WSOU Picks of the Week: Protest the Hero, Animals as Leaders, Dark Tranquillity

Seton Hall University’s WSOU radio is the only all-metal, all-the-time station currently broadcasting in the US, and as been a force in metal for DECADES. It’s also streamable online from anywhere in the world! Each week, the staff of WSOU shares their picks for the heaviest of the heavy, as well as the station’s charts for that week, right here on MetalSucks. Enjoy:

Protest The Hero – “Harbinger” (Mike C.)

Protest The Hero finally released a track from their subscription-based EP to the public. I participated in their subscription so I’ve heard the whole EP already, but this song in particular is my favorite track on it. Pacific Myth is out November 18 through Razor and Tie. Check this song out and be sure to catch them on their upcoming tour with August Burns Red!

Animals As Leaders – “Arithmophobia” (Nick D.)

At the forefront of the instrumental metal scene, AAL continue to prove they know a thing or two about playing their instruments. Combining metalcore, djent, jazz fusion, mathcore, and whatever they feel like, AAL keep instrumental music from being boring. They include a sitar on this track, bringing a different vibe to the sound and chaos of the ridiculous time changes, truly a beautiful composition. Their new album The Madness of Many is out November 11.

Dark Tranquillity – “The Pitiless” (Garren L.)

When I heard that Dark Tranquillity would be releasing a new album, I had no idea where to set my expectations, but with their new song, “The Pitiless,” they’ve shown that they are still firmly rooted in the melodic death metal tradition. The band’s sound seems to have evolved slightly with this track, and listeners might notice hints of other melodic death metal bands, such as Children of Bodom or Amon Amarth. With all this being said, the core essence of Dark Tranquillity’s sound is still there, and that has gotten me excited for their upcoming album.