By: Jay Broderick - Sweden has never been short on ferocious punk outfits like Anti Cimex, and Raised Fist, but Dödsbringaren (translated to English as Bringer of Death ) arrives with a level of anticipation usually reserved for legacy acts making a triumphant return. The name might suggest a black‑metal onslaught, yet Bödel ’s debut is something far more volatile. It's a pure hardcore detonation. It’s political. It’s furious! It’s delivered with the conviction!! Front and

By: Michael Drukarsh - As we enter into 2026, the world is in need of more music. To answer the call, Ryder has put out a live recording, Live From The Dark . This 9 track release, slated for February 13th, puts the listener face to face with the band out of Queens, New York. The first thing one notices about the quality is that it sounds live, like kick you in the teeth live! This, as the band proudly brags, is because there are “no overdubs, corrections, or post-performan

By: Jay Broderick - Metallica ’s Kill ‘Em All is one of those records that feels untouchable. It is part of the foundation that thrash metal was built on. So when a lineup of heavy metal favourites gather to pay tribute with No Life ‘Til Leather , the stakes are high. The compilation wisely mirrors the original track listing (minus the "Blitzkrieg" and "Am I Evil" bonus tracks that were part of the Elektra Records re-release in 1988), and while authenticity is the guiding

By: Mike Grieve - “….And the moral of this story is this is what not to do if a bird shits on you”. The infamous words stated on an album released 40 years ago. An album that has stood the test of time, celebrates Iron Maiden ’s beast of a spirit and is considered to be one of THE BEST live metal albums of all time! Released on October 14th, 1985, most of Live After Death was recorded live in March 1985 at Long Beach Arena in California during Iron Maiden’s World Slavery T

By: Jay Broderick - One year shy of their 10th birthday, Ryder is a band out of Queens, NY that has been rocking the scene since 2016. After recent lineup changes, the band is currently consisting of James Ryder on vocals and guitar, Max Knight on lead guitar, Bill Peluso on drums and Rod Viquez on bass. The quartet is gearing up for their gig here in Toronto at The Rockpile on September 27. The visit here for the NYC rockers is in support of W.A.S.P guitarist 'Mean Man' C

By: Jay Broderick - Jane's Addiction ... no band name could ever be more fitting. While the name was inspired by a woman that lived with the band as they tried to gain ground in their chosen profession, it is also a direct reflection of the band members themselves. The struggles of vocalist Perry Ferrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins is highly documented. Each member of the band spiraled out of control with heroin, cocaine and LSD ad

By: Jay Broderick - On January 27th, 1980 Australian Hard Rock band AC/DC played the last show of their Highway to Hell Tour at Gaumont Theatre (now known as the Mayflower Theatre ) in Southampton, England. The album was the band's real breakthrough, specifically in America. Despite 6 other offerings prior (and all superb records), the band was finally making their mark in the music world. Despite the highs, that final show would prove to be ill fated in its own right. It wo

By: Jay Broderick - In June of 2023, LoudTO was an official sponsor for the Indie Night in Canada event that took place at the legendary El Mocambo . I was on hand that night to personally cover that amazing showcase of some of Canada's top independent musical artists. Of the 18 bands on hand, one of the standout acts for me that night was a thrash/punk crossover outfit from Barrie, Ontario named Spades GT . In 2024, the Simcoe County Punks released their first full length