Album Review: Alice in Chains – The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

May 24th, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Alice in Chains
The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
Universal

In Life, second chances are hard to come by. In the world of music, they are practically non-existent. When a band loses a key member, as Alice In Chains did with the tragic passing of frontman Layne Staley in 2002, the entire foundation of the band is brought to ash. From this destruction, however, fans have been blessed to witness a rebirth and meteoric rise of a true grunge powerhouse as guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney found new life for the band in vocalist William DuVal. DuVal, who joined the band in 2005, has proven himself to be a powerful and captivating replacement for the late Layne Staley. Still many fans were left wondering if this was to be the future for the band or just one last stab at past greatness. All of these doubts are cast aside with the release of their newest studio effort, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.

This album is not just a reunion of washed up rockers looking to stay current and profitable. This is a pure musical experience forged in the same fires that has made Alice In Chains such a unique and endearing act in the first place. There could be no better fit for the role of frontman than William DuVal as his sweeping and wailing vocals meld seamlessly with the dark and brooding riffs of Cantrell, Inez and Kinney. The album opens with Hollow, a fitting first release from the album, which showcases the band’s songwriting prowess with riff after riff of pure rock fury. This is just a hint of what’s to come, however, as the album quickly erupts into a torrent of sludgy riffs and fierce rhythmic elements. From the rich and complex grooves on tracks such as Pretty Done and Stone to the haunting and beautiful acoustic driven Voices and title track The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, DuVal and crew leave no doubt as to their capabilities and state quite clearly that they are back and in top form. For fans of the band, this will feel like a throwback to earlier albums Dirt or Jar Of Flies, while maintaining its own identity and significance.

It is humble and to the point while at times almost cheeky with its flawless delivery and musical proficiency. The mountainous vocal harmonies rest on top of an absolutely immaculate rhythmic bed of a maddening mix of chaos and rigid structure. This album bends the reality of what can be accomplished in a studio recording with deceptive pulse and bizarre otherworldly guitar tones. It reflects everything that is essentially Alice in Chains while committing the band mates and their fans to a wonderous future. Top to bottom, this album is an experience. One that must be enjoyed in its entirety with a youthful and sustained love of music for the sake of expression and creation. In the face of such artistry and grit, listeners are left as babes, naked in the wonderment of the power of music.

Look for The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here to be released May 28th worldwide. If you were ever a fan of the band or the genre as a whole, this one is for you.

By: Matt Snow

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Film Review: Epic – Directed by Chris Wedge

May 24th, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Film by Editor in Chief

Film Review: Epic
Directed by Chris Wedge
20th Century Fox

Originally slated to be released as “Leaf Men” before an eleventh hour change at the 20th Century Fox offices, EPIC is just that. A tale of outsiders and an unthinkably amazing/beautiful world, and of course a lesson that draws the outsider into a new understanding that their life isn’t as bad as it seemed… Or something like that. It’s a wonder that studios don’t take to this plot device more often *cough* avatarferngullyetc *cough*…

Despite being a re-hashed remake of a few notable predecessors, Epic brings a lot of its own to the table, and is best considered a fresh take on an old idea. Loosely based on William Joyce’s “The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs”, Epic has a great starting ground, making a few notable changes turning Joyce’s green skinned namesakes into tiny bird-riding humans, which makes this film more a “magical world story” than a “gang of talking bugs” one. However, the script doesn’t disappoint in that regard with at least three loveable sassy insects who help the characters along the way.

Audiences are almost all guaranteed to like the flick, with intelligent humour, a familiar storyline, and a superb voice cast tying it all together. Leaf-Men Leader Ronin, played by Colin Farrell may be the real draw to EPIC for most, however his part feels largely contrived, pulling away from the main narrative with it’s own attempt at a plot line that is never realized. Instead, the story is strongest in regards to the characters M.K and Nod (Amanda Seyfried and Josh Hutcherson respectively) who drive the story through a series of repeated interactions with other creatures in the kingdom. Special mention has to go to Beyonce (Queen Tara) and Steven Tyler (Nim), who, while not usually known for lending their famous voices to cartoons, do so superbly.

