How does this keep happening? Whenever I think we’re back on track to get these album of the month posts up to speed with the present, things happen aaaaannnddd we’re two months behind again. For some reason, things have been very slow the past month and a half or so in Subway land. Usually I’d write some heartfelt apology here or whatever, but I’m not in the mood for that now. What’s done is done. I don’t even have any inspiration for a wall of bullshit. November was a tame month. It seems like no one except for Mike and Chris had any great albums. It’s weird how that happens. One month we have 10 amazing albums and another month there’s barely anything. Anyway, these are still four great albums. The selection is decently varied, so I’m sure you’ll find something you like in here.
Arcing Wires – Prime (Austraila)
Style: Fusion, Math Rock (instrumental)
Pick by: Mike
Prime is a great mix of jazz with the tones and sensibilities of modern prog/math rock. Silky saxophone weaves itself throughout the entire album and really creates a unique pallet cleansing experience for those that don’t typically listen to jazz/fusion. While not perfect (see full review below), this album is so fresh that minor issues are more like growing pains for something bigger being built. There is a lot of potential with Arcing Wires and that makes Prime a very hopeful listening experience.
You can read the original review here.
Recommended tracks: The Lizard, Catacaustic, Arc9
Recommended for fans of: Kneebody, Jaga Jazzist, Nova Collective, Panzerballett
Obsidian Mantra – Minds Led Astray (Poland)
Style: Progressive Death Metal, Groove Metal (harsh vocals)
Pick by: Mike
This is my underdog/sleeper pick for 2020. I returned to this album more than anything else I reviewed this year. I didn’t hear hardly any buzz for this album which I think is a real shame. It’s combination of groovy riffs, guttural vocals, and ominous atmosphere make for an excellent package. If given its due, Minds Led Astray should appeal to a widespread metal audience. Even as someone that tends to prefer more melodic music, I quite often found different sections of this album get stuck in my head. I highly recommend giving this album a spin or two even though it may not make a lot of best-of-2020 lists.
You can read the original review here.
Recommended tracks: Shield of Disbelief, False Spirituality, The First Disbeliever
Recommended for fans of: Gojira, Novembers Doom, Hath
Omnivortex – Diagrams of Consciousness (Finland)
Style: Technical Death Metal (Harsh vocals)
Pick by: Chris
Diagrams of Consciousness is a great mixture of the best parts of everything extreme in metal. It spends pretty much every second in its length attempting to bludgeon or rip you to shreds with riff after riff. This is one of those rare tech death records that actually feels like it has a sense of narrative instead of just being riffage. Don’t let that fool you though, this album literally does not have a boring riff. A fantastic debut and I can’t wait for what’s next.
You can read the original review here.
Recommended tracks: Barren, Apotheosis, Diagrams of Consciousness – Parallel Universe
Recommended for fans of: Revocation, Gojira, The Black Dahlia Murder
Avandra – Skylighting (Puerto Rico)
Style: Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock (clean vocals)
Pick by: Mike
I think fellow-reviewer Chris best summed up this album by saying, “It’s just a vibe.” Seven tracks over 42 minutes blend together into a dreamy & calming chunk of prog rock/metal. I think the vibe comes primarily from the combo of serene & breathy vocals, lush synths, and a mix that keeps the drums from ever being too aggressive. The album can get heavy in spots but that’s not what keeps you coming back. Skylighting is an excellent choice when you’re looking for an album equal parts rock and relax.
You can read the original review here.
Recommended tracks: Celestial Wreaths; Life Is Not a Circle, but a Sphere; Eternal Return
Recommended for fans of: Opus Of A Machine, Glass Ocean, Caligula’s Horse, Arcane, Riverside
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