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Posted on March 5th 2026, 1:00p.m.

Posted on March 5th 2026, 12:23p.m.

For nearly two decades, Desert Storm has stood at the cornerstone of England’s fuzz-drenched underground. One can imagine my surprise, then, to find that I claim the first review of their catalog here. The group’s maturation has been a process of trial and error, evolving from smoky, blues-soaked stoner and southern rock roots into a heftier, sludgy, doom-infused form. Despite the unevenness of the Oxford outfit’s earlier efforts—Forked Tongues and Horizontal Life—Desert Storm’s more recent output (specifically Sentinels and Omens) found that sweet spot where sludge, doom, and stoner rock collide. While 2023’s Death Rattle saw these lads largely revisiting their old psychedelic ways, their seventh record, Buried Under the Weight of Reason, reverses course with a Saharan surge of down-tuned, resonant grooves and explosive riff drops poised to shatter many a bong.

As the opening notes of “Newfound Respect” hit, Buried Under the Weight of Reason reveals itself as a blunter, more dynamic beast than its predecessors. The guitars have thickened into a sludge/doom/stoner hybrid of epic proportions, blending Boss Keloid-like phrasing (“Rot to Ruin,” “Newfound Respect”) with Baronessian textures (“Twelve Seasons,” “Law Unto Myself”) and even the occasional djenty chug (“Cut Your Teeth,” “Rot to Ruin”). Huge, low-slung riffs drive Desert Storm’s definitive songwriting pattern. Songs lurch between stampeding verses and clean, crestfallen bridges, often featuring playful bass flourishes and blues refrains. Elliot Cole’s drums hit with massive, tom-forward authority. Each booming strike fuses with new bassist Andrew Keyzor (ex-Beard of Zeuss), carving deep pockets on tracks like “Woodsman” and “Shamanic Echoes.” By the time the first few tracks roll by, it’s obvious that Buried Under the Weight of Reason finds Desert Storm operating squarely in their wheelhouse.

Desert Storm commits to a single mission on Buried Under the Weight of Reason: delivering crushing, irresistible grooves from start to finish. Though lesser bands often bail on a great hook too early, Desert Storm has the confidence to lock in and let a sequence breathe like a fine wine, avoiding the common pitfall of over-complicating a riff before it reaches its zenith. Their controlled songwriting approach shines on the “Woodsman” and “Shamanic Echoes,” where the group adds nuance through minimalist, hook-heavy phrasing that feels both exciting and fresh. “Rot to Ruin” and “Cut Your Teeth” utilize spacious, bluesy transitions to reset the listener’s palate before building toward massive payoffs. The latter succeeds because the quartet holds back, patiently waiting for the precise moment to strike with a mammoth closing riff. The album closes with “Twelve Seasons,” a standout track that balances technical complexity and eccentricity with Desert Storm’s conviction to mine every ounce of a groove’s energy until it runs bone-dry.

Matthew Ryan’s vocals have historically been Desert Storm’s hollow point, but on Buried Under the Weight of Reason, they arrive with a newfound polish and reliability. Hitting with a grizzled, Crowbar-like growl, Ryan provides a solid—albeit largely safe—foundation that underpins Desert Storm’s low-frequency bulk. While Ryan’s vocals struggle to elevate the plethora of high-caliber riffs, they sit comfortably in the mix, serving their purpose without overreaching. Inconsistencies surface, however, on “Woodsman,” where mechanical chanting feels like a unique angle tripped up by its own peculiarity. More jarring is “Dripback,” where Ryan’s barking cadence feels a bit too unhinged, overshadowing an otherwise great groove. Beyond the vocal performance, the compressed mix masks the finer nuances—like the cowbell on “Twelve Seasons”—and the quartet’s commitment to the almighty riff sometimes results in songs feeling overextended. While Desert Storm’s “groove-first” philosophy is surely their strength, it leads to some bloat on the record’s longer cuts (“Rot to Ruin,” “Shamanic Echoes”). Additionally, the inclusion of the interlude “Carry the Weight” feels pointless in the context of the album’s flow.

But for Desert Storm, Buried Under the Weight of Reason is a cause for celebration. By knowing and staying largely within their established limits, the group has created not only a good record, but easily their best to date. While it occasionally oversteps its bounds or struggles to maintain its momentum, the songwriting and groove are infectious enough to have every head in the club bobbing in unison. Their sharpest effort to date, with enough weight to kill an elephant, Buried Under the Weight of Reason is a damn good time and a reminder that sometimes, that’s all a record needs to be.

