Korn-The Serenity of Suffering: In a plot twist so shocking that M. Night Shymalan couldn't have scripted it, nu-metal icons Korn have managed to release a worthwhile album in 2016. After a decade of churning out lazy alt-metal records and ill-advised collaborations with various trendy dubstep artists, Korn has suddenly rediscovered their creative flame with The Serenity of Suffering. The Serenity of Suffering is a nostalgia bomb full of the massive bass grooves and raw aggression that made them a relatable voice of rage for angst-ridden suburban white kids in the 90's and 2000's. It was so refreshing to listen to a Korn record that was consistently fun, heavy and catchy after watching them waste away as they put out stagnant horseshit for the past 13 years. The Serenity of Suffering isn't anywhere near as good as Korn's signature releases (s/t, Issues, Follow the Leader) but it's still a shocking return to form for a group that long appeared to be DOA.
3.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks: 1.Die Yet Another Night 2.The Hating 3.Next in Line
Tove Lo-Lady Wood: Tove Lo isn't your average pop star. She hails from Sweden, utilizes a style of production that is heavily rooted in European techno/house music and has autobiographical lyrics that sting with brutal honesty. Her second LP, Lady Wood, further establishes that pop outsider formula with a collection of consistently strong songs that serve as a natural progression from her 2014 debut Queen of the Clouds. The general structure and tone of the material is very much in line with her previous work, but the more dynamic production and greatly-improved vocals make Lady Wood a clear improvement over its predecessor.
3.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks: 1.Don't Talk About It 2.Flashes 3.True Disaster
Serpentine Dominion-Serpentine Dominion: The long-awaited release from the George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)/Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage)/Shannon Lucas (ex-The Black Dahlia Murder/All That Remains) supergroup does not disappoint. Serpentine Dominion's unique combination of old-school death metal ferocity with metalcore undertones makes this is a breezy, riff-driven release (it clocks in at just under 27 minutes) with a ton of replay value. While it's not likely going to go down as one of 2016's most important metal releases, Serpentine Dominion is still a blistering gutpunch of a release that is guaranteed to please the people that had been patiently waiting for this project to come out.
4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks: 1.Vanquished Onto Thee 2.Jagged Crossed Legions 3.The Vengeance in Me
Gucci Mane-Woptober: The post-prison/sober Gucci Mane-era is quickly shaping up to be one of the finest of his storied career. Woptober-Guwop's second LP since being released from jail in May-blows the doors off of his excellent July release Everybody Looking with a set of certified club bangers and infectious street anthems that are almost all instant classics. The production handled by a team of heavy-hitters including Metro Boomin, Zaytoven and London on Da Track is absolutely majestic and sobriety has made Gucci's rapping much tighter without losing of the bite behind his signature gritty delivery. It's been a long time since Gucci has been this strong on the mic and I hope that the fire that he's had since getting out of jail doesn't fizzle out anytime soon.
4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks: 1.Wop 2.Right on Time 3.Aggressive
Dance Gavin Dance-Mothership: Veteran post-hardcore outfit Dance Gavin Dance has followed-up their brilliant 2015 release Instant Gratification with a slightly less infectious yet still very impressive release in Mothership. The more melodic sound allows Tilian Pearson's staggering falsetto vocals and the band's soul influences to take center stage, which makes for a nice contrast from the near-constant chaos that was found on Instant Gratification. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't hoped for more of guitarist Will Swan's signature sweep pick spazzouts and soaring hooks from Pearson, but those petty complaints aren't nearly enough to take away from Mothership's awe-inspiring musicianship and eccentric charm.
4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks: 1.Chucky vs. the Giant Tortoise 2.Young Robot 3.Frozen One
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