Since forming in 2019, the trio Rhododendron have been a regular fixture in the live music scene of their native Portland, Oregon, earning a reputation for prog-y, big-swinging experimental rock. They’ll be bringing that sound to the masses this spring with Ascent Effort, their latest LP and first for new label home the Flesner. Today…
Australia and New Zealand, get ready! Two indisputable rock icons will join forces in 2026, with American chart-toppers SHINEDOWN and British alternative legends BUSH teaming up for a massive co-headline tour this September, with the tour also marking SHINEDOWN’s first performances down under in over 15 years. Commencing on Thursday 17 September in Auckland, this […]
Butcher Babies return with their powerful new single Lost In Your Touch, produced by Howard Benson, this marks the second release from their forthcoming album via Judge & Jury Records. Blending emotional vulnerability with crushing intensity, the track serves as a key chapter in an album that functions as a deeply personal love letter to […]
We’ve covered D.C. death dealers CrusHuman a few times at Decibel and always keep coming back for more. Over the course of three years, the trio have locked in a style of brutal, grind-influenced death metal that values brutality and compact songwriting above all else, a trait very apparent on their second full-length album, Imperial.
Featuring a slew of guest vocalists throughout, including grindcore legend Richard Johnson on the opening track, Imperial hits like someone put Obituary’s stomping riffs in a blender with Terrorizer and mid-period Napalm Death, providing speed, mosh parts and ripping breakdowns in equal measure.
Speaking about the album, CrushHuman (referring to the band in the third person) said:
“In the aftermath of their self-titled record, CrushHuman return with a soundtrack to society’s demise. The end begins.”
You can listen below and purchase the album via Horror Pain Gore Death.
CHILDREN OF BODOM THE 27th OF FEBRUARY TAVASTIA HELSINKI FINLAND Something truly unexpected happened on February 27, when the legendary and highly successful Children of […]
Last month, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider made a shocking announcement — he was hanging it up for good because of degenerative arthritis and heart issues that he’d been dealing with for some time now. It was a sad revelation to make, given the fact that Twisted Sister fans were hyped up at the opportunity of catching the band play live to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Though Snider was pretty definitive in his decision to walk away, the remaining mainstays in the band guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda left the band’s future in the air somewhat. In their announcement post that Snider was stepping down, they said “the future of Twisted Sister will be determined in the next several weeks,” urging fans to keep an eye out for any news.
Well, a few weeks have passed and we now know what’s going to happen with Twisted Sister’s 50th anniversary celebrations: they’ll be playing a select number of shows this fall with ex-Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach behind the mic.
“Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and front man Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.”
Though he’s not exactly Snider, Bach is an exceptional vocalist whose stage presence should do well with Twisted Sister. There’s no news as to when these shows will take place, but the original plan was for Twisted Sister to be on tour from April 25 to September 4. That’s no longer going to be the case, given Bach’s schedule, but it should be enough to give diehard Twisted Sister fans a chance to catch the show if they so choose.
Phillip Shouse, the renowned session musician, released his debut EP ‘Vol 1‘ last week through Wild Kingdom Records. After more than two decades of supporting his contemporaries, Shouse emerges as the lead vocalist and songwriter of his unique hard rock style. The current guitarist of Accept has appeared on four albums and has toured internationally with the legendary Teutonic metal band. Shouse’s CV highlights his collaborations with notable artists, including Kiss alumni Gene Simmons and the late Ace Frehley, as well as country musician Rodney Atkins and former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi. Additionally, Shouse hosts his own jam session nights in Nashville and is a co-founder and co-owner of Rock N Röll, a Swedish non-alcoholic beer company.
I initially approached this EP expecting it to be a heavy metal release filled with guitar-heavy tracks. However, I found the opposite to be true. Each song is melodic and easy to listen to, with clear influences from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
Photo Credit courtesy of Lizzy Danforth
The EP opens with the country-infused rocker ”Run Away from You,” an upbeat track with catchy melodies that are easy to dance to and hum along with. “Naked Empress” is an equally catchy slab of blues and rock’n’roll. “It Gets Better” is a notable reference to my prior comments on The Beatles. This acoustic country track leaves you feeling uplifted. “Won’t Let You Go (Again)” is a trippy, seventies-infused acoustic track with psychedelic vibes. Shouse showcases melodic vocals and punchy guitar work. “Time Bomb” is a contagious Rockabilly track with a subliminal message of hope and forgiveness.
I think this is an exciting introduction to a seasoned and talented guitarist. Shouse openly embraces his influences, resulting in an EP that has a distinctly English sound. This is something I would expect from an indie musician rather than a metal guitarist. Overall, it is an uplifting selection of wonderful songs that rock fans really need to listen to and enjoy.