New & Noteworthy, April 15th – Picture Perfect
With a slew of new releases that will satiate every metalhead’s appetite in some form, this week’s list does not disappoint! Check it all out to see what’s in store!
Triptykon, Melana Chasmata (Century Media)
After 2010’s triumphant debut Eparistera Daimones and the companion Shatter EP, Triptykon went fairly quiet, to the dismay of many fans that wanted more of Tom Gabriel Fischer. Those fans will be satisfied now with the group’s follow-up. Melana Chasmata is already getting rave reviews from most critics, which means that this album should be able to match the very high bar that Eparistera Daimones set four years ago.
Sevendust, Time Travelers & Bonfires (7Brothers)
Sevendust’s crowd-funded acoustic album has already generated a huge buzz, thanks to a wildly successful funding campaign (the band received 235% of their goal) and previews of two new tracks, the acoustic version of “Black” and the completely new song “The Wait.” The album features six brand-new compositions and six re-imaginings of Sevendust classics. If you want to experience it in a live setting, Sevendust is currently on tour throughout the country. “An Evening with Sevendust” will run until the end of June, and you can find all the tour dates here.
Kyng, Burn the Serum (Razor & Tie)
We gave you an exclusive preview of the track “Sewn Shut” recently, and as listed under the album preview, the band will be on tour soon with Kill Devil Hill and Crobot. This stoner rock trio from California has managed to get noticed quite a bit in recent years, courtesy of supporting roles on several major tours. Sales figures for Burn the Serum, the group’s sophomore album, will be a strong indicator of how many people were reached during their extensive touring time.
Gamma Ray, Empire of the Undead (Eagle Rock/Armoury)
About a month ago, we streamed two new Gamma Ray songs for your listening pleasure. Understandably, this was a big hit with fans of the German power metal veterans, as they have not released any new material since To the Metal! came out in 2010. This will be the debut of the band’s new drummer, Michael Ehré, best known as the former drummer of Firewind and Metalium. Ehré replaces Daniel Zimmerman, who had been with Gamma Ray for 15 years prior to his departure in 2012.
Emmure, Eternal Enemies (Victory)
Emmure was stirring up controversy with Eternal Enemies two months before its release, when it came to light that the first song on the album was about gun violence in schools. There is also a song that’s supposedly about Jake LaMotta, the boxer from Raging Bull. Other song titles like “Free Publicity” and “Most Hated” suggest that Emmure is taking the “there’s no such thing as bad press” route going forward. And hey, considering Rob from Metal Injection is a guest on one track, the band seem to be taking it quite literally!
The Birds of Satan, The Birds of Satan (Shanabelle/+180)
Foo Fighters seems to be a nexus for drummers that want to be lead singers. Dave Grohl is, very obviously, the poster child for that role, but it seems that drummer Taylor Hawkins has the same ambitions, as he tackles the lead vocals in this side project. We’re streaming this album in full, so be sure to check it out for everything from prog to thrash to good old-fashioned rock.
Mos Generator, Electric Mountain Majesty (Listenable)
Continuing in the department of music that we’re streaming for you, Metal Insider debuted the track “The Heavy Ritual” last week for your enjoyment. Mos Generator should appeal to the stoner metal fan in us all, and “The Heavy Ritual” is a perfect example of why. This is perfect for fans of Crowbar, High on Fire, Down, and other stoner metal mainstays.
Enthroned, Sovereigns (Agonia)
The Belgian black metal group has been around for over twenty years now, but they have lost none of their skill or evilness in the course of that time. You can check out two songs from the new album right here. Enthroned will also be making a rare Stateside appearance this year, playing on May 22nd at the Maryland Deathfest.
I Declare War, We Are Violent People by Nature (Artery)
This Seattle-based deathcore group is releasing its third album today, and they’re still holding nothing back. Exact personifications of the “brutal deathcore” classification that fans have given them, this is perfect for fans of Oceano, Carnifex, and other ultra-heavy deathcore groups. If you’re heading to the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival this weekend, you can catch I Declare War on Friday, April 18th.
Anubis Gate, Horizons (Nightmare)
This Danish group once counted producer Jacob Hansen as part of its lineup. However, Hansen left in 2011, shortly before the release of their self-titled album. Bassist Henrik Fevre has taken over the lead vocalist position since then, and the band now performs as a four-piece lineup. This is perfect for fans of prog rock like Suspyre and Ride the Sky.
Cult Leader, Nothing for Us Here (Deathwish)
When Gaza disbanded last year, three of the band’s members decided to carry on making music. After acquiring a new bassist, the band known as Cult Leader was born. This is the natural evolution of Gaza into something greater, and it will appeal to fans of Converge and The Dillinger Escape Plan quite a lot.
Black Sabbath, The Complete Albums 1970-1978 (Rhino)
By rights, any self-respecting metalhead should already own all of these albums. However, in case you “just haven’t gotten around to it yet,” or if you really need to educate someone else know about metal in general, now you pick up Black Sabbath’s first eight albums all in one box set. This is a great price for every album from Black Sabbath to Never Say Die!
Next Week: A lot of new releases are coming out on Record Store Day, so we will likely cover a lot of those! Be ready!
