The ultimate djent mind-fuck and the most extreme album of the year. TesseracT, Uneven Structure or Textures might be more accessible, but this is the real deal.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Introspekrieg, X-Ray Rod, Darkside Momo, !J.O.O.E.!, wormdrink414

If you ask me (and why wouldn't you) Forefather have long been the ultimate guilt-free way to enjoy cheesy and emphatically epic metal without having to give up your scruples and go to the Dark side that is power or folk metal. The hyper-melodic leads and soaring cleans are always in direct opposition to guttural rasps, blasting drums and heavy riffing.

Any fans of 'Steadfast' should luxuriate in this like a Viking bathes in the blood of his enemies.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Baz Anderson, Fat & Sassy!, Promonex, wormdrink414

ThanatoSchizo may be unknown but they are talented. This year's Origami couldn't be a better testament to that. The album is very unique: you'll find many Portuguese and other folk elements and instruments, outstanding original female vocals and acoustic brilliance. If you like progressive rock or just acoustic sounds and experimentation in general, chances are this album will not leave you indifferent. Other than that, good music is always worth listening to.

Unfortunately, Origami was the band's swan song, precisely when they decided to revisit their metal career. But at least we got this goodbye note.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Dane Train, Ivor, Susan, Fat & Sassy!

Seven hymns to honor the beauty of chaos.
Disharmony reigns supreme!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: !J.O.O.E.!, Troy Killjoy, KwonVerge, Ag Fox

A bit of doom and gloom breath of fresh air in this stagnant scene that's not to be missed if you're a fan of melodic death metal.

Staff pick by:

A gem of a band you might have overlooked in the past. Excellent song-writing, beautiful and haunting melodies supplied by the cello, varying songs, a bit doomy, a bit proggy - this here is a great post metal blend to accompany you as we near the longest night of the year. Yes, it's a short release, and yes, it does lose some edge towards the end. Still worth your time, though.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, BloodTears, Dane Train, X-Ray Rod

Say what you will about the "Djent" genre but it mixes rather nicely with ambient soundscapes. Deep tone, spacey atmosphere and surprisingly pleasant clean vocals make this one of the most organic and impressive sounding Djent-affairs on the market. Called it "Progressive" instead of "Djent" if it irks you.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, jupitreas, Introspekrieg, X-Ray Rod

When the year is good, awesome releases of little bands often get overlooked. But the Prog Police has deemed this worthy. Enjoy.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: GT, Dane Train

Piet Sielck's Iron Savior returns after four years with The Landing. In great form, this band always deliver some of the heaviest and catchiest power metal around.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, Susan, Milena

Steady as she goes...

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: KwonVerge, Ag Fox, Milena, X-Ray Rod

Grindcore isn't really my thing, but for whatever reason the 27 tracks in 27 minutes catchy blast plastered a smile on face. This album won't be on "repeat repeatedly", but paired with a mug of coffee it is a nice adrenaline spike to get me going in the morning. Haters be hatin' Hater, but not me.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: White Winter Sun

Inner Monster Out has it all: heaviness; catchy melodies; non-cheesy vocals; boundless energy; badassitude; everything. Do you remember how great it felt to experience a truly amazing new power metal album? Let Shadowside remind you.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Jason W., Ag Fox, GT, Milena

Ok folks, shit just got real.

If Santa only brings your sorry ass one thing this year, pray it's The Fallen Divine's The Binding Cycle. It's a ferocious, yet melodic album that is appealing on so many levels.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy

5.7 minutes of total ear demolition.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: X-Ray Rod, Troy Killjoy, Doc G.

Melancholic & reflective, Weeping Silence's latest has us peering into a rain-soaked window of a forgotten cathedral, only to find a lush scene of classy atmospheric, doom & gothic metal within. Rich with warm female vocals, well-timed choir passages, and numerous memorable guitar melodies & contemplative instrumental sections, "Theatre Of Life" is a rewarding release of poetic sadness & reflection.

Staff pick by: