Under normal circumstances, two of the albums on this week’s short list would be creating some of the biggest hype of the season. However, with Lamb of God’s new album freshly released and Disturbed’s mighty return just a week away, both of these have flown under the radar a bit. Time to give them the attention they deserve! Here is this week’s release list.
Bullet for My Valentine, Venom (RCA)
The fifth album from the Welsh rockers is also the debut of new bassist Jamie Mathias. Former bassist Jason “Jay” James left the band in February of this year, while the album was being recorded. In addition to their lineup change, Bullet for My Valentine proves on this record, more than any other, that it’s very hard to have negative press in the music industry, and to take advantage of having an audience. Five songs from Venom have already been released as singles, and I bet that there are still more to come.
Soulfly, Archangel (Nuclear Blast)
We’ve always known that Max Cavalera puts family first in everything, including his music. His son Zyon joining Soulfly in 2012 as their full-time drummer gave us further evidence of that. Now we have even more, as Max’s other son Igor Jr. has also joined Soulfly, filling the vacant bassist spot left by Tony Campos earlier this year. Archangel is Igor Jr.’s recording debut, as well as being Soulfly’s shortest record to date, clocking in at just under 37 minutes.
Stray from the Path, Subliminal Criminals (Sumerian)
Hardcore mainstays Stray from the Path return with album number seven. The Long Island group has already released three singles from the album, “Eavesdropper”, “Outbreak”, and “First World Problem Child”. All of them show that the band’s energy and intensity have only increased since 2013’s Anonymous. You can catch Stray from the Path on tour with Comeback Kid starting in September.