Rating: Very Good!
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds
Websites: desertstorm.bandcamp.com/music | desertstormband.com | facebook.com/desertstormuk
Releases Worldwide: March 6th, 2026

The post Desert Storm – Buried Under the Weight of Reason Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.

If you’ve followed my reviews over the years you’ll know this isn’t a casual fling. My relationship with Mike Trash’s music has been long, loud and gloriously sleazy fun. From the first time I locked into the sleazy stab of The Erotics’ early releases to the darker, more cinematic horror-tinged turns of their later catalogue, there’s been a through-line: conviction. Just What the Devil Ordered is an album that you can feel the dirt under its fingernails, and it kicks the door clean off its hinges and plants its boots on the table, spilling a few bottles as it does. This is The Erotics fully realised, full of fire, and absolutely certain of their own vaulted mythology. As I always say when a new record hits – these guys should be HUGE!

From the opening bars of the subtly titled ‘Necro City’ you know you’re in familiar, dangerous territory. That unmistakable Trash guitar tone is simply gutter-glam snarl:  part late-night noir, part dark graveyard delight. It’s a song on a record that sounds like it was recorded live right as you listen. Subtlety is clearly for suckers! There’s chaos in the guitar grind, but a shimmer too and it is all just so unapologetically loud! The rhythm section stalks, smashes and hits hard. There’s a real tightness here that only comes from years of shared stages and shared scars. Where earlier albums flirted with excess for the thrill of it, this one seems to channel that excess with precision. It’s wonderfully controlled yet gloriously reckless at heart.

What strikes hardest is the confidence of tracks like ‘Horns Hold My Halo’. This isn’t a band chasing relevance or retro cool; this is a band defining its own lane and daring anyone else to keep up. The hooks hit with more impact, the grooves just swing harder, and the arrangements show a maturity that sharpens everything. There’s a real cool 80’s groove that hints at depth and reverence behind the decadence, man so far Just What the Devil Ordered is so cool.

‘Nightmares of Lullabies’ has a slice of Sex Pistols attitude in the refrain. Trash just understands the cost of indulgence and sings about it without ever surrendering the thrill of it all. That balance has always been his secret weapon. I’ve said in earlier reviews that Trash writes sin like poetry; here he writes it like barroom scripture.

Lyrically, Trash remains the high priest of temptation and I love ‘Just Another Thing’ that has that swagger of early Dogs D’Amour and trashy New York Punk sound. It’s one of my absolute standouts (well one of the 8!). ‘Trapped in Nowhere’ that follows hot on the stacked heels is simply unstoppable sleazy fun and boasts the great line “The only way out of this Earth is in a rocket or a shiny hearse”… 

‘Sweet Beautiful Lies’ crawls in across the beer stained floor and swaggers and stumbles drunkenly to the bar. The production deserves credit for refusing to sand off the grit. There’s warmth in the mix, but it’s the kind that comes from analogue glow rather than digital polish. Guitars breathe, drums crack, basslines prowl. Nothing feels overcrowded, nothing feels remotely safe, it all just sounds wonderfully raw. It sounds like a band in a room, right next to you, sweat dripping, ears burning, just like it should be.

‘I See Enemies’ is full tilt punk attitude and a sure fire fast fix live. And closer ’11 Dead Roses’ leads us out with the strummed acoustic antithesis of all that’s come before. It’s those textures tat make The Erotics so unique and long may it continue.

I’ve championed Mike Trash for years because he’s never taken the obvious route. While trends rose and collapsed around him, he doubled down on storytelling, swagger and substance. This album reinforces that stubborn artistic streak. But Just What the Devil Ordered isn’t a reinvention and it isn’t a nostalgia trip. It’s more of the same quality you would expect from a band that refuses to grow up or grow old.

For those of us who’ve been riding shotgun with Mike Trash’s musical misadventures for years, it’s confirmation that the fire hasn’t dimmed — it’s burning cleaner, hotter and brighter than ever.

9/10

The post ALBUM REVIEW: The Erotics – Just What the Devil Ordered appeared first on The Rockpit.

XMusic, Australia’s only record label championing hard rock with a handful of country rock acts as well, celebrates its 5th Anniversary in 2026. What started as an idea from former Sony Music executive Tim McLean-Smith to help emerging rock bands has turned into a full blown label with an exciting roster including Sisters Doll, Dellacoma, Karly Jewell and the labels first international signing, Blvd of Eyes.

