With 2017 now fully underway, let's kick off our monthly feature post schedule with our latest "Where Are The New Albums?" post! As usual, this ongoing series looks at the current release statuses and information on upcoming albums from local metal, hard rock, and punk bands, in order for readers to get the current scoop on where these albums are! This is basically a holding pattern month, as aside from photo restorations and New Year-related date adjustments, only one entry has a true update, as seen below with it's title in
italics. So, where are the new albums? Read on below to hopefully find out!
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AlgomA's untitled split EP with Hooded Menace
Rumoured Songs (A): "Failed Stunt Fatality", "Canis Rabidus", "Brazen Bull", "The Longest Swim"
Rumoured Songs (H): "Celestial Dissection"
Background: In recent months, local doom metal trio AlgomA have teased that they are planning to release a split EP with
Finnish death/doom metal quartet Hooded Menace, to be released by
Doomentia Records
with art by Paolo Girardi, and with AlgomA's recording sessions taking place locally at
Six, Two, Oh.. Last fall,
the cover artwork and preliminary release details were unveiled on
their Facebook page,
with both AlgomA and Hooded Menace posting a sample of one song each
via their respective Bandcamp pages (in AlgomA's case, "Failed Stunt
Fatality".) Like with AlgomA's prior split with Chronobot, this will
exclusively see it's physical release on 12'' vinyl records.
Current Release Status: The announcements last month indicated that the split EP would come out at
last month,
but both bands have since confirmed that the split was delayed for unannounced reasons. As of this writing, we don't know the exact release date or if there will
be an attached release party in the Soo, but keep in mind that this
is being released through Hooded Menace's label (based out of The Czech
Republic.) Still, look for this anticipated split in early 2016, assuming the delays aren't major!
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The Apocalypse Afterparty - Bufflesnort
Rumoured Songs: "4th Liner", ".500 Hockey", "Lace 'Em Up", "Better Than The
Hives Did It" (retitled cover of Saul Williams' "List of Demands
(Reparations)"
Background: Before ever playing a
public concert, local rap/metal band The Apocalypse Afterparty announced on
their Facebook page in 2014 that they had begun working on a 3 song debut EP
with producer Jamie Vincent, recording at least one song with him ("The Crowd"), which you can hear in full at
this link. Plans were overhauled after holding full recording sessions for "Bufflesnort" at
Tidal Records'
own Mission Control Studios with producer Dustin Jones, later mixing the songs with Simon Head at
Insight Recorders, and notably not recording prior originals from concerts like songs passed on from The Fury.
The full EP can now be streamed via "songwriter"
Paul Stanghetta's YouTube channel, while all
five
album covers can be seen on the band's online pages. Also, a posting in
March hinted that a member of defunct Saskatchewan hardcore band
The Holly Springs Disaster would make a cameo appearance on a track.
Current Release Status: The Apocalypse Afterparty began sending out press packs & advance copies of the album on
cell phones in September (I received one in a concert used
drum),
and the band also plans to have full availability for general audiences
via digital download and USB thumb drives, but the band has delayed the
EP's scheduled release until next month, with an album release concert
planned for then. However, note that the band is undergoing yet another
drummer search, so if that's delayed, a release party may be delayed
too. Stay tuned for updates on "Bufflesnort"!
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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 re-recording),
"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, 2015. 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 Bear
Hunters haven't given any firm timetables for when to expect "The Dead
Testament"
in stores, but as of November 5th, the band had finished all recording
sessions except vocals & lead guitar for 4 tracks, and "finishing
touches" were to blame for the delays in finishing the CD. The band is
aiming for a more professional sound and release for
their sophomore effort, but an optimistic late-summer release has came
and gone.
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 confirmed that they were 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 didn't post on
their Facebook page at all in 2016, 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 it should be noted that singer/guitarist Anthony
Marcello moved out of town for college last summer, with Mitchell
Nielsen replacing him when the other guys backed up Jesse Merineau in
concert in September. If Caroline Divine are still active for reasons
other than playing with Jesse, I don't know what Anthony's move would
mean for the album, or if Mitchell is his full-time replacement, but
we'll let you know if they announce anything!
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The Elements'
debut EP
Rumoured Songs: "Liar", "G20", "Triple H", "The Rut", "I Need A Friend"
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 drummer Jonas Gasperas and
saxophonist Josh Norling, who have been frequent presences in recent
months, and may be official band members at this point.
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, but note that the band hasn't made a public online
post since last January. 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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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 solo release of new recordings since mid-2015's "The Warinside",
"Neighbourhood Watch Revisited" was 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, Mike's focus in recent months
has been on his band The Din, and if there were ever plans for it
to
come out on the 4th anniversary of the original's release, then that
date has came & went. Still, Curtis 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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Mike Vincent's debut EP & "We're of Nothing"
Rumoured Songs (1): "Shoah"
(retitled Skull After Betrayl cover), "Sacred Sins", "Six, Six, Six",
"Systematical Satan", "Soulless Sanctuary", "Screaming Serenity"
Rumoured Songs (W): "Times Of The Unforgotten", "Chapters of No Light", "We're of Nothing", "Phases of Pain"
Background: After briefly manning
his own solo project in 2011 (which featured original songs named after
food), ex-Skull After Betrayl frontman Mike Vincent resurrected his dormant solo
project this past summer via
his new Bandcamp page.
Mike soon posted a series of six instrumentals there, all with titles
starting with the letter S, which are planned to constitute his debut EP
when finished with vocals. Mike followed up later with four unrelated
songs that are planned for his second solo release, which would be a
double CD album in length, with "Times of the Unforgotten" notably
featuring his uncle Jason Ladouceur (ex-Winkstinger) in a guest spot.
Some of the above information comes from personal Facebook page
postings, as Mike hasn't made a new music page for his solo project yet.
Current Release Status: No idea,
but given that he's posting songs on Bandcamp, a digital release through
there seems likely when the songs are 100% completed and packaged as an
album, at least in that form. Mike's past local bands haven't quite
gotten off the ground in terms of putting out albums, but for fans of
Skull After Betrayl, D.O.T.H., and so on, Mike's solo project should be
very intriguing, and he's putting in some solid work in the process!
Keep tabs on his Bandcamp page for further material!
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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
a handful of times in the last couple of years, 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 - Stare at the Sky
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 they 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. The EP title
and newly confirmed song "Cognitive Dissonance" were unveiled last fall
on YouTube, but the band has focused on live-streamed Facebook videos since.
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. Also, no
word on if the uncredited second guitarist in the aforementioned stream
videos is an official band member, and if so, if he performs on "Stare
at the Sky". Follow along
to see where things go for their debut EP!
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Telephone & Address - "Monster" & "The Early Tapes"
Rumoured Songs (M): "I Can Bleed"
Rumoured Songs (E): "The Plumbers"
Background: Telephone &
Address mainman Chris Shoust announced on
their Facebook page
in 2015 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. However, a later-recorded album, "Are You Now
or Have You Ever", was officially released in October, despite "Monster"
being announced a year previously. Songs from both of these unreleased
albums can be streamed 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 has indicated online that "Monster" was planned to be
pressed last fall, and he blamed money issues for the delays in it
being released, especially given that he originally indicated that it'd be pressed in 2015. 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. Assuming things go according to plan, Telephone &
Address should have some big albums in the works, so 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, despite the lack of updates! Hopefully we have more to add next month, but stay tuned for this month's Defunct Local Band Profile one week from tomorrow, our next CD review at some point this month, and our first news post of the year in the coming days! Thanks everyone!
