For our second post of the day, here's this month's "Where Are The New Albums?" post, as we begin another month of feature posts with our look at the current whereabouts of upcoming metal, hard rock, and punk albums! This month's installment has albums from 13 local bands, with 8 entries having new information (as noted with the album's title in
italics), but with two of these albums having release concerts in the next two weeks, these will be their final appearances in this series barring an unforeseen release delay. So, where are the new albums? Read on below to hopefully find out!
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AlgomA's untitled split CD with Hooded Menace
Rumoured Songs (A): "Failed Stunt Fatality", "Canis Rabidus", "Brazen Bull", "The Longest Swim"
Rumoured Songs (H): Unknown
Background: In recent months, local doom metal trio AlgomA have announced
on
their Facebook page that they are planning to release a split EP with
Finnish death/doom metal quartet Hooded Menace later this year, to be released by
Doomentia Records
with art by Paolo Girardi, though updates haven't followed on it. For
reference, these plans followed the announcement and release of their
split vinyl EP with Saskatchewan doom metallers
Chronobot,
which successfully came out in April, but it remains to be seen if
this will be formatted similarly. In any event, AlgomA's tracks were/are
being recorded locally at
Six, Two, Oh.
Current Release Status:
No idea, but seeing as the Chronobot split was successfully released,
the Hooded Menace one has precedent to come out without fail also! That
said, the Hooded Menace split has taken a back seat publically while the
Chronobot split saw it's release, so things may be a ways off yet, but
stay tuned as more comes in from
either side!
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The Apocalypse Afterparty - Bufflesnort
Rumoured Songs: "The Crowd" (
The Fury cover), "Rebel Scum" (The Fury cover), "Sweet F*ck"
Background: Before ever playing a
public concert, new local rap/metal band The Apocalypse Afterparty announced on
their Facebook page in August 2014 that they had begun working on their 3 song debut EP
with producer Jamie Vincent (AlgomA), though they also alluded to
recording the remaining songs with different producers. The song that
they recorded with Jamie is "The Crowd", which you can hear in full at
this link, though recent postings have hinted at recording said EP this year for a release and recording sessions at
Tidal Records'
own Mission Control Studios, albeit with a new lineup in tow. Though
pubic updates have been sporadic as of late, the band announced in
December that the title would be "Bufflesnort", and it'd be a 3 song
release.
Current Release Status: As per the
band's Facebook page in December, "Bufflesnort" is "nearing
end-of-production",
with planned releases on mp3, USB sticks, and vinyl (no CDs?), though a
teased return to the stage in the spring has came & went. This was
all preceded by "songwriter" Steve Mozarowski's departure from the band
and related lineup changes, but how that will impact things is unclear.
It should be noted that The Apocalypse
Afterparty's version of "The Crowd" is featured on last year's
Blood Shed Productions 11-way split album, but at last word, the EP itself is
still in the works. Hopefully more comes out soon on it!
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The Bear Hunters - The Dead Testament
Rumoured Songs: "The
Void", "The Omen", "Neckbreaker", "I Fear No God", "Servitude",
"Transcend Judgement", "For Glory", "The Wrath Of Angmar", "The Dying
Den", "The Dead Testament", "Deception" (bonus rerecording),
"The Forest of Forests" (bonus track)
Background: In tentative planning
since 2014 under this title, local death metal quintet The Bear
Hunters have been playing songs intended for their second full length CD
for a few years now, but only fully began recording sessions for "The
Dead Testament" on October 2nd. Following a brief fundraising campaign
and the gradual unveiling of song titles, the band have been working
with producer Dustin Jones at Mission Control Studios, and have shared
sporadic updates on
their Instagram page. Like on 2014's "Eternal
Hibernation", rhythm guitarist Josh Stephney has recorded parts
for the album despite living in Southern Ontario, but it's not yet clear
on how bonus tracks will be handled.
Current Release Status: The band
hasn't given any firm timetables for when to expect "The Dead Testament"
in stores, but as of this writing, the band has finished most tracking
sessions, with rhythm guitar work ongoing in May while Josh was
home.
The band is
aiming for a more professional sound and release for
their sophomore effort, but the band noted on
their Facebook page that if things stay this productive, a release in the late summer may be possible. Keep an eye out for updates!
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Caroline Divine's debut album
Rumoured Songs: "Caroline Divine", "Looking For A Fight"
Background: After prior teases of
recording sessions and the search for a spot to record, personal
Facebook pages from members of newer local glam/power pop trio Caroline
Divine have confirmed that they are indeed working on their debut album. Greater details on the track listing, release formats, and so forth
have yet to be made, with the band taking time off from concerts since late last year. While studio work was thought to be a partial cause for the stage hiatus, Caroline Divine haven't posted on
their Facebook page yet this year, last surfacing publically when the guys backed up Jesse Merineau at March's Speak Easy Battle of the Bands.
