Editor’s Note: Do you think we “missed” an album this week? Click here.
Each month, we always seem to come to the same conclusion when it comes to our Editors’ Picks column: Friday release days open the floodgates and unleash a seemingly endless stream of quality new music. But while some of our Editors and Contributors sit down gleefully each week to dive into this newly stocked treasure trove, others find themselves drawing a blank at the end of the month due to the breakneck pace needed to keep up to date with what’s been released. Which brings us to this Heavy Blog PSA: a weekly roundup of new albums which pares down the week’s releases to only our highest recommendations. Here you’ll find full album/single streams, pre-order links and, most importantly, a collection of albums that could very well earn a spot on your year-end list. Enjoy!
Top Picks
Jorn – Over the Horizon Radar (heavy metal)
Jorn Lande rocks harder than your favourite band ever will, and you’re just going to have to deal with that. The Norwegian powerhouse was covering Kate Bush before it was cool and, while the cheekily titled Over the Horizon Radar is a tad more subdued than his previous releases, Jorn’s passion for heavy metal remains palpable and ever-present. This probably isn’t the best point of entry for new fans, but — if you’re into this sort of thing — 2015’s Dracula: Swing of Death and 2017’s superb Live in America are sure to have you coming back for more.
–Josh Bulleid