1. Lamb Of God - 'Wrath' (Epic)
Epic Records
Lamb Of God has become one of the biggest bands in metal today, and Wrath will only propel them higher. They are a well oiled machine at this point with an instantly recognizable sound, and this CD both focuses and expands their musical vision.
Writing great riffs has always been a strength for Lamb Of God, and there's an ample supply here. Willie Adler and Mark Morton also get a chance to solo, but not as often as in the past. The songs on Wrath are punishing and heavy, but also packed with groove and melody. There are a few standout songs on the album, starting with "Grace." Its acoustic intro gives way to pummeling drums and angry vocals. It's one of the catchiest songs on the CD, and has some of the best musicianship as well.
2. Napalm Death - 'Time Waits For No Slave' (Century Media)
Century Media Records
This is an album that will stand with Napalm Death's career highlights. There's so much going on in these songs that the album transcends the grindcore label. Barney Greenway's screams are as vitriolic as ever; Mitch Harris and Shane Embury continue to mine influences from outside metal to sharpen their sound and drummer Danny Herrera offers a performance just short of outright barbarism.
Time Waits For No Slave is as acidic and relentless as any of their recent albums, yet infused with new sounds. Napalm Death is one of the few bands able to own a certain style and yet do something completely different on each album. Bristling tracks like "Diktat," and "Work to Rule," show how a band can sound both familiar and fresh
3. Cannibal Corpse - 'Evisceration Plague' (Metal Blade)
Metal Blade Records
Cannibal Corpse has perfected their style of songwriting, and it is a very recognizable sound. Still, the band changes things up from time to time. Periodically slowing down the tempo and other subtle elements give Evisceration Plague diversity.
Hate Eternal's Erik Rutan produces for the second CD in a row, and his experience as a death metal musician and his expertise behind the console is the perfect combination for Cannibal Corpse. The band hasn't abandoned its gory song titles, either. "Beheaded And Burning," "Shatter Their Bones" and "Skewered From Ear To Eye" and the usual shocking cover art show Cannibal Corpse haven't lost their edge.
4. Absu - 'Absu' (Candlelight)
Candlelight Records
Absu is a welcome return. It's a dark trip through what frontman Proscriptor calls "mythological occult metal." Absu mixes in thrash with their black metal, a combination that's both groovy and ominous. Synths add plenty of atmosphere, usually in a subtle fashion, but not always. "Of The Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are The Attendance Of Familiar Spirits" includes a '70s psychedelic synthesizer section that immediately grabs your attention because of its contrast to the rest of the song (and album).
"Those Of The Void Will Re-Enter" also has a mellow keyboard based interlude in the middle, but it flows a little more smoothly. "Amy" is another standout with its thrashy minute long intro flowing into a brutal but catchy song.
5. Luna Mortis - 'The Absence' (Century Media)
Century Media Records
Luna Mortis' debut CD The Absence brings a lot of different styles to the table. There are progressive elements to their sound, in the vein of groups like Dream Theater. They also bring a heavier, more epic sound with lots of dual guitar shredding.
You'll also hear Luna Mortis compared to Arch Enemy because of Mary Zimmer's vocals. She's classically trained and isn't an operatic soprano, but more of an alto with a great voice. She alternates singing with death metal screaming, hence the Angela Gossow comparisons. She's equally adept at both styles, and they are split pretty evenly throughout each song. Her versatility gives Luna Mortis a powerful weapon that's difficult to duplicate.
