They’ve succeeded in making a devastatingly heavy record that, bar the odd predictable breakdown, manages to steer clear of deathcore clichés and sets them apart from their peers.

There are plenty of moments on this record where it feels like Motionless have grown into their own skin; tugging at the heartstrings one moment and cutting straight to the bone the next.

From the barbed, Blink-182-esque pop-punk of ‘A Million Miles’ and grouchy, tongue in cheek call-outs of ‘Am I Deaf’ to sun-drenched ska numbers like ‘Don’t Let Me Go’, this is a mix of music for lounging by a pool, and tearing up a sweaty basement venue.

Phantom Anthem is an awful lot to stomach in one sitting, but those prepared to strap in and take the ride from guttural beginnings to dramatic conclusion will be rewarded with an album of intense grandeur and unmatchable ambition.

This is an album of atmosphere, huge highs, crushing lows, melodies, crescendos and something entirely new that still sounds natural. Stunning.

Earth's continued trudge into beatific wilderness sees Dylan Carlson return to territory traversed by the desolate windswept tundras.

TIHTWS is the sound of band who know what they are good at and are good at what they know, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Beartooth are a band that truly deliver songs for the disenfranchised.

Though riff addicts may find this slightly wanting, for the patient listener, Enemies have left a fitting swansong.

Its delicate, sparse build-and-explode approach is largely typical of what Last Young Renegade has to offer--anthemic yet atmospheric songs that are subtly affecting.

It lasts about two days, though, and even though the likes of 'Four Score And Seven' and 'To Old Friends And New' hum with energy and shoutalong choruses a little restraint would've worked wonders. An above-average Titus record is worth a dozen imitators, though.

This cements their position as one of the world’s most exciting, vital bands, and it’s unlikely you’ll hear many (if any) more impactful records in 2016.

With each song bleeding seamlessly into the next, there's little relief from all the doom and gloom, but regardless, this remains another worthy addition to Harvey Milk's awkward oeuvre.

Topping 2012’s ‘Get What You Give’ wasn’t going to be easy, but The Ghost Inside have kept up the momentum at the very least.

Helioscope represents another intriguing release from a band who remain a hugely promising proposition.

Tracks can bleed into one another, but their ideas are finally finding focus. This is Wovenwar, but a whole lot meaner, louder and more driven.

Like Wes Craven reanimating the slasher genre with the Scream franchise, The Black Dahlia Murder play with enough conviction and knowing reference to metal's most spectacular parlour tricks and add enough contemporary muscle to drop your jaw no matter your age.

Crusty, jarring and still as acerbic as ever, this is Cancer Bats at their best.

An outstanding return.

Short of any psychotropic assistance, Wild Light is a credible substitute for nirvana, demanding you suspend your disbelief and just jump in feet first, setting yourself free from all corporeal existence.

Kieran Hebden’s first album as Four Tet in almost five years is perhaps his best yet, sealing his reputation for blending jazz, electronica and classical influences into seamless, shimmering soundscapes with an ever-mutating style.

This time around there’s more screaming and distortion a la ‘Jupiter’-era Cave In (‘The Refusal’), which somehow compliments the more melodic tracks here and only adds to what’s on offer.

A sterling second outing shot through with the admirable spirit of never tapping out.

The dweeb-core champs’ songs might as well come with a ‘kick me’ sign pinned to them, but the depth and quality of Holy Ghost is an exercise in kicking back and refusing to be defeated.

This is ace.

Duality is a full-blown orchestral dance-pop masterpiece that will make you throw your arms in the air with glee, even if you think you should know better.

Stunning.

It’s a clutch of sharp, abrasive punk anthems, underpinned by tight, funk-tinged rhythms.