Photo by Estevan Oriol 

PAIN OF TRUTH - PAIN OF TRUTH (DAZE)

The sophomore effort from the Long Island metallic hardcore standouts touts the production of Will Putney and results in a collection of tracks more focused and ferocious then ever. With an obvious reverence for their hardcore lineage, Pain of Truth nod to greats like Madball, Trapped Under Ice and Biohazard with the kind of bouncy, bulldozing brand of brawn that positions them at the front of hardcore's emerging class. Perfected onstage and captured in the studio, Pain of Truth's self-titled is a album felt as much as it is heard.  

GODFLESH - DECAY (Relapse Records)

The tenth full length masterclass from Justin Broadrick and bassist Ben Green, Decay is said to be the band's penultimate offering and the second installment of selections derived from the band's Purge sessions. A post-pandemic lament forged from pain and and catharsis, the meld of harsh sonics and heavy delivery ring true to Godflesh's stylistic signature. Articulately abrasive, Broadrick and Green shape sounds into something psychologically haunting and thoroughly consuming. Never as a casual listen, Godflesh have set the stage for what will no doubt be a dramatic, dominant finale. 

CROWN MAGNETAR - THE HOLLOWING OF GODFLESH (Unique Leader Records)

Colorado brutalizers Crown Magnetar assert technical prowess with extreme metal progression on their third full length, The Hollowing of Godflesh. A skilled balance of pummel and precision, emphasized by pristine production, the level of detail is meticulous - an impressive feat for a band that execute such a sonic blitz. Equally impressive is how Crown Magnetar create songwriting dynamics, knowing when to floor it and when to restrain. The ability to pull those punches and be almost surgical in their savagery is a rarity that gives Crown Magnetar a unique distinction and makes for a powerful third presentation. 

TOM MORELLO - EVERYONE GETS EVERYTHING THEY WANT (Mom + Pop Music)

Iconic guitarist and unwavering activist Tom Morello submits a potent collection of protest music with his latest solo rock album, Everyone Gets Everything They Want. Showcasing Morello's definitive songwriting style, a high-energy cadence and an impassioned message of community and course of action, the album boasts collaborations with a diverse field including Serj Tankian, Kneecap and Beartooth. Along with input from elite musicians and songwriters in Tyler Smyth, Carl Restivo, Zakk Cervini, Dan Carey, and Sam Nelson Harris, the album also marks the arrival of Morello's son, Roman, who displays a rock music acumen well beyond his 15 years 

BURNER - NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE US (Church Road Records)

Pairing post-metal presentation, hardcore grit  with death metal edge, Burner have put the world of heavy music on notice with their sophomore effort, No One Is Coming to Save Us. Asserting serious chops with a collection of tracks that strike effective and precise, the pace of the album never lets off the throttle. Bolstered by cosign collaborations with elite players like Matt Heafy of Trivium, Josh Middleton of Sylosis and Anthony Lucero of Cult Leader, the London unit lives up the storied lineage of UK heft while adding their own contribution.