The Best and Worst Heavy Metal Resource of 2024

There’s little doubt in our skulls that metal is brimming with iconic albums that have shaped the genre’s history and influenced generations of musicians. From Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” these classics are universally acknowledged and celebrated. But, lurking in the dark are hidden gems—vinyl albums, no less, that, despite their brilliance, never received the recognition they deserved. These underrated masterpieces offer unique sounds, innovative compositions, and powerful lyrics that could rival heavy metal’s greatest hits. In this article, we shine a spotlight on the most underrated metal albums of all time and help you build your collection like a true noggin banger. These records might not have topped the charts or achieved mainstream acclaim, but they have left an indelible mark on those who have discovered them. Whether you’re a die-hard headbanger looking to expand your collection or a curious noob eager to explore the genre’s depth, these albums are essential listens that showcase the diverse and rich landscape of metal.Let’s get going, shall we? 10. Dark Angel – “Time Does Not Heal” (1991) Dark Angel’s “Time Does Not Heal” is known for its complex and lengthy compositions, showcasing the band’s technical skill. With key […]

In a bold and enigmatic move, a new band has emerged from the shadows, captivating listeners with their debut album, “Wasteland Reverie.” Going by the name ‘Psyrkus,’ this mysterious collective presents a sonic landscape that defies conventions, blending electronic elements, haunting ambience, infectious drumming, and heavy guitars. The album, a mesmerising work of art, is now available for streaming on most major platforms, beckoning the adventurous to embark on a journey into the uncharted depths of sound. Leading the way on “Wasteland Reverie” is the eponymous track, “Wasteland Reverie” itself—a sprawling epic that stretches boundaries and leaves us on the edge of our seats, craving more. It serves as a testament to Psyrkus’ ability to craft intricate compositions that tease and tantalize the senses. Another standout gem is “Mother,” a slower-paced composition that carries an immense emotional weight, evoking both a sense of dread and a fragile tranquility. Throughout the album, Psyrkus chooses not to employ vocals, allowing the instruments to tell the story and encouraging listeners to interpret the music through their own lens. Drawing inspiration from various legendary acts, Psyrkus carves a unique niche for themselves in the vast realm of music. While information about the band members […]

Yakuza, a Chicago-based heavy hybridizer, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new album ‘Sutra’ on Svart Records on May 19th, 2023. The genre-bending album features limitless expression and molten riffs, serving as a modern-day powerhouse of forward-thinking metal. Yakuza has also released the album’s second single, “Psychic Malaise.” And it’s quite rad. The track, according to vocalist/saxophonist Bruce Lamont, is a tribute to those who have extrasensory abilities, such as telepathy or the ability to teleport to another dimension. It also delves into the burden and stress of such powers, known as Psychic Malaise. The song, according to bassist Jerome Marshall, is a journey through the swing of a pendulum that steadily moves closer and closer to slice. Meanwhile, guitarist Matt McClelland reveals that the opening riff was inspired by “Way of the Dead’s” “Obscurity.” Yakuza’s music is hard to categorise, having been described as everything from avant-garde metal to post metal. “Sutra,” their new album, is a frequency feast, with psychedelic rock jams, heavy sludging Doom with jazz influences, and breakneck grind riffs and grooves. Check out their latest single “Psychic Malaise” on YouTube and their previously released single “Alice” on YouTube. Fans can pre-order the album on the Svart Records website. Don’t miss out on this eclectic and highly anticipated album from Yakuza. Connect with Yakuza on Facebook and Instagram, and keep up-to-date with Svart Records on Facebook and Instagram as well.

Children of the Reptile has unveiled their highly anticipated final single, “Silent Circle,” ahead of the release of their third album, “Heavy is the Head.” Hailing from Wilmington, this heavy metal quartet has taken inspiration from the legendary group Manilla Road to develop their unique sound, which they describe as “American Epic Heavy Metal.” “American Epic Heavy Metal” Sound For over a decade, Children of the Reptile has been honing their craft in the Southeast United States, drawing influence from a variety of sources, including Metallica’s powerful riffs, Thin Lizzy or Iron Maiden’s iconic twin leads, Judas Priest’s attitude, Mastodon’s progressive leanings, and Manilla Road’s distinct vibes. The Best-Kept Secret from the Swamps of Cape Fear Despite being a closely guarded secret from the swamps of Cape Fear, this band promises to be a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal community with their upcoming release. Their third album is expected to propel them into the spotlight, cementing their status as one of the best-kept secrets in the genre.   “If you like ’70s and ’80s heavy metal and early thrash but don’t want a band just ripping off the past greats, there’s a lot of enjoyment to […]

Tardigrade Inferno, a dark cabaret metal band, is set to release their new EP titled Arrival of a Train on May 17. The four-song EP is now available for pre-order along with new merchandise. The EP was created in the band’s dark laboratory, which slightly damaged the space-time continuum. The songs feature a combination of circus organ, guitars, and double kicks, along with unique vocals that turn each song into a theatrical performance. The lyrics contain irony and symbolism and pose questions without obvious answers. The EP is an anthology of short stories that include strange characters, genetic mutations, and obnoxious metaphors. The themes range from farce to body horror, post-apocalypse, and occult devilry. Tardigrade Inferno is not afraid to experiment, and the genre contributes to this. The band’s front-woman, Darya, provides dark hypnotic vocals that cut to the bone. The EP was written and produced by the band and mixed and mastered by Vladimir Lehtinen. Overall, Arrival of a Train is a must-listen for seasoned metalheads, geeks, musical aesthetes, and single dreamers who appreciate a grotesque carnival. Tardigrade Inferno has created a unique and artistic work that will leave listeners fascinated and captivated. Pre-order their EP and merchandise.

