(Brutalitopia is a great name for a metal blog. If we’d thought of it first, you might be reading “Brutalitopia” right now. But instead of us, two other dudes thought up the name, and they’ve put together some great content to go along with it, too. Check that site now if you never have before (use this link). Today, in response to our appeal for help, Brutalitopia Jack has contributed the following thought-provoking guest post.)

Historically speaking, trends and styles tend to occur in phases. This is certainly true for music, and putting metal under the microscope is a great test of this theory; NWOBHM was the representative blueprint of heavy music in the late 1970s, thrash was the mid-80s, and death metal reigned right around the time Metallica sold out. As for the current era, there’s little doubt that heavier progressive acts have assumed dominion for the foreseeable future.

The intriguing situation with prog, however, is the labyrinthine absorption of various sounds and styles that so conspicuously distinguishes itself in today’s muddled scene. Listeners and critics alike often refer to groups as dissimilar as Opeth and Mastodon as progressive, and no issue is made of it. Some argue that the label “progressive” should be understood less as a genre and more as a descriptor of approach and stylistic ethos, but that’s a discussion for another day. The fact remains that progressive metal is at the forefront and will be for some time.

The logical and fanatical question then becomes this; as we enter the second decade of the new millennium, will the burgeoning progressive metal frontier yield a Big Four like Thrash once did? The short answer (at least to this guy) is no. And that’s only because we’ll simply never see a collective reaction to such a limited number of bands ever again; the digital age makes it impossible for even 40 bands to hold the attention of the whole metal community. But while we likely won’t be able to point at four groups as the unquestioned, paramount torchbearers of metal in the 2010s at the end of the decade, it’s not a futile enterprise to attempt to identify four that could really break into the forefront in the next several years. Essentially, fuck everything I just said and put on your pretending caps.  (more after the jump . . .)

Note: Before we begin, keep in mind that you could argue that all four of these groups are already well established. That’s not the point of our examination here, however; I believe these are four bands that could be at the very top of their game and carrying the torch for extreme music when 2020 rolls around.

THE FACELESS

Sure, The Faceless are already pretty huge. Their debut Akeldama was a sign of good things to come, and I’m know I’m speaking for most when I say Planetary Duality surpassed even the loftiest of expectations. The best part is that it feels as though they haven’t even hit their stride yet. They wield a unique sound, diverse in both it’s sheer heaviness and refreshingly appropriate technicality, and the apocalyptic lyrical and thematic content full of inter-dimensional aliens is just too fucking excellent to pass up.

They’re in the pre-production process of a new record set to release sometime near the end of 2011, and if this isn’t any indication, the bar for their follow-up to Planetary is pretty damn high, but there’s reason to think these dudes haven’t even scratched the surface with their potential.

KYLESA

Another example of a group with plenty of critical acclaim already, Kylesa have entered the forefront as a sludgy-hardcore crossover with a measure of unpredicability. But it’s records like last year’s Spiral Shadow that exhibit how these dudes (and lady) aren’t yet finished with their ascent to the top.

Riddle me this; is there a band better equipped to write an album with more variation and originality than Kylesa right now? Having two drummers and a female vocalist almost makes the answer a resounding “no” by default, but you’d be Vince Neil-stupid to think they’d rest on their laurels going forward. There must be something in the water down in Georgia, as Kylesa will almost certainly join their already established state-mates Baroness and Mastodon as exemplary acts in the crusty, progressive corner of the room.

REVOCATION

I’ve extolled these tech-thrash wizards before, and it bears repeating that this Bostonian troika is poised to grip the collective metal world by the balls and give a them a nice firm twist. And it’s going to feel awesome.

2009′s Existence Is Futile seemed like just a taste of how talented and novel Revocation are, which seems absurd when you recount how it was arguably one of the more diverse and technically intense records of that calendar year. Tracks like “Dismantle the Dictator” perfectly encapsulate how these dudes are able to evoke Megadeth, Morbid Angel and Dillinger Escape Plan in the confines of one track, which is just fucking bewildering when you consider how diverse their sound has become due to a variety of influences. While maybe not a breathe of fresh air to some, Revocation have a sonic profile just begging to be loved by the masses. It’s fast, it’s pissed, and even though it just barely seems to fit in the prog niche, it’s also a lot of fun.

ULCERATE

This choice may seem like a bit of a stretch, and not because these New Zealander’s lack talent or will to head to the top; their brutal death metal brand simply might prove to be too intense or obscure to fully latch on with the masses. And that would be a damn shame, for Ulcerate are arguably already the best at what they do in today’s game.

They bring a level of atmosphere that floats harrowingly over an onslaught that would make Azazel blush, and while their sound and approach is already appreciated and will certainly be accepted more, the only thing hindering Ulcerate’s progress is how their distinctiveness latches on with the greater metal world. 2011′s The Destroyers of All is a step in the right direction, and will likely end up on more than a handful of “Best Of…” lists to end the year (or maybe I’m just dropping a hint…). Ulcerate are just too damn heavy and too damn good to stay unnoticed by the hesh masses for much longer.

