THROWBACK THURSDAY - HEAVY COVERS

What does one make of cover songs?  It seems like a common response to most covers is, "this is terrible, the original is so much better".  Well obviously!  99 percent of the time a cover is not going to be as great as the original, but it seems to me that many people are not looking at it from the right perspective.  Instead of shitting on a cover song for not being as good as the original, people should really consider how cool it is that a classic song is being covered in the first place.  Heavy metal has its fair share of classics, and they're classics for a reason; they were influential.  Cover songs are interesting to listen to because it gives the listener an opportunity to discover some of the influences of their favorite bands.  Below are a collection of cover songs that I found to be particularly interesting.

1. Upon a Burning Body - 5 Minutes Alone (Pantera Cover)

Pantera is easily one of the most influential metal bands from the 1990's.  5 Minutes Alone is easily one of their crunchiest tunes.  It's only natural that the Texas based deathcore act Upon a Burning Body would cover this song. This is a cover that definitely did the original justice.  And the fact that they gave the late Dimebag Darrell a shout out in the middle of the the song is nothing short of heartwarming.  Check it out!

Links: Pantera Facebook // Official Website // iTunes
Upon A Burning Body Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

2. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Paranoid (Black Sabbath Cover)

Boy has this cover gotten shit over the years.  It's understandable; how can The Dillinger Escape Plan cover a Black Sabbath song?  Part of the beauty of this cover comes from the fact that they didn't try to stay true to the original.  Dillinger has their own unique sound and it seems as though they stick to that even while doing covers.  Yeah, it's gonna piss off some old school metal fans but this is a cover definitely worth checking out.

Links: The Dillinger Escape Plan Facebook // Twitter // Official Website
Black Sabbath Facebook // Official Website // iTunes

3. Periphery - New Millenium Cyanide Christ (Meshuggah Cover)

Djent dj djent dj djent dj djent djent djent bowww... Well, you know where I'm going with this.  Periphery covering a classic Meshuggah song, how appropriate!  Meshuggah is one of those bands that only comes around once in a life time.  They are responsible for the creation of the sound that is commonly referred to as djent, and Periphery is partially responsible for bringing that sound into the mainstream.  Two great bands, one awesome tone, and one excellent cover!

Links: Meshuggah Facebook // Twitter // iTunes
Periphery Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

4. As I Lay Dying - Electric Eye (Judas Priest Cover)

"A Judas Priest cover? The nerve!  These little metalcore kids can't possible cover a song written by the metal gods". - elitist douche.

Yes, Judas Priest is awesome, but so is this cover.  In the contemporary metal scene, As I Lay Dying is one helluva band.  If anyone were to cover a Priest song I'm glad it was them.  As I Lay Dying demonstrates impressive technical skill, and as a whole, they are capable of covering some of the best heavy metal tunes.

Links: Judas Priest Facebook // Official Website // Twitter // iTunes 
As I Lay Dying Facebook // Official Website // iTunes

5. Children of Bodom - Aces High (Iron Maiden Cover)

If you spit in the air the chances are it's going to land on somebody that's an Iron Maiden fan.  Seriously though, who wasn't influenced by this band?  Just about every power metal and melodic death metal band was, therefore it wouldn't be surprising to hear band that embodies elements from both of those sub-genres cover a classic Maiden tune.  Children of Bodom not only did the original justice with this cover, they made it their own.  The keyboard especially added a nice touch.

Links: Iron Maiden Facebook // Twitter // iTunes // Official Website
Children of Bodom Facebook // Official Website // Merch

6. Killswitch Engage - Holy Diver (Dio Cover)

It takes guts to even decide to record a cover of Dio.  The man's voice is legendary.  Well in 2007 Killswitch Engage pulled it off, successfully.  Obviously no mortal man can top Dio, but Howard Jones did a damn good job as far as cover standards are concerned (and I don't mean that in a condescending way, Howard is an excellent vocalist).  The cover was very well received by critics and fans, and six years later Killswitch is still playing it live.  I can't speak for the masses, but I hope it helped to turn the younger generation of metal heads onto the classic metal act that is Dio.

Links: DIO Facebook // Twitter // iTunesKillswitch Engage Facebook // Twitter // iTunes      

MASTODON / SOULFLY / THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN / EX- MARS VOLTA SUPERGROUP!

Yeah, you can go ahead and read that headline again.

This currently unnamed supergroup has been formed with the likes of Mastodon's Troy Sanders, Soulfly's Max Cavalera, The Dillinger Escape Plan's Greg Puciato, and the ex-Mars Volta drummer Dave Elitch.... Ohhhhh yeeeeah.

