Ghoul - Transmission Zero

Ghoul
Transmission Zero
Tankcrimes

Before we get into the skinny on Ghoul's fourth album, 'Transmission Zero' - their members are or were part of other groups such as Impaled and Exhumed, and keen inherit their gory themes across from those bands. This is known despite their efforts to keep their identities secret, performing in executioner-style masks and going by the monikers of guitarists Destructor and Digestor, bassist Cremator and drummer Fermentor. Oh, and all their songs revolve around happenings in their 'hometown' of Creepsylvania (aka Oakland, California), which I assure you is as welcoming as a bout of voodoo-induced insanity.

Hammers of Misfortune - 17th Street

Hammers of Misfortune

17th Street

Metal Blade

If John Cobbett had been around about the time when heavy metal ruled the airwaves, he could well have been a metal god by now. Steadfastly remaining dedicated to true heavy metal through his time served in The Lord Weird Slough Feg, and more recently, he was one of the driving forces in now defunct, but critically acclaimed US black metallers Ludicra. Inbetween, he's also the main visionary for progressive heavy metallers Hammers of Misfortune, who've made a name for themselves in the States among critics in particular for their third three albums, all of which received high praise.

Pelican returning to the UK in April 2012!

The flyer speaks for itself. Personally, I'm completely stoked for this. Massive, massive Pelican fan and never got round to seeing them. Monday April 9th, 2012 will change that. Nice.

Yes, the post-metal uber-dudes return to the UK for the first time in three years, stopping at seven venues along the way. No supports announced yet, but already is a tasty looking treat for 2012.

Peter Clegg

Savage Messiah giving 'Plague of Conscience' away for free from tomorrow!

Yes, you read that right - Dave Silver of UK heavy/thrash metallers Savage Messiah announced on YouTube yesterday that the band's new album, 'Plague of Conscience', will be available as a free download via the Earache Records website from tomorrow (Wednesday November 23rd)! The album is not scheduled for a physical release until Monday January 23rd, 2012, but the band have offered fans the chance to get in there before the journalists get hold of it.

Once again, Earache and their roster prove to be ahead of the curve, with Savage Messiah following the recent free album giveaways by label mates Gama Bomb and Wormrot. All you need to do is to head to http://www.earache.com/savagemessiah and prove your e-mail address - and the album will be yours.

See frontman Silver's announcement below. Be sure to pick it up and spread the word!

Peter Clegg

Megadeth - Th1rt3en

Megadeth
Th1rt3en
Roadrunner

Dave Mustaine might have turned 50, and might have found God, but he's not reaching for the pipe and slippers yet. After he and Megadeth were suddenly rejuvenated by the masterclass in thrash that was 2009's 'Endgame', they return, with Dave still angry as ever, with a cunningly-titled 13th album that proves that Megadeth still reign supreme above the majority of metal bands, even if 'Th1rt3een', as I'm about to describe, is a little hit and miss at times.

'Kin Hell Fest preview: Part 3

 
Well, this is it. The 'Kin Hell Fest is now less than 24 hours away! So without further ado, We Must Obey completes its in-depth preview of Leeds' newest all-dayer and takes a look at the final four bands:

Anthrax - Worship Music

Anthrax
Worship Music
Nuclear Blast

The last few years in Anthrax history are ones to forget. The original reunion with Joey Belladonna that left John Bush out in the cold eventually left Anthrax without a vocalist. Cue the shambles that was Dan Nelson, and the binned version of 'Worship Music' which may never see the light of day, and yet more flip flopping between Bush and Belladonna probably lost them a lot of fans and integrity. But having finally settled on the man who sang for them during their evolution into one of the Big 4 in the 80's and 90's, 'Worship Music' has been rerecorded and finally released, and thankfully, its not a steaming turd and actually manages to hold its own for the majority.

'Kin Hell Fest preview: Part 2

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments on the social networks and the like yesterday. I don't mind offering free promotion if its worthwhile and it kicks arse, and the 'Kin Hell Fest and UK extreme metal falls into both camps. Right now, we've got part 2 of our 'Kin Hell Fest preview ready to go. Five more bands ready to shatter your bones into a million pieces this Saturday. Enjoy!

Opeth - Heritage

Opeth
Heritage
Roadrunner

Some people may well have been alarmed at Opeth's decision to move away from the progressive death metal which they originated, in favour of exploring even folkier and more traditional proggier influences. Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt had long stated previously that 'Heritage' would be far removed from Opeth's previous works, stating a boredom with extreme metal and that he felt the band had outgrown its roots. He's certainly not wrong there - 'Heritage' is a progressive rock album, with none of Åkerfeldt's trademark death growls to be found anywhere.

'Kin Hell Fest preview: Part 1

Further in support of the first ever 'Kin Hell Fest, taking place this coming Saturday at The Well in Leeds, we've compiled a few clips to show you what to expect from each of the thirteen bands performing at the fest. Here goes!