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R.I.P. Marvin Lee Aday (Meat Loaf) – 9/27/47 – 01/20/2022

The music world lost a giant late Thursday evening. Marvin Lee Aday, known to millions around the world as Meat Loaf, passed away due to complications caused by Covid-19. Known for his unbelievable voice, passionate performances and unique image; he is the current record holder for most albums sold with the lowest number of albums released. ‘Bat Out of Hell’ and ‘Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell’ have cumulatively sold roughly 80 million copies. And that number just keeps going up.

The Darkness Strike Back With ‘Motorheart’

The Darkness, Britain’s hard rock flag flying gang are back once again with a new, killer album. ‘Motorheart’ continues a post ‘Last of Our Kind’ run of high quality, fun song writing. From ‘Welcome Tae Glasgae’ to ‘So Long,’ it’s a perfect blend of what makes The Darkness so unique and excellent. Tasty, old school hard rock, but with a 21st century alternative twist. The band’s legacy is being further cemented with this pretty good album.

Judas Priest 50th Anniversary Box Set – The Ultimate Heavy Metal Collection

Box sets, a staple of the music and film industries. Ultimate collections that satisfy fans old and new. Some are stronger than others. Some are simply extended, multi-disc greatest hits collections. With a few rarities and demos of signature songs. Maybe a couple of live tracks. That always leave you wanting more. Then, there’s one album anniversary collections. Such as Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’ box set. Or what Metallica have been doing with their classic albums. And finally, there’s the crazy, entire remastered and remixed catalog. Complete with entire live outings from each era that have been redone for optimal audio excellence. And that’s exactly what Judas Priest have done with their new 50’th anniversary box set.

New Album Review – L.A. Guns Continue Post Reunion Winning Streak With ‘Checkered Past’

Since Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis’ reunion, they’ve been pretty consistent in releasing quality, fresh material. 2017’s ‘The Missing Peace’ set the standard. And since, we’ve gotten another studio album (The Devil You Know), two live outings (Live in Milan and Cocked and Loaded Live), a couple of singles (Crawl) and even a Christmas tune (Another X-mas in Hell, also featured on ‘The Devil You Know’). And the streak now continues with the new ‘Checkered Past.’

New Album Review – Jerry Cantrell Revisits His Mellow Side With ‘Brighten’

Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell has released his first solo material since 2002’s double album ‘Degradation Trip.’ And while that album covers a multitude of different sounds. Ranging from the beautiful balladry of ’31/32′ to the mega heaviness of ‘Spiderbite,’ ‘Degradation Trip’ displayed an entire landscape of what Jerry Cantrell could do. However, his new solo outing, ‘Brighten’ harkens back to the mellow days of Cantrell’s first solo album ‘Boggy Depot.’ But with a modern freshness that’s kept post Staley, Alice in Chains relevant and strong.

New Album Review – Mastodon Drop the Double ‘Hushed and Grim’

It was always inevitable that Mastodon would release a double album. Their progressive tendencies have always been apparent. Even dominating at times (Crack the Skye). With their last lp (Emperor of Sand), they found a perfect balance between their heavy prog leanings and their more accessible, pop oriented sounds. And with the new ‘Hushed and Grim,’ Mastodon double down on the balance and double the material.

Five Perfect Halloween Metal Costumes

As we all know, October is metal month. The main reason being that it’s the month that contains Halloween. Which is without a doubt the most metal of holidays. I mean, c’mon, you dress up (typically) as some sort of penny dreadful horror monster and get free candy? That freakin’ rocks!! And there is no shortage of metal characters. Ranging from KISS to Slipknot. All of which make for a perfect Halloween costume. Here’s the top five Halloween metal costume ideas.

New Album Review – Dream Theater Continue Their Killer Streak With ‘A View From the Top of the World’

Dream Theater are back with their first album since 2019’s ‘Distance Over Time.’ It’s their best release since 2011’s ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events.’ Their heaviest since ‘Train of Thought.’ And truly solidifies Mike Mangini’s growing legacy with the band.

Nita Strauss Throws Down With New Track ‘Dead Inside.’ Featuring David Draiman.

Nita Strauss, of ‘The Iron Maidens’ and Alice Cooper’s band, has dropped a totally kick ass solo track. ‘Dead Inside’ hits the power metal groove sweet spot. Delivering on the heavy goods. Plus, having Disturbed vocalist David Draiman contributing takes the track into the stratosphere.

New Album Review – dUg Pinnick Knocks It Out Of The Park With ‘Joy Bomb’

Low end groove, addictive riffs and vocal melodies. Thought provoking lyrics combined with unabashed passion and enthusiasm. These are the ingredients that have made dUg Pinnick one of the most profound song writers and voices in rock history. Whether it’s King’s X, KXM or his solo work, he always brings his A game. And his new solo album, ‘Joy Bomb’ is no exception .