Metal Anarchy

  • “Children Of Bodom Hate Crew – A Visual History” Book To Be Released In April 2027

    A new Children Of Bodom book, titled “Children Of Bodom Hate Crew – A Visual History,” is set to be released in April 2027. The effort was put together by music journalist and author Timo Isoaho.

    The following was said about the book:

    “240 elaborately and individually designed pages packed with stunning graphics, exclusive photographs, interview excerpts, backstage passes, setlists, childhood photos, demo artwork, and rare archival material.

    Over 30 years of metal history – captured in one extraordinary visual book!

    ‘Children of Bodom Hate Crew – A Visual History’ is a stunning tribute to one of Finland’s most successful metal bands. Written by Timo Isoaho, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates more than 30 years of Children of Bodom’s history – from their early days as Inearthed to their rise to international fame.

    Featuring an extraordinary collection of photographs, many of them previously unpublished, alongside personal memories and fascinating stories, the book offers a unique look into the world of Children of Bodom. From legendary live performances and recording sessions to life on the road and unforgettable moments behind the scenes, The Visual History brings the band’s remarkable journey to life. Beyond the music, it also captures the friendship, humor, and special bond shared by the band members.

    In 2025, Timo Isoaho published the bestselling biography ‘Children of Bodom,’ in which the band told their complete story for the first time – from their beginnings and worldwide success to the internal conflicts that eventually led to their breakup in 2019.

    ‘Hate Crew – The Visual History’ stands as both an independent collector’s book and the perfect visual companion to that biography. It offers an intimate look at how five musicians from Espoo conquered the international metal scene and built a fiercely loyal worldwide fan community known as the Hate Crew.

    Children of Bodom created a truly distinctive sound, combining crushing metal riffs, powerful melodies, technical brilliance, and unforgettable guitar solos. With ten studio albums, millions of records sold, three Finnish Emma Awards, and numerous gold and platinum certifications, the band secured its place in metal history.

    In spring 2027, Children of Bodom will also return to festival stages across Europe. With Samy Elbanna (Lost Society) taking over vocal and guitar duties, the band will once again celebrate the musical legacy of Alexi Laiho, who sadly passed away in 2020.

    An essential collector’s item for every Children of Bodom fan and anyone who wants to experience the incredible story of one of Finland’s most influential metal bands.

    Release Date: April 2027

    Published by Like Kustannus, with Finnish and English editions released simultaneously.”

    caemanamelio

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  • Chuck Billy (Testament) Says Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains) Inspired Him To Cut His Hair

    Chuck Billy (Testament) has taken to social media to show off his new haircut. The frontman decided to update his look after taking some inspiration from Alice In Chains guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell.

    Billy said the following:

    “All right. Here I am getting a haircut. I’ve had long hair my whole life, except when I was ill with cancer. But today I think is the day it’s gonna be a new look. So here we go.”

    He continued:

    “All right. Well, here it is, the new Chuck. 2026, starting fresh and new. I don’t know. Do I look more grownup now? I don’t know. Feel pretty good. Feel a little lighter.”

    He later added:

    “Hey, what’s going on, everybody? You got the news today of my new haircut. I just wanna tell you the reason and the inspiration behind it. I seen Jerry Cantrell post two days ago, I believe, with his haircut, and it gave me the strength and energy and the nerve to cut it all off. So, thank you, Jerry. This one’s to you, man. Thanks for the courage. Cheers.”

    [via Blabbermouth]

    caemanamelio

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  • Nicko McBrain On Iron Maiden: “There’s No Plan On Doing A Record, But If They Do, I Would Love To Do A Couple Of Songs”

    Despite his retirement from touring, Nicko McBrain has confirmed that he still open to recording new music with the group. The drummer recently told Star FM that he would “love to do a couple of songs” on a potential new album from the band.

    McBrain said the following about new music:

    “It’s a moot point right now. I spoke to Steve [Harris] last week. I didn’t broach the fact of doing an album. He came to my restaurant [in Florida] in February or March earlier this year, and we sat and had a good chat. And I said to him, ‘You [will take] some time off [from touring] next year. Are you going to think about doing a new record?’ And he went, ‘No, I haven’t thought about it, Nick.’ So having said that, that doesn’t mean to say that there may not be an album. It’s just that he’s not prepared yet, as then, to think about doing a record. I know Bruce [Dickinson] would like to do one.

