I pride myself on listening to some of the strangest, wildest, most out there music in the world. And yet I'd never come across something called blackjazz. Or deathjazz, for that matter. But I can tell you where I've heard something like it. Not many bands blast thrashy riffage, complicated rhythms and full-throated screamo vocals and then throw in a saxophone, too.

Agabas Hard Anger (self-released)

If you can imagine Dazzling Killmen, Don Caballero and Slayer combining and then pushing toward the extremes of all three bands, you're probably getting there. But that leaves out the John Zorn-esque sax. So, I dunno. Categorize this at your own risk.

No matter what you call it, the music is incomprehensibly propulsive. That's the Slayer and Killmen part. I don't know where these Norwegian boys found their inspiration, but the results are heart-pounding. To call this set an a adrenaline rush is like calling Shohei Otani kinda good. These pieces rip, crush and pound their way to glory.

Those who like their music gentle and crafted will wilt before this. Agabas plays for those who embrace the crushing and chaotic complexity of life (and music). This is loud at any volume, but as the knob nears 11, your heart will keep time with the sonic blast. I'm out of breath and diving right back in.

Jon Worley