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Abhorrent Expanse's Unbound Death Metal Crystallizes: "Arcturian Nano Diamonds from the Tranquil Abyss" Video Premiere

The avant-garde death metal group (members of Zebulon Pike, Celestiial, and Obsequiae) created their new record “Gateways to Resplendence” through boundary-pushing experimentation and improvisation. Watch the video for a fourteen-minute track here.

Burned In Effigy Blaze A New Trail On "Rex Mortum" (Interview)

This Chicago band imbues their melodic death metal with a neoclassical flair. We spoke with vocalist Mark Smedbron about their recently-released debut full-length.

Artist to Artist: Jason Blake (Aziola Cry) vs Keven Berk (Apogetic) + Playthrough Video

Two progressive metal guitarists, both of whom use imposing Warr guitarists, discuss Aziola Cry’s latest album and their weapons of choice. Plus, check out a new playthrough video of “The Ironic Divide Part One: Premonitions.”

Forever Deaf, Again: Yazuka, Huntsmen, and Chicago's Heavy Metal Champion Fest's Return to Beat Kitchen (Live Report)

While 2020 didn’t allow for Chicago’s local-focused Forever Deaf Fest to celebrate its third year, it got that chance this past weekend. Check out photos + a recap of the night.

Dead Sun Rising Casts Dismal, Mystifying Rays "Under a Diamond Sky" (Early Track Stream)

The Chicago doom/post-metal/shoegaze trio’s upcoming debut full-length “As Above, So Below” combines a clear aptitude for riffs with an intricate approach to post-metal. Listen to a track now.

Contrition Delivers Hyper-Concentrated Ruin On "Diluted" (Early Track Stream)

Featuring members of legendary Chicago projects like Novembers Doom, Yakuza, Chrome Waves, Wolvhammer, and more, the opening track of this death metal group’s debut record shows little mercy.

Canyyn Seeks Stoner Rock's Soul "In Deep Water" (Early Track Stream + Interview)

The Chicago rockers merge heavy metal, blues, and more into a poignant, rock-solid sound on their upcoming self-titled debut album. Check out a new track and read an interview with the band.

In the Shadow of Coronavirus (and Riot Fest): Wizard Rifle, The Decayed + Den at Beat Kitchen (Live Photos)

Is live music back? For now, and hopefully for much longer than that. Check out photos and a review of Portland experimental metal duo Wizard Rifle’s stop in Chicago on their tour (they’ve got two upcoming dates supporting The Sword in New York).

Celestial Steel: Black Sites' "Sword of Orion" Strikes True (Early Track Stream)

Listen to a new single from the Chicago heavy/progressive metal band’s upcoming album “Untrue.”

Downcaste's Foreboding Sludge is a Sign of the "Pre-Apocalypse" (Early EP Stream)

Stream the debut EP from Chicago-based Downcaste, a trio with a sharp, witty, and no-frills approach to heavy sludge and doom metal.
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