The first and most obvious question you’re probably asking yourself after seeing that Hellbound is reviewing the Fat Wreck re-issues of the first five albums by these Goleta, California’s melodi-punk heroes is whether or not the version we’re reviewing here is the box-set edition or simply the individual releases reviewed as a collective. I believe what Grand Wizard Palmerston has provided here are the individual releases, seeing as they are strewn across my desk and there’s no box provided that might maintain any amount of order in the slightest…

Ola Mazzuca in conversation with the Dominincan Republic’s premier death metal band ARCAIOS

Jay H. Gorania reviews the 2011 edition of Fun Fun Fun Fest, which happened in Austin, TX in early November.

Overall, a fine, well-researched read, worth getting for the amazing story of Slayer’s support slot with the mighty Venom, which brings new meaning to the phrase ‘taking the piss’!

Metalion is one of the greatest books about metal ever produced.

Paul Speckmann has been playing death metal longer than many fans of the genre have been walking the planet. The Chicago native started his long-running project Master in 1983. He’s also played with other bands including War Cry, Abominator and the Czech death metal band Krabathor. Dark Descent Records recently reissued his early band Death Strike’s demo Fuckin’ Death. Speckmann recently talked to Hellbound’s Justin M. Norton about the early days of Chicago death metal and his new life in Eastern Europe from his home in the Czech Republic.

On July 9th, a special arts event happened in Toronto called The Wrecking Ball, which was half literary event, half metal show.

Hellbound’s Laura Wiebe was there to soak in the evening’s festivities, which featured poetry readings alongside live performances by the likes of Sylvus, Vilipend and Ein Traum.

All photography by Adam Wills.

Here are ten reasons not to miss the HEAVY T.O. festival at Toronto’s Downview Park this weekend