Metal Riot

Morbid Angel have a lot to lose if their follow up to the much, uh, destained Illud Divinum Insanus has even one bad song on it. That record left such a poor taste in many people’s mouths that it made Limp Bizkit’s Results May Vary seem universally acclaimed. I am not crazy about the new cover art, which kind of looks like a much later wave up and coming tech death band rather than something we’d expect from such genre forefathers, but the fact that Steve Tucker is back has me very, very happy.

Shit, I am happy all around from ‘it’s about free speech’ people having to eat total shit due to the proof of Breitbart and Milo working directly with Nazis that broke today, and this Morbid Angel news also has me stoked. I really want the album to be good and so if it is I will look past the cover. The new Metallica art was awful but the album pretty much rocked, so there is that. Anyway, remember kids…racist and self hating collaborator karaoke is the most pathetic and least self aware karaoke and keep your metal raging and not cheesy.

Kingdoms Disdained will hit streets on December 1 through UDR Music.

Winds Of Plague return this year with Blood Of My Enemy via eOne, their latest symphonic death core offering. Check out a new video and track listing BELOW.

Photo by Jake Owens

UK extreme metallers Venom Prison are one of the most exciting and take no shit bands in death metal right now, a massive breath of fresh air. Now the band have done the right thing and pulled out of upcoming tour dates with Decapitated in response to the band’s gang rape allegations. Read their statement below.

It is with great dismay that Venom Prison is opting to pull out of our scheduled dates in the UK with Decapitated. As you are no doubt aware, the members of Decapitated were arrested on Saturday, 9th September in Santa Ana, California.

It is no secret that Venom Prison are opposed to rape and sexual assault, the band continue to advocate women’s rights and bring attention to the many serious issues which continue to plague the extreme music genres.

Venom Prison would like to stress that everyone is entitled to a fair trial – via the appropriate legal channels, not just via social media – and Decapitated remain respected musicians until proven otherwise. In addition, we would state that the burden of proof in any criminal matter, at least in the UK, is that of beyond all reasonable doubt, that 99% what is alleged to have happened did happen. On that basis, until an individual is convicted, we are not in a position to comment on the present allegations.

It is imperative that we state that we don’t believe these things ‘just happen’, so regardless as to the extent of the allegations, inevitably situations such as the one Decapitated have found themselves in, more often do than don’t involve some degree of inappropriate behaviour.

As above, we have not made any effort to hide our views on what we see as an issue that is becoming more and more visible, an unfortunate ugliness that continues to spread. On that basis, we apologise to anyone who has already purchased tickets specifically to see Venom Prison, and whilst we would ask that you reserve your judgment, Venom Prison will not be performing at the scheduled dates.

Furthermore, we have opted to donate £200 to Rape Crisis England & Wales. We hope that you will continue to raise awareness to issues such as rape and sexual assault, in music and anywhere, we must continue to take a stand and as long as Venom Prison is a band, we will continue to resist censorship and make our feelings known.

We thank you for your continued support.

Hey, it’s 3AM here and I just got back from a late night coffee at a diner with a friend conceptualizing world takeover. Metal Riot and Dying Scene had some hack bot bullshit again but we are back and I am really stoked to remind all our European readers to attend the Immolation ATONEMENT Tour ASAP. This is one of the most perfect live tour line ups for death metal and various extreme extremities of the Fall! Let’s face it – Immolation are friggin’ death metal gods. “Destrucive Currents” seems like a fitting song for the times right now.

Yes, Immolation of course are always amazing and I am really a fan of Polish death lords Azarath’s latest record In Extremis in particular from this line-up of groups at the moment. Completely uncompromising and incredible ferocity, technical but not pompous and still very old school in enraged bashing execution.

Anyway, a moment of metal respect and silence for everyone struggling with hurricane forces right now. And for the fans who need a lift up remember metal is there for you and may your days and nights be full of only the best of it! This tour is a good way to ensure that is what happens to you!!

Dates and music below.

Many death metal disciples are rightfully rejoicing over Axis Mundi, the return offering from tech death vets Decrepit Birth. ‘Hieroglyphic’ is one of the most intimidating musical performances of the year and so what could be more perfect for the band to release as a playthrough track? You can check out the dizzying spectacle of complete and utter sickness below.

“We’ve gone through an evolution throughout the years” says founding member and primary songwriter Matt Sotelo. “The last couple of albums we had, Diminishing Between Worlds and Polarity, were more progressive death metal. They were different from …And Time Begins, which is a different genre of death metal. It’s more brutal. I’m the type of guy who likes to experiment. …And Time Begins has no solos. It’s all really fast palm-muted riffs. The other albums breathed more with the guitars. I let chords ring out on Diminishing Between Worlds and Polarity. Axis Mundi is combination of all the stuff I’m into. I like it a lot right now. It’s more melodic. The riffs repeat intentionally. I want to have fun with these songs”.