Brendon Small, the accomplished cartoonist and creator of Home Movies, Metalocalypse, and the melodic death metal band that sprung from the latter show, Dethklok, will perform music from his latest musical project, Galaktikon, at this years WesFest 8: A Concert To Benefit The Wes Wehmiller Endowed Scholarship At Berklee College Of Music in West Hollywood, California. The event is an annual charity show in honor of the late Wes Wehmiller, a Berklee graduate, and accomplished bassist who died of thyroid cancer in 2005. The scholarship is awarded yearly to a continuing student at Berklee.

Small has routinely toured with Dethklok ever since it’s incarnation, but as of yet he has not performed any material from his most recent project, the space opera-esque Galaktikon. In regards to performing live, Small had this to say:

“I’m excited to get this album up on its feet in a live scenario with some of the best musicians on this planet.”

I was a big fan of that record, even if others around here were not, and I’m eager to see Small’s pull the music off in a live capacity. Of course I won’t be attending the Wesfest (I’m stuck in LoLklahoma), but I’m sure an abundance of fan footage will make its way to the internet.

The promoters of the event had this to say:

“We’re beyond psyched to have BRENDON SMALL’S GALAKTIKON making its debut at WesFest 8. For seven years we’ve been growing the WesFest community with every event, especially in Southern California. But this year, thanks to Brendon’s involvement, we’ve got a greater chance to reach more folks around the country than ever before.”

Advanced tickets for Wesfest 8 will be on sale through March 1st. You can get yours here.

- EC

Dethalbum III

01. I Ejaculate Fire
02. Crush the Industry
03. Andromeda
04. The Galaxy
05. Starved
06. Killstardo Abominate
07. Ghostqueen
08. Impeach God
09. Biological Warfare
10. Skyhunter
11. The Hammer
12. Rejoin

[10/16/2012]
[Williams Street Records]

Another Dethklok offering “born of evil in a fiery volcano,” Dethalbum III is the latest album spawned by the hit animated show Metalocalypse, which first aired in 2006. Spearheaded by the multitalented Brendon Small (one of the three actual personnel behind the music), the series is centered around a hilariously idiotic and narcissistic death metal five-piece band called Dethklok and all their debaucherous antics. While making seasons three and four, Small was clearly focusing harder on the musical aspect of the show more than ever, as Dethalbum III, a collection of music resulting from these two seasons, illustrates. It sounds more like the product of a “real” band. But does that mean it’s really better?

While it’s arguably one of the more listenable popular metal recordings of recent times (it charted in the Billboard Top 10 in its first week, a huge feat for extreme metal), one notable drawback is that the album contains watered-down versions of the songs on the show. The songs from this album were much heavier-sounding when they appeared in bits and pieces during the episode run of season two, three, and four. Dethalbum III doesn’t seem as delightfully random as its two predecessors did, either. It’s cool that Dethklok’s production values kick the ass of those a lot of popular metal bands work with today, but the more tailored approach to the music diminishes some of its comedic value. After the catchy hilarity of Dethalbum I and Dethalbum II, the tertiary installment leaves a little “something” to be desired.

The more melodic death approach Small and Co. are going for on this newest effort is a little off-putting too. Nathan’s vocals seem different and weaker, sort of lost in the mix where they were more intelligible and distinguished before. On the plus side, it is neat to chart the progress of Small’s project, as the seasons and albums are all individual victories for the metal world. One can hear a lot of Swedish-influenced tones, songs that appear to be inspired by bands like Amon Amarth, In Flames and Arch Enemy – so fans of the aforementioned bands and of the genre at large can definitely appreciate Dethalbum III.

Aside from the overdeveloped melodic touch, the technicality of the guitar and drums are most stellar and well-pronounced, rising together to the forefront with pomp. ‘Impeach God’ is a very catchy highlight that will definitely have listeners tapping and humming along. The escalating guitar work and stop-and-go vocals mate well to make a climactic track. Album opener ‘I Ejaculate Fire’, kicks off in a pretty grandiose way, too. One thing Small has managed to master is the art of creating a “building” sensation in his music. It’s incredibly dramatic and exaggerated, just like the television program and its five virtual band personnel.

