Top 20 Albums of 2015 - Part 3: 10 - 6

10. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud

Finnish legends, Amorphis have released their strongest album in years and possibly the best since current singer, Tomi Joutsen joined the band a decade ago. The band's unique and trippy take on Folk (tinged) Metal is still as distinctive as ever, as is Tomi's diverse vocal range with his Gothic Metal style clean voice contrasting sublimely with the throaty roar of his harsh vocals. There really is no other band out there like Amorphis and their sound continues to evolve and grow, 25 years after their inception. "Under The Red Cloud" is yet another triumph.

9. Ugly Kid Joe - Uglier Than They Used Ta Be

The latest in the seemingly never ending list of "comeback" bands, UKJ are back with their new album, the brilliantly titled "Uglier Than They Used Ta Be". Where this band are a more interesting prospect than many of their peers, however, is that they are better, much better, than they were back in the day. Although the "distinctive" artwork might be instantly familiar to those who remember them from the first time around, anyone expecting "Everything About You" or suchlike is going to be suprised / amazed. "Uglier..." is a powerful Grunge-fuelled hard rock powerhouse of an album that should impress even the harshest of critics. The band has never sounded so good. Welcome back, guys!

8. Kampfar - Profan

It's not often you come across a band who not only get better and better with age, but who have seemingly not yet peaked. Last year's "Djevelmakt" was a stunning example of just how much Black Metal still has to offer, but "Profan" is even better. Yes, not only are Kampfar hitting their stride now, after two decades, but they have also released an album for two consecutive years, with the latest being the band's best to date. "Profan" finds these ferocious Norwegians on fine form and not only are Kampfar easily the best Pagan Black Metal band out there right now, but they are definite contenders for THE best Black Metal band. They really are that good.

7. Clutch - Psychic Warfare

Clutch do what they do and if you're already familiar with them, you know what to expect from the new album. "Psychic Warfare" is a raucous blues rock explosion of unstoppable, pure rock fury. Very possibly the most consistently brilliant rock band on the planet, they are certainly one of the best. 'Nuff said.

6. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches

Much maligned British Gothic Black Metallers, Cradle Of Filth have, like many others on my list this year, come storming back with their finest work in a long time. COF haven't sounded this vital since "Cruelty And The Beast" which was released a shocking 17 years ago. Dani's voice sounds as good as it ever did as he screeches and roars his way through the duration of "Hammer...", sounding especially vicious on tracks such as "Vampyre At My Side" and "Yours Immortally". Musically, the arrangements are as complex and tight as anything the band has put its name to. Let's be honest though, you either like COF or you don't and "Hammer Of The Witches" won't change your opinion either way.

Top 20 Albums of 2015 - Part 2: 15 - 11

15. Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang

With all the hype surrounding Episode VII this year, it seems rather fitting that Lamb Of God would unleash their 7th album in 2015 and that like its visual counterpart, "VII: Sturm Und Drang" would see the and return to their best form in quite some time. As uncompromising as ever. this is the true definition of Groove Metal and the bar has been raised....again!

14. FFS - Self-titled

The only non-Metal album in my top 20 comes courtesy of a collaboration between Indie rockers, Franz Ferdinand and Art-Pop Legends, Sparks and the result is every bit as eclectic and brilliant as you might imagine. The lyrics are irreverant, cynical and achingly clever and musically FFS sound like, well Sparks meets Franz Ferdinand. If you need to buy just one "Pop" album this year, then it should be this one. Truly masterful.

13. Parkway Drive - Ire

Australia's Parkway Drive have been doing the rounds for over a decade now and are finally starting to get noticed in the Northern hemisphere. I first heard them 5 years ago at which point I tipped them for future greatness (just saying), and in a similar way to bands like AX7 and Audrey Horne, the band has gone through something of a metamorphosis. Although not as drastic a style shift as the aforementioned bands, "Ire" marks a noticeable step away from the Metalcore of old and the result is a much more mature and varied Hardcore-tinged Metal album (yes, there is a difference). The band are still raging against the machine and the lyrics are still about fighting the system and self-empowerment, but this time around they are armed with some seriously memorable tunes that will stick in your head. "Ire" should be the album to propel the band into the Metal "mainstream". This is their time.

12. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within

Paradise Lost have long since left behind their dalliances with New Wave and Goth Rock and are back doing what they do best, which is a distinctive take on Doom / Gothic Metal which has been often imitated, but never bettered. New album, "The Plague Within" finds the band sounding heavier than they have in many, many years. The signs that this was coming were clear to see, with guitarist Gregor forming the crushingly heavy Vallenfyre and vocalist Nick joining the ranks of Swedish Death Metal legends, Bloodbath. Of course this return to the heaviness of their early records has been backed up as always, by the stellar songwriting that has always helped Paradise Lost to stand out from their peers. The Plague Within is the culmination of a 10 year journey, started in 2005 on the self-titled album which brought back the band's unique and easily recognisable guitar sound which had been in the wilderness since the late 1990s.

11. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade

Russia's Morokh are somewhat reminiscent of Norway's Kvelertak and this of course makes them a hard band to pin down sonically. With a sound that takes in Punk, Thrash, Hardcore, Sludge, Black Metal and more. "The Unholy Masquerade" is a full-on stormer from start to finish and at 32 minutes in duration, it makes its point in no uncertain terms.That this superb album is the band's debut is nothing short of a triumph. I just hope they can follow up such a promising start when it comes time to record album number 2. For now though, this will do nicely.
Listen to and buy it here for just $7 - you won't be disappointed.

Standout track: Lead Me Away

Top 20 Albums of 2015 - Part 1: 20 - 16

It's (already) that time of year again where I arrogantly tell you which are MY favourite albums of the past 12 months. In my defence though, I have tried to get you bastards involved, but never get any kind of feedback. With that in mind, I give to you part one of my top 20 list of 2015, a year which has been dominated by the "old guard", frankly. Yes, there have been a lot of good records from newer acts, but for the most part this has been a year where the veterans have reaffirmed their position and have resolutely thrown down the (studded) gauntlet.


20. Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask

2013's self-titled debut album from Swedes, Avatarium - the brainchild of Doom Metal legend, Leif Edling of Candlemass fame - was a decent enough, if not world-shattering release, but the follow-up, "The Girl..." is truly spectacular. There are still elements of Leif's "other" band, but this time around the music ebbs and flows in all manner of interesting directions, largely thanks to the phenomenal and distinctive pipes of the wonderful Jennie-Anne Smith. She may be a newcomer to the Metal world, but with a voice like this, she is sure to be spoken of in terms of hushed reverence in years to come.

19. Moonspell - Extinct

Portuguese Goth Metallers, Moonspell have opted not to reinvent the wheel on their 11th album, instead focusing their energy on perfecting their marriage of Extreme Metal and Gothic Metal. The vocals on Extinct veer between harsh growls and a Nick Holmes style clean croon and the songs are atmospheric and melodic, yet retaining just enough of the heaviness of yore to keep older fans happy. This could well be the perfect Gothic Metal album (sorry Paradise Lost).

18. Vreid - Sólverv

There is more than the occasional nod to the sadly-defunct Windir (from the ashes pf which Vreid were formed), to be found on the band's 7th album, Sólverv and it finds them on a career-best form. There is a real movement of quality Pagan Black Metal in Norway right now and along with Kampfar, Vreid are leading the charge,

17. Arcturus - Arcturian

Spaced out Norwegian Avant-Garde Progressive Metallers, Arcturus are back with their first studio album in 10 years (a new Kovenant album next.maybe?) and it is every bit as good as its predecessor. Arcturian is a strange beast (even by Arcturus' lofty standards) and it twists, turns and develops with every listen. It seems as if the band has pushed it's sound forward yet managed to remain comfortably familiar at the same time. It is instantly clear that the songs on Arcturian have been written and composed with the keyboard as the lead instrument and this, along with ICS Vortex' distinctive voice has been the thing that has always set Arcturus aside from the crowd.

 

16. Therapy? - Disquiet

There was a lot of hype surrounding this album in the weeks leading up to its release, with many who had heard it (and I presume many who hadn't) proclaiming it to be Troublegum II. Obviously it was never going to live up to such hype and I don't think it needs to try. Troublegum is a true classic, but it is also 2 decades old and is a product of the Alt Rock explosion of the early - mid 90's.
No, what Disquiet is, is a band releasing their finest work in many years (possibly since the aforementioned record) and a band who have never really received the recognition they deserved. As always, it is the strength of the songs that stands out here and trust me, they'll be stuck in your head for weeks. Disquiet IS a fantastic album in its own right. Just forget all the silly Troublegum comparisons and enjoy it for what it is...a damn good Rock album from one of the finest bands to have ever come out of the UK.

New Music Round-Up 14/11/15

After another short period on inactivity (or living in the real world as it could otherwise be known) I am feeling the inspiration to throw together another collection of new stuff for your delicate little listening appendages.

Kampfar

It's not often you come across a band who not only get better and better with age, but who have seemingly not yet peaked. Last year's "Djevelmakt" was a stunning example of just how much Black Metal still has to offer, but "Profan" is even better. Yes, not only are Kampfar hitting their stride now, after two decades, but they have also released an album for two consecutive years, with the latest being the band's best to date. "Profan" finds these ferocious Norwegians on fine form and not only are Kampfar easily the best Pagan Black Metal band out there right now, but they are definite contenders for THE best Black Metal band. They really are that good.

Skindred

From clinical Norwegian Black Metal brutality to rabble-rousing Welsh Reggae Metal. Welcome to my world. Skindred have carved their own very specific niche and if you have heard them before (of course you have) then you will already know what to expect. This is business as usual and while  Benji's voice is as powerful and distinctive as ever and there are some heavier riffs than on previous albums, these veterans are starting to sound a bit predictable. There is nothing particularly wrong with (new album) "Volume", but what sounded fresh and interesting a decade ago sounds a little old hat now. Still, as I said previously, Skindred have a unique sound of their own and fans are sure to love this.

Avatarium

2013's self-titled debut album from Swedes, Avatarium - the brainchild of Doom Metal legend, Leif Edling of Candlemass fame - was a decent enough, if not world-shattering release, but the follow-up, "The Girl..." is truly spectacular. There are still elements of Leif's "other" band, but this time around the music ebbs and flows in all manner of interesting directions, largely thanks to the phenomenal and distinctive pipes of the wonderful Jennie-Anne Smith. She may be a newcomer to the Metal world, but with a voice like this, she is sure to be spoken of in terms of hushed reverence in years to come.

Murashita

You may not have heard of Murashita yet, but multi-instrumentalist and sole member, Masaki Murashita is a talent to be reckoned with and it's only a matter of time before the Metal world sits up and takes notice of his band. Of course, talent will only take you so far, you need good songs too and I'm pleased to say that Murashita more than deliver in that respect too. The band's interesting and distinctive take on the Melodic Death Metal sound is sure to hit a chord (sorry) with fans of the genre in years to come, so remember where you heard the name first.

Puscifer

That Puscifer features the distinctive and sublime voice of the one and only Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle), should be enough for you to go out and buy this album right now. If you are not yet familiar with the band, it is essentially an Art-Rock collective with a revolving door of musicians (Keenan being the only constant member), and stylistically, it leans more towards the mesmerising atmospherics of A Perfect Circle than it does to the hypnotising soundscapes of Tool, although to be fair, it isn't trying to be like either band and I am just trying to provide a point of refernce."Money Shot" is a captivating and wonderous collection of songs which should help pass the time until the next Tool record. 

New Music Round-Up 17th October 2015

Amorphis

The Finnish Folk Metal legends have just released their strongest album in years and possibly the best since current singer, Tomi Joutsen joined the band a decade ago. The band's unique and trippy take on Folk (tinged) Metal is still as distinctive as ever, as is Tomi's diverse vocal range with his Gothic Metal style clean voice contrasting sublimely with the throaty roar of his harsh vocals. There really is no other band out there like Amorphis and their sound continues to evolve and grow, 25 years after their inception. "Under The Red Cloud" is yet another triumph.

Trivium

Trivium are always going to be a divisive band. They really are the Marmite of the Metal world. I happen to love them (as I do Marmite), but even I acknowledge that their road hasn't always been a smooth one, with the bumps of average albums along the way. In 2015,  however, Trivium are a very different beast. Vocalist / lead guitarist, Matt Heafy (still yet to turn 30!) has been the driving force of his band for 15 years now and on "Silence In The Snow", it has finally come of age. Gone are the growling vocals, mainly due to health issues, admittedly, and in their place is a much more Trad Metal vocal style which is better suited to Matt's songwriting / playing style. Trivium have never sounded better and even if you've never been a fan before, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. "Silence..." is the band's strongest album to date and signals a rebirth for the band.

 

Vreid

This is how Black Metal should sound in 2015. Vreid are a Progressive Black Metal band in the truest sense of the word.They are constantly pushing their sound forward and evolving as a band, but without losing sight of who they are and where they come from. Style-wise, you could compare them to fellow Norwegians, Enslaved (without the excessive Prog Metal and 12 minute songs) and Kampfar. At times there are tantalising reminders of the band's roots -  just listen to the song below, Sólverv, and tell me that it doesn't invoke the cold dark beauty of early Windir.

Heart Of A Coward

I know these guys have been around for a while now (since 2007), but I have always steered clear of them due to the band name. For me, it carries unfortunate overtones of Bullet For My Valentine and their ilk. It just brings to mind horrible Emo / Metalcore. Thankfully though, HOAC are nothing like BFMV. Their sound is crushing and relentless. There are definite traces of Metalcore in the vocals at times, but for the most part this is the next stage of Metalcore progression. Along with bands like Parkway Drive (see last week's post), HOAC are ushering in a new era of Groove Metalcore with a sound that owes as much to Pissing Razors as it does to Killswitch Engage.

Children Of Bodom

This unfairly maligned band is something of a mystery. Seemingly disliked by everyone you talk to, yet still managing to sell a respectable number of records and play shows and festivals the world over. COB hasn't been a consistent band by any means, but new album "I Worship Chaos", while not being as fast or as immediate as previous releases, is the sound of a band back on form. The frenetic pace of old has been replaced by a mid-paced tempo and  Alexi has reigned in his penchant for showing us how fast he can play. This is the sound of a more mature, confident band.

New Music Round-Up 10th October 2015

I haven't done this for a while and a lot of the great music from this year is no longer new. Therefore, I'm going to start from the music I've head in the last week or so. There is so much that is exciting me at the moment that it will take two or maybe even three posts to get it all out there...so I'd better get on with it. First though, I would ask you to be kind - my writing is a little rusty.

W.A.S.P.

When I heard the first single, "The Last Runaway", my initial though was that the band had lost its sting (sorry), as it sounded a little Bryan Adams-esque. Thankfully though, this was definitely the weakest song on the album and actually makes more sense as part of the whole. My only real criticism of "Golgotha", as I actually like it very much, is that it just sounds way too familiar. This is something you shouldn't be able to say about a band's first new material in six years. Sadly though, they are walking on very well-worn ground here. The songs sound like you've heard them before. This is a shame as the band used to be something special and are starting to sound a little tired. To be fair to them though, they do have a very distinctive style and fans of the band are going to enjoy this album regardless. Just give it a few plays before you make a snap judgement as it is very much a grower.

Alfahanne

When I heard Alfahanne's debut album last year, I was immediately struck by how unique it was, which always gets my attention. Nordic Black Metal rubbed shoulders with Punk, Post Rock and New Wave - think Kvelertak meets Beastmilk via Shining - and album number two is even better. There is something wonderfully infectious about the energy here and the droning, repetitive guitars are almost at odds with the menace in which the lyrics are delivered (in their native tongue). Not for everyone, but if you want to hear something a little interesting and off the beaten path, Alfahanne are definitely worth a listen.

Alfahanne - Skallerormsgift

Ugly Kid Joe

The latest in the seemingly never ending list of "comeback" bands, UKJ are back with their new album, the brilliantly titled "Uglier Than They Used Ta Be". Where this band are a more interesting prospect than many of their peers, however, is that they are better, much better, than they were back in the day. Although the "distinctive" artwork might be instantly familiar to those who remember them from the first time around, anyone expecting "Everything About You" or suchlike is going to be suprised / amazed. "Uglier..." is a powerful Grunge-fuelled hard rock powerhouse of an album that should impress even the harshest of critics. The band has never sounded so good. Welcome back, guys!

Parkway Drive

Australia's Parkway Drive have been doing the rounds for over a decade now and are finally starting to get noticed in the Northern hemisphere. I first heard them 5 years ago at which point I tipped them for future greatness (just saying), and in a similar way to bands like AX7 and Audrey Horne, the band has gone through something of a metamorphosis. Although not as drastic a style shift as the aforementioned bands, "Ire" marks a noticeable step away from the Metalcore of old and the result is a much more mature and varied Hardcore-tinged Metal album (yes, there is a difference). The band are still raging against the machine and the lyrics are still about fighting the system and self-empowerment, but this time around they are armed with some seriously memorable tunes that will stick in your head. "Ire" should be the album to propel the band into the Metal "mainstream". This is their time.

Clutch

Clutch do what they do and if you're already familiar with them, you know what to expect from the new album. "Psychic Warfare" is a raucous blues rock explosion of unstoppable, pure rock fury. Very possibly the most consistently brilliant rock band on the planet, they are certainly one of the best. 'Nuff said.

I'm back...again!

Well, well, well. It really has been a long time since I put fingers to keyboard hasn't it? There were a number of factors involved, all of them far too dull to even explain, so I won't bother. Instead I figured I'd just resurrect my little Metal music blog again.

I'm currently working my way through a large backlog of new music and 2015 really has set the bar for quality releases. Every time I think "this is the one! This is album of the year", it gets topped a week later. It's all very exciting.

What I've been most surprised and impressed with this year is just how many veteran bands have released career best / defining / reaffirming albums. There have been so many amazing releases this year from the old guard which have included triumphant comebacks (Ugly Kid Joe, Die Krupps and Arcturus) to artists I'd all but given up on (Marilyn Manson, Cradle Of Filth and The Prodigy), from bands I have never really rated (Slayer, Armored Saint and Coal Chamber) as well as from those who are ever reliable (Therapy?, Iron Maiden and Napalm Death).

That isn't to say that there are no good new / newer bands as that would be patently ridiculous as so far this year I have discovered a plethora of great artists including Mrykur, Shattered Sun and Stone Ghost to name just a few and bands such as Parkway Drive, Deafheaven, and Powerwolf have really come out swinging, but for the most part, the veterans are definitely putting the youngsters to shame in 2015 and I have a feeling that they are going to dominate my year end top 20.

I'll leave it there for now, but I will be back in the next couple of days with a proper blog consisting of a crop of new songs that I think you all need to hear, assuming you haven't already, of course. And if you have, well done you.