Wiccans - 2017 - Automaton

Wiccans is a punk rock band from Austin, Texas, USA. Automaton is a track from their forthcoming LP Dull Tools. Get Hype!

Samskaras - 2017 - Asunder (LP)

Samskaras is a two piece death metal band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Asunder is their debut EP, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) and Marc-Olivier Fréchette at The Grid. It follows two singles from 2014. Samskaras consists of Eric Burnet (Derelict, Unburnt) providing guitars & vocals and Alexandre Dupras (Teramobil, Unhuman) providing drums. From the opening moments of Fuelscape it is clear there has been an upgrade in sound, the production gives these songs a fuller, grander feel.



Samskaras play technical death metal with a progressive flourish. It can be easy for bands that play technical or progressive music to get lost in the technicality, to complicate the music with time changes simply to complicate the music. Samskaras avoid that problem by writing good songs and avoiding cliches, everything is where it should be in the proper amount. Here's where I would list my favourite songs but there's no need when an EP is this consistent. If you're looking for some technical, progressive death metal that isn't purely that, Samskaras' Asunder will serve well. 

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - 2017 - Modern Ruin (Lyric Video)

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes is a punk rock band from England. Frank Carter has also played in Gallows and Pure Love. Modern Ruin is the title track of their sophomore LP, following up 2015's Blossom.

Ad Christi Gloriam - 2017 - Ad Christi Gloriam (LP)

Ad Christi Gloriam is a black metal band from Nova Scotia, Canada. Ad Christi Gloriam is their debut LP. This band starts with a base of cold, old school sounding black metal and builds outwards. They self describe as "happy black metal screamo math rock prog metal hybrid weird fuckin thing" while others describe them as experimental blackgaze or simply avant garde black metal.



The base of the music is the icey guitars slashing through the air, the vocalist who sounds like a torture victim and pounding drums blasting at you that black metal is known for, then expanded with symphonic synths and a few melodic riffs. Ad Christi Gloriam is never satisfied to sit still in one genre or movement, each song has elements of many types of music but it always come back to the ice cold black metal. If you're looking for some experimental, avant-garde black metal Ad Christi Gloriam's Ad Christi Gloriam will serve well. 

Outsiders - 2017 - Out Of Reach (Music Video)

Firewind play power metal. Ode To Leonidas is taken from their eighth LP Immortals.

Ocean Sleeper - 2017 - Six Feet Down (Music Video)

Ocean Sleeper is a metalcore band from Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Six Feet Down is taken from their self titled, self released debut EP.

Gothic - 2017 - Disillusion (Lyric Video)

Gothic play technical, melodic & gothic death metal from Lupeni, Romania. Disillusion is taken from their latest LP Demons available from Loud Rage Music.

Evenline - 2017 - Straiitjacket (Music Video)

Evenline is a alt metal/hard rock (Alter Bridge, Papa Roach) band from Paris, France. Straitjacket is from their latest LP Tenebris available from the Dooweet Agency.

Dreamcar - 2017 - Kill For Candy (Lyric Video)

Dreamcar is a power pop/new romantic super group. The band consists of three quarters of No Doubt Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young and fronted by AFI's Dave Havok

Lanthanum - 2016 - The Darkness (Music Video)

Lanthanum is a post-grunge metal band from Cheyenne, Montana. The Darkness is taken from their debut LP Ascend The Mountain.

Four Star Revival - 2016 - The Underdog (Music Video)

Four Star Revival is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Dayton, Ohio. The Underdog is the title track of their latest ep following up 2014's self titled debut.

Webcam Teenz - 2016 - No Maybe Yeah! (Music Video)

Webcam Teenz is a power pop garage rock band from Muncie, Indiana. This song is taken from their 2015 Fambly Room Demoz.

Morte Lenta - 2017 - Pesadilla (Music Video)

Morte Lenta is a hardcore punk band from Sydney, Australia. Pesadilla is from an upcoming EP. Thanks to iamtheleastmachiavellian for pointing this out.

Naked Lights - 2016 - Hyde (Official Music Video/Live Performance)

Naked Lights is a self described post wave, no punk band from Oakland, California. Hyde, a non album single, was recorded live at The Grassy Null Studio.

Coffin Dragger - 2017 - Desperation (LP)

Coffin Dragger is a hardcore punk band from London, Ontario, Canada. Desperation is their debut EP. Coffin Dragger play a straight ahead brand of metallic hardcore punk garnering comparisons to Dangers, Everything Went Black, Incendiary, and Trenchfoot. The singer has a great desperate shout and the band behind him creates a loud, aggressive, blown out noise.



When Coffin Dragger isn't slamming a riff down your throat they transition into post-hardcore, dragging the riff out only to slam it down even harder once again. Highlights include Desperation, Fake and Worthless. If you're looking for some pissed off, super heavy hardcore punk Coffin Dragger's Desperation will serve well. Thanks to Dead Air At The Pulpit for pointing this out. 

Kastiell - 2016 - Coming Home (Lyric Video)

Kastiell is a melodic post-hardcore band from Perth, Australia. Coming Home features Joey Varela of Varsity, taken from Kastiell's debut Built From Broken.

Aleska - 2016 - De La Cime Au Cimetière (Music Video)

Aleska is a screamo/post-hardcore band from Metz, France. Members have also played in Shall Not Kill, Dead For A Minute and Esteban. De La Cime Au Cimetière is taken from their debut, self titled LP.

Mark Zero - 2016 - Ballistica (LP)

Mark Zero is a metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. Ballistica is their debut LP. Mark Zero play riff focused hard rock & slightly industrial metal with some post-metal thrown in for melody. Right out the gate the production is an issue. Once you've gotten used to how the record sounds you are in for a consistent ride but it takes a minute to get used to how the record sounds.



At their best Mark Zero takes industrial inspired stomping riffs, builds an atmosphere with light piano while their surprisingly melodic singer wails overtop. Highlights include One Against The World, Bleed It Out, Alive and Megamösh. With Ballistica Mark Zero have crafted an interesting but not yet compelling debut.

Hydra - 2016 - Between Two Worlds (Music Video)

Hydra is a symphonic metal band from Bad Abbach, Bavaria, Germany. Between Two Worlds is taken from their sophomore LP Solar Empire available from STF Records.

Seas Of Wake - 2016 - Loners (Music Video)

Seas Of Wake is a progressive metalcore band from Newton, New Jersey. Loners is from their sophomore LP Depth Of Marrow.

Banging On The Pentagram - 2016 - Evil Force (LP)

Evil Force is a thrash metal band from Paraguay. Banging On The Pentagram is their sophomore LP courtesy of Witches Brew, following up 2014's Ancient Spores. This is thrash & speed metal straight out of 1983, from the dual guitars spewing out high speed thrash riffs to the production style this records worships at the feet of thrash metal masters Sacrifice, Razor or more well known legends like Metallica.



