Pitch Black is further evidence that Meshuggah will continue to be leaders, not followers, in the world of extreme metal. The sheer musicianship contained on this two-track EP is enough to put most other modern metal bands to shame. Let’s just hope it’s an indication of what’s still to come from the innovative Swedes.

There has been a lot of recent hype surrounding what is basically a band of college kids writing about their own personal experiences with growing up. Absolutley justifying all the fuss, 'Sports' is a solid release that has taken the emo and pop punk markets by surprise and established Modern Basement as a band to watch intently in 2013.

 A powerful band demands a powerful album, right? 'Machine Fucking Head' captures the band's spirit. It's well-presented. Perhaps that is enough here?

This installment of the Making Moves series is one that may be best suited to diehard Motion City Soundtrack fans. While the band’s input contains high points in ‘Severance’ and ‘Pictures of Success’, ‘Major Leagues’ verges on mediocre. However, Motion City Soundtrack’s support of young talent and their dedication to this project shouldn’t be overlooked.

‘Gnosis’ is a fitting snapshot of a band that while young, have endured through difficulties. It’s still a bit of a roller coaster with prominent highs and clear lows, but it has its moments. Monuments just need to keep pushing forward and they’ll eventually get to their desired destination.

'The 2nd Law' takes many unexpected twists and turns, drawing on a greater variety of sounds than Muse are known for, but several blatant references to Queen and other eminent artists betray the fact that this is a pastiche. The album represents the band at the height of thematic transparency, with strong political, economic and environmental overtones, and while there are plenty of melodic references to previous songs that identity it as a Muse album, they sometimes go places that are cringe worthy at best. Muse shouldn't be a guilty pleasure, but with 'The 2nd Law', they have become just that.

Mara Jade have come out swinging with an EP that is relentless and rarely uninteresting. If they can uphold this intensity on a full length, there will be little that can stop them.

Minus The Bear are one of those bands who clearly make music to challenge and satisfy themselves with little regard for the listener. This may add to why they are so amazing, or just simply be the reason. Regardless, 'Infinity Overhead' is another brilliant piece of work to add to their eclectic catalogue.

If you enjoy Motion City Soundtrack's music it is unlikely that the band will ever let you down. As mentioned throughout the review, they evolve slowly without changing things up too drastically, so you always know what you are going to get, and each time things get a little better.

In keeping with a vast majority of pop punk records, Even On The Worst Nights is not life-changing, nor does it try to be. There are clear highlights in You Must Not Be From Around Here and Something Better, and of course some lowlights, like the somewhat strained Russian House DJ. However, the minor inadequacies aren’t important, as what makes this album so gratifying is the overall vibe it projects. It’s virtually impossible to dislike Mixtapes, a band that continues to release fun records, while retaining a genuinely charming innocence. You’ll get the most pleasure from Even On The Worst Nights by accepting it on face value, as a joyous, honest collection of descants with accessible lyrics.