The Hollywood Vampires, the legendary supergroup have shared the video for the new single “My Generation (Live in Rio 2015).” The recording is taken from their groundbreaking performance at the Rock in Rio Festival in 2015 and appears on their first-ever live album Live in Rio, out this June.
With “My Generation,” Pete Townshend of The Who created a timeless classic in1965. 50 years later, this song is revived by the Hollywood Vampires and performed in front of 100,000 fans. This is rock in its purest form. Known for their incredible energy on stage, this performance is no exception — featuring Alice Cooper, Johnny Deep, Joe Perry, Tommy Henriksen, and special guest Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses).
In 2015, the Hollywood Vampires not only released their first album, but also played one of their biggest concerts, which will now be released as their first live album. After this success and the media interest in the ultimate rock group, sold-out concerts, and tours all over the world followed, and finally, in 2019, the second album Rise. Over 50,000 physical units sold, millions of streams, and worldwide cover stories in major magazines later, fans, press, and the band were ready to bring these songs to the stage. Unfortunately, part of the tour had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will finally be made up for this summer. Fittingly, the first live album will be released a few days earlier on June 2.
The new album Live in Rio will be released as CD+DVD Digipak, CD+Blu-ray Digipak, limited + numbered 2LP Gatefold Black, and can be pre-ordered here.
LIVE IN RIO TRACK LISTING: “Raise The Dead” “My Generation” “I Got a Line on You“ “Cold Turkey” “Five to One/Break On” “Through (To The Other Side)” “Manic Depression” “7 And 7 Is” “Whole Lotta Love” “Jeepster” “I’m A Boy” “School’s Out” “Billion Dollar Babies” “Train Kept A-Rollin’” “Brown Sugar”
Right off the bat, the four singles from this album were not the biggest highlights. I was worried going in but there are gems on this album like Chasing Light and Room Of Mirrors. These gems on here however are buried between endless jam sessions of a repeated riff and symbol bash for 20 min at a time. The repetition adds up fast. Kirk’s guitar work is more prominent and as the album goes on you hear him stand out more. I really enjoy that. I also like that Rob had a good part in writing and even background singing. That helps a ton to flesh things out. All that said…it’s not much more than Metallica has already accomplished. Deep meanings but lyrically not poetry and many songs played in the same key and speed. It blurs together. It’s fine and I can’t complain too much about 72 Seasons after a few listens. Do I wish it was stronger and more engaging? Yes. Is it worth the Metallica name? Sure. 6/10
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career.
72 Seasons is the eleventh studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released on April 14, 2023, by their own label Blackened Recordings. 72 Seasons is produced by Greg Fidelman, who produced the band’s previous studio album, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016), and is the band’s second studio album to be released through Blackened.
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Metallica 72 Seasons Album Review
From Google Bard: “Metallica’s new album, 72 Seasons, is a return to form for the legendary heavy metal band. The album, which was released on April 14, 2023, is their first new studio album in six years.
72 Seasons is a 12-track album that features a mix of classic Metallica thrash metal and more experimental sounds. The album opens with the title track, a powerful and melodic anthem that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks include “Screaming Suicide,” “If Darkness Had a Son,” and “Lux Æterna.”
72 Seasons is a strong album that showcases Metallica’s continued relevance in the world of heavy metal. The album is a must-have for any fan of the band.
Here is a more detailed look at the album:
72 Seasons: The title track is a powerful and melodic anthem that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song is about the different seasons of life, and how they can be both beautiful and challenging.
Screaming Suicide: This song is a thrash metal classic that is sure to get the crowd moving. The song is about the dark side of human nature, and how it can lead to self-destruction.
If Darkness Had a Son: This song is a more experimental track that features a mix of thrash metal and electronic music. The song is about the power of darkness, and how it can be both destructive and creative.
Lux Æterna: This song is a beautiful ballad that is sure to touch the hearts of listeners. The song is about the power of love, and how it can help us overcome even the darkest of times.
72 Seasons is a strong album that showcases Metallica’s continued relevance in the world of heavy metal. The album is a must-have for any fan of the band.”
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The band’s fast tempos, instrumentals and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. Metallica’s current lineup comprises founding members and primary songwriters Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo. Guitarist Dave Mustaine, who formed Megadeth after being fired from the band, and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted are former members of the band.
