My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 3
Welcome to Part 3 of my series that takes a look at some of the best music that will/might/might not see the light of day in 2017.
If you missed parts 1 and 2, they can be viewed here:
My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 1
My most anticipated releases of 2017 – Part 2
But now let’s focus on Part 3…
Scar Symmetry – The Singularity – Phase II
Release date: TBC
I have loved Scar Symmetry ever since they burst onto the scene in the early Noughties with ‘Symmetric In Design’, an album that simply blew me away. Their blend of brutality, razor-sharp precision, groove, hook-laden choruses and the clean/gruff dual vocal approach instantly hit the mark and, for me, they quickly became one of the most exciting melodic death metal bands to come out of Sweden in many years.
In 2014, Scar Symmetry released ‘The Singularity, Phase I: Neohumanity, the first part of an exciting and bold trilogy. Well 2017 should see the return of this concept with ‘Phase II’ and if it’s half as good as ‘Phase I’, we’re in for a treat. Buckle up people, we’re in for an exciting ride.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NsFx6iVOaA&w=560&h=315]
Threshold – Legends of the Shires
Release date: TBC
Within the past 24 hours, news has emerged from the Nuclear Blast camp that UK progressive metal stalwarts, and personal favourites, Threshold are to release a new album in 2017. Indeed, they have even released the name of it, ‘Legends of the Shires’ and the band have commented that it may be their longest release yet as they have lots of strong material written. The fact that it is apparently a concept album just adds fuel to the fire of my enthusiasm because I’m a sucker for a good concept piece.
No firm release date has been set but with tour dates announced beginning at the end of November, I’m going to gamble on a September/October release. These guys never release anything other than top quality material, so I’m really excited for this one to see the light of day.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToYSRker8UM&w=560&h=315]
Enslaved – TBC
Release date: TBC
Everyone’s favourite progressive black metal Vikings have released a statement recently to suggest that a new album will be forthcoming in 2017. This is great news. I don’t really think that Enslaved have released a bad album in their 25 year history. Sure their music has matured and shifted over the years from all-out black metal to a much more progressive, nuanced, atmospheric and multi-layered sound. However, I don’t believe that the band have ever sounded better – their songwriting is at a peak, as is the professionalism of a band that can seemingly do no wrong. If this release comes to fruition, 2017 will be shaping up very nicely indeed.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhbqvYzvxhY&w=560&h=315]
Bal Sagoth – TBC
Release date: TBC
It seems like I mention this band every year. And every year I am proved wrong. The more that time passes, the more I’m beginning to think we might have seen the last of Bal Sagoth in terms of new studio material. I pray that I am wrong but it’s a thought that keeps nagging at me, especially since the last record to emerge came out over a decade ago in 2006. But hey, I shall keep the faith and maybe, if I mention this band enough times in these posts, Byron will hear me and give us fans something to get excited about.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DkQ8IivrwM&w=560&h=315]
Dimmu Borgir – TBC
Release date: TBC
One of these posts wouldn’t be the same without a mention for one of my favourite extreme metal bands of all time. To contextualize this statement, their 1997 release, ‘Enthrone, Darkness, Triumphant’ is one of my top 5 albums of all time. Beginning life as a black metal band, more recent output is probably better referred to as ‘extreme metal’. There are plenty of black metal elements to the Norwegian’s sound but such is the rich tapestry of influences that play a part within the modern Dimmu sound, curt pigeonholing into the black metal genre would be disingenuous. Each release from Shagrath et al is a slick, professional affair where the final product shines through a powerful and crystal-clear production. The symphonic elements and grandiose bombast provide a majestic and theatrical sheen to what is, at heart, pretty bruising and uncompromising heavy metal. There’s no official confirmation of a new album in 2017 as far as I’m aware, but I think it’s a relatively safe bet…mind you, I said that last year too!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jw7yk8hm_0&w=560&h=315]
