Getting around to another batch of new albums that have just been released. Thoughts will be updated as I make my way through them.
Chthonic - Battlefields of Asura:This was enjoyable and I'll likely download it. It's kind of what I was expecting but the guitar solos are superior to anything they've done on previous albums for me. I listened to the English version and I'll probably give the Taiwanese version a go as well as I think they sound better singing in their native tongue (who cares if I can't understand it). It was suitably brutal but I didn't notice as much of the traditional instruments as on previous albums, shame.
Set and Setting - Tabula Rasa:Parama, I kind of get where you were coming from with this but I don't think it's THAT boring. They go from dreamy soundscapes to black metal but I think they'd benefit from vocals, more than most instrumental bands. I'll give it more listens because, as Train had mentioned, I can see it being a grower.
VOLA - Applause of a Distant Crowd:Quite a bit to digest here but I loved the contrast in styles going on. It's djent-y, but different enough to stand apart from djent cliches and I liked the vocals. I can't remember exactly how their debut sounded compared to this? Another strong album that I'll be revisiting.
Larry and his Flask - This Remedy:Damn, these guys still have it (I was worried they were on a downward spiral). I can't imagine I'd find many fans of a band like this on here. Larry and his Flask are like bluegrass/folk/punk and they are still one of my top 5 live experiences of all time. This time around they have added extra horns to some of the songs so they even go a bit ska punk! I absolutely love the lead vocalist and could just listen to him sing about whiskey, the road and his passion for his music all day. Not for everyone but check them out, especially if they ever play a show near you, they are an energetic powerhouse live
Atreyu - In Our Wake:I guess I gave this a listen out of some sort of feeling of owing it to the band. I used to quite like these guys and some of their albums have been quite important to me and my musical journey. It's fine but I won't be revisiting, just too much other good stuff to listen to.
Seventh Wonder - Tiara:The only SW album I really know is Mercy Falls and I like it quite a bit. This new one seems to have everything I like about Mercy Falls without the terrible voice acting so yea I'll give this a few more listens soon. Might end up in my top 20 of the year