DIAMOND LANE release brand new "Cheating Death" music video.

Los Angeles, California modern heavy metal rising stars (and former FoM guests) Diamond Lane have just released their brand new music video for the track "Cheating Death" off of their summer 2014 release 'Terrorizer'.

Coming freshly off of their spotlight feature as Fox Sports Artist of the Month and a top pick selection from Classic Rock Magazine, Diamond Lane showcases a compilation of footage from their album release show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA, giving fans and heavy music enthusiast a glimpse into the eye of this rock n roll hurricane.

Diamond Lane - "Cheating Death" video link:

The month of October will see Diamond Lane preparing for a series of showcase events at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, CA, the first being October 4th w/ Holy Grail and The Iron Maidens, as well as the featured headliners for Viper's annual October 31st Halloween Bash, where Diamond Lane takes the stage playing legendary career spanning cuts of the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne.

Make sure to stay locked and glued to DiamondLaneRocks.com as well as Diamond Lane's social media channels for the latest updates and information on new recordings coming late this year.

Official Website

Facebook

ONSLAUGHT’S SY KEELER TO SIT OUT US/CANADA/SOUTH AMERICA TOUR – EX ANTHRAX LEGEND NEIL TURBIN STEPS INTO THE BREECH..!

Onslaught vocalist Sy Keeler will sit out the bands upcoming ‘THRASH INVSION TOUR’ of the US / Canada / South America, featuring ‘ONSLAUGHT / ARTILLERY / VX36 due to health issues with his son.

Sy Keeler comments:

I know you are going to be disappointed with my decision as am I, but I sincerely hope you can understand our situation.

My reason for this is the ongoing health issues with my son who has been suffering with a debilitating illness for some time, he is still on a downward path with no sign of any recovery on the horizon, therefore to be away for 2 months will put a lot of pressure on the family and increased anxiety on my son. We also have regular visits to specialists coming up during the next 6 months.

Therefore at this time I am having to think of my family first and sadly I am unable to be away in the Americas for the duration intended..

Onslaught guitarist Nige Rockett adds:

We’re extremely gutted that Sy cannot make this tour and of course we wish Sy’s family all the best in this difficult time, we are positive things will improve in the very near future and look forward to having Sy with us back real soon..

It was a really tough decision for us to make also, but Sy was very supportive that we take out a replacement vocalist to make this tour happen.

So much work had already been carried out by our management / booking agents / promoters behind the scenes it would have been unfair to let our team down, the other bands down and most importantly not to let our fans down.

On a positive note, It’s gonna be awesome to have Neil Turbin on board for the tour, for me he’s always been one of the best Thrash Metal vocalists out there no question, his work on the ‘Anthrax album ‘Fistful of Metal’ was simply amazing and I believe he’s one of the only guys in the genre who could step into Sy’s shoes. I think It brings a unique edge to this tour and I’m sure the fans will really dig what they hear..!!

Onslaught & Artillery 

"Thrash Invasion" US/ Canada Tour!!!!!

23-oct Brooklyn, New York, Saint Vitus

24-oct Cambridge, Massachusetts, Middle East Club

25-oct Long Branch, New Jersey, The Brighton Bar

26-oct Peterborough, New Hampshire, The Wreck Room

28-oct Chicago, Illinois, Reggie's

29-oct Indianapolis, Indiana, The Headquarters

30-oct Lakewood, Ohio, The Foundry

31-oct Columbus, Ohio, The Alrosa Villa

01-nov Rochester, New York, The Bug Jar

02-nov Trenton, New Jersey, The Backstage at The Championship Bar

03-nov Springfield, Virginia, Empire

04-nov Hartford, Connecticut, Webster Underground

05-nov Albany, New York, Bogie's

06-nov Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, La Salle Multi

07-nov Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Hard Luck

08-nov Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Mavericks

09-nov Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Petit Campus

11-nov Kingston, Canada, Mansion

12-nov Detroit, Michigan, The Token Lounge

13-nov Cudahy, Wisconsin, The Metal Grill

14-nov Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, Pov's 65

15-nov Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Zoo Cabaret

16-nov Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Palomino's

17-nov Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, The Pawn Shop

18-nov Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Red Room

19-nov Seattle, Washington, Studio Seven

20-nov Spokane, Washington, The Hop

21-nov Victoria, B.C., Canada, The V-Lounge

22-nov Portland, Oregon, Tonic Lounge

23-nov San Francisco, California, The DNA Lounge

24-nov Anaheim, California, Orange County Music Hall

25-nov Mesa, Arizona, Club Red

26-nov Hollywood, California, Whisky a Go Go 

Jerry Gaskill on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 201 - Jerry Gaskill

On this very special edition of Focus on Metal we FINALLY run the interview we did with Jerry Gaskill of Kings X back in 2013. Apparently it took a heart attack to get us off our asses in respect to running this one. Thanks again Jerry for a great chat and get well soon.

