Between the Buried and Me-Automata I: In July 2015, Between the Buried and Me shattered my spirit by transforming into the shameless Dream Theater-ripoff their detractors had long pegged them to be on their infuriatingly dull seventh LP Coma Ecliptic. On their latest record Automata I, the North Carolina-based progressive metalcore vets prove that Coma Ecliptic was merely a brief detour to the sewage plant. It may lack the level of technicality that was present on their earlier records, but this relatively brief opening chapter of the two-part Automata saga brings back the perfectly-executed tempo changes, crushing heaviness and massive scope that you come to expect when you put on a BTBAM record. If the second part can build upon the momentum they established here, Automata should go down as yet another classic for these guys.
Grade: A-
Standout Tracks: 1.Blot 2.Condemened to the Gallows 3.Yellow Eyes
Logic-Bobby Tarantino II: After dropping the heavy sociopolitical concept album Everybody last May, budding hip-hop superstar Logic decided to unwind and release a sequel to his self-proclaimed "conscious trap" mixtape Bobby Tarantino. Like every other non-serious project of his, Bobby Tarantino II is a pleasant enough listen that lacks significant replay value. Logic's top-notch technical ability results in a few home runs ("44 More", "Warm It Up", "Contra"), but it's fairly obvious when the dust settles on this 45-minute release that boastful club anthems aren't his forte. A majority of the verses are delivered with a notable lack of confidence and his attempts at writing meme-worthy hooks consistently fall flat. Until his songwriting and creative vision catch up with his mic skills, Logic is going to continue to fall short of his mammoth potential.
Grade: C+
Standout Tracks: 1.44 More 2.Warm It Up 3.Contra
Rivers of Nihil-Where Owls Know My Name: Where Owls Know My Name represents another monumental leap forward for this still relatively unknown progressive/technical death metal outfit. This record expands upon the atmospheric sound of 2015's Monarchy by adding saxophones, synthesizers and clean vocals to their already dense musical arsenal. The addition of these new elements has further strengthened Rivers of Nihil's sweeping yet cohesive songwriting and allowed them to create their most diverse and immense collection of tracks to-date. This is a STRONG early contender for album of the year and I can't wait to see where Rivers of Nihil goes from here.
Grade: A
Standout Tracks: 1.A Home 2.Subtle Change (Including the Forest of Transition and Dissatisfaction Dance) 3.Where Owls Know My Name
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