We have entered the greatest time of the year – festival season! With the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival kicking things off this past weekend, we’ve officially begun that wonderful period when entire weekends (or weeks) are devoted solely to concerts, congregating with fellow metalheads, and of course, a well-stocked release calendar. This week sees the release schedule starting to pick up strength, so let’s dig in and see what’s going on!
Apocalyptica, Shadowmaker (Better Noise/Eleven Seven)
In a serious departure from their previous material, Apocalyptica’s eighth album features a single vocalist for the entirety of the album, rather than multiple guest vocalists. Former Scars of Broadway guitarist Franky Perez, in addition to recording the vocals in the studio, will join the band for the duration of their touring cycle for the album. That touring cycle has already begun, courtesy of a string of shows with Sixx:AM.
10 Years, From Birth to Burial (Palehorse/MRI)
From Birth to Burial is not 10 Years’ final album, nor is it a greatest hits collection, so although the title is misleading, it really is another standard full-length album from the Tennessee band. This is the first album recorded as a three-piece band for 10 Years. Bassist Lewis “Big Lew” Cosby left the band in 2012, and drummer Brian Vodinh recorded all the studio bass parts as a result.
Abiotic, Casuistry (Metal Blade)
Signed to Metal Blade off the strength of just a single demo, Miami-based death metal group Abiotic is back with their second album. Casuistry follows the highly-successful Symbiosis, which was released in 2012 to rave reviews amidst a slew of touring.
Gruesome, Savage Land (Relapse)
Bringing together current and former members of Malevolent Creation, Repulsion, Possessed, and many other bands, Gruesome is a brand new death metal group from California. Savage Land is the group’s debut album, and it’s already being met with strong reviews and positive critiques.
Shining, IX – Everyone, Everywhere, Everything, Ends (Season of Mist)
Yesterday, we got to talk about the Norwegian iteration of Shining, but today, it’s all about the Swedishone. The black metal group’s ninth full-length is their first as a part of Season of Mist.
