Cover Photo: SETH by Andy Julia
GRAPHIC NATURE - WHO ARE YOU WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING? (Rude Records)
For Graphic Nature's Harvey Freeman, the band's latest album wasn't something he planned, but rather, was compelled to do. The result of a life-altering, violent attack on a London train, the songwriter poured the angst, hostility and uncertainty that could only come from a confrontation with mortality in his craft. The result is a volatile mesh of emotion, aggression and potent songwriting that unfolds in 13 explosive tracks. While the band has been championed for their approach to nu-metal, this album does so much more than casually check off a category - it's potential sleeper hit of the year.
IN HEARTS WAKE - INCARNATION (UNFD)
Hellbent on leveling up their intensity while compromising none of their musical intricacy, In Hearts Wake have undoubtedly ratcheted up their game with their sixth studio album, Incarnation. Showcasing a kind of eviscerating quality, the album is asserts controlled chaos executed with savage breakdowns, accents of drum and bass, frenzied riffs and hellacious vocals. Bolstered by collaborations with the likes of Winston McCall of Parkway Drive and Kaito Nagai of Japanese unit Paledusk, In Hearts Wake have achieved a new plateau with the kind of album that can best be summed up as dominant.
EMINEM - THE DEATH OF SLIM SHADY (Coup De GRÂCE) (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records)
What there will never be is any dispute as to whether Eminem is one of the best to ever do it. As he seemingly comes to grips with out growing his Slim Shady alter-ego on his latest album, his ability to flip bars and sharply execute turn of phrase is still remarkable. While the era of pop culture jabs and crass rhymes intended to strike a nerve has long since fizzled, Em still makes wise moves on the album including repping Michigan with an entry featuring Big Sean and BabyTron. His closer, a candid apology to his daughter in "Somebody Save Me" with Jellyroll harkens back to the greatness of "Mockingbird" that hit a generation ago. That kind of longevity is worth remembering and anchors this record.
SPEED - ONLY ONE MODE (Flatspot / Last Ride Records)
Signing during the peak of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that forced a global shutdown off the strength of a demo - Sydney's most promising hardcore prospects have since become a worldwide phenomenon such that their debut album has become one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Only One Mode offers a love letter to the greater culture of hardcore with a collection of songs that strike hard. Speed operate with a level of conviction that is purely infectious and make a compelling case in becoming a voice for their generation in hardcore and heavy music overall.
SETH - LA FRANCE DES MAUDITS (Season of Mist)
There is a grandoise quality to French black metal horde Seth and their seventh album La France des Maudits is an absolute masterclass. Set to land on Bastille Day, the presentation is fueled by the spirit of rebellion and insurrection, transforming caustic, combustible black metal songs into rallying cries of revolution and upheaval. Incorporating elements of melody and atmospherics, the ebb and flow of the album makes for something especially epic. Not to mention, the band closes the show with a cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "Initials B.B", making for one hell of a punctuation.
