One more week of 2013 down, here’s 3 more releases to get you through the next one.

Symphonic death metal pummelers Fleshgod Apocalypse are back with their third full length today. The album, titled “Labyrinth,” is the second with the current band line up and the second album featuring the band’s signature symphonic style. After two or maybe three spins of “Labyrinth” I have to see that I’m definitely underwhelmed. I find the absence of stand-alone and grandiose string intros, outros and bridges, and the absence of amazing melodically beautiful soloing and shred to really take away from the album. But that’s my opinion, and only the first impression. Go stream it yourself and decide, I’ll definitely give “Labyrinth” more of a shot.

Links: Facebook // Merch // Album Stream

Swedish Black Metal band Watain are returning with their 5th album today. These guys take their music, and Black Metal lifestyle very seriously, which to me isn’t a bad thing at all. It’s nice to still see some musicians still deadly serious about the music they make and the message they spread, rather than every band member also acting like a clown when the spotlight is on them. I definitely do appreciate an intelligent, thoughtful and provocative metalhead to a clown. Go read this metalsucks interview with vocalist and mastermind Erik Danielsson here.  Anyways, Watain have a new album, titled “The Wild Hunt,” and it’s out today. Everything sounds promising so far. Check it out.

Links: Facebook // Official Website // Merch

New wave thrashers Diamond Plate are back, after some time and a vocalist/bassist change, with their sophomore effort today. The album will be titled “Pulse” and will be released via Century Media Records. The band claims it was recorded without a click track and done timely, claiming one song took only 3 takes to completely nail. If this is true, that’s impressive and speaks to the competency of the musicians, not only as individuals, but as a group. “Pulse” seems to continue with the bands shift to include Pantera-esque thrash stylings. Some might like that, I don’t. Whatever. I’m still gonna give it a shot, and you should too.

Links: Facebook // Merch // iTunes

-Trisolino