What's more? They've just signed with Nuclear Blast Records!

Not good enough? Here's some more big news. The album is almost done. Most of the recording is complete. Only the bulk of vocal tracking remains. On top of this, they worked with producer Josh Wilbur (aka the man responsible for works by Lamb of God and Gojira). There's no doubt this is a monster in the making.

If you're interested in learning more, head over to Metalkaoz.com and listen to the interview conducted with Max Cavalera. In the mean time, jam some tracks from the supergroup's respective projects below.

Links: Mastodon Facebook // Soulfly Facebook // The Dillinger Escape Plan Facebook

ANIMALS AS LEADERS AND THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN COLLAB

We posted up interviews with Animals As Leaders and The Dillinger Escape Plan respectively last week. But most people missed the breaking news contained within.

After wrapping up the interview with Ben (Guitarist from Dillinger), I mentioned I'd be talking with Animals As Leaders later on. With a grin, he told me to ask Javier about the project they were working on. Needless to say, my interest was piqued.

A few hours later we were in the green room with both Javier and Tosin of Animals As Leaders. You can find the interview below. But if you skip to 4:28, you'll find that Ben and Javier do indeed have a new project up their sleeves. It may not be what you're expecting but it should be pretty damn awesome regardless. It's really cool witnessing the cohesive nature of Sumerian artists and what they can ultimately create. Stay tuned for more!

"Old world Europe making babies" - Tosin Abasi

Links: Animals As Leaders Facebook // Twitter // iTunes
The Dillinger Escape Plan Facebook // Twitter // Official Website

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN INTERVIEW

At this year's Summer Slaughter, we had the chance to catch up with the man Ben Weinman. We talked about several things from the tour to the band and beyond. Mike also made sure to include the questions submitted by you guys. Check it out.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records

GUITAR WORLD EP - SOUNDGARDEN, PERIPHERY, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, ANIMALS AS LEADERS

MASSIVE collaborations here! Guitar World has brought together the masterminds behind Soundgarden, Periphery, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Animals As Leaders for the sake of making some awesome music. Dweezil Zappa even makes an appearance!
__________________________________________________________________________________

“Optimist” – Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders) & Misha Mansoor (Periphery)
“Pessimist” – Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders) & Misha Mansoor (Periphery)
“Nanna Banana” – Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan & Kim Thayil (Soundgarden)
“Vices” – Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan & Dweezil Zappa
__________________________________________________________________________________

You can get the tracks as a part of an exclusive subscription offer which can be viewed right here.

Asking Alexandria's previously unreleased EP "Under The Influence: A Tribute To The Legends of Hard Rock" is also a part of the package.

Links: Guitar World Facebook // Twitter // Ultimate Sub Offer

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN "ONE OF US IS THE KILLER" ALBUM REVIEW

Here's the mystery... who's the killer? Whoever it is, they won't survive.

The new record from Mathcore legends The Dillinger Escape Plan officially arrived on store shelves last week. It's the bands 5th full-length studio album and their first to be released via Sumerian Records. The New Jersey five-piece have been going strong (crazy) since 1997 despite various changes. If this record is any indication, they're showing no signs of slowing their roll.

Shortly after the release, I picked up "One Of Us Is The Killer" the night before a long road trip. Good timing. It was one helluva drive.

One of the things that really stuck me personally about "One Of Us Is The Killer" is that it's the first Dillinger album that I totally enjoyed on my first listen. Typically it takes me a couple attempts to get into one of their albums due to the sheer chaos and overwhelming insanity. Not to say those things aren't present on this effort (seriously... just give these tracks a listen...), they were just much easier for me to digest this time around. But in all fairness, my tastes have changed a good bit since the release of the epic 2010 album "Option Paralysis".

Back to 2013, this album is chalk full of great tracks covering various sounds and themes. I actually had a bit of a laugh at the absurd ground this band is capable of covering (similar to past Dillinger albums). The first three tracks serve as a great example. The singles "Prancer" and "When I Lost My Bet" rip open the album in a chaotic frenzy. These are followed by the title track which could practically be played on the radio. And all of the above are awesome. Other tracks also work to compliment the duration of this album (which actually feels surprisingly short, despite clocking in at around 40 minutes). "Paranoia Shields", "Hero of the Soviet Union", "Understanding Decay", "Crossburner", and "Nothing's Funny" stick out amongst the pack for various reasons. It's recommended you give them all a good listen.

Personally, I don't have any real criticisms here. The production is a tad raw, but that's just The Dillinger Escape Plan's style. I also recognize this album definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, most likely even headache inducing for some. But I imagine most fans of The Dillinger Escape Plan will be quite pleased while listening to "One Of Us Is The Killer". More tea for us!

