Subversion
Animi
Rogue Records

When "Born of the Sun," the opening track on Animi begins playing, it seems that this British five-member tech metal band is intent on merely pummeling their way into your ears, including with screamed vocals from front man Jay Shields. But get to the middle of the song and you'll hear a break featuring keyboard flourishes and mellowed-out guitar too. The two seemingly at-odds sounds work nicely for Subversion, who stir plenty of melodic prog sounds into their tech metal stew throughout. The technique really works on album standout "Imperfect" where the listener can take a musical rollercoaster ride as the band bounces back and forth from thump to serene. Get it here.

Jimmy Barnes
Hindsight
Mascot Records

Singer Barnes is legendary in his Australian homeland but American fans may mostly be familiar with him because he briefly held down the lead vocal chores for INXS after the death of Michael Hutchence. This album celebrates Barnes' 30-year solo career and to add to the fun he's loaded the record with guest appearances; Steven Van Zandt plays hot lead guitar on the Stones-y "Ride the Night Away," Jonathan Cain (Journey, the Babys) plays keys on the blue collar rocker "Working Class Man" and Neal Schon (Journey) wields a mean slide guitar on "Going Down Alone." Also guesting are Diesel, Joe Bonamassa, Baby Animals, The Living End and several others but none steal the show; Barnes' whisky-soaked, often impish-sounding vocals are the key to this impressive set. Get it here.

Danko Jones
Fire Music
Bad Taste Records