Hey there tech-fiends, it's that time of the week again. There are a plethora of sick releases on the horizon for 2017, and I'm happy we can launch a slightly early stream today for Samskaras to give you an early taste of the quality tech-death that this year has to offer. Before we dive into this week's focus, here's the usual reminder that if you want to find more cool bands, all prior editions of this series can be perused here.

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While the Montreal-based outfit known as Samskaras aren't a new group, I suspect they will be a new discovery to many of you reading this. The group began in 2014, consisting of guitarist, bassist, and vocalist Eric Burnet (of the now on hiatus, but fucking killer, tech-death band Derelict) joined by the incredibly talented drummer Alexandre Dupras (Teramobil, Unhuman, Ex-The Plasma Rifle) and his special skill set on the kit. Together the two of them have years of experience writing and playing complex metal of the highest caliber, a factor that becomes immediately clear as soon as you hit play below on our early stream of their new EP, Asunder. Their combined talents as Samskaras was first showcased on their 2014 standalone singles, "Consecrate" and "Red Hill. I'd helped the band launch "Red Hill" as a lyric video at the time and immediately loved the sound they had going on.

Given that this is Canadian technical death metal, I don't really have to tell you how good it is, Asunder easily outdoes a large majority of their fellow peers. Their take on tech-death cuts more towards the progressive death metal side, but fear not, it's still massively heavy and full of tasty noodles, razor sharp riffs, and plenty of sick drumming. The biggest difference between their previous singles and Asunder lies in the songwriting, the music here feels more developed, more comfortable in its own skin, and definitely proggier than their prior material. The inclusion of clean singing on a few of the songs here is another new element for Samskaras, but I think it works and fits quite well.

So jam Asunder below and see how you feel about it. The band is very interested in growing, so when the release officially drops this Friday, January 20th through the Samskaras Bandcamp, it will be a pay-what-you-want-release. Which means there is no excuse for not throwing them a few bones and following a group who will undoubtedly continue to evolve into an even greater force. Be sure to follow the band over on their Samskaras Facebook page too.