To sum it all up, this a satisfying, hectic murder mystery worth your time, sanity, and monies. The Dillinger Escape Plan have delivered yet again. And I'm sure they'll continue to deliver through this album cycle with out of control live performances and possibly some other goods. Speaking of live performances, they'll be ripping it up with a headline at this year's Summer Slaughter Tour! Watch out!

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY - MAY 14TH

May 14th is turning out to be a very metal Tuesday \m/ Several noteworthy albums dropped today. Look below for some of the key releases.

Mathcore legends and innovators, The Dillinger Escape Plan have officially returned to the forefront with the release of the highly anticipated "One Of Us Is The Killer" (via Sumerian Records). Expect a chaotic ride capable of dragging listeners through the depths of anxiety and insanity as they hunt down the killer. To get an idea, watch the video for "When I Lost My Bet". And if you enjoy the hectic disorientation, be sure to grab the album! This is a murder mystery worth solving.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records

Yet another legendary return. Immolation have been at it ever since 1986. This New Yorker Death Metal unit is feared and revered throughout the metal world with good reason. They've been both innovative and destructive with their brand of heavy music. Now Immolation are back with their latest offering "Kingdom of Conspiracy" (via Nuclear Blast). All the death heads out there should definitely check out this dangerous music. Soooo damn metal \m/

 
Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

Hailing from the Netherlands, The Monolith Deathcult have returned with their sixth full-length offering “Tetragrammaton” (via Season of Mist). This album is a solidification of The Monolith Deathcult’s signature style as the band has begun to carve their own niche. This record is 7 tracks of solid Death Metal worth your attention. Give a good listen below!

 
Links: Facebook // Official Website // Merch

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN "PRANCER" LYRIC VIDEO

Here's one in honor of next Tuesday. May 14th will mark the release of absolute chaos as The Dillinger Escape Plan makes their return to the forefront with their fifth studio album "One Of Us Is The Killer". Almost time for your math lesson. The Dillinger Escape Plan have been giving out cheat sheets in the form of videos and teasers ever since their signing to Sumerian Records.

The latest installment comes in the form of a new lyric video for the title track itself. "Prancer" was actually released awhile back as the first single of the album, but this video is too damn awesome. In the realm of lyric videos, this one is king. Pure insanity. Extreme paranoia and darting camera angles align perfectly with the intensity of the song.

If the video leaves you wanting more clues in the hectic mystery that is "One Of Us Is The Killer", take a look at their recent music video for "When I Lost My Bet" (holy shit...) and the full album sampler. And don't forget to find out who the killer is next week! The Dillinger Escape plan don't fuck around.

 

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records 

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN “WHEN I LOST MY BET” MUSIC VIDEO

Warning: this is insanity itself embedded in a music video.

Mathcore legends The Dillinger Escape Plan released their first music video in support of their new album “One Of Us Is The Killer”, scheduled to release on May 14th. The video clip is for the single “When I Lost My Bet” and if you expected it to be crazy, this will go way beyond your expectations. The insanity of the video perfectly magnifies the tight, crazy sound of the music. It is dark, fast, destructive and killer. Some really dangerous stuff.

Enjoy "When I Lost My Bet" below with the first single “Prancer”, released a few weeks ago, and the preview of the new album “One Of Us Is The Killer”. Also don't forget to check 'em out this summer when they'll be headlining The Summer Slaughter Tour! Get ready... May 15th is coming...

- MATTIA

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records 

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN RELEASE ALBUM PREVIEW

Mathcore legends and innovators, The Dillinger Escape Plan, recently unveiled a full album preview for the upcoming "One Of Us Is The Killer" and it's sounding phenomenally chaotic. It looks like the bands first release via Sumerian Records will be a success on many fronts. From the sounds of it, they will be tackling various concepts, both musically and thematically as the record progresses. This greatness is all packaged into a big musical anxiety attack hitting store shelves on May 14th. Go ahead and listen to the preview below along with some more recent goods from The Dillinger Escape Plan. And be sure to check out our official album preview here.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records 

THE SUMMER SLAUGHTER TOUR 2013

The line up for Summer Slaughter was recently announced and GOD DAMN this year is going to be huge! This grouping of bands is probably not what people were expecting. There's much more of a focus on variety rather than Death Metal which has its ups and downs. But Summer Slaughter is an extreme metal tour, not purely Death Metal.

The headliner this year will be The Dillinger Escape Plan! The supporting acts include Animals As Leaders, Periphery, Norma Jean, Cattle Decapitation, The Ocean, Revocation, and Aeon.

