With the upcoming release of Metallica’s Death Magnetic, it’s easy to let other albums fall through the cracks. But I have two records that cannot be overlooked, no matter how hyped you are for Metallica’s return to form.

The first is People in Planes - Beyond the Horizon.

Most people don’t know about this amazing band from Wales. I cannot recommend this new album highly enough; it is utterly brilliant and I really hope to catch them in Dallas soon. The tracks “Mayday (M’Aidez)” and “Pretty Buildings” will be on repeat on my media player for awhile. Listen to them on PiP’s Myspace page.

My second recommendation is Bigelf’s Cheat the Gallows.

This album dropped a few weeks ago and is the progressive rockers’ debut for Linda Perry’s Custard Records. I honestly have no idea how I would describe this record. It’s almost a Beatles meets Dark Side of the Moon mixed with additional crazy psychedelic instrumentation. However confusing my attempt at description may be, it is nevertheless an awesome record that you should not pass up. Check out Bigelf here. You can also see the official music video for “Money, It’s Pure Evil” in our Videos section.

One of the most anticipated albums of the year, Metallica’s Death Magnetic, hits shelves next Tuesday and D:ET has an early look.

After the June 2003 release of their eigth studio album, St. Anger, Metallica lost the respect of a number of fans. The tracks seemed underproduced, almost as if the band wanted the recording process to be over with so they could finally be apart. There was also a distinct lack of the famed guitar solos that drew in so many listeners in the past (though the same can pretty much be said for Load and Reload). With the release of Death Magnetic, however, I firmly believe Metallica will regain the old fans it lost 5 years ago and probably earn a new following in the younger metal crowd.
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The long wait is finally over as Slipknot’s All Hope Is Gone was released today on Roadrunner Records. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this day to come since seeing their killer performance at this summer’s Mayhem Festival.

Anticipating the release of something like this usually ends in disappointment, especially when that something is an album. But not here. Corey Taylor, Joey Jordison, and the rest of the hard rockers have put everything they’ve got into this record…and it pays off big time. Corey seemelessly transitions from unrelenting screams to beautiful harmony while Joey’s drumming insanity keeps all tracks moving at a break neck pace.

If you buy one album today, make sure it is this one.

Check out the official video for “Psychosocial” after the jump.
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I must admit that I haven’t been a long time Motley Crue listener. I’ve never really been into the hair bands that tore up the scene in the 80’s. Most of it probably has to do with my age and that I wasn’t around to really witness the insanity of that era. Recently, however, I have started to pay more and more attention to Crue as I read and loved every bit of The Dirt. It’s honestly one of the best books I’ve ever come across as it painfully demonstrates that these wealthy, adored musicians are human like the rest of us; they are self-conscious, they are reckless, and they yearn for attention and acceptance. This band earned an enormous amount of respect from me as they put their inner thoughts, no matter how personal or embarrassing, out there for the world to see. My interest then turned to their music so I could associate the stories with the songs. I bought their Greatest Hits album from 2003 and was surprised at how much I enjoyed them. I imagine if I listened to the individual albums I wouldn’t like it as much since the filler is included. All of this got me geared up with anticipation for their new release, Saints of Los Angeles.

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