LINKIN PARK - FROM ZERO (Warner Records)

The wait is officially over. Linkin Park has unveiled their next phase as a band, introducing Emily Armstrong of grunge rock outfit Dead Sara as their new co-vocalist. Christening the new configuration, Linkin Park officially marked their return after a seven year pause, releasing From Zero. A fitting, full circle tribute to the roots of the band, which was originally name Xero, the album is packed full of anthemic entries, anchored by the band's sharp production and the tandem Mike Shinoda and the newly appointed Armstrong soaring as a unit. 

AS I LAY DYING - THROUGH STORMS AHEAD (Napalm Records)

While most the recent narrative around As I Lay Dying has been about the fracture of the band with only vocalist Tim Lambesis remaining as the lone hold out, it's tough to deny what could have been. The unit of guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Ken Susi along with Ryan Neff and drummer Nick Pierce make for an impressive rhythm section - composing crushing tunes that come across as both powerful and well-polished. While the future of the band might be less than certain, their potential is at least partially preserved with an 11-track metalcore showcase. 

POPPY - NEGATIVE SPACES (Sumerian Records)

Asserting an artistic range that spans the scope of cinematic pop to driving, dynamic rock, Poppy remains in a class all her own on her latest full length. Negative Spaces is a powerful testament to the creative bandwidth of the songstress that likely has yet to scratch the surface. With no two songs following suit, Poppy's ability to coral contrasting styles and blur genre lines is a musical marvel and speaks to he staying power. Negative Spaces has something for everyone. 

TRIBAL GAZE/DEADBODY - SPLIT (Closed Casket Activities/Maggot Stomp)

With the Brothers Taylor and Colin of Twitching Tongues and God's Hate, the MO of SFV brutalizers Deadbody is backed by a lengthy resume of aggression on record. Combined with the groove-latent death and destruction of Tribal Gaze, the split offers an unrelenting presentation of tracks that strikes with ruthlessness. Weighty riffs, tortured vocals and a barrage from behind the drum kit, all eight tracks land with devastating results. No BS. Just heavy. AF. 

MAMMOTH GRINDER - UNDYING SPECTRAL RESONANCE (Relapse Records)

Written and recorded entirely by Chris Ulsh of Power Trip and Devil Master along with friend and collaborator Arthur Rizk, the latest from Mammoth Grinder is an obvious passion project that results in pure wallop. At less than 15 minutes of running time, Undying Spectral Resonance is well-executed Old School death metal, complete with enough punk edge to make the finished project perfectly unpolished. Stylistically In the vein of bands like Entombed, Mammoth Grinder mows down everything in its path on their first showing since 2018.