Lord Mourned's Most Wanted

Probably the most popular list from last year, and most anticipated this year as well. We welcome back Billy Mourned's top albums. Nobody recommends better hip hop to me than he does and he always has a good variety. Take it away!

10.) Interpol: Marauder

Interpol is a band I slept on for a really long time. They were one of those bands where I knew I would probably love them if I just sat down and really listened to them, but I just never would. Lluckily, that’s not the case anymore thanks to my girlfriend, Ashley (yet again) who finally got me to check them out. And let me just say, I am thoroughly impressed. Marauder is such an enjoyable listen with upbeat tracks like The Rover or Mountain Child even though the lyrics are somewhat dark. Vocalist Paul Banks almost sounds like he could front a doom band like Pallbearer or something. He’s just got one of those voices, know what I mean? No? Well then check out the album, dummy!

Favorite song: The Rover

9.) Takeoff: The Last Rocket

This one surprised me. Although I don’t know why, because I would consider myself a fan of Migos and Takeoff is my favorite member of the trio. I feel like he’s underrated and I find him hilarious even though he doesn’t try to be. This record is just fun to listen to. Simple as that. The album clocks in at around a half hour or so, which is much easier to take in than an hour or even 75 minute long album that Migos and Quavo put out. The Last Rocket also kind of follows a space theme which I enjoy. Banger beats, classic Migos triplets, catchy hooks... There’s even a dance pop song on it. Granted the guest singer isn’t the greatest, but it still gets stuck in my head every time I hear it. Takeoff also gets a little personal on a few tracks which is something I never thought I would hear from him. I’m all for it though. I love this album.

Favorite song: Insomnia

8.) Vince Staples - FM!

I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of these super short, 20-something minute long rap albums. They are so quick and to the point and it makes them so accessible and easy to listen to. And Vince Staples really nailed it with this one. The first time I listened to FM!, I immediately started it over and listened to it again 2 or 3 more times because I fell in love with it so quickly. One of my favorite things about this record are the beats. I love the low-key, icy synth leads all over tracks like Relay, Tweakin’, and Feels Like Summer (as ironic as that is). If you have 20 minutes to kill or you’re a Staples’ fan and this one just slipped under your radar, definitely give this album a listen. FM radio has never sounded so good. 

Favorite track: Don’t Get Chipped

7.) Daughters - You Won’t Get What You Want

I’m not going to lie, the first time I heard this album, I did not like it at all. I remember being busy and sort of in a sour mood. I didn’t understand the appeal of it and in more general terms, I didn’t really understand Daughters as a whole. They seemed like one of those “I like the music, but I just don’t like the vocals” bands. However, a few days after my first full listen, I heard the track Satan In The Wait playing while I was 75% asleep in a van on a long drive home and suddenly everything just clicked with me. The vocals and the little melodies that eventually kick in to the song really resonated with me and I realized I loved it. I re-listened to the album and really paid attention this time. I found myself enjoying everything I had claimed to dislike before. Chaotic, frigid, beautiful, horrifying. These are words I would use to describe songs like Guest House and Daughter. I began picturing the scariest images imaginable when hearing lyrics like “Is something burning in here, or is it me?” while absolute chaos ensues in the background in the song The Flammable Man. I simply understand it all now.

Favorite song: Less Sex

6.) Tomb Mold - Manor Of Infinite Forms

This band is unbelievable. I gotta thank my good friend Dave “DaveDrum619” Coughlin for getting me into the crushing, ferocious titan that is Tomb Mold. As soon as they dropped a song called Abysswalker, I knew I was gonna love this album. Now if you know me, you know I love death metal. And I also love Dark Souls. But death metal AND Dark Souls combined? That is some next level shit. Not to mention the band name, Tomb Mold alone is straight out of Bloodborne. Manor Of Infinite Forms is laden with heavy, disgusting riffs that literally knock the wind out of you when they hit. Like on the songs Gored Embrace or Chamber Of Sacred Ootheca. The production is what I consider near perfect for modern day death metal. Filthy enough to sound mean and heavy, but clean enough to hear every note and growl. If you love pure, ripping death and you haven’t heard Tomb Mold, this record will tear you to shreds. 

