Metal Scenes: Boston / Springfield, MA

Key Release: Chaos of Forms (2011)

Revocation

Led by virtuoso guitarist and Berklee College of Music graduate David Davidson, Revocation brings a jazzy and experimental twist to its precise thrash metal attack. Pick up the band's 2012 EP Teratogenesis for free courtesy of Scion AV.

New Music: Intronaut - Habitual Levitations

Album Score: 9/10

Just when you think Intronaut can’t twist and grow any more, they knock down another musical wall and continue on their way. These nigh-unclassifiable Californians have changed the game with every release – from their Meshuggah-slaying debut Void to stoner-jazz tour-de-force Valley of Smoke, every album has been different from the last and enjoyable for new reasons. It’s fascinating listening to their breakthrough opus Prehistoricisms and hearing the difference between two consecutive songs; take, for instance, the meticulously planned polyrhythms and explosive drumming of “Australopithecus”, immediately followed by “The Reptile Brain”, whose impressively authentic Indian raga impression foregoes technical wanking entirely for an otherworldly trip into Eastern melody and meditation.

New Music: Light Bearer - Silver Tongue

Album Score: 8/10

Post-metal is an inherently self-indulgent genre, where bands posture about ideals and enrapture your world with apocalyptic soundscapes, but sometimes that's what makes it awesome. In the tradition of legendary outfits Neurosis and Godspeed You! Black Emperor (who aren't metal but have an immeasurable impact on all things post), Light Bearer continue to up the ante on multi-dimensional album-crafting. The story behind Lapsus and Silver Tongue is as important as the thunderous musical creations themselves, and is required reading for fans seeking the full experience intended by the band.

New Music: National Sunday Law - Festival of the Horned God

Album Score: 8/10

It's astounding how often mediocre bands consistently become huge while far more interesting artists remain in the shadows. Sure, there are the heavyweights of progressive metal like Tool and Mastodon, but the vast majority of bright ideas aren’t coming soon to a music store near you. Unfortunately, National Sunday Law’s work has so far fallen into that vast majority. The band’s 2012 EP Festival of the Horned God arrives too late for most “Best of…” lists, but it’s certainly one of the more pleasant surprises of the late year for fans of sludge and post-metal.

New Music: Halestorm - The Strange Case Of...

Album Score: 7.5/10

They’re in a largely stale genre. It took them seven years to land a deal with a major label. Their singer writes lyrics about failed relationships, rock and roll, and sex. They’re one of the more exciting rising rocks bands you’re likely to hear.

Huh?
Halestorm are a band that’s been waiting to explode for years now, and their high-octane live show and all-world lead singer have finally pushed them to the fore of US hard rock. The band’s primary appeal lies in their not-so-secret weapon by the name of Lzzy Hale, whose Joan Jett-attitude and four-octave focal range ensure that you won’t confuse Halestorm with any other band. Her supporting cast also happens to be excellent, as Joe Hottinger (lead guitar), Josh Smith (bass), and her brother Arejay (drums) show their solid chops and continue to improve with each album.