Well this has been a crazy month, especially in the world of metal. If you are kind of behind on what's new, look, I get it. There are just simply not enough hours in the day to stay up to date on what's out. But fear not, I’m here to catch you up! So without further ado, here are the metal albums for May 2018 that you simply have to know:
5) Jonathan Davis - "Black Labyrinth"
MY BOY JONATHAN DAVIS! Well, ok, I've never met him… but regardless (!), Jonathan Davis of Korn released a great solo album that surprisingly brings something for both fans and not-fans of Korn. Confused? Let me continue. Let’s just say that he’s stretching his artistic boundaries here, and I was simply not expecting how experimental things get. This one feels like we’re all getting some deep cuts that Jonathan has been waiting years to share.
4) Parkway Drive - "Reverence"
The enduring Aussie metalcore bruisers return with this sixth studio album, and, man, it was a great way to kick off the month. The single "The Void" is an ultra-melodic, old-school chugger that strongly reminds me of good 80's metal. Solid listen for metalheads of all varieties, and one that makes me personally excited to see them again live.
3) Dimmu Borgir - "Eonian"
Holy shi- a new Dimmu Borgir album came out?? The last one came out...8 years ago! Sure, they might have given me nightmares as a young man, but it would be disrespectful to all the symphonic black metal fans out there if I didn't mention the new album. Though it might not live up to the level of "Abrahadabra," Shagrath's vocal work on Eonian is nothing short of grade A brutal. And for that alone, I deem this must-listen.
2) Bad Wolves - "Disobey"
To put this album in perspective: it's one part talent and one part "punch to the face." The band consists of vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Snot), drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams) and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, Vimic). All of these super-seasoned vets are managed by Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch. Add all that up and it should paint the picture for this super group that you owe yourself to check out.
Speaking of Five Finger Death Punch...
1) Five Finger Death Punch - "And Justice for None"
5) Jonathan Davis - "Black Labyrinth"
MY BOY JONATHAN DAVIS! Well, ok, I've never met him… but regardless (!), Jonathan Davis of Korn released a great solo album that surprisingly brings something for both fans and not-fans of Korn. Confused? Let me continue. Let’s just say that he’s stretching his artistic boundaries here, and I was simply not expecting how experimental things get. This one feels like we’re all getting some deep cuts that Jonathan has been waiting years to share.
4) Parkway Drive - "Reverence"
The enduring Aussie metalcore bruisers return with this sixth studio album, and, man, it was a great way to kick off the month. The single "The Void" is an ultra-melodic, old-school chugger that strongly reminds me of good 80's metal. Solid listen for metalheads of all varieties, and one that makes me personally excited to see them again live.
3) Dimmu Borgir - "Eonian"
Holy shi- a new Dimmu Borgir album came out?? The last one came out...8 years ago! Sure, they might have given me nightmares as a young man, but it would be disrespectful to all the symphonic black metal fans out there if I didn't mention the new album. Though it might not live up to the level of "Abrahadabra," Shagrath's vocal work on Eonian is nothing short of grade A brutal. And for that alone, I deem this must-listen.
2) Bad Wolves - "Disobey"
To put this album in perspective: it's one part talent and one part "punch to the face." The band consists of vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Snot), drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams) and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, Vimic). All of these super-seasoned vets are managed by Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch. Add all that up and it should paint the picture for this super group that you owe yourself to check out.
Speaking of Five Finger Death Punch...
1) Five Finger Death Punch - "And Justice for None"
Want to know something interesting? The band had already completed recording of the album by December 31, 2016! However, due to ongoing problems with their label Prospect Park, the album was delayed all that way until 2018, which is now! Was it worth the wait? My opinion is yes, but these juggernauts don’t need my approval as they've been killing it since their debut way back in 2007. And hell, I'll probably be promoting them in another 10 years, so if you haven't listened to it yet... DO IT!
Til the next month’s wrap up, keep it metal and have an awesome day!