Kitchen Toonz

2018 ended with a bang with the release of The Parallel's full length, 'Weaver'. Check these guys out if you enjoy progressive metalcore in the vein of Structures or Intervals. This album combines chaotic and dissonant riffs with melodic choruses and complex guitar work to create a really exciting listening experience. In my experience bands can often overdo the dissonant style riffs until it becomes almost boring to listen to, and the The Parallel does not do this. There are enough dynamics and change so the album doesn't become stale. The drummer Ron Totman does really great cleans, and I believe both guitarists participate in vocals as well. Brett Cox's vocals during choruses are a particular highlight, but they're all really talented. The ancient Greek theme throughout the album is also pretty neat-o. If you haven't checked The Parallel out yet, definitely have a listen. This is a pretty unique album, which is saying something in a world saturate...

I think I discovered Protest The Hero when I was in grade 10, so I was about 14 or 15. After that point I think I listened to this album almost everyday for a year while I was going to class. Kezia is probably my favourite album of all time. Protest The Hero released their first LP, Kezia, in 2005. The soaring vocals Rory puts out over top the musicianship of the other members of this band really put this album at the forefront of Canadian metal, and at the top of my list. As a guitarist, I was instantly fascinated with the guitar work of of Tim and Luke. You don't need to play any instrument to appreciate it though. Every track is unique enough so that you're always left amazed and wondering what's gonna come next. I think that's why this album stands out so much to me. Nothing gets stale, there's no filler. It's one banging track after another. If you like mathy, technical metal with a lot of clean vocals, you won't be disappointed with this albu...