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New releases: October 27th, 2009
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Night Castle (Atlantic)
It may be just coincidence that the Tuesday before Halloween sees a number of heavy metal releases, but there’s plenty of extreme music to be had this week. Other notable releases include a Christmas album from Sting, Creed’s reunion album, and the new one from Wolfmother. My Pick of the Week, however, goes to the new 2-CD release from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Best known for their Christmas-oriented albums and incredible live shows, Night Castle strays significantly from the magic of the season and instead focuses on the journey to improving one’s self. As always, the list contains a number of gems from a variety of genres, so you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Enjoy!
A Smile From the Trenches: Leave the Gambling for Vegas
(100% Womon)
Originally from Colorado, Los Angeles screamo outfit A Smile From the Trenches issue their debut release. There’s nothing really explosive about the album, with fans of the genre assured of what they’re going to get, though the band’s cover of Katy Perry’s “Hot n Cold” is interesting.
Agathodaimon: Phoenix
(Koch)
The US release of the fifth studio album from Germany's Agathodaimon finds the band fronted by a new vocalist. Traditional black metal rasps are now augmented by a clean baritone, giving the band's symphonic black metal sound an added Gothic dimension. Recommended for fans of the genre.
Gwyn Ashton: Two-Man Blues Army
(Fab Tone)
Australian blues/rock guitarist Gwyn Ashton, following up his 2006 album Prohibition (named Album of the Year by Britain's Guitar and Bass magazine), teams with drummer Kevin Hickman to release an album that fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan will enjoy.
Atreyu: Congregation of the Damned
(Hollywood)
California metalcore outfit Atreyu is back with a fifth studio album that marks a shift back toward their aggressive roots. Heavier than 2007's Lead Sails Paper Anchor, Congregation of the Damned is designed to quell suspicions that the band was on a path favoring melody over brutality.
Awesome New Republic: Hearts
(Honor Roll)
Miami's electro-pop group Awesome New Republic, often abbreviated ANR, returns with their fourth studio album of catchy tunes certain to be both radio and dance floor favorites. There's more than a hint of an '80s synth-pop influence to the band's sound.
Barzin: Notes to an Absent Lover
(Monotreme)
The third full-length from Toronto's Barzin follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. Melancholia reigns supreme as the album slowly strolls through its soft pop paces. The album would serve as a great backdrop for a night of depression.
Blackhole: Dead Hearts
(Koch)
As far as screamcore bands go, Blackhole pretty much delivers everything that fans of the style expect. Frontman Richard Carter (the little bro of Gallows vocalist Frank) is wholeheartedly one-dimensional in his delivery, never letting up on the throat-tearing screams. The music underneath, however, sets Blackhole just a bit apart from their peers. Less metalcore and more classic rock, the melodies and riffs are appealing.
Creed: Full Circle
(Wind-up)
Full Circle is the reunion album from Florida's modern rock outfit Creed and their first studio release since 2001. Described as being heavier than the band's last three albums, Full Circle will undoubtedly appeal to Creed's original fans as well as most fans of radio-rock bands like Hinder and Breaking Benjamin.
Debbie Davies: Holdin' Court
(Little Dipper)
Connecticut blues guitarist Debbie Davies is back with her eleventh album of instrumental, guitar-driven blues. Not as flashy as Stevie Ray Vaughan or Eric Clapton, fans will still enjoy Davies' work.
Deleted Waveform Gatherings: Ghost, She Said
(Rainbow Quartz)
The latest release from Norway's alt-pop outfit Deleted Waveform Gatherings adheres to the band's heavily Beatles-influenced sound, drawing the best from '60s pop and regurgitating it with contemporary electronic enhancements. Fans of Oasis will probably easily convert to being fans of DWG.
Rosie Flores: Girl of the Century
(Bloodshot)
Dubbed the Rockabilly Filly, Texas's Rosie Flores is back with another album of high-flyin' tunes that blend the best of Western swing, honky tonk, and of course rockabilly. If you're into the style, you're into Rosie.
Gorgoroth: Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt
(Regain)
Norway's black metal powerhouse Gorgoroth returns for their first album since the infamous split with Gaahl and King ov Hell. With Pest returning to the mic, Tomas Asklund (Dissection, Dark Funeral) behind the kit, and Frank Watkins (Obituary) on bass, Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt will undoubtedly leave very few fans disappointed.