Favorite song: Final Struggle Of Selves

5.) Joji - Ballads 1

I never paid attention to Joji in the past. I knew OF him because he was featured on Rich Brian’s latest record Amen which I enjoyed quite a bit. But I found Joji’s feature to be sort of lackluster. Then I learned he was Pink Guy and Filthy Frank, which I also never really paid attention to but I couldn’t believe it was the same person. So honestly, I wrote him off for a long time. That is until he dropped his single, Slow Dancing In The Dark. My jaw literally dropped the first time I heard it. I truly consider that song to be one of my favorite tracks of the year. After that, I was really looking forward to this record and ooooooh boy, did I love it. I love the somber and beautifully melancholy beats and vocal melodies on songs like Wanted U and Test Drive. I really don’t think there’s a bad song on this album. Which is crazy to say because Trippie Redd is on a song and I can’t stand him, but I don’t even dislike that song. My one criticism is that I seriously want Joji to continue to really show off his vocal skills the way he does on some of these songs, in the future. Because the man can sing and sometimes I feel like he doesn’t take full advantage of how good his voice is. But other than that, this record is amazing.

Favorite song: Slow Dancing In The Dark

4.) Outer Heaven - Realms Of Eternal Decay

I’ve been looking forward to this album for quite some time now. After a few years of lineup changes and constant grinding to write this record, Outer Heaven churned out one of the most vicious, pulverizing death metal records I’ve heard in a long time. It is total brutality from the very beginning to the very end. Incredible production, heavy, pummeling chugs, melodic riffs, death metal breakdowns, blast beats, low, cavernous, guttural growls from vocalist Austin Haines... What more could you possibly ask for? If Realms Of Eternal Decay were to manifest itself into a creature, it would be a giant, slimy, disgusting monster that rose up from the depths of a viscous, murky swamp just to rip people in half for fun. In other words, this is easily the best death metal album of the year in my opinion and you should absolutely listen to it.

Favorite song: Sacrificial Evolution 

3.) Denzel Curry - TA13OO

After Denzel’s last album, Imperial, I was highly anticipating his next release. Yet somehow, I completely missed the initial release of the first single Percs. But once I DID hear it, I remember just going absolutely nuts in my car. Once the record dropped, the first thing that immediately blew me away was the album art. Some may look at it and think “juggalo”, others look at it and think “black metal”. I chose the latter, which is 100% backed up by the fact that there is a song called Black Metal Terrorist on the record. TA13OO is a slow descent into madness, as it starts off mellow and kind of low-key and slowly gets more manic and twisted. Denzel Curry even explained that the album is separated into 3 acts, Light, Grey, and Dark, with each song on each act being written during light and dark times in his life. And I think it really shows. Songs like the jubilant Cash Maniac and the boisterous and hard-hitting Sumo fall on the Light act. Nightmarish tracks like Vengeance and Black Metal Terrorist fall on the Dark Act. And in case you couldn’t gather, the Grey acts consists of everything in between. Every single song on TA13OO is phenomenal to me and although it’s not my #1 spot overall, it’s my #1 for rap albums this year. 

Favorite song: Super Saiyan Superman

2.) Vein - Errorzone

2018 was Vein’s year. They gained traction last year and just blew up like an atom bomb. Then they released their masterpiece... And to put it bluntly, Errorzone is fucking ruthless, with each song being more and more relentless than the last. I absolutely love the raw, blunt force of songs like Old Data In A Dead Machine and Broken Glass Complexion. Will Putney’s production is immaculate and really compliments Vein’s sound as well. Listening to this album makes me feel like I’m on the island with the Regenerators from Resident Evil 4, but in addition to the spikes that shoot out of their bodies, they also have surgical tools and I’m just being mutilated for about a half hour. That is until the title track, Errorzone which is definitely the most beautiful song on the album. The clean vocals and piano at the end is like the end of RE4 when you escape on the boat and you’re free from the sonic assault that occurred previously. Real gamers will understand. 

