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INSIDEOUT Norwegian prog rockers ride a new wave. Way back, Leprous were a prog-metal band. Nowadays the 'metal' tag feels oddly confining, the band steadily dispensing with their more extreme [...]

Nickelback Birmingham Utilita Arena The hit machine rolls on with Canadian rockers' first UK tour in six years. *A lot has changed for Nickelback over the past 20 years. 2005's [...]

The article from Metal Hammer covers the Wolfsnächte Tour 2024 featuring Powerwolf, Hammerfall, and Wind Rose in Germany. Powerwolf's theatrical performance includes burning keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel at the stake, while Wind Rose brings a unique 'dwarf metal' sound. Hammerfall, a traditional heavy metal band, rounds out the lineup. The bands showcase the diversity and popularity of power metal, offering fans a sense of escapism and empowerment through their performances. [Extracted from the article]

"Metal Hammer" released a list of the top 50 albums of 2024, showcasing a diverse array of artists and genres. The top album, "Absolute Elsewhere" by Blood Incantation, was commended for its innovative fusion of death metal, prog, psych, and ambient music. Other notable albums included works by Judas Priest, Chelsea Wolfe, and Bruce Dickinson. The list highlighted the creativity and variety within the metal music scene in 2024, featuring artists like Kalandra, Big | Brave, Devin Townsend, Julie Christmas, Knocked Loose, Gatecreeper, and Blood Incantation, who draw inspiration from nature, personal experiences, and historical figures to create emotionally resonant music that challenges conventions. [Extracted from the article]

Arka'n Asrafokor, a metal band from Togo, is at the forefront of the emerging African metal scene. Their music combines groove, thrash, and rap-metal with traditional African folk music, creating a unique and vibrant sound. The band draws inspiration from their Ewe culture and sings in the Ewe language, incorporating themes of environmentalism and spiritualism into their lyrics. Despite being the only metal band in Togo, Arka'n Asrafokor remains optimistic about the future of metal in Africa and hopes to shine a light on other African metal bands. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the impact and legacy of the punk rock band Bad Brains. It discusses the band's unique blend of punk, reggae, and metal music, as well as their influence on subsequent generations of musicians. The article also delves into the band's tumultuous history, including their struggles with racism and internal conflicts. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of Bad Brains' significance in the punk rock genre. [Extracted from the article]

Serj Tankian, the mastermind behind System Of A Down, is known for his activism and work in support of social and political causes. Tankian reflects on his journey as an artist, activist, and human being, emphasizing the importance of support, cultural heritage, and staying true to oneself. He discusses his experiences with meditation, the evolution of his music, and the ongoing conversation around the Armenian genocide. Tankian's work ethic and commitment to meaningful projects continue to shape his creative endeavors. [Extracted from the article]

KADABRA Umbra HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS US psych rockers seek to free your ass, so your mind will follow Formed in 2020, Kadabra weren't afforded the luxury of road-testing material when [...]

Ice-T, the leader of Body Count, discusses his music career, influences, and collaborations in an interview. He talks about his transition into metal music, his favorite rap and metal albums, and the challenges of the music industry. Ice-T also shares his thoughts on various topics, including peanut butter preferences, dinosaurs, and potential collaborations with other artists. The interview provides insights into his experiences and perspectives as a prominent figure in the music industry. [Extracted from the article]

Royal Thunder Rebuilding The Mountain SPINEFARM Reborn Atlantan rockers spin their last straw into gold. In the five years since their last album, Royal Thunder have succumbed to addiction, dissolved, [...]

* This isn't the first time that Massive Wagons have played Birmingham's O2 Academy 2, but it may very well be the last. Even two-piece The Virginmarys seem practically claustrophobic [...]

This article features several new bands that will be making waves in the music scene in the next year. Ryujin, a self-proclaimed 'samurai metal' band from Japan, draws inspiration from their country's history and mythology, incorporating traditional instruments into their music. Blackgold, part of the Nu Wave Of Nu Metal, combines heavy metal with influences from classic hip hop. Brat, a fusion of death metal and grindcore, embraces a 'bimboviolence' aesthetic. ALT BLK ERA, a duo from the UK, brings together nu metal, hip hop, and electronica, challenging stereotypes in the rock and metal scene. Gel, a New Jersey-based band, creates a unique sound by blending hardcore and post-punk. The Sun's Journey Through The Night combines raw emotion from hardcore with black metal's cosmic themes. Militarie Gun, a young LA-based band, infuses classic hardcore with melodic elements. These bands are pushing boundaries and creating exciting new music in their respective genres. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the rise and fall of the Finnish metal band Children of Bodom and their frontman, Alexi Laiho. The band gained popularity in the early 2000s but faced challenges due to Alexi's alcoholism and self-destructive behavior. Despite efforts to address his addiction, the band eventually disbanded. Alexi formed a new project, but sadly passed away in January 2021 due to alcohol-related health issues. The article emphasizes the band's legacy and the impact of Alexi's talent on the metal community. [Extracted from the article]