Keep up with the world of Jerry at: http://www.jerrygaskill.com/

Grab it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Holy Dragons return with "Dragon Inferno"

HOLY DRAGONS, Kazakhstan’s Heavy Metal giants, return with their new album “Dragon Inferno”! A follow-up to 2012’s “Zerstörer”, the album features new vocalist Alexander "Demoraivola" Kuligin. While the 80s influence is evident in the band’s style the band delivers a fresh sounding blend of heavy, power and speed metal. 

Formed in 1992, HOLY DRAGONS have literally dozens and dozens of releases, they now strike back as mighty as ever and they strike hard and fast! 

“Dragon Inferno” is out on October 13th (UK), October 17th (EU) and November 11th (US) on Pitch Black Records. It will also be available through all major mp3 stores. A track is available for streaming and free download at www.pitchblackrecords.com while the album can be pre-ordered at http://store.pitchblackrecords.com with free worldwide shipping.

HOLY DRAGONS lineup:

Alexander "Demoraivola" Kuligin - lead vocals

Jurgen Thunderson - lead and acoustic guitars, synthesizer, back vocals

Chris "Thorheim" Caine - lead and acoustic guitars, synthesizer, back vocals

Ivan Manchenko -  bass guitar

Antonio "Deimos" Repablo – drums

Album tracklist:

1. Gunship From Hell 

2. Hollow Man 

3. Old School Space Battles 

4. Majestic 12 

5. Downshift Waltz 

6. Panic in F.B.I. 

7. Three Ways of Genocide 

8. Ride, Cowboy, Ride 

9. Unlicensed Sky Driver 

10. My Cargo Cult 

11. Dragon Inferno 

For more info visit www.pitchblackrecords.com.

LORDS OF THE TRIDENT launch new album Kickstarter campaign / Sign with KILLER METAL RECORDS

American heavy metal band Lords of the Trident have launched their Kickstarter campaign for their new full-length 5th album entitled "Frostburn".

The new album was engineered and produced by Doug Olson (Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Niirvana), who also produced their last 2013 release "Plan of Attack".

Lead barbarian singer Fang VonWrathenstein says, "This album is the best album we've ever recorded, and we think our fans will agree. We expect the number of album-related headbanging-induced deaths to skyrocket once this album is released!"

Lords of the Trident - "Frostburn" Kickstarter video:

Lords of the Trident - "Frostburn" Kickstarter pledge site

Lords of the Trident are also proud to announce that they have signed with German record label "Killer Metal Records" for the release of their new upcoming album "Frostburn" throughout Europe.

The band will release the album via "Junko Johnson Records" throughout the rest of the world.

KIller Metal Records

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official Facebook page:

Official Lords of the Trident Facebook page:

Review - Stryper- Live At The Whiskey (Frontiers Records)

   Boy are this band busy these days. In the last couple of years they have released a covers album, a selection of re-records from their earlier catalogue, a back to basics belter of old school new stuff in No More Hell To Pay at the tail end of last year and now this, a live recording from their show at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles supporting that album. Oh and let's not forget Michael also released his excellent autobiography Honestly and solo album I'm Not Your Suicide.

   In my opinion this release has three strikes against it before I even pop it in the cd player. Strike one is live albums are pretty much redundant today what with You Tube and the like. Seriously when is the last time you salivated over the release of a live album from your favorite band. Now there's tons of live footage out there and often some professionally shot. For free too. Strike two is the importance of music these days, if U2 can slog for years in the studio and give away their album to sell a bloody new phone what does that say about people's investment in music. What is it now, an app? Finally strike three is the fact that some people can't get past Stryper's lyrics. They just won't go there.

