GHOST - SKELETÁ (Loma Vista Records)
Showcasing the band's signature, subversive take on the divine, layered instrumentation and Papa's undeniable command towers on Ghost's sixth full length album, SKELETÁ. Beginning the rollout for the album by transforming the Vegas strip to a satellite Vatican City, the Clergy celebrated a new Papal conclave with violet-colored smoke to herald the arrival of Papa V Perpetua. That offers just some indication of the spectacle of this record. From the power metal overdrive of "De Profundis Borealis" to the glitz of the glam metal ballad in "Missilia Amori", the range of Ghost is as broad as it is ambitious on an album that plays out like a metallic broadway musical.
EMPLOYED TO SERVE - FALLEN STAR (Spinefarm)
At the helm of Employed to Serve, vocalist Justine Jones and guitarist/co-vocalist Sammy Urwin have shown incredible ability to not only evolve as writers and performers, but maintain their integrity has purveyors of heavy music and culture. Their fifth full length studio effort offers resounding proof of such with a collection of tracks that explores modern dynamics while paying tribute to the influences that have helped steer Employed to Serve stylistically. With guest features from Serena Cherry of Svalbard, Will Ramos of Lorna Shore and Jesse Leech of Killswitch Engage, the album touts serious firepower even without the added arsenal. Succinct songwriting and explosive execution make Fallen Star a shining example of metal's modern age.
LANDMVRKS - THE DARKEST PLACE I'VE EVER BEEN (Arising Empire)
French metalcore powerhouse Landmvrks debut their most ambitious version of the project to date with the release of their fourth full length record, The Darkest Place I've Ever Been. Introducing the effort with two contrasting singles in "Sulfur" and "Sombre 16", Landmvrks asserted their willingness to venture outside the confines of conventional metalcore on the album. Combining well-produced aggression, sweeping melody and the kind of explosiveness that best characterizes everything beloved about metalcore, Landmvrks level up the genre with a presentation that dares to rope in added elements. From rapid fire hip hop bars to cinematic instrumental interludes, The Darkest Place I've Ever Been is ironically indicative of the band's bright future.
VIAGRA BOYS - VIAGR ABOYS (ShrimpTech)
The Swedish post punks showcase an intelligent balance of articulate absurdity on their fourth full length. On tracks like "Man Made of Meat" and the canine-POV stream of consciousness on "Uno II", Viagra Boys turn the eccentric into sport, combining provocative punch lines with tracks that source stylistic cues ranging from Butthole Surfers and King Missile to the DFA Records dancepunk heyday of the early 2000s. If the metric for punk is predicated on attitude, Viagra Boys have it in spades on an album that is effortlessly antagonistic and wholly authentic from start to finish.
MONK - DARK SIDE OF THE MIND (Dine Alone Records)
LA-based hardcore punk unit MONK uncork volatility on their latest EP. Insightful lyrics, forceful riffs and the kind of focused hostility that suggests a level of intellect combined with intensity make for an especially effective effort. Though mostly straight-forward, hardcore punk, the release does offer at least one curveball - recruiting Brendan Murphy of Counterparts for a convincing guest spot on the EP's title track.
