New Music Round-Up: The Sludge / Doom / Stoner Edition

First off, an apology for the lack of updates recently. This is due to the real world being a bit too much for me, I'm afraid....and secondly, I decided not to call this post a "weekly round-up" for a couple of reasons - the most obvious being my inactivity for a couple of weeks and the other being that I as I was typing it, I noticed that there was a theme to the albums I was listening to. It seems as if 2014 is the year of the slow, juggernaut riff! 

The other reason is that I heard some of the following new releases quite a while back - it's just taken me this long to put fingers to keyboard. Oh well, it'll have to do for now. That said, I have a huge backlog of new stuff to trudge through, so the posts may well come thick and fast over the next week or so. Hopefully.

Down

Although I understand the thinking behind releasing regular EPs as opposed to irregular albums, part of me wishes that they would just release an album every 4 years instead - mainly, as the idea hasn't worked quite as promised / expected. The plan was to release 4 EPs over the course of 2 years, which would mean that part 4 should have seen the light of day by the end of 2013. That this is actually the the second part of the planned 4 part EP and it is May 2014 speaks for itself, really. The big question though is, was it worth the wait? Absolutely. This is a solid release from Down and goes a long way to erasing memories of the disappointing first part. I was worried that the departure of the Kirk Windstein would have had a detrimental effect on the band's sound (as they are very much influenced by his own band, Crowbar), but it appears as if these fears were unfounded. This is classic Down. 

Crowbar

For over 2 decades, Crowbar have been the purveyors of top quality Sludge Metal and have not only been a direct influence on Down (as mentioned above), but also on the mighty Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity and the entire Groove Metal scene that surfaced in the early to mid 90's. The band's name says it all, really. This is heavy, blunt and brutal. If you want proof that Metal doesn't have to be fast to be heavy, this album is it, as "Symmetry In Black" pummels and pounds you down with its mammoth riffs, but oddly around midway through the album comes, "Amaranthine" which has a sound strangely reminiscent of W.A.S.P. complete with a tortured wailing vocal delivery that sounds for all the world like Mr. Lawless at his most pained. If you like Pantera, Machine Head, DevilDriver et al and still haven't heard Crowbar, here is your chance to rectify it.

Sigiriya

Although the name might sound like it belongs to a Black Metal band from deep in the darkest Norwegian woods, Sigiriya are actually a bloody brilliant Stoner rock band (with Grunge sensibilities) from, er Swansea, Wales whose sound is an amalgamation of all that is great about Stoner Rock and with its myriad influences, "Darkness Dies Today" is a modern day genre defining album with elements of bands such Kyuss, Karma To Burn, The Cult, Mastodon, Fu Manchu, Red Fang, Baroness, Monster Magnet and their ilk - all rolled into one arse-kicking 38 minute package. With bands like these chaps and Akb'al (another band who sound like they are BM, but aren't) on the horizon, Wales is a real hotbed of exciting new music. Join the revolution.

Eyehategod

The first Eyehategod album in 14 years gets going at a rip-roaring pace with the opening track "Agitation / Propaganda" storming straight out of the blocks with a Punk riff and manic barked vocals. That it clocks in at barely over 2 minutes, says all you need to know, really. This is a bit of an anomaly, as on track 2 "Trying To Crack The Hard Dollar" we are back in more familiar territory. Eyehategod are back with a vengeance and this self-titled album is fast and furious and crushingly slow in equal measures. The years haven't mellowed these bastards...and it's good to have them back.

Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell

As long as there are bands like ASCS around, Classic Rock will never die. This is a band whose sound,  mentality and aesthetic is stubbornly entrenched in the 70's - and conversely, it is a breath of fresh air. This is balls out Rock, played straight from the heart and with no pretence. The Admiral don't care about shifting a million units, they just want to get on the stage, drink beer and rock your balls (boobs) off! This retro schtick may well have been done to death over the last decade with the emergence of  bands such as Witchcraft, Scorpion Child, Graveyard and so on, but when the music is being made with as much authenticity as is possible almost 40 years too late, you know that this band is the real deal. You can add ASCS to the small list of bands doing this properly.

On The Horizon - The Upcoming Releases That I'm Most Excited About

Ok, so I already have a backlog of over 30 new releases to get through, but that doesn't stop me wanting more. There have already been some amazing albums released in 2014 - so many that I'm already struggling to compile my top 30 - but as it's only May, there are sure to be a hell of a lot more to come before the year is out. Of those I know about, these are the ones that spring straight to mind as the ones I really need to hear.