   So I'm just going to bash this thing, right? WRONG. I've seen this band live in the last couple of years and they still sound fantastic and you can't emphasize enough the importance of having the four original members on stage. To me it's always been music first, if that doesn't grab me them I'm out of there. I love Stryper, I love Slayer and that's because of the tunes.

   This band has an abundance of good songs. Their last album is well represented with a very healthy four cuts and second song Marching Into Battle is probably the heaviest they have ever done. Michael still sounds great and the backing vocals are top notch. There's no ballads either, not even Honestly from To Hell With The Devil which is their biggest hit from the past. I would like to think this was left off on purpose to highlight that this was and is a hard rocking band. It's a seriously heavy live sounding record. Not everything works though, Always There For You highlights how weak a record In God We Trust was and there's nothing from the more recent Reborn or Murder By Pride. The inclusion of All For One from Against The Law is a nice surprise but the set ends predictably with Soldiers Under Command that is their Paranoid or Take Hold of The Flame.

   So a worthy inclusion to the Stryper catalogue. If you are a fan you will love this, for someone sitting on the fence this might surprise you with its heaviness. The band still sounds great, now how many 80's bands can you say that about?

Richie.

http://www.stryper.com/

http://www.frontiers.it/

Mausoleum Gate Premieres "Lost Beyond the Sun" with Bravewords

"Lost Beyond the Sun" from MAUSOLEUM GATE's upcoming self-titled debut is now streaming exclusively at Bravewords.com. Cruz Del Sur Music will release the album on October 7 in North America. 

Stream "Lost Beyond the Sun" here.

Rarely in the past few years has any metal scene's newcomer has been able to craft such authentic sounding, classic heavy metal music with the  passion and energy that MAUSOLEUM GATE put into their debut album. Their appearance on the scene out-of-nowhere came so unexpectedly and shockingly, but immediately turned some heads, as the band has been invited to play the next edition of famous German "Keep It True Festival" in April 2015.

Inspired by the late 70s / early 80s metal sound, these Finnish lads know perfectly where to hit to provoke the most positive reactions among fans of the NWOBHM's sound, die-hard aficionados of the twisting sounds of CIRITH UNGOL, and lovers of 70s rock greats such as the SCORPIONS and URIAH HEEP. The presence of unusual keys (Mellotron and Organ mainly) gives this album a spooky and somewhat tragic atmosphere, with long suites such as "Lost Beyond the Sun" and "Mausoleum Gate" serving as the highest peaks of an opera prima that will not pass unobserved.

www.facebook.com/MausoleumGate

www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

FURYON confirmed For 'Secrets Of Metal' Festival

UK rockers FURYON are confirmed for SECRETS OF METAL Festival, which will take place in Vorselaar, Belgium on May 23rd 2015. The new festival video trailer can be viewed below.

http://youtu.be/aJw0orbII0g

Also confirmed for the festival are ELECTRO NOMICON, STAMINA & PATHFINDER. Stay tuned for more band confirmations.

FURYON just recorded their second album, produced by RICK BEATO (SHINEDOWN, FOZZY). FURYON looks to release their second beast in early 2015. What’s to be expected is more of the same explosive guitar riffs and solos in well crafted song form. Expressive vocal delivery and melodies to scream along to. A possibly darker album still with progressive elements and a grungy edge. The album aims to be a 10 song album with additions (acoustic tracks and videos). FURYON are extremely excited and looking forward to sharing the outcome of this venture with the World.

FURYON recently announced they are returning the second time touring as headliner in Spain. Tour dates as follows:

27 SEP – Vitoria – Helldorado
28 SEP – Murcia – Garage Beat
30 SEP – Estepona – King Creole
01 OCT – Cordoba – Recycle
02 OCT – Valencia – Sala Novelty
03 OCT – Avilés – Centro Niemeyer
04 OCT – Ourense – Sala Berlin
05 OCT – Madrid – We Rock

FURYON is a band from the UK who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock. FURYON mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. Delivering huge rock-radio-friendly songs, with technically-challenging-yet-infectiously-catchy musicianship, they are dedicated to one sole purpose: making hard-hitting songs that will stand the test of time.

www.furyon.net
www.facebook.com/FuryonUK

A SOUND OF THUNDER has landed on the Billboard Heatseekers albums chart this week

Heavy metal band A SOUND OF THUNDER has landed on the Billboard Heatseekers albums chart this week with their new release "The Lesser Key of Solomon".  The album landed at #39 and is the band's first ever Billboard-charting release.  "The Lesser Key of Solomon" was released on the band's own Mad Neptune Records on September 9th, and was produced by Kevin '131' Gutierrez (Shinedown, While Heaven Wept, Raven).

