new releases 2007

[jeifer]

What are people looking forward to?
Any that have come out in the first quarter of the year that are worthy of mention?

I can't wait to get the new one from Explosions In The Sky - who are brilliant! Picking one up from Ebay.



"All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone contains a mere six tracks which weigh in at 43 minutes. Truly, this is music to be listened to and perhaps even integrated into one's own experience, crafting a soundtrack for life.

"The Birth and Death of the Day" is the track that kicks off the album, featuring a soundscape that very much parallels the coming and going of a day as guitars build, rock out into a fulfilling crescendo, then fade back again, like the sun into the sea. "Welcome, Ghosts" is deceptively subdued until the surprising climax while thirteen-minute-long "It's Natural to Be Afraid" is almost an album in and of itself. "What Do You Go Home To?" is filled with somber overtones while "Catastrophe and the Cure" fills the void with melodic progressions. Final track "So Long, Lonesome" ends the album on a sublime note, the instruments simply fading out into silence. Truly, it's a remarkable achievement for these band members armed with but three guitars, a bass, and some drums."

[Ross Anderson]

two notable releases this year so far are Fall Out Boy - infinity on High and Anberlin - Cities. Both are awesome and would have easily made top 10 last year if not top 5

[enkc]

Some stuff I'm looking forward to:

Alkaline Trio - Remains (A rarities compilation that has already been released, but I'm yet to get it.)
Bodyjar - Untitled Live Album (They say it's coming and I'm addicted to live albums, so I can't wait.)
AC/DC - Untitled Studio Album (Yes they're past it and they'd all look unhealthy for 84, but come on, this is AC/DC! I've got to at least give it a chance.)
Jimmy Eat World - Untitled Studio Album (Futures had some awesome songs, so here's hoping the follow up can match it.)
Judas Priest - Nostradamus Concept Album (It just sounds like such an absurd idea that I'm intrigued. And they're even older than AC/DC, but not in such bad condition.)
Guns 'N Roses - Chinese Democracy (I'm not a fan, but this album is such a laughing stock it'd be hilarious to see it actually get released after what, eleven or twelve years in the works?)

[Ross Anderson]

Ive ben meaning to give alk 3 a listen and jimmy eat world should be good. AC/DC should be good just cos its AC/DC haha and as for Guns 'n Roses i still think thats anoher 5 years off haha. I remember some band almost calling their album chinese democracy just to be pricks because gunners were taking too long. A few more im looking forward to are:

Say Anything: Just gotten into their first cd (...is a real boy) and cant wait to hear more goodness
Panic! at the disco: You either love em or hate em. I love them and cant wait for their follow up scheduled for later in the year
The Used: I was really into them at one stage, but that was about 3 years ago, still wouldnt mind hearing some of their new stuff see if they still have it.
Punchline: I loved 37 everywhere last year, hoping they can match or better it.
The Academy is..: Pretty much same as punchline

[enkc]

admin said:

and as for Guns 'n Roses i still think thats anoher 5 years off haha. I remember some band almost calling their album chinese democracy just to be pricks because gunners were taking too long.

That was the Offspring. They had to rename their 2003 album to Splinter because GNR got wind of it apparently. They probably knew something like that would happen, but it was worth a shot just for a joke.

[Ross Anderson]

haha yeah thatsright

[Ben]

I just found out Coheed and Cambria are working on another album set to be released this year.

I had to chuckle when someone on punknews.org commented that it might be called "Coheed And Cambria 2: Volume 8, Legend 19: Descent Into Obscurity, Dear God, My Fans Are Leaving Puberty, My Half-Baked Epic Is Dying, Even Our Afros Can't Stop Us From Drowning Now" - but I think its one of those jokes where you had to be there.

Apparently also working on new albums for this year that I'd like to hear (and will most probably buy):
-Foo Fighters
-Smashing Pumpkins (please be better than all the crappy solo projects which I bought and then was disappointed by!!!)
-Type O Negative
-Bullet For My Valentine
-Megadeth
-Linkin Park (Meh, why not. They reckon it should be out in May - will be interesting to see how they've changed)

And The Darkness. Or whatever they reveal their new name to be now that they've changed completely.

Should be an interesting year, anyway.

EDIT: I just found out that Devin Townsend has a new album coming out called Ziltoid The Omniscient.

I must admit to being a VERY big DT fan, and will be buying this album, but if you want a taste of weird space coffee alien metal... checkout his myspace.

www.myspace.com/ziltoidtheomniscient

Even if just for a giggle.

[Jeifer2]

Got the new Dinosaur Jr album last week - when I've had a good listen and dissect, I'll post some comments. it's their first CD in many years; will they still have the goods?

