2013 Is Not Finished Yet
Having gone through some of my favourite released so far from 2013, I thought I’d turn my attention to the remainder of the year and highlight some of those albums that I personally, am looking forward to being released. Based on the following list, it threatens to be another strong six months…
Haken – “The Mountain”
The London-based progressive rock band returns with their third album. This is, unsurprisingly, my most eagerly anticipated release of 2013.
Subsignal – “Paraiso”
I have been a fan of Subsignal from the moment it became clear that Sieges Even would come to an end and that Subsignal would effectively take its place. Essentially, Subsignal offer brilliantly-written progressive rock that’s very heavy on melody and emotion. I have high hopes for this album, having loved both albums that have gone before.
Carcass – “Surgical Steel”
Legendary UK grind/death metal band Carcass thrilled the extreme metal world with news of a reformation in 2007. The revelation of a new album has heightened fans’ excitement to fever pitch. The good news for us all is that the wait is nearly over.
Dream Theater – “Dream Theater”
Very little needs to be said about this band. Personally, I hope this album continues in the vein of their last, “A Dramatic Turn Of Events” and the very fact that they have simply named it “Dream Theater”, must mean that they are happy with the results.
Karnivool – “Asymmetry”
Australian progressive rock/metal band Karnivool return with their third album and, on the strength of the song “I Am”, I cannot be the only one who’s excited about this forthcoming album. Complex, emotional and powerful…sounds great to me.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_E5ae9ZTwk?feature=player_embedded]
Marcus Jidell – “Pictures From A Time Traveller”
Ex-Royal Hunt and current Evergrey guitarist Marcus Jidell has recorded this, an instrumental album. Normally, I’m not massively keen on such things but, having been privileged to hear some rough ideas a while back, I must admit that I am sold and I cannot wait for the release. If you like the guitar, this is an album to check out for sure.
Mercenary – “Through Our Darkest Days”
It is album number seven for Denmark’s extreme metallers Mercenary. The band brings together the aggression of death metal with the attitude of thrash and then blends them together with a strong melodic glue. Having already heard this album (expect a review very shortly), “Through Our Darkest Days” is far and away the band’s best recording to date.
Tarja – “Colours In The Dark”
The uniquely talented Tarja Turunen, ex-vocalist for Nightwish, offers the world her third album. Now a powerful and respected solo artist in her own right, “Colours In The Dark” is adventurous and passionate as well as symphonic and atmospheric. It will surprise a few, but it is her best yet. I know, because I’ve been lucky enough to hear it.
Katatonia – “Dethroned & Uncrowned”
This is slightly leftfield in that this album is a re-release of their most recent album “Dead End Kings”. The difference being though, that all the songs have been re-worked and stripped down. In the band’s own words, “the drums will be dethroned and the distorted rhythm guitars will be uncrowned! Instead, we’ll place the emphasis on the many layers of ambience, with the melodies staying central and the vocal harmonies representing the heart of the album.” Sounds ace to me!
And, if you’re interested in what I think of what has already been released in 2013, check out my posts below!
The previous instalments can be found here:
Half-Way Through 2013 – The Best So Far – Part 1
Half-Way Through 2013 – The Best So Far – Part 2
Half-Way Through 2013 – The Best So Far – Part 3
Half-Way Through 2013 – The Best So Far – Part 4
“Half-Way Through 2013 – The Best So Far – Part 5”