"We're very proud to be on the charts and very thankful to our fans who put us there," commented guitarist Josh Schwartz.  "More importantly, charting with a crowd-funded album, with no label backing, is a great sign for metal and all independent music, and shows that the fans themselves have the power to keep the music they love alive!"

"The Lesser Key of Solomon" running time of 61 minutes, features 10 of A Sound of Thunder's most intense yet nuanced songs, exploring territory which is simultaneously heavier and more atmospheric than ever before. The steel-armored wail of prodigal vocalist Nina Osegueda (called by some "the lovechild of Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson") tops off deft performances by a band that knows how to deliver the goods. From the demonic fire of "Udoroth", to the crushing Dio-esque "Master of Pain", to the sweeping scope and dark theatricality of "Elijah", A Sound of Thunder delivers a timeless album full of metal classics.

“The Lesser Key Of Solomon” available as a digital download, compact disc, and limited deluxe vinyl-book format.

tracklisting includes:

Nexus Of Realities, Udoroth, Fortune Teller, The Boy Who Could Fly, Elijah, Master Of Pain, Blood From The Mummy’s Tomb, Black Secrets, One Empty Grave, House Of Bones 

Weblinks:

Album pre-order: http://asoundofthunder.bigcartel.com/category/the-lesser-key-of-solomon

Website: http://www.asoundofthunderband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/asoundofthunder

BandCamp: http://asot.bandcamp.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/asotband

Management/Booking: asoundofthunderband@gmail.com

A Sound Of Thunder:

Nina Osegueda- vocals

Josh Schwartz- guitars/ keyboards

Jesse Keen- guitars/ keyboards

Chris Haren- drums/ percussion

Mark Tornillo of Accept on this weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 200 - Blind Rage

This week we bring you an exclusive interview we did with Accept's Mark Tornillo. Yep while everyone else got to speak with Wolf we managed to score a one on one with our fellow East coaster. Mark gave us his very candid views on the new disc "Blind Rage", Accept's tour plans and his thoughts on the band now that he's three albums in as the "new guy".

Keep up with all things Accept at http://www.acceptworldwide.com/

Grab it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed or on iTunes

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

SIDIOUS Reveals Artwork,Tracklisting for "Revealed In Profane Splendour"

UK's blackened Death Metal horde SIDIOUS have revealed the artwork and track listing for their forthcoming full-length Revealed In Profane Splendour. 

The album, which follows their 2013 debut EP Ascension to the Throne Ov Self, was recorded, mixed and mastered at Parlour Studios by Russ Russell (Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir) and is set for release on November 3 via Kaotoxin Records. Artwork comes courtesy of Giannis Nakos of Remedy Arts. 

1. Sacrilegious Majesty 

2. Inexorable Revelation 

3. Revealed In Profane Splendour 

4. Annihilation Ov Abhorrent Credence 

5. Obscenity Ov Old 

6. Infernal Reign 

7. O Paragon, Bringer Ov Light 

SIDIOUS, which features members of EYE OF SOLITUDE, recently announced the addition of new drummer Krhudd, the mastermind and sole member of COLOSUS. Krhudd joined the band earlier this year as the band began work on Revealed In Profane Splendour. Other roster shifts have seen guitarist Isfeth take over vocal duties after the departure of vocalist Tom "Void" Allen. A trailer for the new album can be seen at this location. 

www.facebook.com/sidiousofficial

A SOUND OF THUNDER unveiled the official video for "Udoroth"

Heavy metal band A SOUND OF THUNDER has unveiled the official video for "Udoroth".  The fully animated video premiered on Bravewords on September 3rd. 

Bravewords Link:  http://bravewords.com/exclusives/videos/a-sound-of-thunder-release-new-udoroth-animated-video

Direct Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yetRJ9aAyvc 

The track comes off the band's new album "The Lesser Key of Solomon", released September 9th on Mad Neptune Records.  The album was produced by RIAA multi-platinum-awarded producer Kevin '131' Gutierrez (While Heaven Wept, Raven, Shinedown).

