I like early-80’s metal, I really do. So whenever a band releases a retro-sounding NWOBHM – sorry, I meant NWOTHM – record I jump all over it. I’ve gushed over bands like Skull Fist, Phantom and Night Demon in theRead more…
December Fest – Live
I wasn’t really aware there was a metal scene in Toronto until I saw Ash Lee Blade perform at the Rok Boutique back in 2009. Real metal, I mean. I knew there was metalcore to be found at the OperaRead more…
At The Gates – At War With Reality
Along with Dark Tranquillity and In Flames, At The Gates is considered to be an originator of the Gothenburg Melodic Death Metal sound, or “melodeath” for short. The idea behind melodeath is to convey melody through guitar instead of vocals.Read more…
Diamond Head – Death and Progress
Diamond Head is best known as the favourite band of Lars Ulrich, drummer for Metallica. Ulrich and Metallica famously covered Diamond Head’s Holst-inspired “Am I Evil?”, making the song, if not the band, a household name. To say that DiamondRead more…
Torche – Harmonslaught
Torche tends to operate in two gears. First is their knack for writing catchy pop songs and recording them alongside booming drums and massively detuned guitars, giving the songs an unexpected heaviness. The second gear, perhaps their trademark, is theirRead more…
Night Demon – S/T
The past couple years have been great for NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) throwback bands. Between Enforcer, Phantom, Skull Fist, Striker, Christian Mistress, Holy Grail and many, many more, there’s been reason for much rejoicing in old-school metalRead more…
Playlist Monday: Dead Toronto Bands Part 2
Last month I published a playlist of dead Toronto bands. I promised I’d post more, and here we are. Take a listen to six more songs from great Toronto bands that aren’t around anymore. Part 3 will come in December.
Satan – Life Sentence
The recent resurgence of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) has presented some interesting opportunities for long-dormant bands. We’ve already seen comebacks from Angel Witch and Hell. A few years back Satan reunited their original lineup and lastRead more…
Raven – Live
Last Saturday at Hard Luck Bar was a doozy of a show. With old-schooler British metallers Raven (celebrating 40 years together) touring with California-based Night Demon and a couple local acts, it was a night that would be sure toRead more…
Playlist Monday: Sludge Metal
Jonathan Athon, bassist and vocalist from Black Tusk, died yesterday. To pay tribute to his memory, today’s playlist consists of sludge metal songs.