Author: The Anarchist

Greetings, Decibel readers! This week shines brightly for enthusiasts of death and thrash metal, particularly for those who cherish the essence of the 1980s infused with a modern twist. Dive into these five compelling releases that embody the spirit while adding fresh perspectives to the genre. Aggressive Perfector – Come Creeping Fiends The name alone sets the tone for this British band’s latest offering. Their second album, released under Dying Victims Productions, is a thrilling amalgamation of influences from Mercyful Fate, Venom, and Exciter. With a nod to early-80s street punk, this album delivers an electrifying experience that is hard…

Vote in Round 3 of Loudwire’s March Madness: Decades of Destruction Tournament! It’s that exciting time again! Round 3 of Loudwire’s March Madness: Decades of Destruction tournament is here, and only eight legendary bands remain in the final matchups across the four divisions. Your votes will help determine which bands advance to the Final Four, representing four different decades of rock history. Epic Matchups Await The fierce battles in Round 3 feature: Black Sabbath Vs. Queen Ozzy Osbourne Vs. Metallica Pantera Vs. Nirvana Slipknot Vs. System of a Down With these pairings, fans will have to make some tough choices…

International Artists and Visa Challenges: A Growing Concern for Festivals Nearly two weeks ago, I posed the question, “Are festivals going to see more international artists dropping out of the lineup due to troubles securing visas?” The answer appears to be a resounding ‘yes,’ as Nevermore has become the first band to confirm this issue. The Seattle-based progressive metal group announced via social media that they would be unable to perform at September’s ProgPower USA festival due to delays in securing a work permit for their new vocalist, Berzan Önen, who hails from Istanbul, Turkey. The Visa Dilemma Önen is…

Black Label Society’s Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with “Ozzy’s Song” New Album Release: Engines Of Demolition Black Label Society, led by the legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde, has just unveiled their latest album, Engines Of Demolition, on March 27th. This highly anticipated record features a heartfelt tribute track dedicated to the iconic Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, titled “Ozzy’s Song.” Zakk Wylde: A Longstanding Legacy with Ozzy Osbourne Zakk Wylde’s connection to Ozzy Osbourne spans nearly four decades. First introduced to the rock legend in 1987, Wylde became a vital part of Osbourne’s musical journey. He remained by Ozzy’s side until…

Unveiling the Sound of DarkFlow: “The Last Symphony” About DarkFlow Emerging onto the metal scene in 2020, DarkFlow has established itself as a unique force in the music world. Fusing Heavy Metal, Thrash, Symphonic, and Progressive elements, the band has carved out a niche for itself under the self-defined label of Shock Metal. This genre-blending approach is as confrontational as it is thought-provoking, making them stand out in a crowded field. Theatrical Identity At the heart of DarkFlow’s artistry is their theatrical performance style. The band integrates visual storytelling and dramatic elements into their music, enhancing the listening experience and…

Colter Wall Takes a Step Back for Mental Health Colter Wall is stepping away from the stage. The acclaimed Canadian country singer announced on March 11, 2026, that he is canceling the remainder of his tour and taking an indefinite hiatus from live performances to focus on his mental health. A Candid Announcement In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the 30-year-old artist opened up about the circumstances that led to this difficult decision. Wall expressed gratitude to his fans, stating, “Myself and the band, and the crew are very grateful for the privilege to play music together for…

Morning Star: A Shift in Këkht Aräkh’s Sound As a long-time fan of Këkht Aräkh, my journey with the artist has been a whirlwind, especially with the release of their third album, Morning Star. Since the Night & Love tape debuted on Livor Mortis in 2019, I have championed the project and its unique take on black metal. However, the transition away from traditional black metal toward a Soundcloud rap aesthetic has been jarring, prompting questions about the artist’s direction and intent. Initial Reactions to Morning Star Upon hearing the first single, “Wanderer,” in 2023, I found myself caught in…

Ross “The Boss” Friedman, the legendary guitarist known for his powerful contributions to the punk and heavy metal genres, has passed away at the age of 72. The news was confirmed by the Metal Hall of Fame in a heartfelt statement shared on Friday, March 27. Tribute from the Metal Hall of Fame The Metal Hall of Fame’s statement expressed profound sadness at the loss of Friedman, describing him as a pioneering force in music. It highlighted his role as a founding member of both The Dictators and Manowar, noting that he will forever be remembered as the “Global Metal…

Potential New Collaboration Between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks Following the successful reissue of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ 1973 album last year, there are exciting hints that the duo may be working on new material together in the future. Rekindling the Connection In a recent social media update, Buckingham shared an intriguing video where he spoke about the renewed energy between him and Nicks. He stated, “Just the energy in terms of what Buckingham Nicks did, to sort of create a resurgence of connection between Stevie and myself, on a larger scale, that seems to be something that’s in…

My Chemical Romance either dropped more breadcrumbs to what’s actually happening in their ongoing Black Parade saga, or they just wanted to debut a new T-shirt design. Confused? Welcome to what it’s like being a My Chemical Romance fan. My Chemical Romance’s New T-Shirt Explained On Thursday (March 28), the iconic emo band unveiled two new shirt designs in their online store. Fans can now choose between short- or long-sleeve options featuring the word “phantom” prominently displayed on the front. Interestingly, the back of the shirt showcases a message written in Keposhka, a fictional language created specifically for My Chemical…