Magic Circle w/High Command and Sweet Heat @ Great Scott

Heavy metal madness returns to Great Scott. Local favorites, Magic Circle and High Command tore it up with special guests Sweet Heat. This one was a late runner but well worth it. I think its been a whole year since I last saw High Command and a few years since Magic Circle. Get ready to step into a portal to the world of knights, dragons, and steel!

Sweet Heat
Genre: Heavy/Traditional Metal FFO: Balck Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow

I was late arriving to this set due to the overdosage of Roxy's I was craving, however I am very glad I could catch at least some of it. Sweet Heat is the type of hard rockin' blues influenced metal band that sounds straight out of the 70s. Guarantee my heavy metal aunt would love this shit. Soulful vocals with a bluesy guitar finish and even with solos. You don't see that too much anymore. This is the ind of blast from the past that reminds you of the bands your parents showed you before you knew what music was. This is rock n roll! God damn do these guys do it right. The crowd was all for it, head banging and cheering, like it really was the 70s. Granted they were the opening band so not much movement nor too many people but I really hope they got their name out there.

High Command
Genre: Thrash Metal/Crossover FFO: Slayer, Power Trip, Testament

High Command really show off the reason they got signed to a big label. Once again they begin with the classic "We're High Command" while holding up a sword  The moment that riff starts. you are in a battle of steel on horseback. Straight up if you can name a band out of Mass that thrashes harder than these guys, I will personally give you 50 bucks out of my own pocket. There were kids flying back and forth for every song that literally made me ask my self "Do these kids run on kinetic energy or something?". Its like they were training for a sporting event. Gonna say that the best part of High Command's sound was the reverb in the vocals, I don't think they had that at the Integrity show. I don't know what it was but somehow with no lights or special effects, the band just gives off this aura that makes the atmosphere perfect. Like I didn't even feel like I was in a bar. High Command go full force and give 100% every time I have seen them and I don't think that will change.

Magic Circle
Genre:Heavy/Doom Metal FFO: Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Cathedral

Then of course we have Magic Circle. A crowd favorite amongst Massachusetts metal. I will admit, I was hoping as a headliner they would have some sort of lighting effects but unfortunately they did not. Nonetheless this does not subtract from the sound or energy they gave off. It really does amaze me the way the vocalist hits those octaves. The band was in constant motion moving with the riffs and the crowd followed suit. honestly for the most part their was much movement in the crowd other than headbanging, aside from a small pit during Lightning Cage. The big reason to see magic circle is the heaviness of the band and the passion from the musicians. Like High Command, the revrb in the vocals is another good effect and with the range of his voice, the band sets the atmosphere to a similar fantasy background. Pretty cool to see these guys play in a bar rather than the Middle East this time.

All Playlists

I decided to let you all in on my spotify playlists just to give everyone a taste of what to expect on this blog. I feel most of my friends already know what I'm into but some of you may like to dig deeper and maybe discover something new.Maybe you'll hear of one of these bands playing near hear soon and you'll know I'll be there for a review. Maybe you're just curious of what I enjoy. Whatever the reason, I hope everyone checks them out and enjoys. I'm always constantly adding to them as well as making new ones.

Death Metal Playlist: Death To False Metal
   All the most extreme death metal

Gym Playlist: The Church of Iron
   This is what I lift to, a combination of metalcore, deathcore, death metal, ignorant rap, and motivating hardcore. There are two surprise songs in there, shuffle the playlist and find them, no cheating!

Skate Playlist: Bill Cuneo's Underground Pro American Wasteland Skater Extravaganza
   Obviously what I skate to. Combonation of punk, metal, stoner/sludge, rap, etc. A littl bit of everything. I made this one thinking about Tony Hawk games.

Stoner/Doom Playlist: For Sm0nking W33d and Summoning Demons only 666
   Probably the longest one. Full albums are on this one. All slow and evil doom metal subgenres.

Goth Playlist: Too Dark
   Tons of darkwave and post punk from all eras. Some death rock and industrial also sprinkled in. Everything for your goth needs with no bullshit.

Pop Playlist: Let's Fucking Party
   It's no secret I love pop music. These are my favorites.

Electronic Music Playlist: Electric Prison
   All electronic music ranging from sad, chaotic, and chill.

Chill Music Playlist: Realm of Chillin'
   Combonation of Shoegaze, indie, rap, chillwave, emo etc. All stuff I enjoy when I'm in a good non spontaneous mood.

Noise Playlist: Distorted Nightmare
   No harsh noise, I'll say that first. I enjoy the artistic and terrifying side of noise music a lot. Everything on this one has structure.

Seasonals:
  Summertime Lovin', Lovin' in the Summer (Time)
  Pumpkin Spice
 

Nicole Dollanganger w/ Seed, and Kira McSpice @ ONCE Ballroom

A night we have been waiting for since that beautiful album came out. Nicole Dollanganger finally comes to Boston. At first I was slightly disappointed the show would go past 10:00 but surprisingly enough the openers gave a fantastic performance definitely well preparing us for Nicole. Gotta point out how into it the crowd was to with everyone dressing like children and goths. Really adds to the atmosphere.

Kira McSpice
Genre: Ambient/Indie FFO: Marissa Nadler, Emma Ruth Rundle

I had no idea what to expect from this project. Almost complete darkness with only a keyboardist as well as a guitar/vocalist (aka Kira McSpice). First thing she said was "who's ready to get sad!?" as the crowd cheered. Made me think it would be something emo, but instead became this creepy but melodic wave of emotion. Kira's voice projected powerfully with the keyboardist actually playing both ambient samples as well as samples of Kira's voice. I remember my pal Keith (Deathwish Inc.) leaning over to me saying: "I feel like I'm in a horror movie". Couldn't agree more. Couldn't help but feel like I was seeing Chelsea Wolfe again with the way she was singing. Sweet lord did this woman have pipes! Overall performance was incredible and fit well with the bill. Both members performed their hearts out and for only the first act I was very impressed.

SEED
Genre: Experimental Doom Metal/Indie FFO: Elizabeth Colour Wheel, Thou, Screaming Females

The only time I ever saw Seed's name was on a flyer for the Thou/Emma Ruth Rundle collab tour, so seeing them at this show I was curious, as most know how much I L O V E D that collab set when it hit the flywheel in western Mass. I had no prior knowledge to this bands music, but to see them perform as a three piece (Vox, Guitar and Drums), well nothing could have made me more intrigued. I can't say every song was similar however they of course followed the core structure of doom metal. Very heavy for a band with no bass, but on top of that, the range that the vocalist had was impeccable add in with frightening and deafening screams. I felt like I was in the Black Lodge in Twin Peaks and Laura was screaming her head off right in my ear. The band managed to take their doom influence and tie in some stuff comparable to modern emo bands, post rock, and indie. One song they played had blast beats and tremelo picking, it was basically black metal. Seed stated that they have a record recorded but are waiting for the right time to release it. Keep up with this band, you won't regret it.

Nicole Dollanganger
Genre: Gothic Indie/Folk FFO: Emma Ruth Rundle, Marissa Nadler, Chelsea Wolfe (early)

Heart Shaped Bed was pretty high on my list last year and Nicole's guest feature with Full of Hell still terrifies me. I knew the day would come that she plays Boston and that night was this one. The only light that shined down was a velvet pink as Nicole walked out with a garden window statiioned behind her. She wore a dark dress that gave her new blonde hair a little more flair as she smiled at the crowd while they cheered. This night really saw some talented vocalists, but of course Nicole absolutely takes the cake. I'm not to used to such a quiet set but my goodness it only made the performance more powerful. The atmosphere, the garden window, the lighting, all teamed up with her haunting voice hitting the exact note she needs just makes you feel like you are on her album covers. Some songs even had a click track.
    One thing I did want to bring up was during one song, I can't remember which, there was a member of the crowd who was having a medical emergency (?). I couldn't see what was going on from where I was. Mid song Nicole asked if she was ok, and while still singing grabbed her a water. After the song, a thumbs up was given implying everything was alright and the friends yelled "Thank you so much! You're an angel!" Nicole also saves lives literally while singing and not missing a beat.
    Unfortunately this was another I couldn't stay for the whole set.

So all together this night was a true showcase of vocalists for sure, but I absolutely must give praise to Seed for the instrumentals that are very talented and kept me on my toes for the whole set. More praise as well to Scott who played with Nicole doing both guitar and keyboard and gave an even more spectacular atmosphere to the ballroom landscape. Outstanding performances by all!

Summer Playlist 2019

It's summer again. The time of year where we spend a lot of time near water and sand while we consume the suns energy while trying our best to not be consumed by our demons. it's been a while but we are back with another rock n roll playlist for y'all. Link below

https://open.spotify.com/user/1241645468/playlist/3g5qrW9XcuP4zZjn7zJY39?si=Rw2aZm4eTm21A-o-MqOIDg

Washed Out - Life of Leisure

Genre: Electronic/Chillwave FFO: Teen Daze,Craft Spells, Wild Nothing

Favorite Track: Feel It All Around

As usual, we start with the obvious. I can't believe I forgot this one last time. Best known for the Portlandia theme, Washed Out is the definition of summer with Life of Leisure. You can really tell from the cover. You'll feel like the person on the cover listening to this one. Float Face up on the water and get ready to zone out.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

Genre: Noise Pop/Indie FFO: Sleigh Bells, Interpol, The Ting Tings 

Favorite Track: Dragon Queen

This is a big one for weird music. I feel these guys had a huge influence on Sleigh Bells and on top of that, both feature members from metal/hardcore bands (This one being Head Wound City, a mathcore band featuring an ex member of The Blood Brothers). Nothing says summer like pop music, and the alternate influence encourages a hipster party, so get on it.

Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds from Another Planet

Genre: Indie FFO: Frankie Cosmos, Snail Mail, Petal

Favorite Track: Road Head

I have to admit, I'm still somewhat new with Jbrekkie, but that does not affect the talent they have. This is an album that screams long drive in the sun for me. A good indie album for both the highway as well as driving in the city. Not too mention getting your fill of an actual Japanese breakfast which I'm curious of what it would consist of. Hey look at that a new mission for the summer: Try a traditional Japanese Breakfast.

skycamefalling - To Forever Embrace the Sun

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore FFO: Poison the Well, This Day Forward, Hopesfall

Favorite Track: The Fall of Cain's Countenance

So Zach chewed me out for not including this in the last summer playlist. skycamefalling are a forgotten icon of 90's metalcore that reminisce the era very well (if you're old enough to remember it) Very similar to Poison the Well and unironically amongst the same era, skycamefalling have a heavy side garnished with post hardcore interludes similar to bands ranging from Refused to ISIS (the band). Zach states its a good one for a summer night, my preference is a sunset. Try it out and prove us wrong.

Miley Cyrus - She is Coming

Genre: Hip/Hop/Pop FFO: Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha

Favorite Tracks: Unholy, D.R.E.A.M.

 

Nothing More can be said than "If you didn't follow Miley through Bangerz, you don't deserve her now". I have personally been a big fan of hers since the beginning and will probably follow her til the end of time. The moment she announced this EP and I saw her wearing a Sex Pistols shirt, I knew it would be incredible. Did she disappoint? Absolutely not. She even threw us a curveball and did a song with none other than Ghostface Killah. Thank you for Coming Miley!

Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley
Genre: Stoner Metal FFO: Weedeater, Fu Mabchu, Orange Goblin
Favorite Track: 100 Degrees


We discussed Kyuss in the last summer playlist, but here they are again. More blues inlfuenced stoner jams for the desert. Sky Valley can speed up at times making it a good balance of skate and smoke. I could never get tired of this band and it just screams desert heat.

BROCKHAMPTON - IRRIDESCENCE

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap FFO: Tyler, The Creator, Kids See Ghosts, Run the Jewels

Favorite Track: VIVID

I'm sure by now we are all familiar with the world's greatest boy band. BROCKHAMPTON is a 14 person powerhouse of a project. I don't think I've heard anyone say anything negative about them yet and probably won't anytime soon. I feel like you could call them a modern day Odd Future in terms of a lot of members, unique style, and beats you couldn't imagine, though the two are vastly different. Honestly if you don't know about BROCKHAMPTON, you live under a rock.

Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour

Genre: Country/Indie

Favorite Track: Slow Burn

This album is really turning heads amongst people who don't like country. I personally despise country as a whole, but seeing this album on Neil's top albums of 2018 made me curious. I liked what I heard then showed my mums who is into this type of music and she loved it even more than I did. Its good to trust these two. Kacey Musgraves shows far more emotion than the "I fucked my cousin while drinking a frosty brew in my pickup" country that we all hate. This is the type of project I could see at the Sinclair but Kacey's fame would bring her to a much bigger and more expensive place. Seriously though this is definitely worth your time.

ISIS (the band) - Oceanic & Panopticon

Genre: Post Metal FFO: Cult of Luna, Neurosis, The Ocean

Favorite Tracks: Maritime (Oceanic), Syndic Calls (Panopticon)

I couldn't decide between these. Oceanic sounds like you're being pulled to the bottom of the ocean while Panopticon pulls you back up. As you float there you look around and notice there is nothing but water for miles. These two albums really show the line this band had when switching over. Oceanic is considered by some to be the last REAL Isis album because everything after wasn't as heavy. Panopticon coming out after was really the first album that made these same fans call them sell outs. The band has never released anything bad in my opinion and these two are perfect for summer near the water.

Aly & AJ - Sanctuary

Genre: Indie Pop FFO: Haim, CHVRCHES, Florence and the Machine

Favorite Track: Not Ready To Wake Up

Aly & AJ are probably the biggest reason I wanted to get this blog back in action. After seeing them play the Paradise in May, I regret not writing it up. We all remember the hits like Potential Breakup Song, Chemicals React, Rush etc. but the latest EP by the duo shows there artistic side and moves in a direction towards alternative music. I swear if BRU was still on air, they would be playing this. As  for that show, you would not beleive the passion these two still have for all the old and new songs. If I were to tell you the top 3 shows I've seen at the Paradise it would go: #1 The Dillinger Escape Plan #2 Denzel Curry #3 Aly & AJ.

Maylene & The Sons of Disaster - Self Titled
Genre: Southern Rock/Post-Hardcore FFO: He is Legend, Cancer Bats, Norma Jean
Favorite Track: Bang! The Witch is Dead


Maylene is the project of the mighty Dallas Taylor after leaving UnderOath in 20..whenever it was. It's an odd transition going from preaching about God in a blackened metalcore/screamo band to a tangy smoky southern barbecue with some gator wrasslin' on the side. If you haven't heard Maylene yet, your summer barbecues ain't gonna be the same. Best experience comes with a shotgun in hand.

Jex Thoth - Self Titled
Genre: Stoner Metal FFO: Acid King, Blood Ceremony, Windhand
Favorite track: Nothing Left to Die


Jex Thoth is the name of both the band as well as the front woman. Very bluesy stoner metal with a hint of evil. If Windhand was a magic user build in an RPG that focused on wind, Jex Thoth would be the fire. Of course by magic user I mean witch because her vocals are haunting and hypnotizing. All you will see is an empty wasteland as you start to hallucinate from dehydration and those blues riffs will give you some psychedelic visions you won't soon forget.

Princess Nokia - Metallic Butterfly & A Girl Cried Red
Genre: Hip-Hop/RnB FFO: SZA, Noname
Favorite Track: Dragons (MB), Your Eyes Are Bleeding (AGCR)

Nokia is a shining gem amongst this type of music. Both of these releases are impeccable and bonus points for that (sic) Slipknot shirt. Nokia gained fame with her hit single Tomboy which still bumps hard, however transitioning from rap to RnB always seems to be the way to go with most artists. For example, if Drake did a whole album like Hold On, We're Going Home, maybe I would care more to listen to him. Nokia goes down this path and keeps you hooked and wanting more. Both releases best listened to with ice cream in hand, on a pier.

Beach House - Depression Cherry
Genre: Indie/Dream Pop FFO:Beach Fossils, Cocteau Twins, Washed Out
Favorite Track: Space Song


Beach House have been around for a long time but I gotta say this album I feel they really out did themselves. No matter what album it is, I always imagine myself at...well a beach house watching the tides pull in and out through the entire course of a day. Depression Cherry gives it that flavor though. This one is like the waves crashing down with the sun setting and the sky is that purple into orange color. Gotta love it.

