Royal Talons – self-titled EP
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…
Gruesome Greg
I’ve got these two Troubles troublin’ me…
If Black Sabbath are the grandfathers of doom, Trouble would be one of its uncles (along with Candlemass, Saint Vitus and Witchfinder General). But while grandpa’s mad ravings have been grabbing headlines lately, what with the whole Bill Ward fiasco, Uncle Trouble has been through quite the shakeup himself. In fact, it seems that there’s not one, but two Troubles nowadays. Say what?
Pilgrim – Misery Wizard
Misery Wizard is the first full-length release from this Rhode Island trio, though it’s clear from the first note that they’ve taken a few classes at the University of Doom Metal.
So I missed the NFC Championship to see Ghost, but should I skip the Super Bowl for some Slow Southern Steel?
I gotta say, I’ve been pretty stoked for Slow Southern Steel ever since I first heard of the concept a couple years back. A documentary on the southern sludge scene starring Kylesa, Eyehategod, Sourvein, Zoroaster, Dixie Witch and Weedeater, to name but a few, directed by CT from Rwake, sure sounds like it’s right up my alley. And now that the film’s finally ready for release, they’re taking the show on the road, with screenings in 19 US cities opening for Zoroaster and sludge supergroup Hail! Hornet (feat. Dixie Dave, T.Roy et al). To say that I’m awfully tempted would be an understatement…
So, Toronto finally gets to see a Ghost gig this Sunday!
Ghost haunts the Mod Club tomorrow nite with Blood Ceremony and Ancient VVisdom. No need to sell your soul–advanced tickets are just 15 bucks!
Well, it ain’t the El Mocambo, but it’s the next door thing…
Fortunately, it seems that quite a few bands that used to play that Bloor Street dive have moved on to the 460 now. A much better location, if you ask me–College and Spadina, literally right next to the El Mocambo. Mind you, there’s really no comparison between the ElMo and this hole in the wall, for better or for worse.
Corrosion of Conformity – self-titled
COC has a new album coming out and, as Gruesome Greg says, “this is some good shit!”
Didn’t get that Reverend Bizarre backpatch you wanted for Christmas? Well, this draw’s for you!
Tickets are now on sale online for the RAFFLE OF DOOM, running up till the end of March. You won’t get this kinda haul from your local record store, that’s for sure. Here, see for yourself…
My Top 10 Albums and Concerts of 2011, now posted for your reading pleasure…
Well, it looks like two of my Top 10 made our overall Top 20 this year, which seems to be more or less on par with last year, if I recall correctly. Still have not heard that 40 Watt Sun album (Metal Blade dropped the ball on distribution, or what?), and I can’t believe that Progpeth took the top spot, with Mastodon not far behind. And here I thought we had more discriminating tastes at Hellbound… At least Lulu was nowhere to be seen!
Black Pyramid – II
But is it a step forward, or backwards? That all depends on your perception. I, for one, don’t dig this as much as the first album, and am certainly curious as to which direction the band will take with a new frontman/axeman. One thing is certain, though. Black Pyramid III won’t be a blind buy for me…