Maryland Deathfest and other updates

Ever been to an American metal festival? I haven't. But that's about to change. Tomorrow I embark on a heavy metal road trip, tagging along with three veterans to this year's Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore.

I'm particularly pumped to see Cathedral - probably for the last time, sadly. I saw them perform once in 1993 and it's about time for a follow-up. I missed Kylesa their last fewvisits to southern Ontario, so I'm looking forward to that because I've been digging their latest album. And though mid-era Corrosion of Conformity is my favourite version of that band, I won't turn my nose up at their vintage line-up, or at the Aura Noir set scheduled right before. And Marduk? Sure. Neurosis? Absolutely! Even more absolute: Voivod. Can't wait! I'm also geared up for Hooded Menace, Inquisition, Skinless, Ghost, Nuclear Assault and more, plus hoping for some delightful sonic surprises.

Check out Hellbound's MDF previews for a run down of a few of the bands:

• Maryland Deathfest Preview #1: Thursday, May 26
• Maryland Deathfest Preview #2: Friday, May 27

Last week's Hellbound Summer Metal Meltdown was our MDF preview show on McMaster's CFMU. I'm not sure when I'm back on air again but I'll try to remember to post a reminder.

I've been caught up in legitimate (ack!) work and academic conferencing (Popular Culture Association of Canada inaugural conference) so my review writing has fallen a little behind. Stay tuned for my thought's on My Dying Bride's new symphonic epic Evinta. But in the meantime, a belated link to my review of Samael's Lux Mundi. And I may tweet from the fest if my digital tether remains intact.

when summer starts chomping at the bit (metal radio and other fun stuff)

A few highlights from my (tasty) weekend:

• lentil soup from the Bean Ladies: you add water, an onion, and a carrot (if you have one) and half an hour later you have yummy soup.
• fresh ale bread from Urban Parisian (Port Dover): ever drink the Devil's Pale Ale? ever think it would be delicious in bread? well, it is, at least when the Urban Parisian folks make it!
• vegan 'quesa'dillas from Mex-I-Can (Hamilton): good friends, good food (if you're in no particular hurry) and birthday fun (not mine).
• home BBQing
• goldfinch feeding (under threat from a hovering clan of yellow birds unimpressed by the sunflower seeds I'd put out earlier)
• flower planting (I'm a sucker for the garden)
• replacing the sneakers I had literally worn through to the ground (new shoes, same old style)
• the very odd film Rubber: a sadistic tire awakens to discover its own violent psychokinetic powers while the audience watches through binoculars...

and

Hellbound Summer Metal Meltdown on CFMU 93.3 FM!

My first official radio appearance since I laid Kill Eat Exploit the Weak to rest in 2007, this time co-hosting with Hellbound staffers Sean Palmerson, Adam Wills and Jonathan Smith.

My opening playlist (roughly a quarter of our 10:30pm-12am time slot):

• Edge of Sanity "Silent" Purgatory Afterglow
• Virgin Black "Walk Without Limbs" Sombre Romantic
• Anathema "Sleepless" Serenades
• Annihilator "Set the World on Fire" Set the World on Fire

Hellbound is invading CFMU for the entire summer. Tune us in.