Alestorm - Sunset On The Golden Age 

Release date: 1st August.

What's not to like? Ridiculous song titles and subject matter (Surf Squid Warfare, anyone?), a tongue in cheek gimmick and alcohol fueled silliness all wrapped up in a Folk Metal package...complete with keytar. That this pirate schtick still hasn't outstayed its welcome after 6 years and 3 albums is to the band's credit. Here's to raising a few beers to album number 4! Well done, silly Scottish blokes. Here's an video from their third album, 2011's "Back Through Time"  to whet your appetite:

Eluveitie - Origins

Release date: 1st August.

Eluveitie are about to unleash their sixth full-length album and I have no doubt that it will be another gem that will slot neatly in to their impressive back catalogue of Celtic Folk / Melodic Death Metal. Using traditional instruments and with lyrics sometime sang in the ancient Gaulish language, Eluveitie stand apart as one of the most authentic, not to mention consistent and unique of the modern Folk Metal acts. Yes, the scene may be well and truly saturated with fakes, posers and chancers, but the cream always rises, as they say. Enjoy this track from the band's 2012 classic, "Helvetios"

Judas Priest - Redeemer Of Souls

Release date: 14th July

I'm not going to give you much of a back story here. I mean, after 45 years in the business, surely the mighty Priest require no introduction?! What I will say, though, is that after hearing 2 songs from the new album, it sounds like it could be the first album worthy of carrying the Judas Priest name in over 2 decades. The "Ripper years" had their moments as did "Angel Of Retribution" - I don't want to talk about "Nostradamus" - but none of them set the Metal world alight and they certainly came nowhere close to the lofty heights of the 1990 masterpiece "Painkiller". Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting "Redeemer Of Souls" to be in the same league either, but it is going to be a step in the right direction and if, as I suspect, it is to be the band's swan song, they will be going out on a high. Redemption, indeed. Here's a taster from the new album:

Anaal Nathrakh - TBC

Release date: TBC

Anaal Nathrakh have grown and developed as a band without ever losing sight of who and what they are - namely one of the UK's nastiest and most brutal acts. Blending a whole range of Extreme Metal sub-genres including Black, Death, Industrial and Grindcore in a rotten, filth-encrusted metlting pot, music doesn't come much more vitriolic and hate-filled than this....but they deliver it with style, personality and more importantly, they have the songs to back it up. The last album, "Vanitas" was an untouchable master work from England's premier purveyors of the sick and depraved and I can't wait to hear what unexpected direction they have taken their music in for the follow-up. Didn't hear "Vanitas"? Well, try this out:

Professor Elemental - The Giddy Limit

Release date: TBC

How to describe The Professor? With his Steampunk-influenced character and music which uses samples of Lounge, Jazz, Swing and more combined with old / new school Hip-Hop, Elemental is pretty much in a class all of his own and I think the term he would use to describe himself is "Chap Hop". So, we'll go with that. Either way, enjoy a song from the upcoming album, here:

Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun

Release date: 23rd June

I will be the first to admit that Mastodon took a while to grow on me. 6 years, in fact. I heard them on record and saw them live a few times from 2005 onwards, but it wasn't until the stunning "The Hunter" was released in 2011 that I finally 'got' what they were doing. Primarily a Progressive Metal band, Mastodon use odd rhythms, time changes and off-kilter grooves to give their sound a distinctive and recognisable edge. If the new album is even half as good as "The Hunter" then it will be a definite best of the year contender. Here's a taster from the new album:

Arch Enemy - War Eternal review

Band: Arch Enemy
Album: War Eternal
Label: Century Media
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Release Date: 10th June 2014

When Angela Gossow was unveiled as new vocalist for Sweden's Arch Enemy back in 2000 - replacing Johan Liiva - eyebrows were raised. I mean, let's not be coy about this, this was a petite blonde woman in what was (and for the most part, still is) a man's game. But she was a revelation and her Jeff Walker-inspired guttural roar was a much needed injection of personality and fresh air into the band after Liiva's forgettable and pedestrian vocals. Sadly as the years (and albums) went by, said fresh air had long-since begun to turm stale and the dynamic energy she had brought to the band had faded. Yes, they were still popular with Metal masses, but something was definitely missing. It seemed as if the entire band, not just Angela, were going through the motions - the endless cycle of tour, album, tour, album had taken its toll and had seemingly drained the passion out of what they were doing.

