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.

Concert Report:Metal Alliance Tour 2012

As I wrote about in my first post on this blog, there are alot of awesome tours happening right now. I also wrote about in my first post that many of those awesome tours were happening near my area which could only mean one thing, SHOW TIME!! This past Friday I caravaned over to the fabled city of drunken debauchery New Orleans, not only to take in the sights and drinks(lots of drinks) on Bourbon st. or along the riverwalk, but to check out the 2012 edition of the Metal Alliance Tour at one of my favorite venues, The Hangar.

This year's Metal Alliance Tour features Devildriver, The Faceless, Dying Fetus, Job For a Cowboy, 3 Inches of Blood, Impending Doom, and Wretched in one jam-packed bill comprised of old death metal favorites as well as the new breed of death, among power metallers 3 Inches of Blood.

I have to be honest, I missed both Wretched and Impending Doom(somehow I lived) due to an intensely important situation in the French quarter that required my(wallets) urgent attention. So for me, the first band to hit the stage was 3 Inches of Blood. They played a couple of impressive tracks from their upcoming album "Long Live Heavy Metal," as well as their signature hit "Deadly Sinners"that was featured in Tim Schaffer's "Brutal Legend."(Which as a side note, I highly recommend you play if you are a gamer, especially since it can be picked up on the cheap nowadays) I have always appreciated 3 Inches of Blood but I could never say I loved their music, however they were more than entertaining and the promising sound of the upcoming album has me intrigued to hear more[7/10]

Job For A Cowboy hit the stage next and returned us to metal of a slightly faster and distorted variety. Their fan favorite "Entombment of a Machine" opened their set much to the delight of those in attendance. JFAC followed with a few offerings from their upcoming album "Demonocracy," as well as two songs from "Ruination." JFAC wasn't at their best, but they were far from dull to watch. The band was certainly capable of a better show, but the fact that they can not be totally at the top of their live game and still be entertaining is a testament to them as musicians.[7/10](As a side note, JFAC's new bassist Nick is quite a find and a pretty cool dude I have concluded upon meeting him and discussing many subjects from Decrepit Birth to music venues in Mobile,Al)

JFAC is one of the newer bands, evolving from the deathcore movement into a more straightforward death metal sound. Dying Fetus however, is one of the bands that taught and continues to teach everyone what badass death metal sounds like. The instant classic "Your Treachery Will Die With You" off of the "Descend Into Depravity" albums leads off what was to be the beginning of an unrelentingly brutal assault of the eardrums of everyone present. This three piece(crazy right?) for 45 minutes committed what basically amounted to prolonged auditory rape, you know what brutal death metal "SHOULD"(lol) sound like. Simply put, Fetus rules and the new album has a 99.99 % chance of being awesome.(8.5/10)

The Faceless faces a tough challenge following Dying Fetus but they proved themselves up to the task. The technical proficiency of this group is still top knotch despite the fact that only one founding member remains in the band. Although I remain not fully a believer in The Faceless, I think that I know talent when I see it and this group of men are talented, at least the group that wrote "Planetary Duality" was, it remains to be seen what the new blood will do to the sound of the Faceless. Until judgement day comes, I say that The Faceless while not necessarily being the easiest thing to headbang to in the world deserved and sometimes demanded my attention.[7.5/10]

Devildriver took the stage last and unfortuantely seemed anticlimactic. After a night of super heavy metal it was seemingly a step below in the intensity level(for me anyway, the couple hundred people around me seemed to disagree). Nonetheless, Dez and crew put on an entertaining show. Devildriver was once described to me by one of my friends as producing "the best circle pit music in the world," and while I think a few bands might have something to say about that, Ddriver spawned quite a few pits while playing songs across their library ranging from "Fury of Our Maker's Hand" to multiple tracks from the new release "Beast." While not the most technical, brutal, fastest, or heaviest band on the bill, Devildriver proves to be the most popular of the night and are a entertaining bunch to watch to boot.[7/10]

Cattle Decapitation Release New Track and Reveal Album Artwork!!!!

Three years can feel like a really long time sometimes, especially when you are waiting for the next release from one of your favorite groups. It will have been over three years since Cattle Decapitation has released an album when their latest release "Monolith of Inhumanity" hits store shelves May 8. In order to entice us(And we really should need no more enticing with this band)into excitement for the album, Metal Blade has released the album artwork(Which is pretty awesome) and a full track from the new album "A Living, Breathing Piece of Defacating Meat."You can listen to the new track above, SO DO SO! Afterwards, leave a comment and let me know what you all think of the new track(The chorus is quite creepy is it not, with the melody being done in Travis's signature style).

