This edition includes Star Wars metal, and some other shit you'll probably rather I focus on, but why? To the metals…
Dimmu Borgir – Eonian 
Genre: Symphonic black metal
Origin: Jessheim/Oslo, NOrway
Label: Nuclear Blast
It's been eight years since Abrahadabra was released. EIGHT YEARS! That's fucking crazy to me. Well, the wait is finally over, and Dimmu Borgir seem to be setting out to break the mold they created. Eonian is easily their most adventurous release yet. I feel like some parts might alienate purest fans, but I welcome the freshness.
Galactic Empire – Episode II
Genre: Star Wars Metal
Origin: Galaxy Far, Far Away
Label: Rise Records
They did it you guys! The Star Wars metal band not only recorded another album of John Williams jams, but they dropped it on Star Wars day (May the Fourth be with you by the way). They already got to all the tracks you'd expect to on their debut, but Episode II has them tackling "Rey's Theme," "March of The Resistance," and other new shit. It's amazing.
Ihsahn – 'Amr 
Genre: Experimental black metal
Origin: Notodden, Norway
Label: Candlelight/Spinefarm
With 'Amr, Ishahn's solo output has almost doubled what he did with Emperor. The experimental side of this chapter in his creative life is still alive, but he seems to be embracing a less avant-garde approach. This is probably my favorite thing he's done since After.
Lik – Carnage 
Genre: Death metal
Origin: Stockholm, Sweden
Label: Candlelight/Spinefarm
Lik are an evil horde, but they still manage to sneak some catchy ass melodies in their songs. They have an old school sound, yet have modern influence and techniques. The band features folks from Witchery, Katatonia, and one of Bloodbath's live guitarists, so you know it's solid.
Parkway Drive – Reverence 
Genre: Metalcore
Origin: Byron Bay, Australia
Label: Epitaph
Big choruses, steady rhythms, and lots of melody. It certainly is a new Parkway Drive album. I have to admit their guitar leads are pretty sweet. They have an 80's vibe to them.
Thy Catafalque – Geometria 
Genre: Avant garde metal
Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
Label: Season of Mist
It's fun that in a week where Ihsahn is releasing an album, that he's not the weirdest album of the week. This one is hands down. Tama Katai is an underrated genius and madman. It's a hard album to nail down, but it reminds me of Last Chance To Reason, Ihsahn, and Sigh. This is one that will likely quietly sneak it's way into some end of the year lists.
Also dropping today…
Professor Black – You Bastard! EP (Ektro) – Heavy metal
Skinned – Shadow Syndicate (Xenokorp) – Death metal
Shinedown – Attention Attention (Atlantic) – Alt rock