So, when news broke in early 2014 that Angela had decided to step down as the bands front person, it came as much of a relief to me as it did a surprise. So, who would be stepping up to the mic? Were they going to choose a male vocalist or stick with the female fronted formula that had served them (and their sales) well. I mean, not to put to fine a point on it and not to say I agree with it, but it is still a fact that a female band member is going to generate more interest in your band and more magazine covers. This in turn equates to increased record / merchandise sales. 

Well, the answer would soon become apparent when the first video clip was unveiled and it was revealed that Alissa White-Gluz of Canadian Metallers, The Agonist had been chosen to fill Angela's imposingly large shoes. This was a bittersweet decision for me. As a fan of The Agonist, I was a little dismayed by the news that she would be departing their ranks, but as an Arch Enemy fan, this news couldn't have been better. I don't think they could have found a more perfect replacement for Angela, which is not entirely surprisingly because, as the band's manager, Angela was in the enviable and unusual position to have been able to help choose her own replacement.

So, onto the actual music. Does the album go anyway towards renewing my faded interest in the Swedish Melodic Death titans? The simple answer is a resounding, yes! War Eternal finds Arch Enemy on blistering form. The band is absolutely on fire. Michael Amott shreds on the guitar like he hasn't done in quite some time, with his technical proficiency being such that his solos sound almost neo-classical in places and the keyboards are more prominent this time around which adds a real extra dimension to the band's sound. That's before we even mention the riffs - of which there are more than you could possibly shake a stick at - and  when it comes to the vocals, Alissa roars and bellows throughout, clearly intent to make her mark and to kill any doubts before they even have chance to gestate. Equally as important though, is the fact that they have actually remembered to write some memorable, distinctive songs this time around. From the first single, the ferocious "War Eternal" and the Sigh-influenced "Time Is Black" to "On and On" and "As The Pages Burn", this is a lesson in how modern Melodic Death Metal should sound. There isn't a weak moment to be found and this is an album you'll want to listen to again and again. This is a masterclass delivered by one of the leading lights of the genre

Arch Enemy have never sounded so vital or so essential. I can't decide if this is 'merely' a stunning return to form or the bands best release to date. With "War Eternal" the band has opened the door to a bright new future. This is a new chapter in the Arch Enemy story and on the strength of this album, I don't want it to end any time soon. 

Total Playing Time: 47:25

Overall: 9/10

Tracklist:

Tempora Nihil Sanat (Prelude In F Minor)
Never Forgive, Never Forget
War Eternal
As The Pages Burn
No More Regrets
You Will Know My Name
Graveyard Of Dreams
Stolen Life
Time Is Black
On And On
Avalanche
Down To Nothing
Not Long For This World

Bloodstock S.O.P.H.I.E. Stage Recommendations

Every year I give people my recommendations for bands to watch during the Bloodstock weekend, and to their utmost credit, they usually humour me by actually doing so. It is at this point that it can go one of two ways: either they like the band or the lack of pre-knowledge of the band's material means that they are not grabbed at all or become quickly bored.

With 2014 being the strongest Bloodstock line-up yet and probably the strongest festival line-up I've ever been lucky enough to experience, there are almost too many bands to make time for. I mean, we have to eat and drink, right?!  So, this year, to make it easier to plan beer and noodles around the bands, I'm going to share my list of the top 5 second stage bands I think shouldn't be missed at this year's fest and it's up to you 'orrible lot what you do with the information. Some of the bands you may be familiar with and some you won't, but have a listen and decide for yourself if you're going to join me at the left-hand side of the stage.

Jaldaboath

Start your weekend off early with the excellent (and hilarious), Jaldaboath who play on the Thursday night. As a fan since the first demo and after watching him (them) play a support slot for Svartsot in February, I know that this is going to be a beer-fueled, mayhem filled set of Monty Python influenced "Knights Templar Metal" from the former Meads Of Asphodel man. Laughter and sing-a-longs guaranteed. Definitely not to be missed.

