Heavy metal

Remembering Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman

Ben Fong-Torres — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:52:49 +0000

Remembering Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman Ben Fong-Torres Wed, 06/17/2020

The weight of the passing of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman may be unfelt to those without the passion for thrashin'. But for those with the passion, it is collectively understood that a metal legend is gone.

Slayer was one of the road-paving pioneers of American thrash metal of the late ‘80s. Along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, Slayer brought a sub-genre of metal to the forefront of rock music that may have otherwise never seen the light of day. Not that they mind the darkness.

Slayer revels in gloomy themes of death and torture driven by brooding sludge tones before unleashing an all-out assault on listeners’ eardrums, with Hanneman’s and Kerry King's machine gun tremolos battling for dominance against Dave Lombardo's wall of double bass kicks. Their music paints apocalyptic landscapes with a level of detail that only the most talented of artists can touch. Listening to Slayer, one could actually visualize Dante's journey through hell...

Yea. They kick that much ass.

Aside from the worship amongst Metal fans, Slayer has also received much critical praise - winning 2 Grammy Awards on 5 nominations. As well as Hanneman and Kerry King ranking #10 in Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time" in 2004.

And while Hanneman had been out of the touring lineup since 2011 after contracting a skin disease, and the band may continue to perform and record, one can't help feeling that this is the end of an era for the thrash veterans. The four horseman of the apocalypse had a band, and they called themselves Slayer.

That empty saddle is a tough one to fill.

You can experience the full force of the original lineup in Slayer - Live at the Hammersmith Apollo, 2008.

For other thrash peers and predecessors, check out our many titles from the Wacken Festival in Germany.

Related Titles:
Destricution - Live at Wacken, 2007
Municipal Waste - Live at Wacken, 2007
Overkill - Live at Wacken, 2007
Kreator - Live at Wacken, 2008
Pentagram - Live at Wacken, 2009

Enjoy "South of Heaven" from Slayer's 2008 concert at the Hammersmith Apollo in London.

*Our content library is updated on a regular basis and some of those concerts might not be available at the moment.

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Les musts du Rockfest 2018

Christine — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:17:39 +0000

Les musts du Rockfest 2018 Christine Thu, 03/29/2018

Amateurs et amatrices de rock, de métal, de punk, de hardcore, de hip-hop ou d’une combinaison de ces styles, le moment est venu de préparer votre équipement de camping pour la 13e édition du Rockfest de Montebello. Parmi les 73 groupes (on les a comptés) qui défileront sur scène du 14 au 16 juin 2018, on vous suggère de ne pas manquer… (roulements de tambours):

Prophets of Rage

En plus d’être l’une des têtes d’affiche du festival, le supergroupe formé en 2016 constitue un véritable trois-en-un de l’histoire musicale des trois dernières décennies. Les nostalgiques vont se régaler! Composé de trois membres de Rage Against The Machine (le guitariste Tom Morello, le bassiste Tim Commerford et le batteur Brad Wilk), des rappers B-Real (Cypress Hill) et Chuck D (Public Enemy) et de DJ Lord (Public Enemy), Prophets of Rage ne se contentent pas de proposer des nouvelles chansons tributaires de leurs passés respectifs (comme on peut l’entendre sur l’album homonyme sorti en septembre 2017), ils exécutent en concert les succès de chacune de leur formation. Au Rockfest, la formation rendra aussi hommage au regretté Chris Cornell par le biais d’Audioslave, le précédent supergroupe de Morello et Commerford.

Dimmu Borgir

Il y a au moins deux raisons d’assister à la prestation de la formation norvégienne. Tout d’abord, il s’agira de son premier concert au Québec en 8 ans et ensuite, Dimmu Borgir souligne cette année son 25e anniversaire. On s’attend donc à ce que le groupe black métal symphonique interprète les incontournables de sa carrière (For all tid, Nar Sjelen Hentes Til Helvete, In Death’s Embrace, Dreamside Dominions, etc.) en plus des morceaux tirés d’Eonian, son 10e album à paraître le 4 mai. D’ailleurs, après quelques écoutes, on peut affirmer qu’il n’est pas mal du tout.

Steel Panther

Qui dit festival extérieur dit party et qui dit party dit Steel Panther! Que vous ayez vécus ou non la mode des cuissards en spandex et des cheveux crêpés, le glam métal du groupe de Los Angeles vous replongera au cœur des années 1980. Le fait que Steel Panther ne se prend pas du tout au sérieux, comme l’indique le titre des albums Hole Patrol (2003), Feel the Steel (2009) et Lower the Bar (2017) rend le voyage dans le temps encore plus mémorable et appréciable.

Henry Rollins

Force de la nature aussi à l’aise derrière le micro que la caméra (il a joué dans de nombreux films et séries, dont Sons of Anarchy en 2009 et Z Nation en 2017), Henry Rollins, qu’on a découvert dans le groupe hardcore punk Black Flag, mérite absolument d’être entendu. L’artiste reconnu pour son franc parlé s’intéresse à tous les sujets et a le don de transformer les anecdotes les plus banales en péripéties captivantes et drôles.