  Well lookie here. It seems like we’ve got some big news to share with you – Glass Casket is back with their first release in 17 years! Who are Glass Casket? For those of you who are unfamiliar with the band, Glass Casket is a heavy metal band from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The band features guitarist Dustie Waring and drummer Blake Richardson, who are both members of Between the Buried and Me. Brand new self-titled EP Glass Casket’s brand new self-titled EP is set to be released on 9th June on Silent Pendulum Records. You can already stream the EP’s first single, ‘Let Them Go,’ on Spotify and YouTube. If you’re interested in pre-ordering the album, you can do so from Silent Pendulum Records’ website or via Bandcamp. Trust us, this EP is definitely worth adding to your collection. Glass Casket track list: 1. Merrymaker 2. Let Them Go 3. Prison of Empathy 4. For the Living Members of the band Glass Casket is made up of fellow original members Adam Cody and Sid Menon, along with newest member Wes Hauch (Alluvial, ex-The Faceless). The quintet have offered up a thrilling taste of things to come, in the form of the upcoming new […]

If you’re a heavy metal fan, there’s nothing quite like the experience of a live concert. The energy, the passion, and the excitement are all unmatched. But some concerts take things to a whole new level, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and leaving fans in awe. Here are some of the most insane heavy metal concerts you have to see to believe. 1. Wacken Open Air Wacken Open Air is one of the largest and most well-known heavy metal festivals in the world. Held annually in Germany, it features some of the biggest names in the genre and draws massive crowds from all over the globe. With multiple stages and non-stop music for several days, it’s an experience like no other. 2. Download Festival The Download Festival, held in the UK, is another major heavy metal festival that’s not to be missed. With its massive lineup of top acts and multiple stages, it’s a true celebration of all things heavy. In recent years, it’s expanded to include festivals in other countries, including France, Spain, and Australia. 3. Ozzfest Ozzfest is a traveling heavy metal festival that was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon. It’s known for […]

With a unique mix of metal, rock, and pop, Swedish band Ghost has been taking the music world by storm. Formed in 2008, the band consists of five members, mostly consisting of:  Tobias Forge (lead vocals, guitar, bass) Current or former members include Simon Söderberg (guitar lead), Mauro Rubino (keyboards), Henrik Palm (rythm guitar), and Martin Hjertstedt (drums). What sets Ghost apart from most is their use of anonymity. All of the band members perform under pseudonyms and wear masks onstage. This theatrical aspect of their live shows has become a big part of their appeal (sound familiar?). Another defining characteristic of Ghost is their lyrics, which are often critical of organized religion yet meant to serve as tongue in cheek statements. Forge has stated in interviews that he was raised Catholic but is now an atheist, and this disbelief informs much of the band’s work. All five albums have been met with critical acclaim, with Prequelle even earning them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2019. Albums: Opus Eponymous (2010), Infestissumam (2013), Meliora (2015), Prequelle (2018) and Impera (2022) Despite their success, Ghost has faced some controversies over the years. In 2017, it was revealed that Tobias […]

Are you new to the world of death metal? Maybe you’ve heard about it but just don’t know where to start. We’re here to tell you why we think death metal is worth your time and what makes this genre so appealing! Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that originated in the mid-1980s. It’s characterized by growling vocals, down-tuned guitars, and fast tempos. Death metal has become one of the most popular genres for underground music and can be heard at live shows across the world. Some people are hesitant to listen because they think it sounds too intense or aggressive but we’re here to tell you there are other reasons why death metal is worth your time! Here’s our list of 6 reasons why death: 1. It’s great for when you’re angry If you’re the type of person that needs to express their anger and frustration, death metal is a great way to do it. Its aggressive energy can give relief if expressed in song form! Ever wanted to smash a face in? We’re not talking about the type of person that’s angry all the time – they listen to death metal anyway. We mean those moments […]

British Heavy Metallers Judas Priest have cancelled their shows scheduled for South Africa. They have released the following statement via Social Media: “Due to circumstances totally beyond our control we are extremely sorry to have to announce that because of logistical and technical reasons the South African shows have been cancelled – we are very disappointed that this has happened as we were looking forward to performing in South Africa for our fans there for the first time – we have been touring the world for nearly 50 years and have always honored our commitments – we are all very upset about this situation.” Now, we’re no experts but we’re leaning towards the reason having something to do with Load Shedding. No international act wants to play to an audience only to have their power cut mid-set. We’ve seen this happen before.