Needle Play – Death by Dying

Boston’s Needle Play claim to play “math fusion” and “jazzcore”, and they do not lie! Their sophomore release, Death by Dying—and its instrumental version, Death by Detail—proves it once again. Variable geometry riffs clash with very few things that could be labelled “jazz”, safe the occasional clean section and usual complex harmonies. Great album for angry dying.

Otis Sandsjö – Y-Otis 2 (We Jazz)

OK, the album artwork and title might be detrimental to its first impression, but it’s all going to go out of the window once you hit play. Swedish … Read more

Aal – The Only Path

Lithuania’s Aal is bringing good old-school progressive death metal to the table. With the debut album The Only Path, the band conjures up sounds of Cynic, Exist, and even some Death! It’s definitely a strong contender for best prog death of the year, so don’t sleep on it!

Джена [Džena / Gena] – Чур меня [Čur menja] (Фузз и Дружжба [Fuzz i Družžba])

Чур меня (Čur menja) is Russian atmospheric post-metal trio Джена (Džena)—romanized as Gena—at their best. Though not an old band, Gena really have their vision and their … Read more

Xythlia – Immortality through Quantum Suicide (I, Voidhanger)

Another great addition to the I, Voidhanger catalogue, the upcoming album from one-man band Xythlia is a twenty-four-minute conceptual journey of experimental technical deathgrind held by tight songwriting and frantic lyrics that go along with the sheer insanity of its sound. Fans of extreme metal music, definitely check this one out!

Zombieshark! – I Will Destroy You, Myself, and Everything I’ve Ever Loved

Do you miss the old days when cybergrind and nintendocore were blooming on pages like Myspace? Philadelphia’s Zombieshark! has you covered; if you don’t, give them a chance anyway! … Read more

Prudent Primate – Aphelion

It’s not the first Prudent Primate album I find myself enjoying, although it’s my first time writing about them here. Aphelion is Bristol’s nu jazz quartet’s latest offering, and it’s also their finest! From their debut 2018 album through their 2019 EP, the band has honed its sound and sharpened their own grasp of what exactly works right for them, giving way to a considerable album with zero filler content; only good vibes and amazing musicianship.

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Grex – Everything You Said Was Wrong (Geomancy)

Grex is a project of guitarist and composer Karl Evangelista, who recently released another outstanding record on Astral Spirits. I want to talk about this one, though, out via Geomancy Records. Everything You Said Was Wrong walks the line between hip-hop and experimental rock in a truly unique fashion, often straying into jazz territory as well. Filled with noise and effect pedals, odd rhythms alongside more traditional ones, and with a general sense for unsettling themes and harmonies, the album overflows with creativity and its character is unlike anything else. A remarkable … Read more