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Target - Master Project Genesis: Unique technical thrash metal from Belgium and, released in 1988, way ahead of its time with its combination of Anthrax-oriented melodies and Watch Tower-like complexity. I'll give their 1987-album Mission Executed a listen, too.

Prototype - Catalyst: Progressive rock and thrash metal combined into a highly original and very compelling style of music on an album which has epic proportions.

Exumer - Possessed By Fire and Rising from the Sea: Cult thrash releases which have been reissued this year (the band's third album was also released this year), these two are a must-have for any fan of Teutonic thrash metal. As a bonus, Rising from the Sea includes the more prog/tech-oriented Whips & Chains demo from 1989 as bonus tracks.

Yossi Sassi - Melting Clocks: A progressive rock release by Orphaned Land's guitarist, this album draws on Middle-Eastern musical tradition and combines it with various types of rock. It has some lows but more highs, and is definitely recommended to any fan of progressive rock.

Orphaned Land - The Beloved's Cry: I'm giving this some spins mostly out of curiosity. Being the band's first demo, it is much more extreme metal-informed than their later material. It does feature a lot of Middle-Eastern elements and it is actually not bad at all.

Bedemon - Symphony of Shadows: Doom metal with a touch of 70s psychedelic rock, this one is an instant classic! Fans of Black Sabbath and Pentagram should not miss out on this one!