FRONTIERER - ULTRAVIOLET PARASITE (Self Released)
A forward thinking combination of mathcore precision and noisy, electronic-leaning glitch, Frontierer corral chaos on arguably their most complete version of themselves to date. While the band exists on the fringe as experimental, there brand of mayhem registers as far more calculated than a band that leave the chaos to chance. With stellar production from guitarist Pedram Valiani, Ultraviolet Parasite is a strategic sonic attack executed with sure hands and devastating results.
POLYPHIA - BE NOT AFRAID (Rise Records)
Instrumental progressives Polyphia flex elite musicianship and songwriting prowess on BE NOT AFRAID. Co-produced by RJ Pasin and virtuoso guitarist Spiro Dussias, the project saw the band's own Tim Henson translate his ideas from scratch singing into guitars. Anchored by powerhouse performance and an expansive approach to heavy music, the presentation is both refined and relentless.
WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM - ESTUARY (Relapse Records)
Black metal contemporaries Wolves In the Throne Room have further asserted the band's commitment to extreme music craftsmanship and with an analog, old school approach on their latest masterclass. An effective combination of dreariness and beauty, the album's fusion of harsh tones, pulverizing percussion, savage guitars and ominous atmospherics make for a consuming soundtrack that pushes the envelope of modern black metal.
GHOSTEMANE - AM:FM (Blackmage)
The first offering from the genre-flouting firebrand since 2020's ANTI-ICON, Ghostemane's nu-metal pedigree and trap heavy DNA shines on his triumphant comeback release. A celebration of turn-of-the-century aggression, Ghostemane's rapid-fire delivery and conduction of heavy groove make AM:FM the kind of album that feels both fresh and familiar. From down-tuned guitars to bass-heavy trap brood, the Florida-raised enigma continues to defy expectation with a returnthat roars back in a real way.
MENTAL CRUELTY - ECHOS OF A FORLORN LAND (Century Media)
German symphonic deathcore specialists Mental Cruelty construct a narrative-driven, Norse mythology-latent clinic on their fifth full length. Roping in elements of traditional international folk with blackened brutality and dramatic deathcore drops, the scope of the band's aggression pairs cinematic vision with unflinching heft. Produced by the revered Jens Bogren (Dimmu Borgir and Opeth), Echos of A Forlorn Land makes good on the epic descriptor every band aspires to yet few deliver on.