… Now, debate the hell out of this. This is in no way meant to be declaratory, and is actually more of a call for discussion than anything. Get to it!

- Jack

Thanks to an exuberant Facebook post by The Binary Code‘s Jesper Zuretti, we learned within the last hour that French black metal band Deathspell Omega has just made available a new song from their forthcoming album Paracletus (due for release in the U.S. on November 9). Deathspell Omega is one of those bands we’ve been hearing great things about for a long time, but whose music we somehow have never actually gotten around to hearing.

Amazing, really, since they’ve been playing music since about 1998 and since they have one of the coolest band names in extreme metal. Anyway, that’s all changed now, because the Season of Mist label has made that new song available for free download, and we’ve now heard them. Should have checked out these dudes long ago.

The new song is called “Devouring Famine”. It’s a dense and immense piece of guitar-driven, progressive black metal. To string together some additional adjectives: It’s powerful, caustic, cacophonous, creative, rhythmically diverse, technical, discordant, and compelling. Unless you just can’t stand black metal, this is absolutely worth hearing. So, here it is:

Deathspell Omega: Devouring Famine

By the way, the Season of Mist site has lots of other free downloads available from label artists, including that brand new song from Atheist, “Second To Sun”, that we featured in a post last week, and a song called “Tired Climb” by Kylesa from their forthcoming new album Spiral Shadow. This link will take you to the index of available downloads from Season of Mist.

And if you haven’t already seen Kylesa’s video for that “Tired Climb” song, it’s definitely worth seeing. So here — see it (after the jump).

Another month has passed. Summer is waning. It’s still as hot as the ninth circle of Hell in most parts of our country, but here in the Pacific Northwest, the air is already beginning to feel like fall. And because fall in Seattle lasts about one week, winter is already what we’re thinking about, because winter means getting soaked with rain. In the dark.

Where were we? Oh yeah, another month is over. And here at NCS, that means it’s time for another installment of METAL IN THE FORGE, a forge being the old name for a place where a blacksmith heats metal and works it into the shape of something useful. We thought it sounded literary.

Another name for “forge” is “smithy.” As in, “the blacksmith works in a smithy.” But “smithy” doesn’t sound literary, and METAL IN THE SMITHY just sounds fucked up. METAL IN THE FORGE is a little fucked up, too, the more we think about it, but not as fucked up as METAL IN THE SMITHY.

Where were we? Oh yeah, at the end of every month, we update the list of forthcoming new albums we first posted on January 1. (All the other updates can be found via the “Forthcoming Albums” category link on the right side of our pages.) Below is a list of still more projected new releases we didn’t know about at the time of our previous updates, or updated info about some of the previously noted releases.

Once again, we’ve cobbled together news blurbs about bands whose past work we’ve liked, or who look interesting for other reasons. Perhaps needless to say, these are bands that mostly fit the profile of music we cover on this site — the kind that would like to tear your head off.

So, after the jump, in alphabetical order, you’ll find our list of cut-and-pasted items from various sources since our last update about forthcoming new releases. Look for the bands you like and, if you’re really obsessive like we are, put reminders on your calendar.

ALL THAT REMAINS: “Massachusetts metallers ALL THAT REMAINS will release their fifth album,For We Are Many, on October 12 via Prosthetic Records/Razor & Tie. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include include “For We Are Many”,“Waiting”, and the album’s first single, “Hold On”. The follow-up to 2008′s Overcome“ was produced by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who previously helmed ALL THAT REMAINS‘ The Fall of Ideals (2006) and This Darkened Heart (2004) releases.”

ANGRA: “Brazillian metallers ANGRA will release its seventh studio album, Aqua (a Latin word which means “water” in English), in Europe on September 29 and in the U.S. on October 12 via SPV/Steamhammer. A conceptual effort, the follow-up to 2006′s Aurora Consurgens was recorded at Norcal Studios in São Paulo, Brazil.”

AUTOPSY: “U.S. gore legends AUTOPSY will issue the The Tomb Within EP on September 13 through Peaceville Records on CD and 12-inch vinyl, with general release set for September 27. Cover art is supplied by renowned fantasy/horror artist Matt Cavotta.”

BRING ME THE HORIZON: Bring Me the Horizon‘s third album, There Is A Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let’s Keep It A Secret,will be released on the following dates: Oct. 8 – Germany, Austria, Switzerland; Oct. 4 – Rest Of Europe; Oct. 5 – USA; Oct. 6 – Japan; Oct. 8 – Australia.

DAATH: “Atlanta-based quintet DAATH will release its third, self-titled full-length album on October 26 via Century Media Records. Drummer Kevin Talley (ex-CHIMAIRA, DYING FETUS) began laying down his tracks in Atlanta on June 7 with renowned producer Mark Lewis (ALL THAT REMAINS, TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER) and co-producer Eyal Levi (guitar) at the helm. Commented guitarist Emil Werstler: ‘The content is EXTREMELY dark, distraught, and completely honest.’”

HAIL OF BULLETS: “HAIL OF BULLETS — the Dutch death metal band featuring GOREFEST drummer Ed Warby, THANATOS guitarists Stephan Gebédi and Paul Baayens, former PESTILENCE/ASPHYX singer Martin Van Drunen and former HOUWITSER bass player Theo van Eekelen — has set On Divine Winds as the title of its second full-length album, due in North America on October 12 via Metal Blade Records (one day earlier internationally).”

INTRONAUT: “Century Media Records has set an October 12 North American release date for Valley Of Smoke, the sophomore album from Southern California’s INTRONAUT. The follow-up to 2008′s Prehistoricisms was once again produced by Josh Newell (JANE’S ADDICTION) and it features a guest appearance by TOOL bassist Justin Chancellor.”

KYLESA: “Kylesa will release Spiral Shadow, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to their breakthrough album Static Tensions, on October 26 via Season of Mist. Recorded at the Jam Room in Columbia, SC earlier this summer, the eleven-track album was once again produced by band member and renowned producer Phillip Cope (Baroness, Withered).”

MIRROR OF DECEPTION: “Germany’s ‘doom metal kings’ MIRROR OF DECEPTION will release their fourth album, A Smouldering Fire, in October/November via via Cyclone Empire.”

MELECHESH: “The cover artwork for The Epigenesis, the forthcoming fifth album from Sumerian thrashing black metallers MELECHESH . . . was created by the U.K.-based renowned occult artist John Coulthart, who had already collaborated with MELECHESH in the past. . . .  The Epigenesis will be released on October 1 via Nuclear Blast Records.”

NEAERA: “German extreme metallers NEAERA will release their fifth album, Forging The Eclipse, on October 22 via Metal Blade Records. The drum tracks for the album were laid down at Stage One Studio with Andy Classen, while the rest of the recording process was overseen by Alexander Dietz. The mixing/mastering was handled by Tue Madsen (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MOONSPELL). The artwork for Forging The Eclipse was created by longtime NEAERA collaborator Terje Johnsen (KEEP OF KALESSIN).”

NECRONAUT: “NECRONAUT, the solo project of former DISMEMBER/CARNAGE drummer Fred Estby, will release its self-titled album on October 18 release via Regain Records. The cover artwork for the CD (see below) was designed by Chat Zar, who was reponsible for creating the prosthetic effects for such movies as “The Ring”, “Planet of the Apes” and “Darkman”.”

PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION: “PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION, the new band featuring members of D.R.I., DEAD HORSE and VERBAL ABUSE, will release its debut EP in September via Abyss Records.”

THE RED SHORE: “Australia’s The Red Shore will release their latest album, The Avarice of Man, in Australia on September 3.”

SOLE REMEDY: “‘Wolf In Me’, the new single from the Lahti, Finland progressive-melancholic metal band SOLE REMEDY, can be streamed using the audio player [at this location]. The song comes off the group’s new album, Apoptosis, which will be released on September 27 via Aftermath Music.”

SOUNDGARDEN: “The reunited SOUNDGARDEN will release a retrospective set, Telephantasm, on September 28. The band states, ‘It includes songs from all of our albums and EPs, including ‘Black Rain’, an unreleased track from the ‘Badmotorfinger’ sessions. Plus, we are releasing our first-ever DVD which will include never-before-seen videos, and much more.’”

SYSTEM DIVIDE: “‘The Apex Doctrine’, the new video from SYSTEM DIVIDE — the extreme modern metal act featuring Sven De Caluwé (ABORTED) and Miri Milman (ex-DISTORTED) on vocals, Cole Martinez (ex-YEARS OF FIRE, ANTENORA) and Joseph Spiller (ex-THE BINARY CODE) on guitars, Andrew Lenthe (ANTENORA) on bass, and Mike Heller (MALIGNANCY) on drums — [has been released]. . . . ‘The Apex Doctrine’ comes off SYSTEM DIVIDE‘s full-length debut, The Conscious Sedation, which is scheduled for a September 14 release via Metal Blade Records.”

TETRAFUSION: “Louisiana-based progressive metallers TETRAFUSION have inked a worldwide deal with Nightmare Records. The band’s sophomore effort, Altered State, will be released on October 26. . . .  TETRAFUSION‘s blend of complex, technical metal blended with a highly-intellectual melodic structure offers an eclectic brand of progressive rock and metal along the likes of PORCUPINE TREE, RUSH, DREAM THEATER, CYNIC, TOOL and MUSE.”

ULCERATE: “New Zealand’s Ulcerate are currently in the studio working on their third full-length album and second for Willowtip titled The Destroyers of All. . . .   Ulcerate’s The Destroyers of All will be available in early 2011.”

We’re now five months into 2010, and it’s time for another monthly update to the list of forthcoming new albums we first posted on January 1. (All the other updates can be found via the “Forthcoming Albums” category link on the right side of our pages.)  Below is a list of still more projected new releases we didn’t know about at the time of our previous updates, or updated info about some of the previously noted releases.

Once again, we’ve cobbled together news blurbs about bands whose past work we’ve liked, or who look interesting for other reasons. Needless to say (but we’ll say it anyway), these are bands that mostly fit the profile of music we cover on this site.

