The March 2012 Metal Hammer issue features Slipknot / Stone Sour frontman Corey Tailor on the cover, with a in-depth 12 page section regarding his book “Seven Deadly Sins” and spoken word performances, music projects and ‘stuff that pisses him off’. Definitely an eye-opener on the genuine personality of Corey Tailor as he talks about social / political topics, his lecture at Oxford, his upcoming movie with Slipknot bandmate / director Clown and being one of Metal’s big spokesmen!
This issue comes with a free CD of Mortad’s “The Myth Of Purity” debut album, the Iranian Metal band that’s getting much praise lately for its catchy songs packed with Death Metal riffing and extreme vocals by frontwoman Somi Arian. Here’s the band’s Myspace profile. Other free stuff with this issue are 9 stickers and a two-sided poster of Slayer’s eagle logo and Destroyers Of The Faith concert designed by Christian Sloan Hall.
One of the more interesting features on this issue is ‘This month’s Hottest Metal News” featuring Lamb Of God vocalist Randy Blythe as he lays down the manifesto for his run to the U.S presidency! That’s right, Randy announced on his Twitter in January that he’s capable of running for president and doing a better job than any current Republican or Democratic candidates. Randy includes in his presidential campaign topics like experiencing war before sending troops to foreign lands under false pretense, establishing proper healthcare and legalizing weed among others. For more info, check out this article on loudwire.
As usual with these magazine overviews, I will shed the light on some new sections that should get more and more readers interested, like the regular tattoo section “Tatts Life” that exposes one Metal musician’s tattoo works and their symbolism every issue. This month’s issue mentions Textures’ Remko Tielemans who explains the ideas behind his 5 tattoos which are mostly either tribal or Japanese style tattoos.
Also one of this month’s feature stories is Viking imagery’s importance for Metal’s musical landscape, “a celebration of a masculinity that’s disinterested in image, but rather wants to promote a camaraderie of the horde” (Dr Niall Scott). The 5-page section delves into the Nordic history and uncovers the reasons behind this magical bond between the Viking and Metalheads’ spirit. The epic tale ends with a listing of five essential Viking Metal releases from the likes of Enslaved, Moonsorrow, Turisas, Amon Amarth and Bathory.
Another feature genre on this issue is Prog, with a pro-Vinyl campaign led by Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt, as well as a little taste of Dream Theater‘s James LaBrie’s musical influences.
Make sure you check out the album reviews this month, like Soulfly’s Enslaved, Eluveitie’s Helvetios, Soen’s Cognitive, Every Time I Die’s Ex-Lives and many many more. Don’t miss the special interview sections with Fields Of The Nephilim, Orange Goblin, Korn, Every Time I Die, Pythia, Biohazard and more. On the other hand, the gigs section “The Gospel Live” reviews the likes of Mastodon, Sabaton, Van Halen, Napalm Death and Saxon.
Last but definitely not least, the sub-magazine Subterranea features an extended interview with Corrosion Of Confirmity, a special Extreme Thrash Special section and reviews for bands like Alcest, Earth, Terrorizer and Swallow The Sun. Subterranea’s “Subculture – Metal’s Outer Limits” section is as educational as always, unearthing the past to dig the relatively unknown influences behind Metal’s culture. This issue talks about “Britain’s Notorious, Doom-Mongering Witchfinder” Matthew Hopkins and his influence on several gruesome lyrical topics in Metal music. The section ends with a serious contemplation on the current state of witchcraft: “Certainly, the Bible commands the faithful to kill witches, while religious authorities in Africa and the Middle East continue to execute unfortunates for witchcraft to this day. What motivates these modern witchfinders beyond religious belief…?”
Get your copy of Metal Hammer from any Virgin Megstore branch for 17000 L.L.
