Luz Devora

In the tradition of chaotic metalcore bands like Converge, Botch, and early Cave In, Mexico’s Joliette reached a new plateau with this album, employing skronky chords to express everything from hope to disgust, while the screaming lead vocals occasionally give way to vulnerable moments without ever breaking into clean singing. Highlights include the almost-jazzy savagery of “Vacío,” the quicksand-like groove of “Júpiter Jovial,” the revision of the genre’s hardcore roots of “Muletilla Japonesa,” and the doomy and disintegrating-at-the-seams “Defenestra,” which brings Luz Devora to a dramatic close.