Heavy Metal
Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast Turns 40: Bruce Dickinson Reflects
Certain years have seen the release of an overabundance of classic metal albums. And 1982 was undoubtedly one of them. Case in point, the arrival of Judas Priest’s Screaming for Vengeance, Venom’s Black Metal, Scorpions’ Blackout, Kiss’ Creatures of the Night, and Accept’s Restless and Wild all within that particular calendar year. However, most metalheads would probably agree that the top metal release of ‘82 was Iron Maiden’s tour de force The Number of the Beast — which celebrates its 40-year anniversary on March 22nd, 2022. Lead singer switches in already established rock bands seem to not work out far more times than they do. But Maiden were one of fortunate ones — when Paul Di’Anno (who provided vocals for Maiden’s first two albums, 1980’s self-titled debut and 1981’s Killers) was re...
Elderly Woman Crushes Rob Zombie’s “Dragula” at Karaoke: Watch
Here’s one we didn’t expect to see: an elderly woman absolutely slaying Rob Zombie’s “Dragula” at karaoke. A TikTok user captured the unprecedented performance of the 1998 hit at a bar in Fargo, North Dakota. The viral clip starts up right as the chorus drops, and based on our singer’s delivery and confidence, it appears she already knew the song and didn’t have to read the lyrics screen. “Grandma killing Rob Zombie,” read the video captions. “I’ve never seen anything better than this.” Advertisement Related Video Grandma even busts out some stage moves, beckoning the sparse crowd to come forward before brandishing a very metal power fist. Perhaps more jaw-dropping than the disparity between performer and song is the indifference shown by those in attendance. The people in the foreground o...
R.I.P. John Clayton, ESPN NFL Reporter Who Starred as Metalhead in Greatest SportsCenter Commercial Dies at 67
John Clayton, the longtime NFL reporter for ESPN, has died at age 67 after an undisclosed brief illness. While he was considered one of the best in the business among football fans, for many he will be remembered for his unforgettable starring in role in perhaps the greatest “This Is SportsCenter” commercial ever. After starting as a sportswriter in the covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks in the ’70s and ’80s, Clayton was hired by ESPN in 1995, where he remained with the network as one of its top NFL reporters until he was let go in 2017. According to ESPN, Clayton died Friday (March 18th) while surrounded by family in Washington state. Clayton, who was nicknamed “The Professor,” had a charmingly nerdy appearance, which made his turn in the aforementioned “This Is SportsC...
Decapitated Announce New Album Cancer Culture, Unleash Title Track: Stream
Polish death metallers Decapitated are returning with their eighth studio album, Cancer Culture, on May 27th. The band offered up the title track as the lead single. It’s a ferocious slab of technically perfected extreme metal, with a fair bit of melody guiding the snarled vocals of Rafał “Rasta” Piotrowski. Overall, the track falls on the catchier end of the tech-death spectrum. “It wasn’t easy to pick the first single from Cancer Culture,” guitarist Waclaw ‘Vogg’ Kieltyka commented in a press release. “Each song has this different vibe that we would like to show as soon as possible and be proud of. Since ‘Cancer Culture’ is the first song from the album, we decided that this would be the perfect way to introduce you to new music. It is the album’s opening chapter, and you know what you c...
Psycho Las Vegas 2022 Lineup: Mercyful Fate, Emperor, Suicidal Tendencies, Mayhem, Boris, High on Fire, and More
After announcing several initial bands, Psycho Las Vegas has revealed the second wave of acts for its 2022 lineup. Mercyful Fate, Emperor, and Suicidal Tendencies will headline the fest, set for August 19th-21st at Resorts World Las Vegas. The rest of the stacked bill includes many heavy metal luminaries from across the globe, plus a few notable alternative and hip-hop artists: Mayhem, Boris, High on Fire, Cirith Ungol, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Carcass, At the Gates, Warpaint, Wolves in the Throne Room, Carpenter Brut, and Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and GZA. In addition to Emperor and Mayhem, who will be making their only 2022 US appearances at the festival, there will be a notable contingent of European extreme metal acts on the bill, as well, including Satyricon, Ulver,...
Judas Priest and Twisted Sister Members Commend Dolly Parton for Bowing Out of Rock Hall Nod: “A Classy Move”
Dolly Parton’s decision to withdraw herself from nomination into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has garnered praise from rock and metal artists. Earlier this week, the country music legend bowed out of the Hall nod and said she didn’t feel she had “earned” it, explaining she needed to add to her rock ‘n’ roll cred. She added, “This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do! Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider both commended Parton for respectfully withdrawing. Advertisement Related Video “I think it was a classy move, really,” Faulkner told podcast Rock of Nations with Dave Kinchen. “I think she recognizes her brand, and it didn’t necessarily fit into t...
