"Headbangers Ball" is back with a vengeance over at MTV2, where host Jose Mangin gives metalheads their weekly dose of heavy riffs and thrashing vocals. And each week we'll dive into the show for some metal immersion therapy and come back to you with the five most face-melting moments for metal purists and noobs alike.
Anthrax, Testament and Death Angel recently made a tour stop in New Jersey, and Jose was there to feed the guys some of his homemade tacos and catch up with the three titans of thrash metal.
1. Tweeting with Testament
Nothing sounds less metal than "tweeting," but Testament frontman Chuck Billy finally caved and joined the Twittersphere to stay connected with fans. So check out @chuckfcknbilly for Testament tour updates and the latest on Chuck's golf game. We swear it's more metal than it sounds.
2. Anthrax: thespians of tomorrow
Rappers aren't the only musicians who want to show off their acting chops. New Yorkers Scott Ian and Frank Bello of Anthrax are dipping their toes into the Hollywood waters themselves. Ian recently played a zombie on "The Walking Dead," which he admits wasn't much of a stretch. Meanwhile, Bello let out his inner Zach Braff in an indie film. Perhaps Anthrax can score the movie, making it the metal version of the "Garden State" soundtrack.
3. Wear a Death Angel T-shirt, get trim
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more gracious and genuine metal interview than this one with singer Mark Osegueda of Death Angel. And while that's great, the big takeaway from the chat is that chicks love dudes in Death Angel shirts. Sounds like it's time to update your wardrobe.
4. Fire up the Wayback Machine
This week we were treated to the long-forgotten hair metal cut "Hello From The Gutter" by Overkill. Unlike many of the jokers strutting around with long hair, tight pants and flying V guitars in the late '80s, these dudes flaunt some serious instrumental chops. From the relentless bass line that brings to mind early Green Day to the Van Halen-esque riff and the sing-shrieks, we're glad Jose unearthed this gem.
5. A mid-afternoon pick-me-up
Don't grab some coffee. Leave the 5 Hour Energy at home. Forget about splashing cold water on your face. Just watch Fear Factory's video for "Fear Campaign." It will wake you the f*** up. And might also lead to soiled drawers, but you're on your own for a solution to that problem.
