Metal By Numbers is a weekly column in which we look at the top metal sellers and debuts of the week.
While last week saw a crap load of new metal and hard rock releases, this week brings us only two. The top honor comes from arguably Iowa’s second biggest metal import For Today. And to say the least, the Christian metalcore group have an extremely impressive first week. For starters, a top 15 debut is proof that For Today are gaining a strong and large following. Furthermore, the success of their new album Immortal further proves that switching from Facedown Records (a predominately Christian metal label) to Razor & Tie was indeed the right move. And on top of all that, their upcoming appearance on this year’s Warped Tour promises even more exposure to a larger audience.
Notable Debuts:
For Today, Immortal (Razor & Tie) #15, 14,786 sold
Not entirely sure how this album’s first week compares to their past records’ sales, but a top 20 debut is still extremely impressive. I guess that “thou shalt not steal” cut down on illegal downloading?
Art By Numbers, Reticence: The Musical (self-released) 350 sold
Pretty awesome debut for this self-release from an Unsigned and Streamed alumni. Goes to show you don’t need a major label. Or even an indie one.
Notable Sales:
Slash, Apocalyptic Love (Dik Hayd) #19, 13,600 sold
The former GN’R guitarist’s sophomore album, and last week’s top hard rock debut, experiences a 64% decrease in its second week. Still not enough, though, to kick the top hat wearing guitarist out of the top 20.
Tenacious D, Rize of the Fenix (Columbia) #57, 6,940 sold
A 52% decrease isn’t that big a deal for the Greatest Band in the World, because being in the top 60 with what’s basically a comedy album after three weeks is such a solid look. JB and KG have sold over 70,000 copies during that time.
Shinedown, Amaryllis (Atlantic) #75, 5,390 sold
After ten weeks on the charts, the Uproar Tour co-headliners have sold under 230,000 copies of their latest album.
Marilyn Manson, Born Villain (Cooking Vinyl/ Downtown/Hell, Etc.) #110, 3,750 sold
As LL Cool J once said, “Don’t Call It A Comeback.” Sure, it took five weeks to kick Manson out of the top 100 (longer than most metal acts), but still pales in comparison to his past sales.
Five Finger Death Punch, American Capitalist (Prospect Park) #113, 3,700 sold
FFPD, on the other hand, are still going strong after 34 weeks on the charts.
Godsmack, Live & Inspired (Universal) #120, 3,600 sold
Considering that it’s a live album with a few recorded covers, a 39% decrease in sales for Godsmack after three weeks isn’t bad at all.
The Cult, Choice of Weapon (12th Street) #125, 3,300 sold
A 71% decrease in sales for The Cult was obviously not by choice.
Halestorm, The Strange Case Of… (Atlantic) #131, 2,960 sold
Nothing strange about another 25% decrease in sales after eight weeks on the charts.
Van Halen, A Different Kind of Truth (Interscope) #158, 2,400 sold
Not sure if this is what Van Halen had in mind when writing “Panama.”
Volbeat, Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (Universal) #161, 2,400 sold
Considering this album has been out in the States for 81 weeks now and still selling copies, a 14% decrease in sales is nothing to sweat.
Foo Fighters, Wasting Light (RCA) #181, 2,100 sold
Looks like drummer Taylor Hawkins just landed an acting gig.
Six Feet Under, Undead (Metal Blade) 1,030 sold
A 61% decrease was enough to kick Chris Barnes and company out of the top 200 after an impressive first week. Hopefully Barnes saved some of the dough he made from his commercial.
Otherwise, True Love Never Dies (Century Media) 920 sold
The hard rock group experiences a 28% decrease in sales. Otherwise, still doing well after four weeks.
Kill Devil Hill, Kill Devil Hill (SPV/Steamhammer) 590 sold
A 68% decrease in sales for Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath) and Rex Brown’s (ex-Pantera) new group in their second week on the charts.
Sonata Arctica, Stones Grow Her Name (Nuclear Blast) 560 sold
After an impressive top 200 debut, the Finnish power metal group experiences a 74% decrease in sales.
Saint Vitus, Lillie: F-65 (Season of Mist) 500 sold
The doom metal legends’ first album in 17 years experiences a 55% decrease in sales.
Firewind, Few Against Many (DisManic, Inc.) 430 sold
You’d think that this release would’ve gotten more of a boost from guitarist/founder Gus G’s gig with Ozzy. At the same time, Firewind are still doing pretty well for themselves considering its their first album via their own imprint.
Upon A Burning Body, Red. White. Green. (Sumerian) 400 sold
We’re sure Upon A Burning Body is counting down the days to Mayhem Fest, which should give album sales an even bigger boost.
Sabaton, Carolus Rex (Nuclear Blast) 350 sold
Here’s another Nuclear Blast power metal group that experienced a 63% decrease in their second week on the charts.
Sleep, Dopesmoker (Southern Lord) 334 sold
Only a 24% decrease for the re-release after four weeks.
Torche, Harmonicraft (Volcom) 320 sold
Here’s hoping that the sludge rock group’s appearance at Metallica’s Orion Music & More will help give sales a boost.
God Forbid, Equilibrium (Victory) 300 sold
The NJ metal titans are right around the same spot they found themselves last week.
Prong, Carved Into Stone (Long Branch) 290 sold
Look who came to visit us at the office earlier today.