So, in alphabetical order, here’s our list of cut-and-pasted blurbs from various sources since our last update about forthcoming new releases. Look for the bands you like and put reminders on your calendar. Or if you’re old school like us, just get ‘em tattooed someplace you can see without a mirror (because reading stuff backwards is hard).

THE ACACIA STRAIN: “Western Massachusetts’ chuggernauts The Acacia Strain, have completed work on their new album, which will be released July 20th in North American and August 2nd in Europe via Prosthetic Records.”

ATHEIST: “Reactivated seminal technical metal pioneers ATHEIST will enter LedBelly studios in Atlanta, Georgia on July 5 to begin recording their long-awaited, as-yet-untitled fourth album. Engineering the session will be Matt Washburn. Additionally, the band has secured the services of one of metal’s most significant talents of the past decade, Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, CHIMAIRA, DEVILDRIVER), to handle the mixing of what promises to be a modern classic from the pioneers of technical metal. . . . ATHEIST‘s forthcoming album is tentatively scheduled for a late 2010 release and will be followed by a world tour in 2011.”   (more after the jump . . .)

THE AUTUMN OFFERING: “The Autumn Offering is nearing completion of the recording process for their new self-titled album. Vocals are currently being tracked and the effort will be mixed by Pete Rutcho (Bury Your Dead) in June. A September release via Victory Records is planned.”

BONDED BY BLOOD: “‘Blood Spilled Offerings’, a new song from Pomona, California thrashers BONDED BY BLOOD, is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. According to a press release, the track is ‘a charging juggernaut of a song that gives a look at the inner workings of the Crong. They are the alien race that have taken control of future Earth in the band’s original sci-fi tale. ‘Blood Spilled Offerings’ comes off BONDED BY BLOOD‘s upcoming sophomore album, Exiled To Earth, which is set 600 years in the future and tells the tale of the Crong, an alien race who were sent to Earth long ago with one goal: global domination. A skilled group of warriors must now face the impossible and overthrow the Crong to take back our planet. Exiled To Earth will be available in North America on August 10 via Earache Records.”

BRUTUS: “Dutch death metallers BRUTUS have inked a deal with Unique Leader Records and Deity Down Records for the release of their sophomore album, Murwgebeukt (Total Loss). Due on July 20 in Europe via Deity Down in collaboration with Alpha Prime Music and Unique Leader Records in the rest of the world, the CD was recorded with drummer Ploegbaas, who took his own life shortly after the sessions were completed. A song from the album, “Lijdensweg” (Living Hell), is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace profile.”

BURDEN OF GRIEF: “German melodic death/thrash metallers BURDEN OF GRIEF will release their new album, Follow The Flames, on July 2 in Europe via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2007′s Death End Road will contain 10 new songs. The limited-edition version of the CD will include a bonus disc featuring cover versions of eight metal classics. The album was mixed and mastered by Swedish producer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, OPETH, DISSECTION, BLOODBATH). The cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes (ARCH ENEMY, SONIC SYNDICATE, GOD FORBID).”

COPROLITH: “Finnish ‘blackened death metallers’ COPROLITH will release their full-length debut, Cold Grief Relief, on June 17 via Violent Journey Records. The CD was recorded at Cut Circle Studio by Roland Nordström and was mixed by Jonas Eriksson at Second Floor Studio.”

DAATH: “Always one determined to abide by no preconceived industry standards and stray far from conventionality are the Atlanta based quintet Daath, who against all odds triumphantly return and enter the studio early next month to begin tracking their highly anticipated third full-length release. The drumming phenom Kevin Talley (ex-Chimaira, Dying Fetus) begins tracking in Atlanta on June 7th with renowned producer Mark Lewis (All That Remains, Trivium, Devildriver) and co-producer Eyal Levi (guitars) at the helm. . . . ‘We’re currently in the final stages of pre-production and begin recording with Mark Lewis on June 7th here in Atlanta. The release is planned for this fall.’”

EQUILIBRIUM: “Verbrannte Erde, a brand new song from German pagan/folk metallers EQUILIBRIUM, is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. The track comes off the group’s new album, Rekreatur, which is scheduled for release on June 18 via Nuclear Blast Records.”

GRAVE: “Swedish death metal legends GRAVE will release their new album, Burial Ground, on June 14 via Regain Records.”

HASTE THE DAY: “Indiana-based Christian metalcore band HASTE THE DAY will release its new album, Attack Of The Wolf King, on June 29 via Solid State Records. A brand new song from the album, “Dog Like Vultures”, is available for streaming via the band’s MySpace page.”

HATE: “Polish extreme metallers HATE will enter Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland on June 5 to begin recording their new album, Erebos, for a late 2010 release via Listenable Records. Erebos, which comes from ancient Greek and means literally “deep darkness” or shadow, will contain at least nine new songs, which are said to be a fusion of blackened death metal, industrial and ambient sounds, deathcore and heavy metal.”

