Shit That Comes Out Today: July 6, 2018

I’m feeling rather uncreative as I write my intro this morning. Maybe it’s the freedom hangover from the 4th of July, maybe it’s because I’m just excited to go home and play Dark Souls 3 and God of War all weekend. I definitely lost interest in video games for the past year but I think I’m finally getting myself back into it, which is nice even if I’m pretty late to the party on both of those games. Anyway, this week is pretty slow but we’ve got a new album from the Abbath-less Immortal that’s a lot better than I thought it would be. Next week is going to be killer so don’t let the lack of new stuff coming out this week get you down. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions on not losing my mind from Dark Souls 3, I’m all ears. PSA: Git gud doesn’t count as advice.

Immortal
Northern Chaos Gods (Nuclear Blast)
On a playlist with Mayhem, Emperor and Darkthrone
Listen: “Northern Chaos Gods”

If you weren’t aware, Abbath is no longer part of Immortal. This happened back in 2015 but I won’t judge you if you didn’t know. Seeing that many bands don’t survive a frontman change, especially when that frontman is as iconic as Abbath, it’s completely understandable if you’re skeptical about hearing anything new from Immortal. However, sometimes bands do get it right and I have to say that I love the new stuff that I’ve heard. The title track is a ripper and so is “Mighty Ravendark”. If you don’t agree, that’s fine but I hate you. They aren’t quite the same without Abbath, but the new stuff without him is nothing to scoff at.

DevilDriver
Outlaws ‘Til The End (Napalm)
On a playlist with Coal Chamber, Chimaira and Machine Head
Listen: “Copperhead Road”

I never really cared for DevilDriver all that much. It’s not that I particularly like them for any one reason, it’s just that every song I’ve heard by them sounds a little bit too similar. In addition, I feel like all of their work can just be summed up by calling it motorcycle metal. I imagine lots of leather-clad oldheads all yelling CLOUDS OVER CALIFORNIA while they ride their motorcycles to a bar with a gross, leathery bartender. That being said, they aren’t awful. I’d imagine that if you grew up on a farm listening to metal, then DevilDriver are right up your alley.

Lucifer
Lucifer II (Century Media)
On a playlist with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Heart and The Oath
Listen: “California Son”

Are people allowed to make self-title sequel albums? I might not like it, but I’ll allow it. Although Lucifer are certainly on the rock end of the spectrum rather than being metal, they’re a throwback of sorts to female fronted bands such as Poison and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Heart. I can’t say that I’m particularly fond of this style of rock but I imagine that a lot of people will like this so I can at least appreciate it for what it is. And besides, I wasn’t just not going to cover a band named Lucifer. That would just be irresponsible of me.

Atrocity
Okkult II (Massacre)
On a playlist with Crematory, Gorguts and Disincarnate
Listen: “Shadowtaker”

This band has been around since 1988? Jesus. That’s not even counting the years they were a grindore band before this, but good god are these dudes heavy. I’m pretty unfamiliar with Atrocity but I’ve gotta say that I dig the death/thrash sound they’ve got going on with “Shadowtaker”. During a week that’s pretty lacking for good music, Immortal and Atrocity can keep you warm from the cold, sad world of the rest of music without distortion pedals and blast beats. Immortal is still my pick of the week, but if you’re looking for something a little less kvlt, then give these dudes a shot.

Rotting Christ
Under Our Black Cult (Peaceville)
On a playlist with Immortal, Septicflesh and Mayhem
Watch: Trailer

Before you get too excited, no, this is not new music from Rotting Christ, but I told you the pickings were slim this week. Under Our Black Cult is a celebration of sorts of the 30 years Rotting Christ have been around by way of a box set with 5 CDs filled with early works, and live materials along with Passage to Arcturo, Thy Might Contract and Non Serviam. If that weren’t enough, it also comes with a 72- page book chronicling the early works of the band from their grindcore origins to the premier black metal act that they are now. Oh, and if you’re quick enough, you’ll get a certificate hand-signed by Necromayhem himself. So if there’s a Rotting Christ super fan in your life, then I’d look into this for them.

-OTHER SHIT THAT COMES OUT TODAY
Devin Townsend Ocean Machine – Live At The Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv (Inside Out Music) listen
Dog Fashion Disco Experiments In Embryos (Razor To Wrist) listen
Kissin’ Dynamite Ecstasy (Metal Blade Records) listen
Kontinuum No Need to Reason listen
Secret Cutter Quantum Eraser (Deathwish Inc./Holy Roar) listen

SHIT THAT COMES OUT AGAIN TODAY
Damageplan New Found Power (Vinyl) (Music On Vinyl) listen
Glassjaw Material Control (Pink Vinyl) (Globochem Music Inc.) listen