Favorite song: Errorzone

1.) Twitching Tongues - Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred

That’s right. We made it. When all is said and done, this new Twitching Tongues record takes my #1 of the year spot. I have listened to this album more times than I can count and it just never gets old. Gaining Purpose is the follow up to their 2015 album Disharmony (which took my #3 spot that year) and features an almost entirely new lineup besides the Young brothers, Colin and Taylor. So I was anxious and excited to see how this album would sound. All I can say is wow... Twitching Tongues took my expectations and blew them out of the water. The first and last songs, AWOL (State Of The Union) and Defection (Union Of The State) feature some of my favorite choruses they have ever written. And that says a lot because I find singer, Colin Young’s vocal melodies to be insanely catchy so it’s hard to choose favorites. Speaking of catchy, I’m a HUGE fan of the track Kill For You which is super reminiscent of Type O Negative and was stuck in my head for about 3 months after this record came out. I wish I could go through every song but I’ll put it this way, Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred has it all. We get heavy ass beaters like Gaining Purpose and The Sound Of Pain. We get super pissed off but fun and headbanger-friendly tracks like Harakiri and The Fourth Reich. We get the saddest, most beautiful piano ballad that Twitching Tongues has written so far, Long Gone. And we also get the wonderfully crafted and rather diverse, Forgive & Remember. Hey, I guess I did go through every song! I had to. I loved this album way too much not to. It is 110% perfect.

Favorite song: Kill For You

Top Legs of the year 2018

I figured King Legs (aka Paul Cronin) has enough of an open mind to bring some variety as well as records I wanted on this years top lists but probably couldn't fit in the rest. That being said Paul delivered, we are honored to have the list with the nicest legs.

Top 10

10. Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy

I’m gonna marry Cardi B. I said it and I meant it. I was actually really shocked by how genuinely good this album was. Theres tons of heaters on this piece and for someone who is arguably most famous for her rambunctious attitude, she has genuine musical chops.

9. Mac Miller – Swimming

I regrettably haven’t listened to much of Mac Miller’s stuff before because I never felt the need to. However, I started hearing great things about this record even before his untimely death. I feel stupid for having not listened sooner. This dude had real chops. The production on this album was fantastic, his flow and lyrics were great, and surprisingly, he has a decent singing voice. It sucks that he passed so young. This album was a sign of great things to come from him.

8.  Kids See Ghosts – Kids See Ghosts

Kanye had a very productive year, releasing five produced albums within five weeks. I didn’t listen to one of them, but the other four were great. My second favorite is this one. Kanye and Kid Cudi came together on a project that, surprisingly, isn’t a total mess. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Kanye’s own album this year, Ye, but this one is better by leaps and bounds.

7. Harms Way – Posthuman

An early favorite from this year, this is still one of the best metal records I’ve heard in 2018. In my honest opinion, very few metal albums this year have gone above and beyond to impress me; its been mostly hip hop and alternative stuff, but this one beat my pasty ass when I first heard it. Every song is like getting suplexed and the songwriting shows real growth. I love this band.

6. Denzel Curry – TA13OO

This dude is unbelievable. One of my favorite current rappers produced one of the best rap records, a perfect blend of old school influence mixed with modern production and vibes. Makes that Soundcloud rap shit sound pathetic. An incredible range of production as well highlight this album. A must listen for rap fans.

5. Twitching Tongues – Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred

I love Twitching Tongues. Like, LOVE love. A flawless blend of ballads and absolutely ridiculous riffs. This band is one of the few that every time I see them, I legitimately lose my mind. I don’t know what else to say other than I broke a pair of glasses at one of their shows, and (I think) accidentally punched a girl in the back of the head at another. Oops.

4. JID – DiCaprio 2

I became aware of this guy because of a feature on Denzel Curry’s album, and Billy (William Nicholls, singer of Mourned, lover of Dark Souls) checked out some of his own songs and showed them to me. They were, uh, insane, so obviously this album was a very exciting prospect. it ended up being one of the best rap albums this year, one of the best rap records I’ve heard in a while, and a throwback to when rap was about lyricism and less about being catchy. Also, the song Off Deez with J. Cole is probably my favorite song of the year. All I know is that I have freaked out many times in my car listening to it.

3. Mike Shinoda – Post Traumatic

Linkin Park is my favorite band so, as most know, I took Chester Bennington’s death pretty hard. Linkin Park was my first musical love and will always occupy that special place in my heart. This album spoke to that very part of me and proved to be the catharsis I didn’t know I needed. While also supplying the heat as Mike usually does, this album’s blunt yet poignant lyrics really let listeners in to what he was feeling during the months after Chester’s death. He let himself be an open book, and that’s what I love about him, and why he will always be one of my favorite artists. Side note: seeing him last month at the HOB was one of my favorites shows I’ve ever been to in my life.

