March 2008 Best Heavy Metal CDs

New releases from Meshuggah are usually much anticipated, because the Swedish band is constantly experimenting and pushing the envelope. Their last CD, 2005's Catch Thirty Three was one long song divided up into sections.

ObZen is more traditional in terms of structure, but with Meshuggah there's always something unique. The songs have mind-bendingly complex riffs and technicality along with unusual time signatures and clever song structures. There are also plenty of progressive sections. And while it's easy to marvel at Meshuggah's technical prowess, with this CD the songs are groovier and catchier with some great thrashy guitars that hold up really well upon repeated listens.

Korven Kuningas continues Korpiklaani's trademark style of Finnish humppa. There are uptempo drinking songs along with traditional folk songs using instruments like the violin, flute and accordion. They even slow things down with an acoustic ballad. Korpiklaani performs their music with a lot of energy and joy, and the songs are very melodic with tons of hooks and singalong choruses.

A lot of Jonne Jarvela's vocals are in Finnish, with some English lyrics as well. Korpiklaani have really perfected their sound on Korven Kuningas. The songs are similar to what they've done in the past, but better written, catchier and more diverse.

L'Autrichienne is a 21 song epic with lyrics based on the French Revolution. The amount of musical ground covered on this CD is astounding. From crushing doom metal to dreamy acoustic pop to punk rock to noise pop to grindcore, there's never a dull moment.

Valentine's vocals are just as eclectic. From breathy, mellow singing to all out screaming she runs the gamut of styles and emotions. This is an extremely ambitious CD, and it's difficult to sustain momentum for 21 songs. There are a few lulls and times where it gets a bit self-indulgent, but for the most part Jucifer manages to keep the interest piqued. L'Autrichienne is sometimes haunting and beautiful, other times harsh and angry, but always interesting.

Inflikted blends elements of Sepultura, Soulfly and the Cavaleras' punk rock and hardcore roots. The songs have great thrash riffs and solos, and Marc Rizzo really shines. There's also a ton of groove, and some progressive elements on a couple of the tracks. From straightforward pummeling death metal to more complex and technical songs, Cavalera Conspiracy hits on all cylinders.

Max's vocals are very distinctive, and his angry growls are as strong as ever. There are also a couple of guest appearances on the CD. Max's stepson Ritchie Cavalera does vocals on a track, and bassist Rex Brown (Down) also makes an appearance. It's great to hear Max and Igor back together again, and Inflikted shows they haven't lost any of their chemistry.

Eidolon is a concept album based on the Greek concept of an astral double of a living being, or a "mirror." The music combines harsh black metal with more symphonic and melodic elements. The guitar work on the CD is stellar, with somber black metal riffs complemented by some groovier, thrashier parts and some very clever solos.

Morean does a nice job with the vocals, showcasing a variety of pitches and emotions in his growls. There's also a guest appearance from Celtic Frost's Tom Gabriel Fischer. Eidolon isn't mainstream by any means, but as far as black metal goes it's pretty accessible, and very well done.