Evil Force plays thrash metal for the beer swilling, leather vest wearing metal head that simply wants to bang his head and is unconcerned with production quality or progressive metal. Here is where I would normally list my favourite songs but when a record is this compelling and consistent there is no need. If you're looking for some old school metal to bang your head to Evil Force's Banging On The Pentagram will serve well.

7th Abyss - 2016 - Deaf (Music Video)

7th Abyss is a melodic death metal/metalcore band from Germany. Deaf is taken from Unvoiced, their debut LP available from Trollzorn Records.

Malcolm Mask McLaren - 2016 - Myself (Music Video)

Malcolm Mask McLaren are a melodic hardcore band from Tokyo, Japan.

Sharks In Your Mouth - 2016 - Insanity (Music Video)

Sharks In Your Mouth is a nu metal/metalcore band from Ancona, Italy. Insanity is from their debut LP Promises available from SG Records.

Weird Al Yankovic - 1981 - Pac Man

"This was recorded in a garage on a 4-track cassette Portastudio way back in 1981, after "My Bologna" and "Another One Rides the Bus" but before I had landed a real record deal. Now the song is finally getting a proper release as a track on the rarities disc in my upcoming box set, with the permission and blessing of the George Harrison estate (Thanks, Dhani & Olivia!). "Squeeze Box: The Complete Works of 'Weird Al' Yankovic" is coming out in November, but it's a VERY limited release... so if you really want one, make sure you pre-order by Feb. 28!"

Hands Of Despair - 2016 - Veil (Music Video)

Hands Of Despair is a progressive death & black metal band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Veil is taken from their sophomore LP, Bereft, available from Deathbound Records.

Incubus - 2017 - Nimble Bastard

Check out Incubus' first new material since 2011. Catchy slab of modern rock aimed straight at the radio.

Bree - 2016 - Damn, I'm Being Me Again (Music Video)

Bree is a three piece rock band from Oregon, fronted by the eponymous singer & guitar player. Damn, I'm Being Me Again is from Bree's 2016 LP New Skin, available on Werewolf Tunes.

From Sorrow To Serenity - Illusive (Music Video)

From Sorrow To Serenity plays groovy, somewhat technical & progressive brand of deathcore from Glasgow, Scotland. Illusive is from their debut LP Remnant of Humanity.

Cruel Hand - 2016 - Dead Eyes Watching (Music Video)

Cruel Hand is a hardcore punk band from Portland, Maine. Dead Eyes Watching is taken from their new LP Your World Won't Listen available from Hopeless Records.

Deluminator - 2016 - Built To Kill (Music Video)

Deluminator is a metalcore band from Dresden, Germany. Built To Kill is the title track of their debut LP.

Einherjer - 2016 - Dragons Of The North (Music Video)

Einherjer is a viking metal band from Norway. Dragons Of The North is the title track of their seventh LP in their over 20 year career.

Veislakt - 2016 - HjerteBarn (Music Video)

Veislakt is a punked up metal band from Norway.  HjerteBarn is the second single from their Fumar Mata LP.

The Remnant Waltz - 2016 - Streets Of Yesterday (Official Music Video)

The Remnant Waltz is a blues rock band from Helsinki, Finland. Streets Of Yesterday is taken from their debut self titled LP.

Creepy Karpis - 2016 - Osiris (Official Music Video)

Creepy Karpis is a weirdo punk rock band from Zwolle, Netherlands. Osiris is a non album single recorded August 18, 2016 at 'De Gym' by Ben Wennekers.

The Obsessed - 2017 - Razor Wire

The Obsessed are back with their first record in 20+ years!

Voltang - 2016 - Bad Sounds (LP)

Voltang is a hard rock band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Bad Sounds is their sophomore LP following up 2015's Hermaphrodite. Voltang play a riff heavy brand of hardcore punk unafraid of exploding into post-hardcore on a dime. The opening trio of Electric Boogaloo, Slaughterhouse Of Blues and Lunatic Slick sum up what Voltang does on Bad Sounds. They starts with punked up, raunchy, danceable rock and roll and proceeds to deconstruct and explode those rough and ready pieces.



Electric Boogaloo starts the album off with a bang, the vocalist sounds like a more deranged Neil Fallon of Clutch while the band behind him pummels the riff into the ground.  Slaughterhouse Of Blues continues the high energy rock with a danceable groove while Lunatic Slick takes the aggressive rock and roll and turns it up to 11 through the infusion of post-hardcore, bringing in some clean vocals before deconstructing the song completely. Other highlights include Feelin' Kinda Funny, Accoutremonster and Super Awesome Laser Planet. If you're looking for some filthy, energetic rock & roll to power your evening of debauchery Voltang's Bad Sounds will serve well. 

The Hazytones - 2016 - Living On The Edge (Official Music Video)

The Hazytones are psychedelic, stoner rock band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Living On The Edge is from their debut, self titled LP.

The Dacios - 2016 - Exactness Of Desire (Music Video)

The Dacios are a punked up rock and roll band from Melbourne, Australia. Exactness Of Desire is taken from their new LP Beyond The Botom Hour courtesy of Homeless Records.

Mechina - 2016 - As Embers Turn To Dust (LP) (Done)

Mechina is a progressive metal band from Chicago, Illinois, America. As Embers Turn To Dust is their seventh LP since forming in 2004 and continues the heavy metal space opera they have been composing. Mechina play thrashy, progressive & symphonic metal with the lyrics picking up the plot from previous albums. Their sound is not complicated, start with some thrashy, djent flavoured guitars, add some piano and compose symphonic epics with multiple textures and atmospheres. The result, Mechina's latest LP, is equally at home scoring a science fiction film as being blasted from the stage.



The songs slide beautifully into each other, clearly picking up where the last left and off and moving the story forward musically if not lyrically. Highlights include Creation Level Event, Division Through Distance, The Synthesia Signal and Godspeed, Vanguards. If you're looking for some epic, thrashy symphonic metal to soundtrack your voyage through the cosmos, Mechina's As Embers Turn To Dust will serve well.

Off The Cross - Book Of Doom (Official Music Video)

Off The Cross is a metal band from Belgium. Book Of Doom is taken from their new LP Divided Kingdom.

Exmortus - Relentless (Lyric Video)

Exmortus is a thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California, America. Relentless is taken from their latest LP Ride Forth courtesy of Prosthetic Records.

Digitalife - 2016 - Uroboros (Lyric Video)

Digitalife is a metalcore band from Colombia. Uroboros is the title track of their latest LP.

