Enjoy, amigos.
7.24.26
Atarashii Gakko! – From Tokyo With Love (88Rising)
The Avalanches + Karen O – “Blue Shadows” single
Bayside – Battle Scars single
Black Blood – Holy Man single (Scream for Existence)
Bleached Cross – Wrath (New Morality Zine)
Body Type – Tally (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s p(doom) Records)
When we rolled out our list of the top 20 melodic death metal bands from Sweden in mid-December, little did we know that had opened up a Pandora’s Box that released a “spirited” debate among fans of heavy music from Scandinavia. That led us to release a “10 Best Finnish Melodeth Bands Ever” rundown several months later. But around the same time, we interviewed red-hot Finnish hard-rockers the Feral Kids, and they gave us their own list of the best metal bands that Finland has ever produced.
It was at that point that we came to our senses: top 10 lists are all the rage these days, and that fine and dandy – but the people putting together those lists should be the ultimate authorities on what they’re ranking. Ergo, we have reached out to bands from foreign lands to learn from them which musical acts from their home countries really belong on GOAT lists.
Today, Swedish progressive power-metal band Prime Creation pipe up with what they consider to be the best heavy bands that originated from their homeland, with comments from drummer Kim Arnell. While many of the selections on their list overlap with the groups we named as our favorite Swedish melodeth acts, Prime Creation’s list contains a few bands that belong to a different subgenre – and one that isn’t even considered to be a metal band (hint: Their biggest song was also the favorite tune of Gob Bluth in Arrested Development.)
They have their own style and act as a bridge between death metal and heavy metal. Irresistible growls, unforgettable songs – and they make 60,000 people jump up and down at the same time.
Masters of doom. Unique sound. So dark and heavy. Nightfall is one of my favorite records of all time.
🎈Fredrik Thordendal🎈
Fredrik Thordendal, Meshuggah’s lead guitarist who also cofounded the band in 1987, turns 55 today. Meshuggah toured exhaustively and exhaustedly in support of their last studio album, Immutable, following its release in April 2022. They haven’t played in concert since June 27, 2025, probably because they’re finally getting some well-deserved rest.
🎈Peter Hayes🎈
Meanwhile, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club frontman Peter Hayes turns the big 5-0 today. Since releasing 2018’s Wrong Creatures, the slick rock band has focused on touring instead of releasing new material. The closest BRMC came was packing their three-LP, 20th anniversary deluxe edition box set of Howl with previously issued songs, copious photos, handwritten lyrics, and more goodies from the era.
Continue reading
Meshuggah’s “The Violent Sleep of Reason”
The premiere episode of The Bad Penny’s “The Violent Sleep of Reason” radio show featured the song after which the show was named, as well as new cuts by King of Asgard, Woe and Dodecahedron.
1. Cobalt – Slow Forever (Profound Lore)
2. Ancst – Moloch (Halo of Flies) Continue reading
With a handful of this year’s best metal releases dropping Tuesday, the timing feels apt for the Bad Penny to round up its favorite 2010 LPs – at least so far. Continue reading
The Bad Penny (beta) 