- KYS: 85
- User: 78
- 81
Owen - Ghost Town
Ten years into his solo career under the Owen moniker, Mike Kinsella has released ‘Ghost Town’, an LP which marks a return to a more organic sound built around threadbare, single-track vocals and soft, shimmering melodies plucked from the strings of his acoustic guitar. As always, his words are deeply poetic and intensely personal, bearing his soul before the listener with songwriting that is as endearing as it is aggrieved.
- KYS: 82
- User: 57
- 69
Opeth - Heritage
A carefully crafted and deliberately designed release that is one of Opeth's most memorable to date. Sure to divide in some respects but this is cancelled out by the studio album's impressive overall delivery. For long-time fans but perhaps, also for individuals who don't listen to much heavy music as well. Recommended.
- KYS: 75
- User: 55
- 65
Of Mice & Men - The Flood
Controversy aside, Of Mice & Men has moved forward in leaps and bounds with the release of The Flood. While it doesn’t reinvent the metalcore wheel, it does prove there is more to Of Mice & Men than big breakdowns and monotonic screams. The Flood proves that Of Mice & Men should be taken seriously. It is heavy, it is loud, and you can definitely hear how much effort the band have put in to make this album the best it can be. Forget what you have heard, what you have read and what you think you know about Of Mice & Men. The Flood is here to wash slates clean and is sure to leave a sea of carnage in its path.
- KYS: 85
- User: 85
- 85
Of Legends - Stranded
Of Legends serve up one of the most innovative releases of the year with their debut album. 'Stranded' hosts a crazy fusion of polyrhythms, meaty grooves, blast-beats and breakdowns. The band take obvious cues from bands like Meshuggah and The Dillinger Escape Plan, but apply their own twist effectively. Although coming from a somewhat 'all-star' lineup, the band should gain more than enough merit based the album's musical content to see them hit the world touring circuit and gain a steady reputation, especially if they can adequately convey the intensity of the album in a live setting.
- KYS: 70
- User: 80
- 75
Outbreak - Outbreak
Worth a listen if you’re keen on fast, angry, snotty punk tunes – but there’s nothing particularly interesting about this release and it’s all been done better before.
- KYS: 78
- User: N/A
- 78
Obituary - Darkest Day
Listeners take note we have not gone back to the future; rather this is just classic death metal given a very modern face. Just turn the dial to eleven and enjoy…
- KYS: 65
- User: 85
- 75
Oceano - Depths
While a reasonable release in its own right, Depths is a release you can probably live without.