2. Pusha-T – DAYTONA

This album is 7 songs, 23 minutes, and straight heat the entire time. Easily the best Kanye-produced album released this year, every song is insane. The production is top notch, and it is a perfect example of Kanye’s genius, when he wants to employ it. I’ve listened to this album countless times and it gets better every time. I’ve always been aware of Push but this was the year I became a real fan. Also can’t believe he literally killed Drake. Damn. Rest in peace. Too young.

1. Vein – Errorzone

Trying to figure out my #1 for this year was tough because there were so many great choices, but ultimately this was the only one that felt truly right. A maddening blend of hardcore, metalcore, and pure insanity, this album is flawless from top to bottom. Not a single bad song on this, and the musicianship from these guys is unbelievable. The future is extremely bright for Vein, and they’ve come a long, long way from the band I saw almost 5 years ago in a basement in NH.

The Neil of Approval 2018

Now that Zach's piece of shit top albums that don't matter is done we can move on to a better one. Ladies and gentleman I give you the Neil of Approval, presented by the great Neil Murray of Field of Vision.

Top 10

10 – Mitski – Be the Cowboy

I have always seen the hype behind Mitski but it never clicked with me until this record. 2018 was a phenomenal year for music so making it to my top ten is no easy feat. Her voice is so pure it can melt the day to day pain away. The big moments in this record are huge and I always find them stuck in my head. The lyrical content keeps me guessing what the songs are about. Anyone will like this record. The artwork is beautiful and matches perfectly for what this record encompasses.
Album art: 9/10
Best lyric: Come into the Water: “I didn’t know I had a dream I didn’t know until I saw you.”
Favorite track: Nobody 

9 – Nicole Dollanganger – Heart Shaped Bed

Nicole Dollanganger has been at the top of my list to see live for a while and unfortunately, she hasn’t played close to me in a few years. These songs are dark and beautiful and strange. There is a power in her dark story telling that is hard to match. The songs may be fictional, but they are still relatable and heartbreaking. This record did not get as much attention as it deserved, probably because they screwed up everything possible when putting it out. First off, five out of the ten tracks were released in March and then there was no news about when the other half was coming. Finally, in October the whole thing was released with very little marketing. You still can’t buy a physical copy which doesn’t make any sense. Hearing half the record at a time definitely changed the way I think of it for the worse. Oh well, end rant. Listen to it anyway.
Album art: 9/10
Favorite Track: Heart Shaped Bed

8 – Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour

A country singer? On Neil’s list? I know what you’re thinking “what in tarnation”? This record changed everything for me. I’ve always known country wasn’t all yippee Calle and square dancing, but I never knew it could be this good. Every song hits home and is relatable to anyone. Listen to this record to understand the hype. I really hope to see her live and pay less than $50 but I guess she is a big deal now.
Album art: 6/10
Favorite Track: Space Cowboy 

7 – Advanced Base – Animal Companionship

RFC puts out some of my favorite records every year and this year is no different. Animal Companionship hits you where it hurts, everywhere. Some sad music about lost love and life that keeps you coming back for more. This record grew on me a lot more than I anticipated as I had different songs stuck in my head all the time. I finally realized just how good every song is.
Album art: 7/10
Favorite Track: Me & You & The moon 

6 – Superorganism – Self Titled

Another record that took me (and the world) by surprise. I think there’s at least eight members in the band. I was lucky enough to catch them live and it was the closest thing to what I imagine being on drugs feels like. This record is the perfect length and each song flows so perfectly into the next. I am not sure what else to say about this band they are too much to describe with words.
Album art: 8.5/10
Favorite Track: Everybody Wants to be Famous 

5 – Fiddlehead – Springtime & Blind 

Another RFC release, this record is special to a lot of people including me. There are elements that make this the perfect soundtrack for cold, cloudy, or grey days. Despite this there is still an element of hope to these songs that provides a good balance of pain and joy. The album art and visuals are perfect, and I hope to see more Fiddlehead music in the future.
Album art: 9.5/10
Favorite Track: Head Hands 

