Sweden’s traditional death metal is very much alive and well. With bands like Bloodbath, Entombed, and Entrails keeping the tradition of the “buzzsaw” guitar tone alive, it’s easy to forget Sweden made the antithesis of it with melodic death metal. Even though films like Metal: A Headbanber’s Journey lumps bands like Grave and Arch Enemy into one genre, simply dubbed “Swedish Death Metal,” it’s more evident that the bands that follow the likes of Entombed and the such are a different breed than even the traditional death metal bands from the rest of the world.  

I’m not a stranger to the “djent” scene, or progressive metalcore, as it may actually be deemed. Periphery and Vildhjarta were two of the bands that introduced me to this style, although both have since gone on to craft their own respective sounds, steering far from the core sound of the scene. This has not alienated me, however, and I’ve managed to find enjoyment in bands like Northlane and In Hearts Wake, as well as Veil of Maya’s, After the Burial, and even Volumes at times. Essentially, bands like the aforementioned have braced more of the “metalcore” aspect of the stylings, but don’t shy away from the progressive aspects,like virtuoso guitar work, time signature changes, and other varying trivialities... 

Not to be confused with the German black metal band Dark Fortress, New Jersey’s Death Fortress are something of a wonder in the 21st century. No Facebook page, no Twitter, but just a Bandcamp page with both their albums, and a tie to Fallen Empire Records adds an air of mystery to this band. You, quite honestly, can’t even find a picture of the band at all.  

     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.  

Louisiana Stoner Metallers BOUDAIN have the exclusive premiere of new song, “Sleazy Feats“.  

2016 has been pretty steady so far, but it is without a doubt filled to the brim with hyped releases. Such is the spot Brooklyn’s Tombs have fallen into: 2011’s Path of Totality netted them Decibel Magazine’s Album of the Year award, and 2014’s Savage Gold continued their trend of greatness.  

Baltimore-based Grimoire Records is preparing the upcoming third album by West Virginia stoner/noise metal trio, RHIN, for release in April, with the diverse and damaging Passenger.  

ERRA have shared a new song, “Orchid”, (https://youtu.be/qRF0aAGnJOw) from the Birmingham, Ala. based band’s forthcoming album, Drift (April 8, Sumerian Records).  

Minneapolis Progressive Metal band GRACEPOINT are pleased to announce the exclusive advance stream of new album Echoes, courtesy of New Noise Magazine.  

Baltimore, Maryland-based sludge/grind assassins MUSKET HAWK will spew forth their sophomore full-length, Desolate, later this Spring via Unholy Anarchy Records.  

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.  

Madison, WI Death Metallers CASKET ROBBERY have released two play-through videos for Evolution of Evil tracks “Pray for Death” and “Asylum“.