The arrangements are meticulous, but not overworked; the lyrics are strange, but not overfussed; and the instrumentation is unconventional, but not overthought. It all coalesces into a slow burning, satisfying listen. By Josh Cuevas

Josh Cuevas spoke with Primordial vocalist Alan Averill, aka A.A. Nemtheanga, over Skype about the new album’s themes, the differences between touring Europe and the USA, and why Primordial will never write songs about killing zombies.

‘Where Greater Men Have Fallen’ is a charging and thundering thing, powerful and melodic and relentless. – By Josh Cuevas

What we would mistake for masks in Old Man Gloom’s terrifying presentation are in fact naked human faces, rubbed raw and animal. Their latest offering exposes and exalts humanity’s primal nature in a chest-pounding, soul-stirring display. The Ape Of God is no joke. – By Josh Cuevas

Offering a succinct variation on a familiar sound à la Shellac and Drive Like Jehu, the noisy quartet slings gritty, punk-hearted anthems that refuse to overstay their welcome. Clean Hands, burns dirty and loud. – By Josh Cuevas

Buczarski is an accomplished musician, and his work as Mare Cognitum offers a dynamic and beautiful listen. – By Josh Cuevas

With Derivae, the band’s second album, Nero Di Marte has refined its palette such that the culminating vision is uniquely its own. – Josh Cuevas

All told, Kayo Dot’s Coffins On Io is a deep, living work with an emotional resonance that belies its sleek sonic design and retro-futuristic aesthetic. – By Josh Cuevas