Pinkshinyultrablast - Miserable Miracles
Genre: Dream Pop FFO: Cocteau Twins, The Naked and Famous, Them are us too
Favorite Track: Dance AM


The name suggest the visual that comes with the music. All I imgine when I hear that twinkly synth, is one of those carnival style piers like at Orchard beach, only at night and everything is lit up and I just won an oversized Minion from knocking over the whole tower of bottles. The album really speaks for itself, listen to understand.

Fu Manchu - The Action is Go
Genre: Stoner Metal/Southern Rock FFO: Kyuss, Red Fang, The Atomic Bitchwax
Favorite Track: Unknown World


Featuring former members of Kyuss, Fu Manchu are here to redefine rock n roll. The Action is go is all about skating with a blunt, no wait a fully loaded bong, in one hand and a big middle finger salute to a cop in the other. The rock n roll jam for all. I still question the album cover simply because that kid is on a pennyboard.

Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Genre: Indie/Post-Hardcore FFO: Title Fight, Crime in Stereo, I Am the Avalanche
Favorite track: Light of Local Eyes


That whole scene of indie bands touring with hardcore bands is getting more and more relevant these days. I feel Polar Bear Club were the original indie for hardcore kids, as I recall them touring with TUI or something. Anywho, this is a good sundown album at the end of the day. Just you, me and this brick wall you built between us. Before you realize the pie you ate was a bomb, you will enjoy emotion filled lyrics with a punk edge and charming indie background.

Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, m.A.A.d City
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap FFO:Compton
Favorite Track: Backseat Freestyle

You know him, you love him. Kendrick's popularity began with this one the skyrocketed with the next, and acsended beyond by winning a Pulitzer Prize. The one thing Kendrick always had was his black pride which is absolutely shown in m.A.A.d. City. This  album features the same flow but not as much of a story like Damn. and Butterfly. This is one of those roll the windows down and blast at full volume type of albums. Halle Barry....Hallelujah!

Ligeia - Bad News
Genre: Metalcore FFO: It Dies Today, It Prevails, Vanna
Favorite Tracks: Teenage Wasteland, Hoodrat
 

Remember when you were a curious young lad who would get excited when a girl shows skin? Well if it wasn't for those curiosities, I would not have discovered  this album. Ligeia were an old school metalcore band hailing from our great state of Massachusetts who were alcoholic party monsters. If you grew up with this album, I know you know every word to I've Been Drinkin'. I feel this album was the start of that melodic style that The Ghost Inside etc. type of bands commercialized. These unsung heroes were all about two things: getting wasted, and getting rejected by babes (Johnny Bravo style). Change that party music and fight everyone.

Fleeting Joys - Despondent Transponder
Genre: Indie/Dream Pop FFO: Broadcast, Drop Nineteens, Miserable
Favorite Track: Magnificent Oblivion


Fleeting Joys were ahead of their time. I guess you could call me a new listener, but I'm more than impressed. This style is getting widely respected amongst the indie crowd and I could name many that sound influenced by it. Maybe I'm over exaggerating considering this album came out in 2006 and Fleeting Joys continue to make music but whatever. Thus album just makes me think of clouds floating by the sun. Shoegaze-y indie pop or whatever you want to call it is a fantastic balance of emotion, heavy, and w a v e y.

Unsane - Occupational Hazard
Genre: Noise Rock/Sludge Metal/Punk FFO: Whores.,Coalesce, Today is the Day
Favorite track: Over Me


Most of my generation that got into heavy music did it through Tony Hawk games, I bring this up all the time. Unsane I discovered this way but I feel they didn't stick with most. They definitely kept me company however. This album is the soundtrack to dangerous daredevil stunts. It always seems to be a trend for me in the past few summers that I do something stupid. To name a few: Doing a backflip off a bridge into the Charles River, tagging a railroad track then almost getting hit by a train, pushing zach down a hill in a shopping cart, I could go on. Nonetheless, this is the wipeout album. Unsane take hints of sludge and punk, add those weird ass noise riffs and massive amounts of distortion, and give it a gory theme to make your summer far more dangerous.

Colbie Caillat - Coco
Genre: Indie Pop FFO: Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton
Favorite Track: Oxygen


This is one I hope everyone knows. If you do, you know its euphoria at the beach with your significant other. Colbie mixes tropical backgrounds with a twinkly acoustic and her beautiful, somewhat southern sounding voice. This album is favorite of mine and has been for a long time.

Monolord - Rust
Genre: Stoner Metal FFO: Ufomammut, Sleep, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard


Destructive, psychedelic, doom. Rust is the equivalent of tripping your balls off and being teleported into a desert wasteland where the gravity is 20x stronger. Heavy heavy heavy. Monolord are fucking heavy.

Miguel - War & Leisure
Genre: R&B FFO: SZA, The Weeknd
Favorite Track: Pineapple Skies


I discovered Miguel from hearing his interview on the Breakfast Club on the radio one day. Later that day I realized he was the mastermind behind the hit single, Skywalker. Miguel drops a modern spin on R&B that is both smooth and sexy. I honestly can't listen to this album and have a bad day. War & Leisure will drag the sun out from behind the clouds on a stormy day.

The Naked and Famous - Passive Me, Aggressive you
Genre: Alternative/Dream Pop FFO: Passion Pit, Matt & Kim, Tegan and Sara
Favorite Track: Young Blood


Another long time favorite of mine. You know those days where there's a small amount of rain but the sun shines thru like the pictures on those church fliers? That happens because someone somewhere is playing this album. I think of this as my orginal gateway into dream pop considering the twinkly and bright melodies. By the way, now you know a project from Iceland.

Playing Enemy - I Was Your City
Genre: Mathcore/Sludge Metal/Zachcore FFO: Coalesce, Knut, Swarm of the Lotus
Favorite Track: Monaco


The soundtrack to doing criminal shit. I Was Your City is for when its stupid bright out, and you wish everyone was dead. You guessed it, this one is for the city. Playing Enemy probably sticks out the most on this playlist considering its heavy, chaotic, and features members of Kiss it Goodbye. Well we gotta balance it out, besides I Was Your City is a good one for desert temperatures in the city while you scream out of pent up rage. Go fight a cop.

Rule Them All - An Alignment of Polarity
Genre: Hardcore Punk FFO: Vantage Point, Abuse of Power
Favorite Track: Lukewarm


Not long ago I took time out of my weekend to head on down to Providence to see a hardcore show since its been a very long time. Rule Them All headlined this show and the first thing I thought of was "I gotta skate to this". I gotta say, for a hardcore band they give off a melodic feel and a very rock n roll pattern with the vocals. I don't get impressed by hardcore very often anymore so definitely take my word for it.

Red Fang - Self Titled
Genre: Southern/Sludge Metal FFO: Big Business, High on Fire, Fu Manchu
Favorite Track Night Destroyer


Red Fang is one of those bands that you don't really know what to expect if you never heard them. For example when this album first came out, judging by the cover and logo I expected powerviolence. Little did I know it was a desert sounding rock n roll anthem. Red Fang's debut from front to back is something you would expect to be on a Tony Hawk game. A good skate sesh as well as a hike in the mountains. A slow sludgey sound with subtle blues influence and lots of sweet southern BBQ riffs, gotta love it.

Boris - Pink
Genre: Various FFO: Earth, Melt Banana, Kylesa
Favorite Track: Pink


Once you see the cover, Pink is the only color on your mind. Because of that I think its a good one for the sun. If you're not familiar with Boris, know that they never stuck with one genre. They never started one then matured with another, or did the Eighteen Visions thing where every album sounds different. They literally jumble every genre together for the most part. Primarily they tend to stick with a doom and punk structure, but they have released other albums that are entirely different. nyway we're talking Pink. This one is a good mix of punk rock and drone. Yeah you read that right. It's sometimes like Black flag used the same effects as Sunn O))), others its just straight drone doom. oddly enough everything fits perfect together. More credit to Japan for giving birth to incredible bands like this.

Helmet - Meantime
Genre: Sludge Metal/Grunge/Alt. Metal FFO: Melvins, Prong, Corrosion of Conformity
Favorite Tracks: In the Meantime, Unsung


I don't know many who don't like Helmet. The legedary album is more than worth the summer playlist. Not much I should really need to say other than no heavy band that formed after the 90s matters without saying "Helmet was a huge influence for us".
Avril Lavigne - Let Go
Genre: Pop Punk/Rock
Favorite track: Losing Grip


Don't act like you don't know it. Don't act like you don't love it. Don't act like you don't know every word to Complicated. Don't act like you don't know every word to Sk8er Boi.

