Prepare for your eardrums to be Shattered and your taste buds to explode
Prepare for your eardrums to be Shattered and your taste buds to explode
About Brutally Delicious
Our Story
At Brutally Delicious, we started as a small team of Heavy Metal food enthusiasts who wanted to share our love for metal and cooking with the world. Today, we are one of the most popular music related sites on the internet, with viewers and listeners from around the globe.
Our Philosophy
In the vibrant tapestry of the food and heavy metal worlds, there exists a profound sense of community that transcends mere culinary or musical appreciation. It's a fellowship forged in fiery kitchens and thunderous mosh pits alike, where individuals unite over their shared passions with an unwavering spirit of camaraderie. In kitchens, chefs and food enthusiasts find solace in the creative chaos, exchanging recipes and techniques like ancient secrets passed down through generations. Meanwhile, in the electrifying realm of heavy metal, fans converge, their hearts pounding in unison to the primal rhythms, forming bonds that withstand the test of time. Together, they create a sanctuary where differences are celebrated, and where the love for good food and thunderous music fuels the flames of an enduring, inclusive community.
Cradle Of Filth, Butcher Babies, High Parasite, Black Satell
Review of Nov 8th Newcastle NX show by Grant Crossan
When it comes to my album reviews I often like to go in with no background knowledge of a band, be it releases or gigs, it helps with an unbiased opinion and I like to portray that "gut reaction" when listening to something for the 1st time.
So what happens when I go along to a gig where I'm unfamiliar with the material, but have spent varying degrees of time being exposed to their marketing material? Well we're about to find out.
I didn't buy tickets for this gig, Cradle Of Filth are not my bag at all, something that I can say about Black Metal as a genre as a whole. I like the kind of music mixes that makes your ribcage rattle in your chest, not the kind that makes your eyeballs sting. My closest friends have a real boner for it though and it’s thanks to one that I'm gratefully out, but I am going into this with a somewhat negative bias. I was 17 when their infamous “Jesus Is A C**t” T-shirts made middle England hysterical, I gave “Dusk & Her Embrace” a go, and it didn’t click. What I'm expecting is Kiss for goths.
It's not a good start, a last minute change to door times sees the gig opening at 17:30. This is not ideal considering it's a Friday, with many of Newcastle's commuters being taken aback by the unfamiliar scenes of bus loads of corpse painted metal heads descending on the city center during rush hour, a culture shock is an understatement. This city is familiar with crowds adorned in black & white face paint, but not quite like this. More Gloom Army than Toon Army.
I spend the 1st 2 hours of the night sitting in the pub opposite the venue, whilst my chaotic glitter bomb of a mate decides which of the 100s of items of black clothing she owns is best suited for tonight's event, before being her usual fashionably late self . When she finally surfaces at just after 19:00 she's handed tequila and informed that she has brought the ensuing anarchy on herself. This is how we've started every night out we've had over the last 2 decades, so it comes as no surprise when she necks said tequila and marches screaming into the venue.
I have no knowledge of the 1st support bands, High Parasite and Black Satellite, and unfortunately due to early doors and late appearance of my partner in pandemonium, I miss both of them. Their stuff is all of my merch haul though.
Instead we walk in half way through Butcher Babies set. My exposure to Butcher Babies up until this point has been limited to a lot of their marketing materials, which has basically amounted to 2 hot girls in bikinis. I’ve not read a thing, not listened to a thing, and having spent a lifetime living in a "sex sells" world, what I'm expecting is something akin to Rob Zombie meets Bill Hicks "Drink Coke" skit.
I have never been so wrong in my life! What I'm subjected to is bouncy accessible metalcore style riffs and rhythms with a roaring lioness at the helm. Heidi Shepard absolutely rules the stage, and despite an audience that isn't exactly inclined by the music they put on display, she exudes the confidence and charisma you'd expect from a festival headliner. I can't pretend to know what songs I was listening to, or how they stack up against recordings or their previous outings with Carla flanking Heid on vocals, but what I can say is that I deserve the smug look my best mate gives me when I exclaim "these are fucking awesome".
Butcher Babies give us the stand out moment of the night too, a beautiful and impassioned speech by Heidi relating to her battles with the darkness of depression puts tears in the eyes of the entire audience. The recent increase in artists speaking openly about what drives and inspires them is a breath of fresh air for me. Knowing your heroes are not that far removed from yourself in the struggles they face gives perspective that fame does not rob them of humanity. There will always be the "musicians should just play music" crowd, but thankfully moments like this show them as a diminishing minority of emotionally disconnected gatekeepers, as a crowd that has been somewhat tepid to Butcher Babies musically, unite in appreciation and love for the message they hear.
