METAL MADNESS TUESDAY? (aka new releases)?

Question

A question inspired by our multi-talented pal Punch, but more directed to the large quantity of Metal albums released today (as I am a very narrow minded person =P)

So to start the list:

"OMNIVIUM" by Obscura
-prismal dawn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cSVnPnWoWk
-Euclidean Elements
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS9m7LpgP8g&feature=related
-Celestial Spheres
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV4bThO0Hoo&feature=related
probably the most anticipated (at least by me) of the month, a great blend of prog and tech, brutal and melodic.

"THE UNFORGIVING" by Within Temptation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiBjNQcV5uc
-the latest by the increasingly more "Poppy" WT. While significantly more ambitious than "the heart of everything" was, being a concept album and short film, I am not convinced it is BETTER than it's predecessor. Still, more to be heard here than the country-esque stuff like Utopia.
"CELESTIAL COMPLETION" by Becoming the Archetype
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUsJQok_1TM
- that OTHER Tech/Prog Death metal album released today, by a band that never seems to get much praise. I never have known if it was their overt Christianity, or their Metalcore past that people have trouble with, but this album, while no Omnivium, is worthy or a listen with it's djent heavy influences.
"FIREFIGHT" by Blackguard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsWYBWqviqI
- The new one by the Canadian Folk/Melodeath outfit. Sounds better than their debut (not hard to do) but also the one I have not listened to all the way, as their debut was too putrid to get me excited.

"TIME IS UP" by Havok
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMqx_kOMD_o
-Another album that manages to recapture some of the reckless aggression of 80s thrash minus the poor production. Fast, in your face, high pitch vocals instead of the now popular "quasi-death" vox so common to Thrash. Able to give homage to the past, but not get bogged down in it.

"SURTUR RISING" by Amon Amarth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVAQQujgSxQ
-More neck snapping riffs from Amon Amarth. Sorry I had to use a previously released track from the album, but Sony is already shutting down the all the youtubes.

"BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA" by Cavalera Conspiracy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I3Z3aLezrM
-A band that gets a lot of praise.. but while I don't dislike it, I really don't see what is so special about them. Honestly, to me it's Sepultura Lite. Not bad, just not terribly new and inspiring.

MQ- So, which of the above was the most anticipated for you?
MQ2- Which as actually the best?

BQ- What are some other less heralded or advertised Metal releases this week?

Answer 1

MQ: Obscura. I have only listened to it one time , from when you posted it. I wanted to wait till I got a copy. I know this is said a lot but I love this album even more with the seconds listen. Little stuff I didn't notice with the first listen , and to be honest ... the youtubes does not give it justice.



'Prismal Dawn' is one my favorites and fallowed closely by 'Ocean Gates' absolutely loved the outro great vocal work and effects used.



Although , I was really excited for "Firefight". They were touring a lot ... and I mean alot. I wasn't expecting much , so I'll give some slack. It is still a good album don't get me wrong it just that with time the could have put out something REALLLY AWESOME. Still a fan though.



They didn't have no Havok , was quite disapointed so I ordered it.I also heard about 'Becoming the archetype' ... its meh.



MQ2: Obscura.



BQ:Bloodiest "Descent" - From what I hear , its not bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIOQZE_jbEE * the only upload I can find on youtube *



Benighted "Asylum Cave" - Just started listening to these guys about a couple weeks ago , pretty good stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5n8Wq8N070&feature=related

Answer 2

MQ: Omnivium, followed by Surtur Rising. I never really cared for Within Temptation, and I don't know the other bands

MQ2: Definitely Omnivium



BQ: None that I know of this for this week specifically, but Arch Enemy is coming out with Khaos Legions on May 3, BTBAM is coming out with an EP on April 12, Burzrum is coming out with a new album, and so is Pagan's Mind. I know these aren't exactly less heralded bands or anything, but these are some that I've heard that are releasing new stuff

Answer 3

Too be honest my most aticipated album was The Haunted's new album Unseen. :P



But too be fair, Blunt Force Trauma by CC was the most from your list.



After hearing the Obscura, I think I will be picking that one up with the new Becoming The Archetype album. Hopefully FYE has both of them. Thank KP.



MQ: I would say Obscura, after hearing a couple of tracks. :P BTA stuff ain't too shabby either.



BQ: The Haunted- Unseen

Answer 4

I Like Obscura, Becoming the Archetype and Cavalera Conspiracy. Can't say that I like the other ones.

Answer 5

hey kp,

can i just post my comments from the other question?

td? that's a yes then



@ kp - no link for this omnivium masterpiece?

septuagint http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huQXCeXn0…

ocean gateways http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md6ASHruE…

slow down, i can't keep up...

interesting, at least

becoming the archetype - hmm

within temptation - bonnie tyler lives!



blackguard - is that vocal the right speed? oh, i don't know. if someone's going to shouit at me, they need a more interesting backing then running up and down the frets as fast as possible. listenable, but not lovable.

havok - oh come on. this is riduculous.



ma: none anticipated, as i don't know any of them

ma2: i would probably try the obscura and cavalera again



ba:

ommatidia - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4eG4XT03Ck

mercenary - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cXdcPEIMzo

lightning swords of death - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLuIZ-3-lGI

true widow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSyWnvMyOTc - i like this. a lot.

Answer 6

I actually liked all but the last link.

MQ2 The mood I'm in today seemed to fit the 1st link,so today I liked that one best



BQ Honestly don't know. Haven't been up to checking out anything new the past couple of weeks

Answer 7

MA: Can't say I'm too much excited over any of them. I have a friend that wants me to hear WT so I will, but I don't have high hopes for it

MA2: Amon Amarth so far

BA: I don't really know.