Ho-Kago Tea Time - Ho-Kago Tea Time II
Genre: Light Music FFO: Really Cute Things, Things That Taste Really Good


Fuck you.

Church of Misery, The Atomic Bitchwax, and Toke @ The Middle East

I can't tell you how long I've waited for Church of Misery to make it to Boston. Growing up learning blues guitar felt like a drag until I heard how insanely heavy and psychedelic these guys made it. I couldn't have asked for a better lineup too with support from the rock n roll trio, The Atomic Bitchwax, and up and coming stoner heavyweights Toke. Stoners rejoice! This one's for you!

Toke

Genre: Stoner/Sludge Metal FFO:  Dopelord, BelzeBong, YOB

I am new to Toke as most seem to be. I gave a few releases a listen and just thought "heavy". Personally, I thought they may have stuck out the most in this lineup due to their more sludge metal sound. 

   The moment those lights were as green as the weed everyone smoked before the show, I knew it was gonna be good. I could feel the bass drum in my bones, and those riffs were loud and heavy, best way to start the night. While I do prefer my stoner metal to be psychedelic, these guys did do the heavy right. 

    One big thing I noticed was some emphasized tempo changes, similar to Primitive Man the other night, but not death metal style i.e. blast beats. Toke remain a slow band but kept me guessing with their drum patterns. Not too mention those vocals. Very hoarse to the point where he sounded sick...I mean that in a good way. Toke were even joined on the mic by the current vocalist of Church of Misery for a song. Just seeing his attitude, energy and movement for this one song not even by his own band, let's just call it a taste of what was to come.  For an old man he grabbed that mic and made it his bitch like an old school rock n roll machine.

The Atomic Bitchwax

Genre: Stoner/Southern Metal/Grunge/Punk FFO: Corrosion of Conformity, Fu Manchu, Kyuss

   The Atomic Bitchwax is a band I love to skate to. Some sick rock n roll riffs with a punk attitude that adds in some southern stoner background thats a good time for anyone. The speed of this band was a good unwinding from the gravity put on from Toke. Quite a change of pace.

   First off, Bitchwax's timing is absolutely impeccable. Of course I've seen my fair share of  odd time signatures with bands, but the thing about these guys is all the rock n roll made them really get into it with some classic "WOO!" and "OOWW!" and maybe even a few "BAAAYBAAAYY!"'s when these parts happened the whole band stopped for it, then continued on. I fucking love it. Nothing is more rock n roll than that!

   I was also pretty surprised to find out that there were two vocalist, considering you really can't tell the difference between them. I honestly can't think of a better definition of rock n roll than The Atomic Bitchwax, a 20 year old band with a mostly similar lineup and also featuring members of Monster Magnet with a balance of the south, stoner, and grunge. Rock n fucking rollll.

Church of Misery

Genre: Psychedelic Stoner/Doom Metal FFO: Black Sabbath, Blood Ceremony, Electric Wizard

Now we're talking. You see festival lineups all the time and you see that one band that you're like "Wow they never play, maybe I should fly out and see them" and then you remember you're broke and have responsibilities and its the same night as a show you already have tickets for. For years I have been seeing CoM on festival lineups in the US and only festivals. I thought I would pull the trigger and see them at Psycho Las Vegas but it didn't happen. Church of Misery is a bucket list band for me and I can now scratch it off.

   The room went dark as one bass note droned out. all of a sudden you hear noise from a fucking theremin (google it). These wavy crystal pattern light begin to shine the stage as the band begins. the vocalist makes a sinister face while showing a Japanese character tattoed on the palm of his hand. I wish I could translate what it represented. Those psychedelic riffs could summon every serail killers spirit from hell. In this case it felt like it did and they all possessed the vocalist at once. I swear this guys had to be at lease in his forties and the way he was moving was like a spazzy 20 year old who just got fired from his job and lit the facitility on fire. Well worth the wait.

   The one thing I couldn't look away from was not only the vocalists energy, or the palm of his hand that he kept showing, but the bassist. Tatsu, is the only original member of the band and he plays his bass hanging inches away from the floor. Like he was literally picking it from the neck. I'm not a bass player but I'm pretty sure this is as  close to classical position as you can get standing up.

    Surprisingly this set did get pretty ignorant. Born to raise hell had a pretty ignant pit as well as crowd surfers. Even mic rushes. With all this their vocalist never lost his energy. He only spoke in between songs, and it was the only time he was out of breath. I couldn't tell if I couldn't understand him because of his exhaustion or his lack of being fluent in English but the moment the next song started, he was immediately back to full energy and continuously playing the theremin. 

    Overall I would say go see Church of Misery. I couldn't believe this performance and I would put it neck and neck with Ufomammut as the best stoner doom set I've seen. I knew learning blues guitar would pay off as a kid, and Church of misery definitely prove it.

Full of Hell, Primitive Man, & Genocide Pact w/ Limbs Bin and Mourned @ The Middle East

Happy Birthday Dave Coughlin.

The night finally came for Mourned's big break: Opening for Full of Hell (took you long enough, Billy). I'll start by saying as much as I love FOH, I had to skip out due to my stupid adulthood once again, however I'm certain that they were as incredible as ever and put on an amazing set. Of course its also always an experience seeing Primitive Man as well as Genocide Pact. Good to be back!

Mourned
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Behemoth, Fuming Mouth, Gatecreeper

Mourned debuted many new songs this night. Probably 80% of the set was unreleased songs. Gotta say I'm into it. Mourned seem to be getting more and more extreme with thier music and influences as time goes on, really since the beginning of the band. These new songs really put on a full death metal outlook on them and really sheds out the hardcore influence they once had. However, one thing they will never be short of is bringing the mosh. Each song heavier than the next and the fans were rowdy with excitement...or maybe murderous intent. It got to the point where inbetween songs you could faintly hear someone in the crowd say "Whoever hit me in the back of the head three times, go fuck yourself". I'm sure it's nothing a few drinks wouldn't fix.
   Soundwise I beleive they sounded even better than the last time they opened for Primitive Man at this venue. tough to say however considering the vastly different setlist. One thing I noticed is the vocals now contain more shrieks as well as even more gutterall lows.
   Anywho, most of you know that Mourned are my brothers in arms and I will follow them forever, I mean, they were the first band I've ever reviewed and on top of that Brendan was the one who suggested I start this blog in the first place. Bias opinions aside, These guys continue to work their way into being one of the most talked about bands in both the metal and hardcore communities and their hardwork really shows with every set they play. I will never get tired of it.

Limbs Bin
Genre: Harsh Noise FFO: ?

I remember seeing Limbs Bin play a five minute set the last time I saw Full of Hell and it was actually chaotic sounding and gave me a headache, but I remember it fitting well in the night. Tonight however I just wasn't feeling it. There wasn't much flare or anything it was just noise, I got nothing. I'm sure Limbs Bin doesn't care what I have to say anyway.

Genocide Pact
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Tomb Mold, Gatecreeper, Undergang

Genocide Pact impressed me more than I thought they would. I recall a friend who saw them play with Dying Fetus not long ago say they were incredible live and I guess I should've took his word for it. I'll admit I never got that big into them but they were worth my time. Every slow riff had the crowd moving. I even saw a short fight start. Granted you don't see much karate moshing at death metal shows but some of these kids showed their stuff.
    Aside from heavy riffs, the technicality was spot on and the quality was near perfect. My only thought was the slow riffs would get repetitive every now and then, but the crowd had no problem with it. A death metal band that leaves me with bruises usually doesn't disappoint.

Primitive Man
Genre: Sludge/Doom/Drone FFO: Indian, Unearthly Trance, Lord Mantis

These guys I can be skeptical about. If you've seen Primitive Man live before you know what to expect. Heavy, slow, loud, doom. Yep that's pretty much it. Last time I felt like the gimmick wore off for me with the last few songs, but this time around I think their set was in descent shape.
   While a majority of Primitive Man's song are long and drone and really don't change too much, they every other song had tempo changes and faster drum patterns which actually wakes you up after thinking they're just doing more done songs. Of course they were as loud as ever and easily the heaviest set of the night, for me at least. Overall if you're a fan of sludge/doom metal like I am, Primitive Man is worth seeing what the hype is about at least once, you just gotta hope they aren't shitfaced.


Fuming Mouth, Mourned, Creeping Death @ Hardcore Stadium tonight at 6:30. GO!

