Liturgy + Talk Normal + Nat Baldwin + Cavex

Judging by preview tracks that have recently hit the Web, Liturgy's Aesthethica—out May 10 on Thrill Jockey—is likely to be one of the year's standout metal releases, and an album that resonates with plenty of nonheadbangers as well. Even as the songs place a new emphasis on technicality, they project the dire emotion that made the band's debut, Renihilation, so impressive. Local art-rock luminaries Talk Normal and Nat Baldwin (of Dirty Projectors) help set the stage.