4 – The Beths – Future Me Hates Me 

Power Pop that rocks your socks off. I think this band is from New Zealand or somewhere close. I wish I knew about this band sooner and I wish I saw them live when they came to Boston this year. Shout out to Andrew for showing me them and being the best. Check out this record for infectious music and a good time.
Album art: 8.5/10
Favorite Track: Future Me Hates Me 

3 – The Berries – Start All Over Again 

Could it be? A third RFC release? Yes. Matt Berry, the person behind Happy Diving, Big Bite and The Berries is a musical genius. The Berries offer an array of sounds ranging from country to indie rock. Every song gives me a nostalgic feeling while still showing me something new. Every song is great, and I don’t know what else more I can say! Listen to The Berries or be a fool.
Album art: 4.5/10
Favorite Track: Lonely Gods

2 – Hop Along – Bark Your Head Off, Dog 

For a while I didn’t want to admit just how much I liked this album. I didn’t think it was good enough to be in my top ten list for a while and then I thankfully came to my senses. This record is insane. The vivid storytelling and unique vocals prove why Hop Along is one of the best bands. The amount of work that must have gone into these songs is mind boggling and I can’t wait to see them live next week! Listen to this one in depth and hear all the little things that make Hop Along special.
Album art: 6/10
Favorite Track: Prior Things 

1 – Vein – Errorzone

Vein’s the best band in the world. No record makes me feel the way Errorzone does. There was no way this wasn’t going to be my #1. If this record isn’t on your list, I question you strongly. Get a grip. Vein has a lot of hype around them and they deserve every bit of it and more. I had nothing to do with this record and I’m still proud of it. It feels like a part of me that I will always have.
Album art: 8/10
Favorite Track: (record too flawless to pick)

Best song on the year – Hatchie – Adored

Most anticipated records of 2019
Ghost Chief – Paint Leaves
Fuming Mouth – The Grand Descent
Astronoid – Self Titled
Fury
The Berries
Nails
Drab Majesty
Tomb Mold
Protest the Hero
Praying to my lord and savior (Sandy) Alex G for a ne

The Z List 2018

Just because Zach left us for the Cali life, doesn't mean he didn't beg me to put his top albums up here. Like literally he called me crying. Even more bullshit, he just h a d to make it 15 this year. Of course you just can't say no to a face as cute as his so here is the Z List presented by a C list. Take it away Zach.

15. Joji – Ballads 1

Fuck, you know it was a great year for music when Joji’s Ballads 1 is placed 15th on a very tentative “top 15 favorite albums of 2018” list. I’ll be truly honest here. I had no idea who Joji even was until I saw the cover of this album, and exclaimed something along the lines of “HAHA why is Filthy Frank the album artwork for this”. Curious, I checked it out, did some investigating, and discovered that Joji is actually Filthy Frank. Mind blown…. Mind STILL blown. Anyway, this album is the epitome of catchy, sad boy, R&B pop. Songs like “Wanted U” and “Slow Dancing In The Dark” nearly had me texting all two of my ex-girlfriends and asking them why they dumped me. Even more upbeat songs like “Can’t Get Over You” still have a twisted, apathetic undertone that have you relishing in your own insecurities. Sounds miserable, I know, but its 2018 and everyone is embracing their sensitive side. Join the club with Joji’s Ballads 1.

Favorite track: Test Drive

14. Cult Leader – A Patient Man

Double fuck. You now know for certain 2018 was a great year for music when Cult Leader’s A Patient Man is ranked 14th out of 15! It almost hurts me to place such a great album like this so low on a list, but I justify my choice based on the fact that the remaining 13 are just that good. You know how there are certain events that take place in our lives where we can recall exactly where we were when they occurred? When you heard Michael Jackson died; when you discovered Octomom did a porn video, etc…. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard the song “To: Achlys” off of this album. It was about nine at night walking down Nebraska Ave. in West LA. The dismal beauty of this song is difficult to put into words. It’s like watching a slow-motion car crash, but instead of the vehicle bursting into flames, a bed of flowers slowly sprouts from the frame. The first three songs on A Patient Man are so fucking intense, it’s no wonder track 4, “To: Achlys”, and track 5, “A World of Joy”, are very tame and dampening to the mood of this album - in the best way possible. A similar pattern is repeated on the latter half of the album as well. Shit, give it a spin and you’ll understand.
Favorite track: The Broken Right Hand of God

