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AlgomA - Reclaimed By The ForestRumoured Songs: "Fell Down A Well", "Reclaimed By The Forest", "Tertiary Syphillis", "Go On, Git!!", "Extinct Volcanoes", "Bedsores"
Background: After just two live concerts, new local stoner metal trio AlgomA (featuring BeeFMouTH and Fuller alumni) began work on studio recordings last summer as per their Facebook page, and though the end goal is vague through that source, singer/guitarist Darby Wigwaus's film production company 62nd Chamber Productions' website confirmed that they are in fact working on a debut demo EP. Vocal recordings were completed in August, and they were apparently sending off the tracks to be post-produced in Southern Ontario, with mixing being taken care of by veteran local musician Mark Rand (source here.) Facebook postings in February revealed the EP's name ("Reclaimed By The Forest") and that it would be released via Malaysian metal label Deadbeat Media later this year. You can see pictures from the sessions in this Facebook album (and the full cover art by Adam Geyer here), but stay tuned for more info!
Current Release Status: Given the label deal and recent announcements, a mid-late 2014 release wouldn't shock me for "Reclaimed By The Forest", but a proper timeframe for the release is not public yet. The guys have a lot of experience in music and production, and hopefully we see the final product of these recording sessions sooner or later, so keep an eye out!
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As It Stands' third EPRumoured Songs: "Conception", "Big Problem, Little Lock City", "Rise Above", "One Last Chance", "One Less Than Wayne Gretzky", "Big Bucks, No Whammy", "Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Ho", "Embay the Terrible", "Oh Herm, Herm Delish", "David & Goliath", "Stay Together For The Kids" (Blink-182 cover)
Background: Continuing their high success levels since their local re-emergence in 2010, hardcore quintet As It Stands started recording sessions for their third EP with Metalworks Studios in Mississauga in July 2011 with producer Kevin Dietz. The sessions lasted just a few days, but a lot got accomplished, and you can see some of the happenings from the sessions on their official studio vlog, which features some audio samples and video of some members recording their parts. The vlog also confirmed that their cover of Blink-182's "Stay Together For The Kids" was recorded in Mississauga, and that the songs will be part of an EP, not a full length album as was previously believed. It was currently unclear whether the songs they recorded at Stereo Soul Studios in 2010 and/or in Stoney Creek in 2011 will be featured on the EP in some form. A new track named "Oh Herm, Herm Delish" was posted onto SoundCloud in early 2012, with studio copies of "Conception" & "Big Problem, Little Lock City" also being uploaded to their Facebook page last year, both of which you can stream at this location. Mixing was underway locally with Brendan Clace at the former Dimension Studios, so stay tuned for more news on this EP hopefully soon!
Current Release Status: Though the band has finally returned to activity last fall, I have no idea if a full EP release is still in the cards. Dimension Studios closed in the interim, and recent posts have indicated that As It Stands are mostly starting fresh with new material for their next live dates, with only a few 2010-2012 originals returning, so a release of the older EP sessions may not be a current priority. They did seem to have everything under control and well planned for the sessions and their studio work, but at this point, I think fans would be excited to just see As It Stands live again. Just in case, keep an eye out for any possible updates!
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The Bear Hunters - Eternal HibernationRumoured Songs: "Dominate", "Collapse The Sun", "Karma", "Deception", "Bloodthirst", "Casualties Of War", "Overthrown", "Condemned", "Succumb To Eternity", "Render This Void"
Background: Local death metal quintet The Bear Hunters formally announced that they'd begun recording for their debut EP "Bloodthirst" in May 2011, just days after adding then-guitarist Josh Stephney to the band, but details were extremely scant following that news, and the recording plans fell dormant until January 2012, when the band announced plans to record material towards a full length demo release. Setbacks (including a dead computer) have pushed back a planned release, including their non-album cover of Woods of Ypres' "Kiss My Ashes (Goodbye)", but 2013 sessions with producer James White at White Wreckords have been far more fruitful. To be entitled "Eternal Hibernation", only guitar solos & vocals were remaining to record as of November. Guitarist Mitch Sirie confirmed in a Facebook e-mail that all of the band's pre-"Servitude" originals will be on the album, with anything newer planned to be on their second release. The album will feature tracks from Josh Stephney, who recorded his parts before moving to Brampton.
