EMERALD SABBATH TRIBUTE TO BLACK SABBATH

Here are some of the new albums that drop today.

Emerald Sabbath – Ninth Star

This is an interesting compilation that is a tribute to Black Sabbath and is made up of recordings that feature ten former members of the band, as well as producers, artists, and string arrangers that previously worked with the band.  The project was put together by Michael Suilleabhain, who was recently interviewed on Talking Metal about the album.

One of the former members that lends lead vocals to quite a bit of the album is Ron Keel, he also spoke to Talking Metal recently, discussing his brief time in the band, and this album with Mark Strigl.

Trauma – As The World Dies

The band will forever be known as the band that gave Metallica and the world Cliff Burton. Cliff recorded their demo in 1982 but was gone by the time they released their first full-length, 1984’s Scratch And Scream. The band would dissolve shortly thereafter, and get back together three decades later, for 2015’s Rapture And Wrath.

The new album, As The World Dies, is Trauma doing what they do best, a mix of mostly classic heavy metal in the vein of 80s NWOBHM, with a twinge of thrash mixed in for good measure. Joining them on the album is former Testament bassist Greg Christian.

Electric Mary – Mother

Funny when people say “have you heard this new band” a lot of times they should say, a new band to them, as in they just discovered them. That’s the case with Australia’s Electric Mary, this is the first time I’ve come across them and had the pleasure of listening to their music.

If you were to take Jeff Keith from Tesla’s vocals and mash that band’s 70s hard rock influence with the blues-infused hard rock that has made Clutch famous, then you could wrap your head around what the band is all about. It is unadulterated, unapologetic 70s rock, which is electrified, and set ablaze by the band.

They are known for their live performances and are internationally heralded in various publications for their previous releases. Hopefully, they become new to you as well, and you check them out.

Rotting Christ – The Heretics

The Greek band is probably best known for being kicked off of a festival bill by Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine due to the band’s name, or so the rumor goes.  This is the band’s thirteenth studio album, to their credit, they show that they are more than a simple black metal band.

Sure the themes discusses being anti-religion are nothing new for bands in this genre, but they take risks and explore various forms of hard rock and metal that others would be too worried to called sell-outs to include on their albums.  Instead of looking over their shoulders and worrying about purists saying you can’t include goth rock elements, or true metal bands don’t do those types of solos, they give anyone that would try to shun them the same middle finger they give to anyone trying to throw their religious virtues on them.  Good on them for continuing to discuss and play what they believe in.

Here are some other releases that come out today:

Tedeschi Trucks Band – Signs

Megadeth – The World Needs A Hero (Expanded Reissue)

Megadeth – The System Has Failed (Expanded Reissue)

Pyramaze – Legend Of The Bone Carver (Reissue)

Skeletonwitch – Beyond The Permafrost (Picture Disc)

Skeletonwitch – Breathing Fire (Picture Disc)

Skeletonwitch – Devouring Radiant Light (Picture Disc)

Skeletonwitch – Forever Abomination (Picture Disc)

Skeletonwitch – Serpents Unleashed (Picture Disc)

Article by Victor M. Ruiz of Mars Attacks Radio & Podcast, and Galaxy Of Geeks Podcast.  Connect with him on Twitter:  @vmr907