13. Sectioned – Annihilated 

One time, many years ago, I was browsing several websites that I maybe shouldn’t have been browsing on the family computer. Amidst my perusing, the computer screen suddenly froze, and a crazy ear fuck of a noise came out of the speakers. The best way to describe the sound is what I’d imagine a laser gun switched to hyper mode would sound like. Fast forward 12 or so years later, and that same sort of sound flooded my ears yet again, but this time in the form of deranged and chaotic music. This new form of ear fuck has a title: Sectioned – Annihilated. Not for wine drinkers, frat pussies, or “Nashville spring break 2017”ers, this album will literally palm your fucking puny head and bash it into oblivion. Songs like “Starved Lives” and “Release” have breakdowns that are so heavy you’ll have to hold back throwing up; swallowing your vomit, only to re-puke in your mouth again at the start of the next track. Sounds fun? Sounds fun.

Favorite track: Synchronicity

12. Basement – Beside Myself

I was late to arrive on the Basement train. I hopped on right around the release of Promise Everything. I know, big mistake not getting into them earlier, but I’m here now, so stop yelling. 2018 was an impeccable year for the heavier side of music, but releases like Beside Myself offer some serious points for the softer side of 2018 as well. It’s crazy that emo music is over 25 years old now and still holds honest relevance in the music world; and I mean this in a good way. Basement is undoubtedly at the forefront of modern emo, and this album solidifies the idea that emo is still a growing genre. Literally every song on Beside Myself has catchy hooks, choruses, and riffs. It’s tame, it’s refined (yet a little edgy), and it’s sentimental; exactly what I expect from an emo record. I’d say this record pretty much epitomizes life in my mid-20s. Depressing mostly, but oddly nostalgic, and for that, I say “fuck yeeeeeah, this shit is tight, and also my life kind of sucks at the moment”.

Favorite track: Stigmata

11. Long Distance Calling – Boundless

One of my absolute favorite post metal bands, Long Distance Calling has yet again released some seriously incredible summer night music. If you recall, my favorite album of 2016 was Long Distance Calling’s TRIPS (y’all better be paying attention to my previous year’s favorite albums lists). Do not be fooled by an 11th place spot, Boundless is still an incredible record in my eyes (and ears haha lol), but fuck, TRIPS was just so goddamn good! The first 9 minutes and 11 seconds of the album fall under the track “Out There”, and shit, does this song make me want to hop in my car at 2 a.m. and just drive OUT THERE (hehe omg lol), to the middle of nowhere; under the stars, in the warm summer night. Straight out of a coming-of-age movie. In fact, the majority of this album has that vibe. It is the perfect night time driving soundtrack. Parts you’ll want to floor it at: “Ascending” 1:00 – 1:20, “The Far Side” 5:05 – end of song, and “Skydivers” 2:10 – 3:30. Pure post metal bliss.

Favorite track: Skydivers

10. Conjurer – Mire

2018 was a year of discovery. Peanut oil is the best oil to cook with; baby wipes work better than toilet paper; Conjurer; these are a few game changer discoveries made over the past several months. This band came out of fucking nowhere for me, smacking me in the face like JWoww did to The Situation in season 1 episode 8 of The Jersey Shore. The album, Mire, meshes the intensity of Converge, the heaviness of Gojira, and the melodic beauty of Bossk into one head banger of a record. The combined high and low vocals throughout the album are some of the best I have ever heard, especially over slower flowing tracks like “Hollow” and “Of Flesh Weaker Than Ash”. Add Conjurer and their album Mire to the list of music that I go balls out for. Let it be known that if I had stumbled upon this record earlier it would probably be higher up on the list!

