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Diamond Oz: My Top Five Albums Of 2018

Eagle eyed readers may have noticed that last year, Metal Underground didn't have our annual Best Of awards. While we unfortunately won't be having one this year either, we don't want to miss out on telling you about some of our favourites of 2018. So with this in mind, here's one Limey's opinions on who released the best albums this year, who rocked hardest live and what I'm most looking forward to in 2019. Why not start proceedings off with...

Best Live Band

I've been absolutely spoiled this year quite frankly. Beginning the year with an awesome co-headlining show from Rage and Firewind and almost capping it off with the Headbanger's Ball tour, which was comprised of Exodus, Sodom, Death Angel and Suicidal Angels, as well as attending the Bloodstock Open Air festival and 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, it's been a great year for gigs. I've seen some truly phenomenal sets this year, and choosing just one band was difficult, especially given that I've seen Voivod three times this year and they were outstanding every single time. Other special mentions go to Mantar, Judas Priest, Primordial and Skindred, the last of which I've often stated are the best live band I've ever seen. However this year my choice is...

Melechesh

It's been twenty two years since Jerusalem black metal veterans released their debut full length, "As Jerusalem Burns..." and they've continued to just get better and better. Melechesh are a band which can deliver on big festival stages and intimate club shows with a mix of darkness, enigma, great stage presence and most importantly, great music. Those who aren't necessarily fans of their studio work should really give them a go in a live setting because you're almost guaranteed to come away as fans. The seamless performances of such intricate music is stunning but most of all, Melechesh are incredibly fun live, without being corny. Frontman Ashmedi knows he doesn't have to give the "Are you ready to party!?" shtick, or pretend to have arrived straight from Hell, he just has to be Ashmedi... And Ashmedi is fucking badass! More...

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Unendlich Premiere Pre-Release Full-Album Stream

Baltimore’s black metal band Unendlich premiere the pre-release full-album stream of the band's upcoming new EP "Misanthropic Sedition", which will be out in stores his Friday, December 14th.

Check out now "Misanthropic Sedition" in its entirety below.

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Deathchant Premiere New Song "Pessimist"

Los Angeles-based psychedelic heavy proto-metal collective DEATHCHANT will release their self-titled debut this January via King Volume Records. Captured live over a two-day period at a secluded cabin in Big Bear, California, the seven-track recording manifests an immersive wall of noise-induced heavy metal mania that is equal parts paranoia and transcendental harmony.

In advance of the release, the band premiere the opening track "Pessimist" for communal feasting. Check out the track below:

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Behemoth Share 2018 Brutal Assault Live Video

Brutal Assault are proud to premiere new live footage from this year's edition of the festival. Today from the Polish blackened death metal giants BEHEMOTH. Check it out below:

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Jason Rodriguez Premiere New Video "Tarantulas"

Floridian solo artist Jason Rodriguez has released the first video to compliment his debut full length album ‘Heartstrings’, which was independently released November 6th, 2018. The 10 track instrumental album is primarily heavy, modern metal with splinters of EDM along with aggressive death and thrash metal highlights.

The track, ‘Tarantulas’, is a creepy crawly, abrasive homage to the furry eight legged creatures that send shivers down the spines of some and is recommended for those who like the pulverizing sounds of Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders and Devin Townsend Project.

Watch ‘Tarantulas’ video premiere below:

Tells Rodriguez: More...

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Critical Defiance Premiere New Song

Chilean thrash metal outfit CRITICAL DEFIANCE are set to release their debut full-length, Misconception. Stream the band's new track "What About You" below:

Though spawned in the depths of Chile's underground, CRITICAL DEFIANCE bear all the markings of a band that came straight from the 80s Bay Area scene. More...

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Monolord North American Tour Announced

Monolord announce a North American spring tour which also includes Psycho Smokeout 420 in California and Desert Fest NYC. Below's where that trek will hit:

04/19 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
04/20 Los Angeles, CA – Psycho Smokeout 420
04/21 Phoenix, AZ – Club Red
04/22 Albuquerque, NM – Sister Bar
04/24 Dallas, TX – Club Dada
04/25 Austin, TX – Barracuda
04/26 Houston, TX – Secret Group
04/27 Little Rock, AR – White Water
04/28 New York, NY – Desert Fest NYC (feat. Windhand)
04/29 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
04/30 St. Louis, MO – Fubar or Blueberry Hill
05/01 Omaha, NE – Slowdown
05/02 Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
05/03 Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
05/04 Boise, ID – Neurolux
05/05 Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
05/06 Vancouver, BC – Astoria
05/07 Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
05/09 Sacramento, CA – Blue Lamp
05/10 Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone
05/11 Orange County, CA – Marty’s

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Restless Spirit Premiere New Song "Ripped From Me"

New York based doom outfit Restless Spirit premiere a new song entitled "Ripped From Me", taken from their upcoming new album "Lord of The New Depression", which will be out sometime in 2019.

Check out now "Ripped From Me" below.

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Neighbors Claim Pat O’Brien Was ‘‘Hallucinating’

A news report aired by 10 News WTSP gives more information about the arrest of Cannibal Corpse guitarist Pat O’Brien this past Monday, December 10th, who was arrested on charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. O’Brien apparently fled his burning Northdale, FL home and broke into a neighbor's house in advance.

When told to leave her house, Pat O’Brien allegedly pushed the owner of the house to the ground.
The resident of the house O’Brien broke into was quoted as saying the Cannibal Corpse guitarist was speaking of “the rapture” and claimed “someone was after him” and appeared to be hallucinating. Telling also that O’Brien also temporarily hid in his closet. Firefighters are still trying to ascertain the source of the blaze.

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The HAARP Machine Reveal New Lineup

The HAARP Machine‘s mainman Al Mu’min has rebuilt the group with new singer Andrew Ivaschenko and bassist Steve Woodcock (Linear Sphere, ex-Xerath) among its ranks. Drummer Travis Orbin (Darkest Hour, ex-Periphery) has been tapped as studio session drummer for The HAARP Machine‘s upcoming new self-titled sophomore album.

In the below video the band outline their plans while also teasing some new stuff from their impending effort.

Having parted ways with Sumerian Records the band intend to release its new effort independently: More...

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