I now just have to hope that Cattle Decapitation can some how find their way out into my neck of the woods, or at least close by(NOLA or Atlanta).

Oh...Yea, The artwork...Behold.

Bands You Should Love: Beast In The Field

So every now and then there is a band that I just feel compelled to tell other's about. Bands like Beast In The Field are the reason that live heavy metal will always be a part of my life. I was recently introduced to BITF when they opened for Black Dahlia Murder in Mobile, Al last year. This two piece doom metal band from Michigan creates one of the heaviest(and quite possibly the loudest) live sets that I have ever seen. After the show they gave away posters and stickers and signed their outstanding release "World Ending" that I was thrilled to pick up on vinyl. Watch the video, be converted.

Charlie Sheen After a Guns N' Roses Show

Ok, so this video is what it is. TMZ caught Charlie Sheen after he was leaving a Guns N' Roses show and even though the clip is only 1:04 long, Sheen does a good job of packing some funny stuff into 64 seconds.

My favorites:

Charlie Sheen:"Where's Slash? Where's Slash?"

and
(as Charlie Sheen in pulling off in his Limo)
Reporter: "I party like Charlie Sheen."

(Quickly leaning out the window as his vehicle pulls away)

Charlie Sheen: "And you are still alive?"

Cannibal Corpse-"Torture" Album Review

Months of eager anticipation for Cannibal Corpse's 12th album "Torture" have been proven righteously justified as Cannibal Corpse have crafted a dynamic, album of not only pummeling, head banging death metal, but of actual songs that stand out in a scene that has forgotten what makes bands great and memorable...Great songs.

The album begins with the blazing "Demented Agression," featuring some super quickly annunciated gutterals by George "corpsegrinder" Fisher The track never truly relents from start to finish and serves as a nice juxtaposition to the slower(compared to "Demented Agression") "Sarcophagic Frenzy," one of the strongest tracks on the album(in my humble opinion). Along with the first Alex Webster penned track on the album "Scourge of Iron," these first three songs effectively set the tone for the entire album for a couple of reasons.

1. On "Torture," Cannibal Corpse does not stay in one mindset for long at all, outside of a few exceptions, most tracks feature both slower and faster sections which really accentuated the dynamic quality that the entire album seemed to possess. Every track on this album is a song not just a technical exercise(It's plenty technical though too, this is CC after all). In a genre that is too often dismissed as a rapid procession of noodly guitars and blast beats and it's always great when a band actually writes some hooks in their death metal, especially when they can write them as well as Cannibal Corpse.

2. Alex Webster(God, period.) seems to have taken a backseat on this album. Now let me clarify this a little bit. Webster still wrote five of the twelve songs featured on this album including some of the finer tracks on the album("Scourge of Iron," "Intestinal Crank," and "Crucifier Avenged.") but maybe it isn't so much Webster has taken a backseat as the other members have truly stepped up their game. Songs like "As Deep as the Knife Will Go," and "Followed Home Then Killed," are pure head banging genius and are sure to please the fans at the upcoming shows(Birmingham Al, May 1st, Pensacola, Fl May 2nd, BE THERE!) "Torn Through" and the Rob Barret Penned track "Sarcophagic Frenzy" are even further examples of the truly fantastic crop of tunes that Rob Barret, Pat O' Brien, and Paul Mazurkiewicz have provided for this album.

3.Tempo change is very common throughout the entire album and keeps the album from ever feeling boring. The only time the album seemed to take make an errant left turn is a brief 5-7 second bass diddle(that is awesome no doubt) in "Strangulation Chair" that seems a little out of place and kind of interupts the flow of what is a great track.

4. The production on this album is superb. Eric Rutan who also produced other the modern classics from Cannibal Corspe, "Kill" and "Evisceration Plague," has outdone himself once again. Few albums in this genre can I ever describe as clean, but this is just a testament to the clarity and crispness that you can hear throughout the whole album. Not even the most intensely note heavy sections become muddled, every note is clear to discern. Erik Rutan needs to become the unofficial Cannibal Corpse producer for life.

There really isn't a bad song on this entire album. From start to finish "Torture" is alot of fun to listen to(And I'm sure itll be just as fun to mosh and head bang live to!)and further cements Cannibal Corpse's place at the top level of the death metal heap.

