Since the release of Aluk Todolo’s 2012 album (Occult Rock, natch), the band have been burrowing further into their sound, and now, on the eve of the release of fourth full-length Voix, they treat us to a preview of their rhythmic, dissonant approach.

Grind, D-beat, hardcore and more converge on supergroup’s must-hear latest.

Every so often, we take a little time on Mondays to pay tribute to the Muthas! That is, reprinting the adorable metal/maternal Q&As that run in the magazine. Today, enjoy Justin Norton’s chat with Sandra McGowan, mutha of Atheist’s Kelly Shaefer. 

In 1982, L.A. synth-poppers Missing Persons scored a minor Billboard hit with “Destination Unknown” (“Has it all been said and done? / I know I’ll leave when it’s my time to go / ’Til then I’ll carry on with what I know”).

With a name like Brimstone Coven, it better be good. Hailing from West Virginia, Brimstone Coven take on throwback metal–the kind with real singing–and summon it full-throttle into the present. Rife with roving, mountain-sized riffs that are festooned in fuzz and cleverly populated with harmonious vocals–think vintage Ozzy meets John Lawton–, the group’s new album, Black Magic, represents the new era of ’70s-inspired metal. So, sit back, burn some incense, turn down the lights. It’s Brimstone Coven time.

3… 2… get obliterated in more ways than 1 this New Year’s Eve!

I’m no more or less happy to drink my way across tonight’s hallowed boundary between old and soon-to-be-old than I have been any other year.  I’m certainly more than willing to present you with five of this year’s best blog posts.

We’re pretty sure you want to spend your time today hanging with family and friends, stocking up on all sorts of imbibables or preparing for a raging night out on the town, so in the interest of all that, we’ll keep today’s introduction to Kelowna, British Columbia’s Gomorrah short and sweet.

Case’s passion for the heavy stuff runneth over like crazy.

West of Everything Lies Death
Not exactly lacking direction
dB Rating: 8/10