Ot: longer than normal wait between albums for most bands lately? is it just me?

[preludetotorment]

What is going on with this trend lately of taking 2-3 or more years between albums for a more than unusual number of bands as of late? Testament,Soilwork,Inflames,......Im sure their are a lot more but none come to mind like these three. They come to mind because they are all going through continuouse line up changes(I know testament is slated for this years but they were also supposed to do something last year as well. right?) Are their wrting problems? Are record labels dragging their feet with funding? Are they making these bands burn out by having them tour for 2 years straight on a single release? I think too much emphasis is being placed on success in the united states w/record sales when these bands are making their respective labels plenty of cash in europe and asia. Its increasingly difficult to penetrate the U.S.
market when the vast majority of the buying public chews a band for a year at most then spits them out for the next new thing.

any thoughts on this?
brandon

 

[elmuchoescadawg]

Its nothing new really. youve heard of Def Lepard right?

 

[Jackal_Strain]

Testament released The Gathering in 1999. Now it's 2007... I miss my favorite band

 

[nwright]

I think 2-3 years is the norm here in the US for most bands nowadays. For "album genres", as I call them I'd say it's normal. For me an "Album genre" is a genre where albums are as important or more important than singles. And, metal would fit that category.

I think it stems from a variety of factors. Bands tour incessantly these days, so an album can have legs for a long time and maintain steady sales.

Also, I think for most metal musicians, it takes a little more time to develop new song or album ideas vs. pop style bands and singers who have songs written for them by stables of songwriters...For those types of acts, songs are overabundant in comparison to a band doing it all themselves, IMO.

I think you see a shorter time between releases from smaller nationals than you do the big bands...Bands like Metallica who have built a huge and successful back catalog have the luxury of resting on their laurels and taking their time.

The only times I've ever read about or remember new material coming out all the time was like the 50's to the 80's (somewhat) when everything was radio single driven.

 

[HeadCrusher]

As for In Flames and Soilwork: They became more well known in the US with their last records so they toured a lot more there in order to promote their current records.

 

[Torniojaws]

And while on the Soilwork note:

1998 - Steelbath Suicide
1999 - The Chainheart Machine
2001 - A Predator's Portrait
2002 - Natural Born Chaos
2003 - Figure Number Five
2005 - Stabbing the Drama

That's 6 albums in 7 years Hardly lazy

 

[egan.]

I can't speak to whether or not the wait time has increased, but I've always been blown away be bands that can release a record, tour for months and then have another good record out within 14 months.

 

[ThatGuitarGuy]

I can't speak to whether or not the wait time has increased, but I've always been blown away be bands that can release a record, tour for months and then have another good record out within 14 months.

Oh, you mean Dream Theater right?

 

[JeffTD]

Dream Theater has had consecutive good albums? Damn. Could've fooled me!

 

[ThatGuitarGuy]

that's odd, your ears must be broken, I have no idea why you're dealing with music!

= P

I'm just messing. I think they've had some great CDs lately.

 

[LydonB]

Dream Theater has had consecutive good albums? Damn. Could've fooled me!

lmao so true...
a lot of the kids here at school have some sort of manlove for all the dudes in Dream Theater. great musicians but not the best thing since sliced bread imo.

 

[J the TyranT]

Soilwork's back in the studio in March.

 

[Skyweaver]

*sighs* can't believe I'm going to post this "Bums and Posers" Chinese Democracy .....10 years ? lol now that is a joke

 

[preludetotorment]

I know soilwork has been consistant up untill now, stabbing the drama was rushed though imho. but its going on two years now, they seemed to have put out stronger material when it was one year after another. I think i may have grouped them in because of the line up changes. I think my main problem is with labels like road runner who have pushed rereleases w/special bonus crap as opposed to allowing a band to keep things interesting by releasing more new material. i feel that things like 3 year wait times between albums will inadvertantly cause peoples interest to wain and their wont be as many good shows in the states because their wont be a large enough crowd for european bands to full out tour here.

 

[the phish]

this has to be year for nevermore again right? Can I expect a Q4 release for TGE's successor?

Damn I just realized Jeff and Warrel's solo albums might delay it to '08.


Come on jeff!

 

[Aaron Smith]

Yes, Nevermore is going into the studio this summer.

 

[slinky_]

Yes, Nevermore is going into the studio this summer.

whoa, cool! They´re going to Andy´s?