The 60 best metal albums of 2020 include (clockwise from top left): Mr. Bungle, The Ocean Collective, Wailin’ Storms, Liturgy, Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou, Ulcerate, Umbra Vitae, Nero di Marte, Protest the Hero and Tombs. Who would’ve though Mr. Bungle would make it this high with a re-recorded…

Bandcamp Friday Oct. 2, 2020. Clockwise from left: Chillhop Music, Svalbard, Zao, Vatican Shadow, Crack Cloud, Sarah Davachi, Deerhoof, Uniform, Arca and Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou. If anyone has a unique opportunity to support independent music, it’s Bandcamp. But the Bandcamp Friday concept has taken that support to…

Within the isolated DIY metal and punk music communities of Iowa, Aseethe has championed leveling riffs, nuanced ambiance and conscientious themes since 2007. What started as a solo project for guitarist-singer Brian Barr is now a power trio with drummer Eric Diercks and bassist Noah Koester. Like contemporaries Thou…

Janelle Monae So, you made it to part three! I think these 10 albums might be the most eclectic installment of this series, paring technical death metal with sci-fi neo-soul. It just goes to show how good 2018 has been for music in general, regardless of what type of…

Doom metal quintet Thou has remained exceptionally industrious over the past 13 years, releasing more than 30 EPs, splits and collaborations between four full-lengths. The Baton Rouge anarchists incorporate Seattle grunge melody and a DIY punk ethos into traditional Louisiana sludge, steadily elaborating on its sardonic postmodern worldview. This…