There comes a point every year where an album is released and instantly the metal community (somehow) all agrees that it is, in fact, good. Normally, come December, this album gets thrown onto everyone’s Best Of lists, and we see websites and magazines give the band awards for such a crowning achievement. As such, this year it is Inter Arma who are falling into that category with Paradise Gallows, and immediately it’s realizable that this album is going to be a wild ride from start to finish, both critically and musically.  

The Melvins, who wrapped up their latest European tour over the weekend, debut a video for “Hideous Woman” (https://youtu.be/UGhK4m-frkQ) from their recently released album, Basses Loaded (Ipecac Recordings).  

Sweden’s macho-camouflage wearing power metal act, Sabaton, revealed a few weeks ago that  a new album was on the way. The tank that never stops, Sabaton are set to release The Lost Battalion on August 19th of this year, and have just released a slew of information in regards to this forthcoming release.  

Thrash is a complicated genre, despite several aspects of it being relied on conventions established 30 years ago. The genre itself has grown in different ways, but for the most part it’s common for bands to follow the standards set before them. That’s not a bad thing, but for people trying to find new bands in the genre, it’s usually new, safe bands that gather attention. Occasionally bands do new things with the sound, but they’re few and far between. Xenophile are among the few to venture out and break some rules while honoring the genre triumphantly. Playing a hybrid of progressive metal and thrash metal, Xenophile echo that of Megadeth’s technicality but on a more extreme level. Taking that technicality... 

I See Stars, who will be previewing music from Treehouse (June 17, Sumerian Records) when they play the Warped Tour this summer, stream new song “Running With Scissors”  

     Contrary to popular belief, metalheads are capable of enjoying music outside of the genre. As such, it’s sometimes difficult to find bands to enjoy that don’t fit into our comfort zone. Non-Metal for Metalheads is an attempt to bridge the gaps between genres a bit and show different bands that might be of some appeal.  

In less than three weeks, Brooklyn, New York-based psychedelic retro rock trio THE GOLDEN GRASS will undrape their Coming Back Again full-length. Captured by Jeff Berner at Galuminum Foil Productions and slated for release next month via Listenable Records, Coming Back Again delivers a truly serpentine audio journey where the epic glory and might of ’70s psychedelia, the sun-drenched warmth of Laurel Canyon’s golden country/folk era and sheer blues-based Southern rock boogie give way to exploratory landscapes, lysergic prog arrangements and a swinging, jazz touch.  

Subsequent to the very recent release of CONNY OCHS‘ third solo LP, Future Fables, an official video for the iconic German artist’s superb single “Killer” has been issued this week.  

L.A. Thrashers ANGER AS ART are streaming new album Ad Mortem Festinamus in its entirety.  

Detroit-based progressive rock outfit, TILES, has released the first single from their ambitious, Laser’s Edge-bound Pretending 2 Run 2xCD through an exclusive premiere. Featuring Canadian icon Kim Mitchell on lead guitar, “Shelter in Place” is the first full song released from Pretending 2 Run; a vivid and richly crafted song cycle that spins the tale of a man blindsided and disillusioned by betrayal.  

NoMara featuring John LeCompt (formerly of Evanescence/Machina/We Are The Fallen) Release Video for “Use Your Love”  

After a short holiday slumber, Detroit’s favorite road hounds, CHILD BITE, will take to the streets again for another round of onstage pandemonium.