Tim says of the milestone, “I am so proud and honoured we are celebrating 5 years of XMusic. The artists are family and the fans are our extended crazy cousins! Love to all of you who support us and turn up to shows – stream the music and buy albums and merch!”

Five Years Loud. For five years, XMusic has turned the volume up on Aussie Artists. To mark the milestone, XMusic joins forces with Six Fathoms Australian Spirits to release a limited-edition range of premium Australian Whisky and Vodka. This isn’t just a bottle. It’s a celebration of building careers, backing artists, and pushing sound to the limits. Of late nights. Of sold-out rooms. Of first singles and final encores. Distilled with precision. Bottled with attitude.

When ordering, fans can choose the label’s brand or have their favourite XMusic Artists featured on the bottle labels, including;

Audio Reign
Awaken The Hate
Cicadastone
Dellacoma
Electric State
Engraved
Frankenbok
Kaosphere
Karly Jewell
Kodem
Snake Bite Whisky
Sound Affliction
Whiteford
XCalibre

40% ABV – 100% ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
www.sixfathoms.com.au/pages/xmusic

Win a Golden Ticket!
Every XMusic 5th anniversary campaign purchase including shows, merch or alcohol gets you into the draw to win 1 of 5 Golden Tickets. Golden Tickets Prizes includes two (2) XMusic tickets to a live show of your choice in 2026, plus a limited-edition XMusic sampler. This collaboration is all about bringing fans closer to the stage.

XMUSIC 5th ANNIVERSARY SHOWS
Also to Celebrate the 5th Anniversary their will be a series XMusic Live Shows featuring some of your favourite XMusic Artists and New Merch.

Thursday, April 30
Musicland, Melbourne
Dellacoma
Sisters Doll (Special Acoustic Performance)
Karly Jewell
Electric State
www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1544502

Friday, May 1
Musicland, Melbourne
Frankenbok
Cicadastone
Awaken The Hate
Electric State
www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1544499

Saturday, May 2
The Den, Newcastle
Wayward Kings
Kodem
Whiteford
Stormflower
www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1547952

Sunday, May 3
Soapbox, Brisbane
Dellacoma
Awaken The Hate
Kaosphere
Sound Affliction
Fractured State
Runt
moshtix.com.au/v2/event/xmusic-5th-anniversary-show/192203

Tickets for all shows and
5th Anniversary Merch including Limited Edition T-Shirts & Muscle Shirts
are available from
https://xmusiclabel.bigcartel.com/xmusic-5th-anniversary-celebration-shows-alcohol-merch

The post XMUSIC, Australia’s Exclusive Hard Rock Label Celebrates It’s 5th Anniversary appeared first on The Rockpit.

Heavy metal artists are known to live a life of excess and debauchery. But as the industry has evolved, so too have the musicians who once epitomized this lifestyle. With the decline in record sales due to illegal downloading and minimal streaming royalties, many metal musicians have turned to entrepreneurship to sustain their fortunes. Here are ten metal musicians who have successfully transitioned from headbanging on stage to thriving in the business world.

1. Joey Kramer – Aerosmith Drummer

Joey Kramer, the drummer for Boston’s hard rock legends Aerosmith, has seen his fair share of wild times. Known for his relentless touring schedule and rock ‘n roll lifestyle, Kramer has channeled his experiences into a new venture: Rockin’ & Roastin’ Coffee. The coffee line includes various roasts such as Ethiopia whole bean, Guatemala whole bean, and Sumatra whole bean, ensuring there’s something for every coffee lover.

Kramer’s journey into the coffee business began as a way to share his newfound appreciation for quality brews with his fans. On the Rockin’ & Roastin’ website, Kramer states, “For the past 40-plus years, I have hit the circuit hard and have lived through some unbelievable experiences—both high and low—and have come out on the other side.” His entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to create a product that not only satisfies his own tastes but also resonates with his audience, proving that even rock stars can find success in the most unexpected places.

2. Paul Stanley – KISS Guitarist

Paul Stanley is one of the co-owners of the Los Angeles Kiss arena football team, a venture that combines his love for rock and roll with his passion for sports.

In addition to his involvement with the Los Angeles Kiss, Stanley is also a co-founder of the Rock & Brews restaurant chain. Established in 2012, Rock & Brews offers a rock-themed dining experience that features American comfort food and craft beers. Stanley and Simmons serve as the establishment’s “Rock & Roll Ambassadors,” bringing their larger-than-life personas to the restaurant’s branding and marketing efforts.