    But you gotta bear in mind, if they make an album, you gotta go out and tour it. So there’s another couple of years down the line to, first of all, you’ve gotta get the album made, get it made and distribute it and all that. And then that’s more time, more time. Then you’ve gotta go tour it. Not to say the fact that they don’t wanna go out and tour, but we’re all getting long in the tooth now. And these are high-energy shows. I’m not saying that they’re gonna retire, but here’s the thing: if you do another record, you’re gonna have to go out and tour it. And that’s a world tour, over two years. That’s in my head. I’m thinking, well, is that what’s keeping them from doing an album? I don’t know. But at the minute, there’s no plan on doing a record. But if they do, I would love to do a couple of songs on it. Why not?”

    He also added the following when asked if taking a different approach to drumming would be limiting or “an interesting creative challenge”:

    “It’s a challenge because I had to do that for two years. From when I had the stroke in ’23, I went off and did two tours with the band. And I had to compromise some of the songs, like the intro to ‘The Trooper’. I couldn’t play that fill. My hand just wouldn’t allow me to do the speed of that drum fill. So I had to compromise. I did more triplets, just taking a fill from in the song, in the verse song, I actually put that fill at the intro. But it wasn’t the big iconic, it wasn’t the classic Nicko drum fill for that particular song, and various other ones. So I had to compromise it, and I had to come up with a different part. And the band were okay. They were very supportive of me, and they were, like, ‘No, we don’t really notice much difference, but you still sound good, Nick. You’re still rocking us.’ But this new tour [‘Run For Your Lives’ 2025 and 2026 world tour], I just wouldn’t have been able to play a lot of those songs. And that helped in my decision to actually take the retirement. ‘Cause I just couldn’t play those [songs]. I couldn’t do ‘Murders In The Rue Morgue’. And that was the opening song. [Laughs]”

    [via Blabbermouth]

    caemanamelio

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  • Watch Lamb Of God, GWAR, Death Angel, Etc. Members Celebrate 40th Anniversary Of Metallica’s “Master Of Puppets”

    Members of Lamb Of God, GWAR, Death Angel, In Flames, Chained Saint, etc. recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of Metallica’s “Master Of Puppets” during a special set aboard this year’s Headbangers Boat cruise. You can check out some fan-filmed footage from that performance below:

    caemanamelio

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  • (hed)p.e.’s Jared Gomes To Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery In December

    (hed)p.e. vocalist Jared Gomes is set to undergo a knee replacement surgery. The operation is currently scheduled for December 9.

    Gomes commented:

    “Here is an X-ray of my left knee. I had ACL surgery over 20 years ago.

    I tore it on tour with SNOT and SOULFLY.

    I was onstage with Max Cavalera, doing Benji’s part on ‘Prejudice.’ I stage dove, got thrown back over the barrier, and landed on one leg in a puddle of beer.

    My knee snapped. ACL torn.

    I always said I’d do this until the wheels fell off.

    Well… the wheels have all but fallen off! 😂

    Thanks to y’all, I have health insurance, and on December 9th, I’m getting a new knee.

    Thank you for your continued support.

    I’m nothing without you guys.

    Nothing.

    PS:

    While on tour in the UK, 5 minutes after an amazing show at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, I was walking up some stairs to get to the dressings rooms.

    Because my knee is bone on bone, no cartilage left, the pain is so excrutiating it caused a collapse. When this happened, i tore the hell out of my right hamstring who was trying to save me from falling down the stairs. Dude. Worst pain of my life. My entire leg swollen and black and blue. (i’m already black but you get the idea). For the rest of the tour i was a gimp. Thanks to Kurt, Nate, Stephen and Gordon, i was able to get thru the run, not just get thru but rock the hell out of it.

    This UK / Euro tour was the best hedlining run I’ve had over there in ages. My new agency TKO is not to be played with. This will be a very different Christmas than the one in 2025. Last year i was Scrooge. I’m more of a Bob Cratchit this year.

    ‘God bless us everyone!’”

    caemanamelio

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  • Drummer Chris Kontos Exits Forbidden

    Drummer Chris Kontos has announced his departure from Forbidden. Notably, he allegedly made the decision without alerting his bandmates.

    Kontos commented:

    “This does not come easy for me. I have been trying to not have to do this and resolve many issues with Forbidden for quite some time now. I have expressed my concerns to the band members as well as our management, the legal team and accounting. Financial integrity, a lack of transparency of accounting, ongoing business decisions I did not agree with, or was not made aware of or told about till after the fact resulting in conflicts with the band. These issues have become irreconcilable. I have decided that I can no longer continue as a part of the band.

    I am stepping down as the drummer for Forbidden effective immediately. I wish the band all the best moving forward.

    I am incredibly proud of the music we created together including the new album and videos. I have never worked harder on a project in my life. I put my heart and soul into every bit of the work. I’m truly grateful to the fans for nearly four years of incredible support.