HELMET: In a recent interview, vocalist/guitarist Page Hamilton of the alternative metal legends HELMET said that the release of the band’s new album (Seeing Eye Dog) “has actually been pushed back to August 24 as we try to finish artwork and finalize the tracks.”

HORNED ALMIGHTY: “Danish black metallers HORNED ALMIGHTY have finished recording their fourth album, Necro Spirituals, for a late 2010 release via Candlelight Records. The effort will once again be mixed and mastered by Jacob Bredahl (LAST MILE, ex-HATESPHERE), who previously worked with the band on last year’s Contaminating The Divine CD.”

IMMORTAL: “Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL will release a concert DVD, The Seventh Date Of Blashyrkh, this summer via Nuclear Blast. The disc will include professionally filmed video footage of the band’s headlining performance at the 2007 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, which was held August 2-4, 2007 in Wacken, Germany.”

IN THIS MOMENT: “Century Media Records has set a July 13 U.S. release date for A Star Crossed Wasteland, the third album from Southern California’s IN THIS MOMENT. The CD was recorded at The Wolves Den studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH).”

ISIS/MELVINS: “The split 12″ from Isis and Melvins has now been slated for a July 13th release via Hydra Head Records. The split will feature two songs from each band. The Isis tracks are amongst the last recorded output to be released by the band. Both were recorded during sessions for the band’s Wavering Radiant album. Meanwhile, Melvins’ contribution is comprised of two tracks from their latest full-length, The Bride Screamed Murder. However, said tracks have been remixed and reworked.’”

KATAKLYSM: “Canadian death metallers KATAKLYSM have completed the recording process for their new album, Heaven’s Venom, for an August 24 release (one day earlier internationally) via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2008′s Prevail was produced by KATAKLYSM guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais (MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX) and is currently being mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).”

KYLESA: “Between extensive tours of Europe, Kylesa will enter the studio on May 31 to begin recording the follow-up to the critically-acclaimed album Static Tensions. The new album is the band’s debut for Season of Mist Records. The sessions will take place over the month of June at the legendary Jam Room in Columbia, SC with Phillip Cope (Baroness, Withered) at the helm as producer.”

MUSHROOMHEAD: “In a March 2010 interview with the ’Iron City Rocks’ podcast, Jeffrey Nothing revealed that the working title of MUSHROOMHEAD‘s new album is Slaughterhouse Road. The band recently finished mixing the CD for a tentative late August/early September release via Megaforce. Produced by co-founding member and drummer Steve ‘Skinny’ Felton, the album promises to be the band’s ‘most violent- and epic-sounding to date!’”

PRIMORDIAL: In an interview with The Obelisk (here), Primordial frontman Alan ‘Nemtheanga’ Averill disclosed that the Irish black/folk metal band plans to record its next album in June, with a  release projected for September or October 2010.

RAMESSES: “The psychedelic doom trio RAMESSES was spawned in the woodland of Dorset, England in 2003, and has been brutalizing its devoted fanbase ever since . . . . 2010 brings the next slab of raging doom from RAMESSES, in the form of their second mammoth full-length release, Take The Curse, which is set to infect the general public on the 2010 Summer Solstice, June 21. Releasing the album is new label Ritual Productions; the label formed by the band’s management.”

SERENITY DIES: “Melodic thrashers SERENITY DIES will release the Hacksawcracy EP on July 15, 2010. Taking inspiration from the likes of MEGADETH and METALLICA with a uniquely modern twist that emphasizes memorable songwriting, surgically precise riffing, and one hell of a rhythmic punch, the Maldives-based act sprints out of the blocks with refreshing vigor. The EP features guest appearances by Rob Caggiano (ANTHRAX) and Mikko Salovaara (KIUAS) who perform guitar solos on “Psycho Ride” and “Dystopian Law”, respectively.”

SEVERE TORTURE: “Dutch death metallers SEVERE TORTURE will release their fifth full-length album, Slaughtered, on June 29 (one day earlier internationally) via Season of Mist. The CD was recorded at Split Second Sound Studios in Amsterdam with producer Jochem Jacobs.”

SODOM: “The band will enter the studio during the coming months to begin recording its new album for a late 2010 release. Bassist/vocalist Thomas “Angelripper” Such recently stated about the group’s new material, ‘There has never been a SODOM album which is so wide-ranged, as powerful and as typically SODOM as this one.’”

SOTAJUMALA: ““Paratiisin kutsu” (The Call of Paradise), the new video from Finnish metallers SOTAJUMALA [is now available for viewing]. The song comes off the band’s new album Kuolemanpalvelus, which is scheduled for release on June 2 through Cobra Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Audio and Basement Alliance studios in Jyväskylä, Finland while the mastering was handled by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers in Helsinki. Kuolemanpalvelus is available for streaming in its entirety for a limited time at the Record Shop X web site.”

SPECIAL DEFECTS: “Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal recently began recording material for his second album (the first as Fredrik Thordendal’s Special Defects in 1997). The effort will likely be available later this year. Among those contributing to the album is Soilwork drummer Dirk Verbeuren.”

