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What to Look Forward to in 2011, Pt. 2: Rampant Speculation

Please don’t think I’m breaking any news here one way or the other about any of these releases. This post is basically just me talking about albums I’d like to see this year. Some have been formally announced, some just alluded to, but if these and the records listed yesterday were all that 2011 had in store, we’d probably still come out of it on the winning side.

Once again, the headline says “Rampant Speculation” and that’s what this is. Maybe in reading it, you’ll agree with something, maybe you’ll disagree. Either way, any comments are appreciated as always.

Let’s have some fun:

YOB: Sad as it is that Oregon doom forerunners YOB had to cancel their appearance at Roadburn and European tour, one can only hope their follow-up to 2009’s blistering The Great Cessation comes out that much sooner as a result. It will be interested to hear where the band goes stylistically. Guitarist/vocalist Mike Scheidt had plenty to be pissed about going into the YOB reunion, following all that Middian/Midian legal nonsense, but now that that’s through with, will he bring the same kind of vitriol to bare in the songwriting? Hopefully it’s not too long before we find out.

Colour Haze: They’re one of the classiest bands on the planet, and their last album, All, was hands-down my favorite record of 2008. They’ve released the Burg Herzberg two-disc live recording since then, but it’s time for new album, and according to the last Elektrohasch Schallplatten, it’s not far off. All had a more live, more organic feel than anything Colour Haze ever did before — the snare drum’s reacting to the bass and guitar rumble like a nod to everyone listening that it was done with everyone in the same room — and I’m looking forward to hearing how they try to top it.

Clutch: 2010 saw numerous reissues and the usual insane amount of touring, but in 2011, it’s time to see where the next stage in Clutch‘s ongoing development is leading. Maybe they’ll continue the blues-laden path they’ve taken on their last couple records, or maybe they’ll decide it’s time to confuse the hell out of everyone and do something completely different. Aside from being an astounding live act, Clutch are a fantastic group of songwriters, and it’ll be exciting to get to know a new batch of tunes both live and on disc.

Elder: Their self-titled was some seriously riffy business, and I haven’t heard the follow-up yet, but all accounts from those who have say it’s a more ethereal, more open and stonery sound these young Massachusetts rockers have taken on, and that’s just fine by me. MeteorCity is supposed to have the release out later this year, and I have the feeling that when ti finally hits, it’s going to catch a lot of people off guard, in a good way. Hard not to expect big things for a band like Elder, who have so much potential.

Dixie Witch: When it’ll be out, I have no idea, but Dixie Witch‘s fourth full-length will be the band’s first without guitarist Clayton Mills. His tone and natural bluesy shred was a huge part of what made Dixie Witch‘s prior offerings so killer, and by the time the album gets out, it’s likely to have been five full years since they released the excellent Smoke and Mirrors. This one’s long overdue.

Argus: True, I said I’d only list five bands, and these Pennsylvanian metallers make it six, but I’m genuinely curious to hear what they come up with for their Cruz Del Sur label debut. I dug heavily on the trad doom of their Shadow Kingdom Records self-titled debut, and vocalist Butch Ballch (formerly of Penance) never fails to deliver, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out.

There’s other stuff too: Olde Growth, Hour of 13, Wo Fat, Graveyard and a slew of albums that may or may not happen in time for December to roll around. Again, this is just the stuff I want to hear, so if you’ve got anything on your mind or something I should look out for, leave a comment. There’s nothing better than being exposed to new music.

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12 Responses to “What to Look Forward to in 2011, Pt. 2: Rampant Speculation”

  1. Lancelot M. says:

    I’m looking forward to the new Witch Mountain album and I’m praying for a new Acid King release.

  2. The Klepto says:

    Love me some Clutch, can’t wait for something new. We can only pray it’s this year. Also I loved the debut by Argus, they make a great #6 inclusion. If both these bands release some more quality music I’ll be a happy metalhead!

  3. I keep hearing rumors of a Rwake album in the horizon this year.

  4. Mr. B says:

    I thought Elder were on hiatus while one of them went to Europe or some shit? Was the album done pre-euro trip?

  5. greenskeeper says:

    Talked to the guitarist from Elder when they came though – he was going to live in Germany for a year and the whole band was on hiatus until he got back. Apparently the album is already in the can and word on the street is that it is phenomenal. Can’t wait to hear it. They destroyed live.

  6. Andersen says:

    Well, both Sungrazer and Samsara Blues Experiment are in the studio working on their 2nd albums, something I personally look forward to – it will be interesting to hear in what direction they’re heading.

  7. Mr. B says:

    Well fuck yeah greenskeeper. They’re cd has been in my car changer since I got my hands on it. Sadly I’ll probably never see them live =\.

  8. Stevhqn The Invincible says:

    Serpentcult

    Mastodon

  9. Brian H. says:

    New Wo Fat is happening for sure, the CD release show is on for Feb 4th at Reno’s in Dallas. Huge show with Mothership, Stone Machine Electric and Orthodox Fuzz. In Orthodox Fuzz news, we’ll be doing a split with some friends on the other side of the planet and releasing our full length sometime this year. Dropping a lot of old songs and concentrating on tightening a bunch up and writing new material with our new drummer.

  10. Jess H says:

    new Tia Carrera!!!

  11. Nick says:

    Thanks for the praise, man. 2011 will indeed see the release of the new Elder disc; look for it in early September.

  12. trent says:

    Waiting…waiting for “Let It Roll”..a new review posted yesterday complete with title track…oh sooo sweet and blistering…for listening pleasure..If new shredmaster JT Smith comes up with riffs like the one in “Let It Roll” Dixie Witch will be hard to beat by anyone my Louisiana fave Suplecs included…it sure is nice those two bands are like brothers in rock…and life…both of these bands should be modern rock radio staples and sell tons of records but like King Buzzo says “the world isn’t a right place”

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