Car Boys #24 - Nick and Griffin Climb the Tower of Barbs

Car Boys is a YouTube series hosted by Nick Griffin and Griffin McElroy. Together they play BeamNG.Drive, a driving simulator with unique soft body physics that Nick & Griffin use to generate vehicular body horror. They also do a podcast called Cool Games Inc where they improve/ruin video game ideas.

Necro - 2016 - Adiante (LP)

Necro is a three piece psychedelic hard rock band from Maceió, Brazil. Adiante is their LP. Necro play an eclectic brand of psychedelic music bringing in equal parts hard rock, proto & doom metal. They start with a heavy bottom end and then layer riffs and organ fills on top. The The singer, Lillian Lessa, has a versatile voice that is equally at home shouting the point home overtop of some riffs or floating along melodically with the softer jams. The opening salvo of Orbes, Adiante and Azul Profundo lays out where Necro is coming from and going.



Orbes comes galloping out of the gate with a groovy proto-metal riff before launching into the cosmos while the title track brings out the cowbell and slide guitar in service of a southern boogie rock tune with some heavier guitars bringing up the rear and Azul Profundo starts off with an insular shuffle before building with some doom and then tearing it all down with some scat singing and jamming. If you're looking for some 70's influenced psychedelic hard rock Necro's Adialante will serve well.

Cadaveres - 2016 - The Mother Of All Tales (Official Music Video)

Cadaveres is a metalcore band from Hungary. The Mother Of All Tales is taken from their most recent LP The Fifth House.

PeaceCraft Ep 01

Griffin McElroy is a podcaster, senior editorial video producer for Polygon.com and all 'round hilarious person. He cohosts a comedy advice podcast called My Brother My Brother And Me with his two brothers Justin & Travis, cohosts Rose Buddies about The Bachelor with his wife Rachel as well as DM's a Dungeons & Dragons podcast called The Adventure Zone with his brothers and their father Clint. With Justin he hosts Monster Factory where they manipulate character creation tools to create nightmares.



He also cohosts multiple YouTube shows on Polygon with Nick Robinson, these include  Cool Games Inc (ruining/improving game ideas), Car Boys (BeamNG.drive soft body horr) & Touch The Skyrim (Mod skyrim as much as possible). Griffin recently completed a Pokemon Y Nuzlocke Challenge and was inspired to do his latest show for Polygon, PeaceCraft. He is attempting a pacifist run of World Of Warcraft while also imposing Amazing Race like arbitrary rules. Enjoy!

Darknet - 2016 - Sedate Me (Official Music Video)

Darknet is a nu metal band. Their self titled LP is available from Hollowed Records. That is all the information I can find about them.

Hard Charger - 2016 - Bad Omens (LP)

Hard Charger is a three piece hardcore punk band from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Bad Omens is their debut LP. Hard Charger play a no holds barred brand of crusty hardcore punk with some d-beat influences. This is an incredibly consistent record, Hard Charger have found their tone and sound and don't stray from it for almost a half hour blasting through these 12 songs.




They have stripped out all non-essential matter while remaining compelling. The guitar is distorted and fuzzed out to the max and the singer puts his drill sergeant to great use while the rest of the band shouts behind him. Highlights include Brain Suck, Fed Up Nihilist Blues, and Slice By Slice. If you're looking for some crusty hardcore punk to rock your brain into submission Hard Charger's Bad Omens will serve well. 

Broker - 2016 - The Grass Is Always Greener In Kreuzberg (Official Music Video)

Broker is a mathy, post-hardcore band from England. The Grass Is Always Greener is taken from their sophomore LP Quixota.

Cypher Machine - 2016 - Flip The Switch (Official Music Video)

Cypher Machine is a metal band from Clearwater, Florida. Flick The Switch is from their debut self titled lp available on spotify.

Witchunter - 2016 - Back On The Hunt (LP)

Witchunter is a five piece metal band from Martinsicuro, Italy. Back On The Hunt is their sophomore LP since forming in 2007. Witchunter play a thrashy brand of metal with obvious debts to the to torch carriers of years past. Take one part thrash metal, one part NWOBHM and one part modern metal production and you have Witchunter.



There's no reinventing the wheel here, just two guitarists spitting out thrashy riffs and solos. The singer's voice works well in the upper ranges providing more contrast to the deep, rumbling drums. Highlights include Hounds Of Rock, Losing Control, Lucifer's Blade and a cover of Led Zeppelin's Achilles Last Stand. If you're looking for some thrashy metal to bang your head to Witchunter's Back On The Hunt will serve well. 

Dario Mollo's Crossbone - 2016 - Rock The Cradle (Official Music Video)

Dario Mollo is an Italian musican best known for his work with Tony Martin (Black Sabbath) and Voodoo Hill (with Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes. Rock The Cradle is the title track from Crossbones' sophomore, self titled LP.

Nash B.C. - 2016 - Burning Babylon (Lyric Video)

Nash B.C. is a hard rock band from Thessaloniki, Greece. Burning Babylon is the title track from their debut LP released by Rockshots Records.

Circle Of Dust - 2016 - Contagion (Music Video)

Circle Of Dust is an industrial metal band from New York City. Contagion is taken from Machines Of Disgrace, the first Circle Of Dust album in nearly 20 years.

Polarity - 2016 - Action Potential (LP)

Polarity is a five piece progressive metal band from Toronto, Ontario Canada. Action Potential is their debut LP since forming in 2006. Polarity play a mix of alt and progressive metal with a female lead singer, citing Deftones, A Perfect Circle and Chevelle. Rotator leads the LP off with a mid-tempo, brooding epic with melodic vocals from Jasmine and a stop start chorus while Autonomy's Conquest & Skeptic bring the alt metal riffs and Jasmine showing off her versatile voice.



This is a very consistent album, Polarity move through a variety of textures and tempos while still maintaining their core sound. Highlights include the aforementioned Rotator, Autonomy's Conquest, Skeptic Lights Estrangement, The Fight, The Great Escape and Tumbleweed. With Action Potential Polarity have crafted a melodic debut with one foot in progressive metal and the other in alt. metal.

Naberus - 2016 - Drones (Music Video)

Naberus is a metal band from Melbourne, Australia. They find themselves at the crossroads of thrash metal and more melodic metalcore. Drone is taken from their debut LP The Lost Reveries courtesy of Eclipse Records.

The Wretched End - 2016 - Primordial Freedom (Music Video)

The Wretched End is a blackened death metal band from Norway. Primordial Freedom is taken from their third LP In These Woods, From These Mountains.

Tóxica - 2016 - Ahogados En Contaminacion (LP)

Tóxica is an Argentinian thrash metal band. Ahagados En Contaminacion is their debut LP courtesy of Witches Brew. Citing thrash forefathers Exodus, Testament and Slayer these beer swilling metalheads churn out riff after crushing riff. The singer has a solid voice that is put to good use as a drill sergeant. Equal parts thrash, speed and crossover thrash this record is stuffed to overflowing with heavy riffs that demand headbanging.



