Katatonia: Night is the New Day

Artist: Katatonia
Album: Night is the New Day
Date Released: November 10, 2009
Genre: metal, death metal, alternative metal
Rating: 8.0

The Black Dahlia Murder: Deflorate

Artist: The Black Dahlia Murder
Album: Deflorate
Date Released: September 15, 2009
Genre: metal, death metal, metalcore, deathcore
Rating: 7.0

Behemoth: Evangelion

Artist: Behemoth
Album: Evangelion
Date Released: August 11, 2009
Genre: metal, death metal, blackened death metal
Rating: 7.3

Nile: Those Whom the Gods Detest

Artist: Nile
Album: Those Whom the Gods Detest
Date Released: November 3, 2009
Genre: death metal
Rating: 7.5

Death metal veterans Nile have long been known for their high-speed and frenetic metal attack, but they are also renowned for their Discovery Channelesque attention to historical detail. In a genre laden with Satanic references to the point of nausea, Nile have gone against the grain by incorporating ancient Egyptian themes to heavy metal, along with Egyptian scales, modes and other Middle Eastern ear candy.

Their latest album, Those Whom the Gods Detest, is no exception. More than ever, Nile have seamlessly integrated these otherworldly elements into their music while remaining one of the heaviest and most brutal death metal bands in the business. As always, the band's talent as performers bleeds through the deathiness and growly vocals; Those Whom the Gods Detest features some fantastic guitar solos and relentless drum blasts.

Death metal fans will be pleased with this effort.

Obituary: Darkest Day

Artist: Obituary
Album: Darkest Day
Date Released: June 16, 2009
Genre: death metal, metal
Rating: 8.3

Review: Twenty years after their debut album, Obituary continues to brutalize the metal scene with their buzzy electrified riffs, wailing guitar solos, pounding rhythms and harsh (almost screamo) death metal vocals. The Darkest Day is relentless in its power, with each track showcasing the band's ferocity. There's nothing new on this album -- it's just Obituary doing what they do best -- and doing a very good job of it. Track highlights include: "List of Dead" and "Outside My Head."

Absu: Absu

Artist: Absu
Album: Absu
Date Released: June 9, 2009
Genre: black metal, death metal
Rating: 8.5

Review: Texas-based Absu is back and ferocious as ever after an 8-year hiatus. Easily the best black metal band to come out of the United States.