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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

My Morning Jacket

Circuital
ATO (2011)

My Morning Jacket’s latest release titled Circuital, especially because of the first single “Holdin on to Black Metal,” has been called something of a long departure from their previous album, but Jim James and company remain consistent where it counts: in making great, rounded, listenable records. Circuital is chock-full of repetitious, exhaustive lyrics and chord progressions, but it more than makes up for it in the tiny surprising details and sheer earnest song writing. This album’s redeeming qualities will keep you around until the end of the last track and left wanting to revisit. Circuital will make a great road album just as well as a sit-alone-in-bed-and-get-lost album, and if you’re like me at all, spending all of your time on your way to and from work or sitting at home contemplating your place in the universe, James’ clear as dishwater storytelling and great sense of humor will carry you through to the next day and put you in a great mood.“Victory Dance,” the five-minute intro to the album, is a slow-build indication of what is to follow: pulsing, catchy, weird, sprinkled with a few well-placed guitar solos and choral “whoas” playing in the distant background. The result is a … Read more

Kingdom

Threads
Dead Truth (2011)

In a time where the only things that garner a hardcore band’s attention is how heavy they are, it’s hard … Read more

Janelle Monáe

The ArchAndroid
Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy (2010)

When music historians look back on the first decade of the 21st century, they'll no doubt highlight the dazzling array … Read more

Amateur Party

Truncheons in the Manor
Rorshach (2011)

There are a lot of names that could be dropped when talking about Amateur Party—in fact, I did so when … Read more

Mauser

End Of The Line
Vinyl Rites (2011)

While eventually churning out some less than desirable material late in their career, there is no arguing the impact early … Read more

Altar Of Plagues

Mammal
Profound Lore (2011)

Ireland's Altar of Plagues play a style of black metal so atmospheric in nature, that you can't help but be … Read more

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One from the archives

Leprous

Coal
Inside Out (2013)

Leprous have an odd claim to fame—they serve as the live backing for fellow Norwegian metalhead Ihsahn (who, in turn, is known for his time as the vocalist for Emperor). But as their own band with a modest discography under their belts, Leprous play a much more subdued, near-rock version of progressive metal, and the stylistic difference is readily recognizable on their 2013 release, Coal.If there's anything that makes Leprous stand out above their peers, it's the vocal work. Between the incredibly sweet-sounding lead vocals and choral sections reminiscent of Spock's Beard, it's hard not to stand impressed. The vocals move anywhere between Devin Townsend-esque melodic screaming and soft, understated melodicism à la Maynard James Keenan (and that's not even counting the places where their buddy Ihsahn steps in). Despite … Read more

More album reviews

Gangpol & Mit

The 1000 Softcore Tourist People Club
Ipecac (2011)

It’s a great thing when bands can mesh cartoon visuals with their music. It in turn enhances the listening experience, and Gangpol & Mit’s, The 1000 Softcore Tourist People Club, is quite the listening experience. This French duo created these characters that manage to represent their synth-pop music perfectly. Although it’s mostly synthetic, you somehow feel like you’re listening to … Read more

August Burns Red

Leveler
Solid State (2011)

August Burns Red have become the face of American metal over the last few years with their unique brand of metalcore, but Leveler is poised to redefine the genre all together. Tactically bending genres with ease, they’ve crafted a truly ambitious album of unparalleled diversity and precision.Constellations, ABR’s last release, had shown a tremendous amount of growth with a more … Read more

Isis

Live.04
Independent (2011)

A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more

Integrity

Thee Destroy+orr
Holy Terror (2011)

Yes, please peel my face off with the punishing blackened hardcore (that only Integrity can provide), please because life might be too comfortable otherwise! A new record from Integrity is both unexpected and completely welcome; so, having Detonate VVorld’s Plague (and the compilation CD that includes Detonate VVorld’s Plague as well as a collection of compilation, singles, and split release … Read more

The United Sons of Toil

Until Lions Have Their Historians, Tales of the Hunt Shall Always Glorify the Hunter
Flannel Jammies Music/Sector Five (2008)

 The United Sons of Toil probably won’t ever receive the distinguished honor of a 7.1 rating from Pitchfork, but anyone who has seen them live will tell you all you need to know. These guys are something to see. The ’Sons sound like a more aggressive Unwound, giving a sort of mathy post-punk vibe with some hints of chaos thanks … Read more

Deafheaven

Roads To Judah
Deathwish Inc. (2011)

When I initially read about San Francisco’s Deafheaven, I didn’t expect to be surprised by their recordings. Anytime I see the “black metal” label, even when citing a slight influence on a band, I instantly believe that the label is misused and have no interest in checking the band out. Unfortunately I am guilty of this with Deafheaven, and their … Read more

Death Cab For Cutie

Codes And Keys
Atlantic (2011)

With a prolific band like Bellingham, Washington’s Death Cab for Cutie, (Codes and Keys being their seventh studio album release), it’s impossible for fans not to speculate how their newest album is going to sound. “Maybe it’ll sound like Transcendentalism with some Postal Service influence!” “Maybe it’ll be like Narrow Stairs... but better!” “What The Open Door EP started, Codes … Read more

Isis

Live.03
Independent (2011)

A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more

Pygmy Lush

Old Friends
Lovitt (2011)

Pygmylush have certainly put their time in their scene their ex members list is extensive and well documented. Knowledge of their past endeavors would do little to really prepare one for what you will get upon listening to their music. Know for playing a mix of thrashing punk and hardcore not dissimilar to some of their past bands coupled with … Read more

200 Words Or Less

The Reptilian

Full Health
Count Your Lucky Stars (2010)

The Reptilian come with little to no notice. The Michigan band has been around for almost 4 years now with only a handful of releases. Taking a page from the older school of angular screamo similar to current bands such as Touche Amore and La Dispute. Focusing more on feeling than just sounding "nice". The four piece keep each song … Read more

Arctic Monkeys

Suck It And See
Domino (2011)

Alex Turner has a captivating way of churning seemingly simple rock tunes into lyrically fueled fits of manic moods, lost lovers and “syncing hearts.” The 25-year-old front man of the British based quartet, Arctic Monkeys, is at the top of his songwriting game on this full-length album, Suck It and See. The Arctic Monkeys return with their witty blend of … Read more

Amateur Party

Public Utility Complaint
Paramnesia (2009)

Man, what a nice looking record. The sleeve includes an actual photograph for the cover, with a dozen or so variations that you can get, and the liner notes come as a stapled booklet with information on a Pennsylvania law regarding when gas companies can turn off the heat. It’s a solid mix of handmade art and political statement. Add … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Withdrawal

Faith, Flesh, And Blood
A389 (2011)

Withdrawal is possibly carrying metallic hardcore standards for all of Canada. As it becomes harder to note a truly interesting band of this style in general let alone from their corner of the world. The band managed to turn heads a couple years ago with their last EP Unknown Misery even managing to get rave reviews from this site. In … Read more

The Dwarves

Born Again
Greedy (2011)

Back in the pre-internet era I came across a blurb in some metal magazine I read in my adolescent years—I’m guessing it was Rip. In that blurb it mentioned a “real punk” band called the Dwarves, who had just been kicked off the trendy Sub Pop for feigning the death of one of their members. I was intrigued, and I … Read more

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