06) Katatonia, Sky Void Of Stars (Napalm)

A comfortably gloomy release that is familiar Katatonia, but with growth in the direction of being heavier on synth. This new material translates fantastically to the live stage. Quickly became one of my most listened to albums while traveling by air, just as previous Katatonia releases did.

Recommended Track: “Birds”

05) Twilight Force, At the Heart of Wintervale (Nuclear Blast)

Delightfully cheesy power metal that leans far into the fantasy realm. Can’t help but feel like going on an adventure when listening to the new Twilight Force album!

Recommended Track: “Dragonborn”

04) Hinayana, Shatter and Fall (Napalm)

Mind-blowingly great melodic death metal from Texas, of all places. Inspires the same sense of feeling and power that bands like Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum bring.

Recommended Track: “Reverse the Code”

03) Blackbriar, A Dark Euphony (Napalm)

The fantastic second full-length from one of the more unique symphonic metal bands hailing from the global king of symphonic metal, The Netherlands. Zora’s voice has a haunting aura to it that lends itself perfect to the gothic vibes of the music. Can’t wait to see this material brought to the live stages of the USA for the first time next Spring.

Recommended Track: “An Unwelcome Guest”

02) Oryad, Sacred and Profane (Independent)

This is a refreshing take on the typical symphonic metal playbook from the mind of Appalachian-based classically trained soprano Moira Murphy. Ranges from the bombastic (Slice of Time) to the silky smooth, jazz inspired (Alchemy). An impressive full-length debut, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Recommended Track: “Slice of Time”