CHELSEA WOLFE - THE DARK (Loma Vista Recordings)
On her ninth full length album, Wolfe proves a true one of one with a collection of songs that is purely captivating. The multi-hyphenate's ability to craft entries that are equally delicate and powerful is a marvel, building a complete presentation that actually delivers being cinematic. Aided by the likes of Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nail, Matt Chamberlain of Pearl Jam, Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens Of The Stone Age and Stella Mozgawa Warpaint, the magnitude and majesty of The Dark makes for one of the best releases of the year.
THE BARBARIANS OF CALIFORNIA - MEGATONS (Villains for Good)
Helmed by Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION and longtime collaborator and Eric Stenman, The Barbarians of California combine hardcore grit with rock heavy proficiency in what amounts to a collection of tracks that are both well-constructed and charged with energy on MEGATONS. That meld is evident on the band's succession of singles including "Vanilla Latte," "Bomb to A Knife Fight," "Modern Fashion and the latest single, "The Gnarlycore Class." The kind of album where no two singles repeat one another yet compliment each other just the same, The Barbarians of California have found their stroke on their sophomore release.
DARK FUNERAL - A BEAST TO PRAISE (Century Media)
Documenting Dark Funeral’s triumphant showing at Fållan in Stockholm in 2022, A Beast to Praise, is the kind of live album that gives credence to the band’s in-person prowess. Showcasing selections from the 2022 studio release We Are The Apocalypse and beyond, the black metal pillars asserted their enduring relevance and live magnitude, with a post-pandemic performance that proved both pivotal and powerful. A Beast to Praise is the kind of live document that actually does the band justice.
FAERIE RING - FAERIE RING (King Volume Records)
Indiana export Faerie Ring got it right by making this their self-titled release. The collection of sturdy, durable, well-executed songs run the gamut from stoner, doom, sludge and blues - all while never feeling convoluted or muddy. Aside from the band's obvious musicianship, their personal palate and foundation of influences all contribute to the overall strength of their songwriting. A sleeping giant of an album, Faerie Ring have undoubtedly achieved new heights on their latest full length.
AXTY - THE PAIN MADE ME WHO I AM (Napalm Records)
Brazil's potent combination of deathcore intensity, metalcore sheen and nu-metal modernity in AXTY have secured their place in the conversation of emerging new forces in heavy music with their latest full length. From the hulking guitars, the arena-ready choruses and the well-placed samples that add dynamics to the breakdowns, AXTY's balanced approach shows songwriting maturity beyond their youth. Showcasing a wide, healthy range of influences without repeating them, the band's potential is as evident as their power on The Pain Made Me Who I Am.
