WSOU Picks of the Week: Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson, Erra, High Tension

Seton Hall University’s WSOU radio is the only all-metal, all-the-time station currently broadcasting in the U.S., and has been a force in metal for DECADES. It’s also streamable online from anywhere in the world! Each week, the staff of WSOU shares their picks for the heaviest of the heavy, as well as the station’s charts for that week, right here on MetalSucks. Enjoy:

Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson – “Helter Skelter” (Nick E.)

What do the Beatles, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson all have in common? Manson and Zombie have been touring the states together this summer and took things to the next level by covering the Beatles track “Helter Skelter” together. The song keeps its original structure but gains the high level of distortion typical of Zombie’s music. Add in vocals by both Zombie and Manson and the new metal take on a classic song is heavy and awesome.

Erra – “Breach” (Danielle M.)

This summer rings in a new era for Erra. With Neon coming out in August, the progressive metal band from Birmingham released a new track, “Breach,” with draws you in with the first 48 seconds of a lull. The intro kicks off with soft vocals and a gentle guitar, but there is no preparing for the hard-hitting riff that follows. Fear not, this track is no ballad. Whereas “Disarray,” the other single from Neon, left me wanting a stronger kick for the riffs to keep the pace moving, “Breach” certainly delivers and does not disappoint.

High Tension – “Ghost to Ghost” (Aubrey F.)

Melbourne-bred High Tension are back with their new album Purge, uniting punk with metal with the fusion that I need. Their track “Ghost to Ghost” embodies Karina Utomo’s blood-curdling vocals which are sure to leave your brain with… high tension. The punk-metal ethos this album delivers is a reminder that badass chicks represent the resurgence in music that the industry needs. Take note, America, because this Australian band is crushing it.