From the inbox:

Beginning on January 1st, 2011, Baltimore’s OCTAVES will embark on a month-long tour of the United States in support of its newest album, Greener Pastures, which was released earlier this year by Hotfoot Records.

Joining the Maryland five-piece will be recent Topshelf Records signees CARAVELS (Las Vegas, NV). The two bands will be touring throughout much of the Midwest and Southwest, as well as a two-week run along the West Coast. Also appearing for a five-date stretch will be Denver, CO’s SOLAR BEAR.

Though Octaves takes its hardcore cues from the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan, The Chariot and Pg. 99, Greener Pastures brings a certain level of melody and experimental acumen to the mix as well. Sure, these eight blistering tracks may find their biggest fans in those who prefer their music to be chaotic and absolutely relentless, but the band’s tendency to play around with intriguing soundscapes will attract more than just the casual listener. It’s here where the fractured structures and turn-on-a-dime dynamics share equal billing with the outfit’s ability to serve songs with a spoonful of something sweeter, putting Octaves at the top of the hardcore heap and making the possibility of future endeavors all the more exciting.

On that note, Octaves has been writing songs for its next full-length, and in February it will begin pre-production with Mike York from fellow Baltimore brothers-in-arms, PIANOS BECOME THE TEETH. Final recording plans are TBA, but expect more substantial touring in March and April.

From the inbox:

Stockholm, Sweden-based melodic death metallers DEGRADEAD have signed with Metallvile Records for the release of their forthcoming third album, A World Destroyer. The album is scheduled to be released in Spring of 2011.

A World Destroyer was recorded at Peter Tägtgren’s (HYPOCRISY, PAIN) Abyss Studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden, produced by DEGRADEAD and Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CENTINEX, WORLD BELOW).

- Reminds me of old SOILWORK. Band name seems like something that would come from a bunch of 8th graders in shop class though. Two new songs are streaming on the band’s MySpace page.

From the inbox:

The Godfathers of New York Hardcore, AGNOSTIC FRONT, have just finished recording their highly anticipated follow up to their 2007 release, Warriors. The yet to be titled album features 13 new powerful and anthemic songs laid down by Erik Rutan (MADBALL, GOATWHORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, etc.) at his Mana Recording Studio in Tampa, FL under the watchful guide of producer Freddy Cricien of MADBALL. The record was mastered by Alan Douches (NILE, MASTODON, etc.) and will be released in Europe of March 4, 2011 and in North America on March 22, 2011.

Vocalist Roger Miret commented on the new material: “After all is said and done we are amazed on how great our new record turned out! It’s by far our catchiest record to date and it’s going to make everyone want to sing along for sure. Freddy killed it on the production end, just capturing that hardcore vibe that only he can get out of AGNOSTIC FRONT. The boys all put nothing but passion into the songs, and Erik Rutan just dialed it all in to make AGNOSTIC FRONT sound as natural and as organic as ever. This one will definitely be a classic once it’s heard worldwide!”

Think Fast Records has had a busy week, first with the announcement that it will be releasing the latest NO TURNING BACK LP in the United States (vinyl and digital only). The veteran hardcore outfit has long been a part of Reflections Records in Europe and has previously licensed its titles to the US via Bridge Nine. Take Control will see its release on April 19th. In its other bit of news, a new song from MOUNTAIN MAN has hit Lambgoat.com. The song is titled “Denial: III” and is from their upcoming debut full-length Grief (also vinyl and digital only), which hits stores in late February.

- Never been let down by NO TURNING BACK. One of the most consistently reliable and hard-hitting Euro hardcore bands over the past 10+ years…

From the inbox:

Topshelf Records is stoked to be announcing MY HEART TO JOY’s newest EP Reasons To Be. The 3 song release was originally recorded this spring and is now finally being released. Reasons To Be is the bands follow up to their critically acclaimed full length Seasons In Verse which was released by Topshelf Records (CD/Digital) and Asbestos Records (Vinyl). My Heart To Joy takes cues from Braid, Guided By Voices and Saves The Day on this release to produce their most clean sounding release yet.

Topshelf will be releasing the album digitally and on vinyl. They have launched a pre-order for the first pressing of the vinyl version which is limited to 500 (100 White, 150 Light Blue, 250 Black) and each pre order comes with an immediate download of the EP. The digital version of Reasons To Be is available for purchase now at iTunes and other digital retailers.

Boston area thrashers RAMMING SPEED has posted all four of their songs from their upcoming 12″ split with ANS on their Facebook page. According to the band, “[the songs] were recorded by Ethan Dussault and mastered by Dan Randall, and have way more blasting, harmonizing, dbeating and full on madness.” More blasting. Awesome. Look for the record to see its release this winter.

Former BROADWAY CALLS bassist Matt Koenig has surfaced in a new musical project named YOUNG TURKS. Far from the pop-punk of his former band, these guys play aggressive hardcore punk in the vein of AMERICAN NIGHTMARE and RIGHT BRIGADE. Their debut EP Halfhearted is available for streaming and free download from their Bandcamp page.

500 MILES TO MEMPHIS will definitely stir the cream in your morning coffee. The alt-country meets occasional forbidden-beat style punk rock band is nothing if not unique and invigorating. Just listen to the second track “It’s Alright” and be prepared to be flummoxed in the best possible way. Deep Elm is now streaming the entirety of the band’s new full-length, We’ve Built Up to Nothing, which will be well worth your time.