Heavy Metal
Rainbow in the Dark Admirably Chronicles Ronnie James Dio’s Iconic Career: Book Review
For years, Ronnie James Dio fans have been patiently waiting for an autobiography that he had begun work on prior to his passing in 2010 from stomach cancer. Now, we have finally received Rainbow in the Dark: The Autobiography. First off, readers should know that the idea behind the book was to recount the story of the legendary metal vocalist (real name: Ronald James Padavona) from birth up until his fulfillment of a lifelong career dream, when Dio headlined Madison Square Garden in 1986 (as the leader of his eponymous band). The book was not completed before Dio’s passing, but with the help of his wife/manager, Wendy Dio, and respected rock journalist Mick Wall, the missing bits have been filled in commendably. As a reader of many rock autobiographies over the years, I must admit that I ...
Joey Jordison’s 10 Most Jaw-Dropping Slipknot Drum Moments
The tragic passing of Joey Jordison at the age of 46 this week meant the loss of one of modern metal’s greatest drummers. As a founding member of Slipknot, he influenced countless young musicians with both his skills behind the kit and his prolific songwriting. Jordison played drums in Slipknot from 1995 through 2013, and appeared on the band’s 1999 self-titled LP, 2001’s Iowa, 2004’s Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses, and 2008’s All Hope Is Gone. His frenetic, idiosyncratic playing came to define Slipknot’s percussive sound, and he was responsible for co-writing a number of their best-known tracks. Following Jordison’s death, two of metal’s best all-time drummers — Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs) and Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer, Misfits) — praised Jordison as an “incre...
R.I.P. Joey Jordison, Former Slipknot Drummer Dead at 46
Former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has died at the age of 46. According to a statement issued by his family, Jordison “passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26th, 2021.” A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. “Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” his family’s statement reads. “To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music.” Advertisement Jordison was a founding member of Slipknot and played in the band until his departure in December 2013. He later revealed that he suffered from transverse myelitis, a neurological disease that limited his the ability to play the drums. The drummer suggested that his condition led Slipknot to fire him from the ...
Exodus Drummer Tom Hunting Is Cancer Free After Undergoing Total Gastrectomy
Exodus drummer Tom Hunting recently underwent a total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach), and it appears the surgery was a success. The veteran thrash musician is now cancer free, according to a post on bandmate Gary Holt’s Instagram account. Earlier this month, Hunting announced that he would be undergoing the procedure in his effort to battle squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach. A total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach and parts of any neighboring organs affected by the cancer. The end of the esophagus is then attached to the small intestine to allow for digestion. While he must recover and adjust to his new digestive system, the message posted on Holt’s Instagram offers an encouraging outlook: “Tom has been home for around a week now, is doing very well despite the pain, is e...
R.I.P. Mike Howe, Metal Church Singer Dies at 55
Mike Howe, lead singer of the veteran band Metal Church, has died at the age of 55. No cause of death has been reported, but the band announced his passing via Facebook on Monday evening (July 26th). “It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and true legend of heavy metal music. Mike Howe passed away this morning at his home in Eureka, California,” reads the band’s statement. “We are devastated and at a loss for words. Please respect our privacy and the Howe family’s privacy during this most difficult time.” The band formed in 1980 in the Bay Area as Shrapnel, impacting the thrash metal scene that was about to explode a couple years later. They moved to Aberdeen, Washington, early in their career and changed their name to Metal Church in 1...
Glenn Danzig Announces Theatrical Release Date for His Movie Death Rider in the House of Vampires
Glenn Danzig has announced the theatrical release date for his upcoming vampire Spaghetti Western, Death Rider in the House of Vampires. In a post on his Facebook, Danzig said that the film will hit select theaters across the United on August 27th. There will also be advance screenings in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. More details are coming soon, according to the post. Danzig’s second original feature-length film had been announced a while ago, but a release date had no been revealed until now. We previously saw the morbidly hilarious NSFW trailer, which starred Danzig in his central role as the character Bad Bathory. Advertisement Related Video The veteran rocker wrote, directed, scored, and stars in the upcoming film alongside the likes of Devon Sawa, Julian Sands, Danny Trejo, Eli Roth, a...
Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer Had Feces and Urine Thrown at Him While in Jail for Role in US Capitol Riot: Report
The lawyer for Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer has revealed that the veteran metal musician was threatened with his life and had feces and urine hurled at him while in jail for his role in the US Capitol riot. In April, Schaffer became the first person involved in the January 6th insurrection to plead guilty to charges related to the riot. The two charges to which he pleaded guilty are obstruction of an official proceeding and entering a building with a dangerous weapon. He admitted to carrying bear spray into the Capitol, as he and others forced their way into the building. As part of a plea agreement, Schaffer is said to be offering information about his militia group the Oath Keepers in exchange for a lesser sentence. Prosectors have recommended 3.5 to 4.5 years in prison, and he may ...
Dee Snider Announces Streaming Concert Filmed in Front of Live Audience
Dee Snider has announced a streaming concert that was filmed in front of a live audience. The stream goes live on July 29th, a day before the release of the Twisted Sister singer’s new solo album, Leave a Scar. Livestreams became the norm for many artists during the pandemic. It was a way to bring the concert experience into the homes of fans worldwide, but most featured only the performers and no crowds. For Snider’s upcoming stream, the metal legend filmed a June show in Patchogue, New York, in front of a full crowd, and he’ll beam the full performance across the interwebs for 30 days starting on July 29th for virtual ticketholders. Advertisement Related Video “I can’t wait to see all you crazy motherf—kers when we’re on the road again, but for now, grab a cold one, crank the volume, it’...
Volbeat Announce Fall 2021 US Headlining Tour
Danish rockers Volbeat have announced a brief run of U.S. tour dates for this September and October, with various support from Twin Temple, Municipal Waste and The Hu on select dates. The newly announced shows mark the band’s first headlining stateside performances in nearly two years. Volbeat’s fall jaunt will kick off September 24th at Tabernacle in Atlanta and run through an October 10th show at The Fox Theater in Oakland, California. The headlining tour dates bridge the gap between Volbeat’s previously scheduled appearances at two festivals: Rebel Rock on September 23rd in Orlando, Florida, and Aftershock on October 8th in Sacramento, California. Tickets for the newly announced shows will go on sale Friday, July 23, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster, with a pre-sale starting on We...
Anthrax Celebrate 40 Years of Thrash with Career-Spanning Livestream Concert: Review
Setting the Stage: It’s hard to believe, but this year marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of thrash metal pioneers Anthrax. Considered to be one of the “Big 4” of thrash (along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth), the band — which since 2013 has featured a lineup comprised of singer Joey Belladonna, guitarists Scott Ian and Jon Donais, bassist Frank Bello, and drummer Charlie Benante — undoubtedly would have preferred to celebrate this impressive career accomplishment with a thorough world tour, but instead offered up a virtual worldwide concert event. Anthrax officially formed on July 18th, 1981, and the metal legends started the 40th anniversary celebration a couple months back with a video series documenting their illustrious career through testimonials from the band members ...
Sabaton Unleash Cover of Manowar’s “Kingdom Come”: Stream
Sabaton have unleashed their cover of Manowar’s “Kingdom Come” as a standalone single. The track is finally receiving a proper release on digital platforms and vinyl after frequent fan requests. A concert staple and fan favorite, “Kingdom Come” is Sabaton’s salute to their power-metal forebearers, Manowar. Both bands share musical and aesthetic similarities, as well as a fascination with war and military history. Sabaton update the track with heavier, modern production while retaining the original spirit of the song. “Our fans have spoken,” Sabaton bassist Pär Sundtröm said. “You requested the release of this song everywhere, so this is for all of you. This recording was meant to be a tribute to Manowar and a collaboration with a video game bearing the same name when we recorded it a few y...
Wolfgang Van Halen Has “Tons of Ideas” for Next Album, Names His Favorite Van Halen LPs
Wolfgang Van Halen has revealed that he has “tons of ideas” for his next album in a new interview with Audio Ink Radio. The son of the late Eddie Van Halen took the rock world by storm with the self-titled debut album from his Mammoth WVH project. Collecting songs written and performed entirely by Wolfgang, the LP has been an overwhelming success, bolstered by the chart-topping single “Distance.” It appears the next record is already in the making. “This is what I plan on doing,” Wolfgang said of his Mammoth WVH project. “Tons of ideas hit the cutting room floor that I’d like to return to, that I’m sure will show up on the next few albums. I’ve already written so many ideas in the past year on lockdown that I’m itching to get back in the studio.” Advertisement Related Video The success of ...
