published February 2010

Evarest - Fear (Farvahar Records)

Evarest's debut album is an overdose of speed metal: mixed with speed solos and clear precise vocals.

 

Encyclopaedia Metallum: 71,000+ bands. We talk to site developer, Hellblazer

While the internet can be a source of dis-information, useless gossip, cheap porn, slanderous allegations and bogus death notices, it can also be a valuable source of information, of connecting and of community (as well as cheap porn). The folk at the Encyclopaedia Metallum Metal Archives are definitely part of the latter. Well, we meant of the community at least: we didn't actually inquire about cheap porn!

More than just a stack of names, with over 71,000 bands listed and detailed and over 50,000 reviews posted, the Metal Archives

Crystal Viper - Metal Nation (Karthago Records)

Poland's Crystal Viper pull out the stops and prove that they are a Metal Nation with their second album.

I'm a strong believer that there are just not enough female-fronted metal bands, and Crystal Viper is a new one on my radar.

Fozzy - Chasing the Grail (Riot Entertainment)

Chris Jericho is back - and this time it's serious.

Fozzy, the heavy metal v

Psycroptic - Initiation [DVD] (Stomp Entertainment)

Are you ready to be initiated into the world of Psycroptic? The Australian tech-death metallers release their first official DVD release, Initiation. It features a killer live show and lots bonus features and antics that will please their legions of fans.

It is amazing how big Tasmanian death metallers Psycroptic have become around the world, with their relentless touring and hard work - rewarded by a signing to Nuclear Blast.

Gallery: Astriaal @ Rosies Tavern 19 Feb 2010

Astriaal's long-awaited return to the stage was an awesome experience. Playing to a capacity crowd at Rosies tavern, they were supported by Laceration Mantra, Mongrels Cross and Disentomb.

Dyscord - Tirades (Stomp Entertainment)

By taking on a newer and improved direction and employing world class production, Perth metallers Dyscord release their strongest work to date.

When you sit back and think about it, it's the little things that really make a band stand out.

Valkyrja - Contamination (Metal Blade/Riot)

They may not be spectacularly well known in the black metal scene, but this album could be set to change things for Valkyrja.

I cannot tell a lie: this album scared me.

Idols Are Dead - Mean (SPV/Riot)

Italian rockers Idols Are Dead are lucky that I tend to ignore the promo stickers on album covers. Mentioning, amongst others, Metallica, Exodus and Megadeth, the band was definitely being set up for a fall; but luckily for them, their brand of metal hits hard and fast. More importantly, it has a real sense of rhythm and pace.

Mean, the debut album for Idols Are Dead, is short and sharp - just nine songs.

Spreading Wings of Infinite Reach: Troy Sanders of Mastodon

During their “Big Day Off” tour in Australia, Metal as Fuck caught up with Atlanta-based vocalist and bassist Troy Sanders, of the mighty Mastodon, for a trip into the ethereal world of Crack the Skye, and the astral planes beyond in what he described as the “best interview ever!”

photo credit: Jimmy Hubbard