Anberlin – Vital
Release date: October 16, 2012

Art by Jordan Butcher. I kinda wish there were images of the insert so I can see if there’s more photos of dudes hugging things which may or may not be there.

Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind
Release date: October 9, 2012

Art by vocalist Jacob Bannon, naturally.

Their video for Aimless Arrow, from this album, also features a phasing moon. Print art and video with similar elements? I am dashed!

Papa Roach – The Connection
Release date: October 2, 2012

You don’t get the full impact of Android Jones’ art until you see the larger version on his site.

While you’re there, check out his portfolio page. “Amazing” is an accurate word to describe what he does.

Green Day – Uno
Release date: September 25, 2012

Billy Joe Armstrong was in the news recently for being a drugged-up jerk onstage and complaining about Green Day’s set time. But it turned out he was just being a drugged-up jerk onstage.

If nothing else, it’s a good publicity stunt for the BJ’s-face album, in the same way that designer Chris Bilheimer’s site is a huge humblebrag.

Ben Folds Five – The Sound of the Life of the Mind
Release date: September 18, 2012

Art by Eric Joyner. According to Wikipedia and quick glance at his website, the focus of his art is on “robots and donuts”. I can’t think of a more awesome artistic career direction than that.

Hoobastank – Fight or Flight
Release date: September 11, 2012

Classic Case is not amused.

King Buzzo is bringing his hair (and the latest incarnation of the Melvins) to the Vernon Club on Sept. 23. Pretty pumped, since it’ll be my first Melvins show ever. Yeah, I’m not sure how it’s taken me this long to see them either. But more importantly at the moment, we’re giving away a pair of tickets to the show!

To enter the contest, send an email to contest@buzzgrinder.com with MELVINS in the subject line and NO if you don’t want our newsletter. Deadline to enter is July 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to U.S. residents only.

Lecrae – Gravity
Release date: September 4, 2012

I like Lecrae. I’ve barely listened to one song, but his aura comes off as genuine despite being bred in the Christian music ghetto.

This cover is notable because it’s not overtly hip-hop, nor is it mired in typical Christian album imagery. The Houston Chronicle has a fun little post called “The math behind Lecrae’s Gravity imagery.” Note that Gravity‘s artwork is the sum of a Christian market and a general market release.

Not that I had any doubts, but Bob Mould proved tonight on Letterman that he hasn’t lost a step. If anything, it looks like he might’ve gained a step. Plus John Wurster banging the drums has to help at least a little. You can also check out the official video for The Descent and the Soundcloud stream below. It’s such a good song, and such a good record!

Kaipa – Vittjar
Release date: August 28, 2012

This looks like something I did when I first pirated Photoshop in 1999. Actually it looks like something I would do even today. I can do better, I just choose not to.