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