This was a really tough one, guys. April has been the best month since March of 2015. So many releases. I managed to narrow it down some by rooting out the major label releases, but just when I was satisfied with Mortichnia, out of the gate comes ETHS. Ultimately, I had to give it to the latter. I am always in anticipation every single year for those albums that so greatly surprise me, so instantly connect with me, as to leave me in a state of breathless excitement. Call that hyperbole if you will, but how often can you say something like this over any variant of deathcore? I was completely unfamiliar with ETHS, but as I stated in my full review, they are a name I am not likely to forget any time soon. Their insane, capable, and at times ethereal fusion of djent, alternative metal, electronic, mathcore, and Middle Eastern influences (this is a French band, mind you) left me so befuddled in labeling the genre as to come up with one of my own: eclectic experimental deathcore. But even this fails to collectively explain the scope and unprecedented nature of this album. Most highly recommended for fans of iwrestledabearonce and Dillinger Escape Plan, but I consider this essential listening for everyone this year.