If that doesn't sound great enough, you also get to vote for the opening act! There's a poll of 18 bands that you can find on the official Summer Slaughter Facebook page. So far it's looking heavy with Rings of Saturn and Australia's Thy Art Is Murder in the lead (UPDATE - Both Rings of Saturn and Thy Art Is Murder will be on the tour).

Check out the flyer along with some music down below! We'll see you in the pit.

 

Links: Facebook // Twitter

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN "ONE OF US IS THE KILLER" ALBUM PREVIEW

Mathcore legends The Dillinger Escape Plan are about to come back with a new crazy album "One Of Us Is The Killer"! This is going to be their 5th studio album and the first to be released via Sumerian Records.

If the first single "Prancer", released a few days ago, is a worth anticipation of it, this is definitely going to be one of the darkest and most extreme releases of the year. A pure and intense mathcore declaration which really seems to show no mercy to the audience's aural apparatus. This insane musical bomb is going to be detonated on May 14th so get ready to get your faces vaporized by the incredible music.

Also don't miss them on tour from April to May with The Faceless as you get stoked for the new album! Check out their new single "Prancer" below along with the official artwork!

Update - The Dillinger Escape Plan recently unveiled a full album preview for "One Of Us Is The Killer" and it's sounding phenomenally chaotic. It looks like the bands first release via Sumerian Records will be a success on many fronts. From the sounds of it, they will be tackling various concepts, both musically and thematically as the record progresses.

- MATTIA

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website // Sumerian Records 

MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASES OF 2013 - PART 1

Here are some of our most anticipated releases of 2013. In no particular order, this is a list of five bands with upcoming albums / EPs that will most likely land in 2013. We've also included the most recent music / announcements from each group, whether from upcoming or past releases. This is part one out of three. Let us know your most anticipated releases for the year!

Killswitch Engage - Disarm The Descent

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

 

Within The Ruins - Elite

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

 
Vildhjarta - TBA 

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

 
The Dillinger Escape Plan - TBA

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

 
Cynic - TBA 

Links: Facebook // Official Website // iTunes  

NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL XV

The New England Metal & Hardcore Festival has their line-up announced for this year. It will be the festival's fifteenth year providing some of the finest metal and hardcore to America's northeast. It will run three days from April 19th to the 21st. That's a lot of moshing to do!

Bands that will be making an appearance include Anthrax, Opeth, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed, Katatonia, Tyr, Ensiferum, Miss May I, Municipal Waste, Born of Osiris, After The Burial, The Contortionist, and Trapped Under Ice among MANY others. Check some videos from the headliners, take a peek at the rest of the line-up below, check the official website, and get stoked!

 

Links: Official Website

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2010 - RECAP

In the weeks leading up to the end of the year and our top 10 list of 2012, we're giving credit to the past couple years too. Here's the top ten albums of 2010, no shits given about whiny elitist opinions. Also have a look back at 2009.

   1   
PERIPHERY - SELF TITLED

Periphery's debut was more than just an album, it was the the trigger of the entire modern tech-metal movement. Love it or hate it, this is what largely popularized the "djent" tone. That aside, the album itself is just plain incredible. It offers such a diverse variety of music from the lighter end on "Jetpacks Was Yes!" and "All New Materials" to the heavy chaos of "Zyglrox" and "The Walk" along with everything in between. Every track had something unique and genius to offer. Other great examples are "Icarus Lives!" and the 15 minute epic "Racecar". Add it all up and you get the top album of 2010. This is a metal classic through and through.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

   2   
RINGS OF SATURN - EMBRYONIC ANOMALY

Rings of Saturn writes music on an apocalyptic scale. This is massive, crushing, tech death centered around the xenocide of the human race \m/ The band could be described as The Faceless on crack. The Rings of Saturn debut was an absolutely world crushing experience. "Embryonic Anomaly" is fast, focused, and coldly calculated with a great deal of complete insanity in the mix. When you get down to it, this record is scary good. Stand out tracks include "Seized and Devoured", "Abducted", and the title track among many other greats. If you consider yourself a fan of Tech Death, "Embryonic Anomaly" is a must. Aliens man, aliens.

Links: Facebook // Bandcamp // iTunes 

   3   
GRU - COSMOGENESIS

Easily described as an alternative to Animals As Leaders, Poland's very own Gru aka Piotrek Gruszka is an amazing artist in his own right. His debut "Cosmogeneis" is a mind blowing, virtuosic ride across the universe and back again. This record comes across as genius level art in every way. From the intro to the amazing "Zeta Reticuli", the album is an awe-inspiring musical experience. There are several other classics such as the explosive opener "Nebula", aural giant "Stellar", and the galactic pleasures of "Andromeda". "Cosmogenesis" is filled to the brim with tasty, intellectual ear candy. This record is highly recommended!

