Last week Oakland based metalheads Saviours released “Into Abbadon,” the follow-up to their remarkable debut “Crucifire.” “Into Abbadon” has been playing on repeat for the last couple days, and I feel confident saying now that not only is it the best metal album to come out so far this year, but it’s also better than any metal record that came out in 2007. It is the perfect mix of rollicking riffs and tasteful solos, with a touch of classic ’70s Sabbath and early (read:good) Metallica and Motorhead. You never get the sense that they’re stuck repeating older acts though, as some have complained about their Kemado labelmates the Sword. The sound they have created is undeniably modern and progressive. And as an added bonus the production is flawless. It’s pretty much everything I could hope to hear in a metal album. Here is a video of them tracking in the studio, laying down some sweet riffs.

Saviours will be in Seattle on March 1st at El Corazon. Their record is available now, though I haven’t seen it in any shops yet.