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)