Beasto Blanco, Diamond Head + More

Here are some of today’s new releases:

Beasto Blanco – We Are

The band is mostly known for being Alice Cooper’s bassist Chuck Garric’s side project, for those paying attention, they know that Chuck is the lead singer/guitarist of the band, he splits vocals with Calico Cooper, Alice’s daughter. Rounding out the band is the extremely talented guitarist Brother Latham, bassist Jan LeGrow, and drummer Sean Sellers.

We Are is the band’s third studio album, their first in three years, and although it isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s definitely entertaining. Check out the video for “The Seeker” below, it definitely harkens back to an era where releasing interesting videos to sell an album was the thing to do.

Diamond Head – The Coffin Train

Most metal fans know about how this band influenced both Metallica and Megadeth (among others), and although they’ve never come close to the popularity of either of those two bands, metal fans have always had a soft spot for them. Maybe not as prolific as Saxon, but I would group Diamond Head in a similar fashion, both NWOBHM bands, and when both are on, they’re great, but in between there is a lot of medicare material that just has never grabbed me as much as their bigger anthems.

“Death By Design” is a great lead-off song for the album, the perfect way to get the engines revving before the release of the album. The song caught me off guard because I was expecting the same old, same old paint by numbers Diamond Head, but the song has everything you want, a really cool riff, great soaring vocals, built overtop of a solid rhythmic foundation.

The track “Belly Of The Beast” is equally as good, it really showcases vocalist Rasmus Born Andersen’s ferocious vocal talent, along with Brian Tatler’s guitar mastery. For the first time, in a long time, I’m excited about a new Saxon album.

Destrage – The Chosen One

The Italian band first came to my attention a few years back and instantly grabbed me. What I think is cool about the band is they mix a lot of old-school elements, like old-school thrash riffs, cool melodic chorus that reminds you of classic 80s heavy metal, yet they detune and use a lot of modern production. Kind of giving you the best of the old, and the best of the new at the same time. This is their fifth album, their first since 2016’s A Means To No End.

Adrenaline – Adrenaline EP

I got to check this EP out earlier this week, their label had sent me a promo for the album, and it was listed as a Hardcore band from Baltimore. Although I enjoy Hardcore, it usually isn’t a go-to for me. I also tend to list the EP below, unless something really stands out to me.

That said, this EP grabbed me right away, they remind me of two New York bands mixed together, Helmet and Quicksand. If you’re a fan of either, check this EP out.

Here are some other new releases, reissues, and live albums that may interest you:

Soto – Origami

Earth – Full Upon Her Burning Lips

Fleshgod Apocalypse – Veleno

Stormlord – Far

Sebadoh – Act Surprised

Emil Bulls – Mixtape

Ulver – Drone Activity

The Stray Cats – 40

Toto – All In

Sting – My Songs

Katatonia – Night Is The New Day 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Zee – Identity Reissue

My Dying Bride – A Harvest Of Dread Book/Box Set

Steve Miller Band – Complete Albums Volume 2 1977-2011

David Bowie – Diamond Dogs Vinyl Reissue

Deftones – Live At Dynamo Open Air 1998

Ministry – The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste Vinyl

Grave – Burial Ground Reissue

Grave – Dominion VIII Reissue

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