Thursday, April 2, 2015

Where Are The New Albums? (April 2015 Update)

With a new month upon us, it's now time for this month's "Where Are The New Albums?" post! As usual, this is our regular feature were we look at the current release statuses of announced and partially or fully recorded albums from metal, hard rock, or punk bands, in order for you guys to know the latest on when we might see them released! This month, we have one brand new addition, the restoration of a recently removed album (due to the band's reunion), and seven updated entries (with the album name in italics to note that), but we did remove Brutally Fatal's "The D.P.E.P." as it was actually quietly released last month, and we'll get into that on the site soon. Now, where are the new albums? Read on below to hopefully find out!
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The Apocalypse Afterparty's debut EP

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 (featuring 2/3rds of Smeltzer as "songwriters") announced on their Facebook page on August 21st 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 other details have yet to follow.

Current Release Status: No idea, especially given "songwriter" Steve Mozarowski's own Toronto-area commitments and the band's expansion of their lineup with female members, but things seemed to be progressing well despite the band's short existence. It should be noted that The Apocalypse Afterparty 's version of "The Crowd" is featured on Blood Shed Productions' recent 11-way split album, but at last word, the EP is still in the works. Hopefully more comes out soon on it!
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Beaumont Avenue - King of the World

Rumoured 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 (who changed their name to Beaumont Avenue last summer) surprisingly announced that they were officially working on their first EP on their Facebook page in February 2013. 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 former Smoke & Oak Room Studio with producer Dave Pihlaja. Though info on the sessions and release was sporadic for much of 2013, the band unveiled studio versions of their originals "Into the Fray" & "Jesus Concubines" last year on Facebook, presumably as a preview for the full release, though nothing has followed since, and the band is currently taking a break due to drummer Ben Boudreau's out of town college commitments.

Current Release Status:
As of their Facebook page in September, Beaumont Avenue are planning to record 2 EPs of 4 original songs each (grouped by how they feel) before writing a debut album from scratch when Ben returns home, which may or may not mean that they're scrapping their Smoke & Oak Room session tracks for their pending debut CD. The band was working on studio work and songwriting over the holidays while Ben was back home, but it's unclear how much was done. We'll let you know when we hear more!
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Crucify The Whore - "Jesus Eats Human Flesh" & an untitled three-way split

Rumoured Songs (J): "Couch Kushins", "Vomit Squirts From Your Mouth To Mine", "Rotten C**** In The Glove Box"

Rumoured Songs (3): Unknown

Background: Rather than release their next material on single CDs, local goregrind solo project Crucify The Whore have announced continued plans to include songs on split albums, a common occurrence for bands of this subgenre. Following the Blood Shed Productions 11-way split, C.T.W. have announced the former split with North Bay grindcore band Scrotox, with it's possibly controversial artwork also online, while the latter (whose songs haven't been revealed) is apparently a three-way release alongside Ohio cybernoise band Menstrual Munchies & New York grind duo Soaked In Semən (don't shoot the messenger, I didn't name them!) Additional details on both are likely forthcoming, and it's not known yet whether the C.T.W. songs will find their way onto future solo releases.

Current Release Status:
The split with Scrotox has been teased for the spring, but the other split awaits finite details on it's content, title, artwork, and release date. Stay tuned to C.T.W. and Blood Shed pages for more details!
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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 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", with this year now targeted for a release. 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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Haggith - "XIV", "Apocalypse II", and "Time Machine: Live"

Rumoured Songs (X): "Red", "Road Rash", "Anthem"

Rumoured Songs (A): "Apocalypse", "Hands of Death", "Immunity", "Spreading The Disease", "Home, Part 5", "Home, Part 6", "Home, Part 7", "Tribute to Mike Haggith", "We Are The Damned", "Apocalypse II"

Rumoured Songs (T): Unknown

Background: After being broken up throughout early 2014, local grunge/alternative rock quartet Haggith came back at the fourth annual Sewer Swampstravaganza at The Oddfellows Hall on May 10th, where the band announced that they would be recording a new studio album, but their Facebook page later indicated that Haggith are now releasing two new CDs! These include a new original album named "XIV"  and a resumption of their "Apocalypse II" concept sequel CD, with all tracks from each now posted their YouTube channel. All recorded at Paperclip Productions with input from new bassist Jordan Leach, "Apocalypse II" is complete and awaiting release, but the plans for the "XIV" release were severely cut down following guitarist Daniel Horton's departure last month, forcing the band to retract it to EP length, only featuring the 3 songs Daniel recorded before leaving. On November 24th, the band also revealed plans for a live album named "Time Machine: Live", though little else is known on it or if it will get a paid release.

Current Release Status: As of November 24th, Haggith were aiming for releases of "Apocalypse II", "Time Machine: Live", and "XIV" in January, February, and March respectively, though those have all came and went. Sessions for both studio albums are complete and now we're just awaiting their paid releases, but "Time Machine: Live" is more of an unknown at this point, as are the prospects of seeing the cut "XIV" songs ("Public Enemy", "These Four Walls", "Wasted", "By The Hand", "Runnin' From Love", "Metal Cage", and "Punch") in future albums & shows. Hopefully we hear more soon!
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Mike Haggith - "The Warinside"

Rumoured Songs: "We Met As Surrogates", "The Snake", "Candy Is A Hooker's Name", "Someday", "Lay My Body To Rest", "Of Cars & Criminals", "September", "Out Of My League", "A Drive Through The Peninsula", "30"

Background:This past fall, prolific local solo musician (and Haggith drummer) Mike Haggith revealed on his Facebook page that he was working on his 49th studio album entitled "The Warinside" (lack of a space intentional), which also has an announced tracklist and will reflect his recent personal life. Seven songs from the album (plus an alternate version of "The Snake") can now be streamed on his YouTube channel, while the album being primarily recorded at Galactic Records again, with Haggith's Curtis McKenzie providing some guest guitar parts.

