Metal By Numbers is a weekly column in which we look at the top metal sellers and debuts of the week.
Not surprisingly, Ozzy Osbourne scores the highest rock related debut this week. Though the Price of Darkness’s new album is arguably his best in a long time, Scream sold just a little less than half of its predecessor Black Rain. Either way though, it’s still an impressive debut and ranking for Ozzy, especially considering other major releases from Eminem and Drake hitting the scene around the same time. Releases from Danzig and Vince Neil also have impressive debuts, making this week seem to be ruled by famous frontmen’s solo projects. It should be noted that the whopping 741,413 copies that Eminem sold is the most albums sold in a single week since AC/DC, way back in October of 2008.
Notable Debuts:
Ozzy Osbourne, Scream (Epic) #4, 81,500 sold
Even though Eminem’s sample of Black Sabbath’s “Going Through Changes” technically put Ozzy on top of the charts, you’ll still wish Mr. Shady left the song alone when you listen to it.
Danzig, Deth Red Sabaoth (Evilive/The End) #34, 11,700 sold
The Prince Of Darkness might have sold more copies in total, but the former Misfits singer actually sold more than him at New England record chain Newbury Comics. Great job for both Danzig and The End.
Vince Neil, Tattoos & Tequila (Eleven Seven) #53, 7,500 sold
Guess he’ll be talking a walk on the “Wild Side,” cuz it doesn’t look like he’s gonna be driving anywhere!
Pierce The Veil, Selfish Machines (Equal Vision), #98, 4,800 sold
The post-hardcore, Warped Tour friendly band made into the top 100.
This or the Apocalypse, Haunt What’s Left (Good Fight) 780 sold
Lamb Of God’s Chris Adler helped produce the band’s new album. So you can probably assure that you’ll at least like the drumming if not the whole album.
Halford, Live In Anaheim (Metal God) 540 sold
The new live album from the Metal God is one of three releases he has planned to coincide with his Ozzfest appearance. That’s right, his solo appearance at the tour isn’t totally random.
Sister Sin, True Sound of the Underground (Victory) 500 sold
The Swedish “old-school” metal band has a modest first week.
Grave Maker, Ghosts Among Men (Victory) 440 sold
Victory Record’s newest signing’s album cover might scream Viking metal, their tour with Terror will most likely show how hardcore they really are.
Coliseum, House With a Curse (Temporary Residence) 410 sold
The hardcore band has been having a surprisingly very well run on the radio.
Notable Sales:
Godsmack, Oracle (Universal) #33, 11,700 sold
It’s ok Godsmack, there’s nothing wrong with being the second biggest hard rock release of the week.
AC/DC, AC/DC: Iron Man 2 (Columbia) #45 8,500 sold
Their greatest hits package sees a big 42% decrease. However, after 10 weeks it still sees itself in the top 50.
Bullet For My Valentine, Fever (Jive) #75, 5,600 sold
The crab girl isn’t budging from the charts.
Deftones, Diamond Eyes (Reprise) #100, 4,800 sold
Just made it onto the top 100 this week.
Five Finger Death Punch, War Is The Answer (Prospect Park) #122, 4,200
Hmm, I wonder which band can expect a big boost from Mayhem Fest this Summer?
Slash, Slash (Dick Hayd) #139, 3,570 sold
Slash has the best week of all the solo artists … who aren’t singers.
Attack Attack!, Attack Attack! (Rise) #140, 3,550 sold
Even though this album is dropping down the charts fast, I’m sure I’ll be continuing to write about them throughout the summer.
As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise (Metal Blade) #149, 3,300 copies
Their fifth album is Metal Blade’s highest ranking album this week.
Motley Crue, Greatest Hits (Motley Records) #160, 3,120 sold
Somewhat expected this to sell more than Vince Neil’s solo album this week. Guess if this greatest hits package can last on the charts this long, anything can happen.
Whitechapel, A New Era of Corruption (Metal Blade) #192, 2,600 sold
The 33% decrease sees Whitechapel almost falling off the charts.
In Fear and Faith, Imperial (Rise) #178, 1,130 sold
The sole debut from last week sees a 64% decrease.
Kingdom of Sorrow, Behind the Blackest Tears (Relapse) 1,050 sold
Ever dreamed of getting a phone call from Jamey and Kirk? Well then check out a new contest they are doing with Hail and Horns!
Nevermore, The Obsidian Conspiracy (Century Media) 1,020 sold
Got a bit worried after last week’s big drop in sales. But the Seattle prog wizards are selling near the same as last week.
Eyes Set To Kill, Broken Frames (Break Silence) 630 sold
Really want to make sure you know what they look like before checking them out at the Warped Tour this year? Check out their new video for the album’s title track.
Melvins, The Bride Screamed Murder, (Ipecac) 600 sold
In the midst of my Youtube browsing, I came across this video of the band visiting “Pancake Mountain.” If you ever wanted to see The Melvins singing karaoke with a puppet, then you should check this out ASAP.
Watain, Lawless Darkness (Season of Mist) 460 sold
A 25% increase during their third week.
Stick To Your Guns, The Hope Division, (Sumerian/Century Media) 430 sold
Since its release a month ago, Stick To Your Guns has sold just above 5,000 copies.
We Came As Romans, To Plant A Seed (Equal Vision) 420 sold
These guys seem to be pretty much booked up for the rest of the Summer and Fall. I wonder if their tour is selling as well as their album has been.
Nachtmystium, Addicts: Black Meddle, Part 2 (Century Media) 400 sold
This is one sequel that may be considered as good as its predecessor, but probably won’t last too much longer on the charts.
Iwrestledabearonce, It’s All Happening (Century Media) 390
They don’t start their run on the Warped Tour until July 20, but it looks like they are already receiving a slight boost.
Brian Posehn, Fart & Weiner Jokes (Relapse) 390 sold
8 weeks after its release, Posehn’s sophomore comedy album resurfaces … somewhat.
