Pantera releases fan-made video for unreleased track "Piss"

Despite not being an entirely new song, Pantera has released a video for "Vulgar Display of Power" era track "Piss." Hearing the song just makes you miss Dimebag that much more despite the fact that this is technically a rejected song from one of their classic albums. Don't let that "rejected" line scare you, the track is still pretty damn cool and totally has the "Vulgar" vibe to it.  The video itself is comprised of nothing but Pantera fans head-banging, moshing and punching each other in the face a la the cover art for "Vulgar Display Of Power."

By the way, does anyone else think that they have heard one or two of these riffs in later Pantera albums?

Album Review: Meshuggah- "Koloss"

After their 2007 release "Obzen," floored the metal world, Meshuggah finally earned the respect many feel that they have always deserved.

Perhaps equally impressive, if it wasn't obvious before, after the release, the "djent" phenomenon launched into high gear and continues to to dominate the metal world today giving Meshuggah a load of respect in the metal scene. Naturally, expectations for Meshuggah's follow up would be immense, and while not necessarily being a better record than their previous effort, "Koloss" is a fine release that cements the bands place among the biggest bands having an impact on the metal scene today.

The entire album while definitely having a slower sound and a vastly different vibe than "Obzen," remains firmly rooted in what Meshuggah does best, palm-muted riffs, odd rhythms, and pummeling double bass. Despite being what you could consider a harsh release, the songwriting takes no back seat. The odd, almost jazz like time signatures and rhythms gives this record a sound wholly unique that is impressive to behold.

Overall, the best way to describe this album is a steaming freight train, sometimes it rolls slower, sometimes faster but it is always chugging along to the pummeling double bass of Tomas Haake with Jen's Kidman's signature harcore/drone like yell adding to the auditory assault. "Behind the Sun" also stands out as one of the strongest tracks on the album. Another solid addition to Meshuggah's already impressive body of work , further proving that they are one of the most quality bands around today. (8.5/10)

Rock And Roll HOF (politely) Gives Axl Rose the finger.

The massive build-up of rumors suggesting that the original five-piece line up of Guns N' Roses would reunite for the bands induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame have proven too much for Axl Rose.

Posting an open letter on the band's facebook page, Rose stated that he would not be attending the ceremony, going as far as also wishing that the induction award remove his name. Here is a piece of the letter:

To: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern,
When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N' Roses were to be inducted it'd be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.

Since then we've listened to fans, talked with members of the board of the Hall Of Fame, communicated with and read various public comments and jabs from former members of Guns N' Roses, had discussions with the president of the Hall Of Fame, read various press (some legit, some contrived) and read other artists' comments weighing in publicly on Guns and the Hall with their thoughts.

Under the circumstances I feel we've been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out. Taking into consideration the history of Guns N' Roses, those who plan to attend along with those the Hall for reasons of their own, have chosen to include in "our" induction (that for the record are decisions I don't agree with, support or feel the Hall has any right to make), and how (albeit no easy task) those involved with the Hall have handled things... no offense meant to anyone but the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected.
For the record, I would not begrudge anyone from Guns their accomplishments or recognition for such. Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It's their show not mine.

That said, I won't be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of "Guns N' Roses".

Despite the seemingly well mannered request, the Rock and Roll HOF is having none of it. In a quote seen in the LA Times, a spokesperson for the hall stated  “We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his Induction in person."

Ouch! The brief reply tells you all that you need to know about the Hall's response to Axl, politely informing him and the world that Mr. Rose is being inducted into the Hall whether he likes it or not. No doubt there are many in the rock and metal community who are simply tickled that Axl did not get his way.

Naglfar-"Teras" Album Review

Despite not necessarily being a hugely anticipated release, the latest album from Naglfar while predictable once again proves that more of the same isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The albums begins with the albums namesake track "Teras," which ends up being a nice entry point into the album, it's  one of the least aggressive tracks but it possesses a nice melody. Despite the change of pace, this track and the album as a whole stick very much to the Naglfar formula of mostly melodic yet at times blasting black metal.

Therein however lies the the biggest "problem" not only with this album but with extreme music in general. If you are a fan of this type of music, in this case blast beats, shrieking vocals and power chord riffing, then you are going to love this album, if not, this may not be your band.

Don't think that the music is pure balls to the wall though, the band has done a nice job of juxtaposing some not necessarily slow but slower for Naglfar songs that emphasize that "evil" sound that attracts people to this band as well as black metal in general. Even in the blasting songs the bands manages to not sounding too repetitive, which is a feat not always achieved in this genre as fan of it well know.

The although solid as a whole, the album's beginning meanders  initially fortunately gets stronger as it charges forward. "An Extension of His Arm and Will" begins what is a very strong second half of the album.Other standout tracks include"Come Perdition," "Invoc(hate)" and "The Dying Flame of Existence" as well as the title track.