Current Release Status: No idea
yet, especially as the band hasn't shown their cards yet concerning
album progress, but follow the band to see when/if they announce
anything!
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The Din - Give In To The Din
Rumoured Songs: "In Search of the Perfect Moment", "Flux", "Alleyways & Apartments",
"Out Of My League", "75" (Haggith cover), "Remember", "Potato (Should Have Known Better)", "The
Rose", and "A Drive Through The Peninsula"
Background: The former Mike Haggith
& The Din are no strangers to recording studio material, with
earlier acid/jam era lineups recording
a few free "albums"
for digital distribution circa 2014, but the band only began working on
a formal paid & pressed studio CD in 2016, after transitioning to a
more structured alternative/hard rock sound last year. Following the
surprise paid release of their live CD "The Din Does Laundry" earlier
this year, The Din have commenced work on their debut studio album "Give
In
To The Din", with
cover artwork, the first three songs (
"In Search of the Perfect Moment",
"Potato", and
"Alleyways & Apartments"),
teaser videos, and
this virtual preview of the album case & booklet available to check out online, with the virtual preview confirming the track listing, which omits such familiar songs as "Of Cars & Criminals" and "Cowardly Hearts Beneath the Stars". Despite frontman Mike Haggith's extensive
past with PaperClip Productions, "Give In To The Din" is being recorded
at the upstart Pretoria Hill Productions with producer Daniel Schmidt.
Current Release Status: The Din will officially launch "Give In To The Din" with
a CD release concert at
The Tech's auditorium on August 12th, which will have ALL AGES admission for $5, a 7:00 PM start time, and album charges likely in the $10 range, with local in-store and online availability sure to follow. This is definitely an anticipated album, so be at the former St. Mary's College on August 12th to get your copy first!
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The Elements' debut EP
Rumoured Songs: "Liar"
Background: Arguably better known
for their funk, ska, and hard rock covers, local quartet The Elements
have been adding original material to their sets since last year, and
have since publically confirmed earlier teases that they are working on a
debut EP. Frontman Rob Speers has confirmed in personal conversations
that they have been working in studio on the release, which will have at
least 5 tracks, and I believe it's being self-recorded, but further
public updates are minimal at best. It's also not known if they'll
employ any guest performers, such as Josh Norling or DJ Seith, who added
well-received saxophone and turntable elements to some recent concerts.
Current Release Status: At this
stage, I have no idea, but Rob sounded like things were going well in
studio, so we'll have to see what comes out next on The Elements' first
EP!
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Gates of Winter - Perihelion
Rumoured Songs: "The Stars Call My True Name", "Edin Na Zu", "Dimensions", "Time Warp", "Wormhole Mechanics", "Prometheus"
Background: Despite
a hiatus from live concerts lasting over 7 years, Gates of
Winter never broke up, and are slowly working on their follow-up
to 2008's "Lux Aeterna". The first glimpse of the new album
was unveiled in February 2010, when frontman/producer
Lee Maines uploaded a snippet of their new song "The Stars Call My True Name" onto
his YouTube channel,
and he followed that up with more demo & rehearsal clips
sporadically over the last couple of years, though all were later taken
down. The band launched
a new Facebook page
in August 2010 to keep fans updated on the sessions, including
the unveiling of a new song title, "Time Warp", and while Sault
native
Jon Morrison
was announced as the album's drummer that fall, the album will feature programmed drums. In November 2011, bassist Steve
Furgiuele confirmed in
a YouTube video
that the album, now titled "Perihelion", was planned for release
in
December 2012, with some older re-recordings likely for the
summer, but Lee has since confirmed that the album would be delayed
further, be retracted to EP length, and possibly be renamed. Other new
songs, tentatively called "Wormhole Mechanics" & "Prometheus",
was previewed in
this video
&
this video that were uploaded in 2013 & last April respectively. Whether
ex-keyboardist Brian Holmes will be included on the EP is currently unknown.
Current Release Status: Personal
commitments and the like have slowed
things down incredibly, but in the band's most recent preview video
(featuring audio samples), Gates of Winter hinted that work was winding
down on "Perihelion", including noting that "the silence ends soon". Good art takes time, and
knowing Gates of
Winter's
talent and attention to detail, they won't want to release this until
everything's perfect. I'll admit that I know a bit more on "Perihelion"
than what I've posted here, but I'll wait until more public word comes
out. Keep an eye out for updates!
