Scars and Guitars Andrew McKaysmith

The new music show for May 2024 explores the vast spectrum of metal, uniting classic thrash figures and modern innovators. It starts with Kerry King's "Rage," featuring Paul Bostaph and Mark Osegueda, reigniting the fervour of 1980s California thrash. NOCTURNUS AD follows with "Hod, The Stellar Light," a pinnacle of progressive occult metal from their album Unicursal. EXODUS revisits their legendary 1989 live show with "Fabulous Disaster," recorded at The Astoria in London, celebrating a key moment in thrash history. The show also includes APOCALYPTICA's symphonic take on Metallica's "One" with James Hetfield and Six Feet Under return. The episode features a variety of styles, from the gritty urban trad-metal of RIOT V's "Mean Streets" to the nostalgic rock of Lucifer's cover "I Would Follow You Babe," with heavier sounds from Daath's "Ascension." Gnarly underground stuff from Earsplit PR is a feature, and other highlights include technical displays from bands like CROWNSHIFT and Cognitive, concluding with the dynamism of MY DYING BRIDE and Melbourne's The Omnific.
Full tracklist
 
Artist
Song
Kerry King
Rage
NOCTURNUS AD
Hod, The Stellar Light
EXODUS
Fabulous Disaster
Six Feet Under
When the Moon Goes Down in Blood
APOCALYPTICA
One
SEBASTIAN BACH
Freedom
RIOT V
Mean Streets
Lucifer
I Would Follow You Babe
DEEP PURPLE
Portable Door,
NOTHING MORE
ft David Draiman - ANGEL SONG
Daath
Ascension
CROWNSHIFT
My Prison
Kaosphere
Bring Out The Dead
FUMING MOUTH
Daylight Again
Cognitive
Abhorrence
APES
Coffin
Noroth
Black Serpent
GIANT SPIDER
EXIT PLAN
DARKNESS EVERYWHERE
Retaliation
TROG
RITUAL CORPSE DIVISION
BORER
Bag Seeker
HYEENA
Vampire Tornado
Kerry King
Trophies Of The Tyrant
BAT
Streetbanger
CAVALERA
Escape to the Void
VOIDGAZER
Expectations Management
MY DYING BRIDE
Her Dominion
PALLBEARER
Endless Place
The Omnific
Will-O'-The-Wisp
The Hu
TATAR Warrior (Live at Glastonbury)
BATTLE BEAST
Master of Illusion (Live in Helsinki 2023)
SIMONE SIMONS
Aeterna
Kerry King
From Hell I Rise

Learn about the inspiration behind Tzompantli from ringleader Brian 'Itztlakamayeh' Ortiz through his reflection on the band's identity and music. We explore the motivation behind blending indigenous/native rituals, history, and lore into their death/doom metal sound and Brian shares how traditional instruments enhance the band's new album, Beating The Drums Of Ancestral Force. We get to the bottom of how cohesion was maintained, with over ten musicians contributing to the album, and explore the significance of collaborating with members from different bands. I also gain insight into the creative process of recording, producing, and mastering the album. 
Beating The Drums Of Ancestral Force is out now on LP, CD, MC, and digital platforms. Orders at the label webshop here.

The Acolyte Of The Foul Ones leads Altar of Gore, a New Jersey death metal band, with its new album, Litanies Of The Unceasing Agonies. We talk about the sound's evolution, drawing from epic fantasy series for lyrical inspiration and exploring obscure cult rites. We delve into how their focus on flesh, blood, and bone over occult spirituality shapes their music and lyrics. Plus, we cover their creative process, visual imagery, and what's ahead for Altar of Gore.
Litanies Of The Unceasing Agonies is now available on LP, CD, and digital platforms. Order now at Bandcamp. The band's collective/label NVNM is also planning a cassette version.

In this episode, Serena from Svalbard joins me for a laid-back conversation. Amidst a whirlwind of interviews, ours stood out as the informal gem among the earnest queries from eager indie journalists. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, we still discussed some intriguing topics, including Australia's unique traits, the prime spots for rollercoaster enthusiasts while on tour, the world of psychedelics, and, naturally, insights into Svalbard's tour.
Destroy All Lines Presents: SVALBARD (UK) w/ special guests RUN Thursday 23.05 - Lynotts Lounge, PERTH Friday 24.05 - Crowbar, SYDNEY Saturday 25.05 - Soapbox, BRISBANE Sunday 26.05 - Howler, MELBOURNE TICKETS: https://daltours.cc/svalbard

In this conversation with Lena of Infected Rain, we explore her experience aboard the 2024 edition of the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, her insights on Australian audiences, and the excitement for the upcoming September 2024 shows with Cradle of Filth. Lena also shares her hopes and aspirations for the future, reflecting on experiences living under the hammer and enduring the long shadow of socialism and the Soviet Union in Moldova.

I caught up with David Stepanavicius from ATRÆ BILIS to discuss their latest album, Aumicide. We talk about the evolution from 2021's Apexapien, the intense themes behind "Inward to Abraxas," and the stunning visuals that bring the track to life. 
David also illuminates the collaboration behind the album's cover art and discusses the raw energy of Aumicide, shaped by Cyberdyne slams and vocal experiments. With more touring on the horizon, we explore their preparation and what fans can expect to live. 
Something else, David is an Aussie ex-pat living in Canada so it was great to hear that he is going great and capturing the attention of extreme metal fans across North America!
https://www.facebook.com/atraebilis