As the year winds down, so too does the unprecedented deluge of new releases. However, even though some publications have already posted their year-end lists, there are a few things coming out this week that might make them wish they waited.

Read more: Tuned In (Week of 12/9)

††† – RADIANT.Permanent EP

The lauded collaboration between Deftones’ frontman Chino Moreno and producer/multi-instrumentalist Shaun Lopez makes their long-awaited return with the RADIANT.PERMANENT EP, their first release since their 2014 self-titled. The duo has gained a cult following in the years since, so expectations are high. Moreno has teased that this was culled from more than a full length’s worth of material, so this may be just the tip of the iceberg.

Bad Wires – Failed Fables EP

The Louisville power trio follows up their 2020 debut LP with this EP that brings two new studio tracks and raw live versions of two unreleased songs. Their mix of sludge, punk, and noise rock is sure to make the weirdo metal fans happy.

Jimmy Cliff – Refugees

Jimmy Cliff didn’t need to make a new album. His long career has already made him a legend of reggae, ska, and rocksteady. But he didn’t build his legacy by sitting still. His first album in ten years features guest contributions from Wycleaf Jean, Dwight Roberts, and his daughter Lilty Cliff.

Justin Courtney Pierre – Permanent midnight

In 2021, Motion City Soundtrack frontman Justin Courtney Pierre started an ambitious series of EPs that spanned the narrative of a young boy who fell in love with an older woman and created an aging potion so they could be together. Permanent Midnight is the fourth and final installment in the project, and you can expect the same pop hooks and clever songwriting that brought his main project so much acclaim.

Mount WESTMORE – SNOOP CUBE 40 $HORT

West Coast hip hop legends Too $hort, E-40, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg have been crossing paths for thirty years, so this super group feels almost inevitable. Snoop Cube 40 $hort, their debut album, is the culmination of their long-running relationships, and was preceded by four singles since 2020. This is a must for any fan of 90s hip hop.

Shaam Larien – Sticka en Kniv I Världen

From the gloomy catalog of Svart records comes the new album from Goth-doom outfit Shaam Larien. Their 2020 debut Sculpture brought the band breakout success, landing them a spot on the Roskilde Festival and capturing the attention of Chelsea Wolfe. Their sophomore record, Sticka en Kniv I Världen (literally “Stick a Knife into the World) continues on the band’s fusion of post punk gloom, Goth theatricality, and blackened doom metal.

SMug Brothers – Emerald Lemonade EP

Ohio quartet Smug Brothers has been offering up indie rock that combines the charming songwriting of the Beatles with the wry humor of Built to Spill and the jangling effects-slathered guitars of Kurt Vile since 2005. Emerald Lemonade offers another charming collection of songs that combines ideas from Greek Mythology, Sir Isaac Newton, and romantic fairy tales, wrapped up in three minute pop songs filled with irresistable hooks.

sza – SOS

SZA makes her long-awaited return with an album as ambitious as it is star studded. SOS is her first record in five years, and finds the hip hop queen brushing shoulders with the usual suspects like Travis Scott, but also a late feature from rap legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard and a surprising feature from Phoebe Bridgers. SZA has teased it as an alternative record, so expectations are high.

What did we mess? Is your favorite artist releasing their opus this week? Let us know in the comments!