With the muted reaction that Machine Head’s Catharsis received from critics, you’d think that they might have had a Suicide Silence-like disaster on their hands. However, the album sold about 9,000 units in its debut week. That’s not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it is worth noting that that’s less than half of what their last album, Bloodstone & Diamonds, sold it in it’s first week back in 2014. That’s certainly not the lowest number of records the band have sold in it’s first week, however. In fact, Through the Ashes of Empires didn’t even come out in America. The band had been on an upward trajectory sales-wise until now, however. The Blackening sold 16,000 in it’s first week back in 2007, and Unto the Locustsold 17,000 four years later. While streaming has obviously impacted sales, this has to hurt a bit.
Then again, the news of Machine Head selling less in the states is offset by their chart success in the rest of the world . #3 record in Germany?Achievement unlocked! It’s also #12 in the U.K, their highest showing there yet. It’s Australia’s #10 album as well. It’s not the first time international support has helped out the band. It was the success overseas of Through the Ashes of Empires that led Roadrunner to re-sign the band. And as their ‘An Evening With’ tours have shown, there’s still a huge appetite for the band stateside. Perhaps the sound of the album or Flynn’s outspoken left-leaning songs convinced some fans to sit this album out. And if not, Machine Head doesn’t even need to lean super hard on the U.S. market if they can tour overseas. Flynn hasn’t commented on his U.S. sales yet, but the band trumpeted their international debut, which they have every right to be proud of, on Instagram. Stay tuned for the rest of this week’s chart action in Metal by Numbers.
Lacuna Coil have unveiled a video for their new single, "In The Mean Time," featuring Ash Costello of New Years Day. The song title refers to the current state of the world, and the band being between cycles. Directed by Patric Ullaeus, the video sets the stage for...
Metal By Numbers is a weekly column in which we look at the top metal sellers and debuts of the week, with order links provided by Amazon. This column was delayed longer than expected due to a medical issue and subsequent procedure. However, we're pleased to announce...
Oceans of Slumber are back in a heavier and darker direction on their latest single, "Where Gods Fear to Speak." The accompanying video, directed by Josh Vargas, captures the essence of the song's overall thought-provoking theme. The Houston band, blending melodic...
New & Noteworthy is Metal Insider’s weekly column highlighting some of the newest rock and metal releases coming out each week. This New Music Friday will see the highly anticipated returns of Pearl Jam, The Ghost Inside and High On Fire, as well as big...
New & Noteworthy is Metal Insider’s weekly column highlighting some of the newest rock and metal releases coming out each week. This week will see the debut of Jakobs Castle, the return of classic rockers Blue Öyster Cult, Mark Knopfler and James, as well as new...
New & Noteworthy is Metal Insider’s weekly column highlighting some of the newest rock and metal releases coming out each week. Albums hitting shelves this week include the return of The Libertines, the final album from Cock Sparrer and the debut solo LP from...