We’ve got a big list this week, and as promised, there are plenty of big names present to fill your ears with new music! Let’s see what’s on tap!
Nine Inch Nails, Hesitation Marks (Columbia)
After releasing Ghosts I-IV and The Slip in 2008, Trent Reznor took an extended break from Nine Inch Nails, focusing instead on other projects like How to Destroy Angels. Last year, though, Reznor all but confirmed that NIN was returning with new material, and after a year of writing and recording, the eighth studio album from the legendary industrial group is finally upon us. The Deluxe Edition of the album includes a second disc with three bonus remixes, among other exclusives.
Annihilator, Feast (Caroline)
Album number 14 from the Canadian thrashers follows the same trail of their 2010 self-titled album. However, the Limited Edition features 24 of Annihilator’s classic hits re-recorded by Jeff Waters and Dave Padden. Waters states that this collection of re-recordings is for younger Annihilator fans that have a difficult time obtaining the group’s older material. Fun fact: the gruesome figure eating a human heart on the album cover is none other than Spanish model and TV presenter Pilar Rubio.
Vista Chino, Peace (Napalm)
Vista Chino is the end result of Kyuss Lives!, the project started by original Kyuss members Brant Bjork and John Garcia in 2010. After a lawsuit by their Kyuss bandmates Josh Homme and Scott Reeder, Bjork and Garcia renamed the group Vista Chino, which is the name being used for this album. Fans of Kyuss can expect the same legendary stoner rock that made Kyuss into the seminal band that they are today, and fans of other bands like The Sword and High on Fire will also find plenty to enjoy.
Turisas, Turisas2013 (Century Media)
The Finnish group that plays their self-stylized genre of “battle metal” returned to Finland last year, following a successful run headlining Paganfest. It was then decided that vocalist Mathias Nygård would produce the new record, with most of the recording being done by Nygård and guitarist Jussi Wickström. Knowing Turisas, they will be right back on the road to support this album very soon.
ReVamp, Wild Card (Nuclear Blast)
ReVamp is the project of former After Forver vocalist Floor Jansen, which formed after the dissolution of After Forever in 2009. Following the group’s successful debut album, Wild Card was delayed by several factors, most notably Jansen suffering a burnout in 2011 and then being called on to perform with Nightwish in 2012. Wild Card features a number of guest performers, including Devin Townsend, Mark Jansen of Epica, and Daniël de Jongh of Textures, among others.
Gorguts, Colored Sands (Season of Mist)
Following a hiatus that began in 2005 and ended in 2008, Gorguts took the better part of two years to write and record this new album. Apparently this is with good reason – apparently Colored Sands draws a lot of influence from Opeth and other progressive acts. It is currently unknown how this will affect the band’s sound, seeing as Gorguts was always known for their technical style of death metal. Regardless, though, the first new Gorguts album in twelve years should bring some positive attention.
Modern Life is War, Fever Hunting (Deathwish)
The Iowa-based hardcore group reformed last year, following a four-year hiatus that was supposed to be a permanent split. One of the factors contributing to the group’s reformation may be that the original lineup is back together once again. However, the reunion doesn’t mean a full return to musical activities, as the band has stated that they don’t intend to tour heavily in support of the album.
The Safety Fire, Mouth of Swords (Inside Out)
The British group is now on their second album, following last year’s Grind the Ocean. The band will embark on their first UK headlining tour this week, before they come to the States to support Between the Buried and Me, The Faceless, and The Contortionist on tour during September and October.
Leaders, Indomitable (Facedown)
Originally known as Allornothing, Leaders debuted their first album Now We Are Free last year. The California-based group has spent a lot of time on the road during the past year, and with the release of Indomitable, fans can expect to see even more live shows coming soon.
Kreator, Dying Alive (Nuclear Blast)
Kreator spent a month and a half on the road at the end of 2012, touring Europe nonstop throughout November and December. Their triumphant homecoming show in Oberhausen, Germany is what you will witness on this album, featuring 24 live hits spanning the full breadth of Kreator’s extensive history.
Next Week: We’re keeping the industrial going, but in a sad way, as one of the genre’s finest releases their last album. Find out who and what it is next week!