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Gnaeus - Meditations
Rumoured Songs: "Lovers", "Mountains", "Circles", "The Edge", "Calling Out", "Exercise In Self Awareness", "Fire", "When You're Gone",
"The Sound"
Background:
Amidst various teases of recording sessions, local post-punk/garage rock
quartet Gnaeus have confirmed in recent concerts that they were recording their debut CD "Meditations" (renamed from "Loomings" in early 2016) at Tidal Records' own Mission
Control Studios, stemming from their "Best Song" win at March 2015's
VM Radio Battle of the Bands. The band has since revealed the full album artwork (largely a retitling of the original "Loomings" cover), and have released advance copies of the album for review, which confirm the nine song track listing, omitting originals like "Crave" & "Hail Mary". Though drummer Brendan Garlick moved out of town earlier this year and
was replaced by Alex Proulx, Brendan did complete drum tracking before his departure.
Current Release Status: While the original December timeline has long since came & went, Gnaeus will officially release "Meditations" THIS FRIDAY with
their own CD release concert at
The Rockstar Bar! Albums will cost $10, with in-store and online availability to come, while admission to the 19+ show will be $5, and everything will start at 9:00 PM. Sounds like a great time, so don't miss out on Friday to get your hands on "Meditations" first!
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Long Shot's debut EP
Rumoured Songs:
"Long Goodbye", "El Camino", "Double Take", "The Beat"
Background: After prior teases of
writing original material, local hard rock quartet Long Shot revealed on
their Facebook page on January 11th that they were almost done
mastering their debut EP. Public updates hadn't preceded the
announcement, but Long Shot had posted live demos of three original
songs onto
their Reverbnation page last fall, and have played these originals and more live since. The band has since launched
a Bandcamp page
featuring the official studio tracks of "Double Take" "The Beat", and "Long Goodbye",
along with the apparent album cover and
EP's self-title.
Current Release Status: Other than
the reveal of EP sessions almost being finished and their three new song postings, I have no idea when
this might come out, and with the band's members not being familiar
sights from prior bands, we have nothing to compare it to. The guys have shown skill and maturity since their debut, and fingers
crossed that the release is coming soon, especially given the pre-release of three songs!
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Mike Haggith - Neighbourhood Watch Revisited
Rumoured Songs:
"To Whom This May Concern", "Room 822", "The Ballad of K2/K3", "The Day
The Lights Went Out", "Limb Coast", "Leon the Janitor", "Far Too Long"
Background: After previously
hinting at a re-recorded version of his 45th solo album "Neighbourhood
Watch" in late 2015, local solo musician Mike Haggith officially began
releasing new versions of songs from the original 2012 CD onto
his YouTube channel in February, those being of "Limb Coast" & "Room 822". His first
full release of new recordings since last summer's "The Warinside",
"Neighbourhood Watch Revisited" is being recorded at
PaperClip Productions, with Mike being joined on at least some songs by
Din bandmate Brandan Glew on drums and ex-Din/Haggith bandmate Curtis McKenzie on guitar.
Current Release Status: I have no
idea, but Mike is usually an efficient artist when it comes to recording
and releasing solo material, and if there's a delay, he'll be honest
about it, so it could be soon! However, if there are any plans for it to
come out on the 4th anniversary of the original's release,
"Neighbourhood Watch", keep watch for it in October. Curtis has revealed in this video that it's
"steadily nearing the completion stage", so stay
tuned for updates as they come in!
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Redundant's debut CD
Rumoured Songs:
"Miles Apart", "That December", "What You'll Do"
Background: Over two and a half
years after their last documented studio sessions in the spring of 2012,
local punk trio Redundant revealed on
their Facebook page in November 2014 that they were finally working on finishing their debut
CD, and will look to hold a CD release party for it upon it's
completion. Details are otherwise minimal, including on if the guys will
just package their older studio work for the release, or include new
recordings, perhaps at bassist James White's studio White Wreckords.
We'll keep you posted if we hear more!
Current Release Status: Though we
don't know much on the new/revived album plans, Redundant did sound
serious about completing their CD. That said, Redundant have only played
once or twice in 2015 and haven't made any public statements regarding
the album
since 2014. The band did resume public activity in March 2016,
announcing that they were writing new songs and working on "new studio
shit", but it's not clear how earlier album sessions would play in. If
we hear any updates, we'll be sure to let you know!
