The Future of Metal?

There are three albums that came out in 2017, that for me, represent the future of metal.

These are:

Forever - Code Orange

Code Orange mixes deathcore elements along with hardcore.  I like the hardcore elements, they remind me of Nails.  The deathcore sounds good without sounding like a pig squeal parody.  I think it's cool that the drummer sings lead, as do the guitar players.  The different voices work well together.  The track "Bleeding In The Blur" is kind of weird after the first three tracks, but it's growing on me.

Nightmare Logic - Power Trip

Power Trip remind me of vintage Metallica - like Metallica never moved beyond Kill Em All.  I mean that in a good way - it's raw and aggressive.  It's not super heavy, but the thrash fits in well with what's out today while still sounding like you're listening to an old Sepultura album. "Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe)" sounds like any old early 80s track, and the mid tempo even makes me think of Grim Reaper or Armored Saint, or mid tempo Anthrax.  But the vocals aren't goofy.  If you can't already tell, this is the most vintage sounding of the bunch.

Trumpeting Ecstasy - Full of Hell

Max Cavalera promotes the hell out of Full of Hell, and even takes them touring.  They are grindcore that reminds me a little of Napalm Death, but they incorporate elements that remind me of Cryptopsy, some hardcore elements, death metal, and the black metal / death metal combination vocals of Deicide and Vital Remains.  Like most good grindcore, the songs average a little over a minute in length.

Here are some other albums that I really loved this year: