Our Picks

I'm not gonna sugarcoat anything with this. Firsthand Accounts by Johnny Booth is such an impeccable metal/hardcore release. This band is absolutely angry on every release and I love it. It is bone-chilling. Blast it.

A very sonically colorful release, "LOOK!" by Shimmertraps is an overlooked psychedelic masterpiece. This album is a mind-bending pool of groove and texture that truly vibes. I'm sincerely impressed by this and honestly shocked about the lack of attention it received. For fans of psychedelic indie pop, this is a MUST LISTEN. Spin that shit.
 

 A mixture of post-metal, post-rock and post-hardcore/screamo wonderfully blended together to make one of the sleeper albums of the year

Easily one of the best albums of the year. Each element of this album weaves its way into your brain -- it's progressive, heavy, sludgy, experimental, and artistic. It's a near-perfect metal experience that can fill you with wonder, then strike you down with some crushing riffs in odd time signatures. Don't miss this.

Just another sexy Sympho Deathcore from Finland.
FFO: Shadow Of Intent, Lorna Shore, etc.

Been looking forward to this EP since it was announced and Melanie doesn't disappoint. Would really recommend to anyone who likes Dark Pop.

If you're looking for a fun and wild ride, look no further. I'd hate to sell the band short, but imagine SOAD or Igorrr mixed with Florence & the Machine... Might be a stretch but a super enjoyable record nonetheless!

An incredibly pieced together album full of downtempo dream pop euphoria as well as spanking groove-driven indie pop. One of my favorite releases from 2019 without a doubt. Men I Trust brought the nostalgic melancholy we all need to embrace from time to time.

This album is a classic Post-Hardcore album. It is one of my favorites with good cleans, screams, and all around post hardcore love. Enjoy!!

Shameless self promotion, but I made this fun little noisy EP, so if you're curious or into that please consider checking it out, thanks!

This record goes beyond your wildest expectations to create something that is truly magical and unforgettable. Take everything you know and expect from music and throw it out the window, because you are not ready for what is about to happen on this mesmerizing piece of art.

This release served as inspiration for Wild Nothing's 2018 album "Indigo" and subsequent 2020 EP "Laughing Gas," and it most certainly lives up to their praise. Take a trip back in time and give this one a spin!

I'm a sucker when it comes to generic Post-Hardcore. Would really suggest to anyone looking for a new band to listen to.

A Song For You My Dear is an emotional journey of heartfelt acoustic, piercing vocals, and songs that might even bring a tear to your eye. This album is currently not available on ANY digital purchasing platform. I wanted to share this album with you to keep their music alive. Happy Listening

Although I only started diving into core this year, this is shaping up to be the FIRST core album to breach my top 10 for an AOTY. Spectacular cleans, amazingly heavy in some parts, light in others, distinct sound... FLUTE breakdowns?? Listen to this.

An absolute must-listen if you enjoy progressive music and/or jazz. You won't regret taking the time to listen to this.

Possibly the greatest piece of art I've ever let into my ears. This psychedelic expedition is incredibly haunting and induces such a moving nostalgic vibe. I haven't received cold chills from music for a long time until I discovered this album last year. Most definitely my number 1 album of 2019, and maybe even my number 1 of ALL TIME. Seriously, I cannot recommend this enough. If you are a fan of dream pop, indie rock/pop, and strong psychedelia blissful sounds, please check this out for the love of god.

Some really nice Stoner Metal, recommend a listen if you are into similar vibes
 

Collective noise rock, psychedelia, krautrock, and no wave influences come together to create a meticulously crafted behemoth that seeks to seduce, appall, and offer a catharsis that likely won't be matched this year.

Listen to this if you like sad alternative music with an industrial coat of paint. Also if you like Deathconciousness.

Beautiful synthpop album that I somehow missed back in '13. Been on repeat this past month. Highly recommend a listen.

This is going to be severely overlooked. Listen to this if you like good music. That's all I can say.

Only the best hipster black metal in recent years

A great progressive metal album that mixes elements of metalcore, mathcore and even djent into one along with the gritty screams and the great cleans this album goes into my top ten albums this year.

Ulcerate have dropped one of the finest death metal records I've heard, and it is far from your traditional death metal sound too. The atmosphere of this record is incredibly bleak and hopeless, which will be sure to leave you feeling quite distraught. If you want to experience the end of life as we know it, let this record consume you.