The New Release Spotlight is a roundup of recent and upcoming releases.
Frost* – Others EP (June, 5th, 2020)
The group led by songwriter/producer Jem Godfrey last released an album in 2016 with Falling Satellites. They return with an EP of previously unreleased material that hopefully serves as a prelude to some new music. The 6 songs on the EP continue the sound that was prevalent on the last album with the use of heavy distorted synths, upbeat tempos and strong melodies. Fans of the band’s previous output will find a lot to enjoy here from the opening frantic nature of “Fathers” to the tribal rhythms of the single “Exhibit A, and “Drown”, a strong epic ballad.
For more information visit here: https://www.facebook.com/frostlife/
Tracklist:
1. Fathers
2. Clouda
3. Exhibit A
4. Fathom
5. Eat
6. Drown
Line-up:
Jem Godfrey – vocals, keyboards
John Mitchell (Arena, Kino) – guitars
Nathan King (Dec Burke) – bass
Craig Blundell (Pendragon) – drums
Andy Edwards – drums
Devin Townsend – Empath:The Ultimate Edition (June 5th, 2020)
One of the best albums is 2019 getting the specials treatment as Devin Townsend adds on some more bells and whistles to Empath: The Ultimate Edition. The 4 disc set has the special edition set of the full album and bonus material, but additionally comes with 2 Blu-Ray discs. The first blu-ray contains the 5.1 Surround Sound mix by Devin, with visuals for the full record, plus a stereo visualiser. The second blu-ray contains a load of bonus material, including ‘Acoustically Inclined – Live in Leeds’, a recording from his April 2019 acoustic tour where he performed tracks including ‘Love?’, ‘Deadhead’, ‘Thing Beyond Things’ & more. It also features the full Empath Documentary, a ‘Genesis 5.1 Mixing Lesson’, a full album commentary & more. The four discs sit inside a beautiful art-book that contains new liner notes and images from the making of the album. A must-have for any Devin fan.
For more information visit here: https://www.facebook.com/dvntownsend/
Disc 1: Empath CD
Disc 2: Empath Bonus Tracks
Disc 3: Empath 5.1 Surround Mix Blu-Ray
Disc 4: Documentary and Live Blu-Ray
Ebonivory – The Long Dream I (June, 5th, 2020)
Australian proggers Ebonivory release the first of a 2-part concept album titled The Long Dream I. The band that were supposed to tour the US with fellow Ausie’s Caligula’s Horse this year, certainly deliver on this powerful set that is filled with raw emotion, complex rhythms, and soaring melodies. Fans of Caligula’s Horse will appreciate the groups penchant for interesting songwriting, but will also notice the slightly more Djent approach with more aggressive vocals and up-front bass. The pristine production is also worth noting. Standout tracks include the powerful opener “Hanmer Street”, the gorgeous “Cats”, and the nearly 9-minute proggy track “The Bluegums”.
Tracklist:
1. Introduction
2. Hanmer Street
3. Persist
4. Patting the Black Dog
5. Cats
6. A Colour I’m Blind To
7. Sea Sons
8. In Reverie
9. Window Man
10. Explosions After Dark
11. Tales of Termina
12. The Bluegums
13. Introvection
Line-up:
Charlie Powlett – Lead Vocals
Jake Ewings – Guitar
Louis Edwards – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Connor McMillan – Bass, Backing Vocals
Dave Parkes – Drums, Percussion
For more on the band visit here: https://www.facebook.com/ebonivoryband/
