AMON AMARTH RETURN WITH BERSERKER
Here are some of the albums that drop today.
Amon Amarth – Berserker
The Swedish band returns with their eleventh album, their first since the critically acclaimed, and highly successful 2016’s Jomsviking. Let’s be honest, if you’re an Amon Amarth fan, you’re probably going to love this album, because guess what, it sounds like Amon Amarth.
Heavy riffs, pummeling drum pyrotechnics, and ferocious yet melodic guttural vocals have all been a staple in what the band offers. Berserker is no different, given the success of Jomsviking, you’d be hard-pressed to think the band could outdo themselves, but they seem to have done just that.
Bad Religion – Age Of Unreason
I was introduced to the band in the early 90s while on college radio by my Galaxy Of Geeks co-host Chris Vaglio. I had never heard anything like them before, Ramones were one of my favorite bands at the time, as was Kiss, Maiden, Sabbath, etc. But their melodies and harmonies, combined with their lyrics grabbed me right away.
Sure I had heard things like The Clash, R.E.M., or any other band that would meander, and blur the lines between the protest music being offered by alternative and indie rock, as well as metal, which probably doesn’t get enough credit for being anti-establishment, back then. Go back and check out lyrics by Metallica, and Megadeth regarding the discord, and discontent with leaders, government, and society.
They struck a chord and helped a lot of like-minded people band together. Bad Religion has always done this, but in their own signature way, mixing pop sensibilities, with straight-ahead punk in most cases, and a message for the disenchanted that may be there was actually hope. They’re always trying to get a point across, regardless if they have the government, church, or whatever in their crosshairs. Again, if you’re a fan of the band, you will probably not be disappointed.
The Wildhearts – Renaissance Men
The band returns with their first album in ten years, and it’s already being touted as being among the band’s best. Although a lot of people don’t know who they are, those that do either loves them or hate them.
And when I say love them, it’s usually at a toxic level, they have some seriously hard-core fans. And they know this, if you take a look at the crowdfunding projects both Ginger and CJ Wildheart have released in the aforementioned ten-year gap, they have gone above and beyond what 99.9% of the other bands have done, to ensure that their fan base is properly serviced.
They have released unique items, and stayed true to their word, to not release elsewhere. The album features the return of what most classify as their classic lineup, which features both of the members mentioned above, plus Ritch Battersby and Danny McCormack. I’ve yet to read a bad review about the album, and that speaks volumes, but again, that speaks to the level of fandom this band has.
Here are some of the other albums that come out today.
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – End Of Suffering
L7 – Scatter the Rats
Little Steven & The Disciples – Of Soul
Ringworm – Death Becomes My Voice
Mos Generator – Night Of The Lords
Myrath – Shehili
Jack Slamer – Jack Slamer
Various Artists – Metal Swim 2 Digital
Various Artists – Natural Born Killers Soundtrack Vinyl
Lamb Of God – Ashes Of The Wake 15th Anniversary
In Flames – I, The Mask Picture Disc
Article by Victor M. Ruiz of Mars Attacks Radio & Podcast, and Galaxy Of Geeks Podcast. Connect with him on Twitter: @vmr907