There’s not really anything “wrong” with the album, and technically speaking it’s very tight and precise; it’s just not what was expected. Even still, one has to commend the very gifted Small for making this show the TV gold that it is, and for producing yet another solid record and bringing his world of caricature to life. Fans of this records will also very likely enjoy Small’s other new musical undertaking, GALAKTIKON, which is a Dethklok-esque project consisting of the same real-life lineup (Small, drummer Gene Hoglan, and bassist Bryan Beller) as touring and recording Dethklok.

Dethklok – Dethalbum III gets…

4/5

- LH

Everyone’s favorite cartoon metal band is back! With The Dethalbum III on the horizon, it was only a matter of time before we got another single from the 5-piece, and sure enough they have done it with ‘The Galaxy’. Personally, I like this better than their last single. It’s catchy, heavy, and just overflowing with awesome. I’ve seen them live twice and their shows never disappoint, and I can’t wait to see them again and hear this song be played live!

-SS

I don’t know what I was expecting. The video undeniably rules, though. I mean, look at it.

‘I Ejaculate Fire’ is the opening track for Dethklok’s upcoming Dethalbum III, which is due out October 16th on Williams Street Records.

0 JR

It wasn’t too long ago when rumors started floating around regarding the upcoming Dethklok tour, and now it’s been confirmed. Dethklok will be hitting the road this Fall with Machine Head, All That Remains, and The Black Dahlia Murder. Machine Head and All That Remains will have a rotating direct support slot, but if All That Remains’ set is heavy on the new material, then my colleague Evan is right in saying it’s probably worth skipping. I hate to be a negative nancy, but… you know.

Here are the dates:

10/30 Norfolk, VA – Norva
10/31 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
11/02 Silver Spring, MD – Fillmore
11/03 New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom
11/04 Worcester, MA – Palladium
11/05 Montreal, QC – Metropolis
11/07 Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
11/08 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
11/09 Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion
11/10 Detroit, MI – Fillmore
11/11 Grand Rapids, MI – Orbit Room
11/13 Fargo, ND – The Venue
11/14 Minneapolis, MN – Myth
11/15 Milwaukee, WI – Rave / Eagles Club
11/16 Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
11/17 Kansas City, MO – Midland
11/18 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
11/20 Denver, Co – Fillmore
11/21 Salt Lake City, UT – Great Salt Air
11/23 Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO
11/24 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
11/26 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
11/27 Hollywood, CA – Palladium
11/28 Phoenix, AZ – Marquee
11/30 Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
12/01 Austin, TX – Stubbs
12/02 Houston, TX House of Blues
12/04 Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
12/06 Chattanooga, TN – Track 29
12/07 Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
12/08 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

Thankfully, the tour is extensive and hits across the States. Make it out if you can!

- JR

Everyone and their mother’s is now aware of the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the immaculate co-headlining tour between Dethklok and Lamb of God with special guests Gojira that was suppose to take place in September. Randy Blythe was incarcerated for a few weeks and well the whole thing fell apart.

Lamb of God has since announced a new tour to make up for it, but my Jimmies were still rustled by the lack of Dethklok. Luckily for me and all the Klokheads — as I will now be referring to fans of the band — there appears to be a rumor floating around that a new Dethklok tour is in the works.  Rumor has it that support will be coming from Machine Head (A), The Black Dahlia Murder (A+), and unfortunately All that Remains (F–).

Even though that last placement is a bit of a downer, it would still be a sweet show. You could catch TBDM, go outside for a smoke while All That Remains embarrasses themselves on stage, and then come back to catch the other good parts of the show.

I’m normally not one to bash bands, but I think it is pretty clear that the only thing that remains for All That Remains is shit.

So yeah, hopefully this turns out to be more than a rumor, because I have not had the chance to see Dethklok live, and I’m looking forward to it.

[via The PRP]

- EC

Everyone’s favorite fictitious melodic death metal band Dethklok are back in the swing of record cycles with the release of Dethalbum III on the horizon. The opening track of III is the hilariously titled ‘I Ejaculate Fire,’ and it is excellent. Melodic riffs and killer leads make this track stand-out in the Dethklok discography, and it’s easy to see why they picked it as a single. Hilarious title leads to curiosity, and the song is catchy enough to make it a “hit” as any death metal track could be. Stream ‘I Ejaculate Fire’ below!

Dethalbum III will be release October 16th on Williams Street Records. Pre-orders on Amazon are available in both standard and deluxe editions.

