For reference, we are not including the announced debut EP from Them, as we're awaiting finite confirmation that they're working in studio, and The Din's upcoming live disc "The Din Does Laundry" is not featured as it will be sold in a paper sleeve, rather than in professional packaging, and we're also awaiting word on if it will have a paid digital release as well. So, where are the new albums? Read on below to hopefully find out!
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AlgomA's untitled split CD with Hooded MenaceRumoured Songs (A): "Failed Stunt Fatality", "Canis Rabidus"
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 yesterday, but it remains to be seen if this will be formatted similarly.
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", and they expect to be back on stage in the spring, with planned releases on mp3, USB sticks, and vinyl (no CDs?) 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 last year's "Eternal Hibernation", rhythm guitarist Josh Stephney is likely to record 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 drum and rhythm guitar recording, with bass sessions ongoing as of March 21st. 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 albumRumoured 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. The guys took the fall off from concerts presumably due to studio work, but greater details on the track listing, release formats, and so forth have yet to be made. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more!
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 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 - MeditationsRumoured Songs: "An Exercise In Self-Awareness", "Lovers", "Fire", "When You're Gone", "Circles", "The Edge", "The Sound", "Mountains", "Crave", "Calling Out"
Background: Amidst various teases of recording sessions, local post-punk/garage rock quartet Gnaeus have confirmed in recent concerts that they are in fact recording their debut CD "Meditations" (renamed from "Loomings" in early 2016) at Tidal Records' own Mission Control Studios, possibly stemming from their "Best Song" win at March 2015's VM Radio Battle of the Bands. Though online materials remain quiet otherwise for progress on the album, the planned album cover and online sales location of the EP under it's original name can be found at this link, though it's unclear if the cover will change along with the name. Though drummer Brendan Garlick left Gnaeus earlier this year when he moved out of town, bassist Matt Fronzi confirmed with me in a personal conversation that Brendan did record drum tracks for the release beforehand.
Current Release Status: The most recent indication on Gnaeus' Facebook page mention that they hoped the EP would be out for Christmas, which has obviously came and went, but the band did note that and tracking was winding down as of October 20th. Gnaeus have been reasonably quiet online regarding album progress, with the band even confirming a hiatus from public activities in January while they prep for the release, but postings sound positive otherwise, so hopefully things stay on track!
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Id Iota's debut EPRumoured Songs: Unknown
Background: Basically the direct successors to the short lived alternative hard rock band Habitat Shuffle (with bassist Justin Girardi, and later Dan Linklater, in Ryan Gray's place), Id Iota debuted on stage last summer but soon fell dormant, only re-emerging this year with numerous cryptic posts and videos referencing studio sessions, only confirming that they are working on a debut EP late last month on their Facebook page. Little else is known on the sessions or content of the EP, but Habitat Shuffle did quietly release an EP of their own ("Sober Drift") in August 2014, so it could be a predictor of what lies ahead for Id Iota's debut.
Current Release Status: Id Iota have confirmed that they are planning to finish up their EP before their out of town gigs in Southern Ontario next month, where they'll end their lengthy concert hiatus by opening for guitarist Dustin Goodall's other band The Pixo Control. That said, they didn't say it'd be pressed and released before then, but at least we know a bit of a timeframe, so keep an eye out as more is announced!
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Long Shot's debut EPRumoured Songs: "Long Goodbye", "El Camino", "Double Take"
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.
Current Release Status: Other than the reveal of EP sessions almost being finished, 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. Long Shot have shown skill and maturity since their debut though, and fingers crossed things come along so we can see a release!
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Mike Haggith - Neighbourhood Watch RevisitedRumoured 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 last month, 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. In any event, stay tuned for updates!
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Redundant's debut CDRumoured 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 EPRumoured 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 last month 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, so follow along to see where things go for their debut EP!
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Telephone & Address - "Monster" and "The Early Tapes"Rumoured Songs (M): "Unknown"
Rumoured Songs (E): "The Plumbers"
Background: Telephone & Address mainman Chris Shoust announced on their Facebook page last 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 named "Monster" 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 released, they're likely to turn up on Telephone & Address' Bandcamp page and on Interpunk, which Chris has also used to distribute physical copies.
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. As for "The Early Tapes", Chris revealed in March 2015 that it "will be delayed for some time", though he didn't elaborate on why specifically. It's also worth noting that Chris briefly announced collaborating with Boxes of Boom's Sam Decter as a drummer with Telephone & Address and under a new project name (Are You Now? or Have You Ever?), but references to Chris & Sam's work have quietly been removed from Facebook, and it's not known if this means anything for the "Monster" release. We'll keep you posted!
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I hope you guys liked this month's "Where Are The New Albums?" post! This series will return on or around May 2nd, and our next monthly feature post (barring a flash review of the AlgomA/Chronobot split) will be this month's Defunct Local Band Profile, likely for one week from tomorrow! Stay tuned for all of that and more regular posts in the coming weeks! Thanks everyone!
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