April was a busy month, with the most CDs reviewed so far this year. I don't know if I was really selective or if the CDs weren't as strong, but there was only 1 CD that received 4.5 out of 5 stars. There were a bunch that got 4 out of 5, so the rest of the top five was difficult to choose. Here's my list of the best metal CDs released in April, 2007.
1. Dark Tranquillity - Fiction (Century Media)
Fiction has a lot of diversity and the perfect balance of melody and brutality. The songs are extremely well written with very catchy hooks and great riffs. The keyboards add extra atmosphere without being too obtrusive. Dark Tranquillity has infused a lot of variety into this album, with tracks ranging from fast thrash metal to medium tempo death metal to slower, almost gothic metal.Read the complete Dark Tranquillity review.
2. Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao (Season Of Mist)
The 2007 version of Mayhem is as grim as ever, and Ordo Ad Chao is an outstanding black metal album. The production is sparse and low-fi,with a lot of treble and not much bass. The songs are evil and disturbing in true Mayhem fashion, and once your ears adjust to the production style it's even better.Read the complete Mayhem review.
3. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli (Nuclear Blast)
The songs on the album are orchestral and melodic, but still plenty of punch and darkness. There are some really catchy riffs and a dark symphonic atmosphere. Hellhammer (Mayhem) returns on drums for this album, and his powerful style is ideal for Dimmu Borgir. Shagrath's vocals are a combination of throaty rasps and lower pitched growls, and his performance is solid.Read the complete Dimmu Borgir review.
4. Hacride - Amoeba (Listenable)
Hacride has a distinct style. They combine technical riffs with creativity to create songs that are sometimes crushing and traditional, other times mellow and off-kilter. You'll hear influences of everyone from Meshuggah to Strapping Young Lad to Opeth.Read the complete Hacride review.
5. Finntroll - Ur Jordens Djup (Century Media)
The album is a little darker and heavier than some of their past releases, and combines intense heavy metal with Finnish polkas called "humppa." Finntroll moves easily between ominous, driving black metal and lighter, upbeat folk/polka. It's an interesting juxtaposition to hear acoustic and traditional instruments alongside aggressive, slashing guitars.Read the complete Finntroll review.
