Recently I caught up with Vadim from the Russian band Arcanum Sanctum to chat a bit about the band, their debut album, upcoming material, and other cool stuff.

Now, I’m sure you all know the circumstances surrounding Opeth these days and luckily I had prepared myself ahead of time for a show without growls. Most responded well and were accepting of the new material, but of course there were a few hecklers and people leaving early, disappointed. Overall it was a great show, though.

What’s uncanny about “Khaos Legions” is the material inside it resonates more and more with the current generation living in the midst of social and economic turmoil. Whether it’s an Egyptian youth putting his/her life on the line in Tahrir Square or the aspirations of Occupy Wall Street, “Khaos Legions” reflects the uncertainty surrounding us.

After sucking hard between the years 2007-2009 (the Fucking With Fire DVD was reportedly amazing though), Edguy finally release an album that revives the grandeur and bombast of the quintet’s earlier releases. If you missed “Mandrake” and “Hellfire Club” with deep felt heartache, then “Age of the Joker” is a welcome return to form.

Pittsburgh hardly inspires visions of a teeming metal scene. Then again, vibrant musical movements tend to crop up in the unlikeliest places. Crown the Lost aren’t part of any resurgent genre, however, and prefer crafting their own singular vision for modern heavy metal.