It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from Chicago sludge crew Lair of the Minotaur—the band’s last EP was in 2018 and their last proper album was in 2010—but they’re making good on lost time with I Hail I, their new and fifth album since forming in 2003. The ten-track ripper clocks in under 30 minutes, packing as many boneheaded riffs, thunderous drum rolls and varied vocals into that time as possible.

I Hail I is the first Lair of the Minotaur record to feature bassist-producer extraordinaire Sanford Parker, who previously engineered and mixed various Lair of the Minotaur releases. On I Hail I, Parker handles engineering and mixing along with bass duties alongside founding member Steven Rathbone—who handled mastering—and longtime drummer Chris Wozniak.

The songs on I Hail I have a distinctly grim and evil vibe, culminating on the final song, “Tartarus Apocalypse.” Standing in stark opposition to the record’s fast pace, “Tartarus Apocalypse” slows things down, stretching out to nearly a quarter of the album’s runtime. It’s jarring in the best way possible, making the listener appreciate the previous speed and the current nastiness.

“I HAIL I is intended to be listened to all the way through, at maximum volume on real speakers,” Rathbone instructs. “A thirty-minute thoroughly cathartic experience.”

Hail the minotaur and listen to I Hail I below. It’s out on Friday, May 1 via the band.

The post Full Album Stream: Lair of the Minotaur – “I Hail I” appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

It’s been less than half a year since Kalia Vandever released Another View, but today the trombonist and composer is back with news of another album, their first for International Anthem. Mana is scheduled for release in June, and it represents a change for Vandever in more than just record label. It marks the first…

The post Kalia Vandever Announces New Album <em>Mana</em>: Hear “Hubbard Road” appeared first on Stereogum.

Monument Of Misanthropy have premiered their new single “The 1974 PNW Spree”, the first preview of their upcoming full-length release, Washington State Charm, which is scheduled for a June 26th release on Listenable Records. “The 1974 PNW Spree” also features a guest solo from guitarist Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth.
Read more…

Including a “Louder Now” live celebration at the Red Rocks.

The post Taking Back Sunday Tap Thrice & Saves The Day For Fall U.S. Tour appeared first on Theprp.com.

With a new biopic crushing at the box office, a reflection on the industry’s selective memory around MJ. Plus, cowboy Crocs.

Hew are announcing their debut LP today, but they’re no rookies. The Houston emo band features Lindsay Minton (vocals/guitar) and Mercy Harper (bass VI), both from the longstanding combo Football, etc., here joined by Amador “Moe” Lerma (drums) and Kris Hoffman (bass). Their first album, Your Version, is coming in July on Tiny Engines, and…

The post Hew Announce Debut Album <em>Your Version</em>: Hear The Title Track appeared first on Stereogum.

The legendary former Yes vocalist shares the story behind his ambitious 'Olias of Sunhillow' LP, which is being reissued in honor of its 50th anniversary. Continue reading…

It would appear no orchestra will be involved.

The post The Amity Affliction To Perform At The Forecourt Of The Sydney Opera House In December appeared first on Theprp.com.

The New York Times Magazine named the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters. Here are more contenders, including Billy Joel, Frank Ocean and Neko Case.

Who’s thirsty?! We’re just DAYS AWAY from Philly’s truest of beer fests and “Metal & Beer” tickets are quickly running dry. To help whet your palate, we’ve decided to release the entire beer menu that will be on hand at this year’s festivities. If your beer goggles are getting the better of you, that’s over 40 craft brews and meads that are confirmed for Metal & Beer Fest: Philly 2026, including numerous collaborations with performing bands. The only way to get access to the entire murderous menu is to secure that “Metal & Beer” ticket before they’re gone for good. Brace your liver and read below to see what’s in store! * Indicates ticketed pour

3 FLOYDS BREWING
Pre Game Pils (Municipal Waste collab) / Pilsner / 5.2%
Floyds Deluxe / Lager / 4.5%
Zombie Dust / Undead Pale Ale / 6.5%
Turbo Reaper / IPA / 7%
Dark Lord Scepter of Power/ barrel-aged Imperial Stout / 15% (Saturday Only) *
Dark Lord Munster Punch / barrel-aged Imperial Stout / 15% (Sunday Only) *

WARPIGS BREWING
Foggy Geezer / Hazy IPA / 7.3%
Lil’ Geezer / Hazy IPA / 5%
Bouffant Jellyfish / Sour Ale / 5.5%
Drain the Skull (Necrot collab) / Kölsch Style Ale / 5.2%

BRIMMING HORN MEADERY
Un-Pearable / Pear Cider / 6.5%
Cotton Candy / Session/Carbonated Mead / 8% (Saturday Only)
Blood of Cemunnos / Mulberry Mead / 8%
Mango Mead / Session/Carbonated Mead / 8% (Sunday Only)

BEAR CULT BREWING
Age of Pilsner (Cro-Mags collab) / Czech Pilsner/ 5.2%
Appalachian Strong / Strong Ale / 7.5%

NEPENTHE BREWING CO
Alpacas Fracas / Double IPA / 8.1%
Space Jellyfish / American IPA / 7%
Mallet / American Lager / 4.3%

NEW TRAIL
Running Red (Kylesa collab) / Amber Lager / 5%
24/7 / Hazy Session IPA / 4.27%
Crisp Lager / Golden Lager / 4.8%

MAGNANIMOUS BREWING
Touch of Death (Fulci collab) / Italian Pilsner / 5.5%
New Lord / Double Dry-Hopped Hazy / 7.5%
Dragonaught / Fruited Sour / 6%

IMPRINT BREWING CO
Sunkissed / Triple IPA / 7.7%
Schmoojee Metal AF / Fuited Sour Ale / 6.5%
Lagerrr / Golden Lager / 4.4%
Release the Mounds / Stout / 12% (Saturday Only) *
Banana Thickr Than Snickr / Stout / 12% (Sunday Only) *

XUL
Hornet’s Nest (Power Trip collab) / Pilsner / 4.4%
PB&J Mixtape / Fruited Sour / 6.5%
Wicked Sound of Doom / IPA / 6.66%

REQUIEM BIER
Hop Mincer (Haggus collab) / Belgian IPA / 7%
Dead Stroke / Pub Ale / 4.1%

NECROMANTIC
La LLagerona / Mexican Lager / 5.5%
Show Me The Way To Gose Home / Lemon Gose / 5%

GHOST HAWK
Updraft / Maibock/ 7.5% (Saturday Only)
Cherry Daedalion / American Wheat / 4% (Sunday Only)

LITTLE COTTAGE
Haze of the Fathers (Cryptopsy Collab) / Triple IPA / 10.5% *
A Local Lager / Lager / 4%
Jory’s Battle / Hefeweizen / 5%

Limited tickets are also still available for next weekend’s Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Philly on May 2-3 at the Fillmore in Philadelphia, featuring the return of Power Trip, special sets from Municipal Waste (The Art of Partying), Cryptopsy (None So Vile) and Cro-Mags (The Age of Quarrel) as well as killer performances from Kylesa, Necrot, Spirit Adrift and more! Daily lineups and all ticket option details for Metal & Beer Fest Philly 2026 can be found below:

MAY 2 TICKETS
MAY 3 TICKETS
TWO-DAY TICKETS

MAY 2
Municipal Waste (special The Art of Partying set)
Cro-Mags (special The Age of Quarrel set)
Kylesa
Haggus
No/Más

MAY 3
Power Trip
Cryptopsy (special None So Vile set)
Necrot
Spirit Adrift
Blood Monolith 

The post Full Beer Menu for Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Philly 2026 REVEALED! appeared first on Decibel Magazine.