Imperial Triumphant - Spirit of Ecstasy

Imperial Triumphant remains one of the most intriguing acts in metal, but the production is a little more questionable this time around.

Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville

With Alphaville, Imperial Triumphant upholds its blend of extreme metal and jazz without sounding like a novelty.

Sorry for not recognizing tracks 8 and 9 as bonus covers. They aren't labeled on some platforms, but I should've expected the unexpected from this band. Normally I don't take bonus tracks into account, but at least these two (despite arguably being the album's weakest) didn't detract very much from the experience. "City Swine" is still kind of a dud for me, and while I enjoy "The Greater Good," in my opinion it doesn't make for the best closer either. But again, sorry for the oversight.

Tribulation - Down Below

Tribulation comes through with a pretty solid gothic metal album that you'll want to light your candelabra to.

Glassjaw - Material Control

Post-hardcore veterans Glassjaw return with their first album in 15 years.

Tribulation - "The Lament"

Here's a new single and video from blackened goth metal outfit Tribulation. "The Lament" is perhaps the strongest showcase of the band's catchy writing and balladry yet. It'll appear on the band's next album, Down Below, which comes out January 26 via Century Media. You can find my review of their previous effort The Children of the Night here; I dug that one quite a bit.

Havok - Conformicide

With Conformicide, Havok works some progressive elements into their brand of politically-charged thrash.

Moonsorrow - Jumalten Aika

Moonsorrow deliver another installment of triumphant, grand, epic folk metal with their latest album.

Tribulation - The Children of the Night

Sweden's Tribulation comes through with a melodic, eerie black metal record with heavy metal undertones.