Metal By Numbers is a weekly column in which we look at the top metal sellers and debuts of the week as well as what’s getting played at Metal radio courtesy of radio trade magazine FMQB, whose metal panel consists of about 80 college and commercial stations that have metal shows, as well as SiriusXM, Music Choice, and more.
Yeah, we knew Michael Jackson’s legacy and death (did you hear? Michael Jackson died) would result in mega chart sales, and they did even moreso than last week, but the big story is Killswitch Engage. Their fifth album, and fourth for Roadrunner, debuted inside the top ten, which is amazing, not to mention the second Roadrunner metal album to do so within two weeks. Suicide Silence also debuts high, while Killswitch vaults into the top three at Metal Radio while claiming most-added honors at FMQB.
Notable Debuts:
Killswitch Engage, Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner) #7, 58,000 sold
After Dream Theater’s debut last week, this becomes the 11th Roadrunner album to debut inside the top ten. Great job and congratulations are in order for the label and the band.
Suicide Silence, No Time To Bleed (Century Media) 14,000 sold
This might be the highest-debuting deathcore album yet. The band’s sophomore album was recorded right here in Weehawken next to the Metal Insider compound by Machine.
Obituary, Darkest Day (Candlelight) 1,200 sold
Together for nearly 25 years, the band’s eighth studio album has a nice debut for a death metal album.
Ex Deo, Romulus (Nuclear Blast) 600 sold
So this band features Vivan Campbell, Claude Schnell, Craig Goldy, and – oh, it’s not ex-Dio? Never mind.
Thy Will Be Done, In Ancient of Days (Stillborn) 550 sold
The Rhode Island-based band posts a pretty solid debut.
Lillian Axe, Sad Day on Planet Earth (Blistering) 450 sold
Resurrecated ’80s band puts up an impressive 300% debut from last week, but that might be because the album was only online last week.
Notable Sales:
Chickenfoot, Chickenfoot (Redline/Fontana) #21, 21,200 sold
This is nice and all, but seeing Michael Anthony in a band that isn’t Van Halen makes me sad.
Dream Theater, Black Clouds and Silver Linings (Roadrunner) #46, 10,200 sold
A sharp 75% decrease this week, but that’s still got them at 51,00 sold.
Hollywood Undead, Swan Songs (Octone) #47, 8,500 sold
This album is probably certified gold already, but has sold about 450,000. ICP fans must be pissed that another semi-rap, semi-rock band usurped them.
The Mars Volta, Octahedron (Warner Bros.) #58, 8,100 sold
The latest TMV album sells nearly 75% less than it did last week with its debut.
Marilyn Manson, The High End of Low (Interscope) #102, 4,100 sold
With 90,000 sold, the album has leveled off to a point where it’s selling about this much every week. The Mayhem Fest might help things out some.
Disturbed, Indestructable (Reprise) #127, 3,900 sold
Talk about an apt album title. It’s been a year, people – find another band!
Metallica, Death Magnetic (Warner Bros.) #135, 3,600 sold
In related news, St. Anger sold 3 copies this week. (just kidding, we don’t know how many, but it’s probably closer to 2).
The Devil Wears Prada, With Roots Above and Branches Below (Ferret) 3,100 sold
Taking a nice 22% jump in sales this week, the album’s sold about 66,600. Irony!
Slipknot, All Hope is Gone (Roadrunner), #168, 2,900 sold
This (deservedly) keeps selling, and the tour won’t hurt things either.
Darkest Hour, Eternal Return (Victory) 1,900 sold
The Summer Slaughter tour should keep them in the spotlight.
Goatwhore, Carving out the Eyes of God (Metal Blade) 1,150 sold
As Ben Falgoust put it, “The Devil is Metal.” The success of this awesome death metal album is proving it.
Bring Me The Horizon, Suicide Season (Epitaph) 1,100 sold
Up to 62,000 sold, and doing it slow and organically.
Iwrestledabearonce, It’s All Happening (Century Media) 700 sold
This should cross the 10,000 sold barrier next week.
Bury Your Dead, It’s Nothing Personal (Victory) 700 sold
Over 8,000 buried.
Eyes Set To Kill, World Outside (Suburban Noize) 650 sold
Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Hot N’ Heavy (Suretone) 500 sold
Up to almost 6,000 sold.
FMQB Most Added
1. Killswitch Engage, Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner)
2. Arkaea, Years in the Darkness (E1 Entertainment)
3. Suicide Silence, No Time To Bleed (Century Media)
4. Twisted Sister, Stay Hungry Limited Edition (Rhino)
5t. Crimson Armada, Guardians (Metal Blade)
5t. Sunn O))), Monoliths and Dimensions (Southern Lord)
FMQB Top Ten Albums
1. DevilDriver, Pray For Villians (Roadrunner)
2. Dream Theater, Black Clouds and Silver Linings (Roadrunner)
3. Killswitch Engage, Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner)
4. Chimaira, The Infection (Ferret Music)
5. Voivod, Infini (Relapse)
6. Hatebreed, For The Lions (E1)
7. Iwrestledabearonce, It’s All Happening (Century Media)
8. Heaven & Hell, The Devil You Know (Rhino)
9. Goatwhore, Carving out the Eyes of God (Metal Blade)
10. Seventh Void, Heaven is Gone (Big Vin)