The fully-animated clip was produced by Powerhouse Animation, which has produced animation for Disney and DC Universe Online. The video is based on a story developed by A Sound of Thunder and character designs by band artist Dusan Markovic and comic artist Paulina Ganucheau. "Udoroth" fleshes out the band's Queen Of Hell mythology, which first appeared in the fan-favorite song "Queen of Hell", and sets Udoroth up as the Queen's nemesis, leaving the door open for more stories in the future.

A SOUND OF THUNDER's heavy riff-laden songs are complex yet instantly catchy, featuring razor-sharp musicianship and the lung-busting performances of powerhouse classically-trained vocalist Nina Osegueda.

"If your erection lasts longer than four hours, you probably listened to our new album. Also, you're welcome", jokes Osegueda. "On a serious note, this album is our best work to date. The songwriting and performances from the band are on another level. The album was a joy to make and that comes through in the final recording."

Hot off the 2013 release of Time's Arrow, their best-selling and best reviewed release to date, A Sound Of Thunder was brimming with confidence and eager to get back into the recording studio. With too many musical ideas for just one album, the band selected only its darkest and most atmospheric material for The Lesser Key of Solomon. The result is an ominous collection of songs united by supernatural themes. The album represents the fulfillment of a promise to A Sound Of Thunder's fans, known as the "Legion of Thunder", who funded the album via the Kickstarter crowd-funding platform in the autumn of 2013, raising over $23,000.

The Lesser Key Of Solomon running time of 61 minutes, features 10 of A Sound Of Thunder's most intense yet nuanced songs, exploring territory which is simultaneously heavier and more atmospheric than ever before. The steel-armored wail of prodigal vocalist Nina Osegueda (called by some "the lovechild of Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson") tops off deft performances by a band that knows how to deliver the goods. From the demonic fire of "Udoroth", to the crushing Dio-esque "Master Of Pain", to the sweeping scope and dark theatricality of "Elijah", A Sound Of Thunder delivers a timeless album full of metal classics.

The Lesser Key Of Solomon will be available as a digital download, compact disc, and limited deluxe vinyl-book.

Weblinks:

www.asoundofthunderband.com

www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder

www.reverbnation.com/asoundofthunder

http://asot.bandcamp.com

https://twitter.com/asotband

THE CREATORS OF 'INSIDE METAL: THE PIONEERS OF LA HARD ROCK AND METAL” DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES, WHICH FEATURES THE BIGGEST NAMES OF '80S METAL, OFFERS METAL FANS A CHANCE TO BE INCLUDED IN THESE HISTORICAL MOVIES THOUGH FANBACKED

The early '80s metal scene in Los Angeles has become legendary, as it spawned such worldwide headliners as Mötley Crüe, Ratt, Dokken, W.A.S.P., and originally, Metallica (before the latter relocated to San Francisco). And the new documentary, 'Inside Metal: Pioneers of L.A. Hard Rock & Metal,' chronicles the entire scene. 

Directed by Bob Nalbandian and produced by Metalrock Films, 'Inside Metal' features all-new interviews with countless bands and artists that thrived on the scene, and tell its story, first hand. To ensure that this killer documentary receives the attention it deserves, a fundraising campaign has been set up atWWW.METALROCKFILMS.COM - which will help strengthen the film's distribution, marketing and promotion. 

This groundbreaking movie features exclusive and candid interviews with members of Metallica (Lars Ulrich), Ratt (Stephen Pearcy), Dokken (Don Dokken), Quiet Riot (Carlos Cavazo), W.A.S.P. (Chris Holmes), Megadeth (David Ellefson), Great White, (Jack Russel), Y&T, (Dave Meniketti), Stryper (Michael Sweet) and Armored Saint (Joey Vera).

'Inside Metal' is about giving fans the real inside story from the behind the scenes world of metal and hard rock with in-depth interviews, ultra-rare concert footage and photographs, and an original music score from that era; in this no-holds-barred, never before seen, recollection of untold stories. 

To check out some sneak previews, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlzWl795u0E

Early feedback has been exceptional, including renowned video director Jonas Åkerlund (who has worked with the likes of Metallica and Ozzy) raving, "This film captures an era that catapulted metal into the spotlight and takes the audience on a wild ride down memory lane. After watching it I wanted to get in my time machine and experience those days for the first time. You’re hit with a potent nostalgia, a time I thought we couldn’t get back, not until I saw this film. I can’t get enough of this shit, what an amazing film to watch over and over again, well done!"