Favorite track: Thankless

9. Unreqvited – Stars Wept To the Sea

Traditional black metal: The sad, scrawny, constantly-in-detention-for-lighting-fires-in-class brother of death metal. Modern black metal: the artistic, clean cut, and still sad offspring of post metal and traditional black metal. Kvlt elitists will tell you that modern black metal is not black metal; and to that I say “shut up and take a shower you fucking gross cave hippie.” Thank god (Satan?) for bands like Unreqvited for adding a refined and atmospheric sound to black metal. Do not get me wrong, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Immortal and others are great, but it’s time the genre evolved a bit. Rant over. Stars Wept to The Sea is the product of a one-man band from planet Earth. I don’t know what it is with modern black metal and solo projects, but shit does it work so well. Basically, an enhanced continuation of the previous release, Disquiet, Stars Wept to The Sea proposes a well-produced, docile, yet powerful, piece of art. Metal heads and moms alike can bond over this one, as the screams and heavy parts are often accompanied with beautiful synth, chimes, and organ sections. Songs like “Kurai” and “Soulscape” replicate the album art in music form, throwing you into this beautiful realm of coolness and clarity. I think people of all music tastes will appreciate this record!

Favorite track: Soulscape

8. Rolo Tomassi – Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It

You know how you can put maple syrup on anything and it’ll taste like a waffle? Yeah, the same exact thing goes for this record, where the album is the maple syrup, and your emotions are the waffle…. Makes sense? No? Fuck you, let me do my thing. Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It is the perfect collection of near polar opposite tunes jammed into one record. I’m serious; you have discordant, yet highly functioning tunes such as “Alma Mater” and “Whispers Among Us”; and on the opposite side of the spectrum, simplistically peaceful songs like Aftermath and Risen, that have you questioning whether or not this is all from the same band. I’ve always loved releases that embody more than just one uniform sound throughout the album. The perfect blend of all emotions, because after all, that’s what life is all about right? A healthy balance of emotions…. It lets you know you’re alive. I don’t know, I’m just talking out of my ass at this point, but this album really does fucking rip! 

Favorite track: Aftermath

7. The Ocean – Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic

This band. THIS FUCKING BAND. Bill knows how much this band means to me. Aeolian, Their 2005 release, is one of my absolute favorite albums of all time, but this isn’t about that album. This is about their newest, yet another dutiful release,  Phanerzonkies 1: Paleodiet, or whatever the fuck it’s called. Don’t be fooled by the abysmally difficult-to-pronounce album and song titles, this record is a charming addition to the seemingly infinite list of beautiful The Ocean masterpieces. While the band has strayed away from the heavier Coalesce-esque (lol) influence from very early releases, a refined and more mature sound projected on their newer work still pins a uniqueness to the band. The best part of this album is that Paul Seidel, formerly of War From A Harlots Mouth, and current drummer for Nightmarer, has been recruited to play drums. As a man of percussion myself, I naturally gravitate towards that aspect of musical pieces, and what Mr. Seidel has to offer on this album is truly something that blows me away. Give the album an honest listen. It has heavy, it has beauty, it has it all!

Favorite track: Silurian: Age of Sea Scorpions

6. Vein – Errorzone

Yeah. Yup. Uh-huh. Mmhmm. You fucking know it. Vein has been releasing ear splitting music for a few years now, and to see them take off with the release of Errorzone is just straight up so fucking cool and heartwarming. Not only that, but it’s motivating too. Five normal dudes with a shared passion for hardcore playing alongside bands like Deftones and Thursday. Unbelievable. Alright, enough sentimental shit and on to the record itself. Ya’ll ever see that show Wild ‘N Out? Every episode starts out nuts, and somehow escalates into total fucking insanity by the end of the show. Yeah, that’s Errorzone. It just does not stop. I haven’t heard a better intro track than “Virus://Vibrance” since “What You Waiting For?” off of Gwen Stefani’s debut album. Keep spinning the record and you’ll come across sheer structured nonsense (Yes, it’s possible) with eerie interludes to give the listener a periodic break. The title track “Errorzone” is arguably my favorite song of the year. The melodic break about halfway through the track is totally reminiscent of earlier post hardcore vibes. Would not be surprised if these guys are into an array of bands ranging from The Locust, to older Underoath, to The Receiving End of Sirens.

