IZZY REIGN: Metal Knows No Bounds
Izzy Reign showcases seamless transitions between unlikely elements that craft a symphony of melodies and harmonies on her debut self-titled record on FiXT. To the brain behind Izzy Reign, Kristin Matzkows, “being proud of being weird” allowed for this dance over the fine line between metalcore’s brutal instrumentals and synthesizers’ explorative potential.
BAND-MAID: Pivotal Chapter
OUTBURN #110 FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIKU KOBATO AND SAIKI ATSUMI BY SAMMIE STAR Band-Maid is proving with their new release, Epic Narratives, that their plans for musical domination have only just begun. “Well, of course, ever since we started the band, we wanted to conquer the world, po,” guitarist/singer Miku Kobato replies.
WARBRINGER: Darker and More Extreme
Warbringer’s thrash tongue lashings are legendary, and on new album Wrath and Ruin, it’s crystal clear that there's still plenty of ammo out there to fire up the SoCal crew’s engines. Vocalist John Kevill opens up on the band’s latest full-length offering.
DESTRUCTION: Human Errors
Original member Schmier—who formed the band back in 1983 originally as Knight of Demon—was a few days off the road when we caught up to talk about all things new and old as well in addition to what keeps things fresh for a guy who’s been at this racket for longer than much of the band’s fan base have been alive.
GRIMA: Adventurous Siberian Black Metal
The black metal powerhouse Grima has returned with its sixth studio album, Nightside. As Grima’s first release with the celebrated Napalm Records, Nightside contains the elements of a crowd-pleaser and represents an important moment in the band’s career.
THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA: Everything Is More Focused
After the passing of guitarist David Andersson in 2022, The Night Flight Orchestra has learned to cope with the loss of one of the band’s most brilliant minds and talented guitarists. Now, 13 years after their first release touched our ears, the band has released its seventh studio album, Give Us the Moon. his means a lot,” responds vocalist Björn Strid.
PATRIARKH: We Left the Comfort Zone
Патриархь/Patriarkh has a new album, Пророк Илия, referred to as both Prophet Ilja and Prophet Elijah, which is guaranteed to prove a crowd-pleaser. First christened as Батюшка/Batushka, this Orthodox black metal institution from Poland has garnered an incredible amount of attention, conquering droves of committed fans from across the globe.
DRUG CHURCH: Telling Stories
We caught up with frontman Patrick Kindlon—also known for his work as a comic book writer—for a discussion about recent converts to the church of Drug Church, the new album PRUDE, his band’s growth in light of his limitations, and not being a band guy who’s in a band.
WORMED: Cosmic Forces
Sci-fi tech death legends Wormed have released their newest album, Omegon, the next in the Krighsu saga. Unlike past albums, Omegon is the darkest album Wormed has released. There’s a reason why. Phlegeton discusses the next chapter in the Krighsu saga, the recording process for Omegon, and the contributions from all members.
THE USED: Embracing Imperfection
It’s a warm and breezy Friday morning. Jeph Howard, the bassist for The Used, is standing outdoors wearing black sunglasses during a tour stop, and he’s getting ready for a show. He’s smiling with youthful exuberance, radiating with over-caffeinated joy and excitement.