Ten Fucking Billion: Happy Music For Happy People

FFO: Black Sheep Wall, Admiral Angry, Primitive Man

https://tenfuckingbillionma.bandcamp.com/releases

Zach and CJ formally of Taman Shud return with a new project that is the heaviest thing you will hear this year. Is it Taman Shud 2? Nope. This is Ten Fucking Billion.

   TFB leave no trace of who Taman Shud were and are a completely different band despite being the same members. Destructive, earthquake causing sludge with depressing and self hating lyrics that make you despise everything possible. You know how you are often filled with a powerful hatred but have to put on a joyful facade? This is the soundtrack to that. Ten Fucking Billion presents: Panacea For the Purged.

   Beginning the release is the song, "Diomede". It begins with a sample I can't identify but soounds like its from a very old movie being played on a projector with the device breaking down and then immediately slams in the caveman riffs. Zach's vocals still sounds like he is ripping his vocal chords to shreds and I will never understand how he doesn't. The riffs are both heavy breakdowns with borderline black metal tremelo picking behind it. Halfway through is a somewhat post-metal break where the guitar is cleaner but still dark then immediately slams in more heavy. Joining at this point is Lord Mourned, Billy Nicholls himself. Vocals go back and forth between billy and Zach as a heavy odd timed breakdown destroys the atmosphere around it (in a good way), then the outro riff begins, a heavier slower breakdown that makes you want to fight god himself. The song ends with an almost Frontierer sounding electronic as well.

   The next song is the title track which is more of a filler interlude. Mostly electronic, the beginning just makes me feel like Im sitting in a white room with my hands on my head thinking of everything wrong with my life. More strange eerie noise and feedback later is presented, almost comparable to Full of Hell's not as obnoxious noise.

   Panacea for the Purged leads right into the next song, "Tapiwa" with the most force. More Black Sheep Wall style riffs with black metal riffs behind it with more screeching vocals. Eventually the songs breakdowns slow down with odd drum timing until outta nowhere our friend Neil of Filed of Vision enters with his forceful vocals. If you've heard Black Sheep Walls first album, you will hear many similariies with this song. Halfway through there is a part comparable to a chaotic Dillinger song with quick instrumentals with the vocals matching up perfectly, then ends with a long drone. The heaviest riff begins with the words "I cannot reconcile with fate" over it. The same part is played multiple times slower and slower ecah time with the only filler between being an odd symbols only drum pattern while the guitar drones over it. You'll know its over once you hear the Dummy Bears theme song. 

Zach is a pussy. 

Top 50 2018

2018 comes to a close. Tons of releases came out. Some great, some awful. Only the best make into the Rock 'n' Roll Top 50. I'm also going to use this to say 2019 will be the last year of Bill's Rock n Roll Weekend for personal reasons, thank you!

50. Culture Abuse - Bay Dream

Genre: Atlernative/Surf Rock/Punk FFO: Fucked Up, Gouge Away, Angel Du$t
Favorite Track: California Speedball

The one thing I imagine with thiis one is just the beach with italian ice in my hand and a spoon in the other as I get my ass kicked by Billy Mourned at beach arcade air hockey. 100% a summer album inside and out with some goofy song titles that just add to the tony hawk style and atmosphere.

49. Kero Kero Bonito - Time 'n' Place

Genre: Electro Pop/Pop Punk/Experimental/KPop
Favorite Track: Time Today

I fell in love instantly with KKB the moment I heard Bonito Generation. This one was highly anticipated for me but introduces a new sound with a full band rather than just electronics and vox. In my personal opinion I prefer the old sound but experiencing the new sound live gave it the flare it needed for a full embrace. Honestly, there's always a spot saved for KKB.

48.Pig Destroyer - Head Cage
Genre: Grindcore FFO: Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Nasum, Gadget
Favorite Track: Trap Door Man
 

So this one took a while. Of course like most I was skeptical of the first single but I still thought the song was sick. I just hoped the entire album wasn't like that because I need some blast beats. Luckily Pig Destroyer delivers the grind but with a few metalcore fillers that could hype them up amongst the heavy hardcore fanbase but luckily those kids are too preoccupied with the same bands that sound the same. I couldn't say I wanted this much higher simply because I'm so used to Terrifyer and Prowler in the Yard, but still a solid album all the way through nonetheless. 

47. Uada - Cult of a Dying Sun

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal FFO: Wolves in the Throne Room, Wiegedood, Drudkh
Favorite Track: The Wanderer

I've only heard the name Uada get thrown around here and there and never dove into it, but I am very glad I did this year. Many know when it comes to black metal I really dig atmosphere, something that just sticks out. This album has "it". 7 songs weighing in at 55 min. Long songs that steal your attention all the way through is all I need for a good black metal album. Two big things I love: Artwork, and the Agalloch sound.

46. Long Distance Calling - Boundless

Genre: Instrumental Post-Metal FFO: Russian Circles, Pelican, East of the Wall
Favorite Track: In the Clouds

Instrumentals are tough to review but here we go. I randomly decided to throw this one on during my driving route at work and I immediately felt like I was atop a mountain. Almost like one of the mountains in Breath of the Wild next to water, and at the very top of the mountain was a busted radio tower. Post rock really knows how to paint a picture in my mind and Long Distance Calling pulled no stops.

45. High on Fire - Electric Messiah

Genre: Doom/Stoner Metal/Thrash FFO: Mastodon (Early), Crowbar, Weedeater
Favorite Track: Sectioned Annihililation 

High on Fire used to be one of those bands I have to be in the mood for, but a few years ago that changed. Electric Messiah follows the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude that HOF seems to go with. Production wise, I gotta say, those drums are straight thunder. and a bonus 200 points for the awesome artwork. My only comment would be the vocals are a little too quiet, but Matt's voice still thrusts itself into your ears. R.I.P. Matt Pike's toe.

44. Rolo Tomassi - Time Will Die, and Love Will Bury It

Genre: Experimental Mathcore FFO: The Number Twelve Looks Like You, OathBreaker, Birds in Row
Favorite Track: Aftermath

Now this one is a spazzy adventure and a half. Rolo Tomassi take the silly MySpace mathcore sound, and bent it into something you didn't think they would do. This album is very reminiscent of Rheia by OathBreaker for me, but replace the sorrow with The Number Twelve's spazzy attitude and add in some some surprisingly soothing clean parts. Makes me wish I paid more attention than I already did at the show they played.

43. Fiddlehead - Springtime and Blind
Genre: Emo/Indie Punk FFO: Rites of Spring, The Hated, Jawbreaker
Favorite Track: Lay Low


I've seen Fiddlehead a good amount of times over the years and I knew they were destined for greatness. Springtime and Blind is the debut LP from the band and they knew how to do it with a bang. The release show packed the Hardcore Stadium with tons of punks and emos shouting to some sad sad jams reminiscent of 90s old school emo. The term emo has evolved into many different things but really started with the sound that Fiddlehead is reviving. To truly understand the origins of emo, allow Springtime and Blind to be your gateway.

42. An Autumn for Crippled Children - The Light of September
Genre: Symphonic/Post Black Metal FFO: Totalselfhatred, Panopticon, Ghost Bath
Favorite Track: Lovelorn


AAFCC gets overlooked despite being a band for a long time. I personally discovered them by accident and it was quite a blessing in disguise. The Light of September is far more melancholic than previous releases (even though they are a primarily depressing band), with a heavy post rock influence instead of the light shoegazing. A fantastic addition to their discography that immediately turn blue skies gray.

41. Our Place of Worship is Silence - With Inexorable Suffering
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Genocide Pact, Chthe'illist, Ritual Necromancy
Favorite Track: Labyrinth Disorientation


Lots and lots of death metal this year. As always, my top albums are a huge variety but I think death metal may have earned genre of the year for most. OPOWIS took my interest by the name first, artwork second, and then of course sound. This album makes me feel like I'm stuck in a labyrinth. Crushing death metal that I feel was unappreciated by some, but greatly took my interest.

40.  Marissa Nadler - For My Crimes
Genre: Neo-Folk FFO: Chelsea Wolfe (Early), Emma Ruth Rundle, Katie Kim
Favorite Track: Blue Vapor

Boston's own Marissa Nadler released this beautiful piece of work that is just a scene waiting to be painted. I'm shocked I only just discovered her this year considering shes been active for many many years. For my Crimes is only guitar and vocals and its way darker than you expect. This woman has an incredible way with words and emotion that will never picture a happy ending.

39. Jesus Piece - Only Self
Genre: Metalcore FFO: Dead to Fall, On Broken Wings, Foundation
Favorite Track: Lucid


If you know me, you know I am not a slave to hype. I checked out Jesus Piece when the first ep was released and was not impressed at all. Everyone would hype these guys beyond my recognition (aka the fans were so annoying that I disregarded the band completely). back in October, I caught Nothing at the Sinclair and couldn't help but notice Aaron from JP was playing bass. On my way home I thought "Y'know maybe I should give this new JP album a shot". I was driving down mass pike ready to start a car pile up. What an ass beater this album is. Every new metalcore band I notice does a few things that get annoying: overuse panic chords, less breakdowns more slams, cringey mosh calls, weird drum patterns, yatta yatta yatta. Only Self uses panic chords in a way that they're hidden, like you know its there but there's more aroma around it that you almost forget they're there. The drum pattern isn't as strange as the previous ep. The breakdowns are nostagic with thundering bass drums. Kudos on flipping my opinion around Jesus Piece. Great work!

38. Mutilation Rites - Chasm
Genre: Black Metal FFO: Ash Borer, Altar of Plagues, Thantifaxth
Favorite Track: Ominous Rituals

More black metal! I can never have enough. Mutilation Rites released this portal into the catacombs earlier this year and slashed their way into my list without a doubt. If you can think of atmospheric structure in black metal but minus the melody, kinda similar to Krallice, then thats how I think about Chasm. Get your robe and your lantern and be ready for pure darkness.


37. Rich Brian - Amen
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
Favorite Track: Enemies


 The artist formally known as Rich Chigga. The latest album from the young Indonesian rapper is a huge step into success. Usually when Billy Mourned recommends a rap album to me, he does not steer me wrong. I wasn't big into Rich Chigga, but Rich Brian's Amen is a great refresher that takes a more serious approach with his music, even featuring guests such as Joji and Offset.

36. JPEGMAFIA - Veteran
Genre: Experimental Hip Hop/Rap FFO: Death Grips, Danny Brown, Lil Ugly Mane
Favorite Track: Baby I'm Bleeding


I have never heard an album like this. At first, Veteran can be hard to swallow but after a few songs, it goes down like water. JPEGMAFIA uses weird noises and sounds with unethical beats that for whatever reason he can keep up with when rapping. Similar to Death Grips but not obnoxious and chaotic. The album is a good blend of ignorance and chill. If you love weird hip hop like I do, give JPEGMAFIA your attention. Bonus points for the song title, "I Cannot Fucking Wait Until Morrissey Dies"

35. Nothing - Dance On the Blacktop
Genre: Indie/Shoegaze FFO: Pity Sex, Whirr, Swervedriver
Favorite Track: I Hate The Flowers
 

This album cover creeps me out. With Nothing's previous release being more on the alt. rock side, I was really hoping they would come back to the original sound with this one. Luckily they brought it back for the most part. Nothing doesn't need another Guilty of Everything and that is not necessarily what Dance on The Blacktop is. The fact that it brings the shoegaze sound back is enough for me.

34. Thou - Magus
Genre: Sludge/Doom/Drone FFO: Indian, Primitive Man, Lord Mantis
Favorite Track: In the Kingdom of Meaning


Thou have been firing off releases left and right this year with the help of the great Deathwish Inc. Each one is absolutely incredible, this one is technically the only LP and it is a heavyweight. If you know what Thou are about, you know the evil doomy sludge that is conjured from their sound. With all the releases Thou put out this year, Magus takes the main elements of each and ties them all together. A spectacular blend of droney gothic doom with hints of melody and folk.  Easily one of the heaviest releases of the year. If half the population played Thou at the same time, it would literally cause an earthquake.

33. Hopesfall - Arbiter
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Space Rock FFO: Cave In, Hum, Poison the Well
Favorite Track: H.A. Wallace Space Academy


Zach is gonna bite my dick off when he sees this not in my top ten, but fuck him. Hopesfall return after a long eleven years. If you're like me, you didn't dig the two albums after Satellite Years, but of course you can't always expect a band to go back to being what they once were. Hopesfall continued more with the space rock influence and kept the space theme as well and only replaced the metalcore influence with a more post hardcore sound and boom, you got Arbiter. Welcome back Hopesfall.

32. Bosse-de-Nage - Further Still
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Black Metal/Shoegaze FFO: Deafheaven, Harakiri for the Sky, Botanist
Favorite Track: My Shroud


I've followed Bosse-de-Nage since I first heard the split they did with Deafheaven and have been waiting for them to be recognized ever since. Once again Deathwish Inc. brings much needed attention to a talented band that deserves it. Further still is like a darker side of the "blackgaze" movement. There is a strong string of post hardcore influence that I feel is uncommon amongst black metal. Even screamo influence is present. I feel if I heard this album during my Screamo phase in high school, I would never have friends and eat lunch in the bathroom.

31. Nicole Dollanganger - Heart Shaped Bed
Genre: Indie/Neo-Folk FFO: Emma Ruth Rundle, Marissa Nadler
Favorite Track: Only Angels Have Wings


I feel most found out about Nicole Dollanganger through the Code Orange Forever tour, or from her guest spot on Trumpeting Ecstasy by Full of Hell. Either way, Heart Shaped bed has been an anticipated release that Nicole was teasing for a few months. I remember first hearing Lemonade and loved it so much that I was checking her bandcamp every week to see if the album was out. Nicole's angellic voice is almost too soothing and the smooth atmosphere to add to it just makes the album all the more enjoyable. Much less creepy than her previous works and far more emotional. I can already see her touring on this album in the near future.

30. Nightmarer - Cacophony of Terror
Genre: Death Metal FFO: War From a Harlots Mouth, Our Place of Worship is Silence, Pyrron
Favorite Track: Stahlwald


All I needed to hear to know that this album would be on here was: "...Featuring members of War From A Harlot's Mouth and Success Will Write Apocalypse Across the Sky". You can easily hear the similarities between Nightmarer and WFAHM. Mostly comparable to the album Voyeur. Pretty much just add in the vocalist of SWWAATS and throw in more technicality. In a way, I feel like it takes off where WFAHM left off, however it is a completely different band, far more death metal, far more serious, however it deals with the same theme of fear and terror. What a supergroup, and what a debut. Incredible!

29. Pastel Ghost - Ethereality
Genre: Electronica FFO: Crystal Castles, Crim3s, The Naked and Famous
Favorite Track: Sakura


I only just discovered Pastel Ghost and just the name was enough to rope me in. Electronic music I am very skeptical about only because of the lack of instruments. To stand out with electronic music, you gotta be creative. That being said, Pastel Ghost is very creative. Ethereality makes you feel like you are living inside a computer before social media took over. Close your eyes and all you will see is color changing lights in multiple patterns.

28. Esben and The Witch - Nowhere
Genre: Neo Folk with Doom Influences FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Of the Wand and the Moon, Zola Jesus
Favorite Track: Darkness (I Too am Here)


Doom folk intrigues me like no other. Esben and The Witch produce this monster of an album that is almost like one long poem with aural evil behind it in the most beautiful way. The operatic vocals are very comparable to the latest Zola Jesus album (A top 10 from last year) with the heaviness of modern Chelsea Wolfe and clean indie parts that are surprisingly comparable to atmospheric black metal. This band grabbed my attention by the balls and won't let go any time soon. Outstanding!

27. Old Wounds - Glow
Genre: Metalcore/"Fashioncore" FFO: Eighteen Visions, Atreyu, Bleeding Through
Favorite Track: Give a Name to Your Pain


Ever since their start, Old Wounds have always had a massive influence from Eighteen Visions-esque bands. In later years with the bands they have toured with, I felt like they might go in this exact direction with their sound. Old Wounds are bringing back that classic California metalcore with melodic riffs and clean choruses. For whatever reason this sound may be a trend, but Old Wounds definitely had it coming long before all these kids were into it. There's even a darkwave song stuffed in there and another song with Chris Motionless of Motionless in White.. I love it. Thank you Old Wounds for reminding me that I'm still 13.

