Sh*t That Comes Out Today – August 12, 2022
Another year, another instance where we have to think about Tommy Lee’s manhood. Oh, the joys of the internet. Anyway, here’s what comes out this week…
Arch Enemy
Deceivers (Century Media)
After release relays and international recording nightmares, Arch Enemy have finally put number 12 into the universe. At this point, you know the deal with Arch Enemy: if fist-pumping melodic death metal full of solos from Michael fucking Amott and Jeff fucking Loomis is your speed, then get on it and listen to Deceivers ASAP.
The Halo Effect
Days of the Lost (Nuclear Blast)
Days of the Lost is a nice slab of shiny, catchy melodeath, which makes sense given that everyone in the band is a former member of In Flames and frontman Mikael Stanne has been Dark Tranquility’s vocalist since 1993. After you listen, throw on the MetalSucks Podcast and hear what Stanne has to say about making the album and other topics.
Boris
Heavy Rocks (Relapse)
Not to be confused with 2002’s Heavy Rocks or 2011’s Heavy Rocks II, Heavy Rocks (2022) is another loud and unique feather in Boris‘ cap. The Japanese noisemakers take a ’70s proto-metal base and rebuild it in their vision, which is as weird and amplified as ever.
Norma Jean
Deathrattle Sing for Me (Solid State)
Norma Jean may not have any original members, or any members who played on the band’s breakthrough and only one who joined before 2010, but that hasn’t stopped the group. There are flashes of the chaoscore that made Norma Jean a household name but Deathrattle Sing for Me is a polished and modern effort.
A-Z
A-Z (Metal Blade)
Former Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder reconnected with former Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder for A-Z, the debut album by his project of the same name. Zonder formed the band with the intention of writing big hooks that drew from ’70s, ’80s and ’90s rock and metal influences. Stay for the hooks or stay for the moments of musical complexity that Zonder buried beneath the hooks, but don’t miss out on the old-school goodness.
Other Shit That Comes Out Today:
Carrion Vael, Abhorrent Obsessions (Unique Leader) Listen
Hollywood Undead, Hotel Kalifornia (BMG) Listen
If These Trees Could Talk, If These Trees Could Talk (Metal Blade) Listen
Moths, Space Force (Self-release) Listen
Unprocessed, Gold (Spinefarm) Listen
Wolfbrigade, Anti-Tank Dogs (Armageddon Label) Listen