VINDICATOR: “Midwest thrash maniacs VINDICATOR will release their sophomore album,The Antique Witcheries, on August 10 via Heavy Artillery Records. . . . The Antique Witcheries is described in a press release as ‘a masterpiece of modern thrash metal mayhem sure to please fans of DARK ANGEL, TESTAMENT andEXODUS.’”

WHITECHAPEL: ““Breeding Violence”, a brand new song from Knoxville, Tennessee death metallers WHITECHAPEL, is available for streaming . . . . The track comes off the group’s third album, A New Era Of Corruption, due on June 8 via Metal Blade Records.”

ZOROASTER: “Atlanta, Georgia’s “psych metal” band ZOROASTER has completed work on its sophomore album, Matador, for a July 13 North American release via E1 Music.”

We’re now a full four months into 2010, and it’s time for our fourth update to the list of forthcoming new albums we posted on January 1. (See the original list here, the first update here, the second update here, and the third update here.) Below is a list of still more projected new releases that we didn’t know about on January 1 or at the time of our last three updates (or that we’ve found updated information about) — and the new sickness is still spreading in epidemic proportions.

Once again, we’ve cobbled together news blurbs about bands whose past work we’ve liked, or who look interesting for other reasons. Needless to say (but we’ll say it anyway), these are bands that mostly fit the profile of music we cover on this site.

So, in alphabetical order, here’s our list of cut-and-pasted blurbs from various sources since our last update about forthcoming new releases. Look for the bands you like and put reminders on your calendar. Or if you’re old school like us, just get em tattooed someplace you can see without a mirror (because reading stuff backwards is hard).

ABIGAIL WILLIAMS: “Abigail Williams have completed recording of individual performances for their still untitled second full-length. Captured at Conquistador Studios in Cleveland, Ohio, eight new songs were laid down with vocalist/guitarist Ken Sorceron and engineer Cole Martinez controlling the audio takes. The songs are currently being mixed by Peter Tagtgren (Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, Celtic Frost) and are expected to be completed later this month.”

ABYSMAL DAWN: “Los Angeles-based metallers ABYSMAL DAWN will enter Trench Studio in Corona, California in May with producer John Haddad (PHOBIA, INTRONAUT, HIRAX) to begin recording their new album for a tentative fall release via Relapse Records. The follow-up to Programmed To Consume will be mixed by Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, VITAL REMAINS, CANNIBAL CORPSE) at his Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida.”  (the list continues after the jump .  .)

ALL THAT REMAINS: “All That Remains fans can rejoice. The band is set to begin recording the follow up to 2008′s Overcome, their biggest-selling release to date. Pre-production begins this week at Zing Recording Studios in Westfield, MA on the as-yet-untitled album. Returning to the producer’s chair is Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who previously helmed the band’s 2006 release The Fall Of Ideals as well as 2004′s This Darkened Heart.”

ANTAGONIST: “Southern California’s Antagonist has completed preproduction for their new album and will enter Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, CA on May 12th, with producer Paul Miner, who has worked on past efforts from Terror, New Found Glory, Thrice, Throwdown, among others. The band will be tracking ten songs for the as-of-yet untitled follow-up to 2008′s Exist. This will be the first recording featuring new members, guitarist Roland Leonard and bassist Nick Reyes.”

ARMAGEDON: “ARMAGEDON, one of the most recognizable Polish death metal acts of the early Nineties, will release its new album, Death Then Nothing, outside the band’s home country on May 17 via Mystic Production. The CD was recorded at Studio X (ANTIGAMA, VESANIA) in Olsztyn and it contains ’10 tracks of classic death metal with a fresh, up-to-date sound,’ according to a press release.”

AUGUST BURNS RED: “The band will be performing at hometown (Lancaster, PA) venue Warehouse 54 on June 4th, with the concert being recorded and filmed for a live CD/DVD to be released later this year through longtime label home Solid State Records.”

BLACK TUSK: “Embrace The Madness, a brand new track from Savannah, Georgia’s BLACK TUSK, is avaialble for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. The song comes off the band’s forthcoming album, Taste The Sin, which is scheduled for release on May 25 via Relapse Records.”

BLEED FROM WITHIN: “Hamilton, Scotland-based metal quintet BLEED FROM WITHIN will release its sophomore album, Empire, on May 4 via Rising Records. The CD was mixed at Outhouse Studios and ‘it has captured our sound entirely,’ according to the band.”

BLINDED BY FAITH: “BLINDED BY FAITH recently entered the studio to record three new songs (“The Pace Of The Race”, “Dead End” and “Drastic Medicine”), to be used to procure a new record deal. During the process, the band was working with Antoine Baril (ex-AUGURY drummer), Yannick St-Amand (DESPISED ICON, BENEATH THE MASSACRE) and Pierre Rémillard (ANONYMUS, MISERY INDEX, MARTYR).”

CRIPPLE BASTARDS: “Italy’s Cripple Bastards will release a new 7″ EP through Relapse Records this fall. The band is also writing for a brand new full-length that is expected to see a 2011 release date. Cripple Bastards has previously released four full-length albums and a number of split releases. The band’s latest release, Variante alla morte, was released in 2008 via Shane Embury’s FETO Records.”