Rounding it all out is two Academy award winner Christoph Waltz (Best Supporting under Tarantino in both Inglorious Bastards and Django) who plays the perhaps too scary for kids villain Mandrake (who was begging for his own stronger plot), Aziz Ansari as Mub, a rambunctious slug, and a seamless soundtrack from none-other than Danny Elfman, who must need several more hours in a day to find time to sleep.

Epic is one of those family films that a couple of thugs can go to and still enjoy it. Highly recommended to say the least.

EPIC OPENS NATIONWIDE TODAY, MAY 24th 2013!

By Scott Alexander

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Booze Review: Saxo

May 23rd, 2013 Filed under: Booze Review by Editor in Chief

Beer: Saxo
Brewery Website

Location: Belgium

Type Of Beer: Belgian Blond Ale

Alcohol Content: 7.5

Appearance: Saxo pours a beautiful golden honey colour.  It’s quite hazy in the glass, but still clear enough to see the hurried beading.  On top of the beer is half an inch of white head, which settles down after a few minutes, hanging back as a smooth creamy lacing for the duration of the drink.

Scent:  Lemon and grapefruit scents, floral and fruity, accompanied with a slight spiciness.  The Belgian yeast is prominent, and there’s a slight hoppy bitterness as well.  There’s a lot going on in the aroma of this beer, but above all else it is clearly a Belgian blonde made with Belgian yeast.

Taste: The initial taste is dry and citrusy, as expected based on the aroma of the beer.  There’s a hoppy bitterness to it, which complements the yeast flavours well.  The carbonation is present throughout, but slowly decreases as the beer warms up.  The beer doesn’t linger long on the palate, but there is a slight fruity maltiness to the finish.

Overall Impressions: The Caracole Brewery advertises its beers as “Artisanal Belgian Beer”.  Saxo (meaning Saxophone: with the instrument being featured on the label, held high by a snail dressed in a red leotard for some reason?) is their artisan Belgian Blond Ale.  It’s a gorgeous beer – a hazy honey colour that seems to clear up as the beer settles in the glass.  The aroma is typical for a Belgian ale – plenty of lemon and grapefruit citrusness, some banana and spice notes, and of course, the Belgian yeast.  The taste is dry, and highly carbonated, with the floral and citrus flavours mingling delicately on the palate.  There’s a slight maltiness to the finish but it doesn’t linger long.  This is a beer that benefits significantly from a lift in temperature before being poured.  Let it get a bit closer to room temperature – this will allow for Saxo’s ingredients to shine through and add a lot more depth to the taste.

By: Brent MacKenzie

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Album Review: Just Before Dawn – Pres Innan Gryningen

May 23rd, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Just before Dawn
Pres Innan Gryningen
Chaos Records

Originally starting off to be just a project by Anders Biazzi (Amon Amarth, Blood Mortized) and Rogga Johansson (Paganizer, Revolting, Ribspreader) the offering developed into a eight song album featuring not one, not two, but seven vocalists for the tracks as more and more of Sweden’s finest were added to the roster, allowing each track to offer something new and enticing. Describing their sound as “Swedish Steamroller Death Metal” the band lives up to this claim and hits you like a tank. Appropriately suitable artwork by Daniel Devilish portrays the assault this album is about to prevail upon you.

Although having what one might say is too many vocalists, the one thing that stands out the most in this album is the guitar work, which is mostly performed and written by Biazzi. While their seven vocalists contributed to the album making this a Swedish super group which is no surprise in itself as most Swedish bands are an incestuous love affair of the same musicians. At times you feel like you’ve put on the latest Asphyx or Bolt Thrower release to have it take an unexpected twist to traditional Swedish de-tuned guitar like At the Gates or so many bands have used during Sweden’s reign for death metal. The guitar is consistent throughout the album while at times due to the numerous vocals the consistency there drops. Some vocalist includes Jonas Lindblood (Puteraeon), Ralf Hauber (Revel in Flesh), Mr.Hitchcock (Zombiefication). Memorable tracks include intro namesake track “Pres Innan Gryningen” and “Under Wheels of Death”.

The album features production that is crisp and fresh, a job well done by Riders of the Storm Studio and the nine musicians who put this piece together. Another decent release added to the vault of Swedish metal.