This text is a compilation of various articles and interviews discussing different topics such as music, games, and bands. It includes interviews with musicians Linnéa Olsson of Maggot Heart, Colin Hendra of Wytch Hazel, and Amalie Bruun of Myrkur. The articles also cover topics such as the best games of the year, EPs of the year, and live performances by bands like Sabaton, Babymetal, and AC/DC. Each article provides insights into the artists' perspectives, their creative processes, and their experiences in the music industry. The article discusses two different bands and their recent albums. Code Orange, a hardcore band, has released an album called "The Above" which combines elements of rock, metal, and grunge. The band aims to challenge themselves and create accessible songs that still maintain their intelligence and emotion. Creeper, a goth-punk band, has released an album called "Sanguivore" which draws inspiration from classic rock and Jim Steinman's "Bat Out of Hell." The album tells a vampire-themed story and showcases the band's theatricality. Both bands have their own unique sound and are focused on their own artistic growth rather than comparing themselves to other bands. [Extracted from the article]

Metallica's album "72 Seasons" was highly anticipated and released in April, seven years after their previous album. The album delves into lead singer James Hetfield's psyche and was recorded during the pandemic. The band embarked on the ambitious M72 World Tour, playing two shows in each destination with a different setlist each night. The tour featured an in-the-round stage and extended into 2024. Metallica has received positive feedback for their performances and has plans to continue touring and potentially release new music in the future. [Extracted from the article]

WORDS: RICH HOBSON HEAVY METAL IS back on the big screen. Or on screens at least, as this past summer has seen everything from Thor: Love and Thunder utilising Guns [...]

Wheel, a Finnish-Anglo band, has faced internal challenges in the past few years but has bounced back with their experimental third studio album, Charismatic Leaders. The band's frontman, James Lascelles, discusses the difficulties they faced during the creation of the album, including personal struggles and the departure of their bassist. Despite these challenges, Wheel has found a renewed sense of momentum and heaviness in their music. The album explores political and societal themes, holding up a mirror to society and criticizing charismatic leaders. Lascelles hopes that the album will provide catharsis for listeners. [Extracted from the article]

Type O Negative's final single with Roadrunner Records, "I Don't Wanna Be Me," became one of their most enduring anthems. The band's fifth album, "World Coming Down," was especially bleak, with lyrical narratives of drug addiction and familial loss taken from Peter Steele's experiences. The band responded to adversity with pitch-black humor and injected a sense of playfulness into their sixth album, "Life Is Killing Me." The lead single, "I Don't Wanna Be Me," recaptured the band's hardcore roots with a gothic, new wave twist. Despite the band's struggles, their music still had commercial appeal, and "Life Is Killing Me" reached the Top 40 of the US Billboard 200. Type O Negative would only release one more record before Peter Steele's passing in 2010, but their influence continues to be acknowledged by numerous bands. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the rising success of Sleep Token band in 2023. Topics include their hit album, viral videos, secret listening sessions and upcoming arena show; their strong fan base and the enigmatic nature of the band's identity; Sleep Token's popularity has been soaring in the music world; a highly anticipated show at Wembley Arena, London. England, and the band's ability to transcend genre boundaries, making them one of the most unique and important new bands in metal.

FOR ROYAL THUNDER, emotional candour comes as naturally as breathing. Across three albums and two EPs, the Atlantan group created a spellbinding mix of emotive, soulful melodies and timeless compositions, [...]

Opeth's fifth album, Blackwater Park, released in 2001, helped the Swedish band gain recognition in the international metal scene. However, frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt dismisses the idea that it instantly made them stars. Following the album's release, the band embarked on their first international tour, which was both exciting and challenging for Åkerfeldt. Feeling pressure to match their previous material and build on their commercial success, Åkerfeldt decided to write two albums simultaneously. The resulting albums, Deliverance and Damnation, were recorded under pressure and without much rehearsal time. Damnation, released in 2002, was well-received and showcased Opeth's ability to reinvent themselves creatively. [Extracted from the article]