There is no subtlety here, from the word go the riffs are fast and heavy and aimed directly at your head, the dual guitars hammer the riffs home while the solos wail and scream like souls condemned. While Tóxica isn't breaking any new ground here they have staked their claim as a speed and thrash metal band to watch. If you're searching for some new thrash metal Tóxica's Ahagados En Contaminacion will serve well.

It's Always Sunny In Tijuana - 2016 - Starved (Music Video)

It's Always Sunny In Tijuana is a deathcore band from Denver, Colorado. Starved is the lead single and first track from their new LP Demonia.

Rob 306 - 2016 - Robbie (Official Music Video)

Rob 306 is a five piece hard rock band from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Robbie is a single from their new LP @9Ave.

Thunder And Lightning - 2016 - The Ages Will Turn (LP)

Thunder And Lightning is a heavy metal band from Berlin, Germany. The Ages Will Turn is their fifth LP since forming in 2004. featuring guests spots from Máté Bodor from Alestorm and Der Schulz from Unzucht. Thunder And Lightning play a thrashy brand of speed metal with hints of power and traditional heavy metal citing Iron Maiden, Iced Earth and Blind Guardian. They manage to be progressive without being pretentious. The guitars have that classic power & speed metal sound nailed, filling it out with buckets of riffs and varying rhythms to keep things interesting.



The singer has a voice suited to power metal, more than capable of that required arena filling, epic sound but is also able to bring it down to a more aggressive thrashy shout when needed. Just when you think you've nailed down where Thunder And Lightning are going, the next song brings in completely different influences and the head banging continues. Highlights include The Ravaging Overture, Welcome To The Darkside, Black Eyed Child, Eternally Awake, One Blood and Hysteria. If you're looking for a band that effortlessly blends traditional, power, speed and thrash into a tasty metal concoction Thunder And Lightning's The Ages Will Turn will serve well.

Bone Jack - 2016 - The Breeze (Audio Stream)

Bone Jack is a southern hard rock band from Queensland, Australia. The Breeze is the first single from the 2016 LP The Fallen.

Starkill - 2016 - Shadow Sleep (Lyric Video)

Starkill is a power & symphonic melodic death metal band from Chicago, Illinois signed to Prosthetic Records. Shadow Sleep is taken from their new, self titled LP.

Save Your Last Breath - 2016 - Exitium (Official Music Video)

Save Your Last Breath is a metal band from Zurich, Sweden. They find themselves at the crossroads of melodic death and deathcore.

DMX - Bain Is Back (Produced By Swizz Beatz)

Call Of Cthulu - Depths of Madness

Lesbian Bed Death - 2016 - Evil Never Dies (Music Video)

Lesbian Bed Death is a hard rock band from the UK. Evil Never Dies is the title track from the new LP, first to feature new lead singer Sienna Venom.

Royce 5'9" - 2017 - I Got The Keys (Freestyle)

Royce Da 5'9'' is a rapper and producer. He performs with Eminem as Bad Meets Evil, with Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I as Slaughterhouse and as PRhyme with DJ Premier.

Kold Creature - 2016 - Edge Of Gravity (Video)

Kold Creature is a groove metal band from Brisbane, Australia. Edge Of Gravity is taken from their debut LP A Weakened State.

Stick Men - 2016 - The Tempest

Stick Men is a progressive & experimental rock band from New York City. The Tempest is taken from their new LP Prog Noir.

Blue Hour Ghosts - 2016 - Dreadful Faces and Fiery Arms (Video)

Blue Hour Ghosts is a melodic metal band from Italy. Dreadful Faces and Fiery Arms is taken from their self titled debut LP.

Gespenst - 2016 - Forfald (Video)

Gespenst is a black metal band from Denmark. Forfald is taken from their new release Sorgens Taage.

A Call For Revenge - 2016 - Mi Juramento (Lyric Video)

A Call For Revenge is a djent & hardcore influenced death metal band from Mexico City, Mexico. Mi Juramento featuring Ivan Valdez of Rot is taken from their latest LP Face Judgement.

Aeternitas - 2016 - Madeline (Lyric Video)

Aeternitas is a gothic, symphonic metal band from Germany. Madeline is taken from their fourth LP House Of Usher.

Sedition Sunday #7: Deborah Sampson

Deborah Sampson was born December 17, 1760, died April 29, 1827. She disguised herself as a woman in order to fight in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. One of few women documented to have done so she served with distinction earning at least one promotion and when her gender was discovered she was allowed to keep her pension she had earned fighting in the Revolutionary War. More in depth biographical coverage in Episode #82 of The Dollop.

Fiel Mortandad - 2016 - Angel Luciferi (LP)

Fiel Mortandad is a death metal band from Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico. Angel Luciferi is their latest LP. Fiel Mortandad play a melodic brand of death metal citing Carcass, Cradle Of Filth and King Diamond. They are equally at home slamming riffs down your throat, pulling back and letting the melody take over or wallowing in thundering sludge. The singer has an excellent raspy, blackened shout with a surprising amount of vocal nuance.



There are riffs galore backed by a thunderous rhythm section and driven to even more epic heights by synths in the background. Songs like Codex Gigas and Posesión De Belial are as driven by demonic vocals as they are dual melodic riffs while Amon Ra and El Exorcista split their time between wallowing in the sludge and in your face aggressive riffing and soloing. With Angel Luciferi, Fiel Mortandad have crafted a solid, aggressive statement of melodic death metal.

Black Therapy - 2016 - In The Embrace Of Sorrow, I Smile (Video)

Black Therapy is an Italian melodic death metal band. In The Embrace Of Sorrow, I Smile is the title track from their sophomore LP.

Aztec - 2016 - Metropolis (Video)

Aztec is a progressive metal band from Nanaimo, British Colombia. Canada. Metropolis is the debut single from the new LP, Eidolon.

AM:PM - 2016 - Amazing Mega Party Motherfucker (LP)

AM:PM is a five piece death metal band from Vevey, Switzerland. Amazing Mega Party Motherfucker is their debut LP since forming in 2012. AM:PM play a groove heavy brand of death metal pulling equally from deathcore and the more melodic brands of death metal. Waste of space intro Before aside, Doomed bursts out of the gates at full speed laying out what is ahead for the rest of this LP. The guitars alternate between straight ahead crushing rhythm and spewing out thrashy melodic riffs while the singer puts his growl to great use.



