BlogOfMuchMetal – Metal News – 9 August 2017
Welcome to my latest round-up of anticipated rock and metal releases on their way in the near future. It’s a big one today, so no big introduction from me. Let’s just get straight on with it.
Enslaved release more details about their new album…
Enslaved – E
Date of release: 13 October 2017
Label: Nuclear Blast
We knew it was coming, and here it is, the latest opus from the spectacular Enslaved. As I stated in a previous update, I’m a huge fan of this Norwegian band. From their overt black metal roots, they have serenely, almost effortlessly evolved into a progressive extreme metal band that creates some of the most intense, majestic and elegant music heard within the genre. In addition, the quintet are remarkably consistent, rarely putting a foot wrong in their evolution.
In the last few days, Enslaved have confirmed that their new album, the enigmatically-named ‘E’, will be released on 13th October, with a first aural taster coming this Friday…just in time for my next update! There will be guest musicians, including Wardruna vocalist Einar Kvitrafn Selvik and a jazz saxophonist, but I’ll not hold this against them yet. Not until I hear the results at least.
Take my money now, Vanishing Point…
Vanishing Point – TBC
Date of release – 2018
Label: AFM Records
How could I not mention this? Just take a listen to this grainy snippet of Silvio Massaro belting out some vocals for the new Vanishing Point album. I’ve written in the past that Vanishing Point are one of my all-time favourite bands and that Silvio is one of my all-time favourite singers. So, when you put them both together when they are clearly at the top of their game, you get this. And it sounds stunning, even via this low-res recording. Just take my money guys and get it over with!
Lost In Thought confirm that the recording of their new record is nearly complete…
Lost In Thought – TBC
Date of release: TBC
Label: TBC
I have been waiting for a new record from Lost In Thought for some time. In light of some of the more recent personnel changes, I had feared that we might never see a follow-up to the very fine debut ‘Opus Arise’. However, small teaser updates from the band confirmed that new material was on the horizon. And in the last couple of weeks, we were told that there was ‘just one solo remaining until we finish up the recording of album no. 2!’
Again, we don’t have a release date for the sophomore album, but I’m keeping everything crossed that it will be this side of Christmas 2017. As soon as anything is confirmed, I’ll bring it to you.
In the meantime, the following clips might just increase your interest a little:
Caligula’s Horse release a new song…
Caligula’s Horse – In Contact
Date of release: 15 September 2017
Label: InsideOut Music
I know that I have mentioned Caligula’s Horse in just about every update of late but that’s because every time I provide an update, they release more information about their new album, ‘In Contact’. And, frankly, because I am so damn excited about this record.
Last time I brought you the track list and now we have the delight of an entire song to listen to. I’m hoping it won’t be long until I can comment on the entire record and bring you all a review. However, in the meantime, settle down and listen to ‘Will’s Song (Let The Colours Run)’
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QJlFdFquiY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
There’s a new progressive rock supergroup about….
Sons of Apollo – Psychotic Symphony
Date of release: 20 October 2017
Label: InsideOut Music
If You’re a fan of progressive music, you’ll have had to have been living under a rock not to already know about this. Sons of Apollo is the latest new band from the workaholic drummer Mike Portnoy. Not content with everything else he’s involved with, he has now teamed up with an impressive group of musicians to create Sons of Apollo. Joining Portnoy is Derek Sherinian, bassist Billy Sheehan, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal and vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. For many, keyboardist Derek Sherinian will be the biggest draw given his extensive solo work and his involvement with the likes of Planet X, Black Country Communion and, for a time, Dream Theater.
However, for me, the inclusion of Soto is arguably the most exciting of all. I have loved JSS’s voice for many years now thanks to his powerful and melodious delivery that could, I’m sure, charm the birds from the trees. The intriguing part about this is that Soto is better known for fronting melodic hard rock or AOR bands, most notably Talisman and, more recently, the superlative W.E.T. But here he is out front and centre for a progressive rock band. But I just know that this new marriage will work. I mean, why wouldn’t it? We’re not talking about a group of spotty teenagers learning their craft; these are battle hardened, experienced musicians and song writers. The teaser trailer below will give you an idea of what to expect, as well as making it virtually impossible for us all to hold out until the release.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPN2DttzlZQ?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Vuur release snippets of their debut album…
V
uur – In This Moment We Are Free – Cities
Date of release: 20 October 2017
Label: InsideOut Music
InsideOut Music are on fire at the moment. They’ve always been a firm favourite in the Mansion of Much Metal, but of late, it seems like they have a little extra something because the stream of interesting, high quality music coming from their roster is unrelenting. The latest to pique my interest is Vuur, the new band that features Anneke van Giersbergen as lead vocalist. I have been a fan of Anneke’s voice for many years, every since being spellbound by her performance on The Gathering’s ‘Mandylion’. Joining her in Vuur is Johan van Stratum and Ed Warby, amongst others, making it an intriguing prospect.
And now snippets of each track from Vuur’s debut album have been released and can be heard below. I know that Anneke was looking to explore heavy prog realms within a band environment to juxtapose her acoustic folk solo work, but I wasn’t expecting it to be quite this heavy. From what I can tell from the snippets, the guitars are down-tuned and seriously chunky whilst the rhythm section is commanding. But melody still plays a part and I love the blend of angelic vocals and crushing instrumentalism. I’m now really looking forward to hearing this record in its entirety.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWag98avUQI?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Psion announce debut EP…
Psion – Psion EP
Date of release: 1 September 2017
Label: Illusionary Records
Any band that features Tom MacLean, of To-Mera and ex-Haken fame must be worth a listen right? Well yes, I think so, and so here’s your chance. Dark atmospheric progressive metal is the way in which this new four-piece describe themselves and from the montage of material they have released below, I am minded to agree with this broad description. It’s hard to tell without a full song to go on, but I like what I hear.
And it goes without saying that the four musicians who feature are clearly very adept and skilful – including members of Dodecahedron, Our Oceans and Ramage Inc., how could they not be? I shall be doing my best to track this little beast down so that I can bring you a review ahead of its release at the beginning of September.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5OKhkFapPs?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Previous updates:
31 July 2017
24 July 2017
22 July 2017
28 March 2017
23 March 2017
11 March 2017
5th March 2017
26th February 2017
13th February 2017
3rd February 2017
30th January 2017
21st January 2017