By Ruthless

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WTF: Austrian Man Wins Right To Wear Pasta Strainer In License Photo

May 23rd, 2013 Filed under: WTF? by Editor in Chief

BBC – Niko Alm first applied for the licence three years ago after reading that headgear was allowed in official pictures only for confessional reasons.

Mr Alm said the sieve was a requirement of his religion, pastafarianism.

Later a police spokesman explained that the licence was issued because Mr Alm’s face was fully visible in the photo.

“The photo was not approved on religious grounds. The only criterion for photos in driving licence applications is that the whole face must be visible,” said Manfred Reinthaler, a police spokesman in Vienna.

He was speaking on Wednesday, after Austrian media had first reported Mr Alm’s reason for wearing the pasta strainer.

After receiving his application the Austrian authorities had required him to obtain a doctor’s certificate that he was “psychologically fit” to drive.

(READ MORE)

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R.I.P – Spider from Mars Trevor Bolder passes away aged 62

May 21st, 2013 Filed under: R.I.P. by Editor in Chief

Another fallen angel in the music scene
R.I.P. Trevor Bolder June 9 1950 – May 21st 2013

Legendary bassist Trevor Bolder has succumbed to his battle with cancer today, May 21st 2013 at the age of 62. Bolder performed with bands starting the the 1970s such as long time Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Cybernauts and David Bowie’s backing band Spiders from Mars. Earlier this year he announced he was taking time off from Uriah Heep due to surgery to remove pancreatic cancer and go through chemotherapy but aimed to be back in action for the bands performance at Download Music Festival. Sadly his goal will not be accomplished.

Uriah Heep made a statement about Bolder’s passing: “Trevor was an all-time great – one of the outstanding musicians of his generation, and one of the finest and most influential bass players Britain ever produced.

“His long time membership of Uriah Heep brought the band’s music, and Trevor’s virtuosity and enthusiasm, to hundreds of thousands of fans across the world.”

Box adds:

“Trevor was a world class bass player, singer and songwriter – and more importantly a world class friend. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and rock fans all over the world. We are all numb to the core.”

By: Ruthless

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ABORT Magazine – ISSUE 21: Now Online (Free Download!)

May 20th, 2013 Filed under: Issues by Editor in Chief

CLICK PICTURE TO DOWNLOAD
ABORT MAGAZINE •• ISSUE 21 ••

Cover art | Tasha Zimich

ISSUE 21: featuring Exclusive Interviews with: MAGNUS RISING, Tyrants Blood, Director Jeff Renfroe, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and more!

PLUS: Revived, ABORTIST, Shooting Gallery, Inkspolitation, Behind the Boards, and of course a handful of honest reviews!

FEATURING: Editorials on The Early Vancouver Metal Scene, and a Comprehensive look at SNUFF PORN

Free To Download and Share As Always.

READ OUR BACK ISSUES HERE

We’ll Lead…You Follow.

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Last Week in Metal: August Burns Red, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Dillinger Escape Plan and more

May 20th, 2013 Filed under: Last Week in... by MetalEditor

(Photo – Derek Carr)

From new videos, new albums and free songs, last week provided many opportunities to check out some killer new music. Read on to find out what you may have missed.

Videos: Parkway Drive’s “Wild Eyes” from their fourth album Atlas, Harasai’s “Three Kings” from their second album Psychotic Kingdom and August Burns Red’s lyric video for “Fault Line” from the upcoming Rescue and Restore.

Songs: Death Division’s “We Are The Fallen,” The Black Dahlia Murder’s “Raped In Hatred By Vines Of Thorn” from the upcoming album Everblack and Megadeth’s “Kingmaker” from the upcoming album Super Collider.

Albums: My Dying Bride’s The Manuscript EP, The Dillinger Escape Plan’s One of Us Is the Killer, Tribulation’s The Formulas of Death, Blood Red Throne‘s Blood Red Throne, Gothminister’s Utopia, Masterplan’s Novum Initium, Pop Evil’s Onyx and Battle Beast’s Battle Beast.

By Alxs Ness

Stay tuned for Last Week in Metal coming at you every Monday.

