New & Noteworthy is a weekly column in which we highlight some of the newest rock and metal releases coming out each week. This week brings new music from In Flames and Queensrÿche. You can check out the last New & Noteworthy here, and the latest sales numbers in Metal By Numbers. Be sure to follow us on Spotify to get this month’s New & Noteworthy Playlist, updated every Friday with the newest metal releases.
With starting a new position at my day I’m considering how to streamline the column a bit. So it may resemble a messy workshop for a little while I tinker with things.
It has been a few years since I really dove into a Dream Theater album, or at least one as a new release. Figured it about time I check up what the bois were up to with their newest album Distance Over Time. It’s taking a bit of time for me though. Not much stuck with my on the first listen, but I have been enjoying the back half more than the beginning so far; “S2N” & “At Wit’s End.” Although I really do like the bonus track “Viper King.” It’s this weird combination of 70s prog rock and 80s car rock that got slammed together for an unashamed progressive metal love song to the Dodge Viper. Our contributor Mark seems to have enjoyed the album a little more than me, but maybe I just need more time with it. Read more here, or listen and decide for yourself. I also got my Moonglow box set, but I’m don’t want to fanboy about the new Avantasia too much three weeks in a row…
New Releases
In Flames, I, The Mask (Eleven Seven Music)
Thirteenth studio album from the Swedish melodic death metal band. First album to feature Bryce Paul and Tanner Wayne, on bass and drums respectively. Check out our review of I, The Mask here.
Upcoming Dates: North America, this month opening for Within Temptation. Guitarist Niclas Englen sitting out of tour, Chris Broderick (Act of Defiance, ex-Megadeth) to fill in.
Producer, Mixer, Masterer: Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Motörhead), at Uberbeatz in Lynwood, WA, Planet-Z in Wilbraham, MA and Watershed Studio in Seattle, WA.
Mixer: Chris Lord-Alge (Cheap Trick, Linkin Park)
Masterer: Ted Jensen (Pantera, Eagles, Guns N’ Roses)
Music Video: “I Am Above”
Lyric Videos: “(This Is Our) House” & “I, The Mask”
I, The Mask is also available on vinyl.
Queensrÿche, The Verdict (Century Media)
16th studio album from the American heavy metal band. Check out our interview with guitarist Michael Wilton and vocalist Todd La Torre. La Torre also ended up playing drums on the album.
Producer: Chris “Zeuss” Harris (Hatebreed, Iced Earth, and Rob Zombie).
Upcoming Dates: North America, with Fates Warning to open. Starts tomorrow in Orlando, Florida.
Music Video: “Blood of the Levant”
Lyric Video: “Dark Reverie”
The Verdict is also available on vinyl.
Mark Morton, Anesthetic (Spinefarm)
Debut solo album from Lamb of God Guitarist Mark Morton.
Upcoming Dates: North America, this month with Light the Torch and Moontooth.
Lyric video: “The Truth is Dead“
Singles: “Cross Off (ft Chester Benington)” & “Save Defiance (ft Myles Kennedy)”
Other guest appearances: Randy Blythe, Jacob Shaddix, Alissa White-Gluz, Mark Lanegan, Chuck Billy, Jake Oni, Josh Todd, Mark Morales, Naeemah Maddox, Roy Mayorga, David Ellefson, Ray Luzier, Paulo Gregoletto, Alex Bent, Mike Inez, Jean-Paul Gaster, Steve Gorman, and Mark Paul.
Anesthetic is also available on vinyl.
Beried Alive, Make It Work (N/A)
Demon Hunter, Peace (Solid State)
Demon Hunter, War (Solid State)
Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Live In Berlin (Season Of Mist)
Devil Master, Satan Spits On Children Of Light (Relapse)
Sisters Of Suffocation, Humans Are Broken (Napalm)
Twin Temple, Bring You Their Signature Sound…Satanic Doo-Wop (Rise Above)
While She Sleeps, So What? (Sleeps Brothers/Spinefarm)
Vinyl Releases
Merzbow, Venereology (Remastered) (Relapse)
Nightwish, Dark Passion Play (Nuclear Blast)
Nightwish, Made In Hong Kong – And In Various Other Places (Nuclear Blast)
Nightwish, Once (Nuclear Blast)
