Who doesn’t love Tenacious D? This week, The Greatest Band in the World – Jack Black and Kyle Glass – released their third studio album, Rize of the Fenix. Sure, it’s not as good as their previous albums, but it still makes for a fun listen once or twice. Unlike most comedic musical acts, Tenacious D is capable of producing intricate music that has replay value. Not an easy thing to do.
Though most of Tenacious D’s music is acoustic, their influences are clearly heavy metal. One of their most popular songs is “The Metal” for chrissakes. That they’re parodying the genre is obvious, but it’s out of love. As a result, they’ve earned respect from the metal community; Slipknot’s Corey Taylor even has a Tenacious D tribute band.
Even though they’re not heavy most of the time, can Tenacious D be considered metal? On to the debate…
Looking through comments on this blog, I saw one that mocked another poster for believing that 
This week, Shadows Fall released its seventh studio album, Fire From the Sky. It’s the band’s first album in three years. Early reviews have been positive. 
It’s been a long time since Marilyn Manson has ruffled anyone’s feathers. The religious right doesn’t seem to care much about him these days, and he’s no longer the go-to media scapegoat. In 2012 and at 43, he’s just not relevant with the today’s youth. He’s probably a few years away from being labeled classic rock. Regardless, he’s never ditched his goth ways and continues putting out new music.
R.I.P. to Adam Yauch AKA MCA of the Beastie Boys, who succumbed to cancer last week at the 
During the 2012 Grammy Awards, Foo Fighters leadman David Grohl wore a vintage Slayer t-shirt for multiple performances. The 43-year-old veteran rocker, whois managed to overshadow his time as Nirvana’s drummer, is clearly influenced by the metal genre.
If you’re a die-hard metalhead, you may be disappointed by Opeth’s latest album, Heritage, which was released this week by Roadrunner Records. The album is rather folky and features none of the band’s signature death growls. It’s a lot more in line with 1970s prog rock than metal, but there are still some heavy elements sporadically. If Gentle Giant had been influenced by metal, the new Opeth is what they might sound like.
If you’ve been listening to mainstream rock radio lately, you’ve likely heard The Pretty Reckless’s catchy tune, “Make Me Wanna Die.” I can’t be the only one who was surprised to learn that the band’s female singer is just 18 years old. Taylor Momsen’s voice sounds at least 25, and the subject matter is a bit edgier than what her peers in her age group (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All excluded) sing about.
Hollywood Undead is a Los Angeles-based band that has a cult following. People over age 25 don’t get it, but they appear to have a strong connection with the Hot Topic crowd. Their two albums – 2008′s Swan Songs and 2011′s American Tragedy – have been panned by critics, but they’ve sold better than anyone expected.
Rest in peace to Jani Lane, the Warrant frontman who was found dead in a Woodland Hills, California hotel room last week. He was only 47. A cause of death has not yet been released. If you came of age in the 1980s, you’re probably familiar with Warrant’s music. Even if you’re a 90s baby, odds are you’ve heard “Cherry Pie” at least a few dozen times.