Rating: 3.5/5
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It feels incongruous to write in flowery terms about what is allegedly their “fun” album, the one with the least pretense. So let me say this once again, as simply as possible: Mastodon is, more or less, a 21st-century American Voivod.

Rating: 3/5
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Listen, it’s great that the band (literally) regrouped for this album; I admire their perseverance. But seriously, dudes, I have another old adage for you: sometimes less is more. Shorten the songs, have fewer of them, and pour your soul into no more than one tender tune per album. My focus is scattered more than ever before, and plenty of other bands are capably competing for attention.

Rating: 4.5/5
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While the most Strapping-esque release in the Devin Townsend Project’s four-album series, Deconstruction is a deranged mess (I mean this in a very, very good way) which should be distanced from everything Devin has previously done. If this album doesn’t prove to you that metal is one of the most ductile genres — that is, when in the right hands, and Townsend’s hands are certainly “right” — then I have no idea what will.

Rating: 4/5
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Reckoner thrashes, it froths, and it gallivants across your speakers with purpose. Perhaps a bit prog metal standard at times, but for a first album it sets a strong precedent.

Rating: 2/5
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Mind Over Metal Limerick 15

Rating: 4/5
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On “Valley of Smoke”, Intronaut expand upon the sound they introduced on “Void” and honed meticulously on “Prehistoricsms”. They are a band to watch, and if you enjoy Baroness, Mastodon and Isis, you should also check out Intronaut.

Rating: 4/5
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I’m just relieved to hear this band moving in a direction that feels more purposeful; still experimental, but making better choices for their grander vision.

Rating: 5/5
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There isn’t a dud here, and as a matter of fact, “Opeth in Live Concert at The Royal Albert Hall” is one of the finest live documents I have ever heard.

Rating: 3.5/5 …

I feel that this was a difficult album to listen to and my reasoning has to do with the drop off in folk and doom influence and the over-emphasis on organ. It might be wise for Hammers Of Misfortune to consider touching more on their roots, and find the common ground that best incorporates all of their influences into a whole.

Rating: 4/5 …

This is the re-release of “The Locust Years”, the third album by Hammers Of Misfortune. Originally released in 2006, this album marked the departure of Mike Scalzi and the return of Chewy on drums. Their overall sound evolved yet again on this album, introducing a more progressive sound while toning down the folk elements.