Lamb of God, Mastodon, Kerry King, Malevolence

Notching a quarter-century, Richmond, Va., groovecore kings Lamb of God serve up 2022 pandemic flex Omens, their ninth LP overall. Atlanta proggers Mastodon, meanwhile, counter with an even earlier COVID response, eighth disc Hushed & Grim (2021). Now, stir in Slayer godfather Kerry King and his solo debut featuring Death Angel lung collapser Mark Osegueda. The guitarist’s known all parties since day one: “Really cool that I have so much history with them and now these guys are giving me my first American tour,” agreed King. “[Now it’s come] full circle, and we’re all still friends, and it’s going to be a good time.” Find further quotes in our interview with King. – Raoul Hernandez