Graveworm: Diabolical Figures
(Koch)
Italian symphonic black metallers Graveworm are back with their seventh studio full-length, once more incorporating considerable death metal elements. A pretty enjoyable listen, Diabolical Figures also includes a truly disturbing cover of The Police's "Message in a Bottle". Originally released in June, this is the US version.
Euge Groove: Sunday Morning
(Shanachie)
Maryland native Euge Groove, a smooth jazz saxophonist who's worked with pop acts such as Expose as well as being a member of Tower of Power, is back with another solo album of poppish songs. Fans of the more contemporary side of jazz will want to give Sunday Morning a try. Catch Euge live on Saturday, November 28th, at the Lexington Convention Center.
Hackneyed: Burn After Reaping
(Koch)
The second album from Germany's death metal youngsters Hackneyed doesn't ease up an ounce from the band's debut. With members all still in their teens, the band displays talent and skill well beyond their years. Burn After Reaping will not only appeal to death metal fans, but to grindcore fans as well.
Hacride: Lazarus
(Listenable)
French progressive death metallers Hacride are back with their third full-length album incorporating avant-garde time signatures, compelling vocals, and haunting atmospheres. Melo-death fans will likely want to add Lazarus to their collection.
Everette Harp: First Love
(Shanachie)
Following in the footsteps of Kenny G, Texas saxophonist Everette Harp follows up his 2006 album In The Moment (which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart) with another album of smooth tunes.
James Husband: A Parallax I
(Polyvinyl)
Georgia's James Husband, the recording name for Of Montreal's James Huggins III, releases his first official album of indie pop tunes. Having issued two previous albums on CD-r, James is finally able to deliver his catchy style in a proper format. Fans of his primary band will enjoy this release.
I Love You: Bell Ord Forrest
(Joyful Noise)
Bell Ord Forrest is the latest release from Kansas City indie rockers I Love You. Hints of '80s New Wave mingle with dub, pop, and noise rock for a listen that is eclectic but never difficult to grasp. Certainly an interesting album for art rock fans, but also accessible for those interested in a more mainstream style.
Brian McKnight: Evolution of a Man
(Koch)
After seven platinum-selling albums and numerous awards, R & B superstar Brian McKnight continues to churn out the hits. His latest album features a collaboration with Stevie Wonder. Fans have already pre-ordered this one.
Morningwood: Diamonds and Studs
(independent)
New York's alt-rock duo Morningwood, comprised of Chantal Claret and Pedro Yanowitz, are back with their sophomore album of groovy innuendo. With a sense of garage rock style and vocals that bring to mind Chrissie Hynde and Shirley Manson, indie music fans will want to keep Morningwood on the radar.
Joe Nichols: Old Things New
(Universal South)
Grammy-nominated country artist Joe Nichols is back with another album of unforgettable songs that draw deeply on the strong traditions of the genre. With three number one hits to his credit thus far, Old Things New will likely increase that total. Country fans already know they want this one.
John Nolan: Height
(Doghouse)
The former lead guitarist of Taking Back Sunday, John Nolan now embarks upon a solo career with Height. Fans of his former band, and shoegaze in general, will be interested in giving this album a listen.
Orianthi: Believe
(Geffen)
Australian-born guitar goddess Orianthi returns with her sophomore album of exquisite licks, mesmerizing solos, and engaging vocals. With idols like Carlos Santana, Eddie van Halen, and Prince as inspirations, Orianthi backs up her considerable talent with significant songwriting skill. Fans of Paramore, Evanescence, and Avril Lavigen will undoubtedly find Believe to be a must-have album.
Emily Osment: All the Right Wrongs
(Wind-up)
Hannah Montana co-star Emily Osment releases her debut EP in preparation for her full-length album, due in 2010. As can be expected, Emily's style is right in step with Miley Cyrus and other Disney-branded teen pop stars.
Gemma Ray: Lights Out Zoltar!
(Bronzerat)
The sophomore album from English popstress Gemma Ray is a wistful, dreamy affair that instantly engages and holds on through use of vast orchestrations, sparse beats, and Gemma's captivating vocals. Hints of Lily Allen abound, making Lights Out Zoltar! that much more appealing.
