It's the heat of summer, but the quality of metal releases cooled off dramatically in July. There were some excellent albums released, but the depth of overall quality for the month is the thinnest so far this year. This month's list includes some familiar bands, but also some up-and-comers including the band that topped July's list of the best new metal albums.

1. Sons of Huns – 'While Sleeping Stay Awake' (Riding Easy)

If you need your daily fill of ass-kickery, look no farther than the sophomore album from Sons of Huns, While Sleeping Stay Awake. Right away this Portland trio lets it rip with stacks of rawkin' energy, tone, grit and attitude. Killer riffs with groove and swing isn't their only strength. Deep lyrical themes abound, such as philosophy, yoga, meditation, life and death. Not your typical heavy rock fare.

As if Sons of Huns need any help busting out the goods on this highly addicting album, it features guest appearances from Wino of Saint Vitus (“An Evil Unseen”) and Dale Crover of the Melvins (“Philosopher's Stone”) and on each track Sons adapt to suit the guests. For fans of The Shrine, Fu Manchu, Orange Goblin, Barn Burner.

2. Lamb Of God - 'VII: Sturm Und Drang' (Epic)

Sturm Und Drang is a German expression that means “storm and stress.” That’s an apt title for the album, which boils down everything the band has been through over the past few years into a compact, tight and razor sharp record. The typical Lamb Of God aggression is present, but there’s plenty of diversity as well.

VII: Sturm Und Drang is a focused and energetic album from one of the genre’s biggest names, with Lamb Of God adding another top-notch release to their catalog that now goes back nearly 20 years. 

Read the complete Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang Review

3. Immortal Bird - 'Empress/Abscess' (Broken Limbs)

 Immortal Bird’s Akrasia EP was unnerving in the best way possible, a quality present on their debut album. With Rae Amitay giving up the drum seat and focusing solely on vocals, the rancid roars she emits have doubled in strength since the EP. The songs reflect this rage with an increased blackened temper over their radical, charging style.

A couple of twists, like a somber piano some minutes into “To a Watery Grave,” don’t lessen the forceful deviance the music inhibits. The violent tempos of “Neoplastic” and “The Sycophant” stand alongside the rumbling opus “And Send Fire,” a boiling partnership that shows the immense dynamics this superb group produces.

4. Powerwolf - 'Blessed & Possessed' (Napalm)

 Blessed & Possessed could be Powerwolf's most streamlined release. Each song is built on memorable melody lines and is anthemic in nature. For the most part the songs are straight to the point and average around three and half minutes. The material never overstays its welcome while the hooks are satiating and drill into your brain until you are left with no choice but to raise your fist and headbang.

The songs are all driven by singer Attila Dorn’s tremendous melodies. He possesses a powerful voice and thankfully never reaches earsplitting stratospheric levels. The title track kicks off the album with a bang including a classic Judas Priest inspired riff before launching into a timeless sing along metal anthem.

Read the complete Powerwolf - Blessed & Possessed Review

5. Cradle Of Filth - 'Hammer Of The Witches' (Nuclear Blast)

The lineup changes seem to have energized the band. The sound of Hammer Of The Witches is in the same vein as recent COF albums, with the extremity turned up a notch. You’ll hear symphonic arrangements augmenting aggressive metal with Filth’s trademark screeching vocals.

With their last few albums receiving a mixed response, Hammer Of The Witches is a return to form for Cradle Of Filth. It’s their most focused effort in a while, with the new members providing a fresh perspective while remaining true to the band’s core sound.

Read the complete Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches Review