This week’s new heavy metal releases include "High Plains" black metal, a couple of Jeff Loomis guest spots, high quality riffages, and more! To the metals…
Benediction – Scriptures
Genre: Death metal Origin: Birmingham, England Label: Nuclear Blast
Starting this week with some straight up death metal. Their first album in twelve years sees the band unleashing a lot of pend up aggression. Long time fans should be stoked as this marks the return of long-time vocalist Dave Ingram.
Disciples Of Verity – Pragmatic Sanction
Genre: Heavy metal/groove metal Origin: New York, New York Label: DOV/POND
Living Colour vocalist Corey Glover has teamed with George Pond (ex-Negative Sky), drummer Corey Pierce (ex-God Forbid), and guitarists Danny Puma (ex-Negative Sky) and Mark Monjoy (Sekond Skyn) for some soaring groove metal. This is a heavier realm than I've heard Glover in before, and he kills it. Then, you're also getting guest spots by Phil Demmel (Vio-lence), Jeff Loomis (Conquering Dystopia), and lots more. So there's lots to dig here.
Infera Bruo – Rites Of The Nameless
Genre: Progressive black metal Origin: Boston, Massachusetts Label: Prosthetic Records
Those craving some interesting black metal should look no further than Infera Bruo. Rites of the Nameless has tremolo picking and blast beats at the forefront, but you're also getting some atypical rhythms, doom-esque atmosphere, and some noisy bits. This is a very cool record for fans of Enslaved, Ihsahn, and other progressive blackened greats.
Lost Symphony – Chapter II
Genre: Classical metal Origin: United States Label: Xoff Records
Lost Symphony composer Benny Goodman is giving Arjen Luccasen's Ayreon a run for his money with this cameo filled metal epic. This record has appearances from David Ellefson (Megadeth), Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy), Marty Friedman, Oli Herbert (All That Remains, RIP), and others. There is lots, and lots, and LOTS of shredding on this one.
Molassess – Through the Hollow
Genre: Doom/psychedelic Origin: The Netherlands Label: Season of Mist
Molassess comes to you following the demise of The Devil's Blood fronted by their vocalist Farida Lemouchi. The sound is rather hypnotic. Fans of Farida's previous outfit will probably dig this, but this is very much its own trippy beast.
Spirit Adrift – Enlightened In Eternity
Genre: Heavy metal Origin: Phoenix, Arizona/Austin, Texas Label: 20 Buck Spin
Nate Garrett and Marcus Bryant really have this Spirit Adrift thing figured out. This is a classic metal inspired album that utilizes Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Thin Lizzy trademarks yet sounds unlike any of them. At it's core this is riffs on riffs on riffs on riffs, and it is a great time.
Wayfarer – A Romance With Violence
Genre: Black Metal/folk metal Origin: Denver, Colorado Label: Profound Lore
I recently saw Wayfarer described as "High Plains" black metal and that's a fun way to describe this sound. It's got a little twang to it, tons of atmosphere, and yet remains pretty evil. A Romance With Violence is a record that is putting a really interesting twist on a metal subgenre that needs new twists. I strongly support this album. Intriged? We have a full stream (and an interview) here.
Also dropping today
Altar Of Gore – Obscure & Obscene Gods (Nameless Grave) – Death metal
AntiMozdeBeast – AntiMozdeBeast II (Self-released) – Industrial
Artillery – The Last Journey (Metal Blade Records) – Thrash
Åskog – Varg (Self-released) – Black metal
Autocatalytica – Powerclashing Maximalism (Self-released) – Progressive metal