When everything is firing on all cylinders like they are supposed to these are groovy, thrashy and sometimes a little technical death metal songs to bang your head to. AM:PM aren't breaking any new ground here but judging by the album art and the energy of these songs they are having a great time doing it. Highlights include Dictatorship Of Fear, Wolf, 4-20, Rugged Road and the aforementioned Doomed. With Amazing Mega Party Motherfucker AM:PM have created an interesting debut which leaves me interested in where they are heading next.

A World Extinct - 2016 - Uprooted (Video)

A World Extinct is a metalcore band from Los Angelese, California. Uprooted is the title track of their debut LP.

DFXX - 2016 - Hungry To Be Angry (video)

DFXX is a garage rock and roll band from Luxembourg. Hungry to Be Angry is a single from Drivin' Me Bad, their debut LP

Sound Storm - 2016 - The Dragonfly (Video)

Sound Storm is an Italian symphonic power metal band. The Dragonfly is a single from their new LP Vertigo.

Hacktivist - 2016 - Buszy (Video)

Hacktivist is a British rap metal band. Buszy is a single from their debut LP Outside The Box.

Sedition Sunday #6: Assata Shakur

Assata Shakur is a revolutionary, former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army. Escaping from prison post conviction she has lived in exile in Cuba for the past 30 years. Read about her experiences in her own words in Assata: An Autobiography written in 1987 in Cuba.

hollowtechnic - 2016 - The Loose Change (Video)

hollowtechnic is an experimental industrial alternative metal & hard rock one man band from Britain. The Loose Change is the title track from his latest LP.

Down And Outlaws - 2016 - Above Snakes (LP)

Down and Outlaws is a four piece rock and roll band from San Francisco. Formed in 2012, Above Snakes is their debut LP. Down And Outlaws play dirty, rootsy rock and roll that calls to mind Black Rebel Motorcycle, Jack White and early Black Keys. Down And Outlaws are at their best with the rhythm section churning underneath, the guitars churn out riffs backing off to allow the vocals to come to the front before slamming back in again.



 This is rock and roll designed for a hot summer night, sounds best when played at high volumes in a convertible speeding down the highway. I Don't Care (I Don't Care) kicks things into high gear with melodic leads while Fever is a straight ahead driving rock song and Don't Call My Name summons the ghost of blues rock past. Other highlights include Obsession, Backwards From The Dead, Gone, and Roll That Stone. With Above Snakes Down And Outlaws have staked their claim to this section of rock and roll territory.

Merge - 2016 - Ineffable (stream)

Merge is a post-rock band from Paris, France. Ineffable is the title track from their latest release.

Cloak & Dagger - 2016 - Balance (video stream)

Cloak & Dagger is a metalcore band from Perth, Australia. Balance is the title track from their latest EP.

Steel Inferno - 2016 - Aesthetics Of Decay (LP)

Steel Inferno is a five piece metal band from Copenhagen, Denmark. Aesthetics Of Decay is their new LP. Steel Inferno play a combination of speed and thrash and the old school New Wave of British Heavy Metals. This female fronted metal band isn't breaking any new ground but they can riff and scream along with the best of em. The dual guitars are as much as a highlight as Karen's voice, they spit out riffs while keeping up with the galloping rhythm section.



Karen puts her authoritative shout to great use, aggressive enough to keep up with the dual guitars but also melodic enough to propel the songs even higher. Highlights include City Lights, Infernal Steel Brigade, To End All Wars, Defender Of The Old Way and the title track. If you have a speed or thrash metal itch that needs to be scratched, Steel Inferno's Aesthetics Of Decay will serve well.

Teramobil - 2016 - Magnitude Of Thoughts (Video)

Teramobil is a technical death metal band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Magnitude Of Thoughts is the title track and single of their new LP.

Violent Magic Orchestra - 2016 - Divorcer (Video)

Violent Magic Orchestra is an industrial experimental black metal band signed to Throatruiner Records. Divorcer is from their debut LP Catastrophic Anonymous with guest vocals from Attila Csihar (Sunn o))), Mayhem).

Pikes Edge - 2016 - All Of Our Beauty (LP)

Pikes Edge is a five piece metal band from Munich, Germany. All Of Our Beauty is their sophomore LP follow up to 2012's Nameless. The overwhelming direction is towards pummelling death metal but there are also strong tendencies towards more modern metal and metalcore, Pikes Edge cite As I Lay Dying, Iron Maiden and In Flames as influences. When everything is hitting the way it should the dual guitars spit out melodic riffs overtop of a pummelling rhythm section while the singer alternates between high powered melody and aggressive shouting.

Faded Shadow bursts out with a spiraling riff that pulls back to build atmosphere before exploding again while Tides Of Time takes a mid-tempo metal stomper, outfits the dual guitars with riffs and rides the groove into the ground and Just Go To Hell grabs you from the neck from the opening seconds, loosening up melodically for a moment only to crash back into the riff laden groove. Other highlights include Denial Of Service, Blind Side Of You and Hypocrite. With All Of Our Beauty Pikes Edge have created a solid statement of modern melodic death metal.

Clique - 2016 - Wishful Thinking (Video)

Clique is an emo indie rock band from Philadelphia signed to Topshelf Records. Wishful Thinking is from their latest release, Burden Piece.

Ivan Ivankovic - 2016 - World In Fear (Video)

Ivan Ivankovic plays power metal from Croatia. World In Fear is the second single from and title track to his latest release.

Crest Of Darkness - 2016 - Welcome The Dead

Crest Of Darkness is a blackened death metal band from Norway signed to My Kingdom Music. Welcome The Dead is the title track from their fifth LP.

Humavoid - 2016 - Coma Horizon (Video)

Humavoid is a thrashy, progressive symphonic metal band from Finland. Coma Horizon is their latest single.

Winterhearth - 2016 - What Lurks In Dark Forests (Video)

Winterhearth is a blackened thrash metal band from St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada. What Lurks In Dark Forest is from their sophomore LP Resettlement.

Add1ction - 2016 - Nothing Left To Lose (Video)

Add1ction is a four piece nu-metal band from Brownsville, Texas. Nothing Left To Lose is from their debut EP Add1ction Nation.

Nick Johnston - 2016 - Remarkably Human (Video)

Nick Johnston is a guitar wizard. His new LP of instrumental guitar rock features veterans of Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, the Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Plini. Embedded is the title track from the new LP.

Aeon Of Corruption - 2016 - Unholy (VIdeo)

Aeon Of Corruption is a deathcore band from Giessen, Germany. Unholy is the title track from their latest EP

Devanation - 2016 - Suffering Bay (video)

Devanation is a metalcore band. Dominion Of Oblivion is their new LP.

Fort Hope - 2016 - Say No (video)

Fort Hope is a melodic post-hardcore band from  Hertfordshire, England. Say No is their new single.

