Good afternoon Followers!
Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year from us at NRF.
Now, in the tradition of pretentious music-journalism, it’s time to put on my reviewer hat on and take a look at my top 5 albums of 2015! Now, it’s really, really hard to put these in order but I’ll do my best!
Note: Only albums I’ve listened to and have taken my interest will be listed here.
So, without further adeu, here goes nothing.
5) Self-Titled - With The Dead.
Initially, when I was made aware of this album’s coming to be, I was both profoundly astounded and mildly aroused.
With The Dead are a doom metal super-group formed by members of Cathedral and Electric Wizard. Two big names within the scene.
Following a short teaser clip posted on the Relapse Records YouTube channel which didn’t really give much to go on, this album was somewhat of a blind-buy/listen. I haven’t been disappointed in the slightest. Slow, crunchy, and heavier than the evidence file against O.J Simpson. Eerie samples intertwined with skull splitting bass tones, makes this a true Monsterpiece. Go buy it.
4) Savage Land - Gruesome
Now, if you’re like me (And if you are, I’m truly, truly sorry) You really dig Death. This band influenced countless others within the genre. They were one of the first bands of their kind, and I’m still saddened by Chuck Schuldiner’s passing even almost 15 years later. It seems their legacy is more than apparent in the Gruesome. The self-styled “Death Tribute band” formed by members of Exhumed, Malevolent Creation, Possessed and Derkéta, bring the spirit of raw, terrifyingly, old-school Death Metal back to life. The seamless blend of speed and aggression, which wouldn’t sound out-of-place at a record store 30 years ago still hold strong in the band's tribute to both the past and future of this self made genre.
3) VII: Sturm Und Drang - Lamb of God
I’ll be the first to admit, I stopped listening to LoG around The Sacrament/Ashes of the Wake. They were one of the bands that a friend showed me, way back in the day, trying to convert my innocent little soul to the now shattered, and sordid individual writing these reviews that I’ve become. While I used to really like them, my enthusiasm for them kinda dwindled until what once would spark a fire in my belly, was now like someone pissing on your birthday candles. So, I checked out the three singles released prior to the album’s release. (Still Echoes, 512 and Overlord) Upon hearing Still Echoes, it felt like I’d had my face smashed to bits with a piece of heavy mining equipment. This profound feeling picked up right where As the Palaces Burn left off.
A strong offering from the start, and with the inclusion of clean vocals for the first time ever (Overlord) which some people detest, but I for one quite enjoy, and guest appearances from Deftones main man Chino Moreno. This is quite an enjoyable record, and a worthy addition to their Discography.
2) The Night Creeper - Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats
Cambridgeshire Doom Metal quartet released their first album since 2013′s more 70′s pop influenced Mind Crawler. The Night Creeper is a return to form.
While it’s not a patch on 2012′s Blood Lust it’s still a fantastic offering. However, Uncle Acid seem to have found a niche that works for them, and have stuck to it. So if you’ve listened to them already, you know what to expect. However, for first time listeners this could be a worthy introduction to their psychedelic, acid-drenched brand of creepy, upbeat Occult Rock. As a little Footnote: I had the pleasure of seeing Uncle Acid in November on their tour in support of this record, and I urge you, from a personal standpoint, if they’re your bag, go and see them. Easily my new favorite live band.
1) The American Dream Died - Agnostic Front
Here it is, my top album of 2015. The Grandfathers of New York Hardcore return with their strongest offering since 1998′s Something’s Gotta Give.
A band that have been around for close to 3 decades, it’s hard to produce music that still remains aggressive, raw and relevant in this day and age. Agnostic Front manage that. Produced by Freddy Cricien (Madball) The American Dream Died is total vintage , speed and anger matched in short song lengths.
Musically this is back to the Cause for Alarm era, with more modern production values and I think its fair to say the AF boys don't much care for the Police as Roger Miret’s lyrics are very vocal about the corrupt systems, the gang choruses are ever present in Never Walk Alone, Old New York and Just Like Yesterday - which will keep all the hardcore Lions happy, but the real power lies in the ferocity and the delivery of the venom in the songs, the album is an angry Protest in the form of a CD.
Only the Ruthless Remain - Skinless
What Should Not Be Unearthed - Nile
The Book of Suffering : Tome 1 - Cryptopsy
Exhausting Fire - Kylesa
So, there you have it, my top 5 albums of 2015. I had to think long and hard about these, so I hope you guys enjoy the read. I’m sure Valentine will have her own best and worst of 2015, so keep an eye out for that. Until then, from both of us at NRF, Keep Music Alive.
-Dan
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