Luca Cimarusti, Reader music listings coordinator
The ever-so-slight possibility of a Pantera reunion In an interview with Matt Pinfield a couple weeks ago, former Pantera front man Phil Anselmo said that he’s hoping to reconcile with drummer Vinnie Paul and get the band back together for a reunion, with Black Label Society goofball Zakk Wylde filling in for the deceased Dimebag Darrell. While this sounds like the worst idea ever, it would probably be kind of awesome too.
Dave Hofer, buyer at Reckless Records
Plebeian Grandstand, Lowgazers My friend Mike turned me on to this amazing French band just in time for their second full-length, the recent Lowgazers. Plebeian Grandstand play chaotic, noisy hardcore mixed with a ton of blastbeats, a little like Ulcerate but way more unhinged and demented. It’s nice to hear a band making atmospheric metal that doesn’t get overly melodic or use clean singing. The more screaming the better, I say!
Bad Religion, No Control This 1989 album was an anthem for me growing up, and listening to it now is like getting under a warm blanket on a cold, lonely day. Greg Graffin’s vocals and lyrics speak directly to me to this day. The riffs are nonstop (as are the skank beats), and if “Automatic Man” doesn’t move you, you’re dead inside. Definitely a go-to for me! Bad Religion prove you don’t have to be a meathead to create music that conveys angst—you can be eloquent.
