Got 4 birthday presents today (actual birthday date not quite today):
Anna Calvi - One Breath
I loved her debut album. Big, powerful, vibrant vocals and forceful indie retro-rock tunes that really hit pretty deep for me. I'm hoping this 2013 album can come even close to the level of her debut.
Ihsahn - Ámr
Former Emperor frontman's 7th studio album. His previous album "Arktis" felt a bit to me like he was treading water, creatively. I'm hoping this one will impress me considerably more.
Arkona - Khram
The new album from my favourite folk metal band. Top 5 metal band, really. I have no idea why I've not even bought the album myself yet, but I look forward to finally spinning it, big time.
Thy Catafalque - Geometria
New album from this solo metal artist whose weird black/prog/folk hybrid I've actually never heard much of. I just really liked what I checked out from this album earlier in the year, and my brother is a big fan. So... actually really looking forward to getting in depth with this one.