It would happen that the first week of the most exciting September that I’ve seen in years starts off with an absolute whimper. Only three new albums are coming out this week, but it will only serve as a short respite before we start to hit the real meat of this month’s release calendar. Enjoy these albums for now, and prepare for things to get intense starting next week!
Imminent Sonic Destruction, Triumphia (Luxor)
Forming in Detroit in 2012, Imminent Sonic Destruction has always worn their influences as a badge of honor, proudly displaying their love for Dream Theater-inspired prog mixed into Meshuggah-emulating technicality. Triumphia, the group’s sophomore effort, is also their first attempt to create a concept album. You can decide if they succeeded at this by checking out the full album stream on Revolver’s website.
Helms Alee, Stillicide (Sargent House)
We last heard from the Seattle sludge rockers in 2014, when they released Sleepwalking Sailors, their first full-length album after departing from Hydra Head Records. The successful efforts of that album spurred the band to stick with new label Sargent House, and thus here we are at the release of Stillicide. You can stream the whole album on Brooklyn Vegan’s website.
Monkey3, Astra Symmetry (Napalm)
Monkey3 have been fixtures of the stoner rock scene in Europe since their formation in 2001. From the humble beginnings of garage jam sessions and underground shows, the Swiss group has grown to the point of playing large-scale festivals like Roadburn and Hellfest. Astra Symmetry will be the group’s second album with Napalm, following in the footsteps of 2013’s highly successful The 5th Sun. If you didn’t get a chance to see the video for “Moon,” which we premiered yesterday, you should check it out now.
Robots and Monsters, Nothing to Fear Nothing to Fight (self)
New Jersey’s Robots and Monsters have been kicking around for a few years now, and their Down to Ash album that was released last year was what got us interested in them. They’ve already returned with an EP, which we streamed earlier this week. Their blend of hardcore with straight-ahead metal reminds us a bit of Clutch’s first album, and that’s never a bad thing.
