Deafheaven might be on of the most divisive bands of the decade. Their infamous 2013 album ‘Sunbather’ turned heads with its unique blend of shoegaze, post-rock & black metal. ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love’ goes even further down the shoegaze & post-rock route which will divide opinions even further. There’s one thing that is for certain, though. Deafheaven are going where no band has gone before…
Second album from LA based psych quartet. This album is a brilliant mix of African inspired rhythms and fuzzy riffs… like a heavy Goat or Black Sabbath playing Afrobeat! A catchy, expansive & deeply groovy sound. Highly recommended!
Yob’s 8th instalment to their fantastic discography might be their most significant to date. Frontman Mike Scheidt overcame an intestinal disease that nearly took his life before “Our Raw Heart”. The result is an emotionally powerful and bludgeoning piece of doom. Those familiar with the bands work will be satisfied and newcomers will be impressed!
Zeal & Ardor have been an act to keep an eye on since they released the fascinating 2016 album “Devil Is Fine”. Combining elements of traditional slave chants, soul & blues with black metal, there’s certainly nothing like this!
Second album from Bristol post-metal crew Svalbard. “It’s Hard To Have Hope” makes several political stand addressing issues such as sexism the music industry, capitalism and more. Fans of Oathbreaker, Rolo Tomassi, Converge will love this!
When legendary Swedish melodic death metal pioneers returned in 2014 with “At War With Reality”, they almost sounded like they’d never been away, but also didn’t sound as fresh as they once were. Fast-forward to 2018, with the addition of a new guitarist, they have delivered the album ATG fans want to hear. This is how it’s done!
Portland experimental duo The Body have always been near impossible to categorise due to their constant evolution. On their latest effort, the band experiment even more with sampling and audio manipulation. The main focus, however, is the emotional intensity. There are moments that will bring pain to the strongest hearts. Early AOTY contender.
After almost 20 years of studio silence, legendary stoner-metal pioneers Sleep have finally returned! “The Sciences” delivers everything you want from a Sleep album. Gargantuan riffs, mammoth song lengths and relentless tributes to weed. Sleep fans will not be disappointed!
Primordial’s sound has morphed and developed throughout their 30+ year existence. The once black metal band dive deeper into their Irish folk roots for an epic and operatic journey. “Exile Amongst The Ruins” is one of the bands best works to date.
Eagle Twin are a unique duo that blend elements of stoner, doom and sludge to hypnotic effect. Vocals growl and often venture into the realms of throat singing for a truly mesmerising experience. Fans of Yob, High On Fire and Sabbath will love this!
How much more can you say about one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time? Firepower is another face-melting album full of classic riffs and catchy hooks. A great start for metal in 2018.
One of black metals most beloved and prolific bands Drudkh of Ukraine continue to impress with their 11th full-length album. Raw, bleak yet emotionally stirring.
It’e been 10 years since Rolo Tomassi’s debut album “Hysterics”, and their latest addition to their discography is as fresh as they’ve ever sounded. The Sheffield outfit have always blended genres such as mathcore, prog metal & post-hardcore, but on “Time Will Die & Love Will Bury It” the vision sounds clearer.
Legendary Dutch experimental/noise/industrial artist returns with yet another earth-shattering album so punishing you’ll be asking God what you’ve done to deserve this!
“Down Below” carries on when Tribulation left off with their critically acclaimed “Children Of The Night” but this time, they sound more dynamic than ever. The epic melodies and song structures are still prominent, but they sound more accomplished than before.
With members of both Power Trip & Iron Reagan, it’s hardly surprising that this album RIPS as much as it does! The trio incorporate the youthful energy and aggression from crossover thrash and blend it seamlessly with old school death metal. Ooft!
Israeli progressive metal band Orphaned Land are still breaking new ground even after 20+ years. Often considered to be the pioneer of oriental metal, ‘Unsung Prophets…’ is surely reinforcing that status.
Converge sound fresher than ever with their 9th studio album ‘The Dusk In Us’. This is a band constantly raising the bar for all bands in the hardcore/metal scene.
