Look Out For: March 2008 Releases

Despite a fairly quiet start to the year, March is looking to be the first real busy month for notable releases. The following is a summary of the ones that are definitely worth checking out. The release dates are of course subject to change, and therefore I will endeavor to keep the list as up to date as possible.

10th March: Meshuggah - Obzen

Having only just gotten into Meshuggah fairly recently, it would seem a good time to be a new fan. The band have been criticized in the past for not really pushing themselves or their sound to any new levels, despite their focus on technical performance and skull grinding riffs. Obzen looks to be shaping up to be the album that silences these critics, especially after one track from the album, Bleed, gave a great insight as to what to expect. It won't be vastly different that's for sure, but they have surely become one of Sweden's greatest exports, alongside Ikea and the female blonde population. In a word, it shall be tonk.


10th March: A Silver Mt. Zion - 13 Blues for Thirteen Moons

This record, composed with ex/current members (depending on how they view the status of post rock idols Godspeed You! Black Emperor) is sure to at least be beautiful. It's difficult to say whether this is certainly going to be anything special, but given Thee Silver Mt. Zion and Tra-La-La Band's (to give them their extended name) musical creativity and talent, and the change in movement to a more vocal style it is sure to be an album that just has to be experienced.



17th March: Muse - H.A.A.R.P: Live at Wembley 2007

Although technically not a bona fide new release and just a live show committed to CD, I feel it's still worth mentioning this album/DVD package. Muse's incredible rise to the hearts and minds of not only the British but overseas listeners culminated in two stunning shows which really christened the now not so new Wembley stadium. What the release stands for is a physical milestone in their career. Their last live album, Hullabaloo was brilliantly put together, and just as immersive a listen as their studio work which has admittedly gradually declined in quality. But there is no doubting the trios incredible live show and this album is sure to offer those who didn't get a ticket the chance to get...kind of close to those special moments.

24th March: Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted

Despite the terrible name given to the Cavalera brother's new release, seemingly suggesting that they haven't quite got over the 90's nu-metal rage and thirteen year old girl msn speak, this one is worth a mention just because of the names that are a part of it. This is the first time Max and Igor, the two Cavalera brothers who formed Sepultura have worked together in around twelve years, and it also features Joe Duplantier from the incredibly heavy Gojira. It could be a bit hit and miss, but expect some pretty strong riff numbers from this one, and that familiar sound that can only be associated with the Cavalera's.

31st March: Frank Turner - Love, Ire and Song

A bit of a different one this to close the month off. Frank Turner was once in a great band called Million Dead, but after that all ended he decided to go in a completely different musical direction and follow his passion for all things folk. His first album, Sleep is for the Week remains one of the most personal and enjoyable recordings I've had the pleasure of listening to, and he has seemingly not rested on his laurels, going so far as to warn the world that Love, Ire and Song is better than his debut. With his informed, yet human views on his life and the world around him, and his brilliant songwriting abilities this is looking to be a good year for Frank.