In Flames/Soilwork

In Flames and Soilwork have both recently released albums that push the boundaries of death metal by incorporating electronic textures, surprisingly groove-oriented rhythms, and (gasp!) melodic hooks. In Flames' latest, Reroute to Remain, is particularly easy on the ears -- but don't worry, it's not a total pop-chart move. All the band has really done is slightly upped the anthemic-choruses quotient; the classic thrash riffs at the heart of In Flames' sound are still present in full force.

Soilwork is doing something similar, but aiming a little less at the nü-metal crowd and more at, maybe, industrial fans? Half the riffs on their two most recent albums, Natural Born Chaos and Figure Number Five, seem guaranteed to entice fans of bands such as the recently reborn Ministry and Static-X. As in the case of In Flames, though, Soilwork has retained its essential metal core. Both groups are still the same crushing thrash bands; they've just decided to move the sound into the future. Have a little faith, and go along with 'em. It's worth the trip.