Top Five Releases of July 2012

5. Scott Kelly and the Road Home – The Forgiven Ghost in Me:  This is a very subtle acoustic album that has shades of the dark atmosphere of recent Neurosis material, but it’s also one that has a gentler vibe than even that of the recent Neurosis material he’s been involved with.    

4. Deathspell Omega – Drought:  This is a post-metal album that has an abrasive edge that puts it on a similar plane as recent material by the band.  The very dissonant nature of the last album Paracletus has been replaced with a more aggressive nature.

3. Baroness – Yellow and Green:  This is a new album that has a progressive, grunge and post genre blending aspect to it.  The general vibe of this release is more relaxed than their previous material, but gives the band a more varied flair. 

2. Testament – The Dark Roots of The Earth:  The band Testament is back with an album that is more interesting than the last, but not as punishing or compelling as The Gathering.  Still, this is a solid, very old school styled album from a band that still seems to be able to kick it out. 

1. Gojira – L’Enfant Sauvage:  This is a fiery inferno of an album that beats out its predecessors with a more focused and punishing vibe.  It’s an album that starts with a flurry and displays a very dark and appealing atmosphere.  This is definitely the release that has given me confidence in this band in the future.