Best Albums: Septicflesh, Godflesh, Mastodon, Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath

This week’s best albums

– For its third album backed by an orchestra, Septicflesh releases an epic album that’s equal parts melody and savagery, harmony and hellishness, sparsity and density.

– With its first studio recording in 13 years, Godflesh references both the singleminded force of the duo’s early work and the more layered experimentation of its later albums.

– Though it’s not making Remission II anytime soon, Mastodon proves that its songwriting chops are no worse for the wear with an album full of pop hooks.

– Psych-funk group Brownout pays homage to the classics of Black Sabbath via funky, groove-laden renditions.

Honorable mentions

Cattle Decapitation: Karma, Bloody Karma (Metal Blade)

Corrosion of Conformity: IX (Candlelight)

Casey Crescenzo: Amour & Attrition (Equal Vision)

Dredd Foole & Ben Chasny: Drunk With Insignificance (Feeding Tube)

How to Dress Well: What Is This Heart? (Weird World)