Blog Posts

The Willowtip Files: Watchmaker – Erased from the Memory of Man

The Willowtip Files: Watchmaker – Erased from the Memory of Man

By L. Saunders on November 16, 2021 in Blog Posts, Hardcore, 31 comments

“Pennsylvanian-based independent label Willowtip Records was established by Jason Tipton in the late ’90s. From humble beginnings the label has stood the test of time, becoming one of the most respected and highly regarded record labels in the extreme metal scene. It takes something special to create a label with a consistently unfuckwithable roster of quality, innovative artists, while retaining long-term integrity and durability. Willowtip is the self-proclaimed forward-thinking label, releasing a slew of modern classics and top-shelf albums that may have a lower profile but are more than worth your while. This feature focuses on a pivotal early period in the label’s history that had a huge impact on my own extreme metal tastes. As such, I am highlighting some outstanding albums released by Willowtip between 2001-2006.” Watchmaker knows what time it is.

Contrite Metal Guy – Mistakes Were Made [N00b Cautionary Tales and Warnings Edition]

Contrite Metal Guy – Mistakes Were Made [N00b Cautionary Tales and Warnings Edition]

By Carcharodon on November 12, 2021 in Contrite Metal Guy, 99 comments

“The life of the unpaid, overworked metal reviewer is not an easy one. Cascading promos, unreasonable deadlines, draconian editors, and the unwashed metal mobs – it makes for a swirling maelstrom of music and madness. In all that tumult, errors are bound to happen and sometimes our initial impression of an album may not be completely accurate. With time and distance comes wisdom, and so we’ve decided to pull back the confessional curtain and reveal our biggest blunders, missteps, oversights and ratings face-plants. Consider this our sincere AMGea culpa. Redemption is retroactive, forgiveness is mandatory.” The foolishness of youth.

Stuck in the Filter – August’s Angry Misses

Stuck in the Filter – August’s Angry Misses

By TheKenWord on September 8, 2021 in Blog Posts, Stuck in the Filter, 34 comments

“It bears mentioning that in light of how much I had going on this month, my ability to properly cover the better offerings in the metalverse took a hefty punch to the dick. But just because I missed the opportunity to wax poetic over a bunch of cool stuff doesn’t mean I forgot about them. This segment is my chance to at least touch upon them briefly for your edification, with the help of my fellow colleagues!” Filter Techs…assemble.

Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Review: Pandemic Festival Pandemonium

Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Review: Pandemic Festival Pandemonium

By Akerblogger on September 6, 2021 in Blog Posts, 27 comments

“In the words of Rob Halford during Judas Priest’s two-hour headline slot: “Britain’s premier heavy metal festival is back.” Yes, cranky Covid’s delta wave dangerously hovered over the pit like clouded sweat but after a few strong ciders and a crunching riff – experienced live for the first time in over 18 months – the external world became a distant memory.” Metal never dies.

[CLOSED] Casting Call 2021, or “Is the Ritual Humiliation of Writing for AMG Right for You?”

[CLOSED] Casting Call 2021, or “Is the Ritual Humiliation of Writing for AMG Right for You?”

By Angry Metal Guy on August 25, 2021 in Blog Posts, 216 comments

Things have been getting thin on the “people who are actively writing” front lately. That means it’s time to open the doors to these hallowed halls again and let you humiliate yourselves for your heroes. You know, since you’re reading this, that we’re the best gosh darn metal reviewing website around. And gosh darn it, haven’t you always wanted to give reviewing a gosh darn try? Well, after reading this post completely, you will be able to do so.

Howl of the Underdogs Movie Review

Howl of the Underdogs Movie Review

By GardensTale on July 9, 2021 in Blog Posts, Movie Review, Gothic Metal, Progressive Metal, 16 comments

“Usually, band documentaries are reserved for two types of Acts. Either, those who made it big and want to have their legacy cemented, which will often be titled something like “The Rise Of Band.” Or, those who made it big and crashed so spectacularly it makes for a good story: “The Rise And Fall Of Band.” What usually doesn’t happen is “The Lack Of Rise Of A Great Band That Somehow Never Made It Big.” But Madder Mortem isn’t really a usual band, with their decades of experience pumping out fantastic albums with stunning emotional depth and a completely unique sound which I’ve not heard replicated or imitated anywhere.” Underdogs have their day.