haven't had a computer, nor internet in so god damn long, but have still by way of my ipod and other people's computers managed to stay up on releases of this year.

first off, a few of my favorites for this year, most of these albums have brought something completely new to the table, something that makes the quest to find bands doing something new all worth the while.

After the Burial - Forging a Future Self
Technical Metalcore
This is the first CD I'd heard from this incredible band this year, initially dismissing them as Meshuggah wannabes, as they use 7 string guitars and the album starts off with "chugs", but upon a full listen I discovered a incredibly fresh sound, with equal parts skull crushingly heavy breakdown, and fresh, catchy leads. The guitars have a very distinct sound, which I can only describe as very well textured, and the vocals I personally love - are predominantly high with interspersed lows when appropriate. Basically these guys have a sound all their own, and if you're a fan of any kind of metal, I'd say it's a great idea to check them out.



The Crimson Armada- Guardians
Deathcore/Metalcore
Yet another band I discovered on a whim, a christian deathcore band that I initially turned my nose to, which I usually to do bands with a description as ridiculous as that; but yet again, upon a real listen I heard a band which hadn't reinvented the wheel, but nigh perfected it. With virtuosic technique tightly woven with smart, catchy songwriting. Yes, the lyrics are about god, but they're unintelligible most of the time, so I guess deal with it. Caught me completely off guard and impressed me a great deal, so you should prob check it out


Gorod - Process of a New Decline
Technical Death metal

Hahah... all I can say to this, really. It's so good I can't really articulate it properly. I've been following this band for about 5 years, and this cd is surely the culmination of their sheer technical dominance of every aspect of the fretboard. Almost as much jazz as it is death metal, this cd lives, breaths, ebbs and flows; not to fall victim to the mindless wankery that often beclouds the songwriting of their fellow tech death bands. One of the best to come out this year, possibly ever for it's genre. Get it now