new metal band Sumerlands ready classic-sounding debut LP (listen), making live debut at Union Pool

Sumerlands, a new, old-sounding metal band comprised of members from bands like Hour of 13, Atlantean Kodex and Eternal Champion, will release their debut LP, a huge-sounding self-titled trip through classic heavy sounds, on September 16 via Relapse. Featuring production by guitarist Arthur Rizk, who can not only shred righteously but has also produced albums by the likes of Inquisition and Power Trip, this is one of the shiniest underground metal releases of late. It hits a lot of sweet spots from '80s heavy music, bringing to mind sounds from Fates Warning, Cirith Ungol, Queensryche, Megadeth, Dio, Rainbow -- the list goes on. For a certain type of heavy fan there's a real ear-candy element to this album. The whole thing sounds jacked-up, sugary and addictive. You can give it a listen below.

Sumerlands will make their live debut at Brooklyn's Union Pool on October 1. That show is headlined by Eternal Champion, Rizk's other band. It also features Crypt Sermon (who also play Saint Vitus with Khemmis in January) and Chain. Tickets for that are on sale now.

Eternal Champion, also classically oriented (though in a more NWOBHM vein) also have a new album out this year. The Armor of Ire drops on September 27, and they've shared the title track. You can listen to that, along with the whole Sumerlands album, below.