BASEMENT - WIRED (Run For Cover)

For the band's first full length release in nearly a decade, beloved UK rock unit Basement flex superior songwriting that toes the line between introspective and intense. Working with producer John Congleton (Death Cab for Cutie, Wallows, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten), the consistency of the band's line-up along with their evolved brand of emotive rock make for a collection of songs that resonate as both fresh and classic in the same instant. 

FROZEN SOUL - NO PLACE OF WARMTH (Century Media)

Death metal modernists Frozen Soul are fast emerging as one of extreme music' most progressive, equally punishing bands. Intent on constructing a timeless record in the vein of their predecessors like Carcass, Cannibal Corpse and Mortician, the Texas horde pulled out all the stops on a record this is a artistically bold as it is sonically brutal. Anchored by collaborations from Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, Devin Swank from Sanguisugabogg and Rob Flynn from Machine Head, No Place of Warmth takes death metal into modern age. 

IDLE THREAT - YOU'LL FORGET THE SUN (Tooth & Nail Records)

Working closely with Haste The Day frontman Stephen Keech as producer, the Nashville unit construct lush, radiant rock songs brimming with sincere emotion on their sophomore record. The tracks maintain a measured pace that allow for the guitar melodies to shine, while frontman Ernie Fabian leads the call with vocals that well-constructed and thoroughly convincing, Along with outstanding guest assists from Silent Planet and Meadows, Idle Threat have arrived as post-hardcore's next true prospect. 

KOYO - BARELY HERE (Pure Noise Records)

Moving into their second full length, the expectations for the Long Island outfit could have been enough to rattle a band less focused. On Barely Here however, Koyo present as cohesive and translate as more locked in than ever - all while taking their surging stock in stride. The 10-track presentation clocks in at just shy of 30-minutes, making for a sharp, succinct showing of punk energy and hardcore heart. Along with the added firepower of songs with Drain and Misry, Koyo showcase the kind of magic possible when a unit is moving cohesively and confidently. 

BLACK VEIL BRIDES - VINDICATE (Spinefarm)

Across seven albums with Black Veil Brides, Andy Biersack continues to add to his legacy of artistry as a rock music contemporary. With a range that ropes in elements of the symphonic, the melodic and the maniacal, Biersack creates rock heavy scores that are rooted in cinematic vision. Dynamic songwriting, immersive narrative and a sense of imagination that results in something musically inventive, Vindicate is metalcore theatre with Biersack tending to every detail.