Music Releases For March 26th, 2013

Well talk about a great batch of music coming out this week.  From the old to the very old (haha), there are some real gems coming out today.  Of course we have Tool and their highly anticipated re-issue of "Opiate", which (from what I read) can only be purchased through their official site.  We also see a great set of comeback albums from Suicidal Tendencies (not that they ever really went anywhere), Depeche Mode, Stryper and Iron Maiden (once again, not really gone anywhere).  Mode's new album has been helmed as one of their greatest of the last two decades, which easily peaked my interest to get my hand on the album.  The Strokes and Sevendust have [respectively] kept the same course of action as they pump out new material to add to their discography.

So the legal plea...head to your local record shop, favourite online retailer or other legal source to grab a few of these albums.  Chances are we will all be fighting for a copy of Tool's re-issue, as well as the deluxe versions of Depeche Mode, so game on!

California thrash punks Suicidal Tendencies appeared in the early '80s with a unique take on the emerging skatepunk sound and no end of aggressive, angsty lyrics and controversial subject matter. Thirty years after their debut, they return with 13, their first album of new material in 13 years and coincidentally their 13th album. Produced by Suicidal frontman Mike Muir, the album includes 13 tracks of the type of petulant, cathartic, thrashy hardcore the band is known for and includes cameos by Larry Linkogle and Jimmy Fitzpatrick of Metal Mulisha as well as a gang of professional skaters adding their voices to the track "Show Some Love... Tear It Down." -All Music

AFGM: Depeche Mode - Delta Machine

What’s good about it?
As the name suggests, Delta Machine is intended as a mix between (Delta) blues and electro – and for the most part it works brilliantly. From the throbbing opener ‘Welcome To My World’, which has Gahan promising to ‘penetrate your soul’, to the bluesy closer ‘Goodbye’, Delta Machine hums with dark invention and soulful emotion.

In short it’s exactly the album Depeche Mode fans would have hoped for – featuring brooding and atmospheric electro monsters like ‘Angel’ and ‘Soft Touch / Raw Nerve’, expansive bluesy stompers like ‘Secret To The End’ and ‘Soothe My Soul’ and tender, introspective moments like the beautiful The Child Inside. -All Noise

To sum up, throughout the album Michael Sweet sings in a lower key than on the original recording, but it is not so conspicuous. STRYPER didn't loose the energy they had on the original material. They picked up their favorite songs which are the heaviest and classiest, containing a Heavy Metal spirit, and show that they are multitalented musicians. The twin axemen teamwork of Oz Fox and Michael Sweet is one of the best results that the guitar world has ever known. They brought something else in comparison to giants as IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST with their harmonic leads, something original that you will know that this is STRYPER. Beside the lyrics that glorifies Christianity, and even if not everyone would feel the connection, the music speaks by itself. You will definitely notice that they still got it, and did a great job on the "Second Coming". -Metal Temple

That human element is by far the best attribute of Comedown Machine. Producer Gus Oberg, who worked alongside the band with their last effort, is no Gordon Raphael, but he’s mixed an agreeable balance here. (It also helps that Casablancas opted to record with his bandmates, too.) It’s comparable to the itchy sheen on 2003′s Room on Fire, only there’s a laidback vibe to the whole construct that’s somewhat new to The Strokes. True to the album’s title, it’s comfortable and less persuasive. The risks feel warranted, even if it doesn’t result in something that’s sticky or punchy. This might explain why the album doesn’t carry a single hit.

At this point, they don’t need it. Last gasp or new beginning, The Strokes have zero commitments to anyone and that’s the overall thesis behind Comedown Machine. They’re not looking to win anyone over; instead, they’re keeping it casual and that shouldn’t be surprising. After all, it was Casablancas who won over millions of fans some 12 years ago by demanding they “take it or leave it.” Now he’s calling their bluff. -Consequence of Sound

Melodic songs such as ‘Dead Roses,’ ‘Dark AM,’ ‘Picture Perfect’ show off Witherspoon’s soulful vocal abilities, while ‘Got a Feeling’ is one of the most heartwarming and touching surprises on the record. On the latter track, Clint Lowery provides soft vocals in the beginning which work together with Witherspoon’s vocals in the chorus. The riffs feature a southern twang that’s identifiable with the band’s Georgia roots.

The album goes out with a bang, as ‘Murder Bar’ is Sevendust to the core. The track boasts explosive and ferocious vocals mixed with a groovy vibe that fans will certainly bounce to in concert.

Throughout the entire album, stellar riffs are provided by guitarists John Connolly and Clint Lowery, while bassist Vinnie Hornsby keeps things steady with forceful on the low end. Meanwhile, drummer Morgan Rose pounds vigorously behind the skins and offers up some of those killer banshee screams that Sevendust fans crave. -Loudwire

(CD/DVD)

Digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of this live release from the British Heavy Metal maestros recorded in November 1988 at the Birmingham N.E.C. Arena during the band's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son tour. This edition includes the full and complete release of the entire show (including previously unreleased encores), which had been edited when initially released. Also includes two tracks from the main show that were cut due to time constraints. -Amazon

(Tool - Opiate: 21st Anniversary Edition)

The 21st anniversary edition is limited to 5,000 copies and features art direction by Jones, illustrations by legendary artist Adi Granov and design packaging by Mackie Osborne, who has collaborated with Tool on many albums including 10,000 Days, Lateralus and Salival, as well as posters and merchandise.

The 5,000 copies will be broken down into five variations (each 1,000 pieces) with each set featuring a slight alteration of the exterior graphics and included bonus items which include a new stereoscopic image for fans to use with their glasses from the 10,000 Days packaging.

(The packages will only be available via Tool’s website (www.toolband.com) on Mar. 26 with the band setting aside a small number of packages (200 of each variation) for Toolarmy members.  Toolarmy members will be able to purchase on Mar. 22 via Toolarmy.com.) -Revolver