Four Kings Of Metal, Four Metal Kings

Manowar, the self-proclaimed kings of metal, is currently recording a new version of their classic album, Kings of Metal, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The New York-based band is currently in the studio recording Kings of Metal 2014, which will contain new arrangements of the Kings Of Metal songs, as well as other updates and revisions, along with bonus materials like never-before-seen video footage, photos, behind-the-scenes interviews, and insight into the history of Manowar from that era.

The group made the announcement on Sunday through their Facebook page.

Blabbermouth is reporting that former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus has passed away at the age of 54. The information was first posted by former Manowar guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman on his own Facebook page, and later verified by Columbus’ girlfriend Nancy. According to the posts available at the time of this writing, Columbus died early in the evening of Monday, April 4, 2011. [Update: the band has confirmed the news, see full update below.] Cause of death is not known at this time.

Scott Columbus joined Manowar in 1983, and played with the band on many of their well-known and now classic albums such as Kings of Metal and Louder than Hell. He left the band in 2008, reportedly over disagreements with band members — though by all indications the disagreement seemed amiable and insiders say it was simply time for Columbus to move on.

Right now Amazon is running a deal on the MP3 version of Manowar‘s Sign Of The Hammer album for only $3.68!

I just happened upon this sale, so I don’t know how long it will last, but seriously, if you like metal and you do not own this album, grab this now!!!

Sign Of The Hammer, which was released in 1984, is one of my favorite metal albums ever, so I’m highly recommending it, especially since you can get all 8 songs for under four bucks — that’s a steal. Buying the songs separately would be around 10 bucks; the CD is $12.19.

Note, if you purchase MP3s through Amazon, it downloads into your iTunes account, so it’s as simple as purchasing directly through iTunes. Also, you can now gift these MP3 purchases – just click the “Give album or song as gift” button on the right on the product page.

Metal Sucks posed a question this week: If The Big Four were The Big 8, which bands would be the next four in the group?

If you’re unaware, The Big 4 Tour is comprised of thrash metal giants Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. The tour is scheduled to arrive in just one city this April in the United States, much to the dismay of metalheads across the nation who wanted the tour to hit more cities.

I’ve seen some reactions from fans who aren’t in total agreement with this touring line-up, stating that not every band on the bill fits the “Big 4” mold. I happened to think it’s a great bill, but I’ve wondered what other bands would fit nicely on this tour.

So, if The Big 4 Tour was actually The Big 8 Tour, what four additional bands do you think deserve to be on it?

Check out my picks below and let me know what yours would be.