There’s an ancient proverb, passed down from rock sages eternal: only Cheap Trick may thrill Budokan. The Biff soon gave said sages pause for thought. Opposites, released last year, heralded the Scottish alt-rockers evolutionary endgame. They were once an unsettled trio, metal-tinged and hopped up on Rush and rhyme. But The New Biff? The New Biff’s burst into arena rock superstardom.
It's been a long time between Aussie beers for Dark Tranquillity, bearers of Gothenburg's melodic death torch. Nine years is a long time. "We're sorry we've been absent for so long," says their flame-maned vocalist, Mikael Stanne. "We can't wait. It's going to be awesome," Mikael muses on the upcoming tour. "Hopefully we can make it up to you guys."
Watch me lose my geek shit with Mikael at Beat.com.au
Also: A chat with Philip H. Anselmo of Down
And: GWAR's Oderus Urungus almost declares war on the Netherlands
Israel's top metal exports Orphaned Land aren't in the music business. They're diplomats, serving a higher purpose. In a special feature for HEAVY Mag, I interview singer Kobi Farhi about the emerging brotherhood of metal in the Middle East. Despite intifada, despite rusted-on hatred and despite being banned all over the Arab world, Kobi and his band have brought Arabs and Jews together with song.
Out now on newsstands. Order HEAVY online, here.
“The universe is change, life is what our thoughts make it.”
