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)