Other new music out - keep your eyes peeled for the Mercury this week and next for reviews of the Icecream Hands new one, and a 3-track aussie hiphop release from the Winnie Coopers (Qld).

Anyone else bought any new discs in the last couple of months?

[lennonlikesmetal]

jeifer said:

What are people looking forward to?
Any that have come out in the first quarter of the year that are worthy of mention?

I can't wait to get the new one from Explosions In The Sky - who are brilliant! Picking one up from Ebay.



"All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone contains a mere six tracks which weigh in at 43 minutes. Truly, this is music to be listened to and perhaps even integrated into one's own experience, crafting a soundtrack for life.

"The Birth and Death of the Day" is the track that kicks off the album, featuring a soundscape that very much parallels the coming and going of a day as guitars build, rock out into a fulfilling crescendo, then fade back again, like the sun into the sea. "Welcome, Ghosts" is deceptively subdued until the surprising climax while thirteen-minute-long "It's Natural to Be Afraid" is almost an album in and of itself. "What Do You Go Home To?" is filled with somber overtones while "Catastrophe and the Cure" fills the void with melodic progressions. Final track "So Long, Lonesome" ends the album on a sublime note, the instruments simply fading out into silence. Truly, it's a remarkable achievement for these band members armed with but three guitars, a bass, and some drums."

That album is good. Nice review too.


Please take note this is my list of favourites that i'ved HEARD this year. Not that many have been released in 07.This list will prolly change 5 times untill end of 07.

Sorta mostly in order lol.

1.) Earth-Hex Or Printing The Infernal Method(2005): Somebody say western drone doom? Sounds weird but it's fan-bloody-tastic! One of the most beautiful, haunting things i've ever heard. Those who have heard Neil Youngs soundtrack to the Johnny Depp film Dead Man will dig very much.

2.) Emperor-In The Nightside Elcipse(1994): Only my recent second purchase from these black metal legends. Ihsahn is such a cool guy. His vocals, guitar work, and presence make him one of the best frontmen ever in my opinion. This album reeks malevolence and darkness. Yet is also majestic and classy. All recorded in a forest cave lol.

3.) Boris-Feedbacker, At Last(2003): This band is simply awesome. Every album is different. This is one giant GYBE type song split into 4 tracks. Well worth enduring. All hail Boris!

4.) Godspeed You! Black Emperor(1998):Slow Riot For Zero Kanada ep: I bought this ep about April 06, and as i'm a big GYBE! fan i really enjoyed it, but i still though it was a slight letdown after being blown away hundreds of times by their full length releases. Only recently i have realised how awesome this ep is.

5.) Isis-In Absence Of Truth(2006): A similar story to the GYBE! ep above. I first heard this album last year and tried to force it down my throat expecting it to taste like Panopticon or Neurosis last album. At first i was dissapointed even after many listens. The clean vocals, noodling riffs, and lack of build and release song structures were quite a change. Now i'm glad to say this album has finally clicked with me, and it's excellent.

6.) The Shins-Wincing The Night Away(2007): A change in style for my fav rock/pop band since Something For Kate but still top notch. I would put James Mercer up there with Lennon/Macca, Morrissey, Neil Young, Thom Yorke etc. for lyrical and songwriting talent. Yes he's that good.

7.) Amon Tobin-Permutation(1998): My first proper exposure to this much hyped DJ. A slick mix of IDM drums, St. Germin style jazz breaks, and world music. Relaxing and interesting. No wonder Mike Patton is making 2 albums with him! A welcome change in my car. Thankyou Juan.

8.) Deicide-The Stench Of Redemption(2006): Much like Cannibal Corpse's ripper return to form album Kill from last year. This is a monster Deicide album even though i don't know how much i like Glen Benton's work. A good balance of Brutal and melodic death metal. The solos on this album really shred too. Reminds me of Megadeth in places.

9.) Red Sparrowes-At A Soundless Dawn(2003): It took me so long to get hold of this album! Fantastic post-rock featuring members of Isis and Neurosis. Not too heavy, or too quiet.

10.) Explosions In The Sky-All Of A Sudden, I Miss Everyone(2007): It's new Explosions! Dramatic guitar driven post rock. Not sure how i compare it to the other albums at the moment, but it is good.


The Arcade Fire-The Neon Bible(2007): My fav rock/pop group since The shins. A brilliant and tight band. Though i think i still prefer their last album more.

Neil Young-Live At Massey Hall 1971: Picked this up the other day. Bloody amazing accoustic set. Even sings songs from Harvest. One of the few "unplugged" type albums i can actually sit down and listen all the way through without getting tired of the mood.

[Ben]

For all the metal fans out there:

The Blackening - Machine Head.

