The Heavy Road: An In-Depth Look at the Challenges of Touring
As the lights dim, guitars wail, and a wall of sound hits you, the sheer intensity of a live metal show is undeniable. But what happens when the stage lights go off?
Released in 1997 by Roadrunner Records, Deicide’s Serpents of the Light is a death metal album featuring tracks like “Serpents of the Light” and “Bastard of Christ.” The album is noted for its aggressive riffs and blasphemous themes.
As the lights dim, guitars wail, and a wall of sound hits you, the sheer intensity of a live metal show is undeniable. But what happens when the stage lights go off?
Think pop’s the king of Spotify? Think again! 2015 saw heavy metal fans headbanging their way to the top of Spotify’s loyalty charts.
From its all-star lineup to its intricate compositions, “Human” by Death redefined the capabilities of death metal, laying the groundwork for the technical death metal subgenre.
“Once Upon the Cross” (1995) is Deicide’s third album, featuring 28 minutes of intense death metal. Known for its anti-religious content and controversial cover.
Deicide’s second album, “Legion” (1992), is a death metal album recorded at Morrisound Recording and produced by Scott Burns. The album features complex riffs, abrupt tempo changes, and anti-religious themes.
Deicide’s 1990 self-titled debut album is a seminal death metal release known for its speed, aggressive vocals, and anti-religious themes. It was recorded at Morrisound Recording and became a controversial but influential work in the genre.
Napalm Death’s “Leaders Not Followers: Part 2” (2004) is a cover album featuring raw and aggressive renditions of punk, hardcore, and metal songs. Recorded at Robannas Studios and produced by Russ Russell, it serves as a tribute to the band’s musical roots.
Napalm Death’s sixteenth studio album, “Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism” (2020), is a blend of grindcore, crust punk, industrial, and post-punk. The album’s lyrics address social injustice and resistance against oppression.
Napalm Death’s 15th studio album, “Apex Predator – Easy Meat” (2015), addresses themes of modern slavery and exploitation through a mix of grindcore, industrial, and experimental sounds. Key tracks like “Smash a Single Digit” and “Dear Slum Landlord” criticize consumerism and corporate greed.
Napalm Death’s “Utilitarian” (2012) is a grindcore/death metal album tackling themes of societal corruption, inequality, and ethical dilemmas. Its intense music and thought-provoking lyrics challenge listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.
Napalm Death’s “Time Waits for No Slave” (2009) is a grindcore album with experimental elements, showcasing both melodic vocals and complex song structures. It addresses sociopolitical themes and personal empowerment.
During the 90s, grunge replaced hair metal’s glam with a more authentic sound, exemplified by bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden. The late 90s then introduced nu-metal, characterized by acts like Korn and Limp Bizkit, which combined heavy metal with hip-hop elements.
Napalm Death’s “Smear Campaign” (2006) is a grindcore album with political themes, addressing war, violence, corruption, and injustice. It features guest vocals by Anneke van Giersbergen and was produced by Russ Russell.