Welcome to my latest post in what is becoming a new regular feature on the blog of Much Metal. I have always brought you a series of posts where I look ahead at the albums I’m most looking forward to throughout the coming year (Most anticipated releases of 2017). However, as is often the way, as the weeks pass, more news comes to light, updates are provided by bands and I inevitably get excited by things that I hadn’t been aware of previously.

Well, this regular update is my way of keeping you abreast of these new developments, whether they relate to albums I’ve already mentioned or to completely new discoveries.

I never like to just re-hash news that can be viewed on other sites, so this is my way of bringing you something unique and original in the process. And I’ll keep going unless you tell me to stop. You’ve been warned!

Obituary – Obituary
Release date: 17 March 2017 (Relapse)

15965455_10154022138905957_2782137546902839523_nI can’t help it. Ever since I heard ‘World Demise’ on cassette tape, I have had a soft spot for Obituary. I love the extremity and also, without being disingenuous to the band, the brutal simplicity of the music. This is no frills death metal where the groove and the riffs take centre stage to bludgeon the listener from start to finish. I also really like John Tardy’s vocals which sound twisted and tortured, as if he is wretching as he sings.

New track, ‘Turned To Stone’ is another behemoth of a death metal track that delivers everything I like and hope for from an Obituary song. It chugs and grooves relentlessly at a bludgeoning mid-tempo, but gathers pace a little towards the end as a solo or two enters the fray. Marvellous. I’m really interested to hear the band’s 10th album now.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Kf6af3gCk?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Seventh Wonder – TBC
Release date: TBC

A new Seventh Wonder album has to be one of my most hotly anticipated releases of 2017. They never fall short of being mesmerizingly brilliant. From the complex and dextrous instrumentalism to the more melodic delivery of the astonishing vocalist Tommy Karevik, this is a band that has it all.

There is still no official information about the album in terms of release date or title, but here is a bit of bass from the recording sessions that was released recently to get your juices flowing. I hope you like it as much as I do.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCtDX5boZpE?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Wolfheart – Tyhjyys
Release Date: 3 March 2017

15894580_700712443428988_7115424794040486274_nWolfheart are a band that I have discovered during one of my regular evenings spent trawling the internet for new music that I both enjoy and write about on the Blog of Much Metal. It is a service I perform with gusto and has allowed me to bring you another find that I’m excited about.

I know I’m late to the party but check out ‘The Flood’, a track taken from the upcoming album ‘Tyhjyys’ and tell me this isn’t completely superb. Mind you given that Wolfheart are spearheaded by guitarist/vocalist Tuomas Saukkonen, he of the now defunct Before The Dawn, Black Sun Aeon and Dawn of Solace, it is hardly surprising that it sends shivers down my spine. The blend of melody and bleak heaviness is intoxicating.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyKC3nYFi_k?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Caligula’s Horse & Opus Of A Machine

Recent news from the Caligula’s Horse camp that guitarist Zac Greensill had parted ways with the band came initially to me as a disappointing update. I love Caligula’s Horse and still count ‘Bloom’ as one of my favourite modern prog albums of recent years.

However, reading on, I discovered that Zac was leaving to focus 100% on his own band, Opus of a Machine, stating that new material would therefore be on the way soon. Naturally, I headed off to check out Opus of a Machine and what I have heard has meant this I am now very excited because not only will Caligula’s Horse continue, I now have another band to get my teeth stuck into and get my support behind.

Head over to the Opus of a Machine bandcamp page to check out their debut album from 2014 and see what I am babbling on about. A new album in 2017 would be brilliant, I have no doubt.

https://opusofamachine.bandcamp.com/

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7aSHwpABpM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Helion Prime – Helion Prime
Release date: 24 February 2017

CD BookletHere is a band about which I knew nothing as recently as a week ago. I didn’t know that they existed and I had even less of an idea that they had released a debut album in 2016. Recently signed to those good people at AFM, a re-release of the debut self-titled album is just around the corner, and now I know about this US band, it is my duty to spread the word to those who are interested.

The following video gives you a great insight into what this self proclaimed science-based power metal band are all about. Sharp riffing, powerhouse rhythms, infectious choruses and a lead vocalist in Kayla Dixon that is one of the most glorious front women I’ve heard – I love her tone and delivery which means she sounds very melodious but also full of attitude.

Expect a review on the blog of much metal in the near future.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0VfnqLUs8M?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Previous updates:

30th January 2017
21st January 2017

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