August was another excellent month for heavy metal releases. It was also a busy month for me, as I reviewed over 40 new CDs this month. 3 CDs received 4.5 out of 5 stars, and a bunch got 4 stars. After careful thought and consideration, here are the CDs I believe are the best released in August of 2006.
Disagree with my choices? Post your Top 5 in the comments section here!
1. Lamb Of God - Sacrament (Epic)
This is a CD that starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the end. The dual guitar attack of Mark Morton and Will Adler shreds and solos their way around the rock solid and very underrated drumming of Chris Adler. There are some very memorable and catchy songs, including "Redneck," which seems destined to be a crowd favorite at Lamb Of God concerts.Read the full Lamb Of God CD review.
2. Intronaut - Void (Goodfellow)
Intronaut's unique sound blends the brutal and the experimental. At times the songs are doomy death metal with harsh vocals. Then all of a sudden there will be an instrumental break that's progressive and almost jazzy sounding. Then the brutality begins again.Read the full Intronaut CD review.
3. Mercenary - The Hours That Remain (Century Media)
This carries forward the style Mercenary evolved into on the last album while breaking new ground. The songs are lengthy, with only one clocking in at under five minutes. They combine the complexity of progressive metal and the soaring melody of power metal with the speed and aggression of thrash.Read the full Mercenary CD review.
4. Deicide - The Stench Of Redemption (Earache)
It's as angry and brutal as ever, and the new guitarists breathe new life into Deicide's approach. You might not even notice because of all the blast beats and breakneck riffing, but there are some actual melodies here. They have added a subtle layer of complexity to the band's brutal arsenal, which makes the songs that much more powerful.Read the full Deicide CD review.
5. Slayer - Christ Illusion (American)
From the first note of "Flesh Storm" it's crystal clear Slayer has not mellowed with age. All of the anger and aggression you've come to expect is there in spades. The return of drummer Dave Lombardo gives the songs an additional blast of adrenaline. His skill simply makes the whole band better.Read the full Slayer CD review.