- JR

From the people I’ve spoken to regarding Dethklok’s Metalocalypse is that we were all super into it during the first season or so but we shortly fell off the boat and haven’t made much of an effort to change things and keep up with the series. Hell, I’m much more into metal now than I was when the show first aired, but for some reason I can’t be bothered to keep up. It’s kind of bumming me out, actually. Someone in charge of these things should put the show on Netflix. That’d fix it!

Perhaps a reconnection with Dethklok and Metalocalpypse can come in the way of new music?! I’m starting to feel nostalgic about it already and it hasn’t even been relatively that long! Dethklok’s third record Dethalbum III is on the horizon, and the details surrounding its release have been made available. Just check out the tracklist:

1. I Ejaculate Fire
2. Crush the Industry
3. Andromeda
4. The Galaxy
5. Starved
6. Killstardo Abominate
7. Ghostqueen
8. Impeach God
9. Biological Warfare
10. Skyhunter
11. The Hammer
12. Rejoin

Looks promising, and ‘I Ejaculate Fire‘ is pretty much the greatest metal song title ever. Dethalbum III is due out October 19th on Williams Street Records.

- JR

Coming off recent news that Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe was denied bail yet again, it was only a matter of time before the upcoming Lamb of God/Dethklok/Gojira tour was officially cancelled after weeks of uncertainty.

Here is the full statement made by Lamb of God’s publicity:

Due to the continued incarceration of LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe in the Czech Republic, the band’s co-headline tour with Dethklok scheduled to begin August 1^st in Seattle is being cancelled.  The band regrets the decision but the uncertainty of Randy’s release makes it impossible to carry on with the tour.  Upon Randy’s release, it is the band’s intention to rebook a tour in the fall and at this time the band fully intends to participate in the Mayhem Cruise in December.

LAMB OF GOD wishes to thank Dethklok, Adult Swim and Gojira for their support and patience as well as all of the promoters who had dates on the tour.  Last but certainly not least, the band thanks all of the fans who bought tickets for the tour and who have been supportive of Randy and the band over the last month that Randy has been held in Prague.  Without the fans, there is no LAMB OF GOD.

Hopefully when Randy is freed and gets time to lay low, they can reschedule a new tour. Dethklok have also released a statement, promising to schedule a tour in the fall:

In light of circumstances beyond our control, the upcoming Dethklok and Lamb of God with Gojira summer tour has been canceled. Refunds will be available to customers who already purchased tickets through their point of purchase. We thank Dethklok fans for their continued support and look forward to releasing information about the band’s upcoming third album and a planned fall tour in the coming weeks.

So that’s that, then. A huge bummer for sure, but not exactly shocking considering recent events. We’ll be sure to full you in when a new tour is announced.

- JR

The idea of the biggest metal band in the world curating a festival is great and as someone with a huge interest in the great variety of metal acts around, I couldn’t help but be drawn in and contemplate about what sorts of acts they’d put on. Would it focus on the absolute legends of the scene? Up and coming acts? Those modern heroes who have defined the last couple of decades? Or a mix of all three?

And what did we get? Well, we got a main stage filled with indie and rock acts, peppered with only a handful of respected metal acts, and the majority of the best bands tucked away on a side stage, which is great, if you like that sort of thing… Call me cynical, but after nearly 20 years of disappointing long time fans with terrible albums (Death Magnetic notwithstanding) and lacklustre live performances, you have to wonder whether Metallica really care about the metal world or their original fanbase anymore. It sounds like the standard ‘metal elitist’ opinion, but when you’re in a position to make the careers and fulfill some dreams of lot of younger bands, you’d think that they’d keeping an ear to the ground and letting metal and heavy rock take the majority share of time.

But enough moaning. Enter Knotfest — the ‘festival’ put together and headlined by, well… Slipknot, obviously. Comprised of two dates with two different line ups, featuring sets from Deftones, Lamb Of God, Dethklok, Prong, Cannibal Corpse, Gojira and The Dillinger Escape Plan amongst others. Reading through that list is like a ‘who’s who’ of the most important metal bands around today and, while I would love to see a few smaller acts on the bill, Slipknot definitely have the right idea. There’s no real reason why your average Slipknot fan, who may not be hugely into metal (or at least not enough to know those acts), wouldn’t enjoy a band like Gojira or DEP and this is a great chance to expose a large section of them to it.

