Metalgf and I are almost done watching the entire series of The Wire. As much as we’d like to believe that what goes on in the show’s version of Baltimore is fictional and embellished for drama’s sake, startling events like this one serve as reminders that where there’s fiction it’s usually based on truth: last week, Sons of Azrael guitarist Tony Lorenzo was shot and robbed in Buffalo, NY, a city as notorious for crime and poverty as Baltimore. As of now, the 25 year old guitarist is paralyzed from the waist down, with a bullet lodged in his spinal column. Doctors have to wait for the swelling to go down before they can remove the bullet.

You can watch WIVB-TV’s full report on the incident in the video below. While New York state has a crime victim relief fund that helps reimburse for medical-only expenses, a PayPal account (helpingtony@gmail.com) has also been set up to help pay for Tony and his family’s personal expenses (renovating the home to accomodate a wheelchair, transportation, clothing, personal care etc.).

Best wishes to Tony — we wish him a speedy recovery — and, of course, his family.

-VN

Man shot in robbery may never walk again: wivb.com

Alright, so Vince is back Tuesday, which means the balance between light and dark should be restored here at the MetalSucks Mansion. What Vince doesn’t know is that I had Higgins make some… adjustments to Vince’s wing. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be sitting on the shitter when ya flush it, Vinnie. BWA-HA-HA!!!

Here’s what we did while Vince has been away:

• We spoke to the legendary Jello Biafra and DevilDriver’s Dez Fafara.
• God Forbid’s Doc Coyle broke down the breakdown, The Austerity Program’s Justin Foley ruminated some more on the format wars, andVertebrae33′s Rod Githens analyzed the best album covers of 2009.
• We checked out new releases by Six Feet Under, Valkyrja, Brainstorm, Trapped Under Ice and Sons of Azrael.
• Our staff chose some albums that will fuck your face off in 2010.
• The line-up for Mayhem Fest 2010 got the kids all riled up.
• Dave Mustaine and Kerry King <3 T.G.I.Friday’s.

Have a good weekend, everybody!!!

-AR

In an effort to address the requests of you, our beloved MetalSucks Maniacs, and run more reviews, we are now introducing a new column, “Bleeder’s Digest.” This will be quick, simple assessments of new and upcoming releases. We hope you enjoy…

Trapped Under Ice, Secrets of the World

Baltimore’s Trapped Under Ice have picked up considerable steam in their relatively short existence, with a coveted spot on last year’s killer 10 For $10 Tour and a trio of 7″ releases that have rapidly and exponentially earned them a following in the American hardcore scene. Boasting production from Dean Baltulonis (Another Victim, Goes Cube, Most Precious Blood), their debut album Secrets of the World clocks in at just under twenty-three minutes, and brandishes its menacing twelve tracks as if they were switchblades. Current metallic hardcore champions Terror make for an obvious reference point, but the rapped delivery of “Believe” and “Eye Hand” call to mind thuggish NYHC groups like Crown Of Thornz, a cited influence. Though the lyrical content is nothing new, highlights like “From Birth” and “World I Hate” nonetheless smolder with acridity and regret, memorably dueling guitars chugging and squealing alongside the embittered laments and defiant declarations of vocalist Justice. “TUI” and other satisfyingly uptempo cuts offer ample fodder for the circle pit savages, but this album sports a budding musicianship that’s uncharacteristic in a genre so unabashedly prone to uniformity.

(3 1/2 out of 5 horns)

-GS

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I think it’s safe to say that Full Blow Chaos front man Ray Mazzola is the funniest interview subject we’ve ever had. If you’ve read the interview, you know these dudes get into some crazy, crazy The Dirt-style shit when they’re on tour.

So it’s just been announced that they’ll be hitting the road again in July, first to do a string of headlining gigs with The Breathing Process and Sons of Azrael, then to do some shows with science fiction lovers/pure misanthropes Shai Hulud. You should really, really make an effort to go to one of these shows and buy Ray and company a drink or twelve. If you’re nice to them, I’ll bet they’ll let you co-indulge in whatever shenanigans they get up to. And there will be shenanigans.

Just leave your girlfriend/sister/mother/whatever at home. It would be a shame to see anyone you really care about get a bottle shoved up any place that is extremely uncomfortable… like the back of a Volkswagen.

After the jump, get FBC’s complete tour itinerary.

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