neu-mann One of the most extreme musical statements you'll likely encounter this year: a heavy, complex, totally cathartic experience, at times almost apocalyptic in its intensity. Favorite track: Opposition/Perihelion; The Coil.

Marcin Wielewski An excellent example of metal jazz, mixing different styles and moving borders of music genres. Month after month I know more bands playing kinda alternative, just to mention: Messa, Merkabah, Lonkser See, Five The Hierophant. Some may say its not music anymore, but they're wrong! Favorite track: Opposition/Perihelion; The Coil.

laddersgone Greatest metal album of the 21st century. The pinnacle. Favorite track: Xenolith; The Anvil.

Lyéo An approach to sound that seems to pierce your feelings. Love how visceral and fragile it is Favorite track: Diphenyl Oxalate.

Josh A.H. Th s w s th on th t L ck d m int B n Fr st. Eve yth ng cl ck d. Everything clicked. Favorite track: Venter.

the_dirty_deed_you_requested_is_done Densely bright, rhythmically inventive. The hostility in this music is incredible. It’s cool as hell all the way through. Favorite track: Secant.

RADEMASSAKER Hated Black Metal in the nineties cause I was 100% into Death Metal, now I'm 50 and finally get it. Favorite track: Into the Infinity of Thoughts (re-mastered).

Ippocalyptica I knocked off a bucket list item last night and saw Emperor live, and the only reason I bought this album - which I already owned in another format - is to share with you all that Emperor should absolutely be seen in concert, no matter how far you have to travel. They opened their show with Into the Infinity of Thoughts, ended it with Ye Entrancemperium, and played an amazing and lengthy setlist in between spanning most of their albums. They still have tremendous skill, swagger, and passion! Favorite track: Into the Infinity of Thoughts (re-mastered).

Obsidian One Emperor's 'In The Nightside Eclipse' and 'Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk' will forever be imprinted in my mind. Even today, revisiting these albums for this review, I'm reminded of just how powerful they were — and still are. There's a lot more variety in black metal today, but few artists can compare to the influence of the legendary Emperor. Hail the true Norwegian trailblazers of symphonic black metal!

Grimmrobe A gargantuan classic made even more so, thanks to this crisp, vibrant remaster. Favorite track: Upon The Sight Of The Other Shore (2021 Mix).

Obsidian One Even though I'm unfamiliar with most of YOB's music, I went through a phase where 'Adrift In The Ocean' was on repeat. I discovered this song through the "Woods Stage @ Pickathon 2019" YouTube video, and what an epic live performance that is. I love how the distortion only kicks in after four minutes, and how it takes a full six minutes before the first death-metal growl. I watched that video numerous times, so it only made sense to support the band by picking up this album. Favorite track: Adrift In The Ocean (2021 Mix).

Sam Damon Doom metal-YOB is an acquired taste unless you like black, grind, death metal. They do have their hits and misses like any band. That said, Atma is a fantastic album and is the most accessible/traditional sounding metal from YOB. Favorite track: Atma (2021 Mix).