DEATH ANGEL: “DEATH ANGEL recently entered Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, AUGUST BURNS RED, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ALL THAT REMAINS, WHITECHAPEL,DEVILDRIVER) to begin recording its new album for a tentative September release via Nuclear Blast Records.”

DECREPIT BIRTH: “Oakland CA’s tech-death masters, Decrepit Birth, have completed work on their new album Polarity to be released on July 27th in North America. Drums were recorded at Sharkbite Studios (Exodus) with producer Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Suffocation, Immolation) while all other tracking was handled by Matt Sotelo before being mixed by Ohren at Castle Ultimate Studios.”

DEGRADEAD: “Stockholm, Sweden-based melodic death metallers DEGRADEAD have entered Peter Tägtgren‘s (HYPOCRISY, PAIN) Abyss studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden with producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CENTINEX, WORLD BELOW) to begin recording their third album for a late 2010 release.”

DEMIRICIOUS: “Indiana death/thrash metal outfit Demiricous recently started tracking a new demo, which the band will self-release in limited quantities. The demo will be comprised of four songs, clocking in at 22 minutes of music. Meanwhile, the group continues to search for a new label (Demiricous and Metal Blade parted ways in early-2009).”

THE DEMONSTRATION: “North Carolina’s The Demonstration are hard at work on their third studio album, the followup to 2008′s Accidents With Intelligence. The band is planning to record the currently untitled album this summer that is tentatively slated for a fall release.”

EQUILIBRIUM: “German pagan metallers EQUILIBRIUM will release their new album, Rekreatur, on June 18 via Nuclear Blast Records.”

THE HAUNTED: “Swedish metallers THE HAUNTED will release a live DVD/CD, Road Kill, in North America on June 8 via Century Media. This crushing live release, which was issued in Europe on April 19, will be available as a DVD+CD as well as a stand-alone CD and digital download. The audio-only release contains the full live-show as well as five previously unreleased or rare studio tracks from the “Versus” recording sessions.”

HEAVEN SHALL BURN: “German death metal and hardcore fusionists HEAVEN SHALL BURN will release their new album, Invictus, via Century Media Records on the following dates: Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Friday, May 21; Spain, Italy : Tuesday, May 25; Sweden, Finland, Hungary: Wednesday, May 26; Rest Of Europe: Monday, May 24; North America: Tuesday, June 8.”

KNUT: “Swiss experimental rock/hardcore hybrid Knut will release a new full-length this summer. The album, titled Wonder, was recorded in January at Rec Studio in Geneva, Switzerland with Serge Morattel (Brazen) at the helm and will hit stores on June 29th via Hydra Head Records (Conspiracy Records in Europe). Isis frontman (and Hydra Head owner) Aaron Turner will provide artwork for the release.”

KYLESA: “Savannah, Georgia’s Kylesa has joined the Season of Mist roster following several releases with Prosthetic Records. . . . Next month [May] Kylesa will enter Jam Room Recording Studio (Baroness) in Columbia, SC to begin tracking their next album.”

MALEVOLENT CREATION: “Florida death metal veterans MALEVOLENT CREATION have completed work on their eleventh album, Invidious Dominion, for an August 27 European release via Germany’s Massacre Records. The effort will made available as a regular CD; digipack with bonus material; and vinyl LP.”

MISERY INDEX: “A brand new MISERY INDEX track, “Carrion Call”, is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. The song comes off the group’s new album, Heirs To Thievery, which is set for a May 11 North American release via Relapse Records.”

MUSICA DIABLO: “MUSICA DIABLO — the São Paulo, Brazil-based thrash metal project featuring SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green, guitarist André L.A. (NITROMINDS), bassist Ricardo Brigas, guitarist André Germani Curci (KORZUS, THREAT) and drummer Edu Nicollini (NITROMINDS) — will release its self-titled debut album on May 28 via SAOL / H’Art /Zebralution.”

NEURAXIS: “Montreal-based death metallers Neuraxis have confirmed producer Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Last Felony, The Agonist) to record and mix their new album. Neuraxis will enter Wildsound Studio on June 3rd to begin the recording for a fall release through Prosthetic Records. The as of yet untitled album is the follow-up to 2008′s The Thin Line Between, and will be their sixth album, overall.”

NORMA JEAN: “Fans of Norma Jean won’t have to wait much longer to hear the bands’ fifth album Meridional, which will be released July 13th on Razor & Tie. Meridional revisits the abrasive and chaotic roots of classic Norma Jean while offering fans a dark experimental side – the band stretching out on moody, slow-burn jams. It is an album that finds the band comfortable in its legacy but progressive and bold in its creativity.”

PATHOLOGY: “American brutal death metal masters, Pathology, make their return from the studio with a perfected encompassment of musical extremities entitled, Legacy of the Ancients. The upcoming Victory Records debut, slated for release on July 6th, was engineered by Jeff Forest (As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through) at Doubletime Studios in the band’s home base of San Diego, CA and was mixed and mastered by Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Malevolent Creation) at Mana Recording Studios in Tampa, FL.”

