NIN, among others, with new album

Well, it's that time of year again when you pack up and go home and the Interrobang is quiet until the end of August. I'd like to thank you readers for all the cool comments this year. I'd also like to thank my man, John Said for all his hard work, as well as Diana McLay for her work and putting up with my late articles.

For this column, I figured that I'd take a look at some of the upcoming releases that you may or may not know of and plug them.

Although these three releases are already out, I haven't had the opportunity to either buy them or review them, but make sure you get a listen to Clutch's From Beale Street to Oblivion, Static-X's Cannibal, and Daath's The Hinderers. These releases are getting really good reviews, although from what I've sampled of the new Static-X, it isn't looking like their best work.

Hell Yeah's self-titled debut seems to be a solid purchase. This “super-group” features ex-Pantera drummer, Vinnie Paul on the kit, Mudvayne singer Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett, as well as the awesome Nothingface's guitarist Tom Maxwell and bassist Jerry Montano. The songs are solid southern metal with a twist and should keep your fists pumping throughout the summer.

Nine Inch Nails' Year Zero will be out by the end of the month and feature Trent Reznor's most uncommerical work in years. He wants people to really think and experience this release in a different manner than With Teeth. Here's hoping that it's more of a complete album than With Teeth.

Megadeth will be releasing United Abominations in May and Mustane and Co. are projecting this one to be even better than the amazing The System Has Failed. I think the most surprising aspect about this CD is that Mustaine has rerecorded “A Tout Le Monde” because he felt that it was lost on Youthanasia and he wanted to take it back from the media that made it synonymous with one kid's violent school shooting.

During the next few months, also be on the look for new CDs from Devildriver, Dimmu Borgir, Entombed, the debut release from Karnivool, Tomahawk, Korn and Ministry. For more excellent metal news and release info, make sure you go to www.blabbermouth.net or www.theprp.com. These sites are two of the best on the net.

Remember always to unwind in the summer with your windows down in your car or house and just crank all this wicked hard rock and metal fun. Until September, stay safe and have an enjoyable vacation.