What is it about graphic novels, or comic books in general that differ from other forms of expression? Is it the symbiotic bond between the thoughts being written down along with the detailed art that brings those literary emotions to life? I ponder this question in regards to Comedian/Actor John Leguizamo. A multifaceted entertainer I had the privilege of meeting during this May’s New York Book Con. Known for his one man shows such as Mambo Mouth, Spic-O-Rama, Freak, Sexaholix, and Ghetto Klown, John Leguizamo proved that by being ones self, and formulating ones life into their art form,success is possible.  

“ I never would have imagined so many worlds that have so many iterations…why do they resonate like this through time and space…what is so special about them? -Deimos Yes folks, they all matter, they all exist, and most of all…..their CONVERGING. DC’s Convergence plot is just what the doctor ordered in balancing the scales through time and space of every DC reality having a place within their own existing reality.  

“There was nothing, followed by everything…swirling, burning specks of creation that circled life-giving suns. God Doom…created the light.” -Rendition of Thor. This quote directly hit me after reading up on Marvel’s current “Secret Wars.” What makes this iteration different from writer Jim Shooter and artists Mike Zeck and Bob Layton’s Secret War run from 1984 to 1985?  

Most reviews in regards to season finales dwell on big spoilers, and cliffhangers that get us in gear for the next season. In regards to the season 2 finale of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D titled S.O.S and The Flash season 1 finale called Fast Enough, I contemplate the two separate and vital styles between Marvel and DC’s emotionality of characters.  

So many bands want to combine genres these days: from Post-Op Prog Rock to TransThrashPop Opera, it always refreshing to hear a band that just strips all the BS away. It’s Metal. Dying Humanity is this such a band! THeir new slab of Hevy Metal comes in the form of Deadened, which is what you’ll be after a good pummeling from this article!  

On May 22, Neck of the Woods will be releasing their self-titled debut, Neck of the Woods (duh.). Now, this is markedly NOT May 22nd, so guess what? I GET TO HEAR IT FIRST! Suck that Todd! If you like a slab of progressive death metal hailing from the frozen north, Neck of the Woods is your jam!  

We all love an album that seems to take an eternity to finish, but there is a certain art and grace to throwing down an entire 6 song record in just over 14 minutes. Seems pretty specific right? Well, that’s because Witch of the Waste has those exact numbers on their new slab of violence, Made of Teeth! And it’s no false advertising, so read more if you want see what this is all about!  

Many bands seek to tow a line they usually set, or follow a fad that restricts what they could be doing. Not so with Leeches of Lore, who, like Primus, Slough Feg, King Crimson, or Geezer, take the paths that the four winds dictate. Or late night movie channels. Whatever their influences of the moment, Frenzy, Ecstasy will not be a boring time.  

Many groups have been assembled, picked, selected, whatever you’d like to call it, and labeled a Super Group. Many are good, most are just terrible, almost all end up just becoming a one-off and going Nowhere. Not so with Goatsnake, featuring Pete Stahl (vocals, of Scream and Wool), Greg Anderson (guitar, of the crushing SUNN 0))), ), Scott Renner (bass, of Sourvein when touring), and Greg Rogers (drums, of another super group, The Obsessed), as well as a little addition of soul vocal trio Dem Preacher’s Daughters, comprised of Wendy Moten, Gale Mayes, and Andrea Merrit, who have put together their newest album, Black Age Blues, and by coincidence, a blueprint for absolutely the perfect Heavy Blues album.  

What can we say about Avengers: Age of Ultron? In a world filled with the ever growing popularity of super-heroes it seems that this genre depicted in the film industry stands the test of time. With this day and age, it is hard to keep the story-lines from leaking out via the internet.  

Currently out and shredding hearts and airwaves, the new release from Royal Thunder, Crooked Doors, is a slab of sad, heavy rock that that tells you exactly what the heart feels in its dark times. WIth copy in computer, Metal Machine brings you the review of Crooked Doors!  

Today’s newest puzzle piece in the ever expanding tapestry of metal is Gizzards & Hearts by out-there noise collective, One Ton Project.