New Releases: Infected Mushroom, Ensiferum, 3 Inches of Blood, Threat Signal, Chevelle

The holiday weekend has passed, and while Noisecreep got some rest, there was no rest for the wicked on retail shelves when it came to metal. With amazing releases in tow, last week metal made its mark on the charts. Reported from the crew over at Metal Insider, the top releases of the week were notable debuts ifrom Solid State's Oh, Sleeper, with 4,000 units sold in the first week. Richmond, Va.'s Municipal Waste enjoyed 2,100 in first week sales. Additionally, Century Media's Caliban brought in solid numbers with their latest release, titled 'Say Hello To Tragedy,' and the pirates of Korpiklaani also brought in a great start to their newest release, 'Karkelo'.

With last week in the rear view, here's what you can look forward to this week in metal.

Infected Mushroom -- 'Legend Of Black Shawrama' -- Perfecto Records

It's not every day you hear of new releases that mash the metal and electronic/trance world in one cohesive unit. But this week, it happened! Hailing from places as diverse as Israel and Los Angeles, the duo collaborated in an effort to bring a unity amongst the genres, and with the assistance of Korn's Jonathan Davis on their single 'Smashing the Opponent,' they managed to do so with finesse as well as brutality. Hey, fans of KMFDM and Rammstein, this is right up your alley.

Download 'Legend of Black Shawrama'

Ensiferum -- 'From Afar' -- Spinefarm Records

The 'heroic folk metal' quintet Ensiferum have landed on American shores and are making a beeline to retail stores this week with their latest. Choosing to be both archaic and historic -- and trust us, it's always entertaining -- in their lyrical content, the band remains whimsical in their melodies. Ensiferum's fantasies are now a reality for lovers of Viking and folk metal, so don't miss this and pick up your copy today.

Download 'From Afar'

3 Inches of Blood -- 'Here Waits Thy Doom' -- Century Media

Every few weeks or so, Noisecreep gets to throw horns to our neighbors to the north in Canada for the amazing metal they export to the States and the rest of the world! This week, Vancouver-based 3 Inches of Blood return to the metal scene with their first for new label Century Media. Citing influences from the NWOBHM-era along with thrash, their fourth studio release will be sure to give a smile and a thrill to all fans of fast-paced melodies and high-pitched vocals.

Download 'Here Waits Thy Doom'

Threat Signal -- 'Vigilance' -- Nuclear Blast

Another Canadian release due out in stores this week comes from Hamilton, Ontario's Threat Signal. And despite the fact that their from the North, their music travels far down South, as they bear a strong resemblance to the melodic groove metal we've come to know and love from earlier days of Brazil's Sepultura and Soulfly. Threat Signal so add a dash of tech metal that is often reserved for bands like Meshuggah. There's no trends or shenanigans on this one, so check it out and determine for yourself.

Download 'Vigilance'

Chevelle -- 'Sci-Fi Crimes' -- Epic

A lot has changed in 14 years time, but standing the tests of time (and the music business) is Chevelle, who have prevailed despite member and label changes. Their fifth studio release displays a maturity, musically-speaking, on singles such as 'Jars,' but the trio has never lost touch with their hard rock sound and still carries dark undertones. Scope it out for yourself, and make it an addition to your music collection this week.

Download 'Sci-Fi Crimes'