Mark Lanegan’s 2017 solo album, again using the Mark Lanegan Band name to cover a variety of backing musicians, was one of his most energetic, concentrated efforts; with longtime collaborator Alain Johannes and newer compatriot Rob Marshall providing most of the music, it’s no pep fest but it absolutely burns with power. Gargoyle’s lead single “Beehive” was one of Lanegan’s strongest 2010s songs, a dark shimmy with driving drums from Jack Irons, but plenty of other cuts like the slamming “Nocturne” and the stirring “Old Swan” are equally sharp.

– Ned Raggett