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R.I.P – Founding DOORS member Ray Manzarek passes away aged 74

May 20th, 2013 Filed under: R.I.P. by Editor in Chief

(Photo: Simone van den Boom circa 2010)

According to a post on THE DOORS official facebook page, DOORS keyboardist, Ray Manzarek has passed away. The original post reads as follows:

Ray Manzarek, Founding Member of The Doors, Passes Away at 74

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of The Doors, passed away today at 12:31PM PT at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer. He was 74. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife Dorothy Manzarek, and his brothers Rick and James Manczarek.

Manzarek is best known for his work with The Doors who formed in 1965 when Manzarek had a chance encounter on Venice Beach with poet Jim Morrison. The Doors went on to become one of the most controversial rock acts of the 1960s, selling more than 100-million albums worldwide, and receiving 19 Gold, 14 Platinum and five multi-Platinum albums in the U.S. alone. “L.A.Woman,” “Break On Through to the Other Side,” “The End,” “Hello, I Love You,” and “Light My Fire” were just some of the band’s iconic and ground-breaking songs. After Morrison’s death in 1971, Manzarek went on to become a best-selling author, and a Grammy-nominated recording artist in his own right. In 2002, he revitalized his touring career with Doors’ guitarist and long-time collaborator, Robby Krieger.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today,” said Krieger. “I’m just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.”

Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy, brothers Rick and James Manczarek, son Pablo Manzarek, Pablo’s wife Sharmin and their three children Noah, Apollo and Camille. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation in Ray Manzarek’s name at www.standup2cancer.org

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Westboro Baptist Church to picket Jeff Hanneman’s Memorial, this Thursday in Los Angeles

May 20th, 2013 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

(Photo – Kyle Bunkin)

(Metal Injection) – Go away Westboro Baptist Church, nobody likes you… You are really just asking for it at this point.

Shortly after news spread of Jeff Hanneman’s passing last week, the modern day trolls in the Westboro Baptist Church came forward with some offensive tweets. Pleased with the attention they were getting, the band of religious misfits decided to keep moving forward and plan to picket Jeff Hanneman’s funeral. A new tweet from the Church reveals their plan: To sing their parody of Crazy Train at the Memorial.

Wait, what?! They wrote a parody of “Crazy Train”?! This can’t be good. Turns out this is a thing they’ve done at previous funerals and it’s sort of become their calling card. Naturally, the song is terrible. The group deciding to pull this out of their hat, basically proves they are just hypocritical trolls. If they truly were serving God, wouldn’t the last song they want to parody be that of a musician who goes by the moniker of the “Prince of Darkness?”

For those who want to pay respects, fans of the heavy metal guitar player will be given the chance to at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium on May 23. Billboard reports that the memorial will last four hours, from 3.30-7.30pm, and that up to 4,000 people will be able to attend on a first come, first serve basis.

The guitarist, and founding member of Slayer, died at the age of 49 last week (May 2) in a California hospital. A statement posted on Slayer’s website on May 9 revealed the cause of death to be alcohol-related cirrhosis.

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Album Review: Marla Mase – Speak Deluxe

May 20th, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Marla Mase
Speak: Deluxe
Independent

From the wonderful city that is New York, the odd and the intriguing rise. When you’re looking at NYC from an artistic angle, the oddly intriguing is born. Marla Mase, a spoken word songstress with heavy leanings towards issues facing the every-woman “The Universal Woman” would fit that bill. Marla’s outlook on life isn’t for everyone, but this reviewer has a feeling that it isn’t supposed to be. Mase, is as a true MUSE, those who get it, will get it good.

No nonsense straight from the start of “Speak Deluxe” We’re introduced to Anna Rexia, a heavy look at anorexia with not too subtle reggae backing tones, which bring the listener into her words. Songs like “Dance the Tango”, and “Squirm” bring out a little shoegaze punk, while elsewhere throughout the disc you are able to pick up the influential rock goddesses of Fleetwood Mac;s Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, and The Cranberries. The experience is designed seemingly to draw out different influences from the history of music as a sort of life soundtrack. If you don’t get it at first, it is worth another listen. Perhaps that is part of her charm, to weed out the losers while drawing back the appreciative crowd when they revisit the album for a second time.

