Asphyx

On their 2009 comeback record, Death… The Brutal Way, Dutch death metallers Asphyx captured their characteristic old school sound, showing that not only were they back, but they were just as good, if not better, than they were in the '90s. With follow-up Deathhammer, the band take that notion to the next level with extreme brutality and tight musicianship featured throughout the record. Deathhammer gets straight to the point with crushing opener "Into the Timewastes" and blazes on in an upward spiral of speed and aggression with "Reign of the Brute," filled with groove-laden, catchy riffs from guitarist Paul Baayens. Just like on Death… The Brutal Way, vocalist Martin van Drunen's performance is as fierce as ever, with some of the best gutturals ever heard. Deathhammer is classic death metal at its finest, from one of the genre's most vital, yet underrated outfits.