06) Wayfarer, American Gothic (Profound Lore)
Blending genres isn’t always the most popular move, but do it with care and grace, and you might end up with a masterpiece like Wayfarer’s American Gothic. In a sea of very same-old sounding black metal releases, this record blend of traditional Americana elements doesn’t only stand out amongst the crowd, but stands out in the band’s own discography as their strongest release to date.
Key Track: To Enter My House Justified
05) Final Girls, Occult Classic (Independent)
This might be a new name for some of you – we’re diving deep in the Dirty Jersey scene for one of the most killer new bands around. Spearheaded by bassist Sofia Albanese and drummer Sofia DeMasi, and joined by guitarist Ash Hernandez, Occult Classic is one of the most chaotic and audacious EPs of the year. Unhinged vocals come courtesy of Bryanna Mendez, and though she’s since exited the band, this EP is a perfectly captured moment in time of four ambitious ghouls establishing a name for themselves. If you don’t dig Occult Classic, you probably hate fun.
Key Track: Guillotine
04) Svalbard, The Weight of the Mask (Nuclear Blast)
The Weight of the Mask marks Svalbard’s first major label release, and serves as a milestone in the band’s history – one step closer to being the most important band in modern metal. If there was ever an intersection at Sunny Day Real Estate and Heaven Shall Burn, this is it – the perfect next step after 2020’s When I Die, Will I Get Better? and a defining moment in the New Wave of… whatever genre this is.
Key Track: To Wilt Beneath The Weight
03) Frozen Soul, Glacial Domination (Century Media)
The hype is real, just get on board. I’m not going to pretend Frozen Soul is breaking new ground here with Glacial Domination, but this is top-shelf death metal execution. Sure, the Bolt Thrower comparisons will never go away, but since when was being compared to one of the greatest death metal bands of all time a bad thing? This is a no-skip record, and while their sound is pretty narrow and focused, Glacial Domination reminds us all that if you’re only going to do one thing, you better be the absolute best at it – and they just might be.
Key Track: Invisible Tormentor
02) Capra, Errors (Metal Blade)
Capra’s Errors picks up right where In Transmission ends without skipping a beat, delivering the year’s finest cut of metallic hardcore. This album grooves in all the right places, throwing its weight around in the hopes that you’ll destroy what destroys you. I’m already stretching so I don’t get my ass handed back to me in the pit when they take this record on the road properly.
Key Track: CHSF