Ministry, Melvins, and Corrosion of Conformity Bring a Legendary Lineup to New Jersey: Recap + Photos
Industrial icons Ministry rolled into the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey, on March 12th, bringing fellow legendary acts Melvins and Corrosion of Conformity with them. In addition to supporting their 2021 album, Moral Hygiene, Ministry are also celebrating the belated 30th anniversary of The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste. As such, frontman Al Jourgensen and company performed four songs off the 1989 album: “Breathe,” “Burning Inside,” “So What” and “Thieves.” The Ministry setlist also offered up a rare treat with a pair songs by Pailhead, Jourgensen’s ’80s side project with Ian MacKaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat), as well as a set-closing cover of the Iggy & The Stooges classic “Search and Destroy” (which appears on Moral Hygiene). For most of the set, Ministry performed b...
Slipknot Finally Confirm Identity of “Tortilla Man”
It wasn’t exactly the best-kept secret, but Slipknot have finally officially confirmed the identity of the band member affectionately known as “Tortilla Man.” His name is Michael Pfaff, as most fans had already figured out. Slipknot revealed Pfaff’s identity with an Instagram post today (March 16th) promoting the percussionist’s “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit. The musician is seen in a photo holding a sign that says, “I am Michael Pfaff.” In 2019, Pfaff replaced longtime member Chris Fehn, who was ousted from the group after suing his bandmates over financial matters. It didn’t take too long for fans to name Pfaff, as he is a member of fellow Slipknot percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan’s side project Dirty Little Rabbits. His identity was further cemented when an unmasked photo of him...
Nova Twins Share the Origins of New Single “Cleopatra”: Exclusive
Origins presents musicians with a platform to explore all the inspirations for their latest release. Today, Nova Twins break down “Cleopatra,” the new single from their upcoming album, Supernova. “Genre-defying” is an oft-used descriptor for any artist that incorporates multiple sounds into their music, but for Nova Twins, pushing boundaries comes naturally. Both from multicultural backgrounds, singer-guitarist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South have earned critical acclaim in the UK for combining punk, metal, hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences. For the latest preview from their upcoming sophomore album Supernova, Nova Twins have shared the new single “Cleopatra.” Combining heavy guitar riffs with tribal drums and a rapped delivery, the track embodies female empowerment. “I’m a samu...
Alice Cooper’s Coopstock 2 Fest to Feature Rob Halford, Scott Stapp, Larry the Cable Guy, Mike Mills, and More
The 2022 edition of Alice Cooper’s fundraising Coopstock festival boasts an eclectic lineup of performers. In addition to headliner Cooper, the one-day event also features Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Creed’s Scott Stapp, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Larry the Cable Guy, and more. Coopstock 2 takes place April 30th at the Las Sendas Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona, with proceeds benefiting Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Mesa and Phoenix. Joining the aforementioned acts on the bill are Ed Roland of Collective Soul, Danny Seraphine of Chicago, Adrian Young of No Doubt, Chuck Garric of the Alice Cooper Band, comedian Gary Mule Deer, country band Sixwire, and actor Patrick Warburton (David Puddy on Seinfeld). Also performing will be young South Korean jazz musician Yohan Kim, as well as members o...
Deicide To Celebrate Classic Album Legion on 2022 North American Tour
Deicide are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their sophomore album Legion with a summer 2022 North American tour. Kataklysm and Inhuman Condition will support the outing, which kicks off August 11th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and runs through on September 10th show in Deicide’s hometown of Tampa, Florida. Get tickets via Ticketmaster. Deicide will be performing 1992’s Legion in its entirety, along with other tracks from their vast discography. Legion, along with the band’s self-titled debut, are widely considered two of the finest albums released during death metal’s formative years. The records also cemented Deicide among the elite acts in Florida’s fertile death metal scene. Advertisement Related Video Canadian death metal veterans Kataklysm, who also toured with Deicide last year, wi...
Anvil Announce New Album Impact Is Imminent, Unleash “Ghost Shadow”: Stream
Canadian heavy metal progenitors Anvil are returning with their 19th studio album, Impact Is Imminent, on May 20th. The band has shared the video for lead single “Ghost Shadow” ahead of the release date. Over 40 years into their career, Anvil continue to churn out spirited rippers like “Ghost Shadow.” Frontman Steve “Lips” Kudlow’s charismatic vocals and sharp riffs guide this one, with founding drummer Robb Reiner’s pounding syncing into a thrash-like groove with Christopher “Christ” Robertson’s bass work. “‘Ghost Shadow’ is my sixth sense telling me I’m being watched!” Kudlow remarked via a press release. “Could be internet trolls or paranormal phenomenon! Either way the song is heavy as f**k!!” Advertisement Related Video Impact Is Imminent was produced by Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer (U.D....
