Metal By Numbers is a weekly column in which we look at the top metal sellers and debuts of the week.
This week’s top hard rock debut came from Puddle Of Mudd’s covers album. However, the top metal debut comes from Canada’s own Kittie. The female metal group’s sixth studio album I’ve Failed You falls slightly short of what 2009’s In the Black sold (roughly near 3,400 and debuting at #132), as well as what 2007’s Funeral For Yesterday sold (debuting at #101 with under 9,000 copies). Nevertheless, Kittie still do pretty decently for themselves during a time when everyone is either illegally downloading music or buying Lil Wayne’s new album.
Notable Debuts:
Puddle Of Mudd, Re:(Dis)covered (Arms Division) #89, 5,100 sold
Sorry Puddle Of Mudd, but this is the last time we’re going to mention this covers album in Metal By Numbers. And no, it’s not just because you butchered AC/DC’s “TNT.”
Kittie, I’ve Failed You (eOne) #152, 3,020 sold
Kittie may be the one of the only bands who can say they’ve played both the 2010 Thrash And Burn tour and the Gathering of the Juggalos.
Stray from the Path, Rising Sun (Sumerian) 1,360 sold
The hardcore group’s third album with Sumerian Records has a solid first week on the charts.
Tommy Stinson, One Man Mutiny (Done To Death Music) 670 sold
So this may not really be considered a “metal release,” but if we’re going to report on a former GN’R bassist’s solo project, then we might as well cover GNR’s current bassist as well.
The World We Knew, Death Dealer (Blkheart Group) 580 sold
A small but decent first week for the straight-edge group’s first album via new label home BlkHeart Group.
Notable Sales:
Foo Fighters, Wasting Light (RCA) #70, 6,670 sold
Dave Grohl and co. experiences a 21% increase this week, bringing them back into the top 70. Is it a coincidence that they received a boost in sales after showing off their hot buns? Yes, most likely it is.
Breaking Benjamin, Shallow Bay: The Best Of Breaking Benjamin (Hollywood) #91, 4,950 sold
The band’s double disc greatest hits compilation (still baffled as to why two discs are necessary) experiences another 26% decrease. The success of this package is also kind of funny since it may have been the cause of Breaking Benjamin’s breakup.
Kid Rock, Born Free (Atlantic) #122, 3,740 sold
The one Detroit musician not partaking in this collaboration experiences only a 1% increase despite falling another 12 spots down the charts.
Hollywood Undead, American Tragedy (A&M/Octone) #139, 3,200 sold
The rapcore kings will be touring with the metalcore princes Asking Alexandria…god help us.
Avenged Sevenfold, Nightmare (Warner Bros.) #144, 3,150 sold
This year’s Uproar Tour headliners fall 13 spots down the charts despite a 1% increase.
Suicide Silence, The Black Crown (Century Media) #153, 3,000 sold
After a three week absence, Suicide Silence make an enormous return to the top 200 (with a 119% increase in sales). We have to believe that this is partly due to their album being on sale at Amazon for $6.99.
Trivium, In Waves (Roadrunner) #156, 2,890 sold
Another 21% decrease for Trivium in their fourth week. They’re still hanging in strong, though, and chances are their opening stint on Dream Theater’s tour will help sales out a lot.
Volbeat, Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (Universal) 1,200 sold
In 42 weeks, the Danish garage metallers have sold well over 42,000 copies.
Jasta, Jasta (eOne) 500 sold
Another 17% drop for the Hatebreed/Kingdom Of Sorrow frontman. After six weeks, Jasta’s solo album is showing less perseverance.
Adrenaline Mob, Adrenaline Mob (EP) (Self-Released) 360 sold
In three weeks, the EP of Mike Portnoy and Russell Allen’s hard rock project has sold 2,799. As we said during its debut week, you’d think that this release would sell slightly better considering the star power behind the group. You’d also think that their opening stint for Godsmack (which just ended last week) would’ve boosted sales slightly a little more. On the other hand, not only was the EP self-released, but also only available in digital outlets or at their shows. Imagine if they had a little backing from labels and were on opening for a well known band in major markets on a tour that lasted more than seven dates.
Psychostick, Space Vampires Vs. Zombie Dinosaurs (Rock Ridge) 340 sold
A 36% decrease for the Arizona “humorcore” band in their third week.
