I feel like I just went into a time warp... new releases from Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys? Is it 1998?
Other than that -- Thursday returns to Victory Records, the label launching their new metal imprint today as well, Fred Mascherino spreads his wings away from Taking Back Sunday, and a bunch more comes out on this release-heavy Tuesday.
Arise and Ruin - The Final Dawn
One of the inaugural Victory Metal releases, this album is unmistakaby metal. It's not wildly groundbreaking, but it's a good, solid release. And sometimes, that's all you need. -pixie
Armor For Sleep - Smile For Them
The first time I heard this band, I saw them live, about four years ago. I really liked them and thought they had massive potential. I picked up their CD, Dream to Make Believe and it didn't live up to what I had seen on stage that night. Since then, I've followed the band off and on, but they kind of got lost in the shuffle. That is, until this album made its way across my desk. The band has finally lived up to the potential I saw in them at CBGB in November 2003. This CD is awesome and finally, all of this band's hard work will pay off with richly deserved success. -pixie
Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold
Less metal, more straight-up rock than previous A7X albums. I'm a fan of this new sound. There's no "Seize The Day"-esque song that will blow you away, but the disc is solid all the way through. Click here for more info and a preview. -TomZ
Backstreet Boys - Unbreakable
This album is amazing and represents a true return to form for the Backstreet Boys. Even without the departed Kevin Richardson, the guys have managed to maintain the tight, melodic sound that originally made them international superstars. This album is a true masterpiece. Just kidding. I would never actually listen to this crap. -TomZ
Britney Spears - Blackout
Let me sum up every review of the new Britney CD in two sentences: "Britney Spears is a complete mess who constantly whores herself out in the media, but you know, this album is still pretty decent. I mean, I don't like it personally, but this guy I know, he said it was good." For the record, I agree. -TomZ
Enter Shikari - Take to the Skies
You probably have this album if you care about this band at all, since it has been out everywhere else on earth for months now. But because the US is late to the Enter Shikari party, we're getting it now, and they're pretending it's something brand new. This band won't change your life, but that doesn't mean their music isn't fun dance-punk. -pixie
Saves The Day - Under the Boards
Classic Saves The Day. I'll always be a Through Being Cool guy at heart, but this album is great. Possibly the band's best since TBC. Check out the song "Get F**ked Up" for further reference. -TomZ
Taking Back Sunday - Notes From the Past
A compilation/B-sides album.
The Autumn Offering - Fear Will Cast No Shadow
I didn't really know what to think about this album. Going in, I knew that I really liked the band's last release, Embrace the Gutter. And going in, I knew the band lost and replaced their singer, whose vocals really made that last album. But I went in with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised. They pulled it off. One of the hardest things a band can do is replace their singer, but damnit -- they really did it. This album is full-on, face-ripping metal for fans old and new alike. -pixie
The Color Fred - Bend to Break
Fred Mascherino from Taking Back Sunday's side project-turned-full time band.
Thursday - Kill The House Lights
It's good to see Thursday back on Victory Records. While it is unknown what they will do after this CD/DVD, which features b-sides, rarities, a few new songs, and a DVD of live performances, I really think the band is going to get the attention they deserve. Which is a damned good thing, given that the major labels sat on their last two albums, including one of the best albums of last year, A City By The Light Divided. The lead single, "Ladies and Gentlemen, My Brother the Failure" is going to be huge... and Victory is going to market the hell out of this band, as they tend to do. Take note: this band is about to blow up. -pixie