72 Seasons is the upcoming eleventh studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica. It is set for release on April 14, 2023, by their own label Blackened Recordings. 72 Seasons is produced by Greg Fidelman, who produced the band’s previous studio album, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016), and will be the band’s second studio album to be released through Blackened.
With fan worship more intense than ever, and worldwide interest and intrigue growing at runaway speeds, Sleep Token have announced their Fall 2023 U.S. headline tour.
The “Rituals” tour kicks off on September 9 in Philadelphia and runs through October 5 in Anaheim. Sleep Token will also appear at several key fall festivals, including Blue Ridge Rock Festival, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock, with even more to be announced shortly.
All dates are below. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 14 at 10am local time. Get tickets here.
SLEEP TOKEN ON TOUR: 9/8 — Alton, VA — BLUE RIDGE ROCK FEST* 9/9 — Philadelphia, PA — Union Transfer 9/10 — New York, NY — Webster Hall 9/12 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium 9/13 — Baltimore, MD — Ram’s Head Live 9/15 — Detroit, MI — The Cathedral at The Masonic 9/17 — Minneapolis, MN — The Myth 9/19 — Dallas, TX — Studio at The Factory 9/20 — Oklahoma City, OK — Tower Theatre 9/22 — St. Louis, MO — Hawthorn 9/23 — Louisville, KY — LOUDER THAN LIFE* 9/25 — Denver, CO — The Ogden Theatre 9/26 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex 9/28 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory 9/29 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory 9/30 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox Market 10/1 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theatre 10/3 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory NP 10/4 — Los Angeles, CA — The El Rey Theatre 10/5 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues 10/7 — Sacramento, CA — AFTERSHOCK* *FESTIVAL DATES
Sleep Token are ascending to even bolder new heights with their third album Take Me Back To Eden, set for release on May 19 via Spinefarm. The album sees Sleep Token boldly re-confirming a true love of the epic (the title track is eight minutes plus), while further exploring and developing those elements that keep the music removed from any kind of pack, howling at a moon that’s all its own. Pre-order it here.
TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN TRACK LISTING: “Chokehold“ “The Summoning” “Granite” “Aqua Regia” “Vore” “Ascensionism” “Are You Really Okay?” “The Apparition” “DYWTYLM” “Rain” “Take Me Back To Eden” “Euclid”
Even though Sleep Token notoriously do not speak to the press (out of necessity, not ego or gimmick), media can’t help but write about the phenomenon, reporting on the band’s every move; NME notes “Sleep Token offer their fans an entire world to immerse themselves in if they so wish. It’s a place of escapism, and the foundation of a huge fan community that’s dedicated to studying the band’s creativity. While they have the same fervor as any other fandom, there’s still a notable difference,” while Metal Hammer called them “the most exciting band in metal right now.”
GRAMMY® Award-nominated metal legends SEVENDUST are back with the announcement of their 14th studio album, Truth Killer, slated for worldwide release via the band’s new label, Napalm Records. Truth Killer is the follow-up to the band’s 2020 critically acclaimed release, Blood & Stone, that saw the band gain newfound notoriety with their cover of Soundgarden’s “The Day I Tried To Live.”Truth Killer showcases that the original and current lineup – comprised of Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, John Connolly, Vince Hornsby and Morgan Rose – sound as relevant today as they did on their 1997 self-titled debut. Producer, friend and collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette returns to produce Truth Killer,which is available for pre-order in multiple configurations HERE.
From the introspective opening of “I Might Let The Devil Win” to the classic SEVENDUST sound of “Fence,” the twelve songs on Truth Killer demonstrate the diverse style that has won the band a legion of loyal fans. “Truth Killer,” “Everything” and “Holy Water” combine elements of the classic SEVENDUST sound with modern updates, pointing their lyrical lens at the world today. The first song released is the album closer “Fence,” out now and accompanied by a claymation music video directed and animated by Ollie Jones. The video tells the story of a chemical leak during a SEVENDUST show that causes the band to turn in to zombies – but SEVENDUST will live forever!
