This week’s best albums
– On the umpteenth Melvins studio album, the seminal sludge institution hearkens back to its 1983 lineup by re-integrating founding drummer Mike Dillard.
– On top of his many credits, multitalented twin Bryce Dessner of The National debuts an LP that he wrote for Kronos Quartet, a 40-year-old ensemble that’s as close to rock stardom as a chamber group can get.
– Chicago metal purveyor Czar returns for its sophomore album, a rage-filled bag of sludge-and-scream that mainlines adrenaline — complete with a Beatles cover.
– Detroit electronic outfit Phuture Doom makes dance-minded dubstep with a black-metal twist, resulting in a most refreshing listen.
Honorable mentions
Howe Gelb: The Coincidentalist (New West)
Impending Doom: Death Will Reign (E1)
Iron Chic: The Constant One (Bridge Nine)
The Thing: Boot! (The Thing Records)