Propagandhi - Supporting Caste (2009)

Genre: Punk/Progressive
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/propaghandi

Supporting Caste is effectively the ultimate Propagandhi record, it combines brilliant guitarwork and balls out aggression with longer, epic prog moments and pulls it all together with a dose of catchy songwriting. The musicianship is pretty much unbelievable and the in-your-face lyrics are almost always intelligent, getting across their point. This album doesn't waste a single second or fall flat musically at any point except for the huge ass silence in the final song which is just plain annoying. Why do bands do that? But seriously, check this out now, it may well end up as a contender for my album of the year.

Awesome.

Maybeshewill - Not For Want Of Trying (2008)

Genre: Post-Rock/Electronic
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/maybeshewont

Maybeshewill are a breath of fresh air among the genre that is post-rock, they turn their back on the more traditional elements of the genre and make subtle use of synths and drum machines that result in an album that is colourful and certainly makes for an interesting listen, requiring very little effort to listen to in contrast to the majority of post-rock (or at least that's what I've found anyway). While this might not make it quite it quite as deep as other albums of the genre, it definitely makes it more fun to listen to and to be honest, it doesn't really get boring at any point throughout. So give it a try, you might like it.

Whoa.

Spires - Flowers And Fireworks (2009)

Genre: Screamo/Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/spiresatwar

The debut release by Spires is a fantastic display of, well, I'm not really sure what genre I'd put this into but I guess I'll go for screamo with influences of post-metal thrown in there maybe. Ah well, I think it's great how these guys move from sparse but sprawling guitar parts to bursts of noise and yet still make it feel like a natural and flowing progression. They've got a slower sound in comparison to most screamo bands I've heard as a result of the post-metal influences, but still vary it up and make it interesting, which all in all makes for a pretty damn cool album. I advise you check it out if you're into the whole screamo thing as this is pretty great.

Yeahhh.

Trophy Scars - Bad Luck (2009)

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Experimental
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trophyscars

With Trophy Scars' most recent effort they've created an album that incorporates sounds from all over the musical spectrum, combining typical post-hardcore along with a whole variety of other genres. Nearly every track fluidly incorporates piano as well as some tracks even making use of horns and strings, as well as a saxophone solo throughout the bridge of "Years So Much". Truth is, the only thing I really have against this album are the vocals. At some points they begin to grate on me, particularly when the vocalist decides to sing in a very gravelly fashion, it just strikes me as out of place. But apart from the vocals I really enjoy listening to this, although I can't imagine how they manage to pull it off live with all the extra instruments.

Enjoy!

Botch - An Anthology Of Dead Ends (2002)

Genre: Metalcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/botch

Meet the final parting gift from metalcore titans Botch, An Anthology Of Dead Ends, which despite being just 22 minutes long is fit to burst with angular song structures, unexpected tempo changes and the outright noisy sections that Botch have come to be known for. These guys were a huge influence on the metalcore scene as a whole, even pioneering the 'mathcore' genre alongside the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan, and in the process also being ripped off innumerable times by other bands (I'm looking at you Norma Jean), so if you're into metalcore give this EP a go - it's pretty great.

Linkyyy.

The Secret - Luce (2004)

Genre: Metalcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thesecret

The Secret are a metalcore band from Italy that do the whole metalcore thing as it should be done, they combine a brutal hardcore sound together with modern progressive metal which all comes together with a huge dose of epic heaviness that wouldn't be amiss on an Isis record. While their brand of rhythmic and caustic metalcore may not be particularly original, they certainly do it much better than most bands I've heard due to their fantastic musicianship and overall great sound. Definitely worth trying out.

Kapow.

