New & Noteworthy is a weekly column in which we highlight some of the newest rock and metal releases coming out each week. This week features new music from Soen and Black Star Riders, a 30th Anniversary Edition of Judas Priest’s Turbo, a Gene Hoglan instructional DVD and more. If you want to check out last week’s releases, see the latest sales numbers, or watch some of the best music videos released last week you can do so here, here, and here.
Soen, Lykaia (Label)
Returning with their third studio album, Sweden’s Soen brings us Lykaia. The album, which takes it’s name from the ancient Greek Lykaia festival, was produced by guitarist Marcus Jidell at Ghost Ward, StudioGröndal and Deep Well in Stockholm, Sweden. It was recorded entirely in analog, as vocalist Joel Ekelof said: “Mostly because it sounds better, but also because it forces all the members of the band to be on top of their game during the recording. With analogue equipment, the possibilities of post-editing are more limited and you get what you hear.” Lykaia is also available on vinyl.
Iron Reagan, Crossover Ministry (Relapse)
Richmond, Virginia’s crossover thrash outfit Iron Reagan have released their third full length studio album, Crossover Ministry. It is their second since signing to Relapse Records, and features 18 songs of sacrilegious, heavy riffing action. With an average song length of less than 2 minutes, CM is all the trashy goodness with no filler. The band is will be touring the US later this month and into March in support of the album.
Black Star Riders, Heavy Fire (Nuclear Blast)
Heavy Fire is the third studio album from Black Star Riders. The album was recorded and produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the man behind the board on their previous album The Killer Instinct. The band will be our touring to support the album come March. Also available on vinyl.
Judas Priest, Turbo: Remaster (Sony)
While we wait for the release of the follow-up to their 2014 release Redeemer of Souls, we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Judas Priest 1986 album Turbo. The 30ths Anniversary Deluce Edition features a remastered version of the original album as well as a two disc, live-set recorded at Kemper Arena in Kansas City. Vinyl.
Black Sabbath, The Ultimate Collection (Rhino)
Right as the heavy metal pioneers are getting ready to retire, Britiain’s Black Sabbath releases The Ultimate Collection, a two disc, 31 song greatest hits featuring some of their best material. This comes less than 48 hours before they are set to play their final show, in their home city of Birmingham, England. Phonograph record.
Haken, Aquarius (InsideOut)
UK’s Haken (Hay-Ken, like bacon) are releasing their ’09 and ’11 albums Aquarius and Visions. Both albums feature remastered versions of the respective album as well as instrumental versions of all the songs. They are both available on vinyl.
Haken, Visions (InsideOut)
Tasty, tasty vinyl.
Emperor, Anthems to the Welkin At Dusk (Spinefarm)
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the albums release, Norway’s Emperor bring us a re-issue of their 1997 album Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk.
Emperor, Emperor / Wrath of the Tyrant (Spinefarm)
This is a reissue of the band’s first two EPs, Emperor and Wrath of the Tyrant, on one LP. The EPs were released in ’93 and ’92 respectively.
Gene Hoglan, The Atomic Clock: The Clock Strikes Two DVD (Hoglan Industries)
Metal drumming legend Gene Hoglan, best known for playing for Testament, is releasing his second instructional DVD The Atomic Clock: The Clock Strikes. The DVD features instructional playthroughs of songs from throughout Hoglan’s career, as well as interviews and extras involving musicians that he has collaborated with. Not available on vinyl.
