This past week, metal was on the brink of clinching #1 on the charts thanks to an iconic rock band -- until some Hallmark mothers decided to purchase Michael Buble. Nevertheless as reported by our friends over at Metal Insider, the legendary rock act Kiss respectably took the #2 debut with 108,000 albums sold in its first week. In this day and age, that is still an amazing number for first week sales. As well, other notable debuts pulled in from Fearless Records' Blessthefall with a #56 debut, and the black metal ensemble Immortal also managed 3,200 albums sold this week. What can we expect for this week in new releases? Well I'm glad you asked.

Converge -- 'Axe to Fall' -- Epitaph
This week the longtime scene stalwarts Converge are out at the gates with their seventh studio full-length. An early act that blended the best of metal, hardcore and punk, many of today's bands have cited Converge as a direct influence -- and rightfully so. From tracks on the album such as 'Deep Horse' and the title track 'Axe to Fall' both hitting heavy, fast and precise, this is an album that you should pick up this week.
Download 'Axe to Fall'

Fu Manchu -- 'Signs of Infinite Power' -- Century Media
Keeping true to the essence of stoner rock, San Clemente, Calif. legends Fu Manchu are in the mix of new releases this week with their 10th full-length, out on Century Media. Staying classic in their sound, the album molds psychadelic to an Americana rock blend. And for those fans of Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Unida, and Slo Burn look forward to the newest from Fu Manchu.
Download 'Signs of Infinite Power'

Gwen Stacy -- 'A Dialogue' -- Solid State
With a new label home at Solid State Records, Indianapolis' Gwen Stacy are making headlines this week with their debut long-player, titled 'A Dialogue.' Taking the direction of the album with producer Andreas Magnusson (Haste the Day, Oh, Sleeper), the end result is strong breakdowns, catchy melodies and lyrics serving a purpose. Don't hesitate on this one, and be sure to get your copy this week!
Download 'A Dialogue'

Rammstein -- 'Liebe ist fur alle da' -- Vagrant
With the album titled as 'Love Is There for Everyone,' I'm convinced that this is the record people will be procreating to. As their sixth studio release, the album is provocative in its themes, as can be seen by the release of their music video and hit single 'Pussy.' But their industrial sound is as raw and carnal as the live performances that leave people awed. Sure to shock and surprise the masses as they do best, get your copy this week.
Download 'Liebe ist fur alle da'

Shrinebuilder -- 'Shrinebuilder' -- Neurot
And last but certainly not least in stores this week, the supergroup Shrinebuilder release their debut from Neurot Recordings. I've got about four good reasons why this album is one not to pass up, and their names are Wino (Saint Vitus, the Obsessed), Al Cisneros (Om, Sleep), Scott Kelly (Neurosis) and Dale Crover (the Melvins). Simply put, this album has been generating buzz online for the last few months. And now the wait is over, so get your fix of experimental doom.
Download 'Shrinebuilder'

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