Megatherium - 2016 - Fly High (video)

Megatherium is a four piece stoner doom band from Italy. Superbeast is their debut LP.

Nine Inch Nails - 2016 - Burning Bright (Field On Fire) (video)

Nothgard - 2016 - Shadow Play (video)

Nothgard is an epic melodic death metal band from Bavaria. Shadow Play is from their The Sinner's Sake, their third LP.

Oceans Of Slumber - 2016 - Sunlight (video)

Oceans Of Slumber is a progressive metal band from Houston, Texas. Sunlight is from Winter, their second LP courtesy of Century Media Records.

One If By Land - 2016 - True Blue, Through, And Everything About You (video)

One If By Land is an indie rock band from Meadville, Pennsylvania, America. Members have also played in The Twirpentines, Signal Home, The Walnut Street Project, The Caddies, and Waiting for Never. Nobody Wants To Leave is their sophomore LP.

Darmage - 2016 - El Gran Titán (video)

Darmage is a crossover thrash & groove metal band from Zaragoza, Spain. The below video is the title track for their sophomore LP.

Beasto Blanco - Feed My Frankenstein (video)

Beasto Blanco is a five piece hard rock band featuring Chuck Garrick of Alice Cooper. Embedded is them putting a modern spin on some classic Cooper.

My Darkest Hate - 2016 - You Shall Know Them (video)

My Darkest Hate is a death metal band from Germany. You Shall Know Them is taken from their fifth LP Anger Temple

Herman Frank - 2016 - Ballhog Zone (video)

Herman Frank is a german guitarist best known for playing with Accept, Victory, Hazzard, Sinner, Moon'Doc, Saeko, Thomsen and Poison Sun. His new Solo LP The Devil Rides out Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance), Andre Hilgers (Rage) and Michael Müller (Jaded Heart) on bass.

Madlib & Doom - 2016 - Avalance

Devast -2016 - Chaotic Proliferation (video)

Devast is a four piece brutal, technical death metal band from Argentina. Apocalyptic Human Extinction is their third LP.

Bloodclot - 2016 - Up In Arms (Lyric Video)

Bloodclot is a new hardcore punk supergroup consisting John Joseph (Cro-Mags) on vocals, Todd Youth (Danzig) on guitar, Nick Oliveri (Queens Of The Stone Age, Dwarves, Mondo Generator) on bass and Joey Castillo on drums.

Half Sight - 2016 - The Greater Good (video)

Half Sight, formerly known as Atlas is a melodic hardcore band from Leeds, UK. The below video is from their debut LP Rhetoric courtesy of Dreambound Music.

Healer - Voices (video)

Healer is a melodic hardcore band from Bristol, UK. Embedded below is the title track from their debut EP Heal Me, I'm Hopeful.

Holding Absence - 2016 - Dream Of Me (video)

Holding Absence is an ambient post-hardcore emo band from Cardiff, UK.

FAM - 2016 - VI (video)

F.A.M. (Furor Arma Ministrat) is a death metal & grindcore band from Poland. Below is a track from their sophomore LP Human Cargo.

Lock Up - 2016 - Mindfight

Lock Up is a death metal grindcore supergroup made up of Shane Embury (Napalm Death, Bent Sea), Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Catalepsy) Anton Reisenegger (Inner Sanctvm) and Kevin Sharp (Brutal Truth, Venomous Concept)

Hammer King - 2016 - King Is Rising (video)

Hammer King is a power metal band. Below is the title track from their sophomore LP.

At The Drive-In - 2016 - Governed By Contagions

At The Drive-In is a post-hardcore band from El Paso. In 2016 they reunited for a second time, with Jim Ward being replaced by Sparta's Keeley Davis. Get Hype?

Morthifera - 2016 - Basurero Humano

Morthifera is a five piece thrash metal band from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Basurero Humano is their debut LP. Members also play in Malicia and Diebrator, describing them as more progressive and more melodic respectively.  There is very little fat and a real feeling of urgency in these songs. Even when Morthifera pulls back for a moment to allow some more melody to shine through the rhythm section is still churning away underneath. 

The riffs are aggressive and agile while the singer spits his lyrics with inspired venom. That feeling of speed is only accented with the judicious use of gang vocals. Highlights include Caos, Agonizante Cura Pederasta, Inyectando Thrash, Castigado and Régimen De Sangre. With Basurero Humano Morthifera have crafted a rock solid, riff heavy thrash metal statement.

Husbandry - 2016 - Nature Vs Nurture (video)

Husbandry is a four piece post-hardcore band from New York City. Nature Versus Nurture is their debut LP courtesy of Aqualamb Records.

Nervosa - 2016 - Agony

Nervosa is a three piece thrash metal band from São Paulo, Brazil. Agony is their sophomore LP. Nervosa was formed in 2010 by Fernanda Lira, Prika Amarel and Pitchu Ferraz, they signed to Napalm Records in 2012. They play an aggressive, gutsy no punches pulled brand of thrash metal with some death and speed metal elements. The singer has an excellent, raspy shout that sounds like she's simultaneously summoning demons and fighting back monstrous hordes while the rest of the band beats you into submission with their thick, muscular riffs.



From the opening blasts of Arrogance through the final stomps of Devastation Nervosa never let up. Occasionally things get slightly less heavy but that's only to let a riff dominate before speeding back up. Highlights include Deception, Intolerance Means War, Failed System, Surrounded By Serpents and Hypocrisy. With Agony, Nervosa continue to progress and make their mix of thrash, speed & death their own.

Luciferian Insectus - 2016 - Deliver Me In The Name Ov Satan (video)

Luciferian Insectus is a one man blackened death metal project.

Aphyxion - 2016 - Aftermath

Aphyxion is a five piece melodic death metal band from Denmark. Aftermath is their sophomore LP. Aphyxion play a brand of melodic death metal that also incorporates both more straightforward elements of modern metal as well as flourishes of progressive metal.

Songs like Dark Stains On Ivory lean to the melo-death side of things, Same Kind of Different leans towards the thrashy, modern end of the spectrum while Consumer Consumed cuts the difference between melodic death metal and a more mainstream, modern metal sound, accenting both with keyboards. Highlights include A Part Of The Solution, Born To Stand Strong As We Blacken The Sky, Destined To Fall and the aforementioned Dark Stains On Ivory, Same Kind Of Different and Consumer Consumed. If you're looking for some forward thinking melodic death metal Aphyxion's Aftermath will serve well.

Black Inhale - 2016 - The Die Is Not Yet Cast (video)

Black Inhale is a thrash & groove metal band from  Zillingtal, Burgenland, Austria. A Doctrine Of Vultures is their sophomore LP.

