R.I.P. Merle Haggard (1937 – 2016)
This is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to write, right up there with eulogizing Ronnie James Dio. Strangely, shortly before the news of each passing, I had just reaffirmed that they …
Prong – X – No Absolutes Review
I feel like I’ve been here before, but I don’t think I’ve ever been here with Prong. In retrospect, that’s surprising. Oh, sorry – got a bit ahead of myself. I’ve talked about Prong quite …
Varg – Das Ender Aller Lügen Review
Funny how the brain works. I had been put off this band for at least a while due to the name being immediately associated with legendary asshole Varg Vikernes; it had to be a side …
Dave Pirtle’s Best of 2015 – I’m Getting Too Old For This Blitz
I want music to bring me down to my knees make me sob like an infant, make me angry rip me to shreds, glue me back up make my mind explode This verse, taken from …
Draconian – SOVRAN Review
For reasons I won’t get into here, it’s been a long month. Trials and tribulations; personal and professional; trivial and major – you know the type. So it was with a bit of resignation that …
Sabbath Assembly – Sabbath Assembly Review
So after taking it “easy” the past couple of times out, tackling new releases from familiar acts like Lamb of God and Fear Factory, I thought it would be good to step out of that …
Fear Factory – Genexus Review
Fear Factory. Goddamn Fear Factory. Goddamn, Fear Factory. That’s the abridged, edited, and expurgated version of the thoughts that went through my mind while listening to Genexus. With a history that includes as many steps …
Lamb of God – VII: Sturm Und Drang Review
I’ve got to hand it to Lamb of God. Even after all of the shit vocalist Randy Blythe went through with the Czech government, they’ve managed to stay on their recent “every three years” album …