Last week’s release list wouldn’t have convinced anyone of this, but this week’s new albums truly prove that metal is a worldwide unifying force that brings together music fans from everywhere. Topping the list is one of the biggest international bands of the past three decades, with a catalog of enough metal hits to fill the discographies of several smaller bands. Dig in and enjoy the quality!
Accept, Blind Rage (Nuclear Blast)
Accept’s last two albums with Mark Tornillo have been among the best-received releases of their career. While there were no instant-classics like “Balls to the Wall” or “Fast as a Shark”, both Blood of the Nations and Stalingrad were jam-packed with hits, staying intense from start to finish. If the first video from the album is any indicator, then Blind Rage is likely to be similarly popular, and may even eclipse the #81 debut position that Stalingrad achieved.
Dragonforce, Maximum Overload (Metal Blade)
Dragonforce has had more news than they would like in the past few weeks. The release of their Johnny Cash cover was eclipsed with some uncomfortable revelations about the band’s past (which even we debated). The band’s debut album on Metal Blade has this mixed backdrop behind it as it hits shelves today. Undoubtedly, the band is hoping that people will remember the good news more than the dubious information that was uncovered. This is the band’s final album to feature longtime drummer Dave Mackintosh, who announced his departure from the band in June and was replaced by Gee Anzalone.
Ace Frehley, Space Invader (eOne)
Space Invader is the first solo album from the former KISS guitarist since 2009’s Anomaly. Frehley has stated in interviews that Space Invader will have more in common with his self-titled solo album from 1978, and that he’s been listening to his older studio material a lot in recent months. Does this mean we might get a new Frehley’s Comet at some point in the future? No one knows for sure, but Space Invader will certainly be a good listen in the interim.
He Is Legend, Heavy Fruit (Tragic Hero)
Yes, it’s true, He Is Legend has returned from hiatus! In truth, the band has been back from hiatus since 2011, but work on their fourth full-length album has been a slow process. However, this is one case where it’s worth the wait. The two songs debuted so far from Heavy Fruit have proven that the North Carolina group hasn’t lost their touch in crafting intricate and diverse pieces that jump between genres effortlessly. This is one that you won’t want to miss.
Pallbearer, Foundations of Burden (Profound Lore)
If you’re a fan of doom, then Pallbearer should already be on your must-listen short list of bands. Their 2012 debut, Sorrow and Extinction, was a huge hit in the doom scene, garnering plenty of attention from a lot of major outlets. Pallbearer has made enough of a name for themselves that the lead song from Foundations of Burden, entitled “The Ghost I Used to Be”, debuted on NPR back in June. You can check out that song right here, and while you’re there, check out their tour dates with Tombs and Vattnet Viskar to find out when you’ll be seeing them live.
Sleeping Giant, Finished People (Century Media)
The fourth album from Christian metalcore group Sleeping Giant was recorded with Winds of Plague bassist Andrew Glover at his Sound Temple Studios this past winter and spring. The album, their second for Century Media, features guest cameos from vocalists Brook Reeves (Impending Doom), Nate Rebolledo (Xibalba), and Joe Musten (Advent). The band is currently wrapping up a short headlining tour in support of the album’s release.
King 810, Memoirs of a Murderer (Roadrunner)
The band that many first heard about due to assault charges leveled against them has justified their musical fame in a big way. Since said charges were brought up (and dismissed, in part), the band has convinced many new followers thanks to a successful run on the Mayhem Festival. Several high-quality songs from Memoirs of a Murderer have already been released, and we also had a chance to interview the band recently, which you can read right here.
Deadlock, The Re-Arrival (Lifeforce)
The Re-Arrival is Deadlock’s first compilation album, and it features much more than just a collection of the band’s greatest hits. The two-disc effort features a number of unreleased demos from the band’s entire career, three entirely new compositions, and numerous songs from the group’s history re-recorded specifically for this release. One of the re-recorded songs, now christened “Awakened by Sirens 2014”, was translated into a video, which you can check out here.
Trioscapes, Digital Dream Sequence (Metal Blade)
Trioscapes is an instrumental jazz/prog fusion group that features Between the Buried and Me bassist Dan Briggs in its lineup, alongside Brand New Life flutist/saxophonist Walter Fancourt and Eyris drummer Matt Lynch. Digital Dream Sequence is the follow-up to 2012’s Separate Realities, which by itself was enough to make us glad that the band existed for more than just the one show that they originally planned to do. Check out the band in the studio and stream the track “Stab Wounds” by going here.
Next Week: A highly-anticipated prog release and a reissue of one of metalcore’s seminal albums duke it out for the top spot. See who comes out on top next time!
