NERVOSA - SLAVE MACHINE (Napalm Records)
Enduring a few different configurations, the Brazilian modern thrash collective has seemed to find it's stride on their sixth full length effort, Slave Machine. With founding member and guiding force, Prika Amaral at the helm, the quartet unload mighty slabs of precise, punishing thrash. The songs manage to deliver with intensity while never compromising those instances of intricacy that reinforce the stylistic substance of Nervosa. Embracing the concept of modern thrash, Slave Machine is among the band's best work and definitive example of the progression of the genre.
POISON RUIN - HYMNS FROM THE HILLS (Relapse Records)
An audacious combination of straight-forward punk sensibility with dark, medieval thematic narrative, Poison Ruin prove confident outliers on Hymns from the Hills. Frontman and creative steward Mac Kennedy crafts a meld of proto metal and dungeon punk that ranges from rowdy to whimsical, melodic to menacing in a way that makes intentional lo-fi something imaginative. Complete with a final mix from the Arthur Rizk, the Philadelphia unit have delivered an album that feels both classic and brand new in the swing of one scythe.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - GOOD GOD / BAAD MAN (Nuclear Blast Records)
A testament to the artistic kinship of Pepper Keenan and Woody Weatherman, CoC's latest double album is among the band's most ambitious collections to date. Spanning quickfire punk, Southern-fried stoner metal and sourced elements of Americana, blues and doom, few bands could pull off an effort so varied and yet so cohesive. Asserting their rank as master songwriters and heavy music stalwarts, Corrosion of Conformity prove resilient following the passing of Reed Mullin and deliver another classic among their celebrated, timeless catalog.
KNUMEARS - DIRECTIONS (Run For Cover Records / Summer Shade)
Moving from abruptly abrasive and to melodically lush, Knumears tap into late 90s, early 2000s post-hardcore screamo with a real reverence. This isn't some nostalgic rehash, but rather, a reconstruction using familiar elements to craft something fresh - a sound rejuvenated. With ambient breaks, gleaming melodic bridges and fits of explosive catharsis all packaged into the same set of songs, the Los Angeles trio flexes a musical agility that positions them as the most promising of prospects. The album's closer, "The North" indicates just how fucking good this band is.
DIVISION OF MIND - EXOTERROR (Triple B Records)
Richmond DIY hardcore heroes Division of Mind have not released new music since their acclaimed 2019 debut - an effort that put the greater landscape of metallic hardcore on notice. Announcing their sophomore full length just days ago, the band skipped the promotional pomp and circumstance and launched an all out blitz. Cut from the cloth of genre pillars like Integrity and Merauder, the band's hardcore DNA and 90's metalcore grit make for clobbering soundtrack that is pure hostility throughout.
