Concision is something of a lost art in metal, which is a shame. Many of the genre’s foundational albums — Master Of Reality, Reign In Blood, Overkill — are well under 40 minutes long. Castevet, too, understand the value of brevity. Obsian is only 36 minutes long, but it does not lack for content. It’s among the densest metal albums of the year, not in terms of technicality or speed, but in terms of engaging compositional detail. The band’s relentless push/pull songwriting and Colin Marston’s painstaking production make Obsian a gem for late-night headphone listening. When it ends, push play and spin it again. You’ve got time. –Doug [LISTEN]