Queensryche – 10 Great Songs (2011)

Part of Capitol's 10 Great Songs series, the Queensrÿche installment serves as an introduction to the iconic prog band. Featuring songs like ”Empire" and ”Silent Lucidity," 10 Great Songs touches on some of their hits while only barely scratching the surface of their 30-year career. While this makes for a less intimidating first look at Queensrÿche, a better place to start would be the band's Greatest Hits collection.

New Heavy Metal CD Releases: August 30, 2011

August 30, 2011
Bobaflex - Hell In My Heart (Megaforce)
Century - Red Giant (Prosthetic)
Eat The Gun - Runner (Metalville)
Entrenched - Preemptive Strike (Horror Pain Gore)
Hackneyed - Carnival Cadavre (Lifeforce)
Kittie - I've Failed You (eOne)
Nocturnal Fear - Excessive Cruelty (Moribund)
Pentagram - When The Screams Come DVD (Metal Blade)
Pro-Pain - 20 Years Of Hardcore CD/DVD (AFM)
Shadowside - Inner Monster Out (SHP)
Stray From The Path - Rising Sun (Sumerian)

Queensryche – 10 Great Songs (2011)

Part of Capitol's 10 Great Songs series, the Queensrÿche installment serves as an introduction to the iconic prog band. Featuring songs like ”Empire" and ”Silent Lucidity," 10 Great Songs touches on some of their hits while only barely scratching the surface of their 30-year career. While this makes for a less intimidating first look at Queensrÿche, a better place to start would be the band's Greatest Hits collection.

Dead and Divine – Antimacy (2011)

Dead and Divine is a five-piece Metalcore band out of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Their initial success spawned from their 2005 EP What Really Happened At Lover's Lane on Verona Records (a label created by the band themselves, and Silverstein's Shane Told).

The band had officially released the name for their next upcoming album titled Antimacy on January 25 on their Myspace. The album is released on August 2.

'Slumlord' Stream

Putridity – Degenerating Anthropophagical Euphoria

Draining Necro Anal Disgorgement 

Greeley Estates – The Death of Greeley Estates (2011)

The Death of Greeley Estates is the fifth full-length album by Greeley Estates. It was expected to be released on August 2, but was pushed forward due to obligations to August 9, 2011 through Tragic Hero Records and is produced by Cory Spotts. The first single for the album was released on June 1, 2011, titled "The Last Dance". On June 2nd, 2011 Greeley Estates announced on their Twitter that they will be opening with a new song entitled "Straitjacket" on their next show. Which is going to be released July 7 on the band's Facebook page, and it's also the 1st track on the record. On June 4th Greeley announced via their Facebook page that they would be releasing the song "Friendly Neighborhood Visit" through Altpress on June 7th. A new song called "Bodies" was mentioned when Greeley Estates talked about going over new songs for their next show. A tracklist for the album has been released online however it is slightly incorrect. The listing below is official and correct. The previews for all the songs have been released online.

Saxon – Call to Arms (2011)

Call To Arms is the 19th studio album by British heavy metal band Saxon. Call to Arms was released the 3rd of June in Europe; 6th of June in UK, Finland, and Denmark; 8th of June in Greece, Poland; 10th of June in France. Previously, it was due to be released on 23 May 2011 (but was later delayed.) The album is scheduled for release on 27 September in North America on EMI. Current Deep Purple keyboardist Don Airey made a guest appearance on the album.

Two of the tracks on the album were written by the band for the movie Hybrid Theory.

The album artwork is derived from Lord Kitchener Wants You, a World War I-era British Army recruitment poster.

SAXON - Afterburner (NEW from CALL TO ARMS 2011)

Abandon All Hope – Prowler (2011)

After keeping fans waiting for a few years since their last album, Abandon All Hope have today released their new record titled Prowler.

Heads, You Win

‘Prowler’ is the long awaited debut album from Adelaide metal core juggernauts ABANDON ALL HOPE. Follow up to 2007's ‘Where Life And Death Meet’, ‘Prowler’ boasts heavier and more melodic tendencies while showcasing all the elements that cemented Abandon All Hope as one of the leaders of heavy music in Australia

 Check the band interview at lunamagazine.

Fans Page : http://www.myspace.com/abandonallhope
Similar Artist : Hand Of Mercy, Picture The End, Anime Fire

Tracklist:
01 – Prowler
02 – Heads, You Win
03 – Self Pity City
04 – Mind Surrender
05 – Sleep at the Mercy of Nightmares
06 – What I’ve Lost
07 – The Book of Crossroads
08 – Floods
09 – Bury Yourself Upside Down
10 – The Urgency of Time

Suicide Silence – The Black Crown (2011)

SUICIDE SILENCE - You Only Live Once (New Track!)

 

Here comes the new Suicide Silence song to rock you! I personally love it because it is quite good for the first release from their album.

The Black Crown is the third full-length album by metal band Suicide Silence, which was released July 12, 2011 through Century Media Records. With anticipation for their third full-length after the release of No Time to Bleed, Suicide Silence prepared recording for The Black Crown on a course of several months starting from the beginning of 2010 with writing ideas and plans before their arrival to the studio for recording in 2011.

