Agnostic Front re-release

Just a quick one to say if you haven't yet grab this, do it now. It's the new year, it's a time to enjoy a bit of nostalgia, surely? And my god is this a worthy bit of nostalgia. I'd forgotten just how damn good this band were...tracks like Traitor and Society Suckers...argh, proper NYHC before it got engulfed by metal. I mean, metal's great, and class hybrids like Hatebreed are awesome, but there is a special place in the heart for the no-nonsense gritty rebellion that bands like AF represented back in '84.
So, yes, Victim In Pain & United Blood on one big 21 track album. Think about it. With original designs and slick packaging... Come on, what's not to like?

On an aside...just reviewed Cocoon and don't bother unless you like (a) screamo mixed with bad skate-punk drumming, or (b) anything that sounds even losely like Atreyu. Chaos In Her Wake IS worth a shout, however, as it's pretty evil in parts, but be warned that they are still better live...hey go, give em time.

Battle of the H's

Happy to share that the awesome Hatebreed are now streaming tracks from their fun-filled new covers album on myspace.com/hatebreed.
I've written a full review of the covers album and epic live DVD in this month's Metal Hammer but can assure you, in brief, that they are both well worthy of investment. 'For The Lions' is recorded which such obvious love and respect for the bands features that listening becomes a little bit like taking a trip down memory lane with the band, meanwhile the 'Live Dominance' DVD gets across every bit of the intensity of the boys' live performance. Jamie Jasta is, as always, the ultimate prowling leader and the crowd shots are terrifying. There is really no excuse not to pre-order, like, yesterday!

Meanwhile, Heaven Shall Burn are about to release their own (and very first) live DVD; a five hour 2DVD+CD package including a Vienna live show, a Summerbreeze festival show, an amusingly soothing but subtitled band documentary and...a metal cooking piece, no less :-) It's out May 25th and a glorious example of just how damn good they are live. Look out for the great renditions of Endzeit and Black Tears cover, the fierce wall of death and the fans-views courtesy of moshers with helmet-cams on!