Current Release Status: The most recent indications implied that "Eternal Hibernation" would come out this winter, but despite how it looks outside, we're arguably past that timeframe. Nothing final has been confirmed beyond optimistic online postings, though this is by far the closest they've been to completing recording sessions towards an album release, so fingers crossed things stay on track!
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Crucify The Whore - Welcome To EarthRumoured Songs: "People These Days", "Rectified Rectal Tragedy", "Footf***** In Your A******"
Background: The newest demo from Sault Ontario independent death/grind label & studio Blood Shed Productions, the Ringsnaps Gibson-led solo project is planning "Welcome To Earth" to be a full length release, with early song samples posted to the label's YouTube channel late last year. The tentative album cover was also up on C.T.W.'s Facebook page, but there have been recent indications that there is new artwork on the way. Stay tuned for updates on this and other Blood Shed CD projects as we get them!
Current Release Status: Early indications had "Welcome To Earth" coming out in "Winter 2014", but a post on their Facebook page in January indicated that the release would likely be delayed for unannounced reasons. Either way, keep an eye out for some new grind soon in 2014, as given the home production methods, a release could be closer than you realize!
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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 5 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 confirmed last month 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 last year & this 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." A release this year is likely now targeted, but good art takes time, and knowing Gates of Winter's talent and attention to detail, they won't wanna 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 before elaborating, so keep an eye out for updates!
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Jack Spades' debut EPRumoured Songs: "They Live", "Rise", "Breakneck Speed", "X" (Ripcordz cover), "To The Left"
Background: Suddenly announced on February 17th after just three shows with their new quintet lineup, this newer local punk/metal band completed all recording sessions for the 5 song EP by month's end. Produced by AlgomA drummer Jamie Vincent, the EP was sent to be mixed by Cross Dog bassist Mark Rand, while the band was also fielding fan suggestions for the EP's name. Jack Spades also confirmed the track listing on their Facebook page last month, noticeably omitting originals like "Motorwolf", "Frederick", and "Crossroads". Check the above links for more current information!
Current Release Status: After a planned launch date at last month's Anvil concert fell through, recent Facebook posts are teasing a potential release (tied to a release party) this month, though that could be delayed. If this comes out as hoped, it could be a big year especially for members Justin Lam and Johnny Belanger, with their album with The Bear Hunters anticipated for this year as well, but stay tuned as updates roll in!
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Mike Haggith - "A Place Of Our Own" & a yet untitled compilation albumRumoured Songs (A): "Let Me In", "Cowardly Hearts Beneath The Stars", "Long Talk", "To Kansas: The Ballad of K4/K5", "This Potato May Be Used As A Flotation Device", "A Place Of Our Own"
Rumoured Songs (C): "1980", "Wicked Midnight Ride", "To Whom This May Concern", "Fourth Floor Centre/She Wanted To Be A Veterinarian", "Sun Perfume", "Grace", "Limb Coast","Miss 76", "Room 822", "Trinity", "Solitude", "Resurfaced", "The Day The Lights Went Out", "Lost Time"
Background: The planned 48th solo album from prolific local solo musician and hard rock drummer Mike Haggith, "A Place Of Our Own" is a planned concept album similar to other recent solo albums of his, though themes and overall genres aren't known yet. Announced on his Facebook page on November 25th (complete with an early track listing and album cover), this album features no songs dropped from recent albums at present, and it is replacing the indefinitely delayed "The Tower" in it's release order. Tracking and mixing is currently underway for the album, likely at Galactic Records, though it's unknown whether Mike will do any work locally at Paperclip Productions again for it. Also recently announced is his third best-of compilation album (possibly "The Best of Mike Haggith: Volume 3"?), which was announced on Facebook yesterday, which compiles 14 top songs from his last 4 studio releases, though some may have re-recorded vocals. You can view the artwork at this link, though further updates aren't out yet.
Current Release Status: Mike is currently projecting a release for this month for "A Place Of Our Own", following an earlier tentative date of Valentine's Day. He's always been forthcoming and honest about the release dates of his solo albums and any delays on them, so keep an eye out over the coming weeks for his latest entertaining solo effort, or any related delays! As for the new compilation album, Mike's hoping for it's digital release in the next few weeks, while physical pressings are possible, pending customer demand. Stay tuned as more on both albums come in!
