RETURNING with their first new music in six years, a period that saw both the death of bassist and key songwriter, Paul Gray and exit of drummer Joey Jordison, .5: The Gray Chapter was always going to be an interesting album from the viewpoint of the band’s loyal fanbase.

Visceral lead single, The Devil In I, and songs such as Custer and Sarcastrophe are a clear statement by a band refusing to compromise their brutal sound after a 15-year existence.

The masked Iowans have delivered another dark, cathartic collection that firmly stakes its claim for metal release of the year.

Kerry Mitchell