We’re experiencing a brief off-week before jumping into more weeks that are jammed with new albums. However, this week has one of the most intriguing new albums coming out this month, so this list is worth your attention just for that. Read on!
Queensrÿche with Geoff Tate, Frequency Unknown (Cleopatra)
So for those of you that weren’t aware, Queensrÿche had a very high-profile split last year, including a major legal battle in the Washington state superior court. The court eventually defeated the motions filed Geoff Tate and his wife, and the ruling instead was given that both parties can use the name Queensrÿche until the next court date, which is set for November 18th. That means that there are two versions of Queensrÿche that are currently active, so fans will need to pay close attention to which version they are buying tickets for. Later in the year, this will also become an issue for new releases, as the other version of Queensrÿche is scheduled to release an album in June. Compounding problems is the fact that Capitol Records is planning to release a compilation album next month. That basically means that you’ll get three different Queensrÿche albums in the space of three months, and every single one will have a different lineup. This version features original vocalist Geoff Tate and a host of newcomers, among them Kelly Gray, who also played with Queensrÿche from 1998 to 2002, and bassist Rudy Sarzo, who’s logged time with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. Frequency Unknown features a multitude of guest performers, including Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, ex-Testament and ex-Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph, ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, and many others. The giant “F.U.” on the cover art may be a not-so-subtle message to Tate’s former bandmates, but we’ll have to see if the album sales from this record send a bigger and more important message.
Rob Zombie, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor (Roadrunner/Loud & Proud)
Yet another big release coming from the Roadrunner camp in spring, Rob Zombie’s second album with the label comes four days after the release of his latest film, The Lords of Salem. This is also the first Zombie album to feature drummer Ginger Fish, who takes Joey Jordison’s place behind the kit and, like guitarist John 5, is an alumnus of Marilyn Manson’s band. This album may inspire a bit more controversy than Hellbilly Deluxe 2, mostly because the opening track is entitled “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy”, but initial reactions to lead radio single “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown” have been positive so far. Zombie is likely to score another big hit with his fifth solo studio album. The only thing left to seal the deal is another high-profile tour with an unforgettable stage show, something that Zombie specializes in.
Also being released this week:
Whitesnake, Made in Japan (Frontiers)
Woe, Withdrawal (Candlelight)
Kaledon, Altor: The King’s Blacksmith (Scarlet)
Vehement Serenade, The Things That Tear You Apart (Fast Break)
Empyrios, Zion (Scarlet)
Lothlöryen, Raving Souls Society (Nightmare)
Next Week: We get a plethora of melodic death metal albums, but the headlines will likely be devoted entirely to the most popular gothic rock/metal group that Finland has ever produced. Come back in seven days for all the details!
