Yesterday evening, Rob Cavestany of Bay Area thrash legends Death Angel was kind enough to offer his thoughts and views on music, Death Angel's third album Act III, and a fellow Bay Area band that shares many parallels with Death Angel.

Currently on tour with Soilwork, Death Angel turned their off day into a headlining show at the Parish at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Labelmates Swashbuckle and Augury each helped warm up the audience with their unique and well-crafted works. This was a rare instance of every band being exceptional and exciting.

Death Angel's new album Relentless Retribution hits the US on 9/14/10, Europe on 9/3/10. Rob also has a mellow solo album, Lines on the Road for those who want to hear something different from this wonderfully gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. It's worth checking out!

I recently met up with ex-Forbidden drummer Steve Jacobs for a lengthy chat about his time in Forbidden and the short-lived but brilliant Manmade God. Steve's contributions to his bands set the bar for a drummer incredibly high and make for serious inspiration. He has also toured the drums for Testament. Those unfamiliar with his work in the aforementioned bands are HIGHLY encouraged to do so.

Also got to speak with Jason VieBrooks, former bassist for Heathen and Grip Inc. Jason was kind enough to help out with the coordination of this meeting as well as offering his thoughts on Forbidden. Thanks a ton, Jason!

Both are currently in the ready-to-break Lorenzo, who is the house band for the MMA Big Show, a "mixed martial arts TV show going into worldwide syndication this fall". They also are bandmates in LOWA, which also includes ex-Morbid Angel vox/bassist Steve Tucker.

Here is a clip of Steve Jacobs playing drums with Stone Temple Pilots:

After more than a decade of hibernation, Bay Area thrash legends Forbidden have returned, slinging venom overseas and are currently preparing their return opus, Omega Wave, for release this fall on Nuclear Blast Records.

Touting a solid lineup, Forbidden unleash their anthem to crippled guitar players everywhere at Graspop 2008...

This past Monday, I had the privilege of speaking with Patrick Mameli, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for metal legends Pestilence. Pestilence is currently touring the United States to promote their latest album Resurrection Macabre and remind metal fans why the old school was so influential. Their show at The Bar in Metairie, Louisiana exceeded my hopes in delivering a show made up of the perfect blend of quality and brutality.

Please visit Pestilence's official site where you can catch the latest news or visit their shop. And don't forget to buy their latest album, Resurrection Macabre, a fine slab of distilled fury and inspiring musicianship. A follow up is currently under construction and will hopefully be ready before the year is out.

My fingers are crossed for another U.S. tour before too long.

I understand that every human is unique and sees things differently from any other person. Those differences should be celebrated, cherished, and most importantly, respected. This applies to folks on both sides of any fence. If everyone was the same, had the same skill sets, the same habits, the same preferences and interests, can it even be put into words how DULL life would be?

Tomato... tomahto... I don't care, because I bet the differences in dialect probably translate into differences in the kitchen. Again, how boring would it be to eat the same thing, at every meal, every single day? As cliche as it sounds, variety IS the spice of life.

Mix it up a little bit. Try something new... it doesn't even have to be a huge leap. Step outside your comfort zone, starting with your big toe. Listen to something you don't like until you find something in it TO like. You're most likely no longer in diapers, so change is not only possible, but welcome.

Technical metal with clout to spare, Pestilence is among the reactivated old school bands that have recently re-emerged to show today's world that they were right all along.

From 1993's "Cyberpunk", this is Billy Idol's version of the Velvet Underground classic.