Metal Update – 23 February 2018
The updates are coming thick and fast now, as more and more albums are being announced, confirmed, or further explained. Sometimes I have to go hunting for the latest news to bring you, scouring the bits of social media that the new algorithms apparently don’t want us to see. Today’s update pretty much wrote itself however, as the news dropped into my lap over the course of a morning. I am therefore really pleased to bring you all a new batch of exciting news in my normal newsletter style.
Kingcrow – The Persistence
Release date: TBC
My relentless quest to get this magnificent Italian prog rock/metal band the recognition they deserve continues. I still have nothing but silence to bring you regarding a release date for their new album ‘The Persistence’. However, we do have a new short clip to give you another brief insight into the music on the album. Check it out right here:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwjeIjtvStI&w=560&h=315]
Amorphis – Queen of Time
Release date: 18 May 2018
I’ve already mentioned Finnish metal band Amorphis this year, as it became obvious that 2018 would see a new record from them. This is great news as far as I’m concerned because Amorphis are hugely important to me, not least because they consistently release excellent music.
Today I am delighted to report that we now have an official release date for the new record, as well as a confirmed album title and artwork. On the subject of the artwork, I have to say that I love it – so striking and detailed. It’s the kind of cover that would make me buy an album blind.
Even more intriguingly, Esa Holopainen has been quoted as saying the following about the new record: “It’s a very natural continuation to ‘Under The Red Cloud’ but with steroids. The songs are more aggressive but there’s more dynamics, harmonies and orchestral arrangements present. The result is AMORPHIS as something you’ve never heard before!”
I loved Amorphis already, so Amorphis on steroids? That’s an exciting prospect. I hope the band don’t take things too far, but if it is anything like their previous record ‘Under A Red Cloud’, it’ll be fantastic.
Teramaze – TBC
Release date: TBC
Up until ‘My Halo’ hit my inbox during 2015, I was blissfully unaware of the Australian melodic progressive metal band. They rightly featured in my ‘most anticipated of 2018’ round-up series earlier in the year, given the positive impact that ‘My Halo’ made a couple of years ago. I have made sure that I have kept a close eye on progress of their next album, so that I don’t miss a thing.
And, in just the last day or so, we have been treated to a flurry of posts on social media to update us on the progress of the new album. At the moment, the band appears to be focusing on the drums and have released a couple of videos to give us a little insight. Check them out below and enjoy.
Northward – TBC
Release date: TBC
I have no idea if I’ll like this, because believe it or not, my love for classic rock is not the strongest. However, the names of Floor Jansen and Jørn Viggo Lofstad cannot be ignored. Jansen, currently plying her trade with Nightwish is an exceptional singer, whilst Lofstad has beguiled me over the years as guitarist with Pagan’s Mind. Meeting at Progpower USA in 2007, their collaboration under the moniker of Northward has remained on ice for a decade – until now.
Throwing the names of Deep Purple, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin and Alter Bridge around, theirs is described as a ‘basic rock sound’ far removed from the more layered and detailed sounds of their day-job bands. Floor is quoted as saying “The music is melodic, but also in your face and kick ass rock. Cool riffs, good melodies and tasteful arrangements. We would simply like to call it ‘Good Music’”
I’m certainly intrigued by this partnership and will bring you more news when I get it.
If you’ve missed any of my other updates in this series during 2018 so far, they can be accessed via the following links.
Metal update – 21 February
Metal update – 17 February
Metal update – 12 February
Metal update – 6 February
