Metal Art

Coming out of Beijing, China, progressive metal quartet OU (pronunciation: “O”) look to emerge onto the music scene with a debut studio album that although can bring to mind elements from many different kinds of music and bands (Devin Townsend, The Gathering, Radiohead to name a few), it was never limited by trying to fit into a particular niche. Formed by drummer and songwriter Anthony Vanacore, who moved to the region more than eight years ago, the idea behind OU came from each member having a long history of playing in local house bands and seeking new challenges in their growth as musicians. Vanacore would go on to recruit talented guitarist and fellow house band veteran Zhang Jing, as well as highly sought-after bassist Chris Cui, with the three of them laying the initial groundwork for the song structure and creative approach. In seeking a lead singer, the group tried out vocalists by presenting them with the instrumental notes (either played on a MIDI or the rough instrumentals) and inviting performers to interpret their own vocal melodies and lyrics.

Cannibal Corpse will be releasing a box set to commemorate their 25th anniversary: Dead Human Collection: 25 Years of Death Metal. The box contains: all 12 full length studio albums in a 12 CD foldout case with new artwork, “Torturing and Eviscerating LIVE” on CD and LP Picture Disc recorded in Tampa, FL 2010 / Milwaukee, WI 2012, PLUS: NEW EXCLUSIVE images by VINCE LOCKE, 12"X12" graphic prints of all 13 original album covers, and a 2013 Cannibal Corpse Calendar.

CONTROL DENIED, the progressive heavy metal brainchild of legendary guitarist Chuck Schuldiner, released its first and only album The Fragile Art of Existence ('99) to massive critical acclaim. The Fragile Artﾅ is the sound of traditional metal stepping into a new century; an album where the experiences and inspirations of trail-blazing, world-class musicians coalesced under the watchful eye of one of the genre's master craftsmen. Remastered, repackaged and featuring over an hour of previously unreleased material (extra tracks and early demos), this is the definitive edition of this timeless classic.

"The Art Of Loss", the new album from REDEMPTION, the U.S. progressive metal band featuring in its ranks guitarist/songwriter Nick Van Dyk and FATES WARNING vocalist Ray Alder. "The Art Of Loss", while not offering something new outside of the tried and true progressive metal formulas still ends up being a well executed album.