – Bassano Del Grappa, Metal Park, Vincenza, ITALY *

9 de julho – E-Werk, Koln, GERMANY

11 – 14 de julho – Masters Of Rock Festival, Vizovice, Czech Republic *+

13 de julho – Hala, Zagreb, CROATIA

16 de julho – Kolodrum Arena, Sofia, BULGARIA

19 de julho – Kucukciftlik Park, Istanbul, TURKEY

21 de julho – Release, Athens, GREECE *– show em festival
– nova data adicionada

Para obter mais informações sobre a turnê, clique aqui

Para obter mais informações sobre a série em quadrinhos, clique aqui

The Mandrake Project será o sétimo álbum solo de Dickinson. Ele será lançado mundialmente pela BMG em vários formatos.

The Mandrake Project – tracklisting

Afterglow Of Ragnarok (05.45)

Many Doors To Hell (04.48)

Rain On The Graves (05.05)

Resurrection Men (06.24)

Fingers In The Wounds (03.39)

Eternity Has Failed (06.59)

Mistress Of Mercy (05.08)

Face In The Mirror (04.08)

Shadow Of The Gods (07.02)

Sonata (Immortal Beloved) (09.51)

www.themandrakeproject.com