Eluveitie – Evocation I: The Arcane Dominion

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Not quite up to par with many of the other acoustic instrumental tracks off their two previous albums, at times Eluveitie’s newest is still an excellent, mellow listen for days you’re wanting something unique, interesting… and very celtic-sounding. Though it is odd not hearing usual vocalist, Christian “Chrigel” Glanzmann, belting through every verse, Hurdy Gurdist Anna Murphy’s vocal performance throughout the album is exceptional and much more fitting to this lighter selection of music.
Recommended Tracks: Brictom, The Cauldron of Renascence, Omnos

Devin Townsend Project – Ki

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A look at the very low key side of formally skullet-clad Devin Townsend, this is an eclectic collection of some of the best-written and catchy Townsend material to date. The first in a 4-part collection, Townsend described Ki as being an appetizer for what is to come with the remaining releases… if this album is any indication, we’re in for quite an amazing main course.
Recommended Tracks: Coast, Heaven Send, Lady Helen

Heaven & Hell – The Devil You Know

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Ronnie James Dio and the Black Sabbath boys bring oldschool heavy metal back to life in this amazing, groove-laden behemoth of a metal album. Tony Iommi is at his best and even after 40 years of rocking our faces off, the 66 year-old Ronnie James Dio proves he still has some of best pipes in heavy metal. This album is huge, heavy, and easily lives up to they hype. Highly recommended for Black Sabbath fans, Dio fans, and hell, every other self-respecting metalhead.
Recommended Tracks: Eating the Cannibals, Bible Black, Rock and Roll Angel

Last Summer when I hit up Metal Masters Tour at Pine Knob* I was pumped as hell to get my first live taste of Ronnie James Dio rocking it out with the Black Sabbath boys, or Heaven and Hell, as they call themselves these days (I was not disappointed in the least). I was also pumped to learn that after 16 years, Ronnie, Tony & Geezer would be laying down tracks for a whole new Heaven and Hell album, set for release in 2009.

Well, the time is upon us. “The Devil You Know” is set to hit retail shelves April 28th and we now have our first look at the album cover, which is over to the left burning a hole through your monitor with it’s heavyFUCKINGmetalness.

Holy hell! Look at that fucking thing! An eyeless, tri-tongued demon triumphantly holding some poor fuck who’s not only been crucified, but from the looks of it, was the victim of an executioner with terrible fucking aim. He’s been nailed more times than Lindsay Lohan! ZING! This cover couldn’t be any more metal if it were stamped in blood while fully engulfed in flames.

Click the image to view a slightly embiggened version. Don’t stare too long or your eyeballs will implode from an overload of awesome.