I must admit that I was never interested in Machine Head before hearing "Aesthetics of Hate" on a sampler cd. After listening to the song perhaps 5 times in a row, I went straight online & ordered the album.

The guitars, drums & bass parts are incredibly tight, varied and furious. The vocals sound like Rob Flynn is spewing venom into the microphone. The album features just 8 songs - with a running time of around one hour. Generally I hate long songs, but these songs don't feel long at all.

This is a killer album - Machine Head may have just hit their peak with this bad boy. Certainly the only cd I've heard in a long while which anywhere near the mark left by Metallica with "Master of Puppets".

[lennonlikesmetal]

ben said:

For all the metal fans out there:

The Blackening - Machine Head.

I must admit that I was never interested in Machine Head before hearing "Aesthetics of Hate" on a sampler cd. After listening to the song perhaps 5 times in a row, I went straight online & ordered the album.

The guitars, drums & bass parts are incredibly tight, varied and furious. The vocals sound like Rob Flynn is spewing venom into the microphone. The album features just 8 songs - with a running time of around one hour. Generally I hate long songs, but these songs don't feel long at all.

This is a killer album - Machine Head may have just hit their peak with this bad boy. Certainly the only cd I've heard in a long while which anywhere near the mark left by Metallica with "Master of Puppets".

HEY!!!!!!!!!
NO NO NO!

Don't ever say that! Nothing Machine Head have ever done has EVER come close to MOP thank you. Bloody hell. If you don't like listening to older thrash bands/albums because of the production or whatever i can recommend some Vader or Kreator for you. It's not a bad boy. Its not even Machine Heads peak. If you want to listen to thrash music just ask me, but at least you didn't say Trivium. They are awful. That said your mini review is very good.

[enkc]

Speaking as someone who's best mate has tried to drill Metallica into me non stop for years, I have to say I just don't get the appeal. Old school thrash and thrash generally is just one of the weakest and most pathetic metal genres to my ear. Rage was programmed by Hatebreed last night and they had a bunch of Megadeth and Slayer. Frankly it just seems very 'meh' to me. </controversy>

And you're lucky you didn't get Ben started on Trivium. No doubt he can tell you why.

For me, metal is all about Symphonic, New Wave of British Heavy, and even some *gasp* alternative/nu metal. Speaking of symphonic, a new album is coming from Nightwish this year! With their new singer! Yay! See, I got back on topic. Nicely saved, huh?

[Benoffline]

Dude - I meant no offense about comparing it to Master Of Puppets - MOP is THE metal album in my opinion.

It is, however, the best thrash metal album that I've heard in a very very long time. I have 2 Trivium cds, and will freely admit that they are gathering dust now that I have The Blackening.

I also like old school thrash metal - I was listening to Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica (mainly MOP and ...And Justice For All, mind you) long before I was into Machine Head, and the production on older metal doesn't worry me overly - MOP certainly didn't have the best quality (don't even mention ...And Justice) - I still know good music when I hear it.

The reasons for the reference to MOP is:

1. Both have long songs that don't FEEL like long songs to me. I hate songs that seem to go on and on and on - these songs go for ages but I don't get bored of them.

2. Both albums made my jaw drop when I heard them. Not many albums have ever done that - they usually take a long time to grow on me - but both of these do.

I realise that Machine Head may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I also believe this to be the best thrash metal that I've heard since MOP. That being said, I shall definitely check out Vader & Kreator - thanks for the tip.

ENKC: Calling thrash "pathetic" is not something that I can ever agree with you on - of course you're entitled to your opinion. And I don't rave about Trivium - one song, my man, one song.

[enkc]

Well, maybe pathetic was a bit strong a word, but a lot of thrash is too simplistic and repetitive for my liking. It's deliberately meant to be harsh and unrefined, which is not how I like my music. And I never said you raved about Trivium. Pull Harder is not a bad song in its own way, but I'm damned if I can figure out how to sing it.

And Sum 41's album new album Underclass Hero has just been released. Before someone points it out for me, yes they are easily as simplistic and repetitive as a lot of old school thrash, probably more so. But I happen to like some of their songs. Yay.

[Ross Anderson]

Yeah I really really like sum 41s new cd. Of course there are some cringe worthy moments lyrically but what good pop punk cd doesnt have them. They have really taken it back to their Half Hour of Power and All Killer No Filler days when they were a genuine pop punk band.

Also the new kisschasy was released last week. On first listen i was a touch dissapointed because i was expecting the catchiness of opinions wont keep you warm at night throughout. But i think if you went into the new cd expecting another kisschasy album you'll like it. Like all kisschasy cds with me, repeated listens deffinately works and i really like it. Much more powerful and ful sounding than 2005's United Paper People