Beyond Creation

La première participation du quatuor montréalais au festival coïncide avec la fin du cycle de tournée pour l’album Earthborn Evolution, lancé en 2014. Si le concentré death métal progressif complexe et dense de Beyond Creation est agréable à entendre sur disque, c’est encore plus fascinant de voir les musiciens en action. Le groupe qui vient de terminer l’enregistrement de son 3e disque en profitera peut-être pour nous donner un avant-goût de son nouveau matériel.

Morgan

Rien de mieux pour rendre hommage aux vaches de Montebello qu’un groupe qui donne à sa musique le nom de « Cowpunk »! Le punk festif de Morgan évoque le son de Dropkick Murphys, mais en y ajoutant une bonne dose d’humour et de country twang à la place de l’influence celtique. Bref, difficile de rester de glace à l’écoute des chansons (écoutez Mow Your Lawn, Running For My Life, Porcupine) qu’on trouve sur Morgan Deli, le 2e album de la formation de Salaberry-De-Valleyfield.

Le Rockfest de Montebello

14-16 juin, 2018

http://www.montebellorockfest.com/

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The Free Life by Turbowolf

Noémi — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 16:32:20 +0000

The Free Life by Turbowolf Noémi Mon, 03/12/2018

Instagram: @turbowolfband Twitter: @turbowolfband Facebook: /turbowolf Youtube: Turbowolf

“It’s not: ‘Let’s make it sound like this band.’ It’s: ‘Let’s make it sound like no band.”

- Andy Ghosh

Turbowolf have made a name for themselves with influences and output that covers the entire genre of electrified music – everything from garage rock, to punk, heavy metal, and psychedelia. Their third album, The Free Life, is no different.

A demented, yet highly addictive take on high-octane riff rock

Explosive modern-day rockers Turbowolf are on a mission to destroy the rock and roll playbook you know and love. The Free Life challenges you on every level. The band isn’t thinking outside the box, they’ve burnt the box and smoked the ashes.

“Guitar music has become one of the safest and most predictable genres around. It’s been going on like that for so long now that people have actually forgotten the whole point of rock and roll was to be dangerous and scary and unpredictable. Things are stale and boring. We’re trying to shake things up and make them interesting again.”

- Andy Ghosh

The Free Life bursts at the seams with raw power and drips with unadulterated attitude. The opening track “No No No” superbly builds thunderous stoner rock riffs. The album’s greatest strength is its harmonic interplay. This is demonstrated on hardcore punk-ish “Very Bad” and is also featured on every. single. song.

Bludgeoning licks, schizophrenic synthesizers, and throaty vocals

About halfway through the album, the band permanently departs from earth and plunges into carefree synthesizer solos and spastic guitar plays.

“Cheap Magic” juxtaposes flashy riffs before breaking into playful and bouncy drumming by Davis. Similarly, “Last Three Clues” heads straight into fuzz rock, briefly devolving into a chilled-out break that features some psychedelic keyboards. Then, there’s the languid beginning of “Up N Atom” that rapidly transforms into an aggressive and 1980’s-induced electronica. A gem, nonetheless.

The album closes with the slow approach of the title track, eventually building speed into a loud romp with Chris Georgiadis’ vocals soaring above. There’s a definite increase in confidence from all members. Musically and vocally, The Free Life is the work of a bolder, more confident, and more settled band that knows what it is aiming for. It is the perfect sum of Two Hands and Turbowolf.

Always a hard band to pin down, Turbowolf has outdone itself again. A fun, ethereal trip through the mind of some talented and twisted musicians and songwriters. Here’s an intoxicatingly dizzying and majestic one for the books.

Check out Turbowolf on Stingray Music!

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Top 10 | Heavy Metal Songs

Noémi — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 15:35:37 +0000

Top 10 | Heavy Metal Songs Noémi Wed, 11/08/2017

100% HEAVY METAL (we’re not talking about iron, lead, and zinc)

How many metalheads does it take to change a light bulb? None. They embrace the darkness.

Whether you’re looking for background music to debate Slayer’s best album or simply looking for a little piece of heaven, well you’ve got another thing comin’: we’ve compiled 10 disasterpiece[s] that’ll make you blackout. So, stick around, don’t run to the hills. Welcome to the Jungle.

10. “Market Demand” by Comeback Kid

I had to plug Comeback Kid here #SorryNotSorry. They’re my all-time fave. Their restless creativity never ceases to amaze me. If you’re seeking raw and powerfully chilling tracks, look no more. Check out their underrated album Symptoms + Cures (the only album you’ll need if every there’s a sonic apocalypse).

9. “Lost Not Forgotten” by Dream Theater

If Dream Theater had a PhD, it would be in instrument technical proficiency. The band’s tendency to drift into atmospheric-like melodies demonstrates how their songs are oh-so laboriously crafted. “Lost Not Forgotten” embodies what Dream Theater’s all about: history marking songwriting and extremely solid musicality.

