Growth since his previous effort is obvious, both for the good (writing skills) and an arguable definition of bad (Penthouse Forum might even balk at some of the aggressive sex talk here).

Melodic and mercurial, immaculate and overwrought, it's not for everybody, but six albums in, Lacuna Coil have proven themselves more than worthy of both the attention of commercial rock radio and the adoration of the progressive metal community.

They do add a distinct Norwegian metal patina to the whole affair, resulting in a listening experience that can feel a little like cueing up tracks from At the Gates, Black Flag, and Dimmu Borgir, and then pressing play on all three, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

While it's understandable that The Thousandfold Epicentre's broader canvas may require a little more time for digestion than 2009's The Time of No Time Evermore, and certainly 2008's kick-upside-the-head Come Reap EP, there's no shortage of creativity or entertainment to be found here.

This sampler offers plenty of quality listening and anyone who hasn't given Sultan's music a listen will find this CD to be an excellent starting place, delivering music that's wild, ambitious, and soul-satisfying all at once.

Nothing here reinvents country, but what the Dirt Drifters do is sound natural and grounded with their sound.

Overall, Colours is a joyful and inventive record which suggests Scott may have finally found his forte.

Despite a scattering of fantastic material, overall this collection is unworthy of the Sparrow's mighty legacy.

Gregory Porter's sophomore effort confirms the talent that was so apparent on his debut.

The Megaphonic Thrift largely avoid falling into the same self-indulgence trap that blights many all-star side projects, but they aren't quite engaging enough to suggest the hobby should become full-time.

Whichever era Foster picks and chooses from, Let It Burn always feels utterly timeless.

The album tries too hard to make its points, generally misplacing Walker's organic, rootsy appeal and obvious talents in the process.

It seems designed to hover in the background, covering the sound of clinking glassware and forks tapping plates and blending smoothly with subdued conversation.

Carnivale Electricos is a crunchy, rowdy recording with some beautiful twists and turns by its guest performers.

When White hits the target--and he does so more often than he misses--he's still a singular musical artist with a singular vision, and he's not even close to running out of stories on Where It Hits You.

Beaus$Eros is fringe listening.

It results in his most adventurous and fulfilling work to date.

The dynamics of accessible songwriting mingling with weird breakdowns and abrupt production jumps make sure the songs are always engaging enough to keep the listener riveted, even when the saga of the twins starts to lose the plot.

Fresh and surprisingly accessible despite its quirks, Visions is bewitching.

It's one of the most affecting works to date from a brilliant, one-of-a-kind band.

Roses may not immediately grab hold--and it's lacking one strong single to pull listeners in--but it's well-constructed adult pop that's unashamed of being either adult or pop.

A listen to Melt clearly conveys their wider world-view and is as ambitious as it is engaging (and a real treat to hear on headphones, to boot).

Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose is as restrained in its own way as it is vibrant; just over 30 minutes long, it shows that Houghton knows how to leave listeners wanting more.

A record that stands out as a career highlight in an already very impressive and inspiring career.

The Something Rain's grace, elegance, and beauty are enhanced throughout by its subtle but certain spirit of chance.

Her flow is rock-solid but nimble and complex and apparently effortless despite the weird and shifting beats.

While it doesn't sound at all the same, fans of Robert Fripp's Frippertronics (Let the Power Fall) or Henry Kaiser's guitar-with-delay work (It's a Wonderful Life, Where Endless Meets Disappearing) should really enjoy this.

It's an honest record, stripped of artifice, and it will hit you hard if you give it a chance.