    I want to thank BLKIIBLK Records as well as everyone that helped the band over my time in Forbidden. This includes past band members, road crew, sound engineers, tour management, production companies and promoters. I’m very grateful and have a ton of appreciation and gratitude for you all. You know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    I’m looking forward to what life has to offer moving forward. New opportunities and adventures.

    I respectfully ask for privacy at this time and will have no further comment.

    Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.”

    The band then responded:

    “Everyone in Forbidden wants to wish Chris Kontos the absolute best in his future endeavors. We found out about his leaving the band the same way everyone else did. A social media post. What we created together with this album will hopefully stand the test of time. Chris was an integral part of the process. We wish him nothing but happiness.”

    caemanamelio

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  • Russian Circles, Brutus, Elder, Etc. Added To 2027 ArcTanGent Festival

    More bands have been added to next year’s edition of the ArcTanGent festival. The event will be held at Todenham Manor Farm near Moreton-in-Marsh, UK on August 18-21, 2027 and it will now feature sets from the following: Blood Incantation, Neurosis, Elder, Russian Circles, Brutus, The Wildhearts (prog set), SLIFT, The Ocean, Conjurer, Holy Fawn, Møl, Future Of The Left (“Curses” 20th anniversary set), Employed To Serve (“The Warmth Of A Dying Sun” 10th anniversary set), Psychonaut, Lowen, If These Trees Could Talk, Subrosa, Crown Lands, Sadness, Hippotraktor, Smote, a-tota-so, A Forest Of Stars, Kong, Bloed, Catholics, Cold Night For Alligators, Concrete Ships, Cowboyy, Crash Of Rhinos, Tunic & Death Goals, Details, Din Of Celestial Birds, Earth Moves, Drearleader, Ian, Ihlo, Earthside, Every Hell, Hubris, Lancing Hand, Long Distance Runner, L.O.E, Machukha, Million Moons, Mountainscape, Múr, Other Half, Pancho, Paper Hats, Remote Viewing, Ronker, Sans Froid, Speedial, Thank, TRAVO, Urzah, Victor Villarreal, Worn Out, and Zatokrev.

    caemanamelio

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  • Bayside Premiere New Song “Best Christmas Yet”

    Bayside have premiered a new song titled “Best Christmas Yet.” The single is also accompanied by the band’s take on the holiday classic “Jingle Bells.” Vocalist/guitarist Anthony Raneri commented:

    “We wrote ‘Best Christmas Yet’ to address what the holidays are really about to us, being with the people you love and who love you back. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves during the holidays to have a specific kind of time or for them to look and feel idealistic and most of the Christmas songs out there paint that unrealistic, idealistic picture. We thought there should be a song about what the holidays are really about.”

    caemanamelio

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  • Rosetta Premiere New Song “Self-Dealing Position”

    Rosetta have premiered a new song titled “Self-Dealing Position.” You can check that out below. The track will appear on the band’s final album, “Temporal Lapse,” which will be released on November 27. A new trailer for that effort is available below as well.

    Guitarist Matt Weed commented on the record:

    “In late 2019 when we began working on the songs, we intended to focus on climate change. As we explored that concept, we became interested in the grief / loss dimension of environmental destruction — essentially, the human experience of loss as nature gives way to something else.

    However, in 2020 the pandemic stopped the whole process cold, and it took years to get started again. In that time, a lot of personal grief and loss happened. I lost my house to a fire in 2022. Eric and I both lost our dads. Rather than looking at climate change through the lens of grief and loss, we ended up looking at personal grief and loss through the imagery of climate change and apocalypse.”

    He also added:

    “This is the final album. We’re not breaking up; there’s always openness to doing interesting things together in the future. But even as far back as 2019, we intended to release one more full length as a capstone, do a ‘victory lap’ tour around the world, and then be done with Rosetta as it existed before.”

    caemanamelio

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  • We Came As Romans Share New Version Of “DEAD SILENT” Featuring Make Them Suffer

    We Came As Romans have shared a new version of “DEAD SILENT” featuring Make Them Suffer. The updated track will appear on the band’s “ALL IS BEAUTIFUL… BECAUSE WE’RE DOOMED: CIRCULARITY” release, which will be available on November 6. Vocalist Dave Stephens commented:

    “We’ve wanted to collaborate with our friends in Make Them Suffer for a long time, and ‘Dead Silent’ finally gave us the chance to get in the studio and make it happen. We’re huge fans of theirs and everything they bring to heavy music, so getting to put our heads together on this one was a great experience. The song is about breaking out of the same destructive patterns and finding the strength to rebuild and let go of the negativity holding you back. It’s dark and heavy, but there’s a real sense of fun to it too. We had a great time making something together that hits and makes you want to move.”

    caemanamelio

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