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Bandcamp

   4   
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN - OPTION PARALYSIS

It would be a crime not to include The Dillinger Escape Plan's fourth studio album on this list. The anger, paranoia, anxiousness, expressed on "Option Paralysis" are far beyond most anything you're accustomed to hearing. As to be expected, they bring the heavy, off-time chaos and creativity and excel at doing so. This record is a trip into complete insanity. The drumming, guitar, and bass work are psychotically good as the vocals seethe with raw, unchecked emotion. "Farewell, Mona Lisa", "Gold Teeth on a Bum", "Good Neighbor", "Crystal Morning" and "Widower" are several reasons why this record is a Mathcore classic.

  Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

   5   
THE CONTORTIONIST - EXOPLANET

The Contortionist's huge debut "Exoplanet" certainly caused quite a commotion as it spread through space and every corner of the metal underground. This isn't an album, it's an interstellar adventure. The excellent balance between extreme heaviness and beautiful melodic segments on this record is undeniable. And the musicianship displayed by the band from song to song is phenomenal. Tracks like "Flourish", "Primal Directive", "Oscillator", and the three epic parts of the title track stood out especially. "Exoplanet" is a brilliant album with a brilliant concept behind it, putting The Contortionist on the map in a big way.

  Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

   6   
CLOUDKICKER - BEACONS

Businessman by day, polyrythmical genius by night, Cloudkicker aka Ben Sharp never fails to impress with his brand of complex music. Some would consider the record "Beacons" to be his best work to date. It's the first full-length in which he really began to move away from his "Melodic Meshuggah" sound in favor of a more progressive, ambient approach. And it yielded some amazing aural results. "Beacons" is filled with melodic tension and pure greatness from beginning to end. Must listens on this record include "Push It Way Up!", "We're Going In. We're Going Down.", and "It's Bad. We're Hit, Man, We Are Hit." Great titles, even better record.

  Links: Facebook // Bandcamp

   7   
AFTER THE BURIAL - IN DREAMS

While we agree with much of the metal community that After The Burial's follow up to the classic "Rareform" didn't quite compare, there's no denying that "In Dreams" is one helluva album. Not to mention it has the best album artwork ever made. "In Dreams" brought a big time groove with it, punishing the listeners ear with pure metal greatness from track to track \m/ There were huge stand outs like the vicious opener "My Frailty", "Bread Crumbs & White Stones", "Encased In Ice", the emotionally charged "To Carry You Away", and someone gets hit by a train in "Your Troubles Will Cease And Fortune Will Smile Upon You". Great stuff.

  Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

   8   
VEIL OF MAYA - [id]

Coming off the legendary "Common Man's Collapse", Veil of Maya made a very strong return with "[id]". This album is a heavy as hell journey through the human consciousness, pushing technicality to it's extreme limits. VoM also took the strangeness and creativity they're known for and went all out with them, making "[id]" anything but a linear musical experience. With synapse ripping tracks such as "Unbreakable", "Dark Passenger", "Mowgli", "Namaste" laced between some hard hitting interludes, there's a risk of permanent brain damage while listening to this record (in the best way possible \m/) Get with the Veil or get out of the pit.

  Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

   9   
DEFTONES - DIAMOND EYES

Deftones have been making top notch music for a long time now. And their sixth studio album "Diamond Eyes" lived up to their reputation 100%. This album is just as enjoyable today as it was back in 2010. Unique in it's fusion of rage and beauty, Deftones entwined Progressive Rock and Metal damn near perfectly on this album. There were no limitations as they experimented in several directions from track to track. Stand outs include the title track opener, "You've Seen The Butcher", "Beauty School", "Sextape", and the dangerous "Rocket Skates". "Diamond Eyes" flows seamlessly all the way through and leaves you wanting to listen again.

  Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

   10   
THE GHOST INSIDE - RETURNERS

There's a lot to say about this incredible record. The Ghost Inside's sophomore effort "Returners" is a staple of the modern day hardcore scene. Packing a heavy punch on every track, this album is filled with mosh worthy segments. There's also great use of melody in the mix. And it's hard to deny the powerfully uplifting lyrics from Johnathan Vigil. Tracks such as "Between The Lines", "Unspoken", "Greater Distance", "Chrono", and "Overlooked" are just plain strong and inspiring. This is a band that literally gives their all in everything they do. And they do it all for their fans. "Returners" is heavy music with meaning backing it.

  Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes