...No, not Christmas, but rather time for me to bang my head (against a wall, sadly) trying to decide which of the myriad of superb releases this year are deserving a place in my year end round-up. I thought I was at least on the way to compiling a decent little list, until Deicide and Hell dropped a couple of massive bombs - or spanners in my works as I would rather refer to them. Therefore, I'm not going to post the final list until the end of December. Let's face it - anything can happen in the next 4 weeks.
Now, do I make it a top 40, 30 or 20? What would you like to see? I'm gravitating towards a top 20, personally as this won't be too much to read / take in / listen to for you my dear reader(s). I reckon that I will also split them up for the same reason, but do I do so in groups of 5 or 10? See, even the simple things are causing me headaches and that is before I even start on the actual bands.
So far, I have a 'short-list' of around 47 albums - Hey, from over 400, that isn't bad! I will take my leave for now, but watch this space...not right this moment, obviously. Nothing will happen.
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Sunday, 1 December 2013
Resurrection
Yes, after 7 months or so of inactivity, I have decided that is high time that I got back into this blogging / writing lark. I realised that I still have so much to say, so much to share and too much inspiration and passion to let it go to waste. Even if only a few people read it, it's still a handful of people that are interested in what I have to say. I came to the realisation that Facebook probably isn't the right platform to share videos or to recommend new bands as only a small percentage of my 'friends' on there are even remotely interested in seeing such updates.
To be honest, I became disillusioned when even the ones I thought / knew would be interested, clearly weren't and it felt that I was sharing new music with the same 3 or 4 people. Therefore, from now on I will be using this blog as a platform / outlet for my ravings. I am constantly coming across music, from new bands and old, that excites me in the same way it did when I was a teenager. I still have those "jaw-dropping" and "smiling like an idiot" moments...and it's this that I live for. There is so much out there to listen to, so why limit yourself to the same old albums/bands/songs? You can still listen to them - nobody is taking that away from you - but there are literally thousands of bands out there striving to be heard, to get their music to an audience.
Now, I'm not claiming to be some kind of oracle. That would be arrogant - even for me. Rather, I am saying that I have the time and the interest in trawling through literally tens of new artists / albums each and every week. Some of it is great, some of it not so much, but music is my life and my passion and I just feel that there is too much out there that is not receiving the attention it deserves.
That, my friends, is where you come in. All you have to do is follow this here blog and to click on the links, read my reviews and then go off and decide for yourself if there is anything that is worth your time. Think about it - I'm doing all the foot work (mouse-clicking, frankly), so you don't have to. Don't just let Spotify, Metal Hammer or the radio tell you what is cool - give me a chance too. I won't let you down. I promise. I have a veritable batch of ideas for posts, so I will be updating every couple of days time and inspiration allowing. Everything from reviews, weekly round-ups, band of the week, album of the month, top 10's, YouTube videos. Anyway, enough of my aimless witterings. I hope to see a few of you following and commenting here in the future. Hell, I'd even appreciate a few of you sharing the love...recommend my blog to friends who might be interested, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc. See you in the pit. Or something.
To be honest, I became disillusioned when even the ones I thought / knew would be interested, clearly weren't and it felt that I was sharing new music with the same 3 or 4 people. Therefore, from now on I will be using this blog as a platform / outlet for my ravings. I am constantly coming across music, from new bands and old, that excites me in the same way it did when I was a teenager. I still have those "jaw-dropping" and "smiling like an idiot" moments...and it's this that I live for. There is so much out there to listen to, so why limit yourself to the same old albums/bands/songs? You can still listen to them - nobody is taking that away from you - but there are literally thousands of bands out there striving to be heard, to get their music to an audience.
Now, I'm not claiming to be some kind of oracle. That would be arrogant - even for me. Rather, I am saying that I have the time and the interest in trawling through literally tens of new artists / albums each and every week. Some of it is great, some of it not so much, but music is my life and my passion and I just feel that there is too much out there that is not receiving the attention it deserves.
That, my friends, is where you come in. All you have to do is follow this here blog and to click on the links, read my reviews and then go off and decide for yourself if there is anything that is worth your time. Think about it - I'm doing all the foot work (mouse-clicking, frankly), so you don't have to. Don't just let Spotify, Metal Hammer or the radio tell you what is cool - give me a chance too. I won't let you down. I promise. I have a veritable batch of ideas for posts, so I will be updating every couple of days time and inspiration allowing. Everything from reviews, weekly round-ups, band of the week, album of the month, top 10's, YouTube videos. Anyway, enough of my aimless witterings. I hope to see a few of you following and commenting here in the future. Hell, I'd even appreciate a few of you sharing the love...recommend my blog to friends who might be interested, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc. See you in the pit. Or something.
Monday, 22 April 2013
Skid Row - United World Rebellion (2013)
Whilst browsing the old interweb last week, I came across a new EP by the once mighty Skid Row. As soon as I saw the name my heart sank. Even though I have been unfortunate enough to have heard the post-Bach material, I still decided to give it a listen. So, I pressed play and with a heavy heart, waited for another small part of my youth to die - awaited the inevitable disappointment.
But here's the thing. It never came. The opener "Kings Of Demolition" came and went, leaving me very pleasantly surprised. This wasn't just a decent track. No. It was a good track. More importantly, it was a good Skid Row track, which wouldn't have been out of place on "Slave To The Grind" (In fact the opening vocals reminded my quite a lot of "Livin' On A Chain Gang"). Everything, from the classic Sabo / Hill guitars to Johnny Solinger's powerful vocals are classic Skid Row. "Promising", I probably thought.
Surely this was a fluke, I hear you say?! Well, no. That's the thing. Forget any pre-comceptions and even misgivings you might rightly have - The next 4 tracks keep the momentum (and quality level) up. The last track "Stitches" stuck right in my head and has been there ever since.
When the EP had finished a few thoughts went through my mind. First and foremost was "Why is this an EP?" A few more tracks and this would have been the comeback album us Skid Row fans have been hoping for...our hopes fading with each passing year and album. This is Skid Row rebooted, rejuvinated, re-energised (and any other "re" words you fancy adding). A return to form if ever I've heard one.
There honestly isn't a weak track here - horrible lyrics/clichéd subject matter of "Let's Go" aside. Even the obligatory / typical / obvious Skid Row power ballad "This Is Killing Me" isn't anywhere near as bad as it probably should be in 2013. Everything is delivered with energy and the attitude that I used to associate with the band pre-'95. Why it has taken them this long to cut the crap and get to the point? To be frank, I really don't know. Better late, than never I suppose. Sadly though, despite the fact that this is a great release, it's probably a case of the old "too little, too late". The fan base the band once has has dwindled to a few die hards. Something they only have themselves to blame for to be fair. Maybe this release can turn the tide? I genuinely hope so.
The bottom line is that this is one step closer to redemption for the band and their long-suffering fans. If they can keep this up, they could pull off one of the greatest comebacks in rock history - Of course they will never shift millions of units again. Those days are gone for the genre that Skid Row play and for music in general in this era of illegal downloads, YouTube and Spotify, but they can certainly be proud of themselves again.
If you ever been a fan of the band, this is well worth your time...even if you just want a nostalgia kick If you haven't, well then this probably isn't for you. Either way, I have my copy on order and am now eagerly awaiting the follow up EP / full length release.
Welcome back, lads. The last 18 years are (almost) forgiven.
"Kings Of Demolition"
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Album Of The Month: February
Wednesday 13 - The Dixie Dead (Punk/Metal)
This was a tough one. Not so many standout releases in February when compared to January, but there were 2 that had AOTM potential and it was genuinely tough to choose between them. On one hand there was the intellectual, thinking man's Black Metal of the always amazing Vreid and on the other, the camp Horror Punk/Metal of Wednesday 13.
Well, when it came down to pure playability and repeat listens, it was Wednesday who won over this time. This album is pure, classic Wednesday. Everything you would want or expect from him is here - from the B-movie inspired lyrics, to the catchy sing-a-long choruses and huge, stomping, simple riffs that stick in your head. The most consistent album Mr Poole has put out since 2005's masterful "Transylvania 90210".
Simply put, this is another batch of Rob Zombie meets The Misfits anthems - and with not a weak track in earshot, this is not only my standout album for February, but a very real contender for 2013's top 10. Although, with some really exciting and highly anticipated albums still to come this year, only time will tell.
With an album so full of quality songs, choosing just a recommendation is tough, but "Curse The Living" and "Too Fast For Blood" are two of the highlights for me.
This was a tough one. Not so many standout releases in February when compared to January, but there were 2 that had AOTM potential and it was genuinely tough to choose between them. On one hand there was the intellectual, thinking man's Black Metal of the always amazing Vreid and on the other, the camp Horror Punk/Metal of Wednesday 13.
Well, when it came down to pure playability and repeat listens, it was Wednesday who won over this time. This album is pure, classic Wednesday. Everything you would want or expect from him is here - from the B-movie inspired lyrics, to the catchy sing-a-long choruses and huge, stomping, simple riffs that stick in your head. The most consistent album Mr Poole has put out since 2005's masterful "Transylvania 90210".
Simply put, this is another batch of Rob Zombie meets The Misfits anthems - and with not a weak track in earshot, this is not only my standout album for February, but a very real contender for 2013's top 10. Although, with some really exciting and highly anticipated albums still to come this year, only time will tell.
With an album so full of quality songs, choosing just a recommendation is tough, but "Curse The Living" and "Too Fast For Blood" are two of the highlights for me.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Album Of The Month: January
Audrey Horne - Youngblood (Classic Rock/Metal)
Of all of the albums released this month, I'd say that this one is not only the best, but also the most surprising. On hearing that Norwegian Post-Grunge rockers Audrey Horne were about to release album number 4, I was more that a little nonplussed. I mean, they have always had their moments, but none of the previous albums has exactly blown me away. Each has had its highlights, but none has been consistently good enough to stand out from the veritable hordes of bands playing that type of music.
That is until now. The more keen-eyed among you may have already noticed the genre in brackets above...yes, this is NOT a Post-Grunge album. This album is full of classic, 70's/80's style hard rocking goodness. That isn't to say that this is old hat or just another "retro" album from yet another Scandinavian band. No, AH have come up with something really special here.
This album sounds like it could have been recorded by a "supergroup" featuring members of Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Kiss and Thin Lizzy. Imagine that for a moment if you would indulge me. Right. Got it? OK, well now prepare to be blown away by the confidence and by the amazingly catchy songs here...from the Kiss swagger of "There Goes A Lady" through to the NWOBHM stylings of "Show And Tell", the Maiden-esque brilliance of "This Ends Here" and the epic "The King Is Dead", almost every song would probably be considered a Rock classic if this had been released a couple of decades ago. It really is that good.
This is the best Classic Rock album I heard in many years. Do yourselves a favour and pick up a copy.
If you still need convincing, check out the video for "Redemption Blues" for a taster of this stunning album.
Of all of the albums released this month, I'd say that this one is not only the best, but also the most surprising. On hearing that Norwegian Post-Grunge rockers Audrey Horne were about to release album number 4, I was more that a little nonplussed. I mean, they have always had their moments, but none of the previous albums has exactly blown me away. Each has had its highlights, but none has been consistently good enough to stand out from the veritable hordes of bands playing that type of music.
That is until now. The more keen-eyed among you may have already noticed the genre in brackets above...yes, this is NOT a Post-Grunge album. This album is full of classic, 70's/80's style hard rocking goodness. That isn't to say that this is old hat or just another "retro" album from yet another Scandinavian band. No, AH have come up with something really special here.
This album sounds like it could have been recorded by a "supergroup" featuring members of Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Kiss and Thin Lizzy. Imagine that for a moment if you would indulge me. Right. Got it? OK, well now prepare to be blown away by the confidence and by the amazingly catchy songs here...from the Kiss swagger of "There Goes A Lady" through to the NWOBHM stylings of "Show And Tell", the Maiden-esque brilliance of "This Ends Here" and the epic "The King Is Dead", almost every song would probably be considered a Rock classic if this had been released a couple of decades ago. It really is that good.
This is the best Classic Rock album I heard in many years. Do yourselves a favour and pick up a copy.
If you still need convincing, check out the video for "Redemption Blues" for a taster of this stunning album.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
20 Essential Metal / Hard Rock Albums You Should Hear: Part One
I know I do a lot of these lists, but here is another anyway. We all have those albums which have been with us for years like faithful companions. The albums which don't seem to age. As a long time reader of Metal Hammer, I have always read with great interest when they ask which album or albums would you recommend to a newcomer to metal or which album defines metal? Well, I am taking it further. These are the 20 (Yes, 20!) albums that I would recommend to anyone, be they a grizzled metal veteran or a relative metal virgin. If you haven't heard the albums on this list, well you should. Simple. Go on Spotify, download them if you must, but just give them a try. They are all bona fide classics in my, as always, humble opinion. I have tried to avoid anything from the last few years. This isn't due to falling standards of quality (quite the opposite is true in many ways), rather due to the fact that tastes change. "Favourite" albums come and go. An album I love and play to the point of wearing it away today, may be gathering dust in a year. No, these are albums that have had a long time to mature, albums that I have listened to more times than I've changed my pants and those which I could put on right now and listen to all the way to the end.
As usual, I have split this down as not to overload your delicate brains too much in one go, and to allow you time to digest and appreciate the music on offer fully (if you decide to do so).
So, here are the first 5 which came to mind.
Raging Speedhorn - Raging Speedhorn (2000)
First up are the hard bastards from Corby with their self-titled debut. And what a debut it is! This album is a Sludge/Hardcore monster. Simple but effective riffs, throat tearing (twin) vocals and all the groove you could ever want. It's a shame that they never came close to these heights again and sadly disbanded in 2008. But they left this brutal classic behind.
Listen to: Thumper
W.A.S.P. - The Headless Children (1989)
After the controversy the band attracted/courted in the early days and the wonderful, but often tongue-in-cheek anthems such as "I Wanna Be Somebody" and "Animal (Fuck Like A Beast), in 1989 we were introduced to a more serious, darker W.A.S.P. through the medium of that most dreaded of beasts, the concept album. From the Maiden-esque guitars to Blackie's mournful wail, this is a truly classic clutch of songs. The title track still gives me chills to this day. This album should be in the collection of any self-respecting metal fan...even those who don't like W.A.S.P. It's that good.
Listen to: The Headless Children
Judas Priest - Painkiller (1990)
This is almost so obvious that I shouldn't need to include it, but I will and definitely should. This album IS metal. It defines metal. It saw the band up their game in the face of the more brutal competition (Pantera and the like). The band needed to something to save their reputation and career after the woeful duo of "Turbo" and "Ram It Down". Well, they did that and so much more. They breathed new life into not only their own career, but into the ailing metal scene itself. Pounding drums, THAT twin guitar sound and Rob's inimitable vocal delivery all cement the place of Painkiller in any classic metal albums list. It is over 2 decades old now, but it hasn't and probably never will be considered "old". It was all downhill for Priest after this (although I liked a lot of the Ripper-era material), but how many bands could follow up an album like this? No wonder Rob quit the band.
Listen to: Painkiller
Hatebreed - The Rise Of Brutality (2003)
Hatebreed are one of those bands. Always consistent, never releasing a weak album...but it is "Rise..:" that is the jewel in their crown. Jamey's voice is brutal on this album. He roars his way through the uplifting and empowering lyrics...espousing inner strength and self-belief, never letting up for a moment. Not giving the listener time to breathe or recover from the aural pounding. This is as hardcore as Hardcore gets. I'd go as far as to say genre defining.
Listen to: Live For This
Pantera - Vulgar Display Of Power (1992)
Pantera had already managed to leave behind their humbe (and generally rubbish) beginnings as a Sleaze/Glam band when they released the brilliant and groove-laden "Cowboys From Hell" in 1990, but it was VDOP which really made the metal world sit up and take notice...influencing and attracting the attention of a new generation of fans (me included) at the same time. This was revolutionary and was one of the albums responsible for keeping Metal alive in the face of the Grunge onslaught. It was as brutal an album to break the mainstream as it could have been at the time, with the unforgetable and instantly recognisable cover setting the tone. Phil stomped, spat and bellowed his way throughout, taking no prisoners and the band were tighter than an emo's jeans. This is an album which had such an impact on the scene that it can never be over-rated or under-stated.
Listen to: Walk
As usual, I have split this down as not to overload your delicate brains too much in one go, and to allow you time to digest and appreciate the music on offer fully (if you decide to do so).
So, here are the first 5 which came to mind.
Raging Speedhorn - Raging Speedhorn (2000)
First up are the hard bastards from Corby with their self-titled debut. And what a debut it is! This album is a Sludge/Hardcore monster. Simple but effective riffs, throat tearing (twin) vocals and all the groove you could ever want. It's a shame that they never came close to these heights again and sadly disbanded in 2008. But they left this brutal classic behind.
Listen to: Thumper
W.A.S.P. - The Headless Children (1989)
After the controversy the band attracted/courted in the early days and the wonderful, but often tongue-in-cheek anthems such as "I Wanna Be Somebody" and "Animal (Fuck Like A Beast), in 1989 we were introduced to a more serious, darker W.A.S.P. through the medium of that most dreaded of beasts, the concept album. From the Maiden-esque guitars to Blackie's mournful wail, this is a truly classic clutch of songs. The title track still gives me chills to this day. This album should be in the collection of any self-respecting metal fan...even those who don't like W.A.S.P. It's that good.
Listen to: The Headless Children
Judas Priest - Painkiller (1990)
This is almost so obvious that I shouldn't need to include it, but I will and definitely should. This album IS metal. It defines metal. It saw the band up their game in the face of the more brutal competition (Pantera and the like). The band needed to something to save their reputation and career after the woeful duo of "Turbo" and "Ram It Down". Well, they did that and so much more. They breathed new life into not only their own career, but into the ailing metal scene itself. Pounding drums, THAT twin guitar sound and Rob's inimitable vocal delivery all cement the place of Painkiller in any classic metal albums list. It is over 2 decades old now, but it hasn't and probably never will be considered "old". It was all downhill for Priest after this (although I liked a lot of the Ripper-era material), but how many bands could follow up an album like this? No wonder Rob quit the band.
Listen to: Painkiller
Hatebreed - The Rise Of Brutality (2003)
Hatebreed are one of those bands. Always consistent, never releasing a weak album...but it is "Rise..:" that is the jewel in their crown. Jamey's voice is brutal on this album. He roars his way through the uplifting and empowering lyrics...espousing inner strength and self-belief, never letting up for a moment. Not giving the listener time to breathe or recover from the aural pounding. This is as hardcore as Hardcore gets. I'd go as far as to say genre defining.
Listen to: Live For This
Pantera - Vulgar Display Of Power (1992)
Pantera had already managed to leave behind their humbe (and generally rubbish) beginnings as a Sleaze/Glam band when they released the brilliant and groove-laden "Cowboys From Hell" in 1990, but it was VDOP which really made the metal world sit up and take notice...influencing and attracting the attention of a new generation of fans (me included) at the same time. This was revolutionary and was one of the albums responsible for keeping Metal alive in the face of the Grunge onslaught. It was as brutal an album to break the mainstream as it could have been at the time, with the unforgetable and instantly recognisable cover setting the tone. Phil stomped, spat and bellowed his way throughout, taking no prisoners and the band were tighter than an emo's jeans. This is an album which had such an impact on the scene that it can never be over-rated or under-stated.
Listen to: Walk
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Top 20 Albums of 2012: Part Three: 10 - 1
So we are down to this - the third and final part of my "Top 30 of 2012". These are the albums that really shook my world over the past 12 months. Here you will find career bests, comebacks and in one tragic case, final albums. A mixed box of treats, but one which contains no bloody coffee creams!
10. Soundgarden - King Animal (Grunge/Rock)
To call this album "highly anticipated" would be a huge understatement. To be honest I don't think any of us really ever expected to hear a new Soundgarden album again. So, it was with trepidation and curiosity that I cautiously approached this - the band's first full-length in 15 long years. The last album was released way back in 1997, which really was a different era musically and I was 21 for G*d's sake. Could the band repeat what Alice In Chains achieved on their "comeback" album in 2010? I should point out that I was never much of a Soundgarden fan 'back in the day'. Of course I liked the "hits" - Jesus Christ Pose, etc, but I always found them to be dull in comparison with their 'Grunge' peers. Well, I was not only surprised, but also well and truly converted when I heard this. It's like no time has passed, but at the same time succeeds in sounding fresh and relevant. The chemistry between the members is immediately apparent and Chris Cornell's voice retains its familiar power and passion, but now has a raspy, gruffer edge. Welcome back! You really have "Been Away Too Long".
Song: Taree
9. Waylander - Kindred Spirits (Celtic/Blackened Metal)
The Irish Celtic Metallers return with another clutch of Pagan Black Metal war songs. Even after two decades Waylander still retain an urgency and energy not found in a lot of their contemporaries. The tin whistle and bodhran provide the perfect accompaniment to the blackened, dark tones of the songs on offer here and the band sounds vibrant and raw, managing to capture an almost live feel. The lyrics are steeped in the Celtic mythology of their native Emerald Isle and at the risk of coming across as twee, evoke images of a horde of Celtic warriors, faces painted, ready to face the enemy. If Folk Metal is your thing then you owe it to yourself to listen to this fantastic album.
Song: Echoes Of The Sidhe
8. Korpiklaani - Manala (Folk/Pagan Metal)
Korpiklaani are a unique beast. They are one of those bands where you not only know what to expect, but actually welcome it - If it's not broken...and all that. The band deliver time and time again. Everything you might expect from the band is here, but this time, almost gone is the party feel and the drinking songs. In their place is an album based around the concept of the Finnish mythological Underworld, Manala (or Tuonela). It is a darker, more edgy work than we have come to expect from Korpiklaani in the last few years and with a sound which harks back to their debut, will hopefully usher in the beginning of a new era for the band and help them maintain longevity when the Folk Metal fad dies. Don't despair though...the catchiness and head-nodding rhythms are still evident here, but are counter-balanced with some slower, mournful instrumentation.This is the jewel in the band's crown and probably the best release of their career. Where some may mourn the death of the party animals, I look forward to more of this - a more organic, authentic "folk"sound.
Song: Ruumiinmultaa
7. Cradle Of Filth - The Manticore...And Other Horrors (Gothic Black Metal)
This is a truly pleasant suprise, if that word can be applied to COF. The darkness and nastiness of their early work, which was missing on the last few neutered releases is back with a vengeance. This is COF on top form. "All killer and no filler" as I believe the saying goes. For once Dani and co. have managed to reign in their need for over-indulgence, opting this time to keep the album to an easily palatable 11 tracks/51 minutes. This is a streamlined showcase of the band's strengths. Everything you would expect from COF is here: From razor sharp riffs and Dani's trademark screeches through to the dark, poetic, gothic lyrics, but this time the keyboards and female vocals are kept in the background and are therefore applied to greater effect. Gone are the 10 minute bore-fests and clean vocals. Welcome back. The future is black...the future is Cradle.
Song: Huge Onyx Wings Behind Despair
This is a truly pleasant suprise, if that word can be applied to COF. The darkness and nastiness of their early work, which was missing on the last few neutered releases is back with a vengeance. This is COF on top form. "All killer and no filler" as I believe the saying goes. For once Dani and co. have managed to reign in their need for over-indulgence, opting this time to keep the album to an easily palatable 11 tracks/51 minutes. This is a streamlined showcase of the band's strengths. Everything you would expect from COF is here: From razor sharp riffs and Dani's trademark screeches through to the dark, poetic, gothic lyrics, but this time the keyboards and female vocals are kept in the background and are therefore applied to greater effect. Gone are the 10 minute bore-fests and clean vocals. Welcome back. The future is black...the future is Cradle.
Song: Huge Onyx Wings Behind Despair
6. Woods Of Ypres - 5: Grey Skies And Electric Light (Dark Metal)
This is the album that should and likely would have been the album the elevated Woods Of Ypres beyond the underground. A band that flew under the radar of most metalheads, but just oozed quality. Blending post black metal, shoegaze and gothic rock with ease, the band enchanted the select few who discovered them with their ethereal sound and with David Gold's heart-breakingly honest lyrics. Sadly, however on December 21st 2011, mere weeks before the release of this album, David Gold was killed in a car accident at the age of 31. Rest In Piece David. You will truly be missed.
