Oh, look, another festival that makes me want to move. Continuing a proud tradition of metal, 2013's Blookstock Open Air Festival will not disappoint. Running from August 8th - 11th in Catton Park, Derbyshire, UK, the festival will pack in well over a hundred bands for a solid three days of metal entertainment!
The three headliners are SLAYER, Lamb of God, and King Diamond! Supporting acts include Accept, Avantasia, Anthrax, Sabaton, Devil Driver, Municipal Waste, Gojira, Exodus, Amorphis, Kataklysm, Firewind, and many, many more! Check the flyer below for all the details and grab yer tickets here!
In the past few years France's metal fan base has been rapidly expanding,
outlining a very interesting heavy music community and giving birth to some truly
amazing bands. The 3 biggest names are currently Eths (who added a
progressive twist to their groove metal sound in their latest album "III"), the progressive death metal masters Hacride (who are
going to release a new album "Back To Where You've Never Been" in 2013)
and especially Gojira, who are currently the band which every French
metalhead should be proud of. Their 2012 album "L'Enfant
Sauvage" was acclaimed as 2012's album of the year by a large portion of
the specialized press.
A lot of incredible music recently emerged from the underground: I'm
sure a lot of you have been blown away by the greatness of Uneven
Structure music. Their uplifting music and atmospheres are some of the
best things to come out of the djent / thall scene so far. Uneven Structure's 2011 album
"Februus" is something you absolutely MUST give a listen to, if you haven't yet. It was actually named our 2011 album of the year. We
also strongly recommend you to give a listen to WorC, the solo project
of Uneven Structures guitarist Aurélien Perreira and Eggeh, the project of other guirarist Igor Omodei if you're looking for
some similar amazing material. THALL.
In the wake of Gojira's dark sounds, we can find 3 amazing bands who create impressive music covered by gloomy atmospheres... and they all released
an album in 2012. The first one, Blut Aus Nord, is by now a black metal
legend. Formed in 1994 as a solo project by Vindsval (currently
vocalist and guitarist), this avant-garde black metal band released
their 10th studio album in 2012, "777 - Cosmophony" the third episode of their "777" trilogy. It was anticipated by two more releases in 2011, "Sect(s)"
and "The Desantification". Give a listen below to one of the tracks out
of their last album.
Eryn Non Dae. is another french band meeting with success right
now, especially in Europe thanks to their 2012 album "Meliora". They
deliver downtempo sounds using huge and heavy guitars immersed into an
obscure atmosphere. Their latest album, the third of their career, was
largely appreciated by the critics too. They've also became popular as a
live band playing a lot of shows in France and all around Europe, also in support of
Hacride. This summer they'll also be playing at
Hellfest in France and UK Tech-Fest.
And if you're searching for some experimental and psychedelic metal,
you're in the right place! Hypno5e is a progressive metal band bringing dark progressive metal especially built on ambiance. Amazing soundscapes
and 10 minute-long musical experiences make this band a must listen.
They have toured throughout France and the United States with other
bands such as Gojira, The Ocean Collective, Watcha, Black Bomb Ä and
Eths. Since their birth in 2003, they've released a demo, an EP and two
albums. The first one, "Des Deux L'une Est L'autre", was released in 2007,
but they reached the summit of their musical research in 2012 with the
mind-blowing album "Acid Mist Tomorrow". A videoclip for the single
"Story Of The Eye" was uploaded on Got-Djent's YouTube channel and you
better give it a listen right now.
Another band who definitely deserves a mention is Atlantis Chronicles.
This forthcoming five-piece band is the most promising thing to come out
of Paris underground metal scene. They just released their debut album
"Ten Miles Underwater" through Coroner Records in March. An amazing
concept album wich showed everyone the amazing skills and talent of this
great musicians. A powerfull mix of death, progressive and hardcore
wich might really takes "Ten Miles Underwater" to become one of the best
debut albums of the year. Check em out!
There's really a lot of incredible stuff coming out of France, and it
all deserves to be promoted properly. Therefore Exploring The World is
coming back to France soon to discover a lot more amazing French metal.
