NEW MUSIC BY JOE SATRIANI, DAVID ELLEFSON, NIGHTWISH, AND OTHERS

Joe Satriani – Shapeshifting 

Let’s be honest, this is the man that kicked off the instrumental guitar craze. You can argue that people have done it better or not. But 1987’s Surfing With The Alien really kicked the instrumental rock guitar genre into high gear. Shapeshifting is album number 17, the first since 2018’s What Happens Next. It features Kenny Aronoff on drums, Chris Chaney, best known for his work with Jane’s Addiction on bass, and Eric Caudieux on keys. It also features guest spots from Lisa Coleman of The Revolution and Christopher Guest. You know that Satch die-hards will be picking this album up.

David Ellefson – Simple Truth EP

Italy has been the European epicenter for COVID 19.  This infection has slowly affected us all.  As a result, the Megadeth bassist has put together an EP to help the Italian Red Cross in this time of need.  The EP consists of the new track “Simple Truth”, which is sung by Thom Hazaert, a Max Norman Mix of the track “Vultures”, and two tracks live in Milan.  The EP features appearances by Dave Sharpe and Opus Lawrence of Dead By Wednesday, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Andy Martongelli, and Paolo Caridi.  Ellefson was part of Talking Metal episode 842, which also featured an interview with Tommy London.

Nightwish – Human. :II: Nature.

There is no mistaking the fact that Nightwish, regardless of who is in or out of the band, has a loyal, die-hard following.  Their new double album is made up of a single CD with 9 tracks, and a second CD that is one long track split up into eight parts.  This is their first release since 2015’s Endless Forms Most Beautiful, their ninth overall.  A must-have for any fan of the band.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER ALBUMS THAT COME OUT TODAY THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

The Strokes – The New Abnormal 

Brant Bjork – Brant Bjork

Local H – Lifers

RED – Declaration

Azusa – Loop Of Yesterdays

Kool Keith and Thetan – Space Gortex

High Priestess – Casting The Circle

Axxis – Virus Of A Modern Time EP

Wolfheart – Wolves Of Karelia

VINYL AND REISSUES

Lamb Of God/Kreator – World Divided / Checkmate 7″ Split

The Acacia Strain – D 7″ Single

Primordial – A Journey’s End Vinyl Reissue

Primordial – Imrama Vinyl Reissue

Porcupine Tree – In Absentia Reissue

Circa – Circa Special Edition Reissue

LIVE ALBUMS AND COMPILATIONS

Ayreon – Electric Castle Live And Other Tales DVD/CD (US Release)

Metal Church – From The Vault

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