While not setting the world on fire, or really even evolving too heavily as a band, Naglfar has still crafted a very solid record stocked with diabolic melodies that are actually memorable making the album a worthwhile addition to your collection, but if the grim yet oddly beautiful savagery of Naglfar's music has never been up to snuff for you then "Teras" probably won't change your mind...at all.(7.5/10)

Concert Report: Deicide, Abigail Williams, Jungle Rot, Lecherous Nocturne

I first read about the "March of Death" tour last year and was equal parts instantly excited and impressed with the line up including the legendary Deicide as well as quality younger American black metal act Abigail Williams.

This past Wednesday the 28th was the New Orleans date, the second to last show of the tour. Prior to leaving, I had heard some rumblings that Glenn Benton would not be appearing at the upcoming show, but I scoured the web and even checked the website for the venue before we left and show was still a go. Despite the meager money in our pockets, my friend and I embarked on our trip.

As my friend was fueling up up at a gas station in Gulfport, Mississippi he was approached by a young hispanic couple both appearing in their early twenties carrying a cardboard sign that read "Headed West." Being the stand up individual my friend is, he takes them back to our car where we agree to take them to New Orleans. This couple was from Miami, Florida and had decided to see the country just for the hell of it.

After dropping off the couple near the historic French Quarter in downtown New Orleans, we head to the Hangar with about 15 minutes until doors open. We arrive at the venue and notice that the usually filled street is practically barren. Approaching the venue, I saw four individuals standing in front of the front door.

They informed us that Deicide had cancelled the show. We were devastated. Cancelled? But Why? Curse you Jehovah!!!!! All of the people standing outside were fans, so this next part could be entirely untrue or totally true. Of the two explanations that I was given, the most plausible was that Glenn Benton had gotten food poisoning and since there were only three shows left on the tour(apparently the last show was cancelled too) they decided to cancel the few remaining dates. Bummer, but understandable. The second explanation was that Decide had arrived at the venue and was not impressed and refused to play and left. I was unable to speak to anyone who works at the Hangar to confirm any of these claims.

Dejected, broke and with a long car ride home, we did the only thing two bummed out metal heads could do, HEAD TO BOURBON STREET!!

With the fans of the teams playing in the Final Four in town, Bourbon was quite busy for a Wednesday night and provided lots of entertainment the way only New Orleans can deliver. So, sorry, no real concert report here, just one massive wrong made right with whiskey and Bourbon (St.).

Watch a piano cover of Mastodon's "Leviathan" album

So. usually when we get a cover of something, it's usually one song. So imagine my surprise when I was browsing through the internet and lo and behold I stumble upon a link to youtube user jsabbott0's piano cover of an entire album, Mastodon's "Leviathan. This album being covered also happens to be one of the most popular and critically acclaimed metal records of the past 10-15 years which helped launch the career of  Mastodon, a band who also happens to be one of the most popular and critically lauded metal groups to come out in a long time, even mainstream mags like Rolling Stone dig Mastodon.

So check out the incredible work done by this man whose genius is made even more apparent by the fact that he did this whole cover in one take. Nice!

Concert Report:Trivium w/ Parabellum Pensacola, Fl

Following up on their 2009 promise to return to Pensacola(after Trivium was well received as part of Slipknot's "All Hope is Gone Tour" 2009),Trivium headlined a one-off show with local self dubbed swamp metal outfit Parabellum providing opening support for what was to be a raucous night of entertainment for all present.



There was a local band Rainey's Revenge, but being the judgmental prick that I can be sometimes, I looked at their name and decided they weren't worth my time(Sorry RR). Parabellum kicked things off for all intents and purposes and despite being a band that I have seen play on NUMEROUS occasions, they delivered a set list packed with riffs reminiscent of Sabbath. Parabellum is capable of trudging along with the signature doom funeral march pace while at the same time having the ability to play some catchy southern rock and blues influenced stylings which keeps them from getting boring. The local crowd was quite receptive to their local brothers just as they should always be, because Pensacola can do alot worse than Parabellum(not that parabellum is bad, at all) and they usually do(the scene kids run rampant, skinny jeans and bandannas hanging out of pockets galore) so it was quite nice to seem such a nice crowd for the opening act as well and not just for the headliner. (7/10)

Trivium then took the stage much to the delight of the couple of hundred people who gathered at the Vinyl music hall that night in downtown Pensacola. Opening with the title track from their latest release "In Waves," Trivium clearly played a show to appease the die hard fans fans, filling their set list with a ton of tracks from their fan favorite "Ascendancy." "Pull Harder" and "Gunshot" have never sounded better thanks to Matt's vastly improved screaming and gutterals in the live setting giving these songs extra gusto that they have never had before. The new single "Black" was also a highlight of the night as the band clearly enjoyed themselves the whole night and expressed as much throughout the evening. Trivium truly get's better every time that I see them live and with this being my 4th time seeing them and also considering their immense talent to begin with they truly are a must-see every time for me, this is a band that you should make an effort to catch next time around.(9/10)



If you would like to check out the other pictures that I took that evening, you can go here.