Some bands need no introduction. Some albums need no preface. This is a case of both. Ladies and gentlemen, today marks the release of one of the most anticipated albums on 2016. Here it is…
Killswitch Engage, Incarnate (Roadrunner)
Once young upstarts in a fiery new genre that was taking over the American metal scene, Killswitch Engage are now elder statesmen that still know how to have fun and keep things upbeat in live settings. They also still know how to craft tremendous albums that catch in your ear and never leave. Incarnate is the latest addition to a discography that is destined to be remembered as one of the best of its time. With Jesse Leach now fully re-settled in the band and everyone working to create a masterpiece, this album will surely be on Top 10 lists all over the spectrum at year’s end.
Criminal, Fear Itself (Metal Blade)
Criminal has delivered their hard-hitting mix of thrash and death metal from all over the world. Originating in Chile in 1991, the band now calls Spain and the UK home. Criminal specializes in the same mixed-genre style that made Sepultura famous, and they have been creating it in the underground for a quarter century. Fear Itself is the eighth full-length album released by the veteran group.
Accuser, The Forlorn Divide (Metal Blade)
Accuser is another underground band looking to rise into prominence after a long veteran group. The German group was part of the original Teutonic Thrash movement in the ’80s, coming into being right as Kreator, Destruction, and Sodom were putting German thrash on the map. Accuser has since evolved into a thrash-groove hybrid that has a bit more nuance to its sound, but still hits just as hard as their older material.
