Well it’s a new year and time for the first new releases for 2007!

Abigail Williams
Legend
Candlelight Records
21:05 – 5 Tracks
The bio sheet described these guys (and gal) from Phoenix as “black metalcore.” You know what, that’s a pretty good way to describe it, as they have a dark, black metal base sound, but mixing it in with what you hear from the good, heavy metalcore bands. A few different vocal styles come through, mostly it’s a screamy black metal with and almost Cradle of Filth-y style for the death growls. It’s pretty cool, and it seems as though they might be pioneers in this new sub-genre. You will hear this on the Mosh Pit!

Coldworker
The Contaminated Void
Relapse Records
39:44 – 14 Tracks
This doesn’t waste any time getting into some nice heavy, thrashy death metal. It also has a bit of a Napalm Death feel. Fans of classic death/grind metal will like this.  This band was put together by Anders Jakobson of Nasum.

County Medical Examiners
Olidous Aperettas
Relapse Records
29:54 – 8 Tracks
The bio sheet says it all… If you like older Carcass, this band is for you!  They aren’t kidding!  Gore-grind, not muddy sounding at all, good clean Carcass-like death metal!  Meat and potatoes death metal for you here!  You will hear this on the Mosh Pit!
Disciple
Scars Remain
INO Records
38:57 – 11 Tracks
Starting off, this seems to have a nu-metal vibe. With that Korn-esque bassline, then the vocals kick in, and it just kind of keeps that nu-metal vibe. This isn’t really Mosh Pit material, as I could see these guys touring with Hinder or Seether or the like.

Meliah Rage
The Deep And Dreamless Sleep
Screaming Ferret
36:00 – 8 Tracks
Their first new album in like, forever.  I can’t say I was all that familiar with their older stuff, as it was a little before my time as a metalhead.  This does have a bit of an older school sound.  It’s not too bad, nothing groundbreaking.  They will be out on tour with Metal Church this month.  You’ll hear this on the Mosh Pit!