Babymetal – the ultimate Marmite band – have been simultaneously embraced as an international phenomenon, and dismissed as a silly fad. At this point, though, it’s clear that one side have emerged the winners. Babymetal are here to stay, and there’s nothing their haters can do about it.
In the face of scepticism and hostility, you can Read more…
Metallica’s world is an odd one. Collectively, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Rob Trujillo have pioneered and evolved the sound that literally defines metal as a genre – and as a result, they’ve attracted and maintained the most die-hard of die-hard fanbases. At the same time, their proclivity for experimental creativity has seen Metallica torn apart in the past, metaphorically flayed alive by legions of gleeful haters.
Few bands have experienced the level of pressure that Metallica do. Even when not pushing the envelope, the Californian masters are expected to blow everyone away whenever they put something new out. Given that Hardwired To Self Destruct is not only Metallica’s first studio effort since Death Magnetic back in 2008 but also a double album running at an hour and seventeen minutes, it feels more like make or break than ever before Read more…
With Donald Trump’s unexpected ascension to the American presidency, this week has proven one of the most dramatic in recent memory. Emotionally intense times call for emotionally intense music – and Sirenia’s Dim Days Of Dolor perfectly captures the mood of the times.
Operatic, bombastic, and naturally heavy metal is the order of the day here. Theatrical, sky-scraping, and incredibly passionate, Dim Days Of Dolor is also run through with a tangible sense of mourning and melancholy. New Sirenia frontwoman Emmanuelle Zoldan wastes neither time nor melodic notes in establishing herself as a formidable powerhouse, completely owning every moment Read more…
Their name may be hard to pronounce – “Door-Jay” rather than popular alternatives such as “Doorway,” “Door-Hey,” and “Doorjuh” – but Dorje have nonetheless made their name synonymous with increasingly brutal prog-tinted tunes that stand right on the borderline between rock and metal. Last night’s central London location, legendary rock venue The Borderline, was therefore an appropriate place for Dorje to strut their stuff. Name a groove-heavy band worth knowing, and they’re likely to have graced The Borderline’s subterranean stage at some point in their careers Read more…
The human capacity for perseverance and survival is absolutely incredible. When our backs are to the wall, we’re capable of coming out fighting – and that’s exactly what Ion Dissonance have done with upcoming album Cast The First Stone, reviewed on TMMP here. I talked to Ion Dissonance guitarist Antoine Lussier about his band’s first album in six years, life changes, Donald Trump, and keeping the dream alive under pressure… Read more…
Animals As Leaders represent that rarest breed of bands, so far ahead of their time that even their most visionary peers struggle to keep up. For fans of instrumental progressive metal, Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes, and Matt Garstka need absolutely zero introduction, their names synonymous with music so intricate that the fact there are only three of them is still scarcely comprehensible. To those for whom djent is everything, Animals As Leaders are the leaders of the pack.
The Madness Of Many is not going to do anything to change that. The thought of Read more…
Metal has gone through many changes over the years – but which decade is the best? Amongst the world’s headbangers, few questions are as emotionally volatile as that one. It all comes down to subjective opinions, the preferences of individuals afforded freedom of speech and expression.
Hammerfall’s allegiances have always been obvious. The Swedish legends have made their name by paying tribute to the legacy of the 80s, riddling their songs with chunky riffs, uplifting fantasy-themed lyrics, and instantly catchy melodies. Hammerfall are on a mission, pursuing their path with evangelical zeal over the course of two decades and counting Read more…
If you’re a fan of unorthodox rock and mind-bending metal, Helmet will undoubtedly be found somewhere in your favourite band’s family tree of influences. From globe-straddling titans like Nine Inch Nails to kings of the UK underground such as Reuben, Helmet’s influence is in there somewhere. Even now, Helmet define the alternative Read more…
Ion Dissonance are pissed off – and with good reason. Held back by behind-the-scenes struggles for the past six years, the Canadian metallers are finally ready to unleash fifth album Cast The First Stone upon the world.
By the time Ion Dissonance are done, you may not have any ears left Read more…
Metal is often dismissed as being brutish, blockheaded, and generally stupid. In some cases, that reputation is well deserved – but Exist Immortal’s upcoming album Breathe (reviewed on TMMP here) stands as a great example of intelligent metal done right. I got talking to Exist Immortal vocalist Meyrick de la Fuente about not only Breathe, but also an approach to spirituality that pretty much exactly matches my own.