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RedD Monkey - Opus 2Rumoured Songs: "Broken Parts", "Losing Friends", "The Jock Song"
Background: The planned third CD from this popular local hardcore punk/classical trio, RedD Monkey have hyped "Opus 2" (a follow-up to 2012's "All Baroque") in online posts through last spring, along with previewing the disc at a Toronto concert on June 1st, though further updates on it's release status have yet to be made, nor has a release schedule been announced. I'd assume that "Opus 2" was recorded in a similar method to "All Baroque", but that's just speculation given that both CDs were labelled as opuses in a series. Keep an eye in case something's announced!
Current Release Status: I'm not really sure, especially following the band's confirmation that they're currently on a hiatus. That said, the sessions appear to be complete, and a preview of it was held in June, so a release can't be terribly far off for when/if they return to activity. In case they do come back, keep an eye out!
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Rotopsy's debut solo demoRumoured Songs: "Your Blood On My JR Shooz", "X-Hailed"
Background: Previously making it to printed CDs via appearances on a three-way split demo with other Blood Shed Productions artists in October, their label announced on February 26th that this local goregrind duo would get their own solo release "before spring/summer time." Their own Facebook page elaborated on the plans that day, confirming that this demo will have at least 4 songs, with vocal tracks finished for one of them, and the recording quality will be much better than on their split appearance. Like other Blood Shed releases, this was self-recorded and produced, and early preview tracks can be heard at their Reverbnation page. The artwork is also online, but due to it's graphic nature, we won't link to it.
Current Release Status: Recent posts indicate that this demo (which is likely self-titled) will come out on April 18th in advance of their closing set at Dank Fest at The Oddfellows Hall the next day, with copies available for $3, so if you want to get some new grind action, pick up a copy then if all goes according to plan!
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Sailor's Tongue's debut albumRumoured Songs: "Float, "Out of the Woodwork", "Wired For No Sound", "Shadow", "Doctor John", "BootScattered", "Beauty's Limousine", "Don't Shoot The Messenger", "Horses & Trains", "Navy"
Background: Despite only playing two gigs (both at the Rotaryfest Second Stage) since returning from their three year breakup in 2012, local hard rock notables Sailor's Tongue have hit the studio to record what I believe is their first full length album, which will feature their current quintet lineup. Drummer Dean McKey uploaded four tracks (some labelled as demos) to his Soundcloud page last year that are likely towards the album, while there are existing songs on their Reverbnation page from earlier sessions that will likely be featured in some form. Though info on the album is as sporadic as their live dates, a preview demo CD named "Pierced" was sold at their Rotaryfest set in July featuring 7 tracks, though Dean later told me on Facebook that the album was just a sampler for attendees and was not the final product. Keep an eye out for updates!
Current Release Status: No finite idea as of right now, but given their long breaks between live concerts & page postings, there hasn't been many outlets to give updates either. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to see the final CD released at this year's Rotaryfest, but maybe they'll play more live dates in the interim to shake up that guess. In any event, stay tuned!
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Shit Liver's self-titled debut EPRumoured Songs: "Or What?", "Hateroleum", "(Friendly Old) Uncle Joe", "Shit Liver", "Fabricated Nonsense", "Helen Kellers", "Shift Liver", "You're Scared", "Contribute or Perish", "Pennotration", "Soo'er Living", "Drowning In Shit", "Survival of the Shittest", "It's Not My Problem", "Shit Will Prevail", "Liverated"
Background: Curiously not plugged at all on their online pages until January 2013, Shit Liver independently worked on their debut EP through mid-2012 which is supposed to have 14 songs, 13 of which were posted onto their new Reverbnation page in March. A demo disc with 5 planned tracks was visible at their local return show in February 2013, but as they've only minimally acknowledged EP plans online, it wasn't clear then how far along they are in terms of actually releasing these on disc. A few months after the band's fall 2013 move to St. Catharines, the band shared photos on their Facebook page of mixing sessions by Destroilet guitarist John Conway in January, while the band finally confirmed last month that the self-titled album would come out on April 20th in digital and physical formats through Bandcamp, as per this album trailer.
Current Release Status: It took two years, but it finally looks like April 20th is the day for Shit Liver to put their album out! They've said digital copies will be out on a "pay what you want" model (a'la the Hiroshima Mutant Mindframe EP), so stay tuned for final details as we get closer to that date!