Tracklist:
01 – Slaves To Substance
02 – O.C.D
03 – Human Violence
04 – You Only Live Once
05 – Fuck Everything
06 – March To The Black Crown
07 – Witness The Addiction
08 – Cross-Eyed Catastrophe
09 – Smashed
10 – The Only Thing That Sets Us Apart
11 – Cancerous Skies

Bonus Tracks:
12 – SuperBeast (Rob Zombie Cover)
13 – Revival of Life

Hands – Give Me Rest (2011)

Hands - Give Me Rest (Album Preview) 2011

Behemoth – Abyssus Abyssum Invocat (2011)

Polish death metal act Behemoth has revealed the details for its forthcoming 2-CD set, titled "Abyssus Abyssum Invocat." The new release features two previous Behemoth EPs, which both are currently out-of-print, and includes all new expanded artwork as well as bonus tracks on each disc. The two EPs featured are "Conjuration" and "Slaves Shall Serve." "Abyssus Abyssum Invocat" is set for release on May 17, 2011 in North America through Metal Blade Records. A European release will arrive in stores on April 18, 2011 through Peaceville Records.

Behemoth "Slaves Shall Serve" by Metal Blade Records

Heavy Metal Week In Review: May 15, 2011

New CD Releases This Week:

1. Anvil - Juggernaut Of Justice (The End)

2. The Gates Of Slumber - Wretch (Rise Above)
3. Hate Eternal - Phoenix Amongst the Ashes (Metal Blade)
4. New Keepers Of The Water Towers - The Calydonian Hunt (Meteor City)
5. Novembers Doom - Aphotic (The End)
6. Portrait - Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae (Metal Blade)

Skindred – Union Black (2011)

Union Black is the fourth album from Welsh ragga metal band Skindred. It was released on April 25, 2011 in the United Kingdom & May 3, 2011 in the United States. The album is notable for featuring more usage of dubstep, hip hop and drum and bass elements than previous works.


Skindred - Game Over
A wonderful song from the new album 'Union Black'.

April 2011 Best Heavy Metal Albums

April was a very consistent, but not great month.  No new releases garnered 4.5 stars or higher, but a bunch received 4 stars, making it a difficult task to determine this month's top 5.  I have a feeling some of these will age pretty well, and by the end of the year may even grow on us enough to crack the best of 2011 list.  After a lot of debate, arm-wrestling and coin-flipping, Primordial gets the top spot for April, barely edging out the return of Pentagram. Here are April's top 5 metal releases.

1. Primordial - 'Redemption At The Puritan's Hand' (Metal Blade)

2. Pentagram - 'Last Rites' (Metal Blade)

3. Blut Aus Nord - '777: Sect(s)' (Code 666)

4. Cruachan - 'Blood On The Black Robe' (Candlelight)

5. Vintersorg - 'Jordpuls' (Napalm)

list by heavymetal.about.com

Caliban – Coverfield EP (2011)

Artist: Caliban

Album: Coverfield EP

Released: 2011

Style: Metalcore


Tracklist:
01 – My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend (Type O Negative Cover)
02 – Sonne (Rammstein Cover)
03 – Blinded by Fear (At the Gates Cover)
04 – Helter Skelter (The Beatles Cover)

New Metal Music Releases 2011

Band Name: In Flames
Album Name: Sounds of a Playground Fading
Release Date: 2011-06-21

Band Name: GWAR
Album Name: Bloody Pit of Horror
Release Date: 2011-11-09

Band Name: In Flames
Album Name: Sounds of a Playground Fading
Release Date: 2011-06-21

Band Name: Autopsy
Album Name: Macabre Eternal
Release Date: 2011-05-31

Band Name: Infestus
Album Name: Ex|Ist
Release Date: 2011-05-16

Band Name: Deadlock
Album Name: Bizarro World
Release Date: 2011-03-16

Band Name: Children Of Bodom
Album Name: Relentless Reckless Forever
Release Date: 2011-03-08

Band Name: Burzum
Album Name: The Fallen
Release Date: 2011-03-07

Band Name: Deicide
Album Name: To Hell With God
Release Date: 2011-02-15

Band Name: Immortal
Album Name: The Seventh Date Of Blashyrkh (live)
Release Date: 2010-09-14

Setherial – Treason (2011)

 Tracklist:
01 – Treason [A Death That Breeds Through Aeons]
02 – Warfare [God Is Dead]

Disfiguring The Goddess – Disfiguring The Goddess (2011)

disfiguring the goddess - uprising

Find more songs at Disfiguring The Goddess myspace

There's something about deathcore that has always rubbed me the wrong way. I LOVE brutal death metal/slam death metal and I LOVE hardcore/metalcore (mainly 90s and earlier). There's just something about when these two get mixed together that it makes me want to kill puppies. Typically the genre mixes modern metalcore and focuses too much on the bad aspects of both death and core. It almost always french fries when it should pizza leaving you having a bad time.


