Said and Done, Son

The first chunk of deep-fried sludge from Kylesa's upcoming album Static Tensions hit MySpace today. It's called Said And Done and it fucking rocks, especially when it really hits its stride roughly 2/3 of the way in. Check it out at the link a few dozen words ago.

In other awesome Kylesa news, they just announced an upcoming Southern mini tour with Skeletonwitch and Blacktusk that includes a stop at Austin's SXSW Fest. This is in addition to the previously announced outing with Nachtmystium and The Haunted. Kylesa, Skeletonwitch and Blacktusk are three of my favorite bands out right now, so you know I'm going to find a way to travel to one of these shows. The Austin date would be ideal, but I'll take whatever opportunity presents itself.

With any luck, I'll have more Kylesa news later this week after I see them tomorrow night at this-

(Hint- They're the "secret guest.")

In unrelated but equally awesome news, Wolves In The Throne Room's previously discussed vinyl EP, Malevolent Grain, is now available through their web store. As eager as I am to hear some new material from them, I think I'm going to wait and cop it in person when I see them at the Scion Fest.

Worth noting that free ticket registration for this insane show is now available on the Scion Fest website. I just registered and got a confirmation. You should do the same immediately.

New Kylesa Tour Dates-

March 13th @ The Milestone, Charlotte NC w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 14th @ The Hideaway, Johnson City TN w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 15th @ The Muse, Nashville TN w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 16th @ Downtown Music, Little Rock AR w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 17th @ The Hi-Tone Café, Memphis TN w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 18th @ Club Dada, Dallas TX w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 19th @ Rock Bottom, San Antonio TX w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 20th @ Tone Deaf Touring SXSW Showcase, Red 7, Austin TX w/Skeletonwitch, Rwake, Black Tusk

March 21st @ Numbers, Houston TX w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 22nd @ Candle Factory, New Orleans LA w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 24th @ The Orpheum, Tampa FL w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 25th @ The Jinx, Savannah GA w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 26th @ Lucky's Pub, Wilmington NC w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 27th @ The Rocket Club, Asheville NC w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 28th @ The Nick, Birmingham AL w/Skeletonwitch, Black Tusk

March 29th @ The Gypsy on College, Fayetteville AR

March 30th @ The Conservatory, Oklahoma City OK

March 31st @ Launchpad, Albuquerque NM

Season of the Witch

Turns out a night of pummeling metal mayhem is the best possible antidote to a soul-crushing NY Giants defeat.

Caught the second installment of Brandon Stosuy's Show No Mercy series at Public Assembly in Brooklyn last night. In case you don't know, Brandon writes an excellent metal column, also titled Show No Mercy, for Pitchfork. There hasn't been a new one in a minute though. Hope that changes soon.

The first SNM show last month featured the killer lineup of Nachtmystium, Javelina and Velnias (see these guys immediately). Was a truly sick night despite some major delays that resulted in a good and sloshed Blake Judd taking the stage sometime after 1am.

Skeletonwitch at Public Assembly, BK 1/11/09

Round two ripped pretty damn hard as well and even managed to stick to a more conventional schedule. Skeletonwitch headlined and they fucking destroyed. Been a fan for a while, but this was my first time catching them live. They did not disappoint. Also on the bill were Cannabis Corpse and Atakke. Only caught the end of Atakke's set, but I liked what I heard and what I've checked out since. Cannabis Corpse were fucking hilarious- Sentenced To Burn is a genius song title.

Looks like this is going to be a pretty sick ongoing series. There are so many sweet bands out there right now, nice to see someone making an effort to bring them through NY, especially at a cool, no bullshit venue. Psyched to see who Brandon lines up next.