A Wilhelm Scream - Career Suicide (2007)

Genre: Punk/Melodic Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/awilhelmscream

A Wilhelm Scream deliver a raw, fast, melodic and totally pissed brand of technical punk, there isn't really a single song on this 35 minute record that drops anywhere below supersonic speeds, with hooks taking the backseat in exchange for shred. Some songs even venture into prog territory at times with the bands interplay of melodic punk and metal technicality being unquestionably in the spotlight. Not only is the guitarwork awesome but the bassist is jaw-dropping as well, his bit in the first verse of 'The Horse' is just insane. Either way, this album is extremely fun to listen to so I advise you check it out.

Clicky.

Fallujah - Leper Colony (2009)

Genre: Black Metal/Deathcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fallujahbayarea

Fallujah isn't your average deathcore band. With the hateful lyrics and the way these guys play their instruments, one would think they are possessed by demons. The tremolo picked opening of the title track accompanied by one of the most brutal blast beats ever put on tape. The inhuman death growls that spew the most apocalyptic verses and the breakdowns that are ready to crush every person that stands in their destructive path. This music my friends is the apocalypse. Fuck Nostradamus And His Beliefs. This Is The End Of The World.

HELL YEA

Modern Life Is War - Witness (2005)

Genre: Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/modernlifeiswar

Modern Life Is War are band that take a slower more lethargic approach to hardcore than most of their peers, although slower does generally also mean heavier. There are moments on this album that are just crippingly heavy, such as on the track 'Marshalltown', which gives off a feeling of despair that is reflected by the distorted guitars, muddy bass and relentlessly heavy drums. The chanting at the end of 'D.E.A.D.R.A.M.O.N.E.S' is just plain awesome as well, and the lyrics are generally fantastic, making this one of my favourite hardcore albums and an instant classic.

Yeah.

Gospel - The Moon Is A Dead World (2005)

Genre: Screamo/Progressive
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gospel

Gospel are a screamo group that are very different to every other screamo group I've heard. They take the screamo blueprint then add progressive, almost psychedelic influences to it which results in music that is heavy, dense, and technical but most of all emotionally aggressive, something that makes the band have an almost timeless appeal. Not to mention the drumming is absolutely insane, seriously the drums are just absolutely everywhere - it's plain awesome. Unfortunately the band split after releasing this, which kind of sucks because this is fast becoming my favourite screamo record ever. So check it out.

Enjoy.

Sed Non Satiata - Le Ciel de Notre Enfance (2005)

Genre: Screamo/Post-rock
Website: http://www.sednonsatiata.com/

Epic screamo from France with post-rock influences. These guys are awesome, I love how they balance beautiful, soft parts with explosive chaotic bursts, and the instrumental "En Attendant L'Aube" is just plain beautiful with it's shimmering lead line and overall stunning instrumentation. I also really enjoy how they use dueling guitar interplay as well, the only thing I really have against this album is that it's just far too short, I want more of it! But anyway, enjoy.

Linky.

Fear Before The March Of Flames - The Always Open Mouth (2006)

Genre: Metalcore/Experimental
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fearbefore

Fear Before the March of Flames' 3rd album The Always Open Mouth. I'm not too sure what to say about it, other than that it's really awesome. It has heavy bits and soft bits and cool electronic bits and honestly, what more could you want? So check it out and prepare to be mindblown, although probably not at first since it will take you a while to get into it. So that's all there really is to it.

Yay.

Down I Go - Tyrant (2008)

Genre: Hardcore/Progressive
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/downigo

A concept album about various tyrannical world leaders from both past and present, something that frequently leaves you feeling like you've made an unwelcome delve straight into the head of a crazed maniac. A schizophrenic blend of sunny harmonies, off-kilter time signatures, unhinged screams and an eight-piece string section only adds to this and results in an album that is seriously so much fun! If you don't want to sing along to the chorus of "glory to Stalin the great!" during the track Joseph Stalin then you probably need to consider lightening up somewhat because it's just plain chaotic fun. Anyway, enjoy!

Clicky.