Song: Finality
5.Eluveitie - Helvetios (Celtic Metal/Melodic Death Metal)
Eluveitie have always come across to me as the perfect middle ground between In Flames and Cruachan - and Helvetios is no exception. Effortlessly melding Celtic rolls with blistering Gothenburg-stlye Death Metal riffs. As one would expect, this is full to burst with tin whistles, flutes and more hurdy-gurdy than you could shake a stick at. A career best for a band which has yet to release a bad album...and that really is as high a praise as I can give them. Stunning!
Song: Neverland
4. Corrosion
Of Conformity - Corrosion Of
Conformity (Sludge/Punk/Metal)
Do I even need to explain why the mighty COC made the cut? I hope not, but just in case, this is the band doing what they do best...Sludge-ridden, Doom Metal with a Punk/Hardcore bite. This doesn't sound like a band who have been peddling its wares for three decades, but rather one which is stamping its authority and marking its territory. An exhilarating, blistering display which belies COC's long, storied history...It doesn't come much more real than this. Essential.
Song: Leeches
Do I even need to explain why the mighty COC made the cut? I hope not, but just in case, this is the band doing what they do best...Sludge-ridden, Doom Metal with a Punk/Hardcore bite. This doesn't sound like a band who have been peddling its wares for three decades, but rather one which is stamping its authority and marking its territory. An exhilarating, blistering display which belies COC's long, storied history...It doesn't come much more real than this. Essential.
Song: Leeches
3. Napalm Death - Utilitarian
Napalm storm back into the fray with their latest offering, Utilitarian. As far as ND go this is pretty business as usual. It is almost strangely reassuring to hear a new ND album...it just makes the world feel 'right'. The band are as pissed off and hungry as ever, proving yet again that these grizzled old veterans can more than hold their own in a scene dominated by bands half their age. This is the sound of a confident band still angry at the world, but very much at ease with their place in it.
Song: Collision Course
2. Deftones - Koi No Yokan (Alt./Post Rock/Nu-Metal)
The ever-consistent and classy Deftones come storming back with their 7th album, Koi No Yokan, and I am pleased to say that it definitely does not disappoint. Sound wise, what you have here is the energy and aggression of White Pony mixed with the subtlety and restraint of later releases and it works brilliantly. Do I need to say more? Just listen to it.
Song: Swerve City
Napalm storm back into the fray with their latest offering, Utilitarian. As far as ND go this is pretty business as usual. It is almost strangely reassuring to hear a new ND album...it just makes the world feel 'right'. The band are as pissed off and hungry as ever, proving yet again that these grizzled old veterans can more than hold their own in a scene dominated by bands half their age. This is the sound of a confident band still angry at the world, but very much at ease with their place in it.
Song: Collision Course
2. Deftones - Koi No Yokan (Alt./Post Rock/Nu-Metal)
The ever-consistent and classy Deftones come storming back with their 7th album, Koi No Yokan, and I am pleased to say that it definitely does not disappoint. Sound wise, what you have here is the energy and aggression of White Pony mixed with the subtlety and restraint of later releases and it works brilliantly. Do I need to say more? Just listen to it.
Song: Swerve City
1. Anaal Nathrakh - Vanitas
Britains nastiest purveyors of brutality haven't let up one bit. This is the sound of one of the most extreme bands on the planet broadening its musical horizons yet again. The band's trademarks are all here: The unearthly shrieks, face-shredding riffs and almost operatic clean vocals, but this time they come complete with "catchy" choruses and even occasional forays into electronic beats. This is pure savagery at its best.
Without a doubt, the best album released in 2012 and one of the best extreme metal albums of all time.
Song: To Spite The Face
Britains nastiest purveyors of brutality haven't let up one bit. This is the sound of one of the most extreme bands on the planet broadening its musical horizons yet again. The band's trademarks are all here: The unearthly shrieks, face-shredding riffs and almost operatic clean vocals, but this time they come complete with "catchy" choruses and even occasional forays into electronic beats. This is pure savagery at its best.
Without a doubt, the best album released in 2012 and one of the best extreme metal albums of all time.
Song: To Spite The Face
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