2018 update
They: Completely new band that posted their debut in a BTBAM related FB group. So much potential, but also very obviously a new band that hasn't fully found their sound yet. I hear Cynic, BTBAM, and a lot of older 70's 80's prog influences, but it should be a bit more coherent (and they really need better harsh vocals, these are not good). Otherwise it's a super intriguing debut though it doesn't fully take off until like track 6. "Moth" is a seriously fantastic track!
Hundred Year Old Man: I've posted about this before but I'm reviewing some 2018 releases to see where they are at in my list. Amazingly dark, cold post-metal sound and just all-around brutal downtempo metal. This is a winner, top 15 of the year!
Dir En Grey: Man this cover looks creepy. The music is great but I'm gonna have to let the vocals sink in a bit more, they're... something. But it sounds like these guys still got it.
Palm Reader: They opened for Rolo Tomassi back in March but it was in a 80-90 cap. venue with pretty bad sound so I didn't think much of them. Turns out they created an awesome album that kind of modernizes the sound of Dillinger Escape Plan, cool stuff. Also most likely ending up in the top 15.