• Patrick Saad’s Top Releases of August 2011

Recommended: Thorn and Cryptogenic Desires.

Leprous strike a huge comeback after their acclaimed 2009 album ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ with ‘Bilateral’, their more focused release to date. If you like your avant-garde prog (and if you’re a strong believer in Norwegian Metal bands), this album will surely land in your top albums of 2011 list. On a side note, Ihsahn makes a guest appearance on Thorn!

For fans of: The Mars Volta and Shaolin Death Squad.

Recommended: Storm Seeker and Odin’s Tree.

ICS Vortex (ex-Dimmu Borgir, Borknagar)’s first solo album ‘Storm Seeker’ finally highlights the renowned vocalist/bassist’s full creativity in composing Nordic Black Metal / Rock. ICS’s clean vocals are not unusual for fans of his contributions to Dimmu Borgir, Arcturus and Borknagar, and this project will solidify his name among the unique musicians in Europe.

For fans of: Borknagar and Arcturus.

  • Rami Rouhana’s Top Release of August 2011

Recommended: Fallen and Obsessions.

Such powerful music, sometimes technical, sometimes melodic but always catchy. There’s definitely a talented lineup with bass player Kristofer Gildenlow (ex-Pain of Salvation, Dial), drummer Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation) and the main guy behind the project, guitarist Samuel Arkan (VIRUS IV).

For fans of: Power Metal bands such as Stratovarious, Edguy, etc.