![[Album Review]: IMMOLATION (US) - ‘Descent’.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775816443580-VVYQOF103GIY7RF24LNF/immolationdescentalbumcover.jpg)
[Album Review]: IMMOLATION (US) - ‘Descent’.
[Album Review]: Immolation (US) - Descent, releasing today, Fri 10th April 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. See within for album review, artist links and additional media such as latest single ‘Attrition’. Another landmark instalment in death metals’ twisted canon, Descent is not one to be missed for extreme metal fiends!
![[HEAVY NEWS]: SHINEDOWN W/ BUSH CO-HEADLINE AUSTRALIAN & NZ TOUR](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775797310286-VP0S6V6ZMH3B78O03ETU/SHINEDOWN%2BBUSH%2BSEPT%2B2026.jpg)
[HEAVY NEWS]: SHINEDOWN W/ BUSH CO-HEADLINE AUSTRALIAN & NZ TOUR
US rock titans Shinedown to co-headline Aus/NZ tour with their equally iconic counterparts Bush (UK).
![[Gig Review] MALIGNANT AURA (AU) ‘Where All Of Worth Comes To Wither’ LP Launch @ Bendigo Hotel (Melb, AU), 04.04.26.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775742010972-TQZZPKTAHHD6QP7H1IAN/DSC04079.jpg)
[Gig Review] MALIGNANT AURA (AU) ‘Where All Of Worth Comes To Wither’ LP Launch @ Bendigo Hotel (Melb, AU), 04.04.26.
[Gig Review] MALIGNANT AURA (Brisbane, AU) Where All Comes To Wither LP Launch @ Bendigo Hotel (Melb, AU), 04.04.26. Featuring supports Gravepeeler, Thrall & Carcinoid (Melbourne, AU). See within for full gig review, album stream, artist links and more.
![[Riff]: Getting ‘The Itch’ Back.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775727919178-ZWWYCIXOLHTGV5Z0XCWK/unsplash-image-Jsh4l4KpCw4.jpg)
[Riff]: Getting ‘The Itch’ Back.
[Riff]: Getting The Itch Back’. ISC staffer and professional-level-DM Dean Underhill (I’m a player in his 7-year campaign, I can say that!) gives a number of poignant and important reflections on what makes a sustainable, enjoyable and immersive tabletop-roleplaying campaign. Most of all, it’s about knowing limitations, rest and a whole heap of dedication and self-awareness.
![[HEAVY NEWS]: HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS (US) ‘If Only You Were Lonely’ 20th Anniversary Tour W/ ARMOR FOR SLEEP (US).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775715239815-R41LS5512OE6FN0C5UDZ/Hawthorne+Heights+2026+band+pic.jpg)
[HEAVY NEWS]: HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS (US) ‘If Only You Were Lonely’ 20th Anniversary Tour W/ ARMOR FOR SLEEP (US).
Rejoice fellow emo's! Beloved emo rock favourites Hawthorne Heights are coming back to Australia this April to play five cities in six days, joined by legendary rockers Armor For Sleep (US).
![[Heavy News]: SAOSIN (US) Announce ‘20 Years of Self-Titled & The Hits’ Aus Tour w/ SENSES FAIL (US).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775619683538-JVIVACV56Y2T5FKR019C/Saosin+w+Cove+Reber+jpg.jpg)
[Heavy News]: SAOSIN (US) Announce ‘20 Years of Self-Titled & The Hits’ Aus Tour w/ SENSES FAIL (US).
[Heavy News, 04.04.26]: SAOSIN (US) 20TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH SENSES FAIL (US). See within for tour dates, ticket links, additional artist media and more regarding a post-hardcore nostalgia double-hitter, soon to grace our shores courtesy of destroyalllines.
![[Gallery of Brewicide XXII]: MALIGNANT AURA (AU) ‘Where All Comes To Wither’ LP Launch @ Bendigo Hotel (Melb, AU) 04.04.26.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775558278060-0O0AZKX2AB57GP6UAN6E/DSC04171.jpg)
[Gallery of Brewicide XXII]: MALIGNANT AURA (AU) ‘Where All Comes To Wither’ LP Launch @ Bendigo Hotel (Melb, AU) 04.04.26.
[Gallery of Brewicide XXII]: Malignant Aura (Brisbane, AU): Where All Comes To Wither LP Launch @ The Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood (Melbourne, AU), Sat 4th April 2026.
See within for photos from headliners MA + supports Gravepeeler, Thrall & Carcinoid (Melbourne, AU), LP stream/artist links, gig footage and more. Photography: @noisebleed.x (Ofir Gee - Noise Bleed).
![[Heavy News]: LOATHE (UK) Announce Headliner Australian Tour w/ Special Guests STATIC DRESS (UK).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775614599730-CITD8320MY31OHQPUV7H/LOATHE.jfif)
[Heavy News]: LOATHE (UK) Announce Headliner Australian Tour w/ Special Guests STATIC DRESS (UK).
The amazing Loathe (UK) will be touring across Australia this May, with special guests Static Dress (UK).
![[Album Review]: GRAUFAR - ‘Via Necropolis’ LP.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775533532692-GO6LTJBHE6978FDKR44L/vianecropolis.jpg)
[Album Review]: GRAUFAR - ‘Via Necropolis’ LP.
[Album Review] Graufar (Austria) - Via Necropolis, released independently via the artist 20th March, 2026. Words by Dean Underhill. See within for a review of some ripping Austrian blackened death-metal, as well as single/album streaming links, artist links and more. Dean’s verdict: 8/10 Undead Strudels.
![[Podcast] Ep. 73: [Interview] with JOHN KEVILL of Modern Thrash Legends WARBRINGER (US).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775476240023-NE55NJFZH0JG5LXSWD3E/ISC+Podcast%2C+Ep.+73+-+Warbringer.png)
[Podcast] Ep. 73: [Interview] with JOHN KEVILL of Modern Thrash Legends WARBRINGER (US).
[Podcast] Ep. 73 - [Interview] with an absolute thrashers’ DREAM interviewee in John Kevill, perennial frontman and vocalist of modern-thrash titans Warbringer (US)! See link for video/podcast interview versions, artist media, Wrath and Ruin bio/details, Asian 2026 Tour and Australian 2026 Tour dates.
![[Podcast] Ep. 72: [Interview] with BOB VIGNA of US Death Metal Veterans IMMOLATION.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775462737731-441N3PIF9H9PGSG5KECQ/ISC+Podcast%2C+Ep.+72+-+Bannerhead.png)
[Podcast] Ep. 72: [Interview] with BOB VIGNA of US Death Metal Veterans IMMOLATION.
[Podcast] Ep. 72 involved a chat with one of the most influential dudes in the NY, US and heck, even international death metal scenes. None other than Bob Vigna, guitarist and longstanding member of elite boundary-pushers Immolation! Check the link for interview, single music video/streaming links, album preorder links and more. Descent drops Fri 10th April, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.
![[Gallery of Brewicide XXI]: RAGDOLL/ION SKY (AU) Co-Headliner @ Revolver Melb (AU), 27.03.26.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775455205777-388YGK8I3L34PHIBGJ4I/Ragdoll+-+Revolver+270326-39.jpg)
[Gallery of Brewicide XXI]: RAGDOLL/ION SKY (AU) Co-Headliner @ Revolver Melb (AU), 27.03.26.
[Gallery of Brewicide XXI] Ragdoll/ Ion Sky Double-Headliner @ Revolver Upstairs, Prahran (VIC, AU), Fri 27th March 2026 w/ supports Atomic Riot & Love Bites. See within for some stellar Richie Black Photography plus links for all involved artists. Rock and roll, Aussie style!
![[Podcast] EP: 71: [Interview] with Bård Torstensen of CLAWFINGER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775379885435-CI4PLKSSHBDSM1O4KOXJ/Inner-Strength+Check+Podcast%2C+Ep.+71+%5BInterview%5D+with+BARD+TORSTENSEN+of.png)
[Podcast] EP: 71: [Interview] with Bård Torstensen of CLAWFINGER.
[Podcast] Ep. 71 [Interview] with Bård Torstensen of the mighty European rap-rock/rap-rock metal pioneers Clawfinger. We discuss recently-released LP Before We All Die, which released on Reigning Phoenix Music on 20th Feb, 2026, plus Bard’s thoughts around re-entering the album/touring cycle for an original album for the first time in 19 years.
![[Gallery of Brewicide XX/Review]: BLACK CROWES (US) @ Forum Melbourne (AU), 02.04.26.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775277286681-J65XFNZBXJTRWJ379DLI/Black+Crowes_Forum-17.jpg)
[Gallery of Brewicide XX/Review]: BLACK CROWES (US) @ Forum Melbourne (AU), 02.04.26.
[Gallery of Brewicide XX]: The couple that slays together, stays together. Which is exactly why in addition to some fantastic photography by Kaza Black, Richie Black has paired up to review the occasion! That occasion specifically being The Black Crowes’ 2026 Australian Tour @ Forum Melbourne, Fri 3rd April, supported by Perth rock-and-rollers The Southern River Band.
