Heavy Metal Power

New album coming… I hope Geezer writes the lyrics.

Art by Peter Bergting

The original lineup of the legendary heavy metal band BLACK SABBATH — Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) — has reunited and has begun work on a brand new album. The group’s first studio effort in 33 years — the songwriting for which is already half complete — will be produced by Rick Rubin, who has previously worked with METALLICA, SLIPKNOT, SLAYER and SYSTEM OF A DOWN, among many others. The band hopes to begin recording the CD in January for a fall 2012 release via Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories. A world tour will follow, including an appearance at the U.K.’s Download festival on June 10, 2012.

Do You Dig Estonian Folk Metal?

If you answered yes, check out the full album stream of Estonian folk metal band Metsatöll forthcoming album “Ulg.” If you answered no, check it out anyway, you just might become a fan of Estonian folk metal because Ulg sounds great! The album was released on November 1, 2011 through Spinefarm Records. This band has been around for over 10 years and has released a bunch of albums (discography below). I’ve heard some of their stuff before but this album really struck me. They use a lot of traditional instruments, is that a didgeridoo I hear? They really do a nice job of combining the the traditional sounds with metal. Listen to it!

The name “Metsatöll” is an ancient Estonian euphemism for wolf. Ulg is intended to mean “howl” or “cry” (I think).

Metsatöll discography:
Terast mis hangund me hinge (Steel frozen in our souls) (1999)
Hiiekoda (Sacred Grove) (2004)
Terast mis hangund me hinge 10218 (Steel frozen in our souls 10218) (2005)
Sutekskäija (Werewolf) (2006)
Lahinguväljal näeme, raisk! (See you in the battlefield, damnit!) (CD/DVD) (2006)
Raua needmine (Curse upon Iron) (CD/DVD) (2006)
Iivakivi (Fertility Stone) (CD) (2008)
Kõva Kont (Hard Bone) (2DVD+CD) (2009)
Äio (2010)
Ulg (2011)

I LOVE this band!!!! Blood Ceremony from Toronto, Canada. Enjoy this wicked retro goodness, “My Demon Brother”

Night of the devils has arrived
My calling you should come as no surprise
I summon thee my demon, Lord of the Flies
With this commandment: thou shalt rise!

Dreaming demon, open your eyes
We humbly ask of you your presence this night
We call your name and offer sacrifice
Chanting forbidden hymns in black magic rites

Unholy demon, my demon brother!
Won’t you see what we have to offer?

Blood Ceremony is:
Lucas Gadke Bass
Andrew Haust Drums
Alia O’Brien Flute, Organ, Vocals
Sean Kennedy Guitars

Sounds like we may get a Nevermore reunion/reconciliation. Warrell Dane gave an interview to Rock My Monkey TV. He wants Jeff back. So all we need is for Jeff to want to go back. Read below.

When asked whether guitarists can still send audition videos to be considered for the vacant lead axeman position in NEVERMORE:

Dane: “Yeah, they can still send them, but it’s really kind of challenging to wade through all the stuff. Some of these kids are amazing; some of them suck. It’s just kind of overwhelming. To tell you the truth, I’d rather have Jeff [Loomis] back, but you never know what’s gonna happen with that. He’s been calling me. We still talk. But I don’t know…”

Here’s the interview (the Jeff part is at 9:00)

Here’s a video of vocalist Joey Belladonna of Anthrax getting tackled by a security guard on Saturday, October 22 during the band’s concert at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Perhaps that security guard was a bit overzealous? He tackled and fan and Joey at the same time. The tackle happens around 1:35 in the video.