Essential Metal Releases Still To Come in 2015 – Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my series of posts taking a look at some of my most anticipated album releases that are scheduled or rumoured to see the light of day before 2015 is over. Already a strong year, it seems incomprehensible that there are just so many great albums still to come.

If you missed Part 1, you can access it here:
Essential Metal Releases Still To Come in 2015 – Part 1

Amorphis – Under The Red Cloud

For many years, Amorphis have held a special place in my heart. Since the release of ‘Tuonela’, I have followed the Finn’s career very closely enjoying the vast majority of their output very much. Blending traditional Finnish folk themes and melodies into a heavy metal framework is what Amorphis are all about. The result is music that’s catchy, memorable and surprisingly extreme at times. A great combination.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ql4Xe6MxQ4&w=560&h=315]

Maschine – TBC

According to their social media output, it would appear that Maschine, the young prog rock/metal band that impressed the hell out of me with their debut album, ‘Rubidium’, are in the advanced stages of writing their sophomore release. Again, no release date has been set as far as I can tell, but a late 2015 appearance is probably a pretty decent bet.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0d2s4ImUg0&w=560&h=315]

Dimmu Borgir – TBC

As early as March 2015, photos emerged on social media of pre-production of new material from Norwegian extreme symphonic black metallers Dimmu Borgir. I adore this band; their blend of black metal with pompous, bombastic symphonic atmosphere is a real winner for me and although I still hail ‘Enthrone, Darkness, Triumphant’ from 1997 as their finest hour, I’ve enjoyed just about everything they’ve ever done. No release date yet, but here’s hoping for a 2015 release.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joEAb_y7ZYA&w=420&h=315]

Headspace – TBC

As far back as August 2014, Headspace were telling the world that they were nearly at the mixing stage for their sophomore album. However, since then, things have gone worryingly quiet. Are the band still together, are they ever going to release the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the sensational ‘I Am Anonymous’? I’m still hoping for a 2015 release from the prog rock/metal supergroup and will keep hoping right up until December 31st.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9lyGnzFFN0&w=560&h=315]

Subsignal – The Beacons Of Somewhere, Sometime

The band that rose from the ashes of Sieges Even, Subsignal, are scheduled to release the enigmatically-titled ‘The Beacons Of Somewhere, Sometime’, on 30th October 2015. As the snippet below tantalisingly suggests, Expect expertly crafted, highly memorable and powerful melodic rock/metal with a nice splash of prog. This is one of the big excitements for me this year.

Myrath – TBC

It has taken me a long time to fully appreciate Myrath. However, the epiphany came with their latest release entitled ‘Tales Of The Sands’. The Tunisian band, who prove that not all is doom and gloom in the north African country right now, really impressed me with their clever blend of progressive metal, strong melodies and traditional African instrumentation. I am genuinely excited about their new album – you should be too.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1g62x7qybA&w=420&h=315]

Vanden Plas – TBC

The ever-more theatrical and colourful Vanden Plas are mooted to be releasing the second album of their ‘Chronicles Of The Immortals’ double-header later this year, just a year or so after the release of the amazing ‘Netherworld’. Progressive metal rarely sounds this rich, bombastic and flamboyant. However, Vanden Plas know exactly what they are doing and I fully expect this to be one of the melodic progressive metal albums of the year.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwKckeSE2ug&w=560&h=315]

Textures – TBC

Dutch metallers Textures are important to me as they were the first real djent/tech metal band to make a positive impact upon me. Most recent album ‘Dualism’ was the catalyst for this enthusiasm thanks to some very technical, complex extremity that they mixed with breathtaking melody, seemingly with consummate ease. That album remains as the genre benchmark to these ears and as such, I’m highly anticipating a follow-up to further cement my love for this band, although it’s touch and go whether it will come in 2015 as recording remains on-going as I type.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcIliX_z_7M&w=560&h=315]

Fear Factory – Genexus

Another slight cheat this one because again, I’ve heard the album already and submitted a review elsewhere. However, without saying too much, it’s fair to say that Fear Factory, the self-styled cyber-metal maestros have created a strong album, once again exploring the topics of man vs machine, that will bring a smile to many faces. It will no doubt also prove beyond doubt that the band have still very much got what it takes to compete at the highest level.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=midnSfMs5Y8&w=560&h=315]

Queensryche – TBC

I don’t think I’m the only one to have cringed at the debacle that began to surround and envelope one of the best and well-loved progressive metal bands over the past few years. That’s finally the end of the legend, I thought. Wrong. The band ditched vocalist Geoff Tate and enlisted Todd LaTorre. They released the self-titled comeback album in 2013 and the signs were very positive. Lets hope 2015 sees another leap in the right direction…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcGYjLLXIG8&w=560&h=315]

Caligula’s Horse – TBC

Another long shot but fresh from signing to one of my personal favourite record labels, Inside Out, it makes sense to think that one of Australia’s finest properly progressive metal bands might drop new material later this year. Content online from the band suggests that new material is being/has been written, so it’s possible.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KB7O0tJALM&w=560&h=315]

Pagan’s Mind – TBC

I’m not entirely convinced that we’ll get a new album in 2015 given the band are working on a live DVD called ‘Full Circle’. However, new material was being composed by the Norwegian melodic progressive metal band as far back as March, so who knows? Stranger things have happened that’s for sure and, given that a previous album of theirs received a full 10/10 from yours truly, I know that they can deliver the goods. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW24BGHfTzs&w=420&h=315]

My Dying Bride – Feel The Misery

Is there a better doom metal band? Others will argue that there are bigger or better names within the genre but, for me, My Dying Bride are the true masters of melancholy and despair. Few bands are able to marry the kinds of crushing riffs and solemn atmosphere that they create, with heartbreakingly fragile melodies. And yet My Dying Bride manage it with seeming ease. I’ve so far heard snippets of the new album out in mid-September, so I can’t wait to hear more.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMwtlz8JebM&w=560&h=315]