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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Spelljammer was featured in our Clandestine Cuts in 2012 and now they're all grown up and signed. Check out their debut full-length Ancient Of Days for its fuzzy, spacey, heavy, stonery, doomy goodness.

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Endorsed by: BloodTears

Ancient Bards remains one of the most incredible and unique power metal bands. Strangely underrated, their sheer energy is a force of nature. With powerful vocals, soaring guitars, and punishing drums, they manage to be symphonic and "balls out" at the same time. Their 3rd album is darker than ever.

Listen

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Morost plays the grooviest, yet most beautiful death metal in Slovenia, or just about anywhere else on Earth.

Excellent vocals, a thundering bass, dynamic guitars, and blast beats in all the right places.

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Instrumental djent/progressive metal from Australia. Epic symphonic leanings.

Guaranteed to melt your face.

Listen.

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Endorsed by: !J.O.O.E.!, X-Ray Rod, wormdrink414, GT, Darkside Momo, BloodTears

If you liked anything about DSO's previous 2 albums, or you're curious what all the fuss is about, then don't miss the opportunity to bask in their 3rd offering. They've tripled the energy, intensity, and crazy fun. No world music is safe from this insane band.

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Endorsed by: Darkside Momo, Introspekrieg, wrathchild, !J.O.O.E.!, X-Ray Rod, Fat & Sassy!, wormdrink414, Ag Fox, White Winter Sun, psykometal

This album is one of the most seamless blends of genres you've heard in a while. It's melodic, no wait, it's extreme! It's prog, but it's black metal, but then it's not black metal. One thing that steals the show is the clean vocals. Trust me on this one, this dude has one of the most soaring male voices in metal today, or any day.

Get it here.

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Endorsed by: Milena, Fat & Sassy!, Troy Killjoy, GT, Ag Fox, BloodTears, Promonex, psykometal

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.

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

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.

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

Enjoy these grooves, melodies, and damn solid songwriting. November-7 is all about high quality and Season 3 has the production and mix, songwriting, and performance that puts them well on par with their more famous counterparts... but with the added bonus of breathing some fiery new life to the genre.

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Endorsed by: Ag Fox

Groovy, gritty, alt-prog album you'll be spinning long after your "Best of 2010" list is forgotten. It'll remind you a bit of classic Tool, but Klone has crafted their very own mesmerizing world of darkness... Black Days are ahead indeed.

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Endorsed by: Jeff, Dane Train, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod