I guess I spoke too soon last week, because the heat wave came back this week in force. Summer is doing its utmost to leave a lasting impression on us, that’s for sure. Meanwhile, the release calendar is teasing us with small morsels of greatness, building our excitement for the autumn months to come. Today is much like last week in that regards, as we get another short list containing solid material and a few hints of what’s in store for us come September. Enjoy today’s music, and keep ticking off that calendar as we head into the fall!
The Amity Affliction, This Could Be Heartbreak (Roadrunner)
The fifth record from the Australian metalcore group is their most deeply personal to date. Vocalist Joel Birch wrote the album while in the midst of a downward spiral through depression and alcoholism, which he discusses in a recent interview with Alternative Press. Birch has begun the process of healing himself, and hopefully that will translate into the group’s live shows and future creations.
Equilibrium, Armageddon (Nuclear Blast)
A big shake-up took place in Equilibrium just prior to the release of 2014’s Erdentempel, as longtime members Andreas Völkl (guitar) and Sandra Van Eldik (bass) decided to leave the band for unspecified reasons. Equilibrium has soldiered on, though, and the German folk metal group sounds as impressive as ever. Armageddon is the group’s fifth album, and following the example of Erdentempel, features songs in both English and German.
Various Artists, The Depression Sessions (Nuclear Blast)
This EP is a three-way split by Thy Art is Murder, The Acacia Strain, and Fit for an Autopsy. The three extreme metal groups recorded together in New Jersey last December, with each group creating one original song and one cover to contribute to the EP. The idea behind the EP is to show that camaraderie and companionship are most important in the highly competitive world that surrounds us, and this theme shows through in the atypical compositions from each group. It’s an intriguing listen that everyone should take a chance on.
