I felt a disturbance in the force this week. It seemed to my knowledge that album release dates have now shifted to Fridays instead of the normal Tuesday release days I was used to when working in the record store. Nonetheless, go with the flow, and carry on. From now on, we'll just use a weekly time frame rather than a specific date (in case someone wants to release on Thursday or something like that).
(Artwork by AFGM. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
So if you are looking for a preview of these tracks, then social media, or YouTube would be your best fit. If you are determined to purchase a copy, then be sure to do it from a local record store, online retailer, or trusted digital source. Cheers and enjoy discovering new music!
(Tyrese - Black Rose)
It’s been written that the death of fellow "Fast and Furious" co-star and personal friend, Paul Walker, had a profound effect on Tyrese, with Gibson reportedly going into a deep depression over the untimely loss. If it was from that tragedy that this great blues was born and properly channeled through Gibson’s creative touch, then it can be said that Tyrese has transformed an ocean of painful emotion into the truest album of his creative life. And in that harrowing process, he’s also gifted us what is easily one of the best and most consistent R&B/Soul albums of the year. -Soultracks
(Ghostface Killah - Twelve Reasons To Die II)
The sound on 12 Reasons to Die II follows the vibe Ghostface has been on for the past few years. If you’re new to Ghostface Killah, you may think he’s the bandleader of a Roots-esque group. Both albums from this series, 36 Seasons and Sour Soul all provide soulful, organic production that is more similar to Menahan Street Band, El Michels Affair or The Expressions than anything you hear attached to producer credits. The instrumentals are so good, in fact, that you can listen to them sans-lyrics on the Deluxe version of the record. -Hot New Hip-Hop
(Veruca Salt - Ghost Notes)
Both musically and lyrically, it’s a potent and affecting record, with a deep well of emotional resonance Veruca Salt never really had before. (American Thighs and Eight Arms To Hold You are both excellent albums, but they’re not exactly Leonard Cohen, spiritually speaking.) All of the elements that made those early albums so resonant are back, but the intervening years have lent some potent inner wounds to their sing-song harmonies. Ghost Notes may not have the irrepressible bounce of a youthful band in its prime, but it’s got soul to burn, and when the new songs fire on all fronts, the sound is as superlative as anything they’ve done. -AV Club
(Between The Buried and Me - Coma Ecliptic)
Naturally, expectations skyrocketed when the band announced its follow-up, Coma Ecliptic; fortunately, it surely satisfies them. Another seventy minute odyssey into imaginative soundscapes, mind-blowing arrangements, affective storytelling, and remarkable tonal shifts (both musically and vocally), the full-length retains everything that made their past few opuses so unique, breathtaking, and rewarding. However, as astounding as it is, Coma Ecliptic doesn’t quite surpass its predecessor, as it’s slightly less varied and daring; nevertheless, it comes very close to matching Parallax II, making it another absolutely extraordinary entry in their discography. -Pop Matters
(For All Eternity - Metanoia)
For All Eternity have successfully blended their influences into the music drawing comparison to bands like The Amity Affliction, Parkway Drive and even August Burns Red. ‘Metanoia’ is contemporary with a much needed edge, whether it be unexpected technical solos, crushing guttural vocals or even the electronic programming that is present throughout the album. Put simply, there is not much to hate about this full-length. Instrumentally it delivers competently, featuring beefy guitars that crunch in every track, through mass distortion or eerie clean tones and even surprising solos such as the one featured in ‘Unharness‘.
Vocally, the album dominates – harsh vocalist Shane Carroll delivers a significant vocal performance sounding suitably brutal, especially on ‘White Flame’, which kicks the record back into overdrive after a clean sung ballad. Guest vocalists, including For Today’s Mattie Montgomary and Kyle Tomosaitis, formerly of Burden of the Day, bring a welcomed and added spark to the release. Lyrically, ‘Metanoia‘ has religious themes and while it may scare some off, rest assured the lyrical content and value of the album is much more than just a token Christian album – everyone can resonate with the themes of facing one’s inner demons. -Kill Your Stereo
(Unleash The Archers - Time Stands Still)
Vancouver, Canada is the cold land where Unleash the Archers resides. With their classic style of power metal, they are not satisfied to be just another band in their genre. Unleash the Archers re-establishes what is sought for and desired when experiencing new music.
A near perfect album with no complaints. Time Stands Still has something for everyone, even if you're not into power metal, the talent and flow cannot be ignored as this organic spirit will evoke that soul you may, or may not, have to thirst for more quality music, and release you from that dark dungeon of solitude that all other death metal bands try to get you in. -Metal Injection
Put simply, this is Cradle of Filth on the very top of their game, and by far their best effort since “Midian”. Those who have been turned off the band in the past 15 years may yet have a reason to come back to them and have hope for the future if this lineup can stick. -Rock Sins
CD/DVD/Blu-Ray:
(Dragonforce - In The Line of Fire: Larger Than Live)
Given that the band decided a few years ago that performing sober was the way forward, the live performance is second-to-none. Tight as a drum and whipping up the 37,000 strong crowd into a frenzy, they sound fantastic in every respect. From the power of ‘Fury of the Storm’ to the beauty of ‘Seasons’ and even throwing in a rare gem in the form of ‘Black Winter Night’ from 2003’s Valley of the Damned, they’re inciting circle pits across the arena floor. Then there’s the big hitters in ‘Cry Thunder’, ‘Valley of the Damned’ and THAT song from the aforementioned Guitar Hero which naturally cause even more bedlam.
Displaying an abundance of energy and a set worthy of headlining the second stage, it’s a triumph in every aspect. They also found the time to learn a bit of Japanese in order to speak to the crowd in their mother tongue which is a wonderful touch. It’s also expertly shot and edited to give every single viewer as epic an experience as possible. The Behind the Scenes excerpts give an great look into each band member’s own lives, from Sam Totman’s love of pinball machines to Frederic Leclerq jamming ‘Smoke on the Water’ with his parents and their tomfoolery inside the Resident Evil hotel. At no point do any of the members come across as arrogant or stand-offish; they’re incredibly humble and grateful of the opportunity they’ve been given to fly around the world and play music for a living, even thanking the stage crew and the fans for all the support over the years. -Planet Mosh
(Black Veil Brides - Alive and Burning)
In addition to the concert film, Alive and Burning includes a short feature titled “Meet the Fans,” which shows the band during a signature session at Hot Topic. The usual eclectic mix of fans is on display, but the short also shows the dedication of the band to their fans, demonstrating why Black Veil Brides have accumulated more than four million fans on its Facebook page alone.
Smoking guitar licks, a pounding but catchy rhythm section, expressive lyrics with an overall positive vibe, and driving performances are all on display in Alive and Burning. Fans longing for modern rock and roll with no apologies should sample this DVD, and from there begin to explore the music of this hard-driving and fun band. Black Veil Brides are one of the reasons why modern rock still lives. -AXS
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