“The Stage” by Avenged Sevenfold

Released: Oct. 28

Genre: Heavy-metal

Grade: B

Since 1999, Avenged Sevenfold has hit the heavy-metal scene strong and hard. In 2007, the band’s self-titled album truly made it popular with the songs “Afterlife” and “A Little Piece of Heaven.” Since then, each album has held hit after hit for the band as it continues to get bigger, better and sell out arena shows. On Oct. 28, the band pulled a Beyoncé and released a secret album. Fans didn’t know it was being recorded and the band never gave hints about it. “The Stage,” showcases the qualities that make A7X a hit. From a heavy and fast guitar riff that starts of “Fermi Paradox,” that leads into a two-minute solo, Synyster Gates showcases his insane skills his fans are quite keen about.  “God Damn” starts with a heavy drudging bass, light guitar rhythm and then leads into an intense, thrasher, mosh-pit hit. M. Shadows’ vocals add to the intensity of the song and the entire album. His scratchy singing-screaming meshes well with the eerie instrumentals the band usually displays. “Roman Sky” slows down the album with string instrumentals that appears to be a trend throughout metal bands this year. Since Disturbed’s cover of “Sound of Silence,” many thrashers seem to be trying to take part in the ballad-esque sound, although no song can ever compete with that beauty. Although “Roman Sky” has fantastic instrumentals, Shadows’ vocals don’t match up enough for the song to truly be as impactful. “The Stage” was an insane surprise by the band and much needed after the three-year wait since “Hail to the King,” but overall, the album is lacking the quality the last three albums have had.

Download: “God Damn”

“Joanne” by Lady Gaga

Released: Oct. 21

Genre: Pop

Grade: A

Lady Gaga is a chameleon in the pop-music industry. From her straightforward music to the extremely pop vibes and then to an edgy rock sound, Gaga experimented with a variety of sounds. In her latest album, she continues. “Come to Mama,” an Amy-Winehouse-meets-Ingrid-Michaelson tune, showcases jazz instrumentals and the raw vocals that Gaga attests to. Stripped down without the auto-tuned extremities, she’s able to show off what an incredible singer she is. “Angel Down – Work Tape” is incredibly beautiful and will leave you with chills. The slow, guitar-laden song and raw screams are reminiscent of a sad Johnny Cash song that tells a story. “Hey Girl,” which features Florence Welch from Florence + the Machine, is a poppy-jazz beat that combines Welch’s and Gaga’s styles into a unique blend. The R&B jam also showcases electronics that add to the girl-power slow jam. The title track “Joanne” continues the same pattern of slow, vocal-focused music. Although Gaga does not keep up with the over-the-top act and she strips down all of the unnecessary elements she has built up for her persona, “Joanne” is probably her best album so far simply because listeners are now able to hear the true artist that she is.

Download: “Come to Mama”