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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 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 is recording 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 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 have largely been away from concerts presumably due to studio work, but greater details on the track listing, release formats, and so forth have yet to be made. Visit 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 Din - Give In To The DinRumoured Songs: "In Search Of The Perfect Moment", "Out Of My League", "Potato (Should've Known Better)", "Analog Palace", "Of Cars & Criminals", "Hex", "Spin Cycle", "A Drive Through The Peninsula", "Cowardly Hearts Beneath The Stars", "Leamington, Ontario", "75", "Differences", "Alleyways & Apartments"
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 two songs ("In Search of the Perfect Moment" & "Potato"), and teaser videos available to check out online, though further information is sure to follow. 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: It's too early to guess, but Mike's band work (solo, Haggith, or otherwise) has reliably produced albums with clear schedules & release dates, so hopefully this album is no different! Stay tuned for updates!
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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", "Hail Mary"
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, a monochrome preview of the album cover can be seen in the official program for this year's Rotaryfest, where they will play at Stage 2. Though drummer Brendan Garlick moved out of town earlier this year and was replaced by Alex Proulx, 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 taking a hiatus earlier this year to prep for the release, but postings sound positive otherwise, so hopefully things stay on track!
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Long Shot's debut EPRumoured 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", along with the apparent album cover and the confirmation that the EP is self-titled.
Current Release Status: Other than the reveal of EP sessions almost being finished and their two 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. We also haven't seen Long Shot on stage yet this year, but the guys have shown skill and maturity since their debut, 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 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 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 in April 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", "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. 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 given the lack of "Monster" news lately, was it renamed or morphed into the newer album? 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 will return on or around August 2nd, while our next monthly feature post, barring a flash CD review, will be this month's Defunct Local Band Profile one week from tomorrow, so keep an eye out for all of that, and for more news and updates soon! Thanks everyone!
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