Truth Killer tracklisting: 1. I Might Let the Devil Win 2. Truth Killer 3. Won’t Stop the Bleeding 4. Everything 5. No Revolution 6. Sick Mouth 7. Holy Water 8. Leave Hell Behind 9. Superficial Drug 10. Messenger 11. Love and Hate 12. Fence
SEVENDUST Truth Killer will be available in the following formats: -1CD 6p. Digisleeve -1LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK -1LP Gatefold Vinyl MINT – North American retail Only -1LP Gatefold Vinyl *Die Hard* MARBLED BLUE/WHITE/BLACK (Slipmat, Record Butler) – Napalm Mail Order Only, limited to 300 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl GLOW IN THE DARK – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl CURACAO TRANSPARENT – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl GOLD – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -1LP Gatefold Vinyl ORANGE TRANSPARENT – Band Mail Order Only, limited to 500 -Music Cassette NEON YELLOW TRANSPARENT – Napalm Mail Order Only -1CD 6p. Digisleeve + Shirt “Truth Killer” Bundle – Napalm Mail Order Only -Digital Album
With a reputation as being one of the best live bands and recently making headlines as the band you “don’t ever, ever, ever want to go on after,”SEVENDUST will be heading out on tour next month opening for longtime friends Alter Bridge. The band has also been confirmed for the WJRR Earthday Birthday 2023 (April 22), WDHA’s Rock The Rock Fest (April 28) and Sick New World 2023 (May 13). As a band who loves to bring the music to their fans live, more dates will be announced in the future and 2023 /2024 will be busy years for SEVENDUST. More information on all upcoming tour dates and ticket and VIP info can be found here: https://sevendust.com/pages/tour.
SEVENDUST 2023 Tour Dates April 22 – Orlando, FL – WJRR Earthday Birthday 2023 April 28 – Newark, NJ – WDHA’s Rock The Rock Fest May 6 – Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall * May 7 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach * May 9 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte * May 11 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace * May 13 – Las Vegas, NV – Sick New World 2023 May 14 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal * May 16 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Saenger Theatre * May 17 – New Orleans, LA – Fillmore New Orleans * May 19 – Dothan, AL – The Plant * May 20 – West Greenville, SC – The Foundry at Judson Mill #
Veil Of Maya Release New Single + Music Video “Mother Pt. 4“ Watch Here | Listen Here
Taken From Upcoming New Album [m]other Out May 12th Via Sumerian Records Pre-Orders Available Now HERE
Upcoming US Tour With Avatar Kicks Off On April 28th Tickets Available Now HERE
Veil Of Maya – “Mother Pt. 4”
Genre-bending metal powerhouse VEIL OF MAYA continue to stoke the fires of fan excitement today with the release of the third single from their long-awaited new album, ‘[m]other‘ today. The track, titled “Mother Pt. 4” is accompanied by an official music video that continues the narrative from previous singles “Godhead” and “Red Fur“. Stream the new track HERE and watch the new video HERE or by clicking the image below.
Veil of Maya announced their highly anticipated new studio album, their first in nearly 6 years, last month. The new album, ‘[m]other‘, will be released on the band’s long-time label, Sumerian Records on May 12th. Pre-orders, with a variety of merch and vinyl bundle options, are available now from veilofmayaband.com
Speaking on the release of the new track, founder and guitarist, Marc Okubo shares
“We are very pleased to share this new experience with you! This is the 3rd video in our [m]other series made by the incredible Blvckbox Studios. We will be joining Avatar on their US tour in a few weeks and our album ‘[m]other’ will be available everywhere May 12th! We’re so stoked for you to hear it. See you soon!”
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ABOUT VEIL OF MAYA
By channeling energy in one direction, force grows exponentially. Veil of Maya harness the individual experiences and talents of four distinct musicians—Marc Okubo [guitar], Sam Applebaum [drums], Danny Hauser [bass], and Lukas Magyar [vocals]—into airtight groove-laden metal accented by fits of instrumental virtuosity and vocal catharsis. This approach has endeared them to a devout fan base with critical acclaim and over 135 million total streams and counting (unprecedented for an outfit this crushingly heavy). The Chicago band draw on the strength of their union on their seventh full-length offering, [m]other [Sumerian Records].
