Sumo Cyco, a Canadian band that formed in 2011, was a fiercely independent act for nearly a decade before signing with Napalm Records in early 2020. But even with label support, its strong DIY work ethic has remained, as has its commitment to tossing aside all notions of genre and expectations. The band fearlessly blends... Continue Reading →
Longtime hard rock/metal veteran Todd Michael Hall (Riot V, Reverence, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Entice, Harlet) came to national attention in 2020 when he turned heads with his vocal dexterity on TV’s “The Voice.” Now he’s embracing the classic rock of his youth for his first proper solo album, “Sonic Healing” (Rat Pak Records, May... Continue Reading →
Tommy Clufetos’s resume is as impressive as that of any rock drummer working today—or maybe ever. His skills have landed him gigs with legends such as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Ted Nugent. And even though we’re still in a pandemic, that hasn’t stopped Tommy’s productivity. Earlier in 2021, he joined... Continue Reading →
Almost an entire year after its first single, “I’m Not Right,” hit airwaves and started making major noise for Tetrarch, the band’s sophomore album, “Unstable” (April 30, 2021, Napalm Records; read Live Metal’s review), is upon us. It’s a powerful musical statement highlighted by the lead work of trailblazing shredder Diamond Rowe (the first Black... Continue Reading →
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Bewitcher has been a force in the underground speed metal scene since forming in 2013. The blasphemous band released its self-titled debut in 2016, followed it with “Under the Witching Cross” three years later and had big touring plans in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. The lack of live... Continue Reading →
Approaching two decades as a band, Black Stone Cherry was recording its seventh studio album just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States and the world was going into lockdown. With no touring in sight, the band chose not to delay its release, and “The Human Condition” will be available everywhere on October 30,... Continue Reading →
More than a quarter century after forming, Sevendust is as strong as ever. With all five original members still on board, the band is gearing up to release its 13th studio album, “Blood & Stone,” on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, via Rise Records. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has placed any touring plans on hold at... Continue Reading →
For a band still so young—the core trio of vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu and bassist Paolo Gregoletto are all in their mid-30s, and drummer Alex Bent still is on the other side of 30—Trivium has released an impressive—and extensive—body of work over the past two decades. The Florida-based band’s ninth album, “What the... Continue Reading →
The coronavirus pandemic has put the entire music industry on pause—but someone forgot to tell Mike Orlando. The guitarist best known for his time in Adrenaline Mob is adding to his list of bands seemingly by the day, as you will read below. Next up on his release schedule: the debut album from Her Chariot... Continue Reading →
In Eastern Europe, nestled between Ukraine and Romania, lies the small country of Moldova. Most probably know little of this nation that once was part of the Soviet Union, but an increasing number of metalheads can identify it as the birthplace of Infected Rain. Formed in 2008 in Chișinău, the Moldovan capital, the band was... Continue Reading →
