THE INTERBEING - The Edge of Obscure (2011)

MMMM

Undoubtedly this album will feature in my best of 2011 list, this is great stuff. Taking cues from Mnemic this mixes epic, melodic choruses with those jarring odd-time signature type of riffs that Meshuggah specialise in. I was kind of disappointed with the last Mnemic album, so it's good to see another band delivering the goods in a similar vein.

MORBID ANGEL - Illud Divinum Insanus (2011)

MMM

Universally slated by everyone except Metal Hammer, this is nowhere near as bad as it's made out. Oh sure 'Radikult' is shit, but there's plenty of 'proper' Morbid Angel tunes on here, and in 'I Am Morbid' the band finally have an anthem for the live arena.

DEATHRAISER - Violent Aggression (2011)

MMMM

Total Kreator worship (circa 1986) and bloody brilliant with it. This has to be one of the best of the nu-Thrash albums, completely brutal and unrelenting, just fantastic!

DWARVES - The Dwarves Are Born Again (2011)

MMMM

A definite return to form after the woeful 'Dwarves Must Die' album. Not quite up to the epic standards of 'Come Clean' or 'Are Young and Good Looking', but still a million times better than almost every other 'Punk' band...