Each track on Anticult is as solid as the next, all killer no filler, and make up the Decapitated’s best record so far in their Mark III era.

‘The Island’ is a perfectly woven sonic tapestry. One that hangs high in a mythical world, telling a fabulously forbidden story.

The whole group work together so well to contribute their own unique parts that gel beautifully to create an original and fluid sound.

Finland’s Ghost World’s debut album is a reminder of how grunge felt before it got into the charts; loud, messy,raw and stripped to its heart. A glorious, and soulful debut.

The idea of bass sax virtuoso Colin Stetson forming a metal band with Liturgy’s Greg Fox is intriguing on paper – and surprisingly fun in practice. As Ex Eye they explore the possibilities of heaviness together, pushing each other to impressive heights.

Codices debut EP is exciting because it’s not easy, Illuminations plays with odd times, major keys and sharp transitions, almost what I would imagine if And So I Watched You From Afar didn’t go all in on the math side of things. 


Whilst this is an unusual release, it does tie together the disparate strands of the bands music and we can start to build a wider picture of them. For those who have succumbed to their charms this is an excellent if inconsequential (at times) release

The musicianship has matured and the crescendos and other Post Rock clichés are gone. They have now embraced their more Post Metal side seem so comfortable with it. All their efforts were put into this and the final result is one of the best instrumental albums of 2017.

Not only does it present a band to watch out for, it also instills pride and hope for UK DIY hardcore considering bands of this style are continuing to put out worthwhile material.

The dual quality of intimacy and spaciousness becomes a theme throughout Amerikana as it seeks ever more spiritual paths. It’s unusual to see a band strike such fervosity without becoming overtly religious.

From the moment the album begins, one instantly begins to understand that this is a work that is going to be very emotive, in all of the best ways.

Whilst the industry will no doubt dither and perhaps continue to moan the lack of decent rock bands in the UK, Hair Of The Dog have proved with ‘This World Turns’ that there is still life in the old “dog” yet.

An emphatically grievous and unapologetically merciless creation. The album is unquestionably dark, but it’s not without significant powerful melodies that are both enthralling and memorable.

Only a churl would criticise an album that comes with such a heartwarming tale and several of these songs will be accompanying me on my travels over the summer.

Suffocation is clearly a beloved institution. They’ve never released a truly bad album, and with ‘…Of The Dark Light’, they sound like they’re getting even better.