Rod Gator (album release), Ellis Bullard, Mayeux & Broussard, Shingles (single release), Crimson Devils (8:00), Conjunto los Pinkys (3:00)

Rod Gator (né Melancon) has always had the rock in him, with his previous albums delivering a heavy rockabilly punch behind his eclectic Louisiana Southern Gothic songwriting. Fifth LP Conqueror finally lets it all out fully, though, heavy and brutal at times as Gator goes dark with shredding metal riffs and chugging rhythms, brooding moans and rattling screams. Undoubtedly his most epic and cinematic offering in an adventurous catalog that defies expectations, the release caps the all-day Sagebrush anniversary party, which also rolls out Mayeux & Broussard, Conjunto Los Pinkys, and Shinglers. – Doug Freeman