Kittie

With a title like I've Failed You, you'd think this sixth album from Canadian metal quartet Kittie would be a downer. While the full-length is this group's most personal and emotional release to date, Kittie have also maintained their trademark ferocity and heaviness. As the follow-up to 2009's In The Black, the album that redefined their sound, it's obvious that the ladies of Kittie are building on that momentum. Starting with the title track, the Lander sisters and company unleash their aggression, with Mercedes' thunderous drumming, as well as Morgan's chugging riffs and vicious growls. Finally having a solid line-up, including guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic, Kittie have been able to incorporate each of their individual talents into a cohesive, focused sound. "We Are the Lamb," "What Have I Done" and "Empires (Part 2)" feature some of their best songwriting to date, including McLeod's progressive guitar leads, which contrast nicely with the fast, heavy riffs. Add to that the same type of polished production heard on In The Black, courtesy of Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, and I've Failed You is Kittie's most accomplished release to date.