The 80’s were a magical time for the growth of heavy metal, but I believe Operation: Mindcrime is one of the prime examples of why that era still is fondly remembered. Alongside Melissa by Mercyful Fate and Ride the Lightning by Metallica, Operation: Mindcrime made waves for the bands that followed, creating a waves of influence felt through the next few decades. It was also imperative to progressive metal as a whole, and while being a conceptual album and debatably what we call “prog metal” today, it still remains the middle ground between traditional heavy metal and what Dream Theater would solidify in the following year. So with Geoff Tate and friends getting together to celebrate 30 years of this timeless... 

Portland doom quartet USNEA announce Fall 2018 tour dates throughout North America. The band continues to tour in support of their recent full-length album Portals Into Futility. The tour commences September 9 in Boston, MA, ends September 21 in Washington D.C and includes two dates with Monolord plus a performance at Basilica Soundscape. A full list of tour dates is available below.  

Germany’s progressive death metal masters OBSCURA have shared the second single from their highly anticipated impending full-length album Diluvium.  

LIFE OF AGONY is thrilled to announce that BILLYBIO, the new solo band from Billy Graziadei(Biohazard/Powerflo) will be main support on the LOA’s upcoming ‘Rise of the Underground‘ European tour. Billy’s set will include brand-new music from his first-ever solo album along with a couple of Biohazard favorites(perhaps with appearances by LOA?!).  

June 6 in the year of the King (2018): Citizens! Today is a great day for Avatar Country and therefore the world as His Royal Majesty once again claims the title of not only King of our glorious nation but also King of the road.  

Round Eye, the experimental, sax wielding, freak punk outfit have accrued a loud and controversial name for themselves since forming in 2012. The Shanghai based group have as of late been a crucial force in bridging a wide gap between the eastern and western hemispheres of DIY punk rock.  

Metal Blade Records is proud to welcome Killswitch Engage to its roster! Partnering with Sony Music Entertainment outside of North America, the band will be releasing their upcoming album in 2019 worldwide. Metal Blade’s CEO/founder Brian Slagel comments: “I have been a huge fan and friend of Killswitch for a long time, so it is truly an honor to be able to work with them. So happy to welcome them to the Metal Blade family.” Jesse Leach (vocals): “I’m beyond stoked to sign with the legendary Metal Blade Records and Columbia/Sony Music. It’s clear they truly understand and believe in what we do as a band, and we’re psyched to have them on our side. It’s an exciting new... 

Enuff Z’nuff are the living, breathing example of what a rock ‘n roll group should be. Now centered around bass player and vocalist Chip Z’nuff, Enuff Z’nuff are still alive and kicking with a legion of loyal fans, who can’t get enough of the band’s power pop melded with hard rock stylings. They have proven this once again with the release of their upcoming album “Diamond Boy” which is set for an August 10th release via Frontiers Music Srl.  

This tour needs no introduction. You know what it is. In what can only be described as the biggest metal tour in the past few years, Slayer know how to announce their end in nothing short of the greatest of ways. Combining forces with Testament, Behemoth, Anthrax, and Lamb of God, there was no stopping this tour from being the stuff of legends. You knew it was going to be amazing, and actually witnessing it all happen within six hours was a major feat. Like Iron Maiden’s World Slavery Tour,  this one is for the books.  

Having just completed a European headlining tour, modern thrash metal trailblazers HAVOK will continue to promote their latest album, Conformicide by announcing their upcoming North American Summer headlining tour with support from Jungle Rot and Extinction A.D.  The tour also includes four dates with Havok supporting Suicidal Tendencies.  This continues an already impressive touring year for the group which kicked off the year on a massive tour all over North America with Killswitch Engage and Anthrax.  

Atlantic recording group Halestorm have announced today their new upcoming album, Vicious (see attached tracklist). The GRAMMY® Award-winning band’s fourth studio album, Vicious arrives at all music retailers and streaming services on Friday, July 27th.  The first single from Vicious, “Uncomfortable,” premiered this morning, and the video, directed by Evan Brace (Phantogram, Taking Back Sunday).  

Multi-platinum band FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have exploded onto the album charts with AND JUSTICE FOR NONE (via Prospect Park), the group’s long-awaited seventh studio album and first full-length in three years.