Russian Circles released their most recent album, Empros, last October via Sargent House and it was a barn burner.  Empros picked up where the anthemic riffs and melodies of 2009’s Geneva left off and injected evermore slithering rhythms amid skull-crushing heft with all the visceral intensity of Godflesh, Swans and Neurosis. For all intents and purposes, it was a radical revision of both heavy and melody that is monolithic in its clarity and perfection.  Coupled with an unparalleled live show that is as masterful as the album it supports, Russian Circles have been road warriors in 2012 in support of the fantastic effort.  
Ghettoblaster asked guitarist Mike Sullivan what he’s been enjoying this year.  Here are his favorites:
Swans – The Seer
Chelsea Wolfe – Unknown Rooms
Beak – >>
God Seed – I begin
Black Breath – Sentenced to Life
Gaza – No Absolutes in Human Suffering
Beach House – Bloom
Tame Impala – Lonerism
Earth – Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II
Disappears – Pre-Language