One can’t help but think that Mase’s offering deserves to be experienced in person, as to take in the dance and performance aspect of her sound. Any trip to New York would be sore to miss out on a never-sleep-night in the embrace of the whole Marla Mase’s experience.

Marla Mase will be performing the SPEAK Live Show at Summerstage NYC 2013.

By Scott Alexander

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Vancouver artist Immerze releases new video Metropoli$

May 18th, 2013 Filed under: Made In Canada, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Vancouver artist Immerze recently returned from a European tour with the legendary Onyx, and he’s got new visuals from director Machete Cortez to show for it. Check it out as the boys shut down the Willemsbrug in Rotterdam, party on a boat and hang out by the Eiffel tower.

Cop the mixtape in the meantime!

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EXCLUSIVE: 21 and Under With… Tyrants Blood’s Marco Banco

May 18th, 2013 Filed under: 21 & Under With... by MetalEditor

Vancouver based speed demon Marco Banco of Tyrants Blood chatted with ABORT’s own metal writer Ruthless about their upcoming album and a little bit more. The band’s new release titled Into the Kingdom of Graves will be released July 1st, 2013 through Brazil’s Mutilation Records.

Ruthless: How does your new album differ from previous recordings?

MB: It’s heavier and faster than our previous work. We wanted to delve into darker themes and so we did. From the title of the album, Into the Kingdom of Graves, to the artwork by the great Paolo Girardi, we set up the concept and complexion of this album and its songs. So I believe that the entire package is relative to each other as a whole.

ABORT: Where do you get your inspiration for the music and lyrics?

MB: I’d say musically we are inspired by each other, which is as honest as I can be. Somebody always gets it started and then the rest of us fall in and start the fuckin’ engine, until it’s like world war three in that sweatbox and we’re deaf as death and grinning like maniacs. Then we just keep rolling until we drop an atomic bomb and the song is over.

ABORT: In a day and age where it is difficult to be considered original do you feel Tyrants Blood has a lot to offer?

MB: You know what, we play as we feel and we do whatever we want artistically as musicians within the realm of heavy music. So the end result to us is very rewarding and we hope to keep people interested. We really leave it all on the stage and in the rehearsal space and the studio till we don’t have anything left. So at the end of the day if people find a quality that they can connect to on whatever level that’s deadly, because no matter what we perform for the lust of creation, live music, metal and this thing we are a part of. We keep rolling on and on regardless of any status quo, trends or fashions. We are exactly as we want to be.

STAY TUNED FOR THE FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW IN ISSUE 21 of ABORT Magazine – MONDAY MAY 20th!

By: Ruthless

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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Album Review: Slaine – The Boston Project

May 18th, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Slaine
The Boston Project
Suburban Noize

Like many albums that fall into what many would call gangsta rap Slaine’s latest offering, The Boston Project, doesn’t fail to deliver.  With that said, however it’s more than just that and in spite of ample references to eight balls, Percoset, and weed, as well as driving drunk and living life in the fast and hard lane, the album is more than what a cursory treatment of the first few tracks of the album would reveal.  

While this surficial view of the surface this can certainly grate on the nerves of many a fan of hip hop, the album takes on a shape that represents the immense diversity in the style of the artists that make up the album building a complex tapestry of styles that keeps the listener engaged.  It represents an amazing collection of collaborations put on by one of Boston’s baddest, as a way of displaying the ample diversity present in the city’s underground scene.  From the smoother and more R&B oriented Polaroid Picture, to the harder tracks like Loyalty, the album nonetheless delivers on some more mellow and contemplative fronts.  Bible Pages is a wicked treatment of coming to be in the rougher parts of Boston and is lyrically fantastic, and tracks like Rat’s Maze serve as a gritty and real treatment of the harsh reality of addiction.  The Boston Project is full of songs that serve as nostalgic reminders of where Slaine has come from, with tracks like Back Where I’m From, Evolution of the Kid, and Buildin’ With Edo chronicling the past, and Faster Than Time and Hero giving an idea of just where hip hop is headed in Boston and who exactly these figures are.  Are portions of the album stereotypical?  Yes.  Does that take away from the overall effect?  No, not in the ears of this reviewer, because of the sheer diversity of tracks and styles.

