HAYWIRE - I DON'T WANNA SAY GOODBYE (Roadrunner Records)
Among the most anticipated releases of the year, Haywire's Roadrunner Records debut ushers in a promising new era of of Massachusetts-built, hardcore punk. Songs like 'Sincerely Yours," Trouble In Paradise" and the title track with heavy shoegaze specialists NOTHING pack all the requisite punch of synonymous with Boston hardcore punk. The kicker is the charisma to Haywire that translates both onstage and on the record. Austin Sparkman's burly vocals feel wholly convincing, earnest and conversational. Haywire has earned a reputation as a band of the people and they captured that endearing quality on their most important album to date.
IMMINENCE - AXIS MUNDI (Sumerian Records)
While many bands claim to having a cinematic quality to their craft, the Swedish metalcore progressives actually back it with their sixth full length, AXIS MUNDI. Lush compositions, intricate songwriting, dramatic sonics and an immersive storyline build out a universe with Imminence at the helm. Co-producing the album with Drew Fulk, the band's hands-on approach adds another element of self-determination and assuredness that makes the already epic album even more impactful. A fitting soundtrack for an imaginative epic, Imminence achieve a new plateau on their sixth full length.
AMON AMARTH - THE ALLFATHER AWAKENS (Metal Blade Records)
Viking metal overlords Amon Amarth reiterate their mammoth presence as pillars of the genre with yet another classic in their cannon. Expertly bridging Norse mythology with the sonic crush of Swedish death metal, few bands have the consistent craftsmanship as Amon Amarth. Combined with locomotive strength of The Allfather Awakens also explores new terrain, with songs like "Upphaf" marking Amon Amarth's first-ever acoustic track as part of the overarching narrative of the album. Death metal specialists, venerated narrators and consummate showmen, Amon Amarth wield the heaviest sword.
TEAR DUNGEON - SQUIRM (TODO Records)
A chaotic concoction of sludgy low-end and furious punk fuck all, the Austin collective hurls a sonic molotov on their latest, Squirm. While the leather gimp hoods, spit, sweat and blood showcase stage-ready spectacle, Tear Dungeon's upheaval is rooted in real substance. Setting a confrontational tone with entries that tackle religious overreach, police brutality and a growing tension amid societal decline, the urgency of Squirm is felt in the band's musical assault. Loud, visceral and intentionally uncomfortable, Tear Dungeon are ready to burn it all down.
TO THE GRAVE - LIBERATION FRONT (BLK||BLK)
Regarded as a leading force in vegan deathcore, the band's steadfast message of activism against environmental pillage and animal cruelty has remained central to their sound. On the band's fifth full length album, Liberation Front, the militance is amplified with a collection of tracks more vicious, more volatile and more focused than ever. The Aussie unit unload a sonic drubbing across ten tracks that function like a metallic manifesto - pulverizing and purely pissed.
