Guides, Primers, and Features

Guides or features aimed at helping introduce and provide points of reference for a specific scene and/or genre

Features

Women in Traditional Metal: The Old School, the New School, and the Girlschool

It’s no secret that as a whole, heavy metal is a genre dominated by men. At the time of publication, it’s International Women’s Day – a day meant to highlight and celebrate women. What better way to celebrate than with quality heavy metal with women at the reins?

I want to take the time today to talk about some of our favorite bands – both new and old. Below you will find the earliest pioneers and trailblazers who helped carve the way, followed by 15 old school, classic bands, and we close by talking about 15 of our favorite, currently active new bands!

By Marco, ago
Features

Up the Hammers: An Interview with Manolis Karazeris

Manolis Karazeris is one of the main driving forces in Greece’s metal scene. Not only has he been responsible for organizing Greece’s premiere traditional metal festival since 2006, Up the Hammers, but he has also been involved in some of the scene’s best bands. Manolis played guitars for a decade in epic heavy metal band Battleroar before transitioning to play guitars in Dexter Ward. He also played guitars for Finger of Scorn and Heathens from the North, Cirith Ungol and Heavy Load cover bands respectively, which played a role in helping reunite the old school legends.

By Panos Anagnostopoulos, ago
Guides and Primers

Thunder in the East: A Guide to Japanese Heavy Metal in the 80s

Starting with the late 60’s and early 70’s, the Japanese were absorbing the hard rock and folk rock happening in the West and releasing their unique takes on it. This continued through the rest of the 70’s until Japan become a common Asian fixture among big world tours towards the end of the decade. Scorpions, Judas Priest, and Van Halen played there to sold out crowds, and you can only bet there was an entire scene full of metal bands inspired by these that developed soon after.

By crucervix, ago
Guides, Primers, and Features

USPM Part II: Unsung Champions of the 80s

Welcome to Pt. II of my III part series on United States Power Metal! In Pt. I of my guide, “Marco’s Guide to USPM Part I: The Basics, Essentials, and Modern Heroes”, I discussed the essentials and modern champions of the genre. My goal with the previous section was to provide a solid introduction and base into USPM while also providing the best new releases to sink your teeth into. In this section of the guide, I aim to shed light on some of the 80s bands underneath the fold.

By Marco, ago
Features

In the Arena: A Tribute to Omen’s J.D. Kimball and His Legacy

Today marks fifteen years since John David (J.D.) Kimball passed away. I wanted to take the time today to remember him and highlight his legacy. Kimball is known for his work as Omen’s vocalist and lyricist during their classic era. Together with Jody Henry on bass guitar, Steve Wittig on drums, and founder Kenny Powell on lead/rhythm guitar, the classic Omen line-up put out three full length albums and EP of some of the best US power metal around. Kimball was one of the greatest vocalists in the genre and I wanted to honor his legacy by discussing early Omen’s sound and his contribution to the metal community. Read more…

By Marco, ago