A great comp, mixing in some of my fave Discos Macarras artists (Tort, Santo Rostro), newer faves (Rosy Finch) and new tunes (well, to me) altogether. Love what DM has been putting out and this is a great starting point to check out their stable.

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Wowzerz! It is as if Church Of Misery distilled mid-90s Cathedral down to my favorite bits, only with better vocals, to lay down one swell album.

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Endorsed by: Auntie Sahar, Marcel Hubregtse, Nefarious, Abattoir, X-Ray Rod, BloodTears, ScreamingSteelUS

In a year with many strong prog releases, one of the outsiders is Oddland's Origin. A tinge of Pain Of Salvation's Daniel Gildenlöw on the vocals can only be a good thing, and the technical prowess adds to the melodic nuances of the music. Edgy, powerful and masterfully heavy, the Finns carve their own path with this new album. Seemingly accessible, Origin reveals exceptional layers throughout.

Full album on Bandcamp.

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Endorsed by: Nefarious

Dark Tranquillity are on a forward momentum again. Their best since Character, no less.

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Endorsed by: BloodTears, Daniell, Marcel Hubregtse, psykometal, Dream Taster, Ag Fox, Starvynth

So here we are. Six years and two EPs later, the mighty Deathspell Omega have returned with new material. It's not "Doomspell Omega" or a reggae black metal album, and sure, one could complain about a rehash of old ideas here. But I'll be damned if it isn't nice to have these titans of French black metal back on the throne showing all their emulators how the game is really played.

Go and get it.

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Endorsed by: BitterCOld, X-Ray Rod, Marcel Hubregtse

While Cult Of Luna are busy doing five shows with Julie Christmas this week, let's listen once again to what's probably the best post-stuff album this year.

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Endorsed by: BloodTears, X-Ray Rod, Ag Fox

It seems this bundle of Brazilian funeral/death-doom joy, released 6/6/16, flew under a lot of radars. O Sol is a miasma of negativity from the concrete jungle of Sao Paolo, which has a lot more going on to keep it more interesting than the atypical glacial-beat, four minutes to complete a riff funeral doom. Give it a listen now and toss me an "obrigado" later.

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Endorsed by: Susan, Nefarious, Marcel Hubregtse, Darkside Momo, X-Ray Rod

Spaceking's Piper At The Gates Of Stoned is instrumental stoner-post with psychedelic/trippy effects tossed in for fun. Spaceking are possibly best enjoyed with Spacegrass.

Whenever it feels right

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Endorsed by: Ivor, Introspekrieg, Marcel Hubregtse, BloodTears

If prog along the lines of Unitopia, Neal Morse or Transatlantic is your thing, don't miss out on the début album of Australia's Southern Empire, formed by the former Unitopia's keyboardist Sean Timms. Not only do they know how to write good prog tunes, they also have a handle on producing epics: clocking in at almost half an hour, "The Bridge that Binds" is brilliant and worth every moment of your time. Danny Lopresto on vocals is also top-notch. This album is definitely one of my favourites this year.

Try "Forest Fire" or "Hold" and hear for yourself.

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Endorsed by: BloodTears

Spheron's much-anticipated sophomore record was released earlier this year and what a record it is. Technical death metal with such a dense atmosphere and the odd progressive touch make this strong follow-up a must listen. Without sacrificing their immense skill, addictive groove, or crazy aggression, Spheron certainly colors outside the lines with this one. Go exploring.

Melt your face at their Bandcamp.

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If there is an album released this year that will knock you flat on your back then this has got to be Possession, a début album by Vôdûn. A powerful rocking statement, this has been one of the most memorable releases this year and my personal go to album when low on energy. It can kick start you like no other and goes to show that a trio of guitar, drums and vocals is still enough for good music.

Try "Loa's Kingdom" or "Mawu"

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Endorsed by: ScreamingSteelUS, Susan, BloodTears

Apparently the band has read on the internet that their vocals are ridiculously annoying and acted on that. They managed to craft a lot of great music too.

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Endorsed by: Marcel Hubregtse, X-Ray Rod, psykometal

Intelligent, expansive, diverse. Engaging, intriguing, inspired. If these six adjectives appeal to you, give this album a chance.

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Endorsed by: Fat & Sassy!, Marcel Hubregtse

Discussing this with Pippin, he described as "If Orange Goblin and Tool had a psychedelic doom baby". What he said. bandcamp cometh

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Endorsed by: Abattoir, Auntie Sahar, Introspekrieg, BloodTears

Far from flawless, but still probably the best folk metal album of the last few months.

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Endorsed by: Susan, psykometal, BloodTears, ScreamingSteelUS