From First To Last (Geffen Records)

The Los Angeles-based post-hardcore/scream outfit return to the fray, this time minus singer Sonny Moore, with this self-titled outing offering plenty of stadium-sized hooks and metallic chords, plus powerful vocals from guitarist Matt Good on songs like "World's Away", "We All Turn Back To Dust" and "Tick Tick Tomorrow". Opener "Two As One" has catchy guitar riffs and powerful choruses while "Deliverance!" is hardcore emo/screamo.

A Sense of Purpose

In Flames

(Koch Records)

 Swedish metallers In Flames go softer, offering a decidedly more tepid tempo on this, their ninth studio album in their 18-year career, but manage to maintain impressive guitar dynamics, hooky riffs, and aggressive vocals.

 Opener "The Mirror's Truth" blends blues guitar with a neo-classic melody but it's "March to the Shore" that's the winning track on this outing, with its new guitar progressions and deeper vocals. "I'm the Highway" has soaring harmonies, and "Alias" has some interesting acoustic-style metal work. "Move Through Me" brings to mind Marty Friedman's guitar style.