• Patrick Saad’s Top Releases of May 2011
  • Neal Morse – Testimony 2

Recommended: Time Changer and Seeds of Gold.

With 2 hours of fresh music, Neal Morse releases another testimony to his undisputed position amongst progressive rock’s most respected musicians. Randy George (bass) and Mike Portnoy (drums) also take part on this release, along with a guest appearance by Steve Morse on the 26 minute song “Seeds of Gold”.

For fans of: Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic.

  • Unexpect – Fables Of The Sleepless Empire

Recommended: The Quantum Symphony and Unfed Pendulum.

Unexpect combines everything from operatic, classical, black and death metal to unleash the Avant Garde album of the year. If you thought their previous “In A Flesh Aquarium” was psychotic, you’d better buckle up because Fables of The Sleepless Empire has more complexity, tighter arrangements and mindbogglingly accurate musicianship.

For fans of: Akphaezya and Extreme Avant Garde Metal.

  • After Oblivion – Vultures (Promo)

Recommended: Septic Mind and Deliverance.

With a self-released promo of 3 tracks and 11 minutes, After Oblivion brings back 90’s death metal and bands like Death. With the signature Chuck Schuldiner vocals and catchy songs, the Bosnian band is surely on its way to a major label signing in the near future. Grab this free promo here.

For fans of: Death and Kreator.

  • Arch Enemy – Khaos Legions

Recommended: Vengeance Is Mine and City Of The Dead.

Khaos Legions won’t disappoint the die-hard Arch Enemy fans as it follows the same formula that led the band to worldwide success since “Wages of Sin” in 2001. There’s plenty of fast riffing and solos by the Amott brothers, along with Gossow’s high pitch shrieks and themes of anger, freedom and “Khaos”!

For fans of: Melodic Death Metal.