 Mastery of the art of word by these artists is put on display in this album, and it’s definitely an enjoyable journey through what the city of Boston has to give the world of hip hop.  Full of lyrically tight tracks The Boston Project is a worthy listen whose parts make for an enjoyable whole.  

A solid 8/10.

By: Edward Quinlan

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Album Review: Magnus Rising – Whatever it Takes

May 15th, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Magnus Rising
Whatever it Takes
L8R Records

When compared to the first album, “Whatever It Takes” is best described as not just a step in the right direction, but a leap in the right direction. It’s the difference between playing at a bar, and being able to play an arena show. The difference is that drastic. However, all the things that you liked about the first album such as the amazing axe grinding, the rad bass lines, that’s all there as well, it’s just a lot more polished than in “Counting the Numbers”. The pacing of the new album follows a much better formula than the first album, and the tone is a lot more consistent throughout. If you were a fan of the tone of “Counting the Numbers” however, you will still be very pleased with the new album. It is a bit more tame than the first, but the songs turn out a lot more fluid and melodic, and ultimately this leads to a better experience. When I first started listening to “Whatever It Takes” I played it about six times in a row to get a good feel for it. By the time you finish the albums entirety, you just have to listen to it again. It’s surprisingly addicting. It’s like one of those movies that you keep watching, and every time you watch it, you notice something more. I’ve happily listened to “Whatever It Takes” over a dozen times now, and I’m still picking new things up.

There’s a great diversity of songs on “Whatever It Takes”. “The Journeyman” features acoustics, providing a more dramatic experience mixed with very defeated lyrics. This song is then followed by what I would consider one of the most heavy songs on the album, “Frankenstein’s Monster”, but this transition is made fluid through the overall experience of this album. “Whatever It Takes” tells a story, similar to many successful albums of the past. It’s hard to recommend anyone to listen to any one song without saying to simply listen to the whole album. One song alone is great, but if you can just pop your headphones in for a bit longer and hear the whole journey “Whatever It Takes” is, you’re going to finish with a greater reward. This album comes highly recommended for anyone that needs to fill a musical void, and enjoys harder rock, or softer metal.

The title of the album is a big draw, as it’s almost a tribute towards the pains of being an aspiring rock god. The people with the real drive will reach that pinnacle, whatever it takes. My favourite song on this album is Dinner Is Served. It’s not because I like to eat though, it’s because of the rhythm. I love everything about this song, the lyrics, the guitar, the bass, the drums; everything. The lyrics of this new album definitely improved as compared to “Counting the Numbers”, and I believe that’s due to a bit more collaboration between band members, and the producer, Dave Slote. He really works hard with the guys to establish a great musical experience on the latest album. I got a chance to see some of the exercises he did with the band, and heard about some of the stories of this albums production, and I think Dave has a lot to do with the night and day difference between the first and second album of Magnus Rising. It is teamwork like this that really take albums to that next level. I definitely foresee “Whatever It Takes” taking this band to the next level, earning them even more exposure.

This album proves that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, and definitely proves that they deserve it.

Magnus Rising are set to release Whatever it Takes worldwide May 31st 2013

By: Clayton Cyre

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WTF: Swedish Man dies after making love to hornets nest

May 15th, 2013 Filed under: WTF? by Editor in Chief

ABCnow – YSTAD, Sweden — A man has died after reportedly having sex with a hornet’s nest.

Swedish newspaper Nyheterna Sverige reports that the 35-year-old man, who goes by “Hasse,” was found swollen and unconscious by his neighbor lying on the ground. The neighbor, Bertil Ståhfrääs, said he initially thought the body was a whale carcass because of the swelling.

“I walked up to the body and then I recognized his tattoo on his neck, representing a little angel who is rocking. I have never in my life seen such a swollen pelvic bone,” Ståhfrääs.

According to the newspaper report, Hasse had 146 stings on his body, including 54 on the genitals.

An autopsy revealed that Hasse had been having sex with the hornet’s nest.

