Notable recent rock and metal releases, late June 2017

I'm not sure how Alestorm's latest opus evaded the last couple of lengthy updates.  No Grave But the Sea  follows the classic 'Sunset on the Golden Age'. It took a couple of listens to overcome an initial 'meh' but I think that's down to high expectations and great albums always taking a few listens. I suppose I was listening out for more of the epic serious stuff like "Sunset..." and "Cartegena". Maybe they're being cautious about sailing too close to the sandbank of serious music, or maybe "No Grave..." is it and just takes a bit more listening. They've certainly not moved on from the fabulous stupidness of Wooden Leg; the new Fucked with an Anchor proudly takes that place and I imagine will be a great singalong. Talking of audience participation, can there be a new and improved version of 'Drink'? There is, and they've named it after the band, clearly a perfect signature tune, musically more complex with even some growled vocals in places.  All together now... (to the tune of 'we are here, to drink your beer')   "Rum, beer, quests and mead.."
(Don't bother with the deluxe version of the album - I'm not sure what the 'for dogs' tracks are all about, sounds like an amusing novelty idea that they ran with way too far.)
★★★★★

Unleash the Archers - Apex : The fourth full-length studio album in nearly ten years from the Canadian power metal band. Powerful, melodic and pretty epic in places. It rocks
★★★★☆

42 decibel - Overloaded : Early AC/DC with a bottleneck.
★★★☆☆

Jyrki69 - Helsinki Vampire : The music lacks a bit of welly but I love the voice, I love the theatricality, I love the gothic horror / vampire atmosphere.
★★★★☆

Kai Hansen - Thank you Wacken Live : Related bands include Helloween, Gamma Ray, Unisonic, Avantasia. I'm not usually a fan of live albums, but this awesome live set includes some great songs / performances and guests.
★★★★☆

Pristine - Ninja : A slightly trippier version of Halestorm maybe? Blues / rock with an excellent female vocalist who's not afraid to sing acapella and with feeling.
★★★★☆



Honourable mentions for a couple of pretty good thrash metal albums; My Regime - Deranged Patterns,  and Municipal Waste - Slime and Punishment