This week for our Metal Issue, BORN OF FIRE and the Boston Phoenix raised their swords together and compiled this killer 15-track homegrown metal compilation, The Phoenix Born of Fire Volume 1, which you can listen to or download after the jump for zero dollars and zero cents. Plus: info on our issue-release party and end of summer BBQ at O'Brien's.

Wondering why they're nominated for BEST METAL BAND in this year's BEST MUSIC POLL? Click on this you'll get an idea: it's "Heavy Lies the Crown," recorded last week at the Middle East, where DOOMRlDERS were finishing off a tour with Red Sparowes. If you missed it, your next chance to see them is at this weekend's NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL

Like Motörhead before them, DOOMRIDERS live up to their name: they sound fucking evil. They’re one of the few side projects whose careers might actually be impeded, rather than enhanced, by the main-band association: their new Darkness Come Alive (Deathwish, Inc.) is even more accessible than Converge’s new Axe To Fall