It took me a few listens to let this album fully sink in, but Arkona wisely drops their light-hearted, catchy hooks to bring us an album with a much better flow and sense of focus. That doesn't mean they aren't as dynamic, progressive-minded and aggressive as ever though. These Russian folk metal giants are still on top of their game.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: R'Vannith, D.T. Metal

I guess you could say that, on many accounts, I have been Court In the Act of headbanging to this album like a crazy person.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: R'Vannith, Daniell, Marcel Hubregtse, psykometal, wormdrink414, Introspekrieg

Rock-solid, high-energy, synth-driven progressive power metal that doesn't fuck around. No heel-dragging ballads and the synthesizer doesn't sound like an afterthought, but is an integral part of the music? On a power metal album? Well, slap my ass and call me babycakes! Sign me up for another listen!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: R'Vannith, Susan, psykometal, Promonex

Iron Maiden's new album is pretty sweet, guys.

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

What is it? FOLKING BRILLIANT, that's what. Much more comparable to Serdca K Nebu than their last effort, which is a good thing to my ears. So much variety packed into each song without sounding messy or forced. Every song (minus the interludes) is like a little baby epic.

And just so you cats know, since I don't speak a lick of any Slavic languages, I sometimes pretend that the female singer is chanting about eating pizza for bonus-fun-time-points. You know... FYI.

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Pretty sure all you cats need to put away Opeth's latest attempt at recapturing the spirit of classic progressive rock and give Pain of Salvation's latest a spin or two. Expect plenty of bluesy grooves, catchy harmonized melodies, and a vocal performance by Daniel Gildenlöw that will tear out your heart strings with no remorse.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: BloodTears, Nefarious, Ivor, Daniell, Milena

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

I wouldn't recommend this addictive album to just anyone, but if you can stomach the EXTREME candy-coated pop sensibilities of this kind of music then give ε Psilon a go. There are some absolutely killer tracks on this album just begging for you to dance around your house/apartment/Heavy Metal Castle like a complete loser to. FUN. FUN. FUN.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: KwonVerge, X-Ray Rod

Oh boy. Another surprise hit this year. It may not be the most original music ever, but each track on this album packs a punch with tons of feeling and atmosphere. So next time your girlfriend/boyfriend or friends come over for some maximum chillage, put your Zeppelin albums away for a night and put Hisingen Blues in your sound system. Let Graveyard help you relax and then make some drinks, make some friends, make some memories, and maybe (if you're lucky) make a little bit of love tonight.

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

Shit got crazy, and I got scared.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Introspekrieg, Darkside Momo, Doc G., Ag Fox, Nefarious, BloodTears, X-Ray Rod, KwonVerge, Promonex

I don't really understand why some people are disappointed with this release. Sure, it's a little less aggressive than their previous albums, but I think this (with the help of a stronger focus of symphonic elements in the song writing) gives their music a more whimsical movie/classic RPG soundtrack feel. I mean, if "End Of An Empire" doesn't make you wanna fight (and die) for the glory of your homeland and ancestors, then you may as well drop your mighty battleaxe and banish yourself from the Kingdom of Metal. So sit back, relax, and let Turisas take you on little imaginary adventures with each epic track on Stand Up and Fight!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Susan, KwonVerge, GT

If over the last four years, you somehow managed to miss this fun little trip to a macabre fairy tale about the twisted circus of your dreams... I don't actually know what to tell you besides that you've failed me as a friend. This album is a catchy ice metal sundae made up of a delicious blend of dark cabaret music, Oingo Boingo, Mr. Bungle, nuts and chocolate syrup, all topped off with a lightly flavored black/thrash metal cherry. Take your time. Enjoy it... but you should probably finish it before they (hopefully) dish out their new album this year.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Doc G., jupitreas, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod, Darkside Momo