by M. A. Spiro
Lots of music was released this year, and due to work and school commitments I didn’t spend enough time focusing on it. But a few albums caught my attention and I share them with you below in no particular order. Did you love any of these albums? What left an impression on you this year?
The Top 10
Muuntautuja by Oranssi Pazuzu
Finland
Some of this band’s weirdest stuff ever. They keep pushing boundaries. Love it.
The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom by Veilburner
PA/USA
Always surprising, highly complex and definitely evil black metal. From the vocals to the songwriting, this is not for the faint-of-heart. Maybe one day they will assemble enough qualified players to turn this highly skilled studio-only two-piece into a live ensemble.
Múr by Múr
Iceland
Beautiful, technical, thoughtful and expertly crafted from start to finish. With this being their debut album, I can’t want to see where they go from here.
Syv by Mork
Norway
Black metal done right. Riff-driven and grounded in melody. Love every song.
XII: A Gyönyörü Álmok Ezután Jönnek by Thy Catafalque
Hungary
Lush, expansive, mellifluous compositions that will make you wish you had more frequent flyer miles to see this group assembled at one of their rare live performances in Eastern Europe.
Moon Healer by Job for a Cowboy
AZ/USA
JFAC gets better and better the further they move away from their deathcore roots. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Head Hammer Man by Horndal
Sweden
Heavy like industrial machinery. Labor-focused. Lyrically astute. You should listen to Horndal.
Hellbutcher by Hellbutcher
Sweden
Evil perfection incarnate. Every song is a banger.
Heavenly Down by Sear Bliss
Hungary
If you need excellently crafted atmospheric, epic blackened death metal but also crave trombones, this is where to go. Again, still working on racking up those frequent flyer miles so I can see them live one day.
Absolute Elsewhere by Blood Incantation
CO/USA
It’s been said (absolutely) elsewhere but this really is like if Pink Floyd did technical death metal. Lots of people like it, and so do I.
Honorable Mention and Non-metal Recommendations
Ill Repute by Spiral Grave
MD/USA
Some of their best songwriting to date. Full disclosure, I am sleeping with the drummer.
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going by Shaboozey
VA/USA
Shaboozey’s popularity has risen meteorically since I first heard about him, and I fear he could be at the risk (IMO) of overexposure or even flaming out before he really gets going. But his song writing is solid and his voice is golden, so I hope I live long enough to see how his career plays out.
Empathogen by Willow Smith
CA/USA
Absolutely stunning proggy jazz rock. Willow has an intriguing and flexible voice and solid and unique songwriting. Haunting. These songs are important.