Top Five Heavy Metal Albums of August 2012

1. Katatonia – Dead End Kings:  The new Katatonia shares a lot in common with the bleak and subtle vibe of the album Viva Emptiness.  The atmosphere on Dead End Kings is very similar yet gripping throughout the length of the songs, but there is still a lack of originality to be found. 

2. Grave – Endless Procession of Souls:  This is an excellent throwback to the older Swedish death metal that shows a nice crunch and ability for grove even in the present day.  There is something absolutely legendary about this style. 

3. Cryptopsy – Cryptopsy:  This is an excellent Canadian death metal return to form for this band that shows reasonably tight song-writing for the style as well as plenty of chops throughout.  Definitely keep an eye out for this one, especially if you’re a Canadian.  

4. Hotel Diablo – The Return to Psycho California:  There is a very sing-a-long nature to the songs on this album with vocals that give it an addictive flavour that is hard to put down.  This is sort of a rock album that is great for modern times. 

5. Gypsyhawk – Revelry and Resilience:  This is a great band that has a psychedelic flavour that likens them to older bands from the classic period of the seventies.  There is a very traditional style to the band that makes them appealing for a long time in the future as well.