Chapter III

At the heart of The Wailing Ossuary lies an ancient ritual summoning pentacle surrounded by laughing skulls. They challenge brave metalheads to lead five mighty musicians in an epic performance to try to conjure a monster of metal.

Today is the Gaelic festival of Bealtaine which marks the beginning of summer (in the Northern Hemisphere at least). Ritual bonfires are built for the protective qualities of their flames, smoke and ashes. Be sure to bless your cattle, crops and people but don’t forget to also honour the great trees and spirits that dwell therein. A lack of respect for the forest is sure to bring the ire of your conjured entity; read on to find out more.

The Chorus

The Hu set the bar very high with their debut album in 2019 but their second offering, Rumble of Thunder, is up to the challenge. Opening with the rhythmic marching beat of This Is Mongol before being tempered by the aspirational, orchestral YUT Hövende, this album keeps the listener on their toes as it continuously twists and turns through the war hymn Black Thunder to the ominous Shihi Hutu. Top tip: the deluxe edition includes a few bonus versions of Black Thunder including a brilliant collaboration with Serj Tankian and DL.

The Champion - II

Zakk Wylde needs no introduction; not many guitarists have a signature design so iconic as his bullseye. First gaining infamy working on our favourite Ozzy Osbourne albums before forming metal legends Black Label Society and now recently touring with Pantera, Zakk elevates any metal he touches with his unmistakable, contrasting playing style. His squealing metal harmonics and dirty riffs make him the must-have lead guitarist for your summoning supergroup. For bonus points he even leads a Black Sabbath tribute band called, you guessed it, Zakk Sabbath. What a legend.

The Curse

By performing your ritual today of all days it was inevitable that you would earn the attention of Druantia, The White Goddess and Queen of the Druids. Provided you have properly respected the forest during your ritual, she will bestow a passion and creativity that can endlessly improved your song-writing and performance. Her earthly protections will allow you to perform at countless outdoor festivals without a blemish left on the landscape. Notably, Druantia is also a fertility goddess and so your sex-drive might go through the roof; we’ll let you decide whether that's a blessing or a curse.