New & Noteworthy, April 8th: Riders of the Damned

Posted by on April 8, 2014

There’s not a lot of selection on this week’s list, but the low quantity is made up for by very high quality. Topping the list is a new album from the guitarist that defines an entire generation of metalheads. Check it all out below!

 

Black Label Society, Catacombs of the Black Vatican (eOne)

 

Black Label Society’s lineup has changed significantly in the past year. Former Breaking Benjamin drummer Chad Szeliga has been with the band since 2011, lending his considerable talents to the group’s live show and contributing to the recording of Catacombs. Also, Lizzy Borden guitarist Dario Lorina has come on as the group’s rhythm guitarist for live performance. You can check out the video for “My Dying Time” here, and you can also find their upcoming tour dates on the Revolver Golden Gods Tour (also featuring Down and Devil You Know) over here.

 

Delain, The Human Contradiction (Napalm)

 

We had a chance to chat with Delain vocalist Charlotte Wessels two weeks ago, and during the interview, she told us that The Human Contradiction expands upon the themes covered on 2012’s We Are the Others, an album that focused a lot on being an outsider and going against the norm. Delain is quickly becoming a standard-bearer for individualism and pride among metalheads, which we wholeheartedly support and encourage. Currently, Delain is touring around Europe with Within Temptation, and they also have a fall US tour with Sonata Arctica and Xandria lined up. You can find all of their upcoming tour dates on their Facebook page.

 

For the Fallen Dreams, Heavy Hearts (Rise)

 

Detroit-based hardcore group For the Fallen Dreams made two changes last year that brought them closer to their original environment as a band. First, the band welcomed back original vocalist Chad Ruhlig, who left the band in 2008 after their debut album Changes came out. Second, the band re-signed with Rise Records after only spending one album with Artery Recordings. That album, 2012’s Wasted Youth, debuted at #176 on the Billboard charts, so FFTD is looking for this new album to surpass its predecessor, with a lofty goal of possibly breaking into the top 150 or top 100.

 

Anette Olzon, Shine (Eagle Rock)

 

Shine is the first solo album recorded by ex-Nightwish singer Anette Olzon. Many have speculated as to what it sounds like, but one thing is certain – it will have very little, if anything, in common with any Nightwish material that featured Olzon’s voice. Olzon has declared herself to be a pop singer first and a rock singer second in many interviews, so it is expected that much of the album will feature the balance of genres favoring pop over rock. Regardless, though, if you’re a fan of Olzon’s voice, then this album is made for you.

 

Off!, Wasted Years (Vice)

 

Hardcore supergroup Off!, fronted by Keith Morris of Black Flag and Circle Jerks, is back with their third full-length album. Recorded live in their practice space to 8-track ½” tape, this album captures the grittiness of a basement hardcore show with frightening accuracy. There’s also just enough punk, sludge, and classic heavy metal influence sprinkled in to keep things interesting. If you haven’t checked out Off! before, this is the perfect chance for you to do so. 

 

Next Week: A highly diverse list awaits, featuring an acoustic album, experimental black metal, straightforward hardcore, and much more. Come back for more in seven days!

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