Epica – Aspiral
Epica’s Aspiral dives into transformation and unity with epic scope, rich vocals, and heavy symphonic power. It marks a bold shift, ending with a ballad and expanding the A New Age Dawns saga with three sweeping new chapters.
The Darkness – Dreams On Toast
Dreams On Toast encapsulates The Darkness’s ability to blend humor, introspection, and diverse musical influences into a cohesive and entertaining package. While it may not chart new territory, the album delivers what fans have come to expect: a rollicking good time with a wink and a nod.
Arch Enemy – Blood Dynasty
Blood Dynasty finds Arch Enemy balancing brutality with melody, weaving blistering riffs, dark tones, and Alissa White-Gluz’s dynamic vocals. From the ferocious “Dream Stealer” to the haunting “Illuminate the Path,” it’s a bold evolution that stays true to their metal roots.
Pop Evil – What Remains
Pop Evil’s What Remains ups the intensity with heavier riffs and raw emotion. From the anthemic “When Bullets Miss” to the eerie “Deathwalk,” it blends hard rock grit with sharp hooks. Familiar yet fierce, it proves the band’s staying power.
Dorothy- The Way
Dorothy’s The Way roars to life with powerhouse vocals and fearless energy. From the soaring I Come Alive to the gritty Tombstone Town with Slash, it’s a bold, hook-heavy ride. Polished yet raw, it proves Dorothy doesn’t need to reinvent rock to own it.
Spiritbox – Tsunami Sea
Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea crashes in with bold genre-blending and Courtney LaPlante’s dynamic vocals. From crushing riffs to eerie melodies, it’s a storm of sound. Experimental yet powerful, it cements their place as fearless metal innovators.
Architects – The Sky, the Earth & All Between
Architects’ The Sky, The Earth & All Between blends crushing riffs with melodic depth, tackling themes of resilience and introspection. It’s a bold, mature leap forward—ferocious yet reflective, proving evolution doesn’t mean losing your edge.
Killswitch Engage – This Consequence
This Consequence reaffirms Killswitch Engage’s position in the metalcore genre. While it may not break new ground, the album delivers what fans have come to expect: a solid mix of heaviness and melody that continues to define their sound.
Lacuna Coil – Sleepless Empire
Sleepless Empire reaffirms Lacuna Coil’s position in the gothic metal genre. The album balances innovation with the band’s signature sound, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a rich auditory experience.
Dream Theater – Parasomnia
Dream Theater’s Parasomnia dives into the shadows of the mind, blending prog-metal precision with raw emotion. Portnoy’s return fuels a haunting, exhilarating journey through sleep, fear, and illusion—an album both intricate and intensely human.