Skyclad

The "originators of Folk Metal" (and my all-time favourite band, incidentally) may lack a little of their vintage bite without Martin Walkyier on the mic, but with long-time producer and now long-time vocalist, Kevin (yes, Kevin) Ridley at the helm, you can still expect an energetic blast through the band's impressive back catalogue. This is likely to be a crowd-pleasing "best of" set from these hoary old veterans and one that will be brimming over with intelligent and passionate Folk Metal. If you don't leave dripping with sweat and with a smile on your face then you are probably an elitist Black Metal fool.

Rotting Christ

These Greek, Mustaine-botherers should be at the top of any self-respecting Metal Fans list of bands to see this August. With a career spanning 2 decades and with recent albums tapping into the traditional music of their homeland, Rotting Christ bring something completely different to the table and will definitely be at Bloodstock to put on a show. I, for one, will be right down the front. OK, near the front. I'm not as young as I once was. I'm nearly 38, you know.

Winterfylleth

Yes, Winterfylleth might be (relatively) old hands at this Bloodstock lark by now and many of you will have already seen them, but with their very British take on Pagan Black Metal, they are a real force to be reckoned with. Sadly, they are playing in the middle of Friday's line-up, where a late night slot would have been more fitting for their epic, sprawling songs. That said, their no-frills, no gimmick stage presence will be enough to win over the doubters.

The Mercy House

This young British act combine an obvious love of Grunge with more Metal-friendly acts such as Queensryche and old-school Skid Row and although the influences may be tried and tested, TMH deliver their unique blend of styles with an energy and passion that many bands can only dream of. These guys should be huge - and who knows, after Bloodstock, they just might be.

Agalloch - The Serpent & The Sphere review

Band: Agalloch
Album: The Serpent & The Sphere
Label: Profound Lore Records
Genre: Atmosphere Doom / Folk / Post Black Metal
Country: US
Release Date: 12th May 2014

The mindless masses can take their catchy, vacant 3 minute / chord pop songs and cavorting, half-naked non-entities who will be all but forgotten in years to come. I however, will enjoy the sprawling, evocative soundscapes to be found on this, the latest album by the mighty and all but untouchable, Aaglloch.

This band never fail to impress and to satisfy - their eerily beautiful masterworks effortlessly transport you to another place. There are very few bands who have this ability - and strangely most of the others are from Finland, but I digress - to evoke a very real feeling of otherwordliness, to transport your mind to a frozen wasteland or a bleak, haunting mountain range in deepest, darkest winter and Agalloch employ their blend of faultless, perfect melodies, nature sounds and crushing Post Black Metal heaviness to do just that. Remember too, that unlike many of their peers, even their acoustic tracks on this album are not meant as interludes or as intros to the next song, but instead are tracks in their own right.

If you want to enjoy this album properly, I recommend that you pop on some headphones, lie in a darkened room and let Agalloch / your imagination do the rest. Every chord, every cold, crushing riff and every drum beat has its place and purpose. Even the vocals, ranging from ethereal whispers and clean singing to the tortured roars and Black Metal rasps (being one of the only "extreme" things about the band) are used sparingly and always to convey a sense of atmosphere. This music is dense and deep to the point of being near impenetrable to the casual listener, but give it your time and full attention and you will reap the rewards.

This is a band that truly understands the power of music, the connection it has with the soul. Music really doesn't get much better than this: Neofolk, Post Rock and elements of Black Metal are melded to create a masterpiece. The lyrics speak of desolation, of depression and of winter and loss, which only adds to the beautiful darkness of this record. 

I don't really want to recommend a single song for you to listen to as I think that this should be listened to, digested and appreciated as the whole it has been lovingly crafted to be. You wouldn't take a Monet and merely focus on a square inch of it would you? Rather, you would admire it, take it in and judge it as a finished, complete work of art. The same applies here. That said, I think the track "Dark Matter Gods" is a good starting point for those not familiar with the band (a link to the song can be found at the bottom of the page).

Simply put, Agalloch are a changeable beast and don't follow the rules or established conventions of the Metal scene. Instead they wander there own cold, lonely path and the bottom line is that no matter how pretentious and wanky my words might be (and are, obviously), they still can't even begin to do a piece of work like this justice, so just go and buy this. Now!

Recommended for fans of bands such as Moonsorrow, Nest, October Falls, Kampfar and so on. 