I've mentioned before that Cradle are not my bag, but that's not to say I don't understand the appeal. My partner in auditory assault Paul "Dinenthal" Taylor is a huge fan, having just released a banging cover of "The Forest Whispers My Name", as is the frenzied blonde pixie that invited me to begin with. I'll say it again and again that music is art, and art is subjective, so to deny the validity of a band that instill such passion and drive the creative hearts of two of my closest friends, let alone anyone else, would just be ridiculous.
The one thing I know I can expect is showmanship and drama, and right from the off that is exactly what Cradle deliver. Cradles days of tabloid baiting, grandma terrifying merch may be behind them (at least until the fabled collaboration with Ed Sheeran surfaces), but the evolution from controversial black metal underground into the more symphonic and rounded band we see today has definitely kept them at the forefront of the broader extreme metal genre.
I am not even going to pretend I know the names of anything I've listened to, Kristina caught a set list so you can see for yourselves what was played, but I can tell from the crowds broader reactions that Cradle bang out exactly what the crowd want to hear. Their live mix has considerably more beef than I expected, and the band are as tight as it gets. I'll give Dani all the credit in the world for his vocal performance. I've spent most of my life screaming into microphones so believe me when I say that the guy is doing things that very few people in the world are capable of doing, and doing it with the same intensity he did as a fresh faced baby vamp 30 years ago when they started.
As the venue empties, I raid the merch stands to show support for the 2 opening bands, sorry that I missed you guys, but I have vinyl and my customary support band t-shirt to take home to the wife. At this point I get to speak briefly with Heidi, who humbly meets & greets everyone who approaches, signing merch & posing for photos.
What I've taken from this gig is 2 things.
- Cradle have lived up to my meager expectations and surpassed them, proving that 30 years on the road does not diminish their passion or ability to entertain.
- Butcher Babies stand out for me tonight, proving not only that judging a book by it's cover is as dumb now as when the phrase was 1st coined, but that no matter your tastes, music unifies us all.
An Electric review of the chords of Ginny Luke Article
BY; MIKAYLA OBERLANDER
Ginny Luke rocks her electric violin with riveting, yet sweet vocals, and greets us with her experimental, gothic rock and roll style. Her new album release, Devil At My Heels, carries listeners through a ballad of personal reflections and feeling of liberation that led her to ultimate empowerment.
Luke’s roots in music started in her small hometown of Dubuque, Iowa, coming from a musical family that supported her through pursuing violin at the age of 3 and onwards throughout her teenage years. Starting around 15 years old, her musical aspirations and success ultimately led her to start a musical career in California, where she connected with artists such as Snoop Dog for her first recording session, as well as Hozier, Britney spears, Foo Fighters, Miguel, Black Eyed Peas, Will i.am and few other popular artists. The whole journey thus far, created a lively artist who wishes to inspire others to be brave in sharing their courageous expression.
The epic song and leading name of the album, Devil at my Heels, is full of powerful electric violin solos and southern notes, while her song Save Me, she shares complex feelings of giving into toxicity in love, with the following lyrics; “Take me in, break me down, lift me up to make me drown. Why do you deprave me when you could save me?”, reflecting on the questions that arise internally while dealing with a toxic relationship, and “It’s all this toxic love I’d trade for time”, which is a lyric that struck a chord with even myself, knowing that you can’t get back time, but can develop healthy boundaries and clarity on what the next best step is.
Outside of her musical career, Ginny is involved in education as an Adjunct Professor for the Thornton School of Music at USC. She is heavily involved in community engagement with youth expression in her hometown of Dubuque, Iowa, and loves to support creative direction and initiative.
She shows her prowess and power in her Devil at My Heels song on youtube. See for yourself how incredible this artist is in the youtube link below; Ginny Luke - Devil at My Heels feat. Orianthi
You can find more new song releases from the album on YouTube, with songs such as Yeah Yeah Yeah, Burn, and Other Side. The new album releases on 11/01/2024 and will be streaming on most music streaming platforms via these links below;
Album release music platforms; Devil at my Heels
You can find more about Ginny’s music, industry success and journey to the stage in the article below;
https://www.kwwl.com/news/dubuque/ginny-luke-former-dubuque-native-reflects-on-musi c-industry-success/article_9a137ace-2e30-11ef-ad18-eb12da83243e.html
Link for Ginny as an adjunct professor at the Thornton School of Music with USC; https://music.usc.edu/ginny-luke/
Qaalm - Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc- Review by Joel Wukotich
Qaalm, a Los Angeles-based doom metal band, has released their second album, "Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc," following their well-received debut, "Resilience & Despair" (2022).
