Propagandhi

Holy shit. Propagandhi have never been a band to sit still. In 1993, they helped define the mid-'90s "Fat sound" with How To Clean Everything, then completely redefined themselves with 2001's thrash epic, Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes. Supporting Caste is a fully realized amalgamation of the band's two identities, one obsessed with speed metal and howling riffs, the other content to let their ever-present political consciousness ring out over a simple d-beat and some power chords, catchy as all hell. From the opening surge of "Night Letters" it's apparent that the band have broken through whatever limited sonic walls they had built around themselves in the past, with a verse that drives like Voivod before moving into a vintage Propgandhi chorus that recalls Today's Empires' "Mate Ka Moris Ukun Rasik An." From one of the most passionate hockey songs ever put to tape ("Dear Coach's Corner") to the brutal anti-post-vegetarian crush of "Human(e) Meat (The Flensing of Sandor Katz)," the subject matter explored is as wide-ranging, thought-provoking and over-the-top as ever. Plus, all the baggy shorts kids who were bummed out when the band went thrash will flip when they hear "The Banger's Embrace." This is the record of the year.