Since its debut release in 1997, Sevendust has been one of the most consistent bands in hard rock and metal, never releasing a subpar album and grinding it out on the road as much as anyone. On May 11, the band released “All I See is War” (Rise Records), its 12th studio record, and the... Continue Reading →
Best known as the frontman of Charm City Devils, John Allen has become a leading figure in the Baltimore rock music scene. In 2017, he teamed up with young guitarist Teddy Merril to launch his latest band, Stone Horses, later adding Charm City Devils drummer Jason Heiser and Australian bassist Rick Reynolds. With an EP... Continue Reading →
The word “supergroup” is overused in the music business, but it’s awfully hard not to spit it out immediately when describing Sons of Apollo. Mike Portnoy on drums, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Billy Sheehan on bass, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar, Jeff Scott Soto on vocals—what other word comes to mind? Released in October 2017,... Continue Reading →
Death metal veteran Frank Costa needed a change. So, following his heart and the music he’s always loved, he quit the band he was in at the time, Entheos, and started Realms of Vision, drawing on influences of classic metal bands from the ‘70s and the dark, brooding nature of ‘90s acts like Alice in... Continue Reading →
Family always has run deep in Black Stone Cherry. For drummer John Fred Young, music is in his blood. His father and uncle are founding members of the country/Southern rock band The Kentucky Headhunters, and the foundation of Black Stone Cherry was laid in the Headhunters’ famed practice house—an abandoned building on the Young family’s... Continue Reading →
What happens when you put a bunch of bloodthirsty, music-loving goblins together? You get a brand of crushing music otherwise now known as goblin metal. Enter Nekrogoblikon, featuring its goblin hype-man, John. So is this a parody? Nope. Is this a gimmick? Sure. Is this awesome? Yep. Formed more than a decade ago and "practicing... Continue Reading →
Black Wizard has been honing its blend of classic, doom and thrash metal since the group of high school friends came together in 2009 in Vancouver. The quartet got its biggest break to date in 2016, when it was selected as the opening act for the Volbeat/Killswitch Engage tour. Riding that momentum into the next... Continue Reading →
Live Metal’s history with Five Finger Death Punch goes back a long time—to before there were hit singles, gold records, sold-out arenas or even a record deal. (We actually wrote the first published review of the band’s 2007 debut album, “The Way of the Fist.”) During their steady ascension through the ranks of heavy music,... Continue Reading →
For many Kamelot fans, the band's future might have been in question when longtime vocalist Roy Kahn exited the band in 2011. I remember posts and comments, and yes, there was concern. However, that concern quickly was laid to rest when the Sweden-born Tommy Karevik took over vocal duties on 2012's "Silverthorn." While similar in style... Continue Reading →