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Album Review: Imprecation – Satanae Tenebris Infinita

May 15th, 2013 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Imprecation
Satanae Tenebris Infinita
Dark Descent Records

Dirty filthy rotten satanic death metal has been awarded an upcoming release from long time band Imprecation with their lengthy anticipated full length “Satanae Tenebris Infinita”. Finally released during their second coming, this album offers a refreshing taste of pure dark and ominous death metal from the cesspool That is Missouri City, Texas. Imprecation is not an unfamiliar band for those die hard underground OSDM fans who are pleased to have this band resurrected from the dead with three of five original members. Molded in the brink of 90s death metal Imprecation released a total of two demos and one EP which were then put forth onto a compilation titled “Theurgua Goetia Summa” sought amongst many avid death metal collectors before succumbing into hiatus in 1998. Legendary French artist Chris Moyen is the guilty verdict of this impeccably fitting cover art while inner art work done by the none greater Mark Riddick proves worthy of the bands horrifying, sinister and dark sound.

Pure and unadulterated death metal in a haunting form not departing far from their original sound over their beginning reign 20 years ago. Crushing track “Of the Black Earth” is frighteningly heavy filled with a murky and sinister atmosphere that a lot of today’s death metal bands have a severe deficiency in, the entirety of the album is unpredictable leaving you on your toes for the total 40 minutes of chaotic solos, trem picked riffs, and a nethermost heavy sound. Supplementary memorable tracks include “Hasanna Ex Inferis” and “Calls of Eden”. “Satanae Tenebris Infinita” is a finely tuned and mater piece by a band long put off for. The use of eerie and mystic keyboards is a suitable touch to the albums atmosphere and heaviness.

Released on the reputable and fitting Dark Descent Records it would be wise to pre-order your copy today.

By: Ruthless

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WATAIN announces “All That May Bleed” single release

May 14th, 2013 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

The first single from WATAIN’s new album, The Wild Hunt, will be released on Summer Solstice, June 21st (see exact worldwide release dates below). The name of the single will be “All That May Bleed”.

The band comments; “All that May Bleed’ shows but one facet of a quite diverse album, but we chose this song as a first glimpse into ‘The Wild Hunt’ because of its bombastic lunacy and white-eyed malevolence which could be said to constitute a main foundation for the album. The lyric is an invitation to sacrificial blood letting, ecstatic zealotry and human sacrifice. The salt of Satan in the wounds of Christ!”

Side B will be a track called “Play with the Devil,” originally recorded by the black/heavy metal band TAIWAZ in 1988 in WATAIN’s hometown, Uppsala (Gottfrid Åhman from IN SOLITUDE participates on solo guitar in WATAIN’s version).

The single will be released in the following formats:

Black 7″ vinyl (limited to 2,000 copies worldwide)
Red 7″ vinyl with sticker (only available from www.wolfwear.net; limited to 500 copies worldwide)
7″ Picture disc (available from www.cmdistro.com and www.wolfwear.net; limited to 500 copies worldwide)

“All That May Bleed” physical release dates:
GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / FINLAND / NORWAY and worldwide through www.cmdistro.com and www.wolfwear.net: Friday, June 21, 2013
UK / BENELUX / FRANCE / POLAND: Monday, June 24, 2013
USA / SPAIN: Tuesday, June 25, 2013
SWEDEN: Wednesday, June 26, 2013

“All That May Bleed” digital release dates:
GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / FINLAND / NORWAY / ITALY / AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND: Friday, June 21, 2013
UK: Sunday, June 23, 2013
BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, June 24, 2013
USA / SPAIN: Tuesday, June 25, 2013
SWEDEN / HUNGARY: Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WATAIN online

Copyright © 2004-2013 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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CHTHONIC reveals the first of a series of video singles from their forthcoming new full-length. “Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace”

May 14th, 2013 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Today, Taiwanese metal ensemble CHTHONIC reveals the first of a series of video singles from their forthcoming new full-length. “Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace” comes by way of the band’s seventh studio recording, Bú-Tik. With Bú-Tik, CHTHONIC continue their mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and the tragic events in their country’s history. Centered around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution, Bú-Tik highlights what bassist Doris Yeh describes as “righteous violence, justifiable defense, and the armed spirits!”

