Dark Tranquillity Fiction (Century Media) Even though the Gothenburg sound they pioneered is now all pervasive, melodic death metal forefathers, Dark Tranquillity, are more than capable of writing fresh, compelling music that feeds off the band's past strengths while forging new paths to explore and demolish. Fiction isn't quite as musically complex as 2005's Character, but by streamlining their sound a bit the band have been able to pinpoint the heart of each song and work within it to create compositions that are smart, memorable and heavy enough to break an iPod.
Dimmu Borgir In Sorti Diaboli (Nuclear Blast) Symphonic, dynamic and unquestionably sinister, Dimmu Borgir's first concept album (seventh disc total) is a wake up call to the hordes of black metal bands whose music offers speed and brutality, but little in the way of memorability. With In Sorti Diaboli, Dimmu Borgir prove that black metal band be simultaneously bludgeoning, intelligent, dramatic and as unforgettable as anything by My Chemical Romance.
Bloody Panda Pheromone (Level-Plane) A different kind of doom metal comes from this Japanese female-fronted New York outfit. Busier than most bands of its ilk, Bloody Panda play dense, despairing songs that tumble, clatter and drone through the ether.
The Berzerker Animosity (Earache) With their fourth album, Australia's preeminent industrial death-grind band blast through a new setlist of explosively hateful noise that's offer more kick than a double Latte laced with Liquid Plumber. The gruesome art work of what looks like a defleshed goat was designed by French fan Adrien Bousson, who won the band's album design contest. Take with strong sedatives to minimize side effects.
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