26. MØL - JORD
Genre: Black Metal/Shoegaze FFO: Deafheaven, Harakiri for the Sky,  Astronoid
Favorite Track: Ligament


Again with more "blackgaze". One that I never listened to until this year, MØL, blow most of these bands out of the water completely. Best listened to at night under a sea of stars in my opinion. When a band comes from a country you don't hear about very often, (Denmark in this case) it's definitely worth checking out. if you are a fan of Deafheaven, I guarantee you will love this.

25. Ash Code - Perspektive
Genre: Industrial/Darkwave FFO: Cold Cave, Ritual Howls, The Agnes Circle
Favorite Track: Black Gloves


I believe I put this album on the fall playlist a few months back, so welcome back. Ash Code are a UK darkwave group that make me want to go to a goth rave. Perspektive is a balance of heaviness and Joy Division type post punk that really makes me bask in darkness. I will say I feel some would find this album edgy and annoying, but I think its what makes it so good. Consider it the soundtrack to the goth kid in the trenchcoat at school. For full effect, you should wear sunglasses when listening.

24. Tomb Mold - Manor of Infinite Forms
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2, Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne
Favorite Track: Abysswalker


We've been hearing about a lot of death metal bands like Blood Incantation, Spectral Voice, Undergang, etc. Add Tomb Mold to that list. What a band. Seeing them twice this year just makes me love the album even more. The whole thing is about a little game called Dark Souls which is easily the most metal game imaginable. Manor of Infinite Forms is a perfect soundtrack to your undead demon slaying adventure. If you summon for Smaug and Orstein, you're a pussy.

23. Birds in Row - We Already Lost the World
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Screamo/Crust FFO: Loma Prieta, OathBreaker, Ampere
Favorite Track: We Count So You Don't Have to


I can't say I know too many bands from France. Birds in Row I have been a fan of since high school, but this might be next level. We Already Lost the World adds far more emotion to the sound leaning more towards the screamo side, but with just the right amount of chaos to balance it out. Even sprinkled in some OathBreaker style black etal as well. I will say the best experience live was at ONCE ballroom with KEN Mode a few months ago. Every inch of the atmosphere was perfect and that image is burnt into my head every time I hear this.

22. Dir En Grey - The Insulated World
Genre: Progressive/Experimental Death Metal/J-Rock FFO: D'espairsray, The Red Chord, Anime soundtracks
Favorite Track: Devote My Life


I never know what to expect when I hear a new album from the Japanese monsters in Dir En Grey. No matter what, they find a way to keep things interesting with random experimentation that fit the song perfectly. The Insulated world has some weird stuff as you could probably tell by the cover but two things remain: heavy riffs, and Kyo's ridiculous speedy vocal moments. This band as long as many others from Japan will never disappoint. This album was a surprise for most but I've been checking for it since the beginning of the year.

21. Innumerable Forms - Punishment in Flesh
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Spectral Voice, Ritual Necromancy, Ascended Dead
Favorite Track: Purity's Demand


Now this is death metal. Innumerable Forms are straight from Massachusetts with a hunger for death. Easily one of the heaviest (if not the heaviest) death metal records of the year. I would say this is basically a super group of musicians of BHC for the most part I believe. This whole thing is just punishing death with multiple doomy riffs that will just crush your soul and leave your body an empty husk. Death Metal.

20. Emma Ruth Rundle - On Dark Horses
Genre: Indie w/ Post-Rock influence/Neo Folk FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Marriages, King Woman
Favorite Track: Apathy on the Indian Border
 

Emma will probably make my list every year she releases something. This beautiful soul releases equally beautiful music and will never cease to amaze me. The performance earlier this year at Great Scott was something to low and behold. To understand her music with every project she has been a part of, you should check this one out. A good amount of every influence from her projects is involved and blended together into an incredible product.

19. Esoctrilihum - Pandaemorthium
Genre: Death Metal FFO: Bloodbath, Blood Incantation, Devouring Star
Favorite Track: Prison of Flesh


Esoctrilihum takes the title of death metal album of the year. This one may also take artwork of the year. If that cover isn't enough to draw you in, well you might be a poser. This album has the subtle progression similar to Bloodbath but not overdone to the point where its Opeth. On top of that, I can't think of an eviler sounding death metal album this year. It saddens me that being an American I will probably not get to see them anytime soon.

18. The Body - I Have Fought Against It, But I Can't Any Longer
Genre: Experimiental/Noise/Avant Garde/Drone/Sludge
Favorite Track: The West Has Failed


The Body isn't for everybody, but they sure are for me. The duo announced they were going back to the two of them playing instruments, but this was beyond what I would've expected. This has many many guest musicians pretty much doing everything in the book. While it still has the classic despair filled sound, it also featured some melody and other parts that makes you question if you're even listening to The Body.

17. The Ocean - Phanerzoic I: Palaeozoic
Genre: Atmospheric Sludge/Post-Metal FFO: ISIS (The Band), Cult of Luna, Buried Inside
Favorite Track: Silurian: Age of Sea Scorpions


I can't pronounce this album and thats how you know its a good one. The Ocean has multiple guest musicians on every album and is considered a collective rather than a band. This release was a surprise for me and absolutely made me fit it into the list despite already being finished. This release is very reminiscent of Precambrian, with the theme of prehistoricism, and given the part 1 makes me think a part two will be coming soon. I haven't done enough research to know who is featured on this one but I'm sure it will be jaw dropping when I do.

16. Ariana Grande - Sweetener
Genre: Pop FFO: Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga
Favorite Track: breathin


Ariana Grande is a saint. Once again she proves she is the most powerful woman in the world. Sweetener is a sweet addition to her discography with the same strong operatic vocals that you know and love. In my opinion, Ariana could sing pretty much any style there is if she wanted to. This album's theme can range from empowerment to relationships and it will never get old for me. The fact that most pop artists are really writing about relationships can be a bore, but Ariana brings a variety to the table.

15. KEN Mode - Loved
Genre: Noise Rock/Sludge/Hardcore Punk FFO: Fight Amp, Whores., Kowloon Walled City
Favorite Track: Learning to be Cold


This one was a highly anticipated release for me.Most know I love weird music. While KEN Mode is on the odd side, they take it to a whole new level. Hearing these songs live, and seeing them being played with two basses and no guitar (Surprisingly enough) spiked them high on this list. Loved earns creepiest artwork of the year, which KEN Mode seem to surprise with each time. Every album I listen to by this band, I try to synchronize the sound with the art and this one manifests some weird stuff. Remember when you were a kid and you were afraid of monsters in the closet? Under your bed? The Boogeyman? This one opens a portal in each location for all kinds of entities to enter and terrorize you forever. So much heavy chaos, its almost like Knut reformed....nah

14. Joji - Ballads 1
Genre - Trip Hop
Favorite Track: Slow Dancing in The Dark


When someone told me the guy formally known as Filthy Frank was making real music and touring with Rich Brian, it didn't hit me very hard. When this album came out, I really only heard stuff about from soundcloud kids which made me reject listening to it. I don't remember what drove me to here it (it might've been Dave) but I listened to it for the first time walking around Kendall Square at night and the moment I heard Slow Dancing in the Dark, I was in shock. "How is this Filthy Frank?!" I thought. Upon watching the video later that night I realised that Joji is 100% the same person as Filthy Frank. This album is beautiful despite the artwork and really showed me a style I am really not familiar with. It hasn't even been long for his music career but Joji is already a superstar.

13. Basement - Beside Myself
Genre: Emo/Alternative Rock FFO: Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, Balance and Composure
Favorite Track: Disconnect


If I'm being honest, the last Basement album sorta fell off for me. I grew up with the more hardcore influenced sound they had, but of course Colourmeinkindness was a fantastic turning point. Beside Myself I feel perfected the newer style that Basement are going for. Very nostalgic 90s sounding with a hint of skate jams. Seriously skate to this one you wont regret it. All over some sweet emo riffage and very well written lyrics guarenteed to satify your inner emo kid.

12. Cult Leader - A Patient Man
Genre: Metalcore/Grindcore FFO: Gaza, Burnt By the Sun, All Pigs Must Die
Favorite Track: Craft of Mourning


Man oh man do I love this one. I have been a fan of Gaza since my freshman year of high school and when have been following Cult Leader since the first Ep. This one is a huge step forward with their sound. Cult Leader have always had slow songs but this one is almost half heavy, half slow, and the slow stuff is almost neo folk influenced. The album immediately tears a whole in your chest and rips out your heart then slowly forces you on your knees filling you with despair. A  Patient Man is 110% evil all the way through, its almost like a violent sermon garnished with human sacrifice.

11. Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
Genre: Noise Rock/Darkwave/Mathcore FFO: Lightning Bolt, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Birthday Party
Favorite Track: Ocean Song


Daughters are back with a bang. I knew from the first single, Satan in The Wait, that this would be a masterpiece. While Daughters are mostly credited for the start of the MySpace mathcore style with the album, Canada Songs, they continued with their newer Hell Songs style, but in the best way possible. This album all the way is anxiety inducing and eerie. Listening to it in the dark will make you see shadows in your room when you're home alone. A heavier darkwave influence with strong use of panic chords and chaotic keyboards are presented in this one. It basically continues from the self titled. The one thing I will always love is Alex's voice. It's like Elvis Presley being tortured and begging for his life.

10. Bongripper - Terminal
Genre: Progressive Stoner/Post-Metal FFO: Weedeater, WeedPecker, Ufomammut


S L O W D E A T H. Thats what the song titles spell out. Most would expect a band with a name like Bongripper to be a cheesey stoner band with 40 minute songs. Well Bongripper are not exactly that. Terminal is entirely instrumental and is basically a stoners version of post metal. So much talent, a very underrated band, and the artwork, I mean come on. Terminal can definitely turn on any sludge and post metal fan and introduce them to a world of stoner metal that isn't so stereotypical.

9. Vein. - Errorzone
Genre: Mathcore/Metalcore/Alt.Metal FFO: The Dillinger Escape Plan, Deftones, Thumbscrew
Favorite Track: Broken Glass Complexion


Everyone will be mad at me for not putting this at number one but fuck you I listen to a lot of music. I think I've written about Vein more than any other band this year. Errorzone was probably the most anticipated album for everyone in heavy music. I don't think I've met many who haven't heard it. For me it feels like a wave of nostalgic Dillinger vibes mixed with Poison the Well. I was almost shocked to hear melody. Vein's popularity skyrocketed after this album is no surprise and you know they will take over the world very soon.

8. American Nightmare - S/T
Genre: Hardcore FFO: Blacklisted, The Suicide File, The Hope Conspiracy
Favorite Track: Flowers Under Siege


We all know American Nightmare are one of my favorite bands ever. I love them so much I have an AN tattoo. Of course their new album makes it high. My problem with modern hardcore is this: Everyone wants to be heavy, everyone wants to be edgy, everyone sounds the same and does it wrong. AN are back with their first album in I believe 15 years and haven't changed a thing. My personal favorite era of hardcore was the early 2000s and its like listening to a time machine. AN keep their emotional lyrics with strait mean riffs and subtle post punk influence because they know, they don't need to change with the times to be great. Never will I witness a less than perfect performance by these guys. Welcome back!

7. Unearth - Extinction(s)
Genre: Metalcore FFO: Killswitch Engage, Dead To Fall, It Dies Today
Favorite Track: One With the Sun


Another long time favorite band of mine. I almost forgot this one was coming. Upon hearing the first single, my first thought was "Stings of Consciousness' aka their first album. My thoughts did not steer me wrong. Extinction(s) shows off their classic sound but with more technicality presented in Darkness in the Light. HOnestly Unearth haven't put out anything I don't like and I don't expect it any time soon. I only miss Treavor's yelling vocals as he switched to more growling.

6. Secret Cutter - Quantum Eraser
Genre: Sludge Metal/Metalcore FFO: Swarm of the Lotus, Knut, Coalesce
Favorite Track: Trampled by Light


Wow. This one took me by surprise. I always thought no one would be making music like this anymore but...wow. Welcome back chaos. Quantum eraser just gets heavier and heavier as you go on and just when you think its over, it comes back even heavier. Lots of mathcore is subtley sprinkled in, very comparable to Swarm of the Lotus and those vocals sound like their tearing apart the vocalist's throat. Outstanding!

5. Them Are Us Too - Amends
Genre: Darkwave/Dream Pop FFO: Death of Lovers, Drab Majesty, Miserable
Favorite Track: Floor


This was probably the first album I heard this year that really made me focused. I can't help but identify many influences of dream pop such as Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil just to name a few. These classic influences mixed with a modern style of darkwave makes Amends. The album is soothing and calm, able to tame the most feral of beasts, and ease depression just as well.

4. Svalbard - It's Hard To Have Hope
Genre: Post-Black Metal/Shoegaze/Hardcore FFO: Deafheaven, Bosse de Nage, Modern Life is War
Favorite Track:  How Do We Stop It?


I mention all the time that TheLookout finds the best music, well Svalbard is one of them. As of recent the style of "blackgaze" is blowing up. Svalbard take the genre and combine it with an early 2000s style of hardcore and give it a strong political theme. Pete Dugdale is gonna flip when he sees the song titles. Despite the Hot Topic era song title, the band passes very serious messages. You wanna talk about boundary breaking? Svalbard is your new favorite.

3. Sectioned - Annihilated
Genre: Mathcore FFO: Frontierer, The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza, Converge
Favorite Track:Annihilated


Another UK release. Sectioned debuts with Annihilated and leaves a crater. With metalcore releases, I'd say this is the heaviest. The band shares members with fellow UK mathcore giants, Frontierer and the one similarity I would say is the use of electronics and effects. Scetioned have a stronger hardcore (sometimes grindcore) influence rather than the odd timed Car Bomb style. All I can think of is cops getting called for those violent breakdowns. Imagine a massive computer glitch happening that is pissing you off so much, you grab your computer and throw it into oncoming traffic. Many were struck by Vein's new release this year, I highly recommend Sectioned for them.

2. Anaal Nathrakh - A New Kind Of Horror
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal/Grindcore FFO: Fukpig, Behemoth, Napalm Death
Favorite Track: Forward!


I am a big fan of Anaal Nathrakh and knew I would dig this, but I didn't think I would love it this much. Members of Anaal Nathrakh have been involved with the Orange County metalcore scene, for some reason, and the influence shows in this record. I can point out multiple tracks that are very similar to Bleeding Through with both metalcore style riffs and symphony, but Anaal Nathrakh stay consistant with their number one style which is blackened grindcore. Also the production is unlike anything I would expect from black metal. I'm sure metal elitists were pissed to hear the machine gun samples and breakdown riffs but I applaud the band for not being afraid to be open minded.

1. Denzel Curry - TABOO|TA13OO
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap FFO: Danny Brown, A$AP Ferg, Lil Ugly Mane
Favorite Track: Black Metal Terrorist|13MT


I didn't think I would ever put a rap album at number one but Denzel absolutely earned it. I don't think I listened to any album more this year. I can't think of any other rap album that is as dark and well written as Taboo. The album works in 3 parts strating with white, to gray, to black. This is another way of saying it gets darker. It starts off like most rap albums would, then get more emotional and aggressive, then gets in your face with emotional anger. One thing I notice is the pop culture references such as the song SUPER SAIYAN SUPERMAN|ZUPER ZA1YAN ZUPERMAN (Dragonball Z) or the lyric, "Radda radda radda radda" (Schnitzel from Chowder) etc. Not to mention guest spots from J.I.D., Zillakami of City Morgue, and JPEGMAFIA. All together it makes a flawless album that I think I would honestly put as one of my all time favorite albums. Which if you know me, that really says a lot.

Honorable Mentions:

LPs:
Holygram - Modern Cults
Evidence - Weather or Not
Ilsa - Corpse Fortress
Yob - Our Raw Heart
Insect Ark - Marrow Hymns
Birthright - Let Me Down Easy
Film School - Bright to Death
Teenage Wrist - Chrome Neon Jesus
Erdve - Vaitojimas
Camilla Cabello - Camilla
Belzebong - Light in the Dankness
Poppy - Am I a Girl?
BROCKHAMPTON -IRRIDESCENCE
The Daysleepers - Creation
The Armed - Only Love
Graf Orlock - An Examination of Violent Cinema Vol. 1
Candy - Good to Feel


EPs:
Pummel - Promo
Chamber - Hatred Soft Spoken
A Pregnant Light - Lucky All My Life
Kind Crew - Promo
Hatchie - Sugar and Spice
Mil-Spec - Changes
Potion - Women of the Wand
The Secret - Lux Tenebris

Thou:
LET OUR NAMES BE FORGOTTEN
Rhea Slivia
Inconsolable
The House Primordial