This new album showcases the band's growth and maturity as musicians, offering a more structured and melodic approach while maintaining their distinctive blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics.
From the opening track, "Hangman's Lament," it's evident that Qaalm has set a new standard. The song's haunting melodies and intricate arrangements immediately captivate the listener, setting the stage for the album's exploration of identity and life roles. Vocalist Henry Derek Elis delivers a powerful performance, conveying emotional depth and raw intensity.
Throughout the album, Qaalm demonstrates their mastery and chemistry as a band. They seamlessly incorporate black metal, post-metal, and progressive rock elements, creating a rich and diverse soundscape. The impeccable production helps the album succeed on yet another level.
Fans of Mizmor, Pallbearer, YOB, Edge of Sanity, Agalloch, Mastodon, and Baroness will find much to appreciate in "Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc." This album rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of complexity and beauty with each playthrough.
Qaalm has indeed delivered a doom masterpiece with "Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc." Fans of progressive doom and metal in general should take notice.
FIX-IT and FORGET-IT (BUDGET MEALS) REVIEW BY MIKAYLA OBERLANDER
(Budget Friendly Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Magic Meals)
In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Remember the comfort of a slow-cooked meal? Hope Comerford, author of the cookbook Fix-It &
Forget-It (Budget Meals), emphasizes the importance of shopping smarter not harder, and creating diverse, budget-friendly meals for everyone. She shows us that there’s magic in utilizing slow cookers and explains how easy it can be to create something delicious with simplified tools and affordable resources.
What I love about this cookbook is that it contains a whopping 127 diverse slow cooker and instant pot meals that are budget-friendly, yet bursting with flavor. There is a recipe for everyone, and I mean everyone and their mother. The recipes range from breakfast with Pumpkin Spice Pancake Bites to instantly Good Beef Stew. The author also mentions that not all slow cookers are created equal, from temperature ranges, pot sizes, and more, and gives tips on choosing a quality slow cooker and what the differences are between them.
There isn’t anything I would change about this book because it hit all the key points of creating a variety of accessible, delicious, and affordable recipes, also providing detailed helpful information on which slow cookers to go for.
This book is best suited for those who lead a busy lifestyle but want a substantial meal, single parents or busy parents in general, people who want easy, budget-friendly meals, and those who don’t enjoy spending large amounts of time in the kitchen but still want to feel like a master chef.
The Self-Reliant Kitchen Review by Mikayla Oberlander
Cultivate your life, starting with food. ~Mikayla
Michelle Mullennix, author of The Self-Reliant Kitchen, briefly shares her transformative journey and relationship to food and emphasizes mindfulness of the sources from which our food comes. She dives into delicious farm-to-table recipes with a sweet and savory mix of American favorites and Southern comfort in a clean ingredient way. The major theme of this book is learning about intentional eating with ingredient sourcing, self-reliance through heritage cooking, and creating meals that nourish the soul recipe by recipe for when the going gets rough and you still want the good stuff.
What’s admirable about this book is that she shares the importance of getting grounded back into ancestral roots and living with the land versus on it, making you think of where the food comes from and how it connects to our overall well-being. Simplicity is key. There’s also an easy-to-grasp guide to pantry necessities that makes most, if not all, recipes in this book complete. The author outlines tools that are vital to this intentional farm-to-table way of cooking, and simple-to-read recipes for some off-grid favorites of Sourdough bread recipes from sourdough pancakes to English muffins, homemade cheese, chocolate milk and so much more!
If there’s anything I would change about the book, it would be to include more recipes and tools for different demographics who don’t have access to the tools called for in the book to make it economically friendly, and since a lot of the recipes call for wheat, if you’re living a gluten-free lifestyle, you can always substitute all wheat with a gluten-free substitute in which the consumer might have to do a little extra research for, otherwise, this is just personal preference, and I wouldn’t change anything at all because I believe there’s a recipe for everyone in this cookbook.
The Self Reliant Kitchen cookbook is made for those who have also started from scratch, are interested in clean, heritage-based recipes, pioneers of the off-grid lifestyle, homesteaders, or anyone feeling the desire to connect with the earth through mindful eating and learning where your food is sourced from, and maybe even feel more empowered while saving yourself and finances from inflated prices of goods throughout time.
Get Heavy Fest Review by Grant Crossan
This year marks the 2nd annual Get Heavy Fest for Newcastle metal scene, and, admittedly, after struggling to get similar small-scale festivals off the ground, seeing this festival going strong is encouraging and exciting. Get Heavy Fest has its fingers in a few pies. What started as a “mental health positive” podcast for the alternative scene has grown into interviews with big time stars across multiple platforms
and new band discovery episodes. The promoters are making a positive impact, empoweringmembers of the Metal music scene, not just locally, but regionally and beyond. Long may it continue. Downcast Studios, the venue hosting the Fest, has grown since it first opened, replacing a
collection of chip boarded practice rooms, cracked cymbals, and crackly amps, with a new studio, bar, venue, and cafe that provides the perfect setting to host local bands.
Often the plethora of sub genres associated with modern metal gets very confusing. Newcastle has always had a flair for scrappy & impassioned music. It’s the birthplace of Black Metal,
what the North East has to offer, moving forward, will be heavy metal permeated with flair &aemotion.m the late 70s and 80s. The promoters for the Fest are pushing a “core” vibe, indicating what the North East has to offer, moving forward, will be heavy metal permeated with flair & emotion.
Every band on the lineup played an absolute blinder, engaging the crowds & letting loose with ferocity and drive. This gig was well worth the entrance fee, and to any of the bands that dont get a mention by name, you played a blinder.
The opening act, Divine Image, set the bar for the caliber of the acts to follow. The opening energy they displayed to an uncertain-sized crowd for the festival opening was laudable. These guys are still finding their identity, still young and experimenting with what works for them and
sincerely hope these guys embrace it. There ;s a loose, casual feel to the drumming with theserating elements of grunge and punk, sneaking in on the edges of a heavy death metal sound. Many bands aspiring to be that heavy would recoil at the terms grunge and punk, but I
sincerely hope these guys embrace it. There's a loose, casual feel to the drumming with these guys that fuels that punkiness, similar to Keith Moon. This roughness has a chance toset them apart, like a mash-up of Killswitch and Soundgarden, and they serve as a great
barometer as to where Newcastle's musical future is headed.
Jumping forwards in the day slightly, we find Erebor. A Tolkien reference is always going to catch my eye, and the band's sound definitely catches my ear. Their sound is more refined than those that came before them, but there is definitely still an evolution going on with these guys
and I am liking where it seems to be heading. The early part of their set is steeped in American Death metal, complete with fast drums and widdly solos. A crowd interaction that can only be described as Metal Jazz Hands brings light relief and wonderful fan participation, but it's their last song that catches my ear the most. A beautifully crafted lesson in Prog-Metal, their bassist really steps to the front on this one, providing an intricate meandering bassline worthy of Steve Harris that really takes hold of the rhythm of this track, and throttles the audience with vibration. This track is remarkably different to those that came before and if this track is a glimpse into the band's future, then the future is looking bright.
The bill is awash with heaviness as Morrows Massacre provides a subtly funky set, complete with a well received duet of “Blind” by Korn.
Welsh outfit Dystopian Sun gives us straight up, uncompromising Deathcore brutality.
Godeth, who've traveled up from Leeds, adds an injection of groove metal into a brutal old school sound to get the crowd up and bouncing.
Manchester visitors I Am The Wreckage and Newcastle's Swarms UK add an upbeat Hardcore element to the days proceedings, giving the crowd contrast from the more core driven earlier acts.
Scottish heavyweights Catalysis provide a crushing penultimate set for the evening, drawing from an extensive back catalog of typically Scottish gritty heaviness. There's been a lot of filthy, dirty metal produced by Scotland in recent years, and these Dundee natives are no exception.
Kilonova are very much a gem in Newcastle's musical crown at the moment. Fresh off support slots with Cavalera Conspiracy, these guys are riding high with acclaim, every ounce of which is deserved. They're an ideal headliner that epitomize my earliee scrappy and impassioned
reference. These guys are tight and refined, but with a laid back feel to everything that lets the joy of what they're playing really bleed into the audience before them Their singers vocals cut through the crowd as if someone were torturing a leopard live on stage, harnessing a level of emotional rage comparable to early Tarrie B (The Manhole years,
not the Dr Dre years). She's got some pipes on her, and an energetic stage presence to back itup that has her climbing up walls & diving into pits. The band are unreal, with each musician flaunting their skills in a manner that compliments each other while still standing alone. They present themselves as a band with no egos, which
really lets their love of the music show.
All in all Get Heavy Fest was a banger of a gig, and with the festival expanding to two days next summer it's only set to get bigger. Great choice of bands, great choice of venue, and with a team of organizers who want the best gigs and the best welfare for the new generation of
British Metal, I suspect only an act of god can stop them.
“Botanical Cocktails: 50 Garden-to-Glass Beverages for Every Season Hardcover” by Tenae Stewart
"Botanical Cocktails" by Tenae Stewart is a beautiful and inspiring book for anyone who loves cocktails and is always looking to add a unique twist to their favorite drinks.
One recipe that really stood out for me as a gin lover is "The Social Butterfly," a Lavender Gin Fizz. This floral and refreshing cocktail combines the aromatic essence of lavender with the crispness of gin and the lively fizz of club soda. The fresh lemon juice provides a bright, tangy note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the lavender syrup, making it a truly delightful drink.
Another highlight from the book is "Cold Winter's night," a cocktail that mixes maple syrup, bourbon, juniper berries, and bitters for a sophisticated yet refreshing taste. And I think fans of Brutally Delicious will really dig the taste and theme of this soothing and elegant drink, "Blood Moon.” This cocktail combines blood orange, pomegranate juice, and dark rum, making it perfect for a relaxing evening spent under the stars or a full moon. The gentle flavors and aromatic notes make it an excellent choice for unwinding after a long day.
I can say that this book is a perfect fit for our audience and those who appreciate a fresh and flavorful approach to mixology. Stewart's passion for botanicals shines through in every recipe, making it not only a delightful read but also a practical guide for your next cocktail party.
Overall, "Botanical Cocktails" by Tenae Stewart is a well crafted book that brings the beauty and flavor of the garden into your glass. It's perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game with natural, botanical ingredients. The recipes are easy to follow, and the drinks are sure to impress your guests!
Releases July 2, 2024
Black Metal Haiku – Dødsferd “Wrath” by Nikos Mixas
From the Land Of Zeus
Their Sound Is From Viking Lands
Welcome Back Dødsferd
According to The Metal Archives, Dødsferd has been in existence since 2001. I’m well versed in black metal, but I’m embarrassed to admit that even being a half Greek, currently living in Athens, Greece, I have never heard of this band until their most recent release “Wrath,” was sent my way. Without doing any prior research on Dødsferd, I dove right in and immediately thought they have a classic, Scandinavian black metal sound, but with hints of Drudkh thrown in for good measure.
Now that I’m sitting down and googling the hell out of them, I can see they have an extensive and impressive discography. It would take at least a month to properly know about how they might have progressed over the decades. What I do know is that the more I listen to “Wrath,” the more I like it. It has all the elements that make a great black metal memorable. It’s raw. The drumming has shitton of double bass and blast beats. The guitar riffing is as ripping as a chainsaw. And for the vocals? They are the classic guttural with some Tom G. Warrior death grunts thrown in for good measure.
Even with a seven-year hiatus, it sounds like Dødsferd haven’t missed a blast beat. “Wrath” has plenty for the black metal enthusiast to latch onto. It’s also nice to see a band from Greece that doesn’t have a “Greek” sound to it like the other black metal and stoner type bands from this country hold on to for dear life. That’s not a knock on them, it’s just an observation. So, if you’re an OG Dødsferd fan, or just a black metal fan in general, I’m sure you’ll be giving it more than just a single spin.
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Brutally Delicious Productions
Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
tHE bRUTALLY dELICIOUS sTAFF
Bruce Moore- "Heavy Metal Overlord"
CEO Brutally Delicious Productions/Award Winning Film Producer/ /Author/Death Metal Chicken Farmer
Kris Siegers-Co-Founder, co-host and occasional ASSHOLE initiated into metalhead brotherhood on 70000 Tons of Metal in 2011 in full golfer garb, Kris Siegers is a beer-lover with an irreverently outrageous sense of humor, and a touch of nostalgia, for the hair he once sported.
Riina Rinkinen- Co-Host, the singer of Silentium, joined the show after a legendary interview with the guys and then never left out of the goodness of her heart. "It's charitable work to make Kris and Bruce look less bad - a thankless job but someone's gotta do it."
Dark Macek- Headbanger in Chief,
Brutally Delicious Co-Host/ Reviewer Hailing from Long Island, Dark has been headbanging since 2004. His first metal show was Megadeth in 2008 (the day of his grandfather’s funeral), and he’s been to more than 200 since. He’s a regular at Manhattan shows - come say hi if you see him!
Ray Wheeler- Writer/Reviewer- Ray is an award winning screenwriter and Dean’s List Film Student from Atlanta. Ray plays bass, loves traveling, and never stops listening to metal.
Amber Fitzgerald- Social Media Manager
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