Silver

Jesu's awe-inspiring proficiency at layering the dense crunch of instrumental metal with a bevy of effects and dreamy slow-burn haze is the main influence behind my soon-to-be-created Neighborhoodie tee that will say, ''If you're reading this shirt, you're not in my band.'' I may never be in a shoegaze band, or a metal outfit. Justin Broadrick of Jesu does both at the same time, and it's absolutely compelling music. Cross-over appeal works both ways: it might be harder than Slowdive, but Broadrick's music is every bit as effervescent, and likewise, Jesu's releases are probably earmarked as the prettiest discs in a metalhead's collection. Silver, above all else, is a fucking sonic juggernaut, transcending not only genre distinctions, but also a great deal of the like bands that would inhabit either -- and it does so in only four tracks.

Amazing follow-up to last years Self-titled debut from Justin Broadrick (Godflesh). Two in a Row! With Jesu, Broadrick makes the kind of music I like to listen to on my headphones, many intricate layers that only seem to reveal themselves to those who are willing to look for them. If that doesn’t make sense then check it out for yourself. Jesu definitely makes some of the most accessible Hydra Head music out there.

Probably my favorite metal album of the year. But is it really metal? Ambiant/Metal/Electronic maybe...your soundtrack to a long walk in a big space.