Metal By Numbers is a weekly column in which we look at the top metal sellers and debuts of the week.
This week saw a lot of metal and rock debuts hitting the charts. But it’s the AC/DC Iron Man 2 soundtrack that had the biggest debut. While Bram’s prediction that it wouldn’t rank number 1 like it did in the U.K. was correct, AC/DC: Iron Man 2 did crack the top 5. Plus, I’m sure the album will continue to grow once the highly anticipated movie hits theaters next week. In other good metal news, Sevendust reach a chart peak with the top 12 debut of Cold Day Memory. Check below other for notable debuts this week and to see how other albums have been selling.
Notable Debuts:
AC/DC, AC/DC: Iron Man 2 (Columbia) #4 76,000 sold
This is the first ever greatest hits package AC/DC has ever released in its 37 year career, even if it’s technically a movie soundtrack.
Sevendust, Cold Day Memory (7 Bros.) #12 27,000 sold
While it isn’t their biggest selling album, Sevendust’s eighth album marks their highest chart ranking (beating 2007’s Alpha by two spots).
Cypress Hill, Rise Up (Capital) #19 18,000 sold
Ok, so Cypress Hill is more of a rap group. But their new album features appearances from Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello and System Of A Down’s Daron Malakian. So it merits a mention.
Ratt, Infestation (Loud & Proud) # 30 14,000 sold
Their first album with original singer Stephen Percy in 11 years does surprisingly really well, marking their highest ranking since 1988’s Reach For The Sky. I know there was a lot of promotion behind the album and reunion, but their first week success is still a shock.
Airbourne, No Guts, No Glory (Roadrunner) #89 6,000 sold
It’s ironic that they released their sophomore album the same week their Australian rock idols AC/DC release a greatest hits package. Too bad they probably won’t see the same success AC/DC will.
Periphery, Periphery (Sumerian) 4,500 sold
The progressive metal band’s debut album does well in its first week.
Sick Of It All, Based On A True Story (Century Media) 1,400 sold
The New York hardcore icons’ first album in four years has a modest first week. Great considering they’ve outlasted not only most of their contemporaries, but also the place that spawned the NYHC scene, CBGB.
Cathedral, The Guessing Game (Nuclear Blast) 730 sold
This is the doom metal godfathers’ first double album.
Notable Sales:
Slash, Slash (EMI) #33 13,000 sold
40% decrease for the ex-GN’ R shredder, but enough to stay in the top 50.
Coheed and Cambria, Year Of The Black Rainbow (Colombia) #42 11,000 sold
A big decrease in its second week, 78% to be exact. Coheed fans are they type to know exactly when the bands’ albums come out and travel from their parents basement to the local mall to buy it on release date (just kidding, that’s unfair to CoCa fans).
Alice In Chains, Black Gives Way To Blue (Virgin) #133 4,200 sold
With unconfirmed reports swirling the internet about Alice In Chains touring with the Deftones and Mastodon this Fall, I’m sure this album will continue selling for a while. Will you buy it? It’s your decision.
Five Finger Death Punch, War Is The Answer (Prospect Park) #135 4,100 sold
Only a slight increase in the album’s sales this week.
Them Crooked Vultures, Them Crooked Vultures (DGC/Interscope) #145 3,800 sold
Selling right around the same amount as last week.
Motley Crue, Greatest Hits (Motley Records) #167 3,100 sold
Why this greatest hits package has lasting power I have no clue.
The Scorpions, Sting In The Tail (Sony BMG) #177 2,900 sold
Ratt isn’t the only 80’s hair band to make a comeback on the charts. Even after five weeks, The Scorpion’s final album is still selling.
Slipknot, All Hope is Gone (Roadrunner) #190 2,700 sold
Slowly losing steam, but still has had a hell of a run on the charts.
Rob Zombie, Hellbilly Deluxe 2 (Loud and Proud/Roadrunner) #196 2,700 sold
Close to dropping off the charts, but his up-coming co-headlining dates with Alice Copper and appearance at Mayhem Fest will help keep sales up for a little while longer.
War Of Ages, Eternal (Facedown)# 158 1,000 sold
A 67% decrease sees the Hardcore Christian group drop off the top 200. But this album will probably stick around seeing that they will be promoting it the entire Summer while on the Cool Tour.
Veil Of Maya, ID (Sumerian) 1,000 sold
They will be getting more exposure this summer on the 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour.
Carnifex, Hell Chose Me (Victory) 670 sold
Oh, wouldn’t you know it? These guys will be on the 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour as well!
We Came As Romans, To Plant A Seed (Equal Vision) 650 sold
This album seems to be staying put for a while. Check them out at Bamboozle in Jersey if you’re there this weekend.
Attack Attack!,Someday Came Suddenly (Rise) 500 sold
Oh … Attack Attack! is back after being absent last week … great.