Only one question, "Where you at George?" Don't get me wrong, Mr. Fisher sounds great on this album, but is he ever going to create anything lyrically again(It's been since "vile" and "Gallery of Suicide" since we've seen any significant input from him)? Then again, if the albums that Cannibal Corpse puts out in the future are as good as "Torture"then he really doesn't need to.

9.0/10(GO BUY THIS ONE, support death metal and get some wicked tunes in the process)

Amazon's "March is Metal Month" deals

If there is one thing that we here at Hornsupheadsdown understand is that times are tough. Money just hasn't taken a liking to my company, and while I hate to advocate lining the pockets of some huge corporation, the folks over at amazon.com have thankfully made that pill a little easier to swallow because for a limited time only they are willing to take less than usual in honor of "March is Metal Month."
You can check out some the deals they have going on here.

There is actually some pretty good stuff in the vinyl section. You can pick up "Remission" and "Leviathan" two classics from Mastodon, Suffocation's eponymous release as well as Obscura's excellent(as always) release "Omnivium from $20.99. If you are anywhere near as big a fan of the vinyl format as me then you should at least peruse through their offerings. The mp3 download section also has some gems as well.

New Spawn of Possession album Streaming on Metalsucks.net!

So if you have read part one of my "Most Anticipated Albums of 2012,"(And if you haven't then why haven't you?) you will notice that Spawn of Possession's impending release "Incurso" was the list. I truly cannot say enough great things about this band, and thankfully I don't have to wait till March 13 to hear the new record. "Incurso" is streaming now exclusively over at metalsucks.net. So for all of you "try before you buy" types you can check it out here.

Go listen and then tell me what you guys think. Badass right?

Most Anticipated Albums of 2012 (Part 1 of 2)

It's hard to believe we are already three months in to 2012, but already we have seen some great releases this year. I'm going to run down my most anticipated albums of 2012 as well as point you in the direction of some of the releases you may have missed already.

CANNIBAL CORPSE-"Torture"

CANNIBAL CORPSE's latest release already sounds like a more than worthy addition to their collection of genre-defining death metal. Songs like "Demented Aggression" and the newest sample "Encased in Concrete" show the bands at breakneck speed while "Scourge of Iron" is a stomping number that just might be one of my favorite Cannibal Corpse songs ever. You can pick up "Torture" on March 13 from Metal Blade Records.

SPAWN OF POSSESION-"Incurso"

Also dropping on March 13 is "Incurso" from death metallers Spawn of Possession. While you are picking up "Torture" don't forget to pick up this sure to be gem. Some of the finest Tech death around imho. Need proof? Feast your ears!

http://youtu.be/av3MdFvJDKg

NAGLFAR-"Teras"

Having carved out it's fan base in the melodic black metal scene with consistently solid releases(Think dimmu Borgir before the fall in quality),Naglfar hopes to further ascend the metal ranks with their releasing of "Teras" March 27th.

MESHUGGAH-"Koloss"

Following up on their modern classic "Obzen," Meshuggah return with "Koloss." Anticipation runs high for this one, Here's to hoping that Meshuggah can impress the metal world all over again. There is no reason to think they won't. March 27th is when you can pick this one up.

JOB FOR A COWBOY-"Demonocracy"

I was not initially blown away by Job For a Cowboy, and I still don't really like "Genesis," but "Ruination" and the follow up EP "Gloom" has made a believer out of me. April 10 sees the release of JFAC's 3rd full length album "Demonocracy" on Metal Blade Records. I can't wait to pick this one up and hear the new songs on Summer Slaughter!


And if those releases are not enough for you, fear not! that was only part one of my list of the most anticipated albums of 2012. If you are itching for more new metal than check out some of these releases hat you may have missed

Wood of Yrpes: "Woods 5:Grey Skies and Electric Light"

Abigail Williams-"Becoming"

Lamb of God-"Resolution"

Goatwhore-"Blood for the Master"

Can You Bang Your Head To It?

Oh music snob, or more specifically the metal snob in this case, how you never cease to amaze me. Now before I start making incredibly hypocritical statements(Because I'm guiltier than hell of saying things like "Fuck that deathcore/breakdown bullshit") Let me be clear when I say that I'm not about to argue that there isn't a fine line between what is "metal" and what isn't, hell I'll even go ahead and say that I believe that there are degrees of metalness, or better put, some metal is just purer than others. I suppose that along with the admission of saying elitist things(see above) makes me somewhat of an elitist(the pot is calling the kettle black for sure),but where I differ from the snobby elitist folks who write off/hate/talk shit about bands who they find aesthetically unpleasing or not being metal enough is that at the end of the day...I DON'T GIVE A SHIT! IT'S METAL.

