Absu – Abzu
Without doubt, one of the best records I have heard this year.
Reviews – Audio
Black Tusk – Set the Dial
“These guys have definitely got the Georgia sound (Kylesa, Baroness, Zoroaster et al), though they mould it into shorter, faster and maybe not quite as loud tunes. Still better than most.”
Falloch – Where Distant Spirits Remain
Where Distant Spirits Remain is not the strongest release of its ilk this year, but overall it’s a good debut that shows much future potential and talent. The biggest issues found here (vocals that don’t always fit in as well as tendencies toward being long-winded) are hazards of the band’s chosen style, and both are issues that could very well be addressed by the next release.
Tyr – The Lay of Thrym
This album isn’t breaking any new ground, but if you’re a fan of clean-voiced heavy/melodic/viking metal (with some power metal mixed in) this album is for you.
Untimely Demise – City of Steel
City of Steel is a terrific debut full length for Untimely Demise, and though there may be a few things they could tweak here and there to tighten up the songs, the album is still very memorable and catchy. There is absolutely nothing to dislike here, and anything that might be perceived as needing fixing, will definitely come out with a little more experience.
White Wizzard—Flying Tigers
White Wizzard have had a bumpy ride so far, with band members changing regularly, but I hope they can stick together from now on because if Flying Tigers is evidence of anything, it’s that the band are easily capable of producing infinitely more complex material while retaining that traditional 80s sheen that makes them so compelling in the first place.
Edguy – Age of the Joker
The fact that Edguy sound more hard rock than power metal these days shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has listened to the band over the last few years. They all have the chops to pull of the experimenting and damn Tobias has a great voice. This is head and shoulders above the last couple of Edguy albums.
Weapon – From The Devil’s Tomb
On From The Devil’s Tomb, Weapon manage to weave a thread of incredible beauty through what should be truly ugly music.
Wolves In The Throne Room – Celestial Lineage
“Even when it feels almost too packed for its own good, Celestial Lineage is a fantastic album that showcases Wolves In The Throne Room’s commitment to their core sound while slowly expanding the band’s boundaries.”
Album review by Jonathan Smith.
Decapitated – Carnival Is Forever
The Polish deathstars return with a fifth studio release, Carnival Is Forever, not too far off from Nihility’s celebrated “Spheres Of Madness” yet closer to a fresh sound that provides fans with an ear-catching listen.