OpEd

Diamond's Mine: The Best Of 2024

2024 is finally pinched off from our collective sphincters and as is becoming a far too familiar gripe by now, the state of the world is akin to a two day old Big Mac; neglected, unappealing and probably infested by vermin. However, we once again have been able to rely on the music we love to get us through this dumpster fire of an existence and were given some treats too, not just in the form of incredible albums but also the Acid Bath reunion we all thought would never happen, as well as the equally surprising comebacks of Nevermore and Nailbomb, not to mention The Sword and Slayer. Of course, we also said goodbye to such bands as UFO, Misery Signals and Twelve Foot Ninja and sadly dealt with the passings of former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di'anno, ex Great White singer Jack Russell and Blake Harrison of Pig Destroyer and Hatebeak, to name only three dearly missed comrades. Time and metal marches ever on though and as always, we begin this recap by welcoming some new names into the fold.

Best Newcomer

Though it's becoming ever more difficult for new bands to make a name for themselves, there were quite a few who were able to put themselves on the map this year. One early example would be Hellman, from the Chilean capital city, Santiago, who unleashed their debut full length, "Born, Suffering, Death" at the beginning of the year, a very good example of death n' roll, recommended for those of who miss Entombed. There were quite a few bands who released their first albums this year but for me, there was one clear winner... More...

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Report

Obituary Redneck Stomps Over Bristol

It seems strange seeing a band mere weeks after witnessing them less than a month before. Then again, most bands aren't genre pioneering heavyweights with an incredible catalogue, so, only about three weeks on from Obituary's set supporting Sepultura in London, it was on the train to Bristol to see them headline their own tour of the United Kingdom. Dubbed the "One for the old school" tour, it was supposed to feature support from thrash metal veterans Sadus, but only one date into the tour, they were forced to leave after some truly horrific actions on the part of one member. So, without one of the tour's main attractions, how would it fare?

Without Sadus, Obituary opted to invite local bands to open for them on the remainder of the trek, and in Bristol the opportunity fell to Overpower. Kudos has to be given for them being willing to step up to the plate so quickly, especially since they were in very real danger of one of their members not being able to make it. As for the performance, they clearly had some friends in attendance, and probably a few fans of their own, but I don't think they made too much of an impression. The vocals were grating, the music unoriginal and the stage banter was painful. The only thing worse than sitting through a band you're not enjoying is one that thinks they're funny on top of it. As mentioned, fair play to them for having the guts and eagerness to take this opportunity, but I can't try and smooth over what felt like an incredibly long and joyless time. More...

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Necrokazii Premiere New Single "Do Or Die"

Las Vegas, Nevada-based slamming death metal outfit Necrokazii premiere a new single titled "Do Or Die", streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.

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Fugue Premiere New Single & Lyric Video

Houston, Texas-based experimental/death metal/mathcore/deathcore band Fugue premiere a new single and lyric video titled "If The Shoe Fits", streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. The particular track features guest appearances by Zack Harvey and Nick Cook from Godhand.

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Fleshwater Premiere New Single & Music Video

Fleshwater is wrapping up 2024 on a high note with the surprise release of their new single, “Standalone”. Featuring members of Vein.fm and others, the track arrives alongside an official music video and is backed by a live rendition of “What The F#%! Was Said”, both now available streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below.

In addition to their upcoming dates supporting Deftones, Fleshwater has lined up several shows for early 2025: More...

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