The video clip for “Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace” was spawned from a collaboration between longtime working associate/director Chuang Chi-wen and martial arts choreographer Jeremy Yang. Elaborates Yeh, “The BuTik Palace in Puli was used as command headquarters by Japanese colonial government to repress a Seediq Aboriginal Uprising in Wushe in 1930. During the initial phase of the 228 Massacre in 1947, militiamen in Taiwan also used it as its command headquarters. The chants in the second half of the song are the names of all martyrs who sacrificed themselves in resistance against dictators and fought for independence. The ideology of ‘Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace’ was really suited for using martial arts to express its platform. Whenever we are interviewed overseas,” she continues, “we are always asked if Asians know martial arts, and before, we would immediately deny it, but later we thought; ‘why don’t we really shoot such an MV for you guys?’”

To properly create the video, the band members spent more than a month in training. Despite the crash course in martial arts and an obvious spike in fitness levels however, on the day of shoot all members suffered numerous bruises and injuries. Vocalist Freddy Lim’s back was particularly blistered by all the wires. Commented Lim later with a wry smile, “Next time, we can’t just follow whatever Doris says. Her ideas are often very dangerous.”

“Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace” was filmed around Bú-Tik Palace in Tainan, shooting the real scene and combining it with 3D imaging techniques. With the support of Tainan City Hall, the director and the entire crew, CHTHONIC successfully created the first martial art video with Taiwan historical monument scenes. In addition, the song features popular Taiwanese opera actress Meiyun Tang as the guest singer. Said Lim, “I really like Tang’s work. When I sent her the invitation, I didn’t expect that she would nod her head without doubt!”

Bú-Tik was recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s critically-lauded Takasago Army full-length and finds the band sharpening their signature brand of self-dubbed symphonic “orient metal.”Bú-Tik will be released in North America via Spinefarm Records US later this June.

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Killing Joke unveil new video single “Corporate Elect”

May 14th, 2013 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

In celebration of their astounding thirty-fifth anniversary, KILLING JOKE today unveils their latest video single in the form of “Corporate Elect.” The tune comes by way of the band’s critically-lauded MMXII full-length released last year via Spinefarm Records and serves as a taster of the band’s three-CD anthology — The Singles Collection 1979-2012.

Conceived, filmed and directed by Mikee Goodman, the video is only the fourth official clip sanctioned by the band in the past few years, following “In Excelsis, the animated “European Super State” and the “In Cythera” clips in which the band have barely appeared. Notes Goodman, former frontman of UK outfit SikTh, one half of Primal Rock Rebellion (along with Iron Maiden guitarist, Adrian Smith), and now recording with new project, Outpatients: “This video has been my biggest creative challenge yet. I had never previously met Jaz Coleman, but was blown away by the powerful and passionate performance he delivered. I did not sleep properly for five weeks. Now I have, I have looked at it again with fresh eyes. And smiled. I was honored to be asked to make a music video for KILLING JOKE, and so pleased to hear they liked it.”

The Singles Collection 1979-2012 captures KILLING JOKE’s ever-evolving legacy with a series of dark, apocalyptic songs that have successfully combined disco, funk and shamanic wisdom with the dark side of punk rock. Called “a timely reminder why KILLING JOKE continue to be held in such high esteem,” by Drowned In Sound, The Singles Collection 1979-2012 delivers thirty-three career-spanning singles over two CDs with an additional third disc of rarities which includes previously unreleased studio tracks. The three-CD version will be limited in number, reverting to two CDs containing the singles tracks. Notes BrooklynVegan, “KILLING JOKE is, like many of the great bands of our time, unique and generally unclassifiable. Punk in both ethos and origin, the UK band has dipped its toe in industrial, metal, funk and dance music in their close-to-35-year career, carving out their own niche and more importantly their own sound.”

If you missed it, you can still check out a stream of “Four Stations Of The Sun,” a remix of which appeared on the 1998 LP Wardance – The Remixes and included on disc three of The Singles Collection courtesy of BrookynVegan at THIS LOCATION. You can also hear the band’s “Timewave” demo, brought to you by Decibel Magazine HERE. Previously unreleased, the track was recorded during the Absolute Dissent studio sessions and is included on the third rarities disc.

Copyright © 2004-2013 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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