New Releases: Alice In Chains, Austrian Death Machine, Hatebreed, The Melvins, Revocation
This past week, metal releases came out of the woodwork. And with it came eye-popping first week numbers and even a top 10 debut. Reported by the folks at Metal Insider, this past week drew in a #35 debut for the good guys in Shadows Fall with their latest album 'Retribution,' Porucipine Tree came in with 17,500 albums sold in its first week, and the MVP of metal of course goes to long time thrash act Megadeth coming in with an astounding #9 debut on the charts with 45,000 sold. Are albums sales going back to their old habits, with records being sold like hot cakes? Not one person can firmly say, but we certainly hope for the best. Regardless, here's what's also in store for you -- in stores this week!
Alice In Chains -- 'Black Gives Way To Blue' -- Virgin
It's been 14 years since the Seattle-based Alice In Chains released their self titled album. And with the passing of lead vocalist Layne Staley in 2002, Jerry Cantrell has pushed forward with a new frontman to bring you this week's new release. Still carrying the essence that is Alice In Chains, long time fans need not worry as they haven't deviated from their original sound. If anything, this is a nostalgic album that will bring back the good memories.
Download 'Black Gives Way to Blue'
Austrian Death Machine -- 'Double Brutal' -- Metal Blade
Also available to the masses this week, the side project of As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis comes back for a second go round as the Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired side project hits stores this week. I think what will have metal fans really excited on this new release is the myriad of guest appearances from notable musicians including Buz McGrath (Unearth), Rocky Gray (Living Sacrifice), Andrew Tapley (the Human Abstract) and Kris Norris (Darkest Hour) just to name a few. So 'get to the choppa' -- or a car -- and pick up your copy this week.
Download 'Double Brutal'
Hatebreed -- 'Hatebreed' -- E1
The man, the myth and the legend, Jamey Jasta and Hatebreed unleash new material this week as the Connecticut-based hardcore ensemble release their fifth full-length in stores. The band's unique sound has not changed in any aspect, but they've definitely hit harder in this release when compared to past albums. And from start to finish, this album had our fists raised in the air and begging for more. For longtime fans, you will not be disappointed so pick up your copy today!
Download 'Hatebreed'
Melvins -- 'Chicken Switch' -- Ipecac
Another exciting release out this week comes from the longtime (and we mean long) sludge metal act The Melvins with their 18th studio release. An unorthodox and interesting twist to this album in comparison to most is that, with this remix album, each remixer involved was given a full album of material to create a single track -- as opposed to just one song. The outcome? Well you'll just have to pick it up and find out, right?
Download 'Chicken Switch'
Revocation -- 'Existence Is Futile' -- Relapse
Boldly going where no man has gone before (and if you caught the 'Star Trek' references in both the album title and this sentence, I applaud you), Boston's Revocation will also be joining the ranks on this week's new releases. Their debut on Relapse Records, the new album harmoniously combines a good ratio of of sound to technical musicianship, which nowadays seems to be just one or another. For death metal and thrash fans, you might want to check out the new album for yourself from this new trio.
Download 'Existence Is Futile'