Metallica, Within Temptation, Avantasia + More

Here are some of the new releases that come out today.

Metallica – Helping Hands…Live & Acoustic At The Masonic

This isn’t actually the first time the band has taken some of these songs for a spin into the acoustic realm. A few years back they were part of the Bridge School Benefit, an annual fundraiser put together by Neil Young and his ex-wife, Young has since stepped aside. This release is set to benefit Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, which aims to “fight hunger and to assist in creating sustainable communities through workforce education.” The album consists of acoustic versions of Metallica songs, along with covers of Deep Purple, Nazareth, Bob Seger, and Blue Oyster Cult.

Within Temptation – Resist

The Dutch band returns with their first album since 2014’s Hydra. They boast that this is a step forward in their evolution, and reflects on current times, and what they foresee coming in the future. Much like previous albums, this one has its list of guest appearances, most notably Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, and Anders Friden of In Flames.

Avantasia – Moonglow

Essentially Tobias Sammet’s solo vehicle, disguised behind the Avantasia moniker, and always consisting in a slew of guest appearances. Moonglow is no different, featuring the likes of Ronnie Atkins, Jørn Lande, Eric Martin, Geoff Tate, Michael Kiske, Bob Catley, Candice Night, Hansi Kürsch and Kreator main man, Mille Petrozza.

Die Klute – Planet Fear

The debut album by industrial metal supergroup that features Jürgen Engler of Die Krupps, Claus Larsen of Leæther Strip, and Dino Cazares from Fear Factory. The album is packed with ten original tracks that harken back to classic 90s KMFDM, Ministry, and any other band you associate to the industrial metal revolution. The album also includes a cover of the Public Enemy song “She Watch Channel Zero”.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Cyboogie

The Australian rock band rock band releases their 14th album in five years! Including three albums that charted in the top 4 in their native country, and five top 30 releases on the US indie charts. If you’re not familiar with them, their name is an obvious nod to Jim Morrison, but they’re more of a throwback to late 60s, early 70s psychedelic rock in the vein of Hawkwind as opposed to sounding like The Doors.

Soen – Lotus

The band put together by original Opeth drummer Martin Lopez is releasing their fourth album Lotus. The band started out as a supergroup of sorts, and although members have changed, they’ve continued to release music that is heavily inspired by Tool, King Crimson, and as displayed perfectly by the title track of the new album, Pink Floyd.

Here are some other albums that come out today that may interest you:

Tom Petty – The Best Of Everything

Grateful Dead – Road Trips Vo. 3 No. 4 – Penn State / Cornell ’80

Phil Collins – A Hot Night in Paris (Reissue)

Phil Collins – Serious Hits… Live! (Reissue)

The Cardigans – Emmerdale (Vinyl Reissue)

The Cardigans – First Band On the Moon (Vinyl Reissue)

The Cardigans – Grand Turismo (Vinyl Reissue)

The Cardigans – Life (Vinyl Reissue)

The Cardigans – Long Gone Before Daylight (Vinyl Reissue)

The Cardigans – Super Extra Gravity (Vinyl Reissue)

Deer Tick – Mayonnaise

The Specials – Encore

Trevor Horn – Trevor Horn Reimagines The 80s

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