METZ – II

When METZ kicked down the doors of a complacent post-hardcore scene in 2012, they were touted in some quarters as another 'new Nirvana' – mainly as they are a trio who deal in devastating riffs, and they signed to Sub Pop. But with II, we can finally drop that claim for good. The Toronto group haven't hired Butch Vig, or given their second album any polish, but have instead ramped up the intensity of their debut and kept straight ahead on a rather scary-looking road which has led to them being hailed as one of North America's finest touring rock bands in recent years.

Spit You Out could be the best example yet of the sort of nerve-shredding, paranoia-inducing power they possess, which is just kept in line by a killer hook. Kicking A Can of Worms proves they can pull back from the edge if required, before another powerdrill bass riff sends your heart racing. Social anxiety has rarely sounded this thrilling. [Chris McCall]