3. Sammy Hagar – Van Halen Lead Singer

When David Lee Roth left Van Halen after their multiplatinum “1984” album, Sammy Hagar stepped in to fill the void. During his decade-long tenure with the band, Hagar helped produce numerous hit albums. However, his entrepreneurial spirit was already in full swing by the time he parted ways with Van Halen in 1996. One of Hagar’s most successful ventures is his Cabo Wabo brand tequila, which embodies his philosophy of “living free, working hard, and playing harder.” Hagar’s business acumen paid off handsomely when he sold an 80 percent interest in Cabo Wabo Tequila to Gruppo Campari for $80 million in 2007. 

4. Bruce Dickinson – Iron Maiden Lead Singer

Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, is known for his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence. However, Dickinson’s talents extend far beyond music. He is also a trained commercial airline pilot and a successful entrepreneur. One of his notable business ventures is Trooper beer, which he created in collaboration with Robinson’s Brewery.

Dickinson’s passion for traditional English ale led him to develop Trooper beer, named after one of Iron Maiden’s classic songs. Despite his extensive experience performing in front of massive crowds, Dickinson admitted to feeling nervous about this partnership. “I’m a lifelong fan of traditional English ale; I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when we were asked to create our own beer,” he said. 

5. Alex Lifeson – Rush Guitarist

As the guitarist for the Canadian power trio Rush, Alex Lifeson has spent over 40 years captivating audiences with his six-string prowess. But Lifeson’s talents aren’t limited to music. In 1994, he co-founded The Orbit Room, a Toronto nightclub that transports us back to the mid-’60s era of live entertainment. The club’s official website describes it as a place with its own sound, vibe, and faithful followers, much like the iconic venues of yesteryear. The Orbit Room has become a staple in Toronto’s nightlife scene, offering live music and a unique atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. 

6. Michael Anthony – Van Halen Bass Player

Michael Anthony, the former bass player for Van Halen, was often seen as the calm center of the band, providing a steady foundation amidst the guitar pyrotechnics of Eddie Van Halen and the high-flying antics of David Lee Roth. After leaving the band a decade ago, Anthony channeled his energy into a new venture: Mad Anthony’s Hot Sauce. His website, Mad Anthony Café, offers a variety of sauces, including barbecue, hot mustard, and a signature.

7. Gene Simmons – KISS Bassist

Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-founder of KISS, is as well-known for his business acumen as he is for his on-stage persona. With a net worth estimated at $400 million, Simmons has built an empire that extends far beyond music. One of his most successful ventures is Simmons Records, a record label that he founded to discover and promote new talent. In addition to his record label, Simmons has also ventured into the world of reality television with his show “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” which aired for seven seasons. 

8. Dave Mustaine – Megadeth Frontman

Dave Mustaine, the frontman and founder of the thrash metal band Megadeth, is the owner of House of Mustaine, a vineyard and winery located in Fallbrook, California. The winery produces a range of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Rosé, all crafted with the same precision and intensity that Mustaine brings to his music.

Mustaine’s passion for winemaking began as a hobby but quickly grew into a full-fledged business. He is involved in every aspect of the winemaking process, from selecting the grapes to designing the labels. He also is a horse breeder, talk about passion!

9. Tom Araya – Slayer Bassist and Vocalist

Tom Araya, the bassist and vocalist for the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, has spent decades delivering some of the most intense and aggressive music ever recorded. Offstage, however, Araya has pursued a more tranquil passion: cattle ranching. Araya owns and operates a ranch in Texas, where he raises cattle and enjoys the peace and quiet of rural life. 

10. Zakk Wylde – Black Label Society Frontman

Zakk Wylde, the frontman for Black Label Society and former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, is known for his blistering guitar solos and larger-than-life stage presence. In addition to his musical achievements, Wylde has also made a name for himself in the business world with his company, Wylde Audio. Founded in 2015, Wylde Audio produces a range of high-quality guitars, amplifiers, and accessories designed to meet the needs of professional musicians and aspiring rock stars. Wylde’s deep understanding of what musicians need and his commitment to quality have made Wylde Audio a respected name in the industry. 

The post 10 Metal Musicians Who Surprisingly Are Also Successful Entrepreneurs appeared first on Metal Shout.

The post Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel’s Take On “Tow Truck Driver” Redefines The Humor & True-To-Life Story Behind The Bernie Nelson & Andrew Brockdorf Written Song Intended appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

The most political metal bands of all time can say a lot of things about society as a whole. These are the groups that have taken the time to look at the political landscape and voice their opinions. You may agree or disagree with them, which is fine, but there is no denying that it is interesting to see their perspectives. And furthermore, see how their perspectives can define their musical ideas.

