| 4.5 superb |
| Agalloch The Mantle |
| Amogh Symphony The Quantum Hack Code |
| Beyond Creation The Aura |
| Cloudkicker Beacons |
| Daft Punk Alive 2007 |
| Dream Theater Awake |
| Ensiferum Ensiferum |
| Equilibrium Sagas |
| Fallujah Nomadic |
Beginning to fully realize the self-applied "atmospheric death metal" label, Fallujah has
taken a snapshot of themselves in transition. And by all accounts they succeed in taking a
leap into the unknown. While "The Dead Sea" and "Venom Upon the Blade" exhibit a mesmerizing
blend of atmosphere and technicality, the group's songwriting abilities are what set the EP
apart. Nomadic displays a rare knack for progression, seamlessly integrating complex leads
and rhythms with lush interludes reminiscent of the likes of Isis (due in no small part to
the appearance of Byanca Munoz, whose airy vocals recall Isis' Oceanic), in a manner that
leaves the listener with a genuine sense of awe and heightened emotion. The EP's only
weakness is its ambient interlude "Silent", which, while enjoyable, overstays its welcome by
a couple minutes, particularly in anticipation of the brilliant concluding track.
Nonetheless, the sonic course that Fallujah has plotted for themselves on Nomadic will no
doubt bring them tremendous recognition and success. If the next full-length continues the
evolution evident here, the group will find itself firmly among the underground metal elite. |
| Fallujah The Flesh Prevails |
| Fleshgod Apocalypse Agony |
| Flying Lotus Cosmogramma |
| George Benson Breezin' |
| God Is an Astronaut All Is Violent, All Is Bright |
| Godspeed You! Black Emperor Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven |
| Godspeed You! Black Emperor F♯ A♯ ∞ |
| Igorrr Hallelujah |
| ISIS Panopticon |
| Jaga Jazzist What We Must |
| Jakob Solace |
| Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV |
| Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti |
| Led Zeppelin Houses of the Holy |
| Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin [DVD] |
| Mamiffer Hirror Enniffer |
| Megadeth Rust in Peace |
| Metallica Master of Puppets |
| Metallica Ride the Lightning |
| Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii |
| Shpongle Nothing Lasts... But Nothing Is Lost |
| Summoning Old Mornings Dawn |
| Improved production on this record allows Summoning's style to finally breathe and realize its potential after twenty years. Immensely enjoyable and rich, even after multiple listens. |
| The Faceless Planetary Duality |
| Tool Ænima |
| Tool 10,000 Days |
| Wintersun Wintersun |
| Wintersun Time I |
Although undoubtedly cheesy and over-dramatic, Time I delivers a mesmerizing and beautifully
orchestrated experience. While it may not live up to the expectations that many had built up
over the eight years since the release of the self-titled because of the relative lack of
guitar technicality, Jari has achieved something very special on this record that cannot be
denied. |
