05) The Omega Swarm, Crimson Demise (Van Records)
Synopsis: I see the word “visceral” thrown around like crazy in reviews… but this album is my definition of visceral. I love how every song enchants very differently, every part details a majestic monument of dark platitude.
Favorite Track: Lethal Increase
04) Laceration, I erode (20 Buck Spin)
Synopsis: This band remains the most punctual Oakland output. Everything about this album makes me miss the smaller more intimate metal festivals like Slaughter By The Water. This album was binge worthy, and left me very satisfied on the level of masterful headbanging anthems.
Favorite Track: Dreams of the Formless
3.) Sylosis, The Path (Nuclear Blast)
Synopsis: Sylosis is the only band that gives me the exact same feelings I had listening to Slipknot, Self-Titled for the first time back in 2003. Every album recharges my depth perception for Metal, but this one took the gold for percussion above all else.
Favorite Track: No Saviors
02) Fleshgod Apocalypse, Opera (Nuclear Blast)
Synopsis: Dark fantasy symphony, gorgeous melodic sweep overload. Falsetto highs and vicious guttural lows. Overpoweringly emotional. This album knocked their Mafia EP down a peg on my all time favorites list.
Favorite Track: Morphine Waltz