8. “Louder Than Hell” by Mötley Crüe

Oh, Tommy Lee, I’ll never forget your drum solos. Nikki Sixx, I thought you were a total badass for setting your pants on fire and rolling around on stage. Mötley Crüe throws all rock conventions out the window and burns the window down. Nitro-fueled riffs and echo-drenched fury, the Crüe are the true underdogs of rock and roll.

7. “Damages” by Converge

Converge has no limits. Converge is deeply poetic. Converge is mathcore-soaked. I love you, Converge. “Damages” leaves us simmering in its insane hooks and relentless drumming. Jacob Bannon’s commanding vocals drive the song like a drill sergeant. Take a plunge in the heart of metalcore and don’t forget to catch your breath.

6. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath

I probably should’ve put this one as No. 1. This is pure auditory bliss. “Paranoid” is soulful and backbeat-driven à la Hendrix. Quite possibly one of the tightest and rhythmic songs off their entire repertoire. Talk about shock and awe. Can someone get my Les Paul? I need to practice.

5. “Angel of Death” by Slayer

It’s headbanging time! Five minutes of insurmountable, grimy, and flat-out wicked awesome combinations of guitar and thunderous drumming. Metal’s known for its darkness, wittiness, and sharpness – Slayer has epitomized those qualities. I dare you to find an equally brilliant guitar solo. Go on. I’ll be waiting.

4. “Runnin’ With The Devil” by Van Halen

Eight kick drums, anyone? Ah, Van Halen. They’ve forever disrupted metal. Their live performances are unforgettable. (Read: Michael Anthony pouring himself a shot of whiskey in a paper cup before performing the most impressive bass solo you’ll ever come across)

3. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden

I’ve been seduced by Iron Maiden’s rebellious f-all attitude since I was 13. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” contains enough high-octane guitar shredding and surreal wordplay to satisfy any true metal head (cue 4:24). Are you guys a coronary artery? Cause you’re wrapped all around my heart.

2. “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” by Megadeth

Now, this is a band that never disappoints. Megadeth’s impulsivity has propelled them to stardom and allowed them to create unpredictable fretwork, textural spontaneity, and neck-breaking rhythms. They’re having fun (it shows) and their fans get to tag along for the ride. Need I say more?

1. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica

Metallica sums up quintessential wild thrash metal, even when they’re jumping all over the musical map. They’ve created sounds that perfectly melt into ripples of psych rock, and trash about in a storm of crunchy metallic riffs. God bless “Master of Puppets” for its clean vocals and sharp arrangements.

Here’s what you need to do:

Grab your phone
Download the Stingray Music app
Bust your eardrums with these babies:

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Best Metal of the Year

The Dusk in Us by Converge

Noémi — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 17:06:17 +0000

The Dusk in Us by Converge Noémi Mon, 11/06/2017

Instagram: @converge Twitter: @convergecult Facebook: /converge

Get ready (seriously ready) for some god-level shreds and squealing riffs

Hot damn, Converge. You’ve done it again. You’ve shaken me to my core and left me hungry for more. This band is, without a shadow of a doubt, metalcore’s true leader and has been adding their own inflection to the genre for the last 25+ years. Their ninth album is no exception.

Converge continues to grow and experiment their technically dizzying musicianship, while reinforcing their dominance in the genre. Through surprisingly pacific existential lyrics (“It’s the wars that we don’t fight that keep love alive”, “Don’t need a helmet if I have my heart”, “You have to bury the gun to finally make sense of it”) and thundering shrieking + bashing, Jacob Bannon shows once again his thirst for pushing boundaries and structural complexity.

Some of the best songs the band has ever written

The Dusk in Us is a huge achievement filled with fresh, sleek, and surprisingly succinct sounds. Put driving bass, ultra-tricky drumming patterns, and every one of Jacob's unpolished howls into a blender, and you have The Dusk in Us.

25+ years in, you can’t mistake Converge for anyone else

The Boston band convincingly interlocks explosive depths and implosive movements. For example, “Eye of the Quarrel” perfectly blends dark goth punk and old-school hardcore. “Arkiphov Calm” shuffles staccato screamo and churned rock power chords. “I Can Tell You About Pain”'s intro plunges us into its pounding extensions of sprawling psychedelic jams. It is impossible not to hit repeat.

I’m still not over Jane Doe. Thanks guys <3

P.S. If you’ve never seen them live, … well, GO SEE THEM LIVE.

Try and not break your neck while headbanging to these tracks:

“A Single Tear”: voracious guitar and high-pitched screaming across the board
“Under Duress” (personal fave!): track about rising above our foes through solidarity
“The Dusk in Us”: the album’s best hooks
“Trigger”: into rhythmic complexity that’ll make your brain itch? Scratch away with this one
“Reptilian”: an insightful exploration on rejecting our animal instincts

Stingray Music’s Vibes channels has got tons of sharp and viciously fast songs for you:

Download the app and start a mosh pit ;-)

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