New & Noteworthy is a weekly column in which we highlight some of the newest rock and metal releases coming out each week. This week we’ve got new music from Andrew W.K. and Oceans of Slumber! If you would like to check out the last New & Noteworthy, you can do so here, if you want to see last week’s sales numbers, check those out in Metal by Numbers. Senses Fail had the highest heavy sales for the week, with Pop Evil following close behind. Also be sure to follow us on Spotify for weekly new music playlists, curated by yours truly!
Studio Releases
Andrew W.K., You’re Not Alone (Sony)
The king of partying is back, with his first album in 8 years! Andrew W.K., a beacon of optimism and party manifest, is bringing the feels with You’re Not Alone to remind you that “Music Is Worth Living For.” He’s released a music video for the”Ever Again,” staying on point with the optimistically cheesy path the album is showing to take. That feeling even blends into the creation of the album art, which he talks about his love for epic fantasy art and working with Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. Seriously, scroll up and go look at that majestic piece of work. He’s currently partying around the country, but will be touring the U.S in support of the album starting at the end of April and all the way through May. You’re Not Alone will be released on vinyl later this month.
“I’m going for the sound of pure, unadulterated power; every emotion, every thought, every experience, every sensation, every fear, every joy, every clarity, every confusion, every up, every down… all extruded and concentrated into one thick syrup of super life-force feeling, and then psychically amplified by the celebratory spirit of glorious partying.” – Andrew W.K.
Oceans Of Slumber, The Banished Heart (Century Media)
The Banished Heart is the third full length studio album from the Houston, Texas progressive metal group Oceans of Slumber. Leading up to the release, the band has released music videos for three tracks: “The Decay of Disregard,”No Color, No Light,” and “The Banished Heart.” The band currently only has one upcoming North American show, as they were just announced to be performing at ProgPower USA this September. OoS will be embarking on a short European tour with Epica this April though. The Banished Heart will be available on vinyl later this month.
Michael Schenker Fest, Resurrection (Nuclear Blast)
Resurrection is the first album by Germany guitarist/songwriter Michael Schenker released under MS Fest. The album was produced by Michael Voss-Schön, who has worked with Schenker on a few of his albums in the past. The band has released a studio performance music video for “Warrior,” and a lyric video for “Heart and Soul.” They will be kicking off their U.S. tour this Tuesday (3/6), in Silver Springs, MD at The Fillmore. Resurrection is also be available on vinyl next week.
Ancst, Ghosts of the Timeless Void (Lifeforce)
Black Moth, Anatomical Venus (Candlelight)
Blaze Bayley, The Redemption of William Black (Infinite Entanglement Part III) (Self-released)
Dead Meadow, The Nothing They Need (Xemu Records)
Disembowel, Plagues And Ancient Rites (Iron Bonehead Productions)
Haven State, Stratus EP (Self-Release)
Ilsa, Corpse Fortress (Relapse)
Kreator, Coma Of Souls Reissue (Noise)
Kreator, Renewal Reissue (Noise)
Rolo Tomassi, Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It (Holy Roar)
Savage Hands, Barely Alive (SharpTone Records)
Slugdge, Esoteric Malacology (Willowtip)
Wear Your Wounds, Live At The BBC (Deathwish Inc.)
Vinyl Releases
Iron Reagan/Gatecreeper, Split (Relapse)
Legend Of The Seagullmen, Legend Of The Seagullmen (Dine Alone)
