Metal

'Awakening' delivers wildly muscular music with subtle, effective elegance rarely associated with metal. The result is contagious, textured melodies and weighty rhythmic components buffed to a sophisticated polish. In short, 'Awakening' is skillfully wrought music.

Veterans such as Neil Young, Ryan Adams, blues great Joe Bonamassa, Bjork, The War On Drugs, St. Vincent, The National, Spoon, and Living Colour made stellar releases. Favorite new artist: Jay Som.

'Reflections of a Floating World' shifts from Isis-esque sludge to headbang-worthy, arena-ready guitar solos reminiscent of Rainbow—often within the same song. But for all of its chameleonic transmutation, it never sounds unfocused.

On December 1, 2017, without warning, Glassjaw released their third album, 'Material Control.' The 15-year drought is over, but can it live up to the impossibly high hype?

Several of the group's finest songs are littered among the 24 tracks. And while many similar projects might offer quantity over quality, 'The Alchemy Index' doesn't have any reservations about giving fans both.

Other than The Beatles, Black Sabbath is perhaps the most influential band in rock history. February 4, 2017 is forever marked as the final date of their last ever tour. It was a one of a kind celebration of their enduring legacy. And the Angelic Sessions is a bonus treat.

By any means, 'Shade' is an impressive achievement that few bands 30 years into their career can ever hope to achieve. It may not replace their classic releases, but it absolutely belongs right next to them.

'Who the F**k Is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago' portrays one life made richer by the love of music, while other lives are made equally richer by love for him.

With just seven songs totaling 40 minutes, prog metal forefathers Uriah Heep created a monster of a record that has lost none of its meaty charm over time. The "alternate look" at the album that comprises the 11-track bonus disc adds a fuller picture of this era of one of early hard rock/metal's most overlooked acts.

Beyond SXSW, Bonnaroo, and Coachella are some other notable festivals this year. Read on to find out which of the four fests previewed in this article that beloved artists and groups like Bob Dylan, Ozzy, Slayer, Megadeth, Iggy Pop, At the Drive-In, Queens of the Stone Age, The Pixies, Weezer, Muse, and others will be rockin'.