Having never heard any of this Taiwanese band's previous releases, I kinda figured that the oriental folk elements of the album were going to be obnoxiously forced into the music. But alas, these elements are tastefully blended in with the metal on this album and make for yet another solid release this year that will probably swoop under everyone's radar. Anyone interested in melodic black metal or folk metal should definitely check this puppy out.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Introspekrieg, Ag Fox, KwonVerge, Promonex, wormdrink414, ScreamingSteelUS

This album provides the kind of meal I like. It's got fruit bowls full of hardcore candy with a few plates of meat n potatah thrash. Consider SSS's sense of humor the pitcher of beer on the side.

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

Here's something totally awesome for you. MOAR GRIME.

Seriously, this frantic hardcore/grindcore crust-punk album is a shit-stomping fantasy. Includes bonus Entombed-like production values!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Thryce, Marcel Hubregtse, X-Ray Rod, wormdrink414, White Winter Sun

HxC recommendations for metalheads #2: this is what metallic hardcore (aka "real" metalcore) is all about. Some will say this blast of an album will knock your brains out, others will call it porn for the blind. Enough reason you ought to check this one out.

Staff pick by:

2009 was awesome. Everyone knows it. No need for reminders. But you really do need to be reminded that this too came out in that holiest of years. And it has Wino and Jean-Paul Gaster. Working together. Making sweet, sweet music. And it kills.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Dane Train

HxC recommendations for metalheads #1: prolly one of the BEST hardcore releases of the past decade! Telling you, TUI are the current dominators in the genre. Not even kidding around this time.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Doc G.

Makes an ideal soundtrack for any or all of the following:
A) Thrashing the fuck out.
B) Breaking things.
C) Ruining people's shit.
D) Being an all-around beast.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Fat & Sassy!, wormdrink414, BitterCOld, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod, White Winter Sun

Need a quality melodic metal fix? Get this aptly titled album in your cd player right away and listen as Pagan's Mind puts to shame most recent releases in this genre. The band's high energy and immense skill has these beautiful harmonies and killer melodies under your skin in a hot second.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, Introspekrieg, GT, Fat & Sassy!, Milena, Darkside Momo

2009 was ages ago. Consider this a reminder that this album still exists and that it's still good.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, Marcel Hubregtse, !J.O.O.E.!, X-Ray Rod

Imagine Mastodon that's decided to become catchier, groovier with a healthy dose of electronica. Mose Giganticus can make you shit flowers in your yard. Consider your diligent prayers for something original have been answered.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Marcel Hubregtse, wormdrink414, Fat & Sassy!, BloodTears

Easily one of the most schizophrenic/most br00tal/best "core" releases of the past year. If this doesn't blast your shit make you pick flowers in the yard, I'm afraid nothing will...

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox

In their follow-up to Skylon Express the lizardmen of Sleestak have let loose an engulfing and bewildering blend that mixes stoner doom with all sorts of various space-prog rock elements. Crushing doom riffs are followed by prolonged mellow sections that have you experiencing flashbacks... even if you never dropped acid.

These creepy hissing folks are a hell of a lot better writing songs than shooting their tiny little crossbows...

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Marcel Hubregtse, wormdrink414, X-Ray Rod, Nefarious

I usually try to pick less known stuff, but this time it has to be Symphony X. Iconoclast is utterly brilliant. It's the most brilliant release I've heard in 3 years. It's also the best-produced fucking brilliant metal album in history. Oh, did I mention that it's brilliant?

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Introspekrieg, White Winter Sun, Ag Fox, BloodTears, Darkside Momo, Milena

Conceal fanboyism? Fuck that. Clutch? I love 'em. So it's a source of pain to me that this album only has 6 votes here. Yeah it's a collection of previously unreleased tracks, and those things are normally for fans only, but these are Clutch scraps. They're just as chunky and groovy and the lyrics are just as surreal as you'd expect and they're definitely not for fans only. So get to it.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: BitterCOld, Marcel Hubregtse, Introspekrieg

Mix the madness of Infinity with the whole stupid craziness of Ziltoïd, and Strapping Young Lad's multi-layered sonic aggression. Add an orchestra, and a bunch of the best extreme vocalists around.

And serve with a cheeseburger!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Fat & Sassy!, Introspekrieg, Promonex, ScreamingSteelUS