05) Slipknot, The End, So Far (Roadrunner)

The Iowa natives have released their final album with Roadrunner, saying farewell to their 23 year long partnership. This album is has everything a fan has loved about Slipknot since their self-titled. It has the experimental tracks, “Adderall” and “Acidic”, the heavy anthems in “Hive-Mind” and finally the creepy psychological journey of “Yen.” And of course, the radio single with the catchy chorus, “The Dying Song.” The key ingredients to every successful Slipknot record.

Key Track: “Hive-Mind”

04) Zeal & Ardor, Zeal & Ardor (MVKA)

Zeal & Ardor have been such an interesting band throughout their career, always bending the mold wherever they deem fit. Their debut, Devil Is Fine, will always have a special place in my heart as I spun that constantly.

Key Track: “Götterdämmerung”

03) Machine Head, ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN (Nuclear Blast)

Machine Head return with an amazing record, revitalizing the sound they honed on The Blackening and Through the Ashes of Empires. Catharsis left a lot to be admired and many were skeptical about the band’s next step. The modern day sound of Machine Head with throwbacks of their roots is what really makes this album thrive. The chorus from “UNHALLØWED” can get stuck in your head for days and the crushing sweeps of “Kill Thy Enemies” will always linger. If you’re any type of Machine Head fan, you’ll love this record.

Key Track: “UNHALLØWED”

02) Hath, All That Was Promised (Willow Tip)

The boys in Hath have put forth a fantastic record of brutality and craftsmanship. There are an ungodly amount of tasty slam riffs on this record and that alone makes this album easy to listen to. Combine that with vocalist Frank Albanese beautiful gutturals, AJ Viana’s never-ending blast beats, and Peter Brown’s sweeping solos, we have All That Was Promised. Hath is so hawt right now.

Key Track: “Lithopaedic”