Formed by multi-instrumentalist and composer Jeff Carter in 2012, Darkening’s goal was to deliver an atmospheric death metal package with elements borrowed from black, death and progressive metal. Fast-forward to 2015, and Carter delivers that package through the debut album called “Augür.”

This debut release is a strong statement of intent for what is hopefully going to be the first of many releases over the coming years. Opener “Departure” is a powerful and dark track, laden with a thick and palpable atmosphere throughout. It has a very clean, modern atmospheric doom sound to it.

“Stare at the Faceless Sun” begins with a short ambient intro, but it doesn’t take so long until the cannonade of riffs accompanied with a melodic outburst of vocals and acoustic guitars kicks in. Imagine early Opeth with a much more polished production, and you’ll have a rough idea of how the heavier portions of this track sound. “Whispers in the Trees” is built upon a cold, eerie sounding riff that wouldn’t sound out of place in many Black Metal anthems. The rest of a track moves forward rapidly, which really helps bring these riffs and the drums to life in many regards. Although I wish that drums would be more creative. This is quite easily the second best track on here, and could very well stand as the cornerstone of their repertoire in years to come. The best track is the “Etched Within”; this is the point where this album reaches its true climax, with confident, well played guitar parts, primal drumming and a real showcase of Carter’s vocal talents, not to mention the technical prowess on both guitars and bass. Once we reach the song which ends this release, “Imminence”, your appetite for great tunes has already been satisfied. And this song definitely is another one that is positively brimming with great music and talent, and is a great way to wind down “Augür.”

If you heard this album without any knowledge of the man that wrote and performed it, you’d be forgiven for believing that this is a band that has been going for a while. The musical image of this band is already fully formed. As far as debut releases go, this is a great one. Hopefully the ones that follow it will surpass the lofty standards that this album has set.

Get “Augür” from Bandcamp.

Like stylistic siblings The Mercury Tree and the Kayo Dot, Portland-based power trio Bangbakc assault listeners’ ears with highly energetic and sporadic bursts of brilliant dynamics. Colorful, complex, and superbly catchy, the band’s debut album, 2014’s “echocomplexities,” was an exceptional collection of hyperactive post-rock and noisy flights of fancy, with momentous musicianship infectious hooks scattered throughout. Arriving a year later, the group’s sophomore effort, “Lot Lizards,” offers a substantially different approach. Although it’s not as hypnotically accessible as “echocomplexities,” this new album is far more adventurous, imaginative, and surprising. In fact, it’s the most fearless and unique album I’ve heard this year.

The eleven minute “The Theme to Lot Lizards” kickstarts “Lot Lizards” like an auditory coma. Though I cannot tell with assurance who sings where on the album as all of the members are listed as vocalists, vocalist on the album opener roars with a sharp attitude whilst interjecting soulful harmonies. Meanwhile, the music jolts with a start/stop frenzy that’s too tremendous to ignore. The singer (no. 1) provides an impassioned melody for each wildly creative rhythmic shift, which vary between hectic, tranquil, and atmospheric. Best of all, this song proves to be one of the most inventive and unforeseen tracks I’ve heard all year.

The psyched-out guitar work is seductive, and the instrumentation on “Lot Lizards” veers more towards psychedelic swing than anything progressive. It bleeds into the equally exciting “Season 1: Things Feel Good Yeah” and its follow-up “Season 2: Scenes From My Tea Shop,” making for completely unexpected stylistic shifts. The latter in particular is like an outtake from a King Crimson record.

Further on, “Commercial Break: Smokin’ Joe’s Crab Attack” lives up to the zany awesomeness of its title. It’s luscious, multifarious, and wholly confident—especially considering it features the accordion, performed by Dave Willey.

The binary titled “010100010” is perhaps the most experimental piece on the album, and definitely one of the biggest highlights of “Lot Lizards.” “Echocomplexities Part II” features The Mercury Tree’s Ben Spees on keyboards and synths, and is a mathematically elegant piece with soaring vocals and tasteful melody.

“Lot Lizards” is so inimitable. Rarely have I been so impressed with the sheer nonconformity of an album. The again, it’s equally rare to find a modern band who strives so hard to set itself apart from the pack. Without a doubt, this one is special.

“Lot Lizards” is available from Bandcamp. You can follow Bangbakc on Facebook here.

Lanes Laire has been active as a solo artists for years, and as his short biography on the Facebook suggests, he has been involved with various bands around USA. “Resurrection of Black” is surprisingly Lanes’ debut release, and it’s placed deep into the amotspheric, melodic side of progressive rock with influences from the ‘70s, the ‘80s and some contemporary ones. He adds plethora experimental, pop-rock, and ambient elements to his music. He will surely bring some of the big progressive rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s on your mind that is not a bad thing at all.

One can feel that Lanes Laire plays it safe, and that in the end his music is not “forward thinking” or “progressive.” But that’s because Laire is an apt craftsman, and he knows how well to make a song sounds catchy, but still complex enough. There are tons of great moments on the album that contribute to the final outcome, which brings nostalgia and innovation together. This prog rock music is easy to digest, but hard to predict.

The musicianship is very strong and the production is warm. “Resurrection of Black” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it is more than a decent album. There is a lot to explore here, and it’s waiting for you.