Album Of The Month: February

Wednesday 13 - The Dixie Dead (Punk/Metal)

This was a tough one. Not so many standout releases in February when compared to January, but there were 2 that had AOTM potential and it was genuinely tough to choose between them. On one hand there was the intellectual, thinking man's Black Metal of the always amazing Vreid and on the other, the camp Horror Punk/Metal of Wednesday 13.

Well, when it came down to pure playability and repeat listens, it was Wednesday who won over this time. This album is pure, classic Wednesday. Everything you would want or expect from him is here - from the B-movie inspired lyrics, to the catchy sing-a-long choruses and huge, stomping, simple riffs that stick in your head. The most consistent album Mr Poole has put out since 2005's masterful "Transylvania 90210".

Simply put, this is another batch of Rob Zombie meets The Misfits anthems - and with not a weak track in earshot, this is not only my standout album for February, but a very real contender for 2013's top 10. Although, with some really exciting and highly anticipated albums still to come this year, only time will tell.

With an album so full of quality songs, choosing just a recommendation is tough, but "Curse The Living" and "Too Fast For Blood" are two of the highlights for me.