Best of 2012 (3 of 3)

Final installment of my favorite music from 2012...

Chrome Waves
Chrome Waves' 6 song EP packs a hell of a punch. The Chicago based trio (who hail from previous bands such as The Atlas Moth, Nachtmystium, and others) prove that American death metal is alive and well. Chrome Waves builds emotion and dynamics throughout, accompanied by vocalist Stavros Giannopooulos' uncompromising howl. This short but sweet record provides as much metal as many bands cram into a full disc. 

Motionless in White
Young upstarts hailing from Scranton, PA, Motionless in White's second album proclaims that they'll be here to stay. With their brand of dark metalcore, Motionless in White charges with hooks, breakdowns, and ferocious vocals. Song with guest vocals by Soilwork's Speed is a highlight for me. They may not have invented 'spookycore' but they wear it well - and here's to hoping they continue to punish the genre.

Katatonia
Twenty year veterans, Swedish metallers Katatonia return with a lush, gothic album. Singer Jonas Renske's vocals are as tender as they are biting, backed by a chorus of crunching guitars and Katatonia's trademark brand of melodic hooks. The album plays through start to finish, each track picking where the last left off. Every time I play this record, I hear something new.