Metalrock Films ask - and want - real and serious metal fans to be a part of this historic documentary and spread the word that this was the scene where it all began, ground zero.  "Our Fanbacked campaign will raise the direly needed financial support to bring this film to one and all in the US and Internationally in order to pay for the marketing and promotion to get it noticed by the general public. We want to bring this film to your theatre, town, bar, club and living room! Unite and support us. We have created some one of a kind opportunities for our friends and fans to participate with us in birth of this film. Get your name on the screen and let the world know that you support metal and the bands that create it. Help us tell the story of the music you love and let the world know you love it. Join in the festivities of our, and your, accomplishments by being at the premiere of the movie and interact with the artist that participated in its creation. Commemorate your participation with a plaque, t-shirt, poster or other limited edition merchandise items that says 'Metal Rules.' Keep checking back as we add more tasty premiums."

And thanks to you and your donation, 'Inside Metal' will finally get the true story of the scene heard - worldwide!

To make a donation, go to:

WWW.METALROCKFILMS.COM

www.fanbacked.com

A Sound of Thunder on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 199 - A Sound of Awesome

This week A Sound of Thunder release their latest slab of awesome "The Lesser Key of Solomon" like Solomon you would be wise to grab yourself copy of this one. To get the word out Josh, Chris and Jesse make a return appearance on the show this week to talk about all things ASOT as well as give you damn good idea of how much you need to get this release.

Want more ASOT? Head to http://www.asoundofthunderband.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ASoundOfThunder or https://twitter.com/asotband

Grab it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed or on iTunes

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Dark Descent Records Holding 5 Years of Death Sale

To thank its legion of loyal fans for a half decade of support, Dark Descent Records is holding a 5 Years of Death sale from now until Sept. 10. 

Dark Descent Records releases will be available on CD for $5.55 - 6.55 with LPs marked at $10. Select items are on sale for up to 50% off. Distro items are being sold at 15% off. This sale excludes all pre-order and low stock titles. Visit  www.darkdescentrecords.com.

The Dark Descent Records New Release Sampler is now available via Bandcamp. Featuring 10 tracks from DDR artists, the sampler is being offered as a free download. 

Tracklist:

Horrendous - Nepenthe                     

Swallowed - Arterial Mists of Doom            

Emptiness - Nothing but the Whole

Unaussprechlichen Kulten - The Hooded Baphomet Bleated

Thantifaxath - Where I End and the Hemlock Begins

Ritual Necromancy - Rites of the Gravesite Mutilation

Phobocosm - Knives in the Senate House                 

Gravehill - The Ascending Fire

Morgue - Coroner's Report

Begrime Exemious - Wolf Hound Bitch  

Download the sampler at darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/new-release-sampler  

www.darkdescentrecords.com    

darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/DarkDescentRecords

Review - Starkill "Virus of The Mind" (2014 Century Media)

Virus of the Mind is the second album by Chicago’s Starkill. Born from the ashes of black metal band, Massakren, the four-piece have spent every second of their two year history either on the road or in the studio and it’s clearly paid off – if nothing else, this is an accomplished album.

Listen to the first few tracks and you might think you have the Starkill guys pinned: Melodic death with a touch of thrash and a smidgen of symphonic; the kind of thing Arch Enemy and The Agonist fans would lap up. Everything’s present and correct: the harmonic leads and chugging rhythm; the gravelled vocal, the occasional strings – all flawlessly delivered. But then comes the title track, a death-growled power ballad with a round of blast beats thrown in for good measure, and... well… it kind of throws you.  

To describe Virus as a melting pot is something of an understatement. One minute you’re on melodic death, the next symphonic black, the next power metal or power ballad… and sometimes, as is the case with Into Destiny or God of this World, you’ve got the whole shebang coming at you within a few beats.

In short, Virus of the Mind is an ambitious album. You have to applaud the ballsiness of it all, of course, especially in a band so young:  Starkill have taken everything that is metal, including the kitchen sink, and flung it with joyous abandon. Not since Nightwish released Imaginaerum has there been such a merry mix of mayhem. And yet at times, it’s this very quality that is the record’s undoing. With all the genre-hopping going on, it can prove difficult to find something to grasp hold off; to gain a foothold into the album or find some sort of connection. It can be exhausting and you have to wonder if in trying to be all things to all people, Starkill may ultimately alienate some of their listeners.