![[Heavy News] Aussie Tour Updates: THE AMENTA (AU) & VADER (POL).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775103633288-3HHICK3WR09J6LIFNCZG/vadertheamenta.png)
[Heavy News] Aussie Tour Updates: THE AMENTA (AU) & VADER (POL).
[Heavy News, 2nd April 2026}: I’d say “Stop The Press!”, but we aren’t affiliated with Boomer MSM. Stop your scrollin’ if you’ve considered attending either the upcoming Ulcerate (NZ)/The Amenta (AU) double-header tour, and/or Vader (POL)’s recently rescheduled Australian Tour. We’ve got news, links and more for you local gig goers!
![[Heavy News]: DESPISED ICON (CA), DEAD SLEEP (SWE) & PLINI (AU).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1775018159228-M3DZ4CHK2SMAE8PJ0952/Heavy+News+01.04.26+-+cover.png)
[Heavy News]: DESPISED ICON (CA), DEAD SLEEP (SWE) & PLINI (AU).
Today’s serving of Heavy News comes with a piping hot tray of award-winning Canadian deathcore (via Despised Icon), rapturous Swedish thrash with Dead Sleep’s latest single + album reveal, and an all-Australian dessert with Plini’s delectable new single/upcoming album. Bon appetit!
![[Heavy News]: ENSLAVED (NOR), BLACK LABEL SOCIETY & AUGUST BURNS RED (US).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1774842345321-MLGCUEO6X1DVFGFPU7B1/%5BHeavy+News%5D+AUGUST+BURNS+RED+%28US%29+BLACK+LABEL+SOCIETY+%28US%29+ENSLAVED+%28US%29.png)
[Heavy News]: ENSLAVED (NOR), BLACK LABEL SOCIETY & AUGUST BURNS RED (US).
[Music Mondays/ Heavy News]: A trifecta of new-release treats from way across a big pond, from Enslaved’s sea-shantie collaboration with The Storm Weather Shanty Choir (Norway), Zakk Wylde and Co’s latest Black Label Society LP release, and that of upcoming LP/new single by fellow US metal stalwarts August Burns Red. Dig in, me hearties!
![[Podcast] Ep. 70: [Interview] w/ FERDI HANDOJO of VANTA (AU) + ‘Perpetual Selection’ [Album Review].](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1774687980154-GGZFRCUIHLMA2JZRI5N3/vantaband.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 70: [Interview] w/ FERDI HANDOJO of VANTA (AU) + ‘Perpetual Selection’ [Album Review].
A double-feature special for you all tonight! Presenting both the Inner-Strength Check Podcast’s 70th episode via our [Interview] with Ferdi Handojo, drummer of Perth-based melodic/tech-death outfit Vanta…. AND a bonus [Album Review] of their debut full-length LP Perpetual Selection! With thanks for both to Ferdi, Vanta and Glenn ‘Dysie’ Dyson of Cult Etiquette PR.
![[Gallery of Brewicide XVIII]: DETHFEST 2026 @ Corner Hotel, Richmond (AU), 08.03.2026.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1774592932798-3RO8KMB5LZQZWM2QS8BP/Allegaeon+-+The+Corner+Hotel+080326-2.jpg)
[Gallery of Brewicide XVIII]: DETHFEST 2026 @ Corner Hotel, Richmond (AU), 08.03.2026.
[Gallery of Brewicide XVIII]: Dethfest 2026 @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne (AU), 08.03.2026. Organised by Your Mate Bookings, with photography courtesy of Richie Black Photography. Additional footage included, from the ISC Youtube channel.
Featured: Voidfall, Anoxia, Hybrid Nightmares, Carcinoid, Abramelin, Disentomb, Golgothan Remains & Allegaeon.
![[Gig Review]: DETHFEST 2026 @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne (AU) 08/03/26.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1774263347022-M5UFY97EJQXWN4UVQS0E/Allegaeon+-+The+Corner+Hotel+080326-6.jpg)
[Gig Review]: DETHFEST 2026 @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne (AU) 08/03/26.
[Gig Review] Dethfest 2026 @ Corner Hotel, Richmond (Melbourne, AU) 08.03.26, featuring: Voidfall, Hybrid Nightmares, Anoxia, Carcinoid, Abramelin, Disentomb, Golgothan Remains, and Allegaeon. See inside for full review, artist links and photos courtesy of Richie Black Photography! Big ups to Your Mate Bookings for organising a fun-filled death metal day.