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The Sorrow Fields - Let GoRumoured Songs: "Godlessness"
Background: Previously known as Animas, April Eyes, and By The Gods, The Sorrow Fields is the long gestating black/death metal solo metal project from Bear Hunters/Suicide Kings guitarist Mitch Sirie. He resurrected the project under it's new name in 2012, complete with an atmospheric & dark sound, and he has sporadically updated fans as to his newest planned debut album via their YouTube channel and deleted Facebook page. As of June 2013, he'd titled the album "Godlessness" (though it was changed to "Let Go" this spring), and a preview of the title track and another unnamed song were uploaded there to check out before being privatized for unannounced reasons. Mitch is still working on the album though, and has aims to finish it after 6 years of off & on work, as per a recent personal Facebook posting.
Current Release Status: Mitch's most recent release timeframe for The Sorrow Fields' album was this coming winter, though he added on Facebook that he didn't plan to speak about it further until completion, so our next word or previews on it might not be for a while. Knowing how delayed his past solo album "Hollow Hope" was prior to it's cancellation, this could be a long road, especially as he's a workhorse with his two bands. In case new "Godlessness" or Sorrow Fields news rolls in, we'll have it here!
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The Suicide Kings - King of the WorldRumoured Songs: "Into the Fray", "Red Rover", "King of the World", "Way Out Of Hell", "Take Me Away", "Beaten Down", "Two More Jag", "Jesus Concubines"
Background: Already off to a quick launch with numerous concerts since their fall 2012 debut, local hard rock quartet The Suicide Kings surprisingly announced that they were officially working on their first EP on their Facebook page last February. Three weeks later, the band revealed in another Facebook posting that they were busy working on their own material, and they had plans to complete an EP by the end of the spring featuring 5-7 songs, which was recorded over the past month at The Smoke & Oak Room Studio with producer Dave Pihlaja. As of last spring, the tracks were in the final stages of mixing, and though info on the sessions and release was sporadic for much of last year, the band unveiled studio versions of their originals "Into the Fray" & "Jesus Concubines" in January on Facebook, presumably as a preview for the full release. Stay tuned for more!
Current Release Status: With the EP likely done it's recording phase, it's now likely a waiting game for the release of "King of the World". I know that a brief band member posting on Facebook suggested a free distribution of the EP, but that was either premature or incorrect. I just hope this doesn't encounter the same delays that have hampered bassist Mitch Sirie's other band The Bear Hunters' demo recording plans. Things seem in good hands so far, so watch out for updates as they come in!
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Sykotyk Rampage -"Wyrd
Radio", "Padre Pwj with Ready for Revival", "Environ-Mental Suits 2:
Anvil of Antioch", "Kitty Farts & Other Playful Noises", "Who's
Driving Spaceship Earth?", "Santa's Night Out", and "Double LIVE"Rumoured Songs: Unknown
Background: Continuing their extremely prolific recording nature, local "blue Chinese metal crash punk" quartet Sykotyk Rampage began recording sessions at River Front Recreation Studios for their next seven "albums" on February 6th, which will bring their total album amount to 50 if all goes according to plan. Their second batch of albums with current bassist Tony "Chastity Boy" Briglio, the band's Facebook page elaborated on themes for some of them, with the first two hinting towards covers, "Anvil of Antioch" continuing a series started the previous year, "Santa's Night Out" possibly being the long hinted at Christmas album, and "Double LIVE" being their first live album from one of their concerts, with the first and last being double CD length. Nothing else is out besides the "Anvil of Antioch" cover art, but keep an eye out for updates!
Current Release Status: The band hasn't indicated a rough timeframe for the releases, but mid-late 2014 would make sense, especially if "Santa's Night Out" is seasonal. Keep in mind however that Sykotyk Rampage's albums have all been posted online strictly as free postings since 2012, but in the event that these get a paid release, I have them here. Watch out for updates and hints throughout the year!
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I hope you guys liked this month's "Where Are The New Albums?" post! Our next installment of this series will come on May 2nd, and if some recent release teases from artists like Jack Spades, Mike Haggith, Rotopsy, and Shit Liver follow through, it will be much shorter next month! Stay tuned for more news and previews this week, along with this month's Defunct Local Band Profiles one week from tomorrow! Thanks everyone!
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