Some of the most political metal bands have enjoyed a lot of massive success. There are others that, because of their context, couldn’t enjoy greater heights. However, all of them have made great music throughout the years while also voicing their takes on the politics of their countries. It is also worth pointing out that this list is entirely subjective and it goes in no particular order. Let’s begin.

1. Megadeth

You can’t talk about the most political metal bands and not bring up Megadeth. You just can’t. Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Dave Mustaine has shaped this band within that frame. He has no problem voicing his views on politics, for better or worse. Throughout his career, he has been very vocal about politics, about the United States government, and even participated in MTV events in the 90s to prompt people to vote.

Moreover, you can see his interest of political topics through his songs. “Peace Sells…“, “Holy Wars…“, “Symphony of Destruction“, “Washington is Next“… the list goes on. Mustaine and Megadeth have delivered politically-charged music time and time again. But the most important thing is that this band has shown they can deliver the goods and not rely on political controversies.

In that regard, Mustaine, love him or hate him, has always remained an individual. And that is something that should be appreciated in this landscape. He has always stated his own opinions and that should be respected.

2. V8

When talking about the most political metal bands, you also have to look beyond the American landscape. Back in Argentina, the band V8 was one of the most outspoken groups in that country in regards to the dictatorship they were going through at the time. In the process, they also became one of the greatest Latin American metal bands to ever live.

Playing a mix of classic 80s metal and speed metal, the band started to make waves during the early 80s. Moreover, while V8 talked heavily about politics, they also touched on topics regarding Christianity. In fact, the band’s final album, 1986’s “El Fin de los Inicuos“, was heavily focused on Christian themes. This would cause some friction within the group, leading to them breaking up.

It is also interesting that this break-up led to the creation of two more iconic Argentinian metal bands, Hermetica and Rata Blanca. This proves how much talent there was in this band and how they were much more than just politics. Definitely a good starting point to get into Latin American metal.

3. Rage Against The Machine

Now, this was an obvious one. Rage Against The Machine is one of the most political metal bands of all time and it is not up for debate. Guitarist Tom Morello built this group not only as a way to make music, but also to air his political grievances. That is something that has been ever-present since the early days of the band and has continued until the present.

It is also worth pointing out that this isn’t just because of Morello. Singer Zack de la Rocha was also instrumental in the band’s ideology through his lyrics as well as being the rap metal hybrid they ended up becoming. 

Speaking about governments, political corruption, police brutality… These guys have said it all throughout the years. They are quite outspoken with the media, having no problem voicing their minds regarding a lot of different topics. This has gotten them into trouble several times, but it is quite obvious they don’t seem to care.

Morello himself explained on his X account in 2025 that he does not support the two major political parties of the United States:

“(Preemptive dispelling of wearying misinformation likely to flood the comments: while being sharply critical of both no good parties (Clinton/Obama/Biden’s war crimes & subservience to Wall Street and Bush/Trump war crimes, subservience to billionaires and Wall Street & general idiocy) no one from [Rage Against The Machine] has ever publicly supported a dem or repub candidate. EVER.”

4. System Of A Down

Another one of the most political metal bands. The case of System of a Down is interesting, though. While they have definitely talked about American politics, they have also brought up some of the tragedies of their ancestral homeland of Armenia despite being from from Glendale, California. This is something that you don’t usually get to hear about in mainstream metal, so it makes them stand out.

Furthermore, it is also worth pointing out that this band goes beyond that. They have talked about the horrors of war, the usage of media to control information, and political corruption as a whole. This is something that has defined the band time and time again, which is something that a lot of people tend to appreciate from them.

It is also quite interesting to see them mix that approach with the experimental nature of their music. Makes their albums a lot more varied and a very unique experience to witness.

5. Nuclear Assault

Thrash is no stranger to having some of the most political metal bands out there. However, Nuclear Assault is definitely a lot more politically charged than most in that subgenre. One of the most underrated thrash bands of the 80s, this group also managed to combine this style with punk and hardcore in one delightful and intense cocktail.

Moreover, as the name of the band might suggest, they were focused heavily on topics such as the dangers of nuclear energy. There were also several songs focused on political corruption, war, and many other topics of a similar ilk. All of this while playing some of the most intense thrash metal in the business, which is always good.

If you are looking for intense thrash metal with a social message, Nuclear Assault has that in spades.