Veil of Maya have consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music by pushing themselves collectively. 2015’s Matriarchmade major waves, crashing theBillboard US Hard Rock Albums Chart at #2 powered by “Aeris,” “LeeLoo,” and “Mikasa.” The latter has gathered over 25.4 million Spotify streams and counting. In 2017, ‘False Idol‘ saw the band return to the Top 3 of the Hard Rock Albums Chart as “Overthrow” and “Doublespeak” each eclipsed 8 million-plus Spotify streams apiece. The record also incited the applause of LoudWire, Substream Magazine, Metal Hammer, and Invisible Oranges who raved, “False Idol is undeniably Veil of Maya: greatly contrasting the band’s past, it serves as a companion and booster for their older work.” Simultaneously, they toured alongside Animals As Leaders, Upon A Burning Body, Chelsea Grin, Oceans Ate Alaska, and more. In the midst of the Pandemic, they dropped “Outsider,” “Viscera,” and “Outrun.”
The Chicago band now draw on the strength of their union on their seventh full-length offering, [m]other [Sumerian Records]. In short, this is Veil of Maya at their collective best. Speaking on his hopes for his band’s upcoming opus, guitarist, Marc Okubo shares
“I hope you’re inspired to listen to this again and again. Maybe you’ll hone in on the little details as you go further, and it will musically become a cinematic experience.”
The long-awaited return of Adult Swim’s favorite heavy metal adventure “Metalocalypse” arrives with a nationwide tour of the series’ on-screen band DETHKLOK. A full-length original film, written and directed by Brendon Small, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar”, a companion soundtrack and “Dethalbum IV” will also arrive this year.
DETHKLOK will kick off their twenty-nine date national tour on August 30 with Japanese kawaii metal pioneers BABYMETAL as co-headliners and virtuoso guitarist Jason Richardson as support.
“It’s very surreal having so much new ‘Metalocalypse’ & DETHKLOK this year with the trifecta of the tour, movie and album,” said Small. “I’m so excited to get on the road with the powerful BABYMETAL, and to celebrate all the hard work that team ‘Metalocalypse’ & DETHKLOK put in over the last two years and beyond!”
The “BABYKLOK” tour will also include appearances at Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Alton, VA (Sep 10), Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY (Sep 23) and Aftershock in Sacramento, CA (Oct 7).
Also coming later in 2023 is “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar,” an original full-length movie written and directed by Brendon Small (“Metalocalypse“) and produced by Titmouse, Adult Swim and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. The film stars Small, Tommy Blacha, Victor Brandt (“Metalocalypse”), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (Grammy® Award Winning Musician), King Diamond (KING DIAMOND; MERCYFUL FATE), Mark Hamill (“Batman: The Animated Series”; “The Machine”), Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Jon Hamm (“Confess. Fletch”; “Top Gun: Maverick”), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE), Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange”), Juliet Mills (“Passions”), Laraine Newman (“Saturday Night Live”), Raya Yarbrough (“Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – a Klok Opera”), and Livia Zita (2022 Winner – Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Award).
The all-new animated movie begins after the heroic rescue of Toki Wartooth; DETHKLOK frontman Nathan Explosion finds himself traumatized in a BRUTAL professional and romantic flat-spin, all while he is tasked with fulfilling the prophecy and confronting the ultimate songwriting challenge to save the planet. Can Nathan Explosion look beyond his brutally damaged ego to save his band, stop the Metalocalypse, and finally face the ultimate evil: Salacia?
As a special highlight, fans can also anticipate the release of two full-length albums this year. WaterTower Music will release both the film soundtrack, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” as well as “Dethalbum IV” around the launch of the film. Meanwhile, fans can summon DETHKLOK by streaming the Metalocalypse: Dethklok Complete Collection playlists.
“Metalocalypse” originally premiered in 2006 on Adult Swim and was created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha.
About DETHKLOK & “Metalocalypse”: DETHKLOK, an extreme metal band, is the most successful entertainment act on the planet and the seventh largest economy in the animated world of Adult Swim’s “Metalocalypse.” Live, they are a multi-media powerhouse that showcases animation, comedy, and brutality, excellently recreating the popular albums and animated visuals in a live atmosphere. Band members include musician & show co-creator Brendon Small and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan and more!