(Matt Heafy and Nick Augusto of Trivium @ Mayhem Festival 2012. (Photographed by Duel Guess))


There are a myriad of bands that I not only listen to, but love who in my opinion are totally metal but don't necessarily conform to what metal should so clearly always look and sound like. One example I have always used is Trivium. Anyone who has ever listened to a Trivium album knows that Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu are just simply gifted played the guitar, simply put these are bad mo' fo's. If you need convincing just listen to the "Shogun" album from start finish, it's quite possibly one of my favorite metal albums ever in no small part to the fantastic guitar work and totally engrossing riffage from beginning to end. Sure, Trivium has some poppy songs and alot of melody going on, SO?

Ghost is another band that has been receiving shit for not being heavy enough. Absolutely no one can hate on their image. A satanic pope, nameless ghouls for musicians and some of the most overtly satanic lyrics I've heard since electric wizard. However, I keep hearing the argument that because Ghost writes songs that sound closer to merciful fate than Dimmu Borgir(And merciful fate are quite metal) that they are not truly metal. I could not disagree more. I think Ghost is one of the most metal bands to come out in a long time because not only are they still heavy(some of the kids might sayheavy the older way ) but their unabashedly dark and occult inspired lyrics and appearance(Things that are often integrally tied to heavy metal) are reaching new height because of their accesibility. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with writing actual songs. Has anyone heard Cannibal Corpse recently, there are hooks a plenty in their songs and those are usually their best("Death Walking Terror" anyone?)

(Suicide Silence at Mayhem Festival 2012. Another band that receives alot of hate, even from me, but then I saw them live and was converted.(Photography by Duel Guess))

Can we please as metalheads move past some small-minded quibbles as "those bands are gay because they sing too much"(Have you forgotten the splash Cryptopsy's latest album received for having AGAHST!! Clean singing in death metal?BLASPHEMOUS!!) Such narrow mindedness only keeps people from liking and listening to and by extension supporting new bands that they may have written off as "Not metal enough." If we can do that, then metal can grow beyond the underground and achieve mainstream acceptance....if we even want that

It's Show Time

Greetings to one and all on this dreary March, 2nd 2012 to the launching of "Horns up, Heads Down," the first of my soon to be network of blogs. Every day(hopefully) you can read and add your thoughts on the broad spectrum of news and events in the world of heavy metal.

The number one defining factor for starting this blog(other than to restart the writing juices for
a career in journalism) is the onslaught of completely badass metal tours coming. Now living in Mobile, Alabama, I am used to a very meager metal scene, very seldomly can Mobilians see any decent metal without having to travel to New Orleans, Pensacola, Atlanta, Biloxi, etc. In 2011, we did get Goathwore, Black Dahlia Murder, Animals As Leaders, and Down, which were all awesome, don't get me wrong, but that's the best we've ever had. This year is no different but the calibur of bands coming in the next few months are more than worth the price of admission(and hours of driving time.) Seriously, take a look at some of the bands:

March 16: New Orleans, La. DevilDriver, The Faceless, Dying Fetus, Job For a Cowboy

March 19:Pensacola, Fla. Trivium w/Parabellum supporting(If you guys have never heard of Parabellum, check them out, dirty sludgy metal from Pensacola \m/)

March 28:New Orleans, La. Deicide!!!Abigail Williams, Lecherous Nocturne, Jungle Rot(O.k., not only is this one of the gods of deatgh metal but for anyone who hasn't checked out Abigail Williams or Lecherous Nocturne, do ourself a favor and so so)

April 13: Atlanta, GA. Black Dahlia Murder, Nile, SkeletonWitch, Hour of Penance

May 1: Birmingham, Atl: Cannibal Corpse, Exhumed, Abysmal Daw, Arkaik

May 3: Atlanta, GA. Behemoth, Watain(The long awaited return of Nergal!!)

May 12: Atlanta Ga. Mastodon, Opeth, Ghost(Ghost gets alot of hate, or is passively dismissed as rock, when Ghost is one of the most metal bands imho to come out in a few years)

At let's not forget Summer Slaughter 2012 which is already confirmed to have Cannibal Corpse, Goathwore, Between the Buried and Me


It's going to be a good spring.