I don’t want to harp on about good causes in the metal scene but, hey, there are plenty of good causes out there for metal fans to funnel their disposable funds into instead of paying the wages of Australian bands who feel they’re above getting a “proper job” and who feel their music is too important to be hindered by adult working life (yes, that’s Ne Obliviscaris I’m referring to right now and their music is not too important).
Aussie metal PR guru Chris Maric of Maric Media and Carl Neumann, owner and editor of Heavy Magazine will be getting on their bikes to ride from London to the home of Download Festival, Castle Donington, from June 7 to 9, together with other heavy music industry alumni that form the posse known as Heavy Metal Truants, to raise money for children’s charities including Teenage Cancer Trust and Childline.
Each member of Heavy Metal Truants has pledged to raise ｣1300 and Chris and Carl have combined their pledge target to ｣2600, which is roughly $4400 Aussie dollars. To get on board and pledge some cash to a good cause you can do so at justgiving.com/australiantruants
Anyone who donates will get their name on a special feature supporter page on Heavy Magazine’s website, but anyone who donates will be supporting a fantastic cause, much like last issue’s THTH mention for Kingdom Of Kai. Hey, why not support both?! If supporting good causes doesn’t get you going, then perhaps knowing day one, June 7, of the three day ride is Chris’s birthday! So, not only are you supporting great Aussies overseas and great charities, you’re also raising your pint glass to Chris and wishing him a happy birthday!
In other news
God Dethroned will release their new album The World Ablaze on Friday May 5.
Hate will release their new album Tremendum on Friday May 5.
Dead Letter Circus will release The Endless Mile, a collection of songs re-imagined, on Friday May 12.
Sydney black metal band Somnium Nox will release their debut album Terra Inanis on Monday May 15.
Below will release their new album Upon A Pale Horse on Friday May 19.
Dragonforce will release their new album Reaching Into Infinity on Friday May 19 and the band will play 170 Russell on Wednesday June 21.
Devin Townsend Project will return to Oz and play Melbourne’s 170 Russell on Wednesday May 24 which is sold out, but a second show has been announced at the same venue for Tuesday May 23.
Solstafir will release their new album Berdreyminn on Friday May 26.
Winter’s Eve 2017 featuring Holy Serpent, El Colosso, Agonhymn, Merchant and many others will be at The Eastern in Ballarat on Saturday May 27. A portion of the door charge will be donated to the local soup bus.
Sikth will release their new album The Future In Whose Eyes? on Friday June 2.
Anathema will release their new album The Optimist on Friday June 9.
Primordial will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Friday July 7.
If you have any news about local metal bands, shows or albums, let THTH know by emailing to [email protected] or get in touch via Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug
Paul S Taylor