Groove metal kings DEVILDRIVER recently made their triumphant return with part two of their Dealing With Demons saga, their 10th full-length, Dealing With Demons Vol. II, out May 12, 2023 via Napalm Records. Once again produced and engineered by Steve Evetts with additional engineering from guitarist Mike Spreitzer, Dealing With Demons Vol. II is inarguably heavier and relentlessly harsher than its predecessor – as proven last month with bludgeoning debut single, “Through the Depths”.
Today, DEVILDRIVER have dropped another unrelenting track, entitled “If Blood is Life”, plus an action-packed performance music video featuring exclusive footage from their recent US co-headline tour with labelmates Cradle of Filth. The dynamic anthem grips with an unforgettable hook and lead guitar lines, swaying with an undeniable headbang-worthy groove as it shifts between rhythmic passages.
DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara says about “If Blood is Life”: “Shadows of the future, ghosts of your past walking the floor – why do these things haunt us as humans, when we should be focused on the fact that, like the chorus says, ‘Time, it waits for no one, Time, it’s worth the taking.’ Learn to focus on the now, the here, the present.”
As DEVILDRIVER enter their third decade with nine full-length albums, countless international tours and worldwide renown, they prove more resilient than ever. As the world was upended in 2020, iconic groove metal leaders DEVILDRIVER didn’t pause, releasing the highly-acclaimed first installment of their two-part Dealing With Demons saga, Dealing With Demons I. Now, as society emerges more hardened and determined than before, so does Dealing With Demons Vol. II. The new album represents celebrated frontman Dez Fafara’s psyche and the final purging of his demons that have long haunted the band’s music.
International media mainstays like Revolver, Metal Hammer, Kerrang and Consequence lauded Dealing With Demons I, which debuted at #4 on the US Current Hard Music Albums Chart. Blabbermouth stated, “If the second half of this mammoth endeavor matches the first, this will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the DEVILDRIVER story.” Dealing With Demons Vol. II doubles down on the brutality – and then some!
If there is any question as to whether DEVILDRIVER is slowing down any time soon, Dealing With Demons Vol. II proves that 20 years into their career, even with their demons in tow – they move forward at the forefront of metal.
Track one, “I Have no Pity”, instantly keeps fans guessing with its contrasting, marching rhythmic groove and Dez Fafara’s icy, earworm warnings. The album’s standout production immediately shines, with the track’s thick riffs, haunting leads, room-filling drums and Fafara’s vocal prowess leading the way. Eerie, insistent “Mantra” drops a wave of melodic aggression on the listener, instantly inducing headbanging with its breakneck pace and occult lyricism. Dynamic tracks like “Nothing Lasts Forever” and “Summoning” cascade with alternating passages of sinister riffage and memorable chants. “Bloodbath” is as brutal as its name suggests, ominously bending and pummeling with immediate aggression, as “It’s a Hard Truth” continues the onslaught, cautioning against delusion amid balanced melodic leads. Closer anthems “If Blood is Life” and “This Relationship, Broken” are the blood-soaked cherries atop Dealing With Demons Vol. II, bringing together all of the elements that make DEVILDRIVER the best at their craft.
Dealing With Demons Vol. IItrack listing: 1. I Have no Pity 2. Mantra 3. Nothing Lasts Forever 4. Summoning 5. Through the Depths 6. Bloodbath 7. It’s a Hard Truth 8. If Blood is Life 9. This Relationship, Broken
Split EPs are something of a hidden treasure for music fans. Sometimes they mix genres, and other times they bring together some of the best in a specific genre to craft a longform listen that opens fans up to new bands in one of the most natural ways possible; it’s almost comparable to discovering a new band lower on the bill of a band you originally came to see. Record label Nuclear Blast is hoping to do just this with three bands on their roster: Fit For an Autopsy, Thy Art is Murder, and Malevolence. The Aggression Sessions is a six-song compilation with each band showing off both a new song and a cover song, of At The Gates, Cannibal Corpse, and Anastacia. Is this EP worth checking out?
On The Aggression Sessions, you can expect to hear the order of Fit For an Autopsy, then Thy Art is Murder, then Malevolence, twice in succession. The former two have been on Nuclear Blast for several years, whereas Malevolence self-releases under their licensing. There’s a bit of a popularity gap between the first two and Malevolence, but there’s no shortage of talent within the English metal group. FFAA kicks things off with “Hellions”, a signature heater of a track on-par with the rest of the band’s discography. Thrashy riffs and blast beats aside, I felt an urge to growl along to the hook “Caged fucking animals, begging to die a perfect death” as vocalist Joe Bad commands what’s probably the best track on The Aggression Sessions.