Stay tuned \m/
This
week we're taking the time to focus on two instrumental categories that
honestly don't receive the attention they deserve. I find the
instrumentals of a song to be far more intriguing than the vocal ability
of the vocalist (or their attractiveness level) and there are some very
talented players in the categories this year.
Best Drummer
Abe Cunningham- Deftones
Arejay Hale - Halestorm
Gene Hoglan - Dethklok / Testament
Mario Duplantier - Gojira
Neil Peart - Rush
Roy Mayorga - Stone Sour
Fe's Predictions
I've seen Halestorm twice and it's true that Arejay
Hale doesn't disappoint. His drumming skills are fascinating to watch
and listen to. Plus, he brings young fans onstage to play with him which
showcases his character as a person. However, this category contains
veterans that are more likely to take home the Golden God.
While Abe Cunningham and Neil Peart are legends all by themselves,
this category is a tough call. Young vs old, radio manufactured vs
actual hard hitting metal. There is more than one battle in the nominee
pool for Best Drummer.
I predict that Mario Duplantier from French metal band Gojira will
take the award. I find myself focused mostly on his musicianship while
listening to Gojira. Not to mention, these French metallers rose out of
obscurity and are now globally known in the genre.
Mike Thall's Predictions
This category is incredibly tight. Most of these drummers are extreme talents. As Fe mentioned, there's a mix of old and new here. I'd really like to see Abe Cunningham, Mario Duplantier, Gene Hoglan (aka Pickles), or even Neil Peart win this category. And I'm betting Neil Peart will end up taking home the award because... well... he's fucking Neil Peart.
Best Guitarist
Alex Lifeson - Rush
Brendon Small - Dethklok / Solo
John 5 - Rob Zombie / Solo
Kim Thayil - Soundgarden
Misha Mansoor - Periphery
Stephen Carpenter - Deftones
Fe's Predictions
I'm
pleasantly pleased at the nominees in this category. All of these
guitarists are respectable and can shred like their life depends on it.
It's great that Rush, Deftones, and Dethklok are receiving multiple
nominations in different categories. It truly shows that musical talent
is still considered.
Again, I respect all of the nominees especially Alex Lifeson of
Rush. Age has not deteriorated his ability to rock out and keep up with
the ever changing music scene.
It would be great if Misha
Mansoor of progressive metal band Periphery took home this award. His
dedication to the band and musical talent are noteworthy to the
youngsters trying to make it in the music scene.
However, it's a huge possibility that Stephen Carpenter of Deftones
will win this one. His experience is crazy and his fan base is
dedicated.
This is one category where I would be happy with whatever outcome.
Mike Thall's Predictions
Yet another close category. Everyone here (besides John 5) is insanely good at what they do. I have major respect for all these nominees (except for John 5) and could see any of them walking away with the award. I'm personally gunning for either Misha Mansoor, Stephen Carpenter, or Brendon Small (aka Skwisgaar Skwigelf ) to win this one.
While the Golden God awards are fairly new, (2013 being its fifth year), it’s awesome
that there’s actually an awards show without Katy Perry or Nicki Minaj winning
every single honor. Even
though May seems far away, voting has already started and ends on April 15.
Bands are rallying their fans up and for good reason - we don’t want Black Veil
Brides winning everything again this year.
Best New Talent Nominees
Device Ghost Kvelertak Miss May I Of Mice And Men
Young Guns
Felicia Hunt's Predictions
I’ll
admit, I’ve only heard of Miss May I and Of Mice And Men. After listening to
all of the nominees though it’s a tough call. All of them have their strengths,
weaknesses, and basic demographics. I for one am a huge fan of Miss May I and
Of Mice And Men. Both groups have solid, praised albums and have been
consistently on tour. When it comes down to it though, the fans have the power.
Of Mice And Men will probably win this one. While they are wildly talented and
passionate about their music, we all know screamer Austin Carlile garners a lot
of attention.
Mike Thall's Predictions
These bands are new? I don't think so. Most of them have an interesting sound but I'm guessing Miss May I or Of Mice & Men are going to win via popularity.