Nightmare - 2016 - Ikarus (video)

Clutch - 2016 - Wacken Open Air

Gone Is Gone - 2016 - Dublin

Gone Is Gone constis of Troy Sanders (Mastodon) on bass/vocals, Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens Of The Stone Age) on guitar, Tony Hajjar (At The Drive-In) and guitarist/keyboardist Mike Zarin. Their debut recording Echolocation is up for pre-orders now, set to be released January 6 by Rise Records.

Thrown Into Exile - No Words

Among The Automated - 2016 - Among The Automated

Among The Automated is an experimental metal project from Waterloo, Ontario. This is truly a one man studio experiment, Mike Rideout performed all music as well as the recording and production aspects. He has produced a confoundingly eclectic but compelling group of songs. This record defies simple categorization and easy listening but there are untold riches inside. My favourite moments are all the more straight forward death metal songs, they gallop along with solid riffs and just a hint of synth based melody around the outside. But if you have an ear for more meditative synthesizer based pieces then there is a lot here for you.

There are roughly two kinds of songs on this record, straight forward death or otherwise heavy metal (Binary Bloodline, Evil Disco, The Room, Design, H.W.A.S.A.Z.) and synth based electronic or ambient pieces (Admittance, Erratic (The Automation), Intro_z, Totality (The Automation), The Last Song He Never Wrote).

My main problem with this LP is how inconsistent is. Clearly Mike Rideout is a talented musician, he writes great songs and performs them with style. The problem comes when it's time to stitch disparate genres together. This isn't an LP that I will come back to as a whole, but more than half of this album will make its way onto various playlists. If you're looking for a record that combines death metal, electronica and ambient sounds Among The Automated will serve well.

The Obsessed - 2016 - Sodden Jackyl

Pikes Edge - 2016 - Denial Of Service

Architects - 2016 - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us

Architects is a metalcore band from Brighton, England. All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us is their new LP. Architects play metalcore that manages to be progressive and move their sound forward without falling into any of the pitfalls of typical "progressive metalcore." Architects come blasting out of the gates at top speed with Nihilist and barely let up for the proceeding 47 minutes. They have found the sweet spot where crushingly heavy, technical riffs can be surrounded by a groove and is the better for it.



The singer has an excellent and versatile voice, his desperate screams are as powerful as his clean singing is beautiful. Highlights include Phantom Fear, Gone With The Wind, Downfall, A Match Made in Heaven, Gravity and the aforementioned Nihilist. With All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us Architects have crafted a forward looking metallic statement.

The Evaporators - Eat To Win

Inoculum - 2016 - Antigen

Inoculum is a five piece metal band from Frederick, Maryland, USA. Antigen is their debut LP. Inoculum play metalcore with hints of progressive metal and lots of thrashy riffs. This is the kind of debut that intrigues me, Inoculum have a sound that is not quite there own but they have managed to avoid the major cliches of progressive metalcore. Where they go from here is the real question.



They come out of the gate at full tilt with As It Burned which lays the template for the rest of the album. Double metalcore style bass drums, both clean and screamed vocals with guitars chugging out riffs galore. The progressive element is largely kept in check, only obvious in a little stutter step electronica here and there. Here's where I would list my favourite songs but there's no need when an LP is this solid. With Antigen, Inoculum have crafted an exciting debut.

Rosàrio - 2016 - And the storm surges

Rosàrio is a five piece heavy metal band from Montagnana, Italy. And The Storm Surges is their sophomore LP. Rosàrio play an eclectic brand of heavy metal incorporating elements of hard rock, stoner metal and desert rock. To Peak And Pine lays out the template for what is to come, riff focused slightly sludgy stoner metal with a suitably gravelly voice. Rosàrio know how to take their time building up atmosphere which only makes the deployment of the heavy stuff that much more powerful.




Dawn Of Men leading into Monolith is the perfect example. Dawn Of Men takes the whole length of song crafting a beautiful, acoustic stoner desert atmosphere, complete with the singer sounding a lot like John Garcia of Kyuss, before exploding into the riff laden stoner monster that is the epic closer Monolith. Radiance is the other great example, the evolution from atmosphere building to heavy riffs & solo's improves both ends. With And The Storm Surges, Rosàrio have crafted a solid statement of desert influenced stoner metal.

Algos - 2016 - Amongst Monoliths

Algos is a one man heavy metal recording project from The Netherlands. Amongst Monoliths is their sophomore LP. Algos plays progressive & melodic death metal citing Be'lakor, In Mourning and Swallow The Sun as influences.



The singer has a versatile voice, while his grim, blackened shout is a little thin he has a solid cookie monster growl that he puts to great use. When the songs are firing on all cylinders he weaves together sections of heavy riffs with melodic solos and moments of heavy brutality contrasted with moments of quiet beauty. Highlights include Metempsychosis, The Withered King, Blessed With Weakness, Corruption Defined, Odyssey's End and The Poisoned Well. With Amongst Monoliths' Algos have composed an imposing statement of progressive melodic death metal.

After Chaos - 2016 - After Chaos

After Chaos is a seven piece thrash metal band from Indonesia. After Chaos is their new EP. After Chaos play straight ahead thrash metal lyrics in both Indonesian and English. When the band is firing on all cylinders these are melodic thrash songs that you can bang your head to and sing along while moshing in the pit. There are riffs galore and a galloping rhythm section.



The middle of the EP does fall apart with two meandering, moody pieces that take the energy down all the way. But even when the songs never get their riffs off the ground they are filled out with excellent, melodic solos.  Highlights include Bayangan Pendusta, South Warrior, Monster and Ilusi Kehidupan. If you're looking for some melodic thrash, After Chaos have crafted a solid debut.

Zenobia - 2016 - Alma De Fuego II

Zenobia is a heavy metal band from Lardero, La Rioja, Spain. Alma De Fuego II is their fifth studio LP. Zenobia play a straightforward brand of heavy metal, infused with power & symphonic elements to make it arena ready. When they aren't playing synth heavy, bombastic metal they are playing radio ready hard rock. No matter what genre you try and slot them into synths abound and there are riffs aplenty.



Songs like Ángel Negro, Brindemos por una Canción and Militia Est Vita walk the line between more epicly minded symphonic power metal and riff focused thrash metal while songs like Si Pudieras and Valiente streamline everything to make the music even more radio friendly.  Highlights include the aforementioned Ángel Negro, Militia Est Vita, 100 Dardos, Océanos de Fuego & a live version of Borraré Tu Nombre. With Alma De Fuego II Zenobia have crafted a rocking statement of thrash and power metal.

Simple Minds - 2016 - Acoustic

Simple Minds is a five piece rock and roll band from Glasgow, Scotland. Acoustic is their nineteenth studio LP, rerecording eleven tracks from eight previous Simple Minds LPs. Perhaps best known for the song from The Breakfast Club Don't You (Forget About Me) this LP finds Simple Minds swapping out electric guitars for acoustic and synthesizers for piano. On songs like Sanctify Yourself and New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) Simple Minds still rock out but any previous edge has been sanded off.



