Invest yourself in this sonic journey and the reward is guaranteed. Colin H. van Eeckhout (CHVE) creates a real experience that plays with psyche on very primordial levels. His music gets into your skin and doesn’t abandon you. – By Daniela Patrizi

‘Unavailing’ is a record that will take me a while to get over and leaves me with absolutely no doubt that this is the benchmark which all other heavy bands should aim for. All hail Bismuth. – By Fraser Samson

Lycus have set themselves on a path and transcended their previous work, ‘Chasms’ is an impressive record that will isolate, transport and destroy just as doom metal should. – By Sam Robinson

This is an incredibly dark record that engulfs and envelops, but there’s also beauty and comfort under the brutality and suffocation. Catharsis indeed. Highly recommended. – By Russell Emerson Hall

This album could have been varied a bit more in structure and could have cut down the length of some of the tracks. Despite these issues it is a good album that is worth listening to due to the strong folk elements that feature in the music. – By David Higgins

The grind comes thick and fast on both of these releases and shows that Herida Profunda have a lot to offer when it comes to face melting and eardrum splitting grind. – By Gavin Brown

Disarm:15 is a veritable buffet; a mixed grill in shape and character that leaves you happily sated yet heartily looking forward to the next instalment. By Phil Makepeace

This is a beautiful album; existing fans will find a great deal to enjoy here. For those who’ve yet to discover the joys of Soord’s ever-growing discography, in many ways this is the perfect place to start. Deceptively simple, emotionally rich, this album shows Soord at the peak of his powers. – By Dave Cooper

The Fifth Alliance deserve a huge audience. What they are doing for metal is bringing an extremity mixed with an approachability, which on the surface just doesn’t seem possible. You may need a few listens to appreciate the true power and beauty of what is on offer, but once you are caught in their trap, this band will haunt your dreams forever. Truly exceptional. – By Martyn Coppack

The band work through ten tunes that epitomise their drone/disco/psych punk dynamic. The whole album crackles along with dark energy. By Stuart Benjamin

With the exception of a few tracks, I guess my fears were justified. Not recommended. – By Russell Emerson Hall

Glasgow folk-pop band The Deadline Shakes have delivered a bright debut that showcases a multitude of influences across a largely upbeat collection of songs, all shaped by sharp lyrics and gorgeous sound. By Kevin Scott

Whilst many of the sonic wanderings Mike Vest lends his name to are perhaps an acquired taste – nigh on 10 minute long drone jams are not everybody’s cup of tea after all – ‘Temporary Infinity’ is one that may intimidate even the converted with its full blooded dark magic. The places he’ll lead you don’t come much more twisted, blackened and scorched than the ones contained within ‘Temporary Infinity’. – By Jamie Jones

This record is a gift that keeps on giving. ‘Blackstar’ underscores David Bowie’s musical genius and versatility. This is one of the most adventurous record you’ll probably hear this year. Utterly thought provoking and mesmerizing! – By Raymond Westland

‘Vejación de la Bestia​/​Fosa Común’ is not without its moments. The record is actually not bad for war metal fanatics like me. It’s just that Dunkelheit Produktionen has released far better records in 2015 by comparison. – By Al Necro

‘Dystopia’ is a fine return to form and it’s quite an improvement compared to ‘Thirteen’ and ‘Super Collider’. It’s a solid and thorough effort and a worthy addition to Megadeth’s back catalogue. – By Raymond Westland

New Dark Age feels like it may be functioning as both a place holder between full length albums and a statement of future musical intentions, especially with the title track. With two solid original compositions and the Floyd tribute that they’ve been building towards satisfyingly delivered it seems like Crippled Black Phoenix is at a transition point and if their track record is any indication wherever they go next it will be first rate. – By Michael B. Hayden

As low as the bass gets and as clattery as the drums get, it’s the peculiar sense of melody that really shines and brings the music to life. Let’s hope it’s not long before they make more music as at the moment four tracks is not quite enough. – By Martyn Coppack

Death metal fans should support good music regardless of where it’s from, and this band doesn’t beg to differ. Worth your attention, then your admiration, support this album. Then, turn your living room into the scene of a natural disaster. – By Al Necro

HAG refer to their sound as Eagle Metal – and on this, their début full length, their brand of sludgy High on Fire-esque metal comes tantalisingly close to sounding as awesome as that description suggests. – By Jamie Jones

This is a fantastic collection that works to beautifully illustrate the words of the classic Lovecraft tales; and is a delight to recommend. – By Helen Armfield