I have a wide palette of listening when it comes to music, but I definitely have a deep love for Metal. I’d like to take the time to drop a few albums that came out this year that I highly recommend checking out. These may even convert the non-Metal Head into a full blown Metal Enthusiast! Here’s hoping 
Periphery – Periphery
*Progressive Melodic Tech Metal, is probably the best way to describe it. Misha Mansoor is a UofT graduate now living in Baltimore that started making Periphery music a few years ago. He consistently released demo’s for free online and now has finally put a solid line-up together and release the debut album under the name “Periphery”. Technical riffing, complex drumming, Soaring Melodic and Guttural screaming vocals, and intricate electronics cover this record, Periphery is overwhelming to say the least, but provides a head-banging-yet-catchy listening experience.
Soilwork – The Panic Broadcast
*Quality release from Swedish Melodic Death Metal mainstays Soilwork. Peter Wichers has returned on Lead Guitar and this group of songs is some of the best work that the band has done. Not much else I can say to describe to quality on this album, just one more thing, Highly recommended.
Mutiny Within – Mutiny Within
*Progressive Power Metal, blended with a newer Hardcore sound. Great up-and-coming band, with a highly skilled front man in Chris Clancy. I recommend checking out his vocal covers on Youtube, especially Who Wants to Live Forever.. so epic.
Deftones – Diamond Eyes
*I guess these guys are still Metal? Right? I mean it’s pretty freakin’ heavy… Whatever. Anyways, this album pretty much ROCKS. It’s their best since White Pony in my opinion. New bassist Sergio Vega does well in Chi Cheng’s extended absence, even if he is mostly a peripheral band member at this point. Some strong tracks on this one like, Diamond Eyes, Rocket Skates, and Sextape.
The Dillinger Escape Plan – Option Paralysis
*Dillinger the Destroyers is probably a more apt name for these guys. Back again with another crushing display of manic metal might (I like the sound of that), it will surely make your ears bleed and incite riots if played over loud speakers at G20 rallies across the globe. Destructive, sometimes Melodic, sometimes Complex, constructed chaos, an unbelievable listen… if you can handle it.
I’m sure there are plenty more that I’ve yet to check out and I’ll be sure to let you know about those, but until next time…
If you fancy some old school metal may I humbly recommend Grand Magus’ new album, Hammer of the North?
You may! I’ll check it out, thanks for the reco!