Gollum

With this Rotten Records debut, the follow-up to their 2004 self-released Lesser Traveled Waters, Wilmington, NC's Gollum have proven that they are been able to soldier on even after tragic adversity. The progressive metal band have dedicated The Core to their late drummer Hunter Holland, who passed just before the recording was completed. The album has a very experimental sound due to the band's use of samples and keyboards, but it also contains elements of hardcore and death metal, as well as an old school thrash vocal style. The title track is rich and dynamic, while "Blacksmith (Summoning Wrath)" is very groove-driven, with Frank Stroehmer's catchy guitar riffs. The standout track on The Core, however, is most definitely "Diggin'," which features aggressive guest vocals from Lamb of God's Randy Blythe. The Southern influence on this track is undeniable and also features an exceedingly brooding vibe, with vocals that sound like someone being dragged through the depths of hell.