Photo by Cameron Brisbane
VUKOVI - MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN (SharpTone Records)
The tandem of Justine Shilstone and Hamish Reilly assert a firm grasp of artistry and aggression on their breakout studio release via SharpTone. Teaming with accomplished producer Machine, the dynamic instrumentation of led by Reilly, punctuated by riveting performances from Shilstone make for stylishly heavy tracks that punch hard and from various angles. Vukovi have the unique distinction of exuding elegance while channeling catharsis on a metalcore record that takes an important step forward for the category.
DOSE - TROUBLE EP (Life and Death Brigade)
Among the early highlights at last year's Knotfest Iowa, hardcore collective DOSE continues to thrive as hard-hitting prospects showcasing heartland-built hardcore. The double-axe attack of guitarists Jackson Bunz and Brandon Espinosa takes style points from the crossover heyday, properly paced to segue into a healthy skank. The vocal intensity of Tim Tucker is downright hostile with drummer Sam Boesen establishing a percussive backbone that is as sturdy as it is slamming. Bonus points, a song title like "My Sketchy Homie" has anthem written all over it.
HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY - SCORCHED EARTH (AOP Records)
Austrian post-black metal practitioners Harakiri for the Sky have submitted an early contender for album of the year with Scorched Earth. Bridging vast atmospheric textures, bleak black metal and the melodic accents signature to post rock, the pairing of M.S. and J.J. prove to be meant for one another musically with the kind of album that is nothing short of transportive. Along with the band's layered compositions and unpredictable cadence, there is an emotional authenticity on every entry that is evident and makes the album especially convincing. Harakiri set a high bar to start the year.
SLEEPBOMB - THE SLEEPING DEAD (Koolarrow /Consouling Sounds)
The San Francisco-based collective in Sleepbomb craft their own musical companion for cult-cherish cinema - through the lens of drone and doom. Having taken on iconic films such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Conan the Barbarian (1983), Nosferatu (1922), Metropolis (1927), the band's latest source material was George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. The score, while obviously taking cues from the film, manages to breath new life into the cinematic experience while preserving the integrity of such a definitive film. This is a rare gem in that its a cool concept that is well-executed, but also shows a real reverence for the root work.
AUGUST BURNS RED - THRILL SEEKER 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (ABR Records)
Rather than remaster the existing recording, metalcore vets August Burns Red opted to re-record their 2005 LP Thrill Seeker - this time with Jake Luhrs taking up the mic. The refreshed release was entrusted to producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland to oversee the project and features longtime vocalist Jake Luhrs on vocals who joined the band following the album's initial release. The latest edition features important nods to the original album, including guest appearances by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage who first produced the initial release. ABR's original vocalist Josh McManness also guests the album, which also features the bonus track "Pride & Humility".
