EXCIDE- BASTARD HYMNS (SharpTone Records)

Carolina firebrand Excide make an impressive debut via SharpTone on their sophomore full length - an effort that bridges the backbone of hardcore with the style points and source material of heavy alt. Crafting songs that emphasize a heavy groove and the urgency of vocalist Tyler Washington, the pace of Bastard Hymns is frenetic with an execution that suggests real focus. Sturdy, well-built songs paired with dynamic delivery make for an outstanding album that sources multiple styles and manages to feel original. 

GLOOM.TX - VEILED IN VELVET (Self-Released)

Texas prospects GLOOM.TX show some serious promise with the release of their latest, Veiled in Velvet. Showcasing sharp production from the school of modern metalcore, the band's embrace of electronics and heavy groove lean into their nu-era influence resulting in a collection of tracks that hit with effectiveness. Balancing those moments of heft with glitchy interludes and hushed melody, the band's well-rounded attack suggest big things from the Texas collective.  

BLUT AUS NORD - ETHEREAL HORIZONS ( Debemur Morti Productions)

Veteran black metal progressives Blut Aus Nord craft a sprawling, expansive musical odyssey with their latest full length, Ethereal Horizons. With an expertise that rings apparent in the technicality of the compositions, Blut Aus Nord opt for the more lush, cinematic end of the black metal spectrum, though the album is not without its moments of black metal fury. Ambitiously atmospheric, Ethereal Horizons lives up to it's name in functioning like soundtrack, shifting from unbridled intensity to immersive melody in a way that challenges conventional black metal with shades of post metal and beyond. 

BRUTUS - LIVE IN BRUSSELS (Hassle Records)

Post metal powerhouse Brutus have unveiled the special release of their Live In Brussels LP - an album reliving the band's massive final showing of Unison Life touring run. The concert was held a year ago to the date last November at Ancienne Belgique in the city of Brussels, Belgium and recorded to underscore the band's live prowess. Holding court before a capacity crowd over three memorable nights, the band's live command and dramatic execution make for a compelling revisit that emphasizes the enchanting live experience that is Brutus onstage. 

PALEDUSK- PALEDUSK (A.S.A.B.)

Japanese sensation Paledusk fuse a potent mesh of metalcore, EDM, nu metal and industrial-tinged pop with high-octane results on their self-titled full length. Among the few bands that can convey their live energy on record, Paledusk assert a kind of relentless energy that drives the pace of each track. Shifting from power pop to nu-metal bounce with seamlessness, the band's eccentricity makes for a presentation that always keeps the listener on their toes.