I don't believe that heavy metal music as a genre is dead. It is true that it is not hip either to say that you are a hardcore metal fan.

I see no reason to smile when dudes say I like System of a Down, Limp Bizkitt, and Deftones. Because I do not think rock or rap music with over-distorted rhythm guitars are indeed metal bands.

There still thousands of heavy metal bands out there. The only thing is you have to discover them and become their fans. For me, there are 100s of 80s stuff I have not listened to. I still search for these bands. I also revisit bands I have not liked even after a couple of listenings and try to like them.

Presently, I like BlackTide, Airbourne, Dragongforce (at times I feel what they are trying to play), Stratovarius and so on. So be positive and never mind the FM radios and music channels. Metal is alive and kicking.

Legendary power metal band ANNIHILATOR to release new album

Annihilator's new album 'Metal' will be out on april 16th, 2007. I quote from the band's official site,"...In April 2007, after a full year of writing and production, Annihilator will release Metal..."

"Metal’s ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (long-time vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). Metal also features sensational performances by some of metal’s finest players and Annihilator’s good friends, like Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom), Danko Jones (Danko Jones), Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Corey Beaulieu (Trivium), William Adler (Lamb Of God), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Jesper Strømblad (In Flames), Steve ´Lips` Kudlow (Anvil), Anders Bjørler (The Haunted), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Annihilator), Jacob Lynam (Lynam) and more."


(Pic source: www.annihilatormetal.com)