Music Releases For March 4th, 2014

So this week really didn't resonate when it comes to new releases.  A few of these are the first time ever hearing the groups but like all of you, I am constantly on the lookout for new material as well.  It would be pompous of me to think that my taste in music is perfect as-is and wouldn't be open to new bands and albums, right?

So other than Intervals and The Overseer these are new bands to me just as much to you.  So feel free to drop some comments on artists YOU think I should be paying attention to.  But as always, if you like what you hear (there are plenty of places to get free listening samples) then buy and album at your local record shop or online retailer.  If digital is your thing then ensure you purchase it from a legal source.

Sales determine touring schedules so it only hurts your city if you don't buy.

(Mike Oldfield - Man On The Rocks)

Of those previous 24 efforts, he will of course always be remembered for 1973’s Tubular Bells and with good reason – who else can lay claim to an album that’s topped 17 million worldwide sales? And a totally instrumental one to boot.

It is undoubtedly the guitaring that represents this album’s main strength, often elevating average tracks into something better, but when telling guitar contributions are absent there’s little else to get excited about. The quality of that guitaring though is impressive enough to keep listeners coming back; the old master may not be as abundantly creative as he once was but there’s life in the old fart yet. -Music OMH

(Vanishing Point - Distant Is The Sun)

I find myself at a real loss to say anything more about Distant is The Sun other than it is a brilliant album. It is a finely wrought artwork, richly layered and abundant in beauteous composition that will capture your mind and knock you from your feet. Granted that this kind of metal is not everyone’s taste, but I would emphatically recommend it to anyone who is looking for some genuinely gorgeous music; for lovers of this genre Distant is The Sun is more than a treat, it is a full course meal for the ears and (as cliché as it may sound) heart. It is, without question, uplifting and stunning international level metal. -Metal Obsession

(Wolves Like Us - Black Soul Choir)

With a pedigree of previous bands as strong as you’re likely to find anywhere amidst the fjords, this Norwegian quartet’s brand of heavy rock is meaty and muscular,  whether it’s galloping through the fury of “When Will We Ever Sleep” or ripping through the fierce dynamics of tracks such as the kinetic “Dig with Your Hands.” Lyrical references to Charles Bukowski and Elizabeth Carter score egghead points, but the real smarts are in the taut and tight delivery of the 10 tracks. -Revolver Magazine

(Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary)

Throughout the album you can hear influences from many other great bands such as SAXON, ACCEPT, RUNNING WILD and even AC/DC. “Rebel With A Cause” is a blast of Power Metal mixed with Hard Rock, while the eerie atmospheric intro to “Give It More” gives way to a hard rock AC/DC sounding stomp. Upping the tempo is the blistering “Too Hot For Hell”. Superb guitar solos, solid rhythms and a catchy sing-a-long chorus make this a stand out song on the album. “Revolution” is a mid tempo hard rock romp with a great guitar sound. -Metal Temple

(The Overseer - Rest and Let Go)

With “Rest & Let Go”, the band does not choose to run away from the influences that have been pinned to them, but rather seem to focus on them. Don’t let this scare you though, The Overseer keep things fresh enough that the new record avoids sounding like a rehashing of of “We Search, We Dig” or a tribute album to the mentioned greats.

With “Rest & Let Go” The Overseer are able to refine the sound laid forth on “We Search, We Dig”. The new music does not instantly sound different from their previous work, however, while listening to the albums as wholes back to back, the newest material feels much more concise and natural. Song structures are more varied and soundwise, the record is more diverse. If you thought The Overseer were a force to be reckoned with on their debut, you are in for a treat on the tighter, more mature sophomore effort, “Rest & Let Go”. -Indie Vision Music

EPs:

(Intervals - A Voice Within)

There really isn’t anything bad about this record at all, the musicianship, as already mentioned, is stupidly tight, and the production does a good job of making everything sound crisp and clear, it’s just a difficult record to connect to and one unlikely to live long in the memory.

It’s difficult to really see Intervals as anything more than intricately constructed and energetically performed background music. It’s enjoyable enough to listen to while doing something else, but lacks that certain spark that makes ‘A Voice Within’ an album that never quite manages to grab and hold the listeners undivided attention. -Already Heard