The end result is Silverstein's career-best work and one of the best albums of the year thus far. [Mar 2013, p.91]

The band stand undiminished, combining Leviathan's raging metal with the sterling production of the proggier Crack The Skye.

Ultra Beatdown is a relentless explosion of power metal serving as a superb master class for fledgling shredders on any instrument. [Sep 2008, p.152] [Sep 208, p.152]

The Florida foursome still manage to top themselves with each outing. [Nov 2015, p.96]

Though such pop gloss ruins many indie acts, it fits CSS as snugly as vocalist Lovefoxx's Lycra stagewear. [Sep 2008, p.162]

The cutest couple this side of Jack and Meg do exactly that [get serious] on the shockingly accomplished Grand. [Feb 2009, p.100]

Although the circumstances surrounding these songs' creation are undoubtedly tragic, Walker has been able to spin that sorrow into arguably the best material of his career. [Mar 2015, p.91]

Even if McMahon's inspiration (lyrical and otherwise) are transparent on Passenger, the execution of his influences is impeccable. [Oct 2008, p.147]

They've made an undeniably great record that hits the sweet spot between distinction and accessibility. [Mar 2015, p.93]

A great party record, pop-metal to a splendid degree. [Jan 2003, p.84]

Fucked Up aren't the easiest band to like, but they're worth the effort. [Nov 2008, p.156]

Few records this year will be able to compete with the heart or hooks of this one. [Apr 2014, p.89]

The results are extraordinary. [May 2012, p.79]

Where the Tokyo-based quintet's heavier side might normally overshadow Thursday's more sensitively nuanced post-screamo, the transitions here are seemless. [Dec 2008, p.130]

The Go! Team's folluow-up is densely packed enough to make Phil Spector's Wall feel like a screen door. [Oct 2007, p.160]

Battle For The Sun takes the best elements of thier sound and focuses it into a cohesive listening experience--there's no filler to be found. [Jul 2009, p.130]

Three MVPs plus one vision equals one of the year's best. [Jun 2012, p.84]

Reunion Tour further cements the Weakerthans' status as legitmate rock 'n' roll tastemakers. [Nov 2007, p.172]

One day, Darnielle might make a sub-par Mountain Goats record. Pride certainly isn't it. [Apr 2008, p.152]

These are tightly constructed songs that sledgehammer a jagged line between the Pixies' inventive pop clamor and the hazy beauty of another clever noise purveyor deserving of the all-caps treatment, HEALTH.

Sam Beam has returned with a third full-length that rivals just about anything in his small but illustrious catalog. [Nov 2007, p.162]

The end result is an album that doesn't pull its punches, a direct message to the people with enough rhythm to get some movement out of stiff limbs while we dance away the recession blues. [May 2009, p.123]

May be Jackson's best work to date.... Playgroup is effortlessly retro, without sounding dated. [Apr 2002, p.80]

It's a refreshing turn from a band who easily churned out more of the same to little complaint. [Jun 2011, p.109]

Go is a genuinely beautiful, emotionally resonant must-hear. [Apr 2010, p.126]

O (Disambiguation) is the first Underoath album in years that you'll walk away humming--even as you pick shrapnel out of your ears. [Dec 2010, p.118]

Life Without Sound is rife with memorable hooks and earworms--and the substance to make them meaningful. [Feb 2017, p.80]

Decidedly mature and unapologetically soulful, Float is one of the most important records of this young year. [Apr 2008, p.148]