As with a lot of packages of this kind, it’s being marketed as ‘more than a music festival’, with gimmicks including carnival rides, drum circles and even graffiti walls (there is going to be so many dongs drawn on that thing). But the real weight here lies in the line up, which, despite being far more compact, looks far superior to the Orion line up and which could cause a lot of internal conflict for anyone that loves to hate Slipknot but still loves metal. So if you can get to either Iowa (August 17th) or Minnesota (August 18th), this sounds like a great opportunity and, if it wasn’t for the ocean in the way, I’d go. Might just have to wait and see if this tweet comes to fruition…

- DL

Good news, everyone! Lamb of God and Dethklok are teaming up for a co-headlining tour, and they’re bringing along Gojira for support! While I was really had an opinion either way regarding Lamb of God and I’ve stopped caring about Dethklok during Season 2 of Metalocalypse, Gojira coming back to America is always good news. Best case scenario is that Gojira destroys, makes a ton of new fans, and I gain a new appreciation for Lamb of God and my relationship with Dethklok is rekindled. Worst case scenario is that I finally get to see Gojira. I can’t see a reason not to anticipate this tour.

Here are the dates!

08/01 Seattle, WA – WaMu Thater
08/02 Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theater
08/04 Calgary, AB – Big 4
08/05 Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Centre
08/07 Winnipeg, MB – Convention Centre
08/09 Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
08/10 Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion
08/11 Toronto, ON – Heavy TO
08/12 Montreal, QC – Heavy MTL
08/14 Grand Rapids, MI – Delta Plex
08/15 St. Louis, MO – Family Arena
08/19 Kansas City, MO – Midland Theater
08/21 Chicago, IL – Congress Ballroom
08/22 Detroit, MI – Compuware Arena
08/23 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
08/24 Charlotte, NC – Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater
08/25 Norfolk, VA – Constant Convocation Center
08/26 Baltimore, MD – Pier 6 Pavilion
08/29 New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom
08/30 Lowell, MA – Tsongas Arena
08/31 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Presents Oakdale Theater
09/01 Philadelphia, PA – Outside at the Electric Factory
09/02 Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Park Convention Hall
09/04 Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
09/05 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
09/07 Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
09/08 San Antonio, TX – Sunken Garden
09/09 Dallas, TX – Verizon Wireless Theater
09/11 Denver, CO – The Fillmore
09/13 Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theater
09/14 Los Angeles, CA – Gibson Amphitheater
09/15 San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic

- JR

01. Triton
02. Prophecy of the Lazer Witch
03. Deathwaltz
04. Beastblade
05. Truth Orb and the Kill Pool
06. You Can’t Run Away
07. Arena War of the Immortal Masters
08. Dangertits
09. On My Way

[04/29/12]
[Self Released]

Whether you know it or not, you’re likely familiar with Mr. Brendon Small. He’s the creator and mastermind behind the cult animation hit Home Movies and more topically, Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, which features the best-selling melodic death metal band Dethklok. With hit television shows and two Dethklok records under his belt, Brendon Small is at it again and spreading his wings for another musical endeavor in Galaktikon, a self-proclaimed “high stakes intergalactic extreme rock album.” Galaktikon sees Brendon Small trade in his death metal growls as Dethklok’s Nathan Explosion for a more melodic vocal approach, creating something catchier and almost operatic in some senses.

One may draw parallels between Galaktikon and Devin Townsend‘s modern classic Ziltoid The Omniscient, which isn’t totally unfair; both records are hammed up concept albums revolving around sci-fi action. In sound however, they are worlds apart. While I’m sure Brendon would like to distance Galaktikon from Dethklok, they’re obviously and undeniably cut from the same cloth. The instruments, tuning, production, and tone are all the same, and with Brendon’s sense of melody, there isn’t much different between the two projects other than Brendon’s singing voice (which we’ve heard previously on Dethklok’s ‘Hatredcopter’) and some slight experimentation with genre (‘Deathwaltz’ takes on the fuzzy guitar distortion of sludge, perhaps even a Queens of the Stone Age influence) and the disinhibition for achieving more melody overall (the lead to ‘Prophecy of the Lazer Witch‘ is ridiculously haunting).

Brendon wasn’t lying when he said Galaktikon was filled with characters and a premise that takes itself too seriously. On initial listens, Brendon’s vocal approach may seem silly, as he really goes for some over-the-top grit, from the all-out James Hetfield impression on opening ‘Triton’ and the gravely bellowing of ‘Deathwaltz.’ Once it becomes clear and accepted that while Galaktikon should be taken somewhat seriously from a musical and artistic standpoint, it is purposefully meant to be this over the top and cheesy melodic metal record, it really grows.