Despite the addition of KT Tunstall these recordings have turned out bland instead of raw. Yes the instruments are mostly acoustic but the production style erases any rough edges. On songs like See The Lights and Glittering Prize they approach something like U2 which may or may not be a compliment.. Highlights include the aforementioned Sanctify Yourself, New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84), Promised You A Miracle, Glittering Prize, Someone Somewhere In Summertime and of course Don't You (Forget About Me). If you're looking for some relaxing, acoustic rock Simple Mind's Acoustic has you covered.

Deceitful Conspiracy - 2016 - Abtu

Deceitful Conspiracy is a heavy metal band from Ballinluig, Scotland. Abtu is their debut recording. Deceitful Conspiracy is the musical  brainchild of Ryan Sturrock with help from Rory Troup, Aidan Hood and Strachan Barr. Deceitful Conspiracy play instrumental progressive metal.




There is no djent and very little uninspired noodling, this is streamlined riff focused heavy metal. This LP could very easily fall into the pitfalls of progressive metal but there are actual songs and a driving rhythm section to keep everything moving forward. This would appear to be a concept album but that remains vague when only given song titles. Highlights include Journey To Abtus Kingdom, War, The Last Act Of Humanity and Collapse Of Creation. With Abtu, Deceitful Conspiracy have crafted a progressive, trashy debut.

Unison Theory - 2016 - Arctos

Unison Theory is a four piece death metal band from Rome, Italy. Formed in 2011 by Omar Mohamed the band achieved a stable lineup with Simone Tempesta (drums), Alexander Starstev (vocals) and Giulio Rimoli (bass) though bass on this record is credited to Marco Mastrobuono. Arctos is their debut LP, a concept album mirroring the novel Ice Hunt by James Rollins.



Unison Theory play slightly technical, symphonic and thrashy death metal citing Revocation, Obscura, and Symphony X among others. Special guests include Rafael Trujillo from Obscura, Tommaso Riccardi of Fleshgod Apocalypse, Riccardo Studer from Stormlord and Donato Cipriano. Highlights include Omega, Grendel, Level 4, Polar Sentinel and The Price Of Eternity If you're looking for some thrashy, slightly technical and symphonic death metal Unison Theory have crafted an excellent debut with Arctos.

Oxo 86 - 2016 - Akustikalbum

Oxo 86 is a ska punk band from Bernau, Germany. Akustikalbum is their ninth LP since forming in 1996. On this new record Oxo 86 take their beer swilling, oi influenced ska and unplug for over 40 minutes of acoustic ska punk.



The songs work best when they maintain the presumed energy of the original, So Beliebt Und So Bescheiden, Alkohol and Skinhead all have an intense singalong energy. There is always a risk that the momentum and swing of the music is will suffer when going acoustic but the horns and rhythm section ensure danceability does not suffer. Other highlights include Wenn Könige Reisen, Dein Freund Der Boxer, Sowas Kannst Du Echt Gebrauchen and Auf Die Liebe Und Auf Die Sehnsucht. Stepping outside of their presumed comfort zone Oxo 86 have produced an excellent slab of acoustic ska punk with Akustikalbum.

One Of Us - 2016 - Affliction

One Of Us is a four piece groove metal band from La Plata, Argentina. Affliction is their debut LP following up 2015's debut EP Symptoms. One Of Us Play a sludgy brand of groove metal that is equally at home riding a riff into the ground as they are trudging through distorted sludge. My favourite moments are all when the band hits that mid-tempo groove just right. They nail the riffs to the wall while the vocalists shout is equal parts drill sergeant and demonic possession with some clean singing for balance and contrast.

Members of One Of Us have also played in Lepanto, Demolition Project, Retummba, Feed the Dog Embodiment, Justo Fierro, Daemon, Choique, Deneimles, Los Alcoholes Galácticos, Messias Snekker, Deneimles and Ciudad en Peligro. Highlights include Blind, Seven Seconds, Don't Scream My Name and Hate My Mind. One Of Us' Affliction is a solid debut, marrying sludge and groove metal for the betterment of both.

Brownout - 2016 - Brown Sabbath Vol II

Brownout is a nine piece funk band from Austin, Texas. Brown Sabbath Vol II is their second collection of funk covers of Black Sabbath. Brownout take the classic Sabbath songs we all know and love and transform them into funky, horn driven danceable soul songs.



Formed in 2010 by members of Grupo Fantasma they have backed Prince, Daniel Johnston, GZA and Bernie Worrell and cite WAR, Cymande and Funkadelic as influences.



There is not as much distance between Black Sabbath and Brownout as there would seem to be at first glance. The drum & bass are the anchors keeping everything heavy and funky. While the guitars are no longer the focus they set up and rideout a funky backbeat before revving up. The horns are the real stars of the show here, kicking what would otherwise be fairly tame but funky heavy rock into the stratosphere.



Highlights include Supernaut, Fairies Wear Boots, Children Of The Grave and Sweet Leaf. If you're looking for some heavy, funky rock paying tribute to the metal godfathers while still keeping a foot in modernity, Brownout's Brown Sabbath Vol II will serve well.

Dark Tranquility - 2016 - Atoma

Dark Tranquility is a melodic death metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. Formed in 1989 they are one of the longest lasting bands from the Gothenburg metal scene. Atoma is their eleventh studio LP courtesy of Century Media. In terms of instrumentation there are no surprises here. Start with the already tempered attack of melodic death metal then mix in post-metal, giving the songs room to breathe, allowing them to stretch out into extended melodic passages.

I cannot say enough good things about the vocals on this LP. The singer has an excellent blackened growl that he puts to great effect and is pushed higher with the contrast of the frankly beautiful clean vocals. Highlights include Encircled, Neutrality, Force Of Hand, Faithless By Default and The Pitiless. If you're looking for some melodic death metal to help power through your day Dark Tranquility's Atoma will serve well. 

Nocturnal Scum - 2016 - Demo

Nocturnal Scum is a five piece punk rock band from Berlin, Germany. Demo is their debut recording. Nocturnal Scum play a crusty brand of hardcore punk with elements of crossover thrash garnering comparisons to Withers, Hammers, Gattaca, and Ruins.



This is the kind of demo that excites me, there is enough going on here in both songwriting and instrumentation to overcome any lofi production limits. Here's where I would normally list my favourite tracks but there's no need when a demo is this solid. Take one part female fronted hardocore punk, add one part thrashy d-beat and divide by a blown out production style and you have Nocturnal Scum's Demo.