6. Napalm Death

When it comes to Napalm Death, they are extreme music royalty. Hailing from the UK, they have been playing different variations of punk, hardcore, and extreme metal since the early 80s. Moreover, they are regarded as the godfathers of grindcore as well. Therefore, it is fair to say that they are a big deal across the metal landscape.

They are also one of the most political metal bands in the business. Napalm Death, especially their singer “Barney” Greenway, have always been very vocal about their political opinions. This is reflected in the lyrical content of the band and has defined them for several generations. They usually talk about political corruption, the state of the UK, political unrest, anti-fascism, and a lot more.

“From time to time, you get people that are in opposition to what you say, but you know what? That’s fine, man,” Greenway said in 2025, as reported by Blabbermouth. “I’m not here to beat people with a stick; that’s not the point. ‘Cause that’s kind of entrapment in a way. And I’m not there. But I am here to say there is a better way; there are better ways. It doesn’t mean I’m here to say, ‘You must do what I say and do what I do.’ The whole essence of where Napalm takes ideas was about actually true freedom, anarchy in a way — peaceful anarchy. So that’s where I continue to… that’s where my path goes.”

7. Brutal Truth

Formed Anthrax bassist Dan Lilker definitely had a knack for being on this list, first by founding Nuclear Assault in the 80s and then Brutal Truth in the 90s. This band was an extreme metal behemoth that never got the attention they deserved. However, they produced some truly great albums during the 90s and had no problem getting political while doing so.

Like the previous bands, Brutal Truth‘s lyrics were about anti-fascism, criticism of the establishment, social issues, and topics of a similar ilk. The band even treated topics such as homophobia at times. When considering the sheer brutality of their music, there is no denying that there is a surprising contrast there.

The band made a return from 2006 to 2014, and while the musical quality wasn’t the same, they are still a beloved extreme metal act.

8. Ministry

One of the godfathers of industrial metal. Ministry have been doing it for more than forty years and have proven several times that they can change and evolve with their sound. It is difficult to claim that the band has made the same album twice. And it is also difficult to claim that band leader Al Jourgensen doesn’t speak his mind on politics.

Love them or hate them, Ministry is one of the most political bands out there. Their music is heavily centered around their political views and what they think about social issues. It is an element that has become a lot more notorious in recent works. And Jourgensen has no problem being clear about it.

“You could see it coming,” Jourgensen told Heavy Consequence in 2024 regarding the political landscape of the United States and the presidential elections at the time. “I’m not surprised. I’m not happy, but you have to understand, people with the ideas either are shut out or bought out. And so, the system keeps running the way the system wants to run – which is basically, it doesn’t matter who’s president.”

9. Sepultura

Sepultura made it big in the late 80s and early 90s while hailing from Brazil and playing extreme metal. That’s an accolade that not a lot of bands can brag about. Moreover, they were also one of the most political metal bands in the business. Whether it was political issues in Brazil or the rest of the world, the band always had a knack for stating their opinions.

This has been a running theme throughout the band’s career, especially during their heyday in the 80s and early 90s. One of the group’s biggest songs, “Refuse/Resist“, is centered around political uprising and police brutality. On the other hand, the entirety of the 1996 “Roots” is a nod to the marginalized indigenous population and cultures from their homecountry of Brazil. Even in the most modern days, the 2017 album, “Machine Messiah“, talks about the rampant evolution of technology and how it takes a toll on society.

10. Cattle Decapitation

Most people assume that political metal bands only talk about the government. Not quite. There is the case of Cattle Decapitation, an extreme metal band that has touched on several social issues. They have embraced topics such as the environment, gender issues, and overall several situations that have defined the sociopolitical landscape throughout the years.

Furthermore, the band has received a lot of support because of their animal rights movement. They are one of the most supportive groups in metal when it comes to that topic. And yet, the band still maintains an open mind regarding political leanings.

“My parents raised me as liberally conservative or whatever and made me go to Catholic school because they thought that was the right thing,” vocalist Travis Ryan said about his political views in 2017 to Metal Injection. “My dad was rolling his eyes the whole time, while my mom was the one trying to believe in God and stuff like that. Things were just so loose then. Nothing is far-left and nothing is far-right. There’s a gigantic in-between area where real life takes place. Ying and (sic) Yang, you can’t have light without dark. We’ll see what happens though. What a weird time to be alive.”

The post Most Political Metal Bands of All Time: 10 Heavy Acts Who Took a Stand appeared first on Metal Shout.