Galaktikon does fall short of some of its intentions, though. It’s not as epic as it could have been (or wants to be), as many of the tracks don’t feel like they’re connected in any way. Though the one-two punch of the two final tracks in the instrumental ‘Dangertits‘ and the borderline progressive ‘On My Way’ bring the album to a close in a big way, Galaktikon feels somewhat unbalanced. Perhaps some of the influences Brendon Small mentioned in the promotion of Galaktikon were overstated, but the record is more or less straightforward in his established style, with very little (if any at all) in the way of modern black metal and Queen. There are audible hints of Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins in ‘You Can’t Run Away,’ so the mark wasn’t missed entirely.

The album does excel in general musicianship, though. Small is a fantastic guitar player, and can capture some extraordinary riffs and melodies at times. Brendon’s vocal style may take some getting used to, but when he’s not hamming it up, he proves to be quite a competent singer. Hopefully he gains some practice and confidence and reflects this side of his abilities as Pickles the Drummer in Dethklok again. Speaking of Pickles, the skills of Gene Hoglan can never be overstated. The dude is a legend, and his masterful presence behind the drums on Galaktikon helps make the rhythm section that much more driving.

When promoting Galaktikon, Brendon said that this record should be seen as almost like the companion piece to a comic book, which is a thought process that really helps to establish more appreciation towards its craft as a concept piece. Hopefully this record isn’t the only medium in which we’re subjected to this universe of characters. Someone needs to throw money at Mr. Small so a comic — or better yet, a movie or mini-series — can be created to adequately portray the story of our hero. The story doesn’t feel like it’s over, and hopefully there’s more to be seen in the future.

Brendon Small’s Galaktikon gets…

3.5/5

- JR

To coincide with the season premiere of Metalocalypse, Brendon Small will release his first ever non-Dethklok release Galaktikon later this month. Based on what has been released so far, this record sounds like it’s gonna be all kinds of awesome. The new track, ‘Prophecy of the Lazer Witch,’ is available for streaming of at Alt Press, and it’s one of the catchier songs on the record. I mean, dat intro lead, man.

Galaktikon is due out April 29th. You can pre-order it now in various forms over at Brendon Small’s official website, including vinyl and merch. Ow, my wallet.

- JR

Brendon Small‘s non-Dethklok project Galaktikon is looming on the horizon, and I’ve been excited for it since it was first announced. The so called “high stakes intergalactic extreme rock album” is a bit of a departure for Small; while maintaining his sense of melody evident in Dethklok, Galaktikon will feature heavy use of melodic singing and a more rock-oriented sound with influences from the self-described influences including Smashing Pumpkins and Queen. Don’t worry though, it’s plenty metal enough.

While Galaktikon is largely a vocal album, Small doesn’t neglect his guitar talents, as evident by the penultimate instrumental track ‘Dangertits,’ which is now available for streaming over at Guitar Squid. It’s the album’s sole instrumental track, and as you can tell, it has that signature Brendon Small sound. Hell, it’s a couple of growls away from sounding like a Dethklok track. It’s great stuff. Go give it a listen.

Brendon Small’s Galaktikon is due out April 24th, which is the Tuesday before the season premiere of Metalocalypse on Adult Swim. Pre-orders for Galaktikon will be available next week! For more updates, visit the project’s Facebook page.

- JR

“But Jimmy,” I hear you say. “How can you stop the presses on a digital format like WordPress?” To which I reply, “Shut your whore mouth, there are more important things to talk about.”

You may know him as the creative force behind Metalocalypse’s Dethklok, but he’s poised to release his new side project in the form of Galaktikon. It’s going to be a melodic rock/metal record that takes influence from pretty much everything Brendon heard growing up, from Queen to Weezer to Black Metal. Seems like an oddange to go by, but who knows what kind of genius Brendon Small would come up with. Finally, we have a new song to go by, and it is nothing short of amazing.

‘On My Way’ is a very catchy song that has clear influences from the likes of Megadeth and King Diamond, filled with spectacular riffs and solos. Go check it out over at CraveOnline!

Brendon Small’s Galaktikon is due out this April. Keep up with the project on Facebook for more information.

- JR