headbangerd17 This album didn't click with me at first. i guess it was because my brain was distracted because upon the second listen I realized that this is amazing and the type of thing that keeps me listening to metal. The soundscape, the atmosphere, these guys really don't miss. Thank you metalstorm for introducing me to one of the best bands of the 2020s. Can't single out a favorite song. Whole album is amazing.

thekurtaction This album represents the vision of Opeth executed at a level of mastery Opeth never achieved. Despite all the hype, this is still an underrated release in my opinion. It's really that good! Favorite track: Frost Flower.

voodoomonkey616 Very impressive. The synth elements are weaved in wonderfully. Favorite track: Frost Flower.

DreamDeceiver With the right audio setup...it melts your brain! Favorite track: Apollyon.

hypergenix Dav Dralleon continues to evolve, with his most brutal work yet. An apocalyptic fusion of Darksynth and Argent Metal. The only question is, how can it get heavier? Favorite track: Phantomslaughter.

lord_byleth It's probably my favorite album so far. Dav Dralleon is a very consistent artist, but Godslayer is going even further. Brutal, melodic and atmospheric at the same time. Favorite track: Deliver Us From Evil (Feat. Draven).

Jamie This is definitely making my AOTY list and this is the third year in a row one of her projects will have done that. I love this album so much! Favorite track: my fears have become fetishes.

Jess Lom This album has everything and then some. Every piece of every track is masterfully crafted. Favorite track: izanami.

wynter gila river made me cry Favorite track: gila river.

Spud Sorceress Carnosus have been a welcome addition alongside bands like Nekrogoblikon. At its core, you can’t take death metal entirely seriously - and here there is a playful edge (like, where else have you heard “deliriworm”?) to the intense, melodic rhythms and off-kilter vocals. Plus, a generous serving of bonus points for not only being a concept album, but one that expands the universe created in the previous two. Favorite track: Birthless.

fanraptor These guys just keep getting better and better. Favorite track: Harbinger of Woundism.

Lorenzo Scalding and dynamic blackened progressive technical death / thrash metal. Packed with interesting and strong songwriting that makes the entirety of the album legitimately blistering rather than sterile, Wormtales shines with innumerable amounts of riffs and groove in the guitars complimenting the caustic harshness of the vocals

Balancing the relentless onslaught of brutality with touches of melodicism as well, Carnosus champion a familiar sound yet stand on their own as they explore

Plaguewielder When it comes to gothic rock / post-punk, there’s frankly a lot of copycat crap out there that no one asked for. I favorite a lot of albums and rarely buy them upon a second listen. I also rarely leave reviews. “Rituals” grabbed my attention, held my interest, and was quickly purchased. I refuse to draw comparisons to other bands and you shouldn’t care if they sound like a band you already know; you just need to listen for yourself. You’ll be drawn in. Start with “Communion” and “Hot Crucible.” Favorite track: Communion.

ermannoxxx I am blown away by this band & highly enjoyable & addictive album. I can't believe how every song soars and has so much depth & atmosphere. Dead Roses tugs at my heart & soul on every listen .. often brings me to tears. Everything is perfectction on this beautiful album,, don't pass this up! Favorite track: Depeche Mode.

Lorenzo Pulsing, energetic post-punk / darkwave undercut with a brooding goth edge. Utilizing a pounding set of synths to drive each song forward, there is a tempting sound to the album that reminds the listener of the sinful romanticism of Depeche Mode and The Cure.

The guitar melodies further the narrative, with the balance of jangly and sorrowful striking that perfect tone that acts as a foil to the darker lyricism, especially when it swells toward a point that approaches shoegaze.

rosie_g Stumbled on this band last autumn and really, really liked them. Looking forward to seeing what else you guys come up with. Favorite track: Crystal Coffins.