Rotersand: Random Is Resistance
(Metropolis)
The fourth album from German electro-pop outfit Rotersand comes across as a synthesized Pink Floyd album. I guarantee that you'll be convinced Roger Waters and crew are behind this effort. An outstanding listen.
Satan’s Host: Power, Purity, Perfection
(Moribund)
Colorado black metallers Satan’s Host, a band with a history stretching back to the late ‘80s when Jag Panzer’s Harry Conklin was a member, are back with a new album of atmospheric evil. Their sound is more doomy than bleak, with rich riffs and haunting melodies.
[:SITD:]: Rot
(Metropolis)
German electro-industrial outfit [:SITD:] is back with another album that will fit in quite well at Gothic-themed clubs. Darkwave fans will also want to give Rot a listen.
Rod Stewart: Soulbook
(J)
Rock legend Rod Stewart follows up on his Great American Songbook concept with Soulbook, the first in a series of albums covering classic R&B and soul hits as only Rod can. Fans will want to add this to their collection.
Sting: If On A Winter’s Night…
(Deutsche Grammophon)
Sting, who needs absolutely no introduction, delivers an album for the season. Accompanied by a bevy of guest musicians, Sting interprets carols and lullabies from centuries past. Includes a couple of original compositions as well. Fans of Sting have no excuse not to snag a copy of If On A Winter’s Night…
Stray from the Path: Make Your Own History
(Sumerian)
New York’s Stray from the Path release their latest album of paint-by-numbers screamcore. There’s not a lot to say, other than if you like the genre, you’ll like Stray from the Path.
The Swell Season: Strict Joy
(Anti)
The post-rock outfit The Swell Season is back with a sophomore album of gentle, expressive tunes. Named after a book of poems by Irish poet James Stephens, Strict Joy will appeal to fans of Bon Iver and Kings of Convenience.
Tegan and Sara: Sainthood
(Sire)
The Canadian band Tegan and Sara, fronted by identical twin sisters, are back with their sixth album of indie pop. Hints of ‘80s synth-pop emerge over the course of the album, making for a release that will appeal to a wide range of pop fans. Definitely a fun listen.
Theatre of Tragedy: Forever is the World
(AFM)
The seventh album from Norway’s Theatre of Tragedy marks yet another mesmerizing chapter in the history of one of the world’s premiere Gothic metal bands. The enthralling vocals of frontwoman Nell Sigland blend with haunting guitars leads and ethereal keyboard arrangements to create a somber, yet engaging, listening experience. Gothic metal fans already know that Forever is the World is a required addition to their collection.
Train: Save Me, San Francisco
(Sony)
San Francisco Grammy-winning alt-rockers Train, known for their biggest hit “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” as well as three Top 10 albums, is back with a fifth album of soulful folk-rock that will appeal directly to their fan base.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Night Castle
(Atlantic)
The Christmas music sensation that is Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back with an all-new 2-CD release. The Christmas-themed elements are still there, but this time around the album deals with the concept of changing one’s life for the better. If there’s only one holiday concert you see this year, it absolutely must be the fantastic performance put on by TSO – you’ll never forget it. The band rolls into Lexington on Thursday, December 17th, for one show at the Rupp. Tickets are on sale now. Get ‘em! By the way, Night Castle is without a doubt my Pick of the Week.
Velvet Acid Christ: The Art of Breaking Apart
(Metropolis)
Denver electro-industrial outfit Velvet Acid Christ returns with another in a long string of New Wave inspired album. Ranging from upbeat electro-pop to industrialized aggression, The Art of Breaking Apart will appeal to darkwave and dub fans alike.
Wolfmother: Cosmic Egg
(Interscope)
Australia’s Wolfmother, with their retro-rock sound that has been compared to Led Zeppelin and Blue Cheer, releases their sophomore album Cosmic Egg. Fans of that classic ‘70s rock sound will undoubtedly enjoy the new release, as well as the band’s eponymous debut. Check out the video for the first single from Cosmic Egg, “New Moon Rising”, right here.
You & Yourn: It Would Make Things Worse
(Parasol)
The debut from the Illinois duo You & Yourn is an angst-ridden, woe-is-me affair set to a minimalistic soundtrack. Somber, even depressing, the album is probably best suited to pass the time on a dreary winter afternoon.
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