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Skeyes of Seven's debut EP
Rumoured Songs: "Enough", "See The Truth", "Fallen Faith", "Destination Unknown", "No One Cares", "Pretend", "Cognitive Dissonance"
Background: Already no strangers to
the studio after recording their songs "Fallen Faith" and "Enough" as
single in each of the last two years, local modern hard rock quartet
Skeyes of Seven hit the studio to record their debut EP last year,
though only publically confirmed that an EP was in the works in January
on
their Facebook page. Sessions are ongoing locally at
Deluca Sound Productions,
who have shared videos of band members tracking material for the EP,
but four confirmed songs were strongly teased in March via some
cryptic Facebook photo postings. At
this stage, it's not entirely clear on whether the band will include
any other singles, but ex-drummer John Mignacca did record
tracks for the release before moving to Sudbury last year.
Current Release Status: No idea
yet, but as of January 17th, Skeyes of Seven had only one more song to
record before sending the tracks to be mixed & mastered. Hopefully
this can see a release at some point, as Skeyes of Seven have arguably
been more active in studio than in concert since their 2012 formation,
but to be fair, they may be waiting until they announce their new drummer so it can be tied with their latest concert return. Follow along to see where things go for their debut EP!
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Telephone & Address - "Monster", "The Early Tapes", and
"Are You or Have You Ever Been?"
Rumoured Songs (M): Unknown
Rumoured Songs (E): "The Plumbers"
Rumoured Songs (A): Unknown
Background: Telephone &
Address mainman Chris Shoust announced on
their Facebook page last year that he was working on releasing "The Early Tapes", a
compilation of songs from the first 4 Telephone & Address albums
(2011's self titled album, and 2012's "Live", "No. 3", and "Broken
Head"). Since then however, he revealed that a separate new album named "Monster" is done, with an advanced copy
leaked to him by AlgomA drummer Jamie Vincent, which likely hints that
Jamie helped produce it. Most recently, collaborator/Gore Street Cafe owner Sam Decter revealed on his blog
The Tinderbox
that Telephone & Address would put out an album named "Are You or
Have You Ever Been?" through his new cassette tapes-only indie label BGP
Tapes, with Sam's new band The Leash Kids on side B, but Chris himself
hasn't confirmed this publically, and Sam abruptly moved out of town last month. In any event, some songs from these
albums may be on
their Soundcloud page, and they're likely to turn up on
Telephone & Address' Bandcamp page and on
Interpunk down the road.
Current Release Status: Chris
indicated on the project's Facebook page that "Monster"
would be pressed last fall, which has came & went, and it's not
clear if a release is coming soon or
not. Regarding the "The
Early Tapes", Chris revealed in March
2015 that it "will be delayed for some time", though he didn't elaborate
on
why specifically. Finally, "Are You or Have You Ever Been?" (which has a
similar name to Chris & Sam's short-lived side project band) has no
public indications of it's release, but with Sam moving, it's release prospects are up in the air (at least in the cassette tape form.) We'll keep
you posted when more on any of these comes out!
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I hope you guys liked this month's "Where Are The New Albums?" post! This series (sans The Din and Gnaeus) will return next month, likely on September 2nd as usual, while our next feature post will be this month's Defunct Local Band Profile one week from tomorrow! That's all for today, but stay tuned for more news and notes soon! Thanks everyone!
Next up, let's head north to Sault Ontario for some more late notice gigs, starting with acoustic punk duo Dos Amigos, who will return to The Whiskey Barrel on Gore Street for one night only TOMORROW NIGHT! Again, apologies for the short notice, this show was only announced via the venue's Facebook page last week, as part of their weekend music schedule for the rest of the summer, though note that the band has not posted on their Facebook page at all in over three months. TOMORROW'S show will be the BookcluB side project's first publically advertised gig anywhere since rocking the same venue in late June. While we are still lacking public videos of Mikey & Dustin unplugged, fans of their long collective work in the Inner City Surfers and more will enjoy their more reserved take on punk classics TOMORROW! This a one nighter due to The Whisky Barrel's weekly Saturday jazz night.
We'll close preview post #1 with a rarity for this weekend: previously announced shows that were first advertised before this week! These take us back to Michigan, specifically The Northern Pines Lounge at the St. Ignace Kewadin Casino, where local hard rock band Exit 808 will set up shop TOMORROW & SATURDAY NIGHT! After seeing their Merch show in the Soo three weeks ago cancelled due to day job conflicts with multiple band members, this weekend's gigs will be Exit 808's first truly local shows since they rocked The Northern Pines Lounge in early June, with just one E.U.P. weekend left afterwards before the summer season is over. Based on tags on their Facebook page for this weekend's shows, former 