Total Playing Time: 59:45

Overall: 9.5/10

Tracklist:

Birth and Death of the Pillars of Creation
(Serpens Caput)
The Astral Dialogue
Dark Matter Gods
Celestial Effigy
Cor Serpentis (The Sphere)
Vales Beyond Dimension
Plateau of the Ages
(Serpens Cauda)

SmackHandle - SmackHandle Review

Band: SmackHandle
Album: SmackHandle
Label: Self-released
Genre: Nu-Metal
Country: UK
Release Date: 14th April 2014

I'm sat here listening to the debut album from Lincoln's, SmackHandle and it feels like I've slipped into a reverse coma and have woken up in 1998. Is this a bad thing? Absolutely not! If your band will insist on playing "retro" music, then this is how to do it properly. With influences ranging from Korn, Marilyn Manson and Slipknot to Coal Chamber, Mushroomhead and Spineshank, this album is 90's to the very core, but bloody hell, its good. Far more than a mere nostalgia trip, SmackHandle have tapped into the innate darkness that made this type of music feel dangerous in the latter part of the 90's. They even look the part, with their Korn meets ICP image. Remember when Marilyn Manson was still public enemy No. 1? Or when Slipknot changed the game in 1999? THAT is what SmackHandle are doing here. SmackHandle have hit the mark with absolute precision and if the jaded youth of today can get into this, then they could be the band to kickstart the long-overdue, proper Nu-Metal revival (no, not Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and that sub-standard, radio friendly drivel). If they do, I will be waiting with open ears and an open wallet.

The down-tuned guitars crunch and wail, the vocalist sounds (at times) like a deranged Jonathan Davis meets Dez Fafara, but with a far more varied and interesting range, the bass rumbles menacingly and the sampled screams, shrieks and carnival music make this sound like the soundtrack to your worst nightmares or to a blood-soaked horror B-movie. This is edgy, outlandish and over the top - everything that made Nu-Metal the dominating force it was at the time. Albums like this are very rare in today's climate and I have had this one playing repeatedly - The more you listen, the more you feel yourself being drawn into SmackHandle's dark carnival (sorry, ICP).  If you are (were) a 90's Nu-Metalhead, then this is absolutely unmissable.

The album is available here for only £2.99.

Total Playing Time: 52:02

Overall: 8/10

Tracklist:

Intro
Madman's Request
Red XIII
Controversy
New Disease
Word
Ghost
Monster
GTFOMB
Ties (Bonus Track)

Weekly Round-Up: May 2nd 2014

Judas Priest

First up are Metal legends Judas Priest. I have to admit that I was initially a bit ambivalent about this song as I feel, as do many others, that the band has damaged its own legacy with the two lackluster albums released since the much-heralded return of original frontman, Rob Halford, in 2003. The departure of founder member, KK Downing in 2011 only served to fuel these concerns. However, when Rob said in recent interviews that this is going to be heavy and it is going to be classic Priest, my fears abated a little. I still had reservations, though, about how the band would sound without half of its famed "twin-lead guitar assault". Now for the inevitable and unavoidable question: Is it any good? Well, yes and no. Yes, this IS classic Priest. Rob is on really good form and the song builds to a memorable chorus. The only thing that is niggling at me is that it sounds a little flat. I don't know if it is the lack of KK or if it is the production that is the problem, but there is definitely something missing. I want the new album to be brilliant, with my whole being, so I'm going to reserve final judgment until July. In the meantime, here it is, the first "single" from new album "Redeemer Of Souls" (released in July). Have a listen for yourself.

Arkona

The new album from Russia's Arkona, "Yav" is such a massive leap forward in just about every way that you may find yourself wondering, as I did, where did THIS come from. The songs are longer and twist and turn in a more prog-influenced style then before. The keyboards, spoken-word passages and atmospherics bring to mind the likes of Moonsorrow, Shining (Swe), Lifelover, Burzum, Behemoth and even Dutch hippies, Omnia. A truly stunning piece of work from this still overlooked band. Forget everything you know about Arkona. This is a whole different beast. Check out the brilliant "Ved'ma" below.

Crippled Black Phoenix

Imagine a darker, more macabre Pink Floyd forming a side-project with members of Neurosis and you are close to the interesting and unique sound of this fantastic and still fairly unknown band. From the sampled intros and ethereal, flowing vocals to the rhythmic drums and acoustic guitars, everything has its place and the songs are beautifully arranged to create the stunning masterpiece that is "White Light Generator". Simply put, you need this band in your life.

