NEW ALBUMS

DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 – IS 4 LOVERS

Toronto drum and bass dance-punk duo, Death from Above 1979 have returned with their third album since reuniting in 2011, and their fourth album overall.

NME referred to Is 4 Lovers as DFA79’s best since their 2004 debut, You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine.

Stream • Universal Music Canada • 2021

EVANESCENCE – THE BITTER TRUTH

Evanescence‘s first album of all new songs since 2011 was ready for release in April 2020. As the familiar story goes, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the album’s release to be delayed a couple of times.

During a Reddit AMA last year, singer Amy Lee answered questions about the then-upcoming new album, The Bitter Pill (featuring guest appearances from Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless):

I can’t wait for you to hear it. It’s dark and heavy. Its also got moments of weird and sparse. Little bit of everything. Definitely some (sophomore album) The Open Door vibes but not the same.

Stream • BMG • 2021

THE JULIANA THEORY – A DREAM AWAY

The Juliana Theory have released their first album since 2005. Recorded as a duo, A Dream Away is largely reimagined versions of songs in their back catalog. Their video for “We’re At the Top of the World (Reimagined)” is one of the best videos of the year. Just don’t turn it off when you realize the first 30 seconds of music aren’t for you. You’ll see why.

Stream • Equal Vision • 2021

SMITH/KOTZEN – SMITH/KOTZEN

Smith/Kotzen, the duo consisting of Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) and Richie Kotzen (The Winery Dogs), haved released their self-titled collaborative debut album. The nine song Smith/Kotzen album finds the guitarists writing all of the songs together, while taking turns on lead vocals, lead guitar and bass.

Stream • BMG • 2021

JOE STRUMMER – ASSEMBLY

2½ years after the 32-track career-spanning Joe Strummer 001, the late Clash frontman recevies the compilation treatment again. Assembly focuses largely on Joe Strummer‘s solo career, and adds previously unreleased versions of three Clash songs.

Stream • Dark Horse Records • 2021

TOMAHAWK – TONIC IMMOBILITY

Tomahawk, featuring members of Faith No More, Helmet and Mr. Bungle, have just followed up their acclaimed 2013 album, Oddfellows.

Speaking to mxdwn.com, bassist Trevor Dunn revealed that all of the music for Tonic Immobility has been complete for four years, awaiting the prolific Mike Patton to have a break in his schedule of composing, producing, singing voice, et al.

During that time, singer Mike Patton kept busy releasing albums with Dead Cross, tētēma, Mr. Bungle, Jean-Claude Vannier, Kaada/Patton, Nevermen, and probably more.

Stream • Ipecac • 2021