1. GREYMACHINE - Disconnected
The teaser single that Hydra Head just released convinced me that this forthcoming eight-track monster is something to pay attention to as it hits in August. Think Godflesh, only adding swirling electronics, abrasive sounds, washes of white noise, and tortured vocals. That GREYMACHINE is somewhat of an all star line up with Justin Broadrick (Godflesh, Jesu, Final, Napalm Death, and tons more), Aaron Turner (Isis, Old Man Gloom, House of Low Culture, Mamiffer, The Lotus Eaters, Jodis, etc), Dave Cochran (Jesu, Transitional, etc) and Diarmud Dalton (Jesu), is another matter entirely because the four of them make some nasty sounds.
2. Jesu - Infinity; Pale Sketches (2xCD Japanese Release); Opiate Sun; Jesu/ Envy ? Split; Heart Ache (US Release)
Okay okay, yes, using these five records here is probably good grounds for being called a cheater but it would be unfair any other way. Jesu does indeed have a slew of releases due out sometime in the second half of the year. Infinity is a single-track opus that Broadrick himself terms as somewhat comprised of two halves. Could it be a link to the next stage of Jesu? Pale Sketches is seeing the light of day in Japan with an extra disc of material (which will make my wallet hurt). Opiate Sun is a long discussed EP that is finally supposed to be on the way. Also exciting is the impending US release of the split with Envy (previously only a Japanese import on CD and a vinyl import from Europe) with rumored bonus tracks, and the upcoming US release of the first Jesu record Heart Ache that not only includes the original release (a glorious affair that some consider some of the best Jesu work so far) but also a second disc of an unreleased EP that was recorded around the same time period as the original record.
3. Nadja - Under A Jaguar Sun; Autopergamene; Nadja & Pyramids Collaboration; Nadja & Black Boned Boned Angel Collaboration
Yes, yes, more cheating on my part with this; but this is part of an ongoing battle between Nadja and Jesu for most releases in one year, and it seems as though Nadja is going to win out (it gets even hairier when you look at all projects as Nadja's Aidan Baker has solo releases and releases with Whisper Room that have dropped this year as well). Still, Nadja is slowly becoming another of my obsessions; and all of these releases certainly make me happy and keep me entertained.
4. The Blackheart Procession - Six
Hot damn. This new album from The Black Heart Procession definitely is sneaking up on me. Due out in October on their new label, Temporary Residence, I eagerly await their quirky music and unique vocals. If the tease of a track that "Rats" (which was released to the internet recently) is any indication of what to expect on the album, it will be a great follow up to The Spell.
5. Three Mile Pilot - TBA
Seriously, in the PC world we have a term for things that were promised and never come out; it is referred to as vaporware. This album is vaporware, but it supposedly is on the way from Temporary Residence as well. I cannot wait for this. Members of Pinback and The Black Heart Procession making great tunes together? Sign me up, but will it make it before the end of the year.
6. Integrity - The Blackest Curse
Here is another album that is taking forever to come out. Dwid, Deathwish, I am metaphorically looking your way!
7. The Hope Conspiracy - True Nihilist
At least this record is coming out this year. Three new songs from The Hope Conspiracy might not be enough, but at least we will have them. Maybe a new album is on the way?
8. Cave In - Planets of Old
They are back. Planets of Old is a twelve inch EP that is coming soon from the formerly metal hardcore now space rock masters of wielding toy guns and attacking their guitars with them. The teaser song, "Retina Sees Rewind," places Cave In squarely in a category of their own. Getting this record will probably mean giving your left arm on eBay.
9. Rise and Fall - Our Circle is Vicious
Another release that I have been waiting for quite a while to hear is the new Rise and Fall album. This is also due out this year and is one to keep an eye, or maybe an ear, out for.
10. Bad Secrets - Bad Secrets
Yeah, not many people may know about this one, but ever since Robotic Empire dropped some information about the concept, I have been waiting for it. Evan from Young Widows and Dan from Kodan Armada doing some improvisational jamming together sounds pretty interesting. Coming sometime soon from Robotic Empire.
(Bob)
