Korpiklaani – Jylhä Review
When I first crossed paths with Korpiklaani back in 2006, I took one look at the slipcase promo for Tales Along this Road, and finding them completely ridiculous, promptly discarded and ignored it. I don’t …
Annihilator – Ballistic, Sadistic Review
The ups and downs of Annihilator’s 35-plus year career are dizzying on every level, from lineup churn, label changes, and good old fashioned album quality. The one consistent, of course, has been mastermind Jeff Waters, …
Another Abbott Gone Too Soon: Remembering Vinnie Paul
“Back in 2004, I had the privilege of interviewing Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul during a local stop with Damageplan on the Headbanger’s Ball Tour. Two of the nicest guys you could ever hope to …
The Sword – Used Future Review
I didn’t get the hype surrounding The Sword when they released Age of Winters. In fact, I largely tried to ignore it. The flood of similar bands during that time had soured me on their …
Best Of 2017 – Dave Pirtle: Blitz – The Expurgated Version (The One Without Venenum)
To say it’s been a rough year would be an understatement. I don’t even have to dive deep into the current socio-political climate. This is about ME, goddamnit. Hell, I’ve been so self-involved that I …
Cannabis Corpse – Left Hand Pass Review
It’s been awhile since I’ve personally checked in with Cannabis Corpse. Back when I reviewed Tube of the Resinated, they were exactly what they appeared to be: a Cannibal Corpse clone with a weed fetish. …
Alestorm – No Grave But The Sea Review
So things got pretty dark the last time we met. Belated thanks to everyone for their support. I’ve taken a few more hits since then, but I think I’ve finally found the answer; a lucrative …
Life Of Agony – A Place Where There’s No More Pain Review
It’s been over a decade since Life of Agony released Broken Valley. I don’t remember what the critical response was, but it didn’t matter. One of the most important bands from my youth was back, …