Current Release Status: We're a ways off from a release yet, but instrumental tracking is complete, and given how fast and honest he tends to be, any updates should be good as to it's progress. Stay tuned as more comes in!
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The Pixo Control's debut CD

Rumoured Songs: "Land of the Moles", "Reasons", "Sixty Extra Chances Called Minutes", "The Great Salute To Radio Edits", "Tall Ships", "No", "Quick Little Quarter", "Call Me A Liar", "Scratch", "Alphabetical Order", "This Is Momentary, Forever"

Background: After earlier teases of recording sessions, young local grunge/alternative trio The Pixo Control revealed on their online pages (including on Instagram in November) that they were indeed working on their first album, with veteran local musician Keith Conway having a hand in the album's production. An Instagram video was also posted that featured bassist Steve Edwards working on a studio track, and updates have steadily followed to tease fans on the album's progress. The band also confirmed in February that they have signed with Tidal Records, who will presumably also release this album.

Current Release Status: No idea, but the guys sound like they've gotten a fair amount done already, and they've been turning a lot of heads so far, so don't bypass them, and stay tuned for more on their first album this year!
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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 on November 16th that they're 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 new studio White Wreckords. We'll keep you posted when we hear more!

Current Release Status: Though we don't know much on the new/revived album plans, Redundant do sound serious about completing their CD, and an early 2015 timeframe is likely being targeted. We'll be sure to let you know when updates roll in though!
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The Revolution - Roll Call

Rumoured Songs: "Prisoner of Hate", "Monsters", "Cold Temptress", "Into The Fog", "Get High With Me"

Background: Then-new local doom/punk trio The Revolution (originally the second version of Brutaly Fatal) surprisingly announced on their Facebook page that they were heading into the studio to begin recording their debut EP last July. The sessions are being done at their new label PaperClip Productions, who signed the band in May. To be titled "Roll Call", a 5 song track listing was announced at the same time, which omitted prior live originals like "Murder For Sport", "We Are The Gladiators", and "Mercury". One of the songs (title unclear) was previewed in this Facebook video on Christmas, and while they surprisingly disbanded in late February, they reunited on Tuesday and plan to continue work on "Roll Call".

Current Release Status: The Revolution indicated on Facebook that they'll start tracking for the EP next week, but aside from that, it's hard to say when we'll see the final product. It's surprising enough that the guys are back after their month-long breakup, so follow the above links for more on this resurrected album!
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Rotopsy - Sexual Assault Rifle

Rumoured Songs: "Mold Induced Hypersensitivity", "Cops 'N Moms", "Swamp Donkey", "I Shrunk Down To A Microscopic Size And..."

Background: Planned to be the polarizing but lively goregrind duo's first full length release (after an EP-length demo last year), Rotopsy originally announced this disc late last year, and also revealed that three new studio recordings (that will presumably also be on this album) would be put out on their label Blood Shed Productions' 11-way split release, and can be heard at this link. The album cover and title were revealed on their Facebook page on New Year's Day, and a lengthy-titled new song was recently posted online too, though further updates are sure to come.

Current Release Status: When the album cover was revealed, Rotopsy confirmed a planned release date of April 20th, so we'll have to see if that holds true. At least a few songs are already recorded and complete, so keep an eye out for more on Rotopsy's next disc!
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The Sorrow Fields - Let Go

Rumoured 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/Beaumont Avenue 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" last 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 personal Facebook posting last year.

Current Release Status: Mitch's most recent release timeframe for The Sorrow Fields' album was this winter, though we're arguably past that now. 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. It should also be noted that Mitch hinted on personal Facebook posts in the fall that a studio version of his fan favourite "Squirrel Buddy" is in the works, but whether it's a single or a renamed full album isn't clear. In case new "Let Go" or Sorrow Fields news rolls in, we'll have it here!
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Telephone & Address's eighth studio album and "The Early Tapes"

Rumoured Songs (8): "Unknown"

Rumoured Songs (E): "The Plumbers"

Background: Telephone & Address mainman Chris Shoust announced on their Facebook page in January that he's 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"), all of which being released before their recent full integration into the local scene. Since then however, he quietly revealed on Facebook that a separate "new album" is done, with an advanced copy leaked to him by AlgomA drummer Jamie Vincent, which likely hints that Jamie helped produce it. No other details have been revealed yet, but some songs may be on their Soundcloud page, and when both are hen released, they're likely to turn up on Telephone & Address' Bandcamp page and on Interpunk, which Chris is also using to distribute physical copies of his CDs.

Current Release Status: No idea yet on either, but given the lo-fi nature of his recordings, things could roll along very quickly for the new studio album. As for "The Early Tapes", Chris revealed last month that it "will be delayed for some time", though he didn't elaborate on why specifically. Still, keep an eye out for updates on both!
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I hope you guys liked this month's "Where Are The New Albums?" post! If you were wondering about the exclusion of The Bear Hunters' upcoming albums or the teased Destroilet/Jack Spades split, we're waiting for formal public confirmation that both have had recording sessions begin. Barring a flash album review, our next monthly feature post will be a week from tomorrow via this month's Defunct Local Band Profile, so look for that then, and stay tuned for weekend concert previews next! Thanks everyone!

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