ANGEL DU$T - COLD 2 THE TOUCH (RUN FOR COVER)
A true one of one in the world of hardcore, Justice Tripp at the helm of Angel Du$t continues to challenge the conventions of the genre. Realigning with producer Brian McTernan and enlisting guitarist Jim Carroll, the configuration of personnel results in an album that frames hardcore DNA with indie rock dynamism. Nuanced songwriting, well-placed hooks, rich melodies and bursts of keenly timed aggression complete an album that warrants Angel Du$t pulling ahead of the pack in a lane all their own.
WORM - NECROPALACE (CENTURY MEDIA)
Enigmatic extreme metal force WORM unleash an immersive brand of sonic sorcery with Necropalace. Along with producer Charlie Koryn (Morbid Angel) and the Midas Touch of the venerated Arthur Rizk, vocalist Phantom Slaughter and guitarist Wroth Septentrion craft a shadowy underworld with a soundtrack that sources a variety of extreme music style points and weaves it all seamlessly. From symphonic black metal to decadence of 80's era heft, the combination of artistry and detailed aesthetic make for an album that is otherworldly in both it's ambition and it's presentation. Gothic and grandiose, Necropalace is the kind of album that reasserts mystique in metal.
CONVERGE - LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH (DEATHWISH INC./ EPITAPH)
Veteran aggressors Converge have submitted an essential album not only within the context of their own body of work, but the greater space of heavy music and outsider art. Cathartic in its execution and articulate in its aggression, the band's prowess as musicians is almost secondary to the substance found between the lines. Love Is Not Enough is the kind of album that gives heavy music credence beyond spectacle, beyond noise, beyond volume. A masterclass of punk, hardcore and metal Converge just unveiled an early album of the year contender.
SPACE OF VARIATIONS - POISONED ART (NAPALM RECORDS)
Ukrainian metalcore collective Space of Variations sharpen their steel on their third full length, Poisoned Art. Combining well-polished pummel and an obvious sense of emotional gravity, the songs showcase precision and power in equal parts, resulting in a metalcore album with some teeth. Vocalist Dmytro Kozhukhar seamless shift from melodic vocals to guttural roar makes for a dramatic shift that really emphasizes the explosive quality core to Space of Variations' sound. Metalcore with just enough sheen so as not to play it safe, Poisoned Art is where Space of Variation have clearly found their stride.
HOAXED - DEATH KNOCKS (RELAPSE RECORDS)
PNW dark rock trio Hoaxed combine classic metal sensibility with lush, layered melody on Death Knocks. Combining elements of doom, stoner, and even traditional heavy metal, the marriage of styles is skillfully showcased as the Portland trio craft a massive sound working in lockstep. The presentation of witchy, well-constructed songs adds to the lore of the PNW as a growing hotbed for heavy music and catapults Hoaxed into the conversation of bands that should be on your radar.
