Author: The Anarchist
Mike Portnoy’s Top 10 of 2025: A Year in Music, Film, and Tribute Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has once again shared his annual Top 10 list for 2025, showcasing his favorite albums, films, and TV shows while also honoring the influential musicians and figures we’ve lost throughout the year. The Passionate Drummer and Avid Fan Mike Portnoy is not only celebrated as one of the world’s premier drummers, but he also embodies the spirit of a lifelong music fan. His unquenchable thirst for discovering new and exciting music keeps his passion alive. When he steps away from the drum…
Bilmuri Guitarist Reese Maslen Steps Down Amid Disturbing Allegations Background of the Allegations Reese Maslen, the touring guitarist for the band Bilmuri, has announced his departure from the group following a series of serious allegations from a former romantic partner. These claims, which surfaced online earlier this month, detail a troubling pattern of emotional abuse, racism, misogyny, intimidation, and other deeply concerning behaviors throughout their relationship. Maslen’s Response In the wake of these allegations, Maslen released a statement expressing his regret for his actions. He stated, “I exhibited behavior on several fronts during a previous relationship that I deeply regret.…
Reflecting on the Losses in Rock and Metal Music: 2025 As the calendar year of 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the profound losses that the rock and metal communities have experienced. This year has seen the passing of some of the most iconic figures in music, each leaving behind an indelible legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. The Passing of Ozzy Osbourne Arguably the most significant loss of the year was that of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath. Ozzy fulfilled his dream of reuniting with the…
Jack White Responds to Tim Burchett’s AI-Generated Video Jack White has publicly criticized Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett following the congressman’s posting of an AI-generated video that featured a fake version of the musician. The video, which depicted White mimicking his appearance from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction earlier this year, included the fabricated statement: “Don’t even think about listening to my music, you fascist.” Burchett added his own commentary, saying, “That cute little girl from the Addams Family got really ugly and angry.” The Backlash Against Misinformation This incident continues a misleading narrative suggesting that White “forbids”…
Collaboration in Creativity: Michael and Awsten’s Journey to SIDEQUEST The Moment of Creation Fast-forward the clock, and as the moment arrived for Michael to collate the solo music he’d accumulated over the years into a proper album, he knew he had to involve his buddy, Awsten. A Flattering Proposal “I was flattered,” Awsten smiles, recalling Michael’s initial approach. “Because Michael said they were gonna have Jack Harlow do it first, and he was like, ‘No chance. We need Awsten.’” “Wait… you’re having us on there, right?!” “I’m totally fucking around!” Awsten jokes, adding a playful twist to the conversation. “You…
The Current State of Rock Radio: Insights from Wolfgang Van Halen Wolfgang Van Halen’s Perspective In a recent interview with JZ of “The Dark,” an active rock music program on Little Falls, Minnesota’s 94 Rocks KFML radio station, MAMMOTH frontman Wolfgang Van Halen shared his thoughts on the current state of rock radio. He expressed his belief that declaring “rock is dead” is misguided, stating, “I think there’s good in everything.” He emphasized that while music has evolved, there remains a wealth of talent and creativity in the rock genre. Embracing Simplicity and Melody Van Halen discussed his approach to…
Cepheidae Variable Unveils New Guitar Playthrough for “Zephyr of Ouroboros” Introduction to Cepheidae Variable Progressive metal solo project Cepheidae Variable, led by guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, has recently released an impressive guitar playthrough video for the track “Zephyr of Ouroboros”. This song serves as a pivotal moment in the debut album, “Primordial Reverie”, showcasing the intricate musicianship and layered storytelling that defines Koepke’s artistic vision. Background and Inspiration Initially conceived as a personal exploration of musical growth, Cepheidae Variable transformed into a profound artistic endeavor following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis. The project became not only a creative outlet but…
Karloff Unleashes “Regicide” Ahead of Upcoming Album Introduction to Karloff As 2025 draws to a close, the underground music scene is set to be shaken by the latest offering from the German black metal duo, Karloff. Comprised of Tom Horrified on rhythm and lead guitar and vocals, alongside H.T. Steinbrecher on drums and percussion, the band is ready to make waves with their new track, “Regicide.” Joining them on this relentless journey is bassist 33, contributing to a powerful and dynamic sound. “Regicide”: A Musical Assault The track “Regicide” clocks in at nearly four minutes and delivers a punchy, mid-tempo…
Dany Ciara has recently addressed the comments made by her ex-husband, Tim Lambesis, the lead vocalist of the metal band As I Lay Dying, following her appearance on a podcast where she discussed their tumultuous marriage. Lambesis had suggested that Ciara’s decision to speak out was timed to coincide with his music career, specifically as he was preparing to release new material with his band. This sparked a heated response from Ciara on social media. Dany Ciara’s Response to Tim Lambesis In her Instagram post, which was directed at Lambesis, Ciara refuted his claims and explained her reasons for coming…
Lukas Magyar Departs from Veil Of Maya: A New Chapter with SIFYN Background on Veil Of Maya Progressive metalcore band Veil Of Maya has recently entered a state of uncertainty following the departure of their vocalist, Lukas Magyar. The band initially went on hiatus in the fall of 2024 as guitarist Marc Okubo took on a touring role with the multi-platinum alternative metal band Falling In Reverse. Since that hiatus, fans have been left speculating about the band’s future. Lukas Magyar’s Transition In a significant move, Magyar has shifted his creative energies towards a new musical endeavor called SIFYN. This…