Every time a band on Metalblade Records puts out a new album, it becomes a holiday here in New York City. Behemoth packed out the basement at Vandal for the listening party for I Loved you at your Darkest, Amon Amarth bringing their Viking power to all the metal bars in Brooklyn, and this time we have Allegaeon celebrating the release of Apoptosis. The party however, did not stop after listening to the record and toasting shots of whiskey to it at The Kingsland in Brooklyn.

Starting with the party, we had an awesome showcase of Gargoyl, Dave Davidson of Revocation’s new band at The Kingsland. They brought their unique sonic sound of technical grunge and started the night off on a good note. Next, we get the Allegaeon listening party hosted by Metal Injection. Being that Riley and Greg of Allegaeon has to do two full days of press, I would have totally understood if they wouldn’t have been around for the whole party, but damn, these guys know how to have a good time. Toasting shots and talking with all their fans about music, touring and the new album. By midnight, they took everything from the Kingsland to Duffs that night. It was a full night of partying.

Allegaeon definitely made their presence from hitting multiple metal bars and even Riley and Greg played a set on the New York City subway. They put all those typical acoustic guitar subway performers to shame that day. You can always count on Metalsucks.net for creating fun and unique ways to expose New Yorkers to some awesome metal and leave it to Metalsucks.net to make the subway tolerable!

PS: Allegaeon’s new album Apoptosis is absolutely awesome.

The next day begins the double dose of Rivers of Nihil at St Vitus. Two sold out shows in a row performing Where Owls Know my Name in its entirety. Night one, we get a stacked lineup with Entheos, Conjuerer and Wolf King. Every band that night brought their A-Game. Wolf King brought their atmospheric and technical brutality, Conjuerer’s first ever US tour bringing elements of Sludge and Tech-Death and Entheos, who completely changed the atmosphere with their lights and mesmerizing yet brutal sound while playing Dark Future in its entirety. Finally we get Rivers of Nihil playing Where Owls know my Name in its entirety. With their album unleashing their inner progressive element with their brutal sound, Rivers of Nihil have gotten so many people on board.

Now what is better than one sold out Rivers of Nihil show? How about two of them?! The next day was just as packed as the first with a completely different lineup. This time we have Burial in the Sky, Imperial Triumphant and Outer Heaven who performed Realms of Eternal Decay in its entirety. Nothing but a pure night of brutal, atmospheric death metal. Then Rivers of Nihil took the stage once again. There were many familiar faces from the night before and while some of them knew what to expect, Rivers were still able to 100% engage the audience. With their pure essence of brutality and the incredible tranquil progressive and jazz side, the night was one big dream and nightmare at the same time. You had more than just the band on the stage that night. When Rivers was demonstrating their heavier side on stage, you had plenty of people who were in the audience singing along with Jake. Everyone was either in tears when the sax kicked in as if “Careless Whisper” was playing or going all out in the moshpit. This was more than just a concert. Once you entered that steaming hot room, Rivers of Nihil pulled you into another reality with their sound. Once that first riff kicked in, you were fully immersed into the realm that was created by this band. When you listen to Where Owls Know my Name, you enter an atmosphere like no other and the same can be said when you hear this record in its entirety.

Metalblade Records have always played an important role in the world of Heavy Metal. For over 35 years, they have brought classic acts to the world that we all know and love such as Slayer and Armored Saint as well as constantly introducing the world to newer bands. The first weekend of April 2019 will be a day that Metalblade was able to take over New York City with their signature progressive Metal Bands. Rivers of Nihil and Allegaeon are playing a key role in making 2019 an awesome year for metal.