Record Store Day is coming up this Friday, and a lot of great metal material is among the scheduled releases. However, there are still some albums making their regular Tuesday release, so read up on them here.
Halestorm, Into the Wild Life (Atlantic)
Halestorm’s third album is likely to be their most diverse offering yet. The band that became famous for their heavy-handed rock, led by the thunderous vocals of Lzzy Hale, has shown many signs of branching out in recent years, most notably with their covers EP that was released in October 2013. Into the Wild Life shows the full effect of that transition, with straightforward rockers like “Apocalyptic” and “Sick Individual” showing up alongside the heartfelt ballad “Dear Daughter”, the synth-laden “Scream”, and the nearly-country single “Amen”. It’s an ambitious album for a group ready to take the next big step in their career.
Gallows, Desolation Sounds (Bridge Nine)
UK hardcore outfit Gallows underwent a reinvention in 2011, when founding vocalist Frank Carter departed the group and Alexisonfire singer Wade MacNeil joined the group. The band went in a more progressive direction on their 2012 self-titled album, and that trend continues on Desolation Sounds. Fans of the old Gallows will still find lots to like here, particularly the burner “Leather Crown”. But fans looking for a sound that has expanded its boundaries from previous releases will also find lots to love here, with tracks like “Bonfire Season” pushing the envelope and challenging genre limits.