Babymetal, Japan's premier metal trio, has evolved over the past decade to incorporate various genres into their music, earning them a diverse fanbase. They believe their appeal comes from their ability to break boundaries and create something new and interesting. They also hope to inspire interest in Japanese culture and music. The band members discuss their favorite songs to perform, their touring experiences, and their dream festival lineup. They practice choreography six days a week and value the importance of their dancing. Overall, Babymetal continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of metal and J-pop. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the history and success of the Welsh band Skindred. It highlights their iconic live stunt, the Newport Helicopter, where fans whirl their shirts around in the air. The band faced challenges early in their career but gained popularity in the US with their albums Babylon, Roots Rock Riot, and Shark Bites And Dog Fights. Their fourth album, Union Black, solidified their core values and featured collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach. The band's unique live performances, including the Newport Helicopter, have become legendary. Skindred's latest album, Smile, was released in 2024. [Extracted from the article]

BloodMagic is a new band formed by actor/musician Jamie Campbell Bower, known for his role as Vecna in Stranger Things. Their debut single, "Death / Rebirth," has gained attention for its genre-blurring sound, combining elements of post-hardcore, black metal, and alt metal. The band's music video features striking imagery and explores themes of leaving one world to enter the next. Bower's musical aspirations date back to his time as the frontman and guitarist of punk band Counterfeit, and he has collaborated with drummer Kyle Adams to create BloodMagic. The band aims to create a cohesive audio-visual package that combines despair and catharsis. [Extracted from the article]

Opeth, the Swedish prog metal band, is returning to their death metal roots after 16 years. Their new single, "Paragraph 1," features death metal vocals and sets the stage for their upcoming album, "The Last Will And Testament." The album is a concept record set in the 1920s, following the story of a father's death and the secrets revealed during the reading of his will. The band worked with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson on the album, who provided narrations and even added a flute solo. Opeth's vocalist, Mikael Åkerfeldt, expressed his preference for intricate and technical death metal. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the latest album by the Brant Bjork Trio, titled "Once Upon A Time In The Desert." Brant Bjork is known as a pioneer of desert-rock, and this album continues in that vein with a blend of 70s rock and a touch of desert haze. What sets this album apart is the execution, as it feels more like a cohesive band effort rather than a solo project. The tracks draw on Bjork's earlier releases while maintaining a psychedelic funk sound. Overall, the album is a successful combination of Bjork's musical styles. [Extracted from the article]

The Damnation Festival, held in Manchester, is the largest underground metal festival in the UK. The festival features a variety of bands and genres within the metal scene, including black metal, thrash metal, and doom metal. Some notable performances include Electric Wizard, Anaal Nathrakh, and Enslaved. The festival offers a diverse range of experiences, from intense and aggressive performances to more melodic and atmospheric sets. Overall, the Damnation Festival provides a platform for both established and emerging metal bands to showcase their talent and connect with fans. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Hey Living People" discusses the album "Dominum" by Teutonic power metal band Dominum. The band incorporates a horror theme into their music, similar to bands like Powerwolf and Lordi. However, the article suggests that Dominum falls short of creating a distinctive character and instead imitates other bands in the genre. Despite this, the album contains some standout tracks that capture the energetic and melodic qualities of German power metal. Overall, the album may appeal to fans of bands like Edguy, Powerwolf, and Lordi. [Extracted from the article]

Sharon den Adel, the frontwoman of Within Temptation, discusses various topics in an interview. She reflects on the intense year of 2023 for the band and the surprise media attention they received for their politically themed album, "Bleed Out." She also mentions their song "Ritual" being described as sensual and talks about their upcoming tour and plans for a spectacular stage. Sharon den Adel mentions the band's resistance to conforming to trends, such as nu metal, and expresses interest in doing another covers record. She also shares her favorite place she lived, Suriname, and her love for playing tennis. Additionally, she reveals her involvement in a new fashion project using biodegradable mushroom-based materials for the band's next tour. [Extracted from the article]

Sleep Token, a popular band, experienced an unusual incident during a concert in Sydney, Australia. A fan captured a loud fart on video during a quiet part of the set, which went viral and garnered thousands of views and reaction videos. The fan who filmed the incident found it humorous, and even suggested that more bands should incorporate fart moments into their songs. The band's reaction to the incident was captured on video, with one member appearing to have a slight giggle. The identity of the farter remains unknown. [Extracted from the article]

Tool, the alt-metal band that emerged from Los Angeles in the 1990s, recently performed at California's Power Trip festival. Despite the festival's focus on rock and metal, Tool's meditative prog style provided a unique and transcendent experience for the audience. The band's frontman, Maynard James Keenan, maintained a low-key presence on stage while the other band members were highlighted. The performance featured a visually stunning display on the giganto screens, creating a psychedelic atmosphere. Tool showcased their ability to transition between intense and melodic moments, ultimately delivering a powerful and distinctive rock show. [Extracted from the article]