RUSH TRIBUTE COMPILATION: “The Magna Carta tribute to RUSH, New World Man, features performances by members of COHEED AND CAMBRIA, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE MARS VOLTA, KORN, DREAM THEATER, TESTAMENT, SEPULTURA, SKID ROW and more. . . . New World Man will be available worldwide on May 18.”

SEPTICFLESH: “According to Metalzone.gr, Greek extreme metallers SEPTICFLESH are hard at work on material for their new album, tentatively due before the end of the year. The recording process is scheduled to begin mid-summer at the band’s own newly built Devasoundz studios in Athens. Once again the orchestral parts will be recorded in Prague under the guidance of Chris Antoniou (CHAOSTAR).”

SEVERE TORTURE: “Dutch death metallers SEVERE TORTURE will release their fifth full-length album, Slaughtered, on June 29 (one day earlier internationally) via Season of Mist. The CD was recorded at Split Second Sound Studios in Amsterdam with producer Jochem Jacobs.”

SKYFORGER: “Kurbads, the new album from Latvian pagan metal kings SKYFORGER, is scheduled for release in Europe on April 26 and in North America on May 11 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at the Latvian studio Lauska with the group’s own bagpipe player, Kaspars Barbals, handling engineering duties. The bandmembers also produced the album themselves to make sure the recording sounds authentic and ’100% like SKYFORGER.’”

BRENDON SMALL-GENE HOGLUND: “Brendon Small, co-creator of ‘Metalocalypse’, the smash hit animated series on Adult Swim featuring the fictitious metal band DETHKLOK, told Metal Injection at the the Revolver Golden Gods Awards that he is working on a new side project with Gene Hoglan (FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, TESTAMENT, DEATH, DARK ANGEL). He said: ‘I’m finishing the season then I’m going into the studio and I’m finishing a solo record that me and Gene Hoglan, and the same DETHKLOK producer did, so if you like DETHKLOK, it’ll be the same thing, and it’ll come out this fall.’”

SONIC SYNDICATE: “The European release date for We Rule The Night, the new album from Swedish/British modern metallers SONIC SYNDICATE, has once again been pushed back — this time to August 27 (via Nuclear Blast Records).”

SWASHBUCKLE: “New Jersey’s thrashing pirates SWASHBUCKLE have entered the studio to begin recording their new album, Crime Always Pays, due later in the year via Nuclear Blast Records. The group states, ‘That’s right, jerks, the thrash band with a pirate problem is back in action crafting malicious metal jams with tales of piratical shenannigans. It’s gonna be a heavy record, so expect to beat the shit out of your siblings and parental units whilst ye get caught in a mosh. . . Let me assure you that it’ll thrash your fucking brains into your butthole.’”

TERROR: “Terror has entered the studio to begin recording their new full-length, Keepers of the Faith. The effort is being produced by New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert and engineered by Paul Miner (Thrice, Atreyu). A late-summer release via Century Media Records is expected. The band has set up a blog to document their time in the studio.”

THULCANDRA: “THULCANDRA — the reactivated German black/death metal band featuring members of OBSCURA, DARK FORTRESS and HELFAHRT — will release its new album, Fallen Angels Dominion, on June 2 in Europe and June 8 in North America via Napalm Records.”

TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED: “British death/grind band TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED has completed work on its third album, Degenerate, for a May 24 European release via Metal Blade Records (Rising Records in the U.K.). The cover artwork was created by Collin Marks (WHITECHAPEL, ABORTED, SUICIDE SILENCE).”

VANISHER: “No, [Zero System] didn’t break-up; the band – which features members of Bloodjinn and Glass Casket – has just changed their name to Vanisher. They’ve also announced an August 10 release date for their new full-length, The History of Saints.”

WATAIN: “Swedish black metallers WATAIN will release their fourth album, Lawless Darkness, on June 7 via Season Of Mist. . . . The digipak version will include a cover of the DEATH SS song “Chains of Death” as a bonus track. The song can also be heard on the “Reaping Death” picture seven-inch single, due April 30 and available for pre-order on Season of Mist‘s e-shop.”

WHITECHAPEL: “Knoxville, Tennessee’s Whitechapel is pleased to release the cover art and track listing for their third full-length release, A New Era of Corruption, due out June 8th via Metal Blade Records. ‘The album is finally 100% complete and we couldn’t be more excited. I think this record truly represents where we are as musicians at this point in our career. A New Era of Corruption is the heaviest and most aggressive material we have written to date,’ comments guitarist and founding member Alex Wade.”

WITCHERY: “Sweden’s WITCHERY will release a new album, Witchkrieg, on July 18 via Century Media Records. The CD will mark the recording debut of the band’s new vocalist, Legion (MARDUK, DEVIAN).”

YAKUZA: “Avant-garde progressive experimental metal band YAKUZA will release its new album, Of Seismic Consequence, on June 8 via Profound Lore Records. The CD was recorded at Semaphore Recording Studios in Chicago, Illinois with producer Sanford Parker (PELICAN, MINSK).”