08) Devin Townsend, PowerNerd (InsideOut)
Devin Townsend never fails to impress. PowerNerd brings back the “Hevy Devy” energy with the progressive brilliance we’ve come to expect. While his style constantly evolves, his boundless creativity remains unstoppable, and we support it in all its glory.
Key Track(s): “Falling Apart,” “Gratitude,” “Younger Lover”
07) Winterfylleth, The Imperious Horizon (Candlelight)
Winterfylleth delivers what you’d expect from a remarkable black metal album. The Imperious Horizon is a profound and dark journey, brimming with relentless blast beats, harsh vocals, and a strong sense of impending doom and despair, executed beautifully.
Key Track(s): “Like Brimming Fire,” “Dishonour Enthroned,” “The Imperious Horizon,” “In Silent Grace”
06) Opeth, The Last Will And Testament (Moderbolaget)
When Opeth released their first single from the new album, headlines buzzed with claims like “Mikael Åkerfeldt brings back death growls,” capitalizing on the age of sensationalized news. However, while the record does feature the return of growls, it’s not a nostalgic leap back to 2002’s Deliverance or earlier. Opeth remains difficult to categorize, existing entirely in their own realm, making them extraordinary and unique.
This album seamlessly blends elements of their earlier works with the more progressive style seen in later releases, particularly recalling moments from 2016’s Sorceress (listen to parts of “§5” for an example). It stands as a testament to who Opeth have been, who they are, and where they are headed. Once again, they’ve delivered an album of pristine perfection, a true masterpiece capturing their evolving essence.
Key Track(s): “§4”
05) Rotting Christ, Pro Xristou (Season Of Mist)
Pro Xristou may share some eerie similarities with 2019’s The Heretics, but this album takes on a distinct identity, moving more like an anti-mass due to its profound concept. Rotting Christ’s Pro Xristou celebrates the era before monotheism, honoring the legacy of Paganism and its resistance to the rise of Christianity. This theme is flawlessly translated into the music, as Rotting Christ delivers an immaculate conceptualized record steeped in history and musical excellence.
Key Track(s): “Like Father, Like Son,” “La Lettera Del Diavolo,” “The Farewell,” “Pix Lax Dax,” “Pretty World, Pretty Dies”
04) Fleshgod Apocalypse, Opera (Nuclear Blast)
Veleno feels like lifetimes ago. Released in 2019, it marked a high point for Fleshgod Apocalypse before the world was turned upside down. I vividly recall hearing the new track at the time, “Fury,” premiered at 70000tons, only to see life unravel ten months later as the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. The ensuing cancellations of tours and shows and the suspension of normalcy marked a bleak period for music, the band, and the rest of the world.
During this time, Fleshgod Apocalypse mastermind Francesco Paoli faced his own trial: a near-death experience from a rock climbing incident. Paoli’s public reflections on his recovery were inspiring as fans witnessed him rebuild his strength. Against all odds, Paoli regained his momentum, eventually channeling his ordeal into the creation ofOpera.
As if that weren’t enough, Fleshgod Apocalypse experienced another lineup change when bassist and vocalist Paolo Rossi parted ways. While not the first upheaval in their career, it marked another shift in their formation. The band chose to continue as a five-piece, with Paoli taking over on bass and soprano vocalist Veronica Bordacchini delivering all clean vocals, marking a significant evolution since 2009’sOracles.
Now comes Opera, an album born from transformation and resilience. It masterfully fuses the grandeur of classical opera with the ferocity of modern symphonic death metal. Fleshgod Apocalypse’s brilliance lies in making such a transition seem effortless. What gets more metal than Paoli’s journey through literal and metaphorical hell? Welcome to the Opera.
Key Track(s): “I Can Never Die,” “At War With My Soul,” “Morphine Waltz,” “Per Aspera Ad Astra”
03) Oceans of Slumber, Where Gods Fear to Speak (Season Of Mist)
I was curious and surprised when Oceans of Slumber announced a return to their heavier doom roots. After all, there was nothing wrong with the experimental brilliance of 2022’sStarlight and Ash. However, after hearing Where Gods Fear to Speak, I understood and fully embraced their promised heavier direction. Oceans of Slumber have made a triumphant, heavier-than-ever return, delivering an album with a powerful intensity that marks a new level in their evolution.
Over the years, the band has matured significantly, consistently releasing strong records that exceed expectations. Where Gods Fear to Speak is no exception.
Cammie Beverly’s vocals shine brighter than ever, haunting and cutting deep with a radiant beauty that elevates the emotive weight of this album. Oceans of Slumber have once again proven their mastery, blending heaviness and emotion into an unforgettable record.
Key Track(s): “Where Gods Fear to Speak,” “Run From The Light,” “Don’t Come Back from Hell Empty Handed,” “Poem of Ecstasy”
02) Witherfall, Sounds Of The Forgotten (Deathwave)
Witherfall’s decision to break away from major labels and establish their own independent label, Deathwave Records, marks a bold new chapter for the band. Sounds of the Forgotten revisits the essence ofNocturnes and Requiems while weaving in the lessons learned over the years while adding fresh elements to the mix. The result is arguably their strongest record to date.
The album flows like a cinematic experience, with each track contributing to a cohesive narrative, drawing a spin on vocalist Joseph Michael’s life but executed in a relatable way that resonates universally.
Key Track(s): “Where Do I Begin,” “Sounds of the Forgotten,” “When It All Falls Away,” “What Have You Done?”