Why am I enjoying the new Disfiguring the Goddess album so much? It's made by internet deathcore sensation Big Chocolate (also the ex vocalist for Abominable Putridity, Burn the Masses, Misericordiam, and countless others). The guy definitely has his root in the deathcore genre, but he also seems to now know very well how to write good slamming brutal death metal.

Admittedly, I didn't care too much for their prior records. This album just seems so much more focused and certainly more powerful. Sure, Circle of Nine still has plenty of breakdowns, but the album is rather enjoyable. It's ridiculously heavy and the guy seriously has some of the best death metal vocals I've ever heard. From start to finish the album pummels you over the head and doesn't letup. The production is very clean and very heavy. The band definitely focused more on the brutal death metal sound this time around instead of just deathcore. If all deathcore were to sound like this the genre might not have such a bad reputation. As a skeptic myself, I say give it at least one listen. It's up for free streaming listening on their Facebook page (linked). review found on stereokiller.

March 2011 Best Heavy Metal Albums CDs

1. Kvelertak - 'Kvelertak' (The End)

The End Records

Kvelertak is groovy black n' roll. Lean guitar riffs, catchy melodies and ample aggression make for an appealing combination. The songs are fun, but with a punk vibe that adds a swagger and attitude. The vocals are harsh, providing a sharper edge to the music. Tracks like “Blodtørst” even have brief acoustic moments.

In addition to Erlend Hjelvik's throat searing vocals, there are guest appearances from Ryan McKenney (Trap Them), Ivar Nikolaisen (Silver) and Hoest (Taake). “Sultans Of Satan” includes some melodic vocals in addition to the harsh yells. It also incorporates some bluesy Sabbath style riffs. There's no shortage of riffs on Kvelertak, as the band utilizes a three guitar attack.


2. Omnium Gatherum - 'New World Shadows' (Lifeforce)

Lifeforce Records

The album begins with the majestic and epic “Everfields,” a nine minute opus. It moves along at a moderate pace, then both the speed and aggression increase before a mid-song acoustic interlude. Jukka Pelkonen's death metal vocals are edgy and a little lower pitched than the usual, making them sound more distinctive. It's a diverse and progressive song with a lot of tempo and texture changes and a strong opener.

Omnium Gatherum have really hit their stride on New World Shadows. They've stepped up their songwriting and musicianship, and have delivered their best album to date. Melodic death metal fans will definitely want to check this one out.

3. Within Temptation - 'The Unforgiving' (Roadrunner)

"Within Temptation - The Unforgiving"Roadrunner Records

The Unforgiving is a concept album, based on a comic book created in collaboration with the band by Steven O'Connell. Musically, Within Temptation still plays bombastic and melodic symphonic metal, but add in some retro '80s vibes and other genres on some of the songs. The opener “Shot In The Dark” has a lot of atmosphere along with big hooks and powerful vocals from Sharon den Adel.

“In The Middle Of The Night” is a standout, an arena-ready anthem that's more intense than the usual WT song, but has great riffs and a memorable chorus. One of the strengths of The Unforgiving is the balance between orchestration and riffs. The symphonic elements don't bury the guitars, they both comfortably co-exist.

4. Amon Amarth - 'Surtur Rising' (Metal Blade)
Metal Blade Records

Their brand of melodic Viking metal won't ever cross over to the mainstream, but their appeal in the metal world has continued to grow, and their latest CD Surtur Rising will only continue their momentum. Surtur Rising gets off to an aggressive start with “War Of The Gods.” Catchy riffs, a searing solo and Johan Hegg's trademark low-pitched but understandable rasp make it a strong and memorable opener. “Tock's Taunt” runs the gamut from a brief mellow section to very melodic to double bass intensity.

There's no title track per se, but the band considers “Destroyer Of The Universe” to be that track. It's one of the more intense songs on the album. It's companion piece, at least lyrically, is “The Last Stand Of Frej,” which tells the same story from a different perspective.

5. Mercenary - 'Metamorphosis' (Prosthetic)
Prosthetic Records

Many doubted that Denmark’s Mercenary would be able to overcome the loss of leather-lunged screamer/singer Mikkel Sandager after the man’s departure following 2008’s album cycle for Architect of Lies. In light of all this, it’s impressive that Metamorphosis was created at all, never mind the fact that it also happens to be completely killer.

Taking the proverbial bull by the horns, bassist Rene Pederson has stepped up to the plate as the band’s new singer, handling both clean and harsh vocals with stunning confidence. Pederson leads the charge here, side by side with guitarist Jakob Molberg, whose significantly impressive chops are once again dropping jaws and raising fists with their near-flawless mastery of melody and technical prowess.

Artillery – My Blood (2011)

My Blood is the sixth studio album by the Danish technical thrash metal band Artillery. It was released in 2011 on Metal Mind Productions.

Track listing

1. "Mi Sangre (The Blood Song)"
2. "Monster"
3. "Dark Days"
4. "Death Is An Illusion"
5. "Aint Giving In"
6. "Prelude to Madness"
7. "Thrasher"
8. "Warrior Blood"
9. "Concealed In The Dark"
10. "End Of Eternity"
11. "The Great"

Video "Warrior Blood"

Artillery’s brand new album My Blood has just been released in Europe and Japan.