1. Asphyx - 'Death...The Brutal Way' (Ibex Moon)
Ibex Moon Records
Death…The Brutal Way offers very little by way of surprises. A simple, old school, fuzzed-out sound—reminiscent of the classic Sunlight Studios era—encases the unyielding and unforgiving onslaught of riffs that are sewn together with great care. Tempos range from the “Children of the Grave”-like doom crawl of “The Herald” to the title track’s fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants thrash drive.
What is surprising, however, is the fiery passion and energy with which they perform (as evidenced by both this release and their unforgettable set at this year’s Maryland Deathfest). It’s to the extent that bands half their age should be ashamed.
2. Behemoth - 'Evangelion' (Metal Blade)
Metal Blade Records
While Evangelion is not a revolutionary step forward, a few surprises abound, and age has not dampened Behemoth’s blind rage. The music supporting this dark imagery is stripped-down and explosive. “Transmigrating Beyond Realms Ov Amenti” and “Defiling Morality Ov Black God” tear a hole through the listener’s jugular, sounding similar to the band’s previous material, yet doesn’t feel stale or repetitive.
The bits of orchestration and progressive elements that Behemoth began to utilize on The Apostasy are expanded upon on several tracks. A sitar closes out “Shemhamforash,” while the horns and acoustic guitar on opener “Daimonos” acts as a stirring introduction to the album. The biggest surprise is with the eight-minute closer “Lucifer.”3. Burnt By The Sun - 'Heart Of Darkness' (Relapse)
Relapse Records
Heart Of Darkness is an intense metallic hardcore album, the kind of release that shows the potential of a genre that’s much-criticized. “Inner Station” kicks off the proceedings with explosive riffs, pummeling drums and a catchy groove. Things intensify with “Cardiff Giant,” an angry shot to the solar plexus.
Burnt By The Sun writes songs that are dense and heavy, but with sufficient melody. This style of music has the potential for monotony, but they mostly avoid that with various tempos and changes of pace like a black metal vibe on “There Will Be Blood.” Mike Olender’s hardcore style vocals convey a sense of hostility and anger, but he varies it from measured menace to unadulterated rage.4. Municipal Waste - 'Massive Aggressive' (Earache)
Earache Records
Municipal Waste has been known as a “party thrash band,” but this CD is more mature lyrically and more focused musically. The songs are still short and sweet, with most clocking in at two minutes or so, but on Massive Aggressive the riffs are sharper, the choruses catchier, and not a second is wasted as they blend thrash with hardcore and punk.
In thrash metal guitars are paramount, and Ryan Waste comes through with an excellent performance. On songs like “Shredded Offering” his skills are on full display. This type of music isn’t that diverse, but Municipal Waste does change things up a bit. Some songs are more in the thrash vein, while others have more gang vocals and a hardcore punk vibe.5. Tenet - 'Sovereign' (Century Media)
Century Media Records
Alongside his SYL bandmates Byron Stroud (bass) and Gene Hoglan (drums), guitarist Jed Simon has enlisted the talents of Forbidden guitarist Glen Alvelais and Exodus’ Steve "Zetro" Souza to assist in his vision, with stellar results. The addition of Alvelais and Souza seems and sounds like a perfect fit from the first note of Sovereign.
For one thing, Souza delivers what has to be the most vicious, urgent performance of his storied career; his venomous snarl simply has to be heard to be believed. Elsewhere, Alvelais’ penchant for left field melody melds perfectly with Simon and Stroud’s merciless, mechanical riff onslaught, anchored by Hoglan’s equally punishing work behind the kit.