Kvelertak

For their truly astonishing feat of managing to simultaneously sound like everyone and no one on their debut album, Kvelertak must be granted respect. Aside from singing in their native Norse tongue, the band's Scandinavian background permeates this self-titled work thanks to well-placed moments of black metal that demonstrate one of the most effective combinations of that style with other elements in years. Said other elements are undoubtedly the main ingredient in what is a very potent brew. This album is a "good times," fist-pumping rock record from beginning to end, with the power chord swagger of Turbonegro taking turns with Baroness-like lead guitar forays and the most badass elements of the last few Satyricon albums setting the tone for a joyride with more than a hint of brutality. Sound confusing? It's really not. Hearing the anthemic "Sjohyenar," with its hardcore-ish gang vocals, nasty half-time breakdown and more evil than thou blast section, ties it all together. This simply rules.