Heid

Now for an unsigned Pagan Metal Band from sunny Spain. Heid's mid-paced, Folk-infused Blackened Metal is bolstered by, the now familiar, whistles, violins, bagpipes and hand-held percussive instruments and in that respect, is similar in sound to bands such as Heidevolk, Cruachan, Svarsot and Arkona, but with a touch of Norwegian Black Metal and with added Spanish guitar! With the lyrics (apparently) steeped in the mythology and legends of their homeland, Heid bring Spain to join the "Native Folk Metal" party and when the music is this good, it's time for them to pour an ale and make themselves comfortable. On the strength of this EP alone, I am very much looking forward to hearing more from this band in the future. If you like it, why not pick up the album for just a few quid, here: http://heidpaganmetal.bandcamp.com

Prong

What can I say about the ever-reliable Prong, other than they should be bigger. Much bigger. The new album is, yet again, brilliant from start to finish and is chock-full of the memorable hooks and straight-up excellent song writing you would expect from the veteran, Tommy Victor. Prong have been plugging away since the late 80's and despite an ever-changing line-up, have released album after album of consistently strong Industrial-tinged Metal and that this band isn't spoken of in the same hushed reverence as the likes of Ministry and Pitchshifter is nothing short of criminal. I couldn't find a Youtube video for the new songs, so if you have Spotify, search for the new album "Ruining Lives". I recommend the track "Remove, Separate Self". It's a stomper.

Stop Going On About Metal's Golden Age...It's A Myth

Ever since I first discovered Metal music in 1990 at the tender of age of 14, I've been hearing the same old tired argument about the 80's being the golden era of Metal. The problem is that this ridiculous and incorrect view has pervaded throughout the scene and has continued right up to the present day. It shows either a nostalgic view of the past or a complete ignorance of the current scene. Possibly both. Why would you want to limit yourself to the albums of your youth (if you're old enough) or to the albums you have been programmed to revere? There is a whole world of great Metal music out there and in my opinion (based on experience), it is growing stronger and stronger.

To say that new music isn't any good is utter rubbish. Every generation says the same. Your parents said that about 'your' music. To say that music was better when you were young isn't only arrogant, it is also way off the mark.

I will admit that many Metal sub-genres - Death, Black, Hair, Grunge, Alt, Thrash...and so on - first appeared in the 80's, but how often is something perfect in the beginning? Music evolves, it grows, it adapts. The bands of today have 40 years of influence to draw from and have much more access to a wider range of other musical genres to incorporate into their sound to enrich their output even more. Therefore, it also should be taken into account that genres are not so black and white these days, with many bands just playing heavy, loud, aggressive music and refusing to be pigeon-holed. Also, even bands that do play within a set genre, for example Black Metal, bear very little resemblance to the bands who started the scene.

New sub-genres appear all the time and one of the main reasons that the 80's is remembered so fondly, is that the sound and style of Metal was still something fairly fresh and new. It was almost like sonic dough - pliable and full of potential. Fast forward 30 years and of course things aren't the same.

In fact, I'd say that things are better now. We have so much more choice of what to listen to. Before the appearance of the internet, the bands we were exposed to were those promoted (mainly) by the major record labels through the medium of magazines, MTV, etc and some underground music through tape-trading (a primitive version of file-sharing, younger readers). These days bands have a whole range of options for getting their music out there to the (relative) masses, without much, if any, financial backing. There are more bands, genres and therefore, choice than ever before, so we should be embracing this and looking to the future rather than to a now dim and distant past.

Of course, this doesn't mean that we can't still respect and enjoy what the 80's gave us, but we need to dispel this myth and the attitude that we owe it a debt and start  looking to the future and supporting and embracing up and coming bands. Let's face it, the "classic" bands aren't getting younger and if we want Metal to continue, to survive and to grow, we need to start building the fanbase for the huge bands of the future. Without them, we might be looking at a future without the likes of Wacken, Sonisphere, Download, Bloodstock, etc as there just won't be bands with a large enough following to be considered viable headliners. Year after year the same tired old acts are trotted out (Maiden, Metallica, Kiss, etc), but there are very few "new" bands in said bracket (Slipknot aside). If we don't start living in the moment and celebrating the bands we have now, the future of live Metal music may consist of nostalgia bands playing year after year with ever decreasing returns. So, pick up a magazine or get yourself down to your local pub / venue and start supporting the bands of tomorrow.