Devil Sold His Soul - A Fragile Hope (2007)

Genre: Post-Metal/Ambient
Myspace: http://myspace.com/devilsoldhissoul

Devil Sold His Soul mix together ferocious metalcore along with post-metal ambience to create a crushingly heavy and epic album. Epic build-ups and desperate screamed vocals add to the whole atmosphere and dynamics of the album which ultimately gives a depressing yet beautiful feel to it, which I happen to find really awesome. That just about sums it up. Check it out.

Zap.

Adebisi Shank - This is the Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank (2008)

Genre: Math Rock/Instrumental
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/adebisishank

Normally I'm not a huge fan of instrumental music, sure I can enjoy some post-rock on the odd occasion but normally it will just put me to sleep. This, on the other hand, is just incredibly fun. Super catchy math rock with everything you could possibly want out of math rock. It has awesome guitarwork and awesome musicianship in general and is short enough to not get boring, not to mention it's one of the funnest albums I've ever heard. So if you feel like something fun and easy to listen to be sure to check this out!

Woahh.

Dance Gavin Dance - Discography

Genre: Post-Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dancegavindance

Dance Gavin Dance are one of my favourite bands, I just love how the guitars harmonise most of the time and how the guitarists play off each other. Then there are the vocals, their former vocalist Johnny Craig (now in Emarosa) just has the most amazing vocals on Downtown Battle Mountain, I absolutely love them. Unfortunately he was kicked out afterwards due to various drink and drug problems, but thankfully this didn't turn out so bad since his replacement is almost as good! The only thing that irks me about this band is that the screamed vocals are kind of subpar, but the guy that was screaming for them, Jon Mess, has left and one of the guitarists is screaming now who sounds pretty cool. I'm super excited for their new release this year titled "Happiness", can't wait!

Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean (2006)
Downtown Battle Mountain (2007)
Dance Gavin Dance (2008)

Exotic Animal Petting Zoo - I Have Made My Bed In Darkness (2008)

Genre: Mathcore/Progressive
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/exoticanimalpettingzoo

This album basically covers it all, it has awesome metal parts and awesome soft parts and everything in between, they're just not held down by any constraints a specific genre may have. I love it. Not to mention that these THREE guys make a whole lot of noise considering how many of them there are (yes, more so than The Fall of Troy). This album just displays incredible musicianship from every single member, if I'm honest I can't really explain their sound at all and you're really just better checking them out and being blown away. Yes, blown away. Now listen and remember - if you like it be sure to buy it!

Clicky.

Minus The Bear - Planet Of Ice (2007)

Genre: Indie/Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear

Minus the Bear's awesome 3rd studio album. This album is really, really chill, even though it has an ex-Botch guitarist, who I have to say has some sweet guitar parts on this release. I really love to relax and listen to this, I find it really soothing, not to mention there's not a bad track on this. So yeah, if you feel like some chill indie rock with some cool guitar parts check this out.

Ping.

mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright (2009)

Genre: Indie/Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mewithoutyou

The newest album from mewithoutYou. To be honest I'm not entirely sure what to think about it. It's certainly different to the past few releases, it has a lot more of a folky sound on it with horns and stuff. Some bits are really cool, such as 'The Fox, the Crow and the Cookie' which I find great with how it's telling the whole story and everything, however some parts just end up making me cringe. Either way, it's here for anyone that wants it.

Enjoy.

Converge - Jane Doe (2001)

Genre: Metalcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/converge

Say hello to metalcore titans Converge and their incredible 4th studio album Jane Doe. Do I really need to say any more? Jane Doe is quite possibly the most aggressive album I have ever heard and it's safe to say I've heard a lot of aggressive albums. Jacob Bannon, on vocals, has the most insane shrieks I've ever heard, although on first listen I was kind of apprehensive of his vocal style they really do grow on you and most definitely convey the anger he's directing at said "Jane Doe", whoever she is. Either way this is easily one of the best, if not the best, metalcore album I have ever heard. It's just that good. So listen to it. Right now.

Kapow!