Denali

While the Deftones and Poison the Well might represent a more sensitive, emotionally evocative brand of metal than the variety practiced by, say, W.A.S.P., fans of these groups still demand larynx-lacerating screams and chaotic climactic choruses. Denali, the opening act for the Deftones and Poison the Well tour last fall, delivers neither. However, it managed to soothe the savage beasts, using singer Maura Davis’ astounding operatic range and a few well-timed guitar-noise detonations. On Denali’s self-titled debut, Davis’ vocals seemed encased in ice. On its latest album, The Instinct, the band thaws its sound, warming the melodies until they melt and flow.