FOR THE LOVE OF METAL
A beautiful full-colour, hardcover affair, this perfect-bound 270-plus page coffee table piece is as extravagant and captivating as it is compelling, informative and exciting. From essays by the authors/cameramen to reflective contributions from genre mainstays including Robb Flynn, Alex Skolnick and Gary Holt, there’s an inescapable air of enthusiasm, adoration and importance to Murder In The Front Row.
INTO ETERNITY is one of the headliners at this weekend’s Manitoba Metalfest in Winnipeg MB along with SUFFOCATION and UNTIMELY DEMISE. It will also be one of their first shows with new lead vocalist Amanda Kiernan, who also fronts Edmonton’s THE ORDER OF CHAOS. Here is a review of TOOC’s latest album Burn These Dreams, as well as an interview with Amanda about both bands, done by Hellbound’s own Jason Wellwood.
Despite the rough-hewn quality of the demo’s performances and recording, it reveals that the essence of Voivod was present at the outset. While in 1984 it seemed unlikely that these four rivet-heads from Jonquiere would become prog-metal pioneers, it was obvious from the abrasive, alien nature of Voivod’s early material that this band was truly a breed apart.
I’d love to say that Tornado on the Tracks blew me away, but it didn’t. It’s definitely catchy and a good listen, but it’s a lot more mellow and not quite as memorable as I had hoped. I think it’s a good first step for the band, hopefully this will result in further albums from the band as the talent is definitely there, it just didn’t come out in these songs.
The first Wino unplugged record was a neat little novelty, but even with a guest star on this one, I’d say it’s still one too many. Frankly, I can’t even see this tiding me over till the new Saint Vitus record comes out.
On February 8th the 2012 version of Gigantour touched down at Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum, featuring Megadeth, Motorhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil.
Live review by Sean Palmerston and concert photography by Adam Wills
All in all, Comeblack is a pretty good record, it’s not going to take the place of the classics but it’s a pretty awesome way to let those of us who never saw the latest incarnation hear how things would have sounded.
I dunno man, all the pieces are there, but I’m not really feeling it. These guys don’t bring anything new to the table, that’s for sure…
Natalie Zed reviews the February 12th Toronto performance by Lock Up, Goatwhore and Strong Intention. Live photos by Albert Mansour.
Invisible Empire definitely has less Monster Magnet feel to it though and that’s not a bad thing at all, giving Bob and Jim a little distance from their ‘other’ band lets Riotgod stretch a little more as well.