Signings
New York death metal veterans Immolation has signed a worldwide, multi-album deal with Nuclear Blast, with an early 2010 release for their eighth studio album … Norway’s masters Urgehal (featuring ex-Kvist members and current members of Vulture Lord Crest of Darkness, Asmegin, Forgetten, Realms, and Bloodsworn) have signed with Season of Mist’s Underground Activist division…

Close Call
Former Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz underwent open-heart surgery on June 5, after discovery that the main artery to his heart was almost completely closed. In related news, Spitz has pieced together a project called Deuxmonkey - featuring Accept’s Peter Baltes (bassist), DFW resident and King Diamond drummer Matt Thompson and vocalist A.O.H. (Shaolin Death Squad).

C Y A
Italian thrash-death metal band Sothis has officially changed its name to Sawthis. “After 12 years, we’ve been forced to change our moniker because of a homonymy with an American black metal band that obtained the exclusive rights - even though they started using the moniker later.

Thrashing through America
Pittsburgh thrashers Mantic Ritual (Home of Stanley Cup Champions, Pittsburgh Penguins) are scheduled to play Lola’s on July 20. This will be the band’s second visit to the DFW. Their first was with Germany’s Destruction several months ago … Two of California’s most promising young metal acts, thrashers Rattlehead (Los Angeles) and Devastator (Sacramento) will team up for a U.S. summer tour with dates in 40 cities. The trek, appropriately called Slaughtering the Masses, will be both bands’ first cross-country trek, although each has done successful West Coast and regional touring. A July 15 date is set at The Alamo in Ft. Worth.

RIP
Anamaria Araya, the older sister of Slayer bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, passed away on June 1 after a 13-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 55 years old… According to the Nikita Productions, British heavy metal legends Saxon will return to San Antonio, on August 22 with Starz, headlining a show at the Sunken Gardens Amphitheatre. It’s part of a tribute to the late San Antonio disc jockey “The Godfather,” Joe Anthony”…

Bands Beware
Lowlife and non-existing self-esteem losers (aka imposters) are contacting unsigned bands in several states claiming to be a representative of Nuclear Blast or Metal Blade Records. The end results are hard-working bands getting scammed. Label personnel only conduct business through official channels such as office mails and official phone numbers and can produce documentation with the same information.

All Good Things Come to an End
Limp Bizkit is touring again…

Wolves In The Throne Room - Rubbergloves, 6/08/09
Wolves In The Throne Room looked and played as if… they were atop a throne in a room filled with wolves. The capacity-filled club housed a howling audience fit for just such occasion. This Washington-based band was stuck to their top-shelf game from beginning to end. Their black metal decree showcased the genre’s constant fast-tempo drums, demon possessed vocals and ambient guitars - all set in cave-like lighting. There were a few technical difficulties, but the band was quick to correct those problems. This was a most awesome night of scary black metal! (Misty Johnson)

Suffocation Photo: Travis Tutwiler After The Burial Photo: Travis Tutwiler

After The Burial - House Of Blues, 6/21/09
Since releasing Rareform last fall, After The Burial has been touring non-stop. They made their way back to DFW as part of The Summer Slaughter Tour and, with a short set, wasted no time getting the crowd moving. “Berzerker” “Aspiration” and “Drifts” put the bounce in the crowd, as heads were bobbing to the groove. Guitarists Justin Lowe and Trent Hafdahl were sporting new neon 8-string Ibanez guitars. They provided the super low-end sound along with that of bassist Lee Foral. Dan Carle (drums) kept the rhythm steady, while singer Anthony Notarmaso roamed the stage and belted out lyrics. ATB is planning to release a re-mastered version of Rareform in the near future, which will feature Notarmaso on vocals. The band may also make another stop in the DFW area this fall. You’re definitely gonna want to catch that show. (Travis Tutwiler)

Suffocation - Blood Oath, Nuclear Blast
According to vocalist Frank Mullen, Blood Oath is based on an oath the band made to death metal 20 years ago - that they would put out brutal music. On this CD, the band has continued to honor that oath with some of the most brutal songs Suffocation has put on record. “Dismal Dream” has crushing low-end and a relentless drum beat. “Pray For Forgiveness” features some great riffs and blazing solos, while “Undeserving” has a brutal, low-end swing feel before kicking you in the gut with double bass. Cataclysmic Purification” features machine-gun riffs mixed with chugging rhythms to deliver a sinister sound. Suffocation has kept things brutal and it shows. If you think you can handle it, pick this one up.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Trail Of Tears - Bloodstained Endurance, Napalm Records
Bloodstained Endurance finds Trail Of Tears utilizing the dual vocals of Ronny Thorsen and Cathrine Paulsen. Paulsen provides the beauty, while Thorsen compliments with harshness to give the songs a harder edge - like a heavy version of Lacuna Coil. “The Feverish Alliance” is mid-tempo, and the title track features more of a low-end groove. “Once Kissed By The Serpent (Twice Bitten By Truth)” is heavy with plenty of double bass and only slows slightly during the chorus. Paulsen shows her range on heartfelt ballad, “A Storm At Will.” Another stand out is “Dead End Gaze,” which has nice guitar riffs and some thunderous chant sections that add a little heaviness. Bloodstained Endurance offers a fresh sound in gothic metal.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Tyr - By The Light Of The Northern Star, Napalm Records
Viking Metal is alive and well as Tyr delivers a collection of tunes that will have you holding your sword high. “Hold The Heathen Hammer High” is an infectiously catchy track, especially during its chorus. “Into The Storm” is another sing-a-long track marked by Heri Joensen’s majestic vocals and a guitar solo that pulls you in with each note. “By The Sword In My Hand” portrays the feeling of marching off into battle, while “Ride” gives a sense of galloping across the countryside on your trusty steed. By The Light Of The Northern Star has plenty to offer vocally, musically and visually as the music takes you on journey.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Darkest Hour - The Eternal Return, Victory Records
You can tell from opener “Devolution Of Flesh,” that Darkest Hour has created a monster with The Eternal Return. The drums and bass are more prevalent and give a more thunderous sound on tracks like “Death Worship.” Guitar riffage is the other element that’s noticeably increased. “The Tides” offers up neo-classical soloing, while the solo in “Transcendence” is slower with plenty of feeling. “Bitter” clocks in at 1:18 but is a fast and furious tune that fits just right. Guitarist Mike Scheibaum calls “Black Sun” the album’s “hidden gem” and his personal favorite. The absolute shred-fest in “A Distorted Utopia” features up-tempo riffs, a Pantera-esque pre-chorus and more neo-classical fret burning. The Eternal Return will definitely turn some heads.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Puncture - Re-Aktivated DVD
Imagine seeing 13 live shows from the 90s with vintage footage from Joe’s Garage, Smoking Dave’s and Trees. Mike Huebener of Twelve Pound Productions, along with current members of Puncture, collected archived footage, memorable moments on tour and even some groovy vintage flyers (bands used to draw their flyers).
The band released their first CD in 1994 on Century Media and thereafter went on tour in support of Gwar. This DVD chronicles that road trip, footage from the 2008 Reunion show and the 2009 video for “Nailed To A Cross.” Yes, the older videos are grainy and the camera shakes at times - but I commend the guys for giving us this snapshot of the good old days.
For those who don’t know Punctures sounds, it’s metal/industrial beats with some bondage mixed in for good measure. Rick Perry, Per Nilsson, Mike T and Vern Womack make up the band are damn proud to showcase their journey over the last 25 years. This blast from the past is available for download at www.myspace.com/puncture. Look for Linda Hollar and other locals in the bonus footage! (Marissa Bruce)