Music Releases For June 18th, 2013

So after last week's HUGE release week in the music world, it seemed a tad bland this week for the release...at first glance mind you.   Chthonic and Primus have to be my tops picks this week for sure.  I have been spinning Chthonic's "Bu Tik" for a week or so now (thanks to all the singles being released and full albums streams) and  the music videos for the singles are spectacular!  Some great work being put into their image.

Primus of course have worked hard to re-release their album "Sailing The Seas of Cheese" for a 5.1 surround sound format.  Other details you can read about in the description below.  Sigur Ros, Dayshell, STYG/TSSF and High on Fire all have some great albums dropping today as well.  So make sure (like always) to show love for the bands you listen to.

Head to your local record shop, online retailer or other legal source to grab an album or two.  In the event you do pick up an album from the list, be sure to write us back and give us some of your personal thoughts.  All opinions welcome!

(Sigur Ros - Kveikur)

It’s one thing for a complete sonic overhaul to be necessary, but what stands out about Kveikur is how natural it feels. As opposed to a rebranding, this is Sigur Rós internally reconstituted, where the biggest addition isn’t distorted guitars or huge drums or Jónsi going full tilt. More than sounds, this is an integration of new verbs and actions, as Sigur Rós pummel, rage, wail and assert, asking hard questions of themselves. What if they could harness their power to convey immediate anger instead of patient catharsis, as a soundtrack for lifting weights instead of zoning out? Jónsi’s vocals will always bear an extraterrestrial shimmer, but why can’t he play the avenging archangel rather than a friendly ghost? After 15 years of evoking Iceland's gorgeous, volcanic terrain and woodsprite legends, why not reflect the endless winters, cratered economy and the frightening suicide rate? -Pitchfork

(Primus - Sailing The Seas of Cheese

Sailing The Seas Of Cheese is one of a handful of vital albums that ushered in the 1990s alternative revolution, answering slick 80s productions with a more irreverent - less glammy approach to rock. In a restoration personally overseen by Les Claypool, Primus acclaimed Sailing The Seas Of Cheese has been newly mixed in stereo and Dolby 5.1 Surround for the first time since its 1991 debut for an expanded deluxe edition featuring the album s new stereo mix on CD and the new 5.1 surround mix on Blu-ray plus three exclusive, previously unreleased bonus tracks, including two live recordings from Primus 2012 3D Tour and a Bassnectar Remix of Here Come The Bastards. Blu-Ray audio options include Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround Sound (96kHz/24-bit), PCM (96kHz/24-bit), PCM Stereo (96kHz/24-bit). -Amazon



(The Story So Far/Stick To Your Guns - Split)

On the whole, this album leaves little to be desired–both bands not only show off their own impeccable songwriting abilities, but also stray from the path to showcase the work of those who have inspired them along the way. Though not a sensory rush, what this split lacks in overt technicality it makes up for in lasting meaning, as it offers fans an intimate glimpse into the upbringing of both acts. And if these upbringings are a reflection of things to come, I personally am I excited to see what the future holds. -Under The Gun

(Chthonic - Bu Tik)

Rounding everything out are the Asian strings, courtesy of the erhu, which create a martial arts movie vibe. Atmospheric instrumental tracks open and cap the album to further cement the oriental sound, but overall, they are essentially just skippable lulls in what is otherwise a completely unyielding metal experience. The best parts of the album are when the two worlds collide, like on the stellar “Supreme Pain For The Tyrant” or on “Defenders of Bu-Tik Palace,” which easily deserves a spot as the backing soundtrack to an RPG boss fight. -Metal Underground



(High on Fire - Spitting Fire Vol. 1 & 2)

Out of nowhere, they drop a two-volume, one hour and 22 minute long testament to why they are among the finest metal club live bands in the world. Spitting Fire was a rumor, a mystery and eventually a total surprise. Vol. 1 opens on a Jeff Matz drum volley into "Serums of Liao." Mayhem ensues.

Vol. 2 is more of a showcase for High On Fire. "Rumors of War," "Fury Whip," "Hung Drawn and Quartered" and set-ender "Snakes for the Divine" are included among the seven heavy metal hand-grenades that make up the album. Again direct, uncompromising, and paced like a dash through enemy crossfire, the band exerts its electric power-trio potency. If these shows are pieced out in videos, Vimeo may shoot sparks and then go dark. -About.com

Singles:


(Dayshell - Share With Me)

Dayshell, the new project of former Of Mice & Men bass guitarist/clean vocalist Shayley Bourget, have announced their new single, “Share With Me,” is set to be released digitally on June 18 in the United States and June 25 in Canada. -Under The Gun