Album Of The Year Nominees
Gojira
“L’enfant Sauvage”
Halestorm
“The Strange Case Of…”
Marilyn
Manson “Born Villain”
Stone
Sour “House Of Gold & Bones Part 1”
Soundgarden
“King Animal”
Deftones
“Koi No Yokan”
Felicia Hunt's Predictions
One
of the most prestigious awards of the Golden Gods has some competition. There
is no landslide victor as each act again has different quirks. Manson’s comeback
this past year was successful as predicted by many while The Deftones will
always have a place in the hearts of rock music lovers everywhere. However,
after seeing Halestorm live twice this past year and listening to “The Strange
Case Of…” for hours on end, I have to root for them. Lzzy Hale is a powerhouse
going from piercing high screams to low growls and Halestorm’s lyrical content
is relatable beyond compare. Plus, wouldn’t it be awesome to have another
female besides Amy Lee win?
Mike Thall's Predictions
The albums I would like to see win are Gojira's “L’enfant Sauvage”, Deftones' “Koi No Yokan”, or maybe even Soundgarden's "King Animal". However, the artists that are likely to actually win areStone
Sour or Marilyn Manson.
Here are 5 amazing albums from this year that were just shy of making our top
ten. They all deserve your full attention as the honorable mentions of 2012.
1 GOJIRA - L'ENFANT SAUVAGE
There's no doubt that Gojira's "L'enfant Sauvage" (French for "The Wild Child") is an amazing album. To put it simply, one of the best things about Gojira is that they always manage to sound like Gojira. This is a band which proves that musicians don't need to be complex to be musically efficient. Not to say there isn't depth and complexity here. Gojira pummels the listeners eardrums with blasting heaviness and musically creative force. There are so many awesome tracks on this record. The title track, "The Axe", "Explosia", and "Mouth of Kala" are just a few examples of the greatness you can expect from "L'enfant Sauvage". It's a wild ride.
This is the kind of record that will catch you off guard. You go into it expecting one thing and experiencing something entirely different. The Omega Experiment's self-titled debut strikes as a powerful cross between Supertramp and The Devin Townsend Project with a pinch of Meshuggah... Yeah, go ahead and read that again. All of this while bringing a sound of their very own which is hard to describe. When you add it all up, it makes for a mind blowing, unique musical experience. Tracks such as "Stimulus", "Terminus", "Gift", and "Furor" are guaranteed to leave you wanting more goods from The Omega Experiment.
Veil of Maya's fourth full-length record really stood apart from the rest while simultaneously staying rooted. For example, the intro "20/200" sounds like a throwback to "Common Man's Collapse" while the title track is easily the most melodic, open song the band has ever written. "Eclipse" really opened up a whole new dimension of Veil of Maya with an increased focus on musicality. This may have been in part to Misha Mansoor's production and influence, but the fact is this record provides phenomenal music through and through. Stand outs include "Divide Paths", "The Glass Slide", "Vicious Circles", and "Punisher" among others.
4 THE TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA - DANZA IIII
Not only does The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza have the best band name ever, they always manage to produce devastating, awesome metal. The bands fourth and sadly final album, "Danza IIII: The Alpha - The Omega" is no exception. It's also too cool for Roman numerals. This is an earth-shattering venture into chaotic, technical heaviness. There are many greats on this record like "You Won't", "Canadian Bacon", "Paul Bunyan and the Blue Ox", "Rudy X3", and you can't forget the semi-title track, "The Alpha, The Omega". "Danza IIII" is a worthy end to this band's insane career. R.I.P. Tony Danza... talking about the band, not the actor.
Elitist have been emerging as one of the best Metalcore bands around. Actually, their debut full-length "Reshape | Reason" is easily the best Metalcore record released in 2012. Even with various key line-up changes over recent years, Julian Rodriguez's compositional ability has remained true, even improved in some ways. There is a progressive, creative take on how this band approaches the core, yielding amazing results. With a serious focus on driving melodies and musical execution, Elitist produced a monster of a debut record here. "Square And Compass", "Equinox", and "Unto The Sun" make an aural impact among others.