Thy Art is Murder’s original song on The Aggression Sessions is “Until There Is No Longer” and it’s practically a required listen after “Hellions”. Anyone that knows both Fit For an Autopsy and Thy Art is Murder knows that these two share a common brand of deathcore that’s equal parts punishing, fast-paced, and grand in scale; it’s worth following along the lyrics that paint the picture of a war-torn battlefield and the sins of man. Malevolence brings a change of pace with “Waste of Myself” as this band showcases more of a beatdown hardcore style in contrast of FFAA/TAIM. That isn’t to say it’s out-of-place on The Aggression Sessions – it’s almost like a breather before the cover songs as Malevolence’s clean vocals and slower BPM are just as headbang-worthy as the prior two tracks.
On to the covers in The Aggression Sessions, as Fit For an Autopsy covers At The Gates’ “Under a Serpent Sun”. Joe Bad flexes his range as he sticks to the higher range of unclean vocals to match ATG’s Tomas Lindberg’s run off the 1995 progenitor to many metal bands’ sounds to this day. Just as Bad hits highs in the ATG cover, CJ McMahon bellows his lows in the iconic “Hammer Smashed Face” by Cannibal Corpse. Hearing this 1994 track with 2023 production from the more-than-capable Thy Art is Murder is like hearing it for the first time; some may prefer the original but I can think of few other bands that could do a legendary song like this proper justice. Meanwhile, Malevolence closes out The Aggression Sessions with a dark-horse cover of Anastacia’s “Left Outside Alone”. The biggest departure on this EP, I laughed heartily hearing this pop-rock track under a nu-metal/-core guise, and came around after a few listens to ultimately enjoy the peculiarity on display.
Save for the Malevolence cover, Fit For an Autopsy and Thy Art is Murder play it pretty safe on their renditions of classic metal tracks on The Aggression Sessions. I was hoping for these talented groups to inject some of their flair into these classics as opposed to beat-for-beat covers, but at the same time, they’re fun to hear with modern bells and whistles. I also wish there were some crossover vocal features, especially since CJ McMahon has a deep track record of showing up all over metal. Still, The Aggression Sessions is a serviceable EP and most listeners will come away craving 1 or 2 songs after all is said and done.
Power metal is supposed to be fun and Powerwolf gets that on this part new/part rarities album along with an orchestral soundtrack 2nd album. This is the cult of werewolves stepping things up a bit. The guitar and key work along with amazing hooks and bombastic singing make this such a fun listen. It’s more sing-alongs with Attila Dorn and they all pull you in and get you to shout along. Tracks like “No Prayer At Midnight” and “My Will Be Done”. Interludium is not veering away from what Powerwolf has done before. It’s definitely a continuation of other albums in tone and style, but it’s done so well here that it’s hard to not enjoy. If you are unfamiliar with Powerwolf, you’ll enjoy this. If you already are one of the wolves, you’ll LOVE this. 8/10.
Powerwolf Interludium Album Review
Powerwolf, often stylized as POWERWOLF, is a German power metal band founded in 2003 in Saarbrücken by members of Red Aim. The band consists of vocalist Karsten Brill as “Attila Dorn”, lead guitarist Benjamin Buss as “Matthew Greywolf”, bassist/rhythm guitarist David Vogt as “Charles Greywolf”, keyboardist Christian Jost as “Falk Maria Schlegel” and drummer Roel van Helden. The group uses religious themes and images, contrary to traditional power metal music, as well as corpse paint, gothic-tinged compositions and songs about werewolf and vampire legends.
Powerwolf’s sound has primarily been described as power metal and traditional heavy metal. The band’s musical style is different from other power metal bands. In addition to the classic metal instruments, organ sounds are used. For the studio albums a church choir was recorded. The band states that their main influences are Black Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, Forbidden and Iron Maiden.
Powerwolf has been praised by critics for their energetic live performances and their unique sound. The band has been described as “the most metal band in the world” and “the future of heavy metal.”
Powerwolf is a popular band with a large and devoted following. The band’s fans are known as “Wolves of the Church.” The band’s official fan club is called “The Church of Powerwolf.”
