Back in stock: Metal

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Review: Alternative, goth and pop rock band HIM are one of the most creative and strongest bands to come out of Finland. Tears On Tape was their eighth and final album from the band whose career covered nearly 25 years. Originally released in 2013, this is the first reissue and fans of the band are celebrating that this will also be its' very first time on vinyl. Green vinyl that matches the artwork as well is a nice touch. Experience some of the last key tracks from this ground breaking band like 'All Lips Go Blue', 'Into the Night' and the title song 'Tears On Tape. Come experience a celebration of the band's final full length.

Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Initium would serve as the debut full-length from death-rock horror-punk outfit Samhain; the brainchild of Glenn Danzig (or Evil Elvis). Opting to disband Misfits in favour of redirecting his creative juices into a project he maintained more rigid control over, with the title even translating from Latin to English as "beginning", the LP marked a simultaneous embracing of more metallic, gothic rock and malevolent balladry, distancing itself from the Misfits' breakneck hardcore chaos. Arriving less than a full year after Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, the transitional growing pains are evident with deep cut 'Archangel' being originally penned with Misfits bassist Jerry Only, while 'Horror Biz' is actually a re-worked version of the early Misfits single 'Horror Business'. Featuring Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar on several tracks, along with Reagan Youth bassist Al Pike making a singular appearance, four decades on Initium continues to resonate as a vital piece of punk rock/deathrock/horror-punk history with its laying of influential foundations.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface mark on the record sleeve***


Announcing a reunion run of festival dates not five years on from their supposed farewell tour, what better time to revisit a truly under appreciated latter day gem from thrash metal titans Slayer? Originally released in 2006, Christ Illusion would serve as follow up to 2001's critically acclaimed God Hates Us All, while marking the band's first full-length with original drummer Dave Lombardo since 1990's Seasons In The Abyss. Somewhat shrugged off upon initial unveiling, in the near two decades since the project has amassed a legion of followers, mainly due to the work ultimately serving as one final effort from the original line up before guitarist Jeff Hanneman's untimely passing, followed by Lombardo's second departure.