On the other hand, for those growing tired of the cut-and-pasteness of metalcore or the self-indulgent stubbornness of death and black, Virus of the Mind could be just what the doctor ordered.  

Release Date: October 2014

Label: Century Media

Website: https://www.facebook.com/StarkillOfficial

Review by Wayne Simmons (www.waynesimmons.org)

JEFF OLY OLSON To Judge Guitar Center Drum-Off This Month

THE SKULL drummer and keyboardist Jeff “Oly” Olson (TROUBLE) has been chosen to be a judge for the annual Guitar Center Drum-Off – the world's premier drum competition - this September in Portland, Maine. The Guitar Center Drum-Off is an annual search for the top undiscovered drummer. Now in its 26th year, the Drum-Off competition was developed to inspire and support drummers in the pursuit of their musical aspirations, and is committed to rewarding and recognizing talent by providing a launching pad for a professional career as a drummer. Olson comments: "I’m excited and honored to be a part of this! I been drumming for well over thirty years... this is going to be a lot of fun.” The competition will be judged on skills/technique, groove, originality, stage presence and overall performance. The grand prize is $25,000 cash plus thousands of dollars in prizes and endorsement deals. Interested drummers can get more information at www.drumoff.guitarcenter.com or visit their local Guitar Center store directly. Olson has been writing and recording in the music industry since the formation of TROUBLE in 1979 and holds a Bachelor of Music degree in film scoring, cum laude, from Berklee College of Music. Olson is also an alumnus of The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps and is endorsed by ddrum and Vic Firth. As recently reported, THE SKULL — the band Olson formed with fellow original member of doom-metal legends TROUBLE vocalist Eric Wagner, alongside longtime former TROUBLE bassist Ron Holzner, guitarist Lothar Keller (SACRED DAWN), and guitarist Matt Goldsborough (PENTAGRAM) — will release its debut album, "For Those Which Are Asleep", on November 4 via Tee Pee Records. "For Those Which Are Asleep" is the first full-length album to feature Wagner, Holzner and Olson since the 1995 release of TROUBLE's critically acclaimed LP "Plastic Green Head". "For Those Which Are Asleep" track listing: 01. Trapped Inside My Mind 02. The Touch Of Reality 03. Sick Of It All 04. The Door 05. Send Judas Down 06. A New Generation 07. Till The Sun Turns Black 08. For Those Which Are Asleep 09. Sometime Yesterday Mourning 10. The Last Judgment In celebration of the 30th anniversary of TROUBLE’s landmark debut "Psalm 9" (which Wagner and Olson co-wrote and performed on), THE SKULL will perform the influential album in its entirety at the following shows.  September 19  - Uninvited Festival – Brooklyn, NY October 10 – Day of Doom Festival – Barcelona, Spain October 11 – Side B - Lisbon, Portugal October 13 – The Underworld Camden – London, England Additional performances will be announced soon.

California Thrash/Death Metallers MADROST releasing 'Into the Aquatic Sector' September 23

Thrash/Death Metallers MADROST (pronounced Ma-Drost) will self-release its sophomore album Into the Aquatic Sector on digital and CD format September 23. The album will be available for purchase on CD Baby, Amazon, Bandcamp, and i-Tunes.

Into the Aquatic Sector is a mighty step forward in terms of progression and songwriting from 2012 debut Maleficent. MADROST is a four-piece band based in Lake Forest, California. Formed in 2007, MADROST has since made themselves known in the underground Los Angeles and Orange County metal regions, hungering to take on the four corners of the globe. The musical dynamics heard on Into the Aquatic Sector is the result of hard work, dedication and a lineup that is firing on all cylinders.

Check out the album's title track at this location.

1. The Unknown

2. Frozen Beneath The Snow

3. Universal Energy

4. Operation: Xenomorphic Protocol

5. The Oceanic Prelude

6. Subterranean Nightmare

7. Into The Aquatic Sector

8. Depravity

www.facebook.com/madrost  www.youtube.com/user/MadrostOfficial  madrost.bandcamp.com  www.reverbnation.com/madrost