Favorite track: Errorzone

5. Good Tiger – We Will All Be Gone

Hey, Alright. We have entered the top 5. The fucking MEAT of the list, and We Will All Be Gone might as well be a thicc, juicy ass, double stacked (vegan, obviously) burger from a moderately upscale restaurant. Fuck, man. This album gets better and better with every listen. Following the very successful debut album A Head Full of Moonlight, We Will All Be Gone expands on the super unique, and uniquely super, post hardcore-meets-progressive rock sound that Good Tiger has honed in on. The one thing that makes this record more outstanding than their previous is the flow of it. From start to finish, there’s this natural progression not only within the record as a whole, but also with every individual track. Song structure is at 100% sicko mode. The most notable part of this record is the wonderfully placed interlude track titled “Cherry Lemon”. Listen to “Nineteen Grams”, into “Cherry Lemon”, into “I’ll Finish This Book Later” for an absolute prime example of perfect track flow and placement. Aside from song writing, these motherfuckers know how to play their instruments too, which is a no shit statement considering the drummer was in The Faceless, both guitarists were in The Safety Fire, and the vocalist had a run with Tesserect for a bit. 

Favorite track: I’ll Finish This Book Later

4. Poppy – Am I A Girl?

There’s a reason why this is the only straight up pop record on my list, and there’s a reason why it has such a solid spot on my list. I’ll usually gravitate towards a few pop records a year, but Am I A Girl? has taken up so much of my goddamn time that I haven’t been able to explore other pop releases. I’ll be totally honest; I was super skeptical about this album around the time of its release. I guess I expected to fucking love it from the get go. It took a few whirls, but when that shit clicked, THAT SHIT FUCKING CLICKED, BRO. Unlike her previous album, Poppy.Computer, Am I A Girl? does not have a single song that isn’t a goddamn banger. Fuck, I’m bumping the song “Fashion After All” while I type this, and I’m taking 20 second breaks to slam some quick dance moves. It’s just that catchy. The key feature that separates Poppy’s music from other modern female pop artist’s is the strange, ominous vibes she incorporates into her tunes and persona. It brings an interesting spin to a genre that can be very mundane and cookie cutter. Poppy, if you’re reading this, I’m that one straight dude in the crowd at the LA record release show who kept blowing you kisses.

 
Favorite track: Play Destroy

3. Nightmarer – Cacophony of Terror

Talk about a motherfucking title that suits the music to a goddamn tee. This album is the soundtrack to losing your mom in the grocery store at the age of 5. It’s happened to most of us; that feeling of sheer doom and utter despair. It’s a dissonance of pure dread…. A Cacophony of Terror if you will (lol put me down). I think the reason why this album has resonated with me so well is because it’s almost like a continuation of War From A Harlots Mouth. Nightmarer is comprised of the drummer and guitarist of WFAHM, with a vocalist that offers enough contrast where you can separate the two bands. It’s also no doubt that Nightmarer offers a sound resembling death metal, as opposed to a more mathcore/metalcore sound that WFAHM had. Cacophony of Terror is NOT a WFAHM album, so I’ll shut the fuck up about them. What makes this album stand out compared to other death metal releases from this year is that every single song procures its own feeling, which definitely transcends the monotony that this genre can bury itself in. For example, tracks Like “Stahlwald” and “Ceremony of Control” operate at shit-pants pace, whereas tracks such as “Death” and “Cave Digger” give you the opportunity to control your bowels. That’s what this genre needs. It can’t be shit-pants level all the time. I only have so many pairs of trousers and undies!

Favorite track: Death

2. Inquinamentum: 8342

Listen, I’m a fairly emotional dude. I shed a light tear watching the royal wedding. The Notebook is like my 8^th favorite movie of all time. But let it be known that I’m a fairly tough dude as well. I work out most days of the week. I one time held my hand like an inch from a burning match for 5 seconds-ish. I’m like the perfect combination of heavy-duty and heart-rending (where the ladies at). With that being stated, it’s no wonder why Inquinamentum’s 8342 holds a number two spot on my best of 2018 list. This album takes black metal to a totally new level of dismal imagery and sporadic blare. I’m seriously surprised that Inquinamentum has not blown up by now. They’ve yet to release a flawed album, and as fictitious as it sounds, they’ve gotten better and better with each new record. 8342 captures everything I want in a black metal album. Generally faster paced songs, with beautiful tremolo picking, high pitched shrieks, melodic piano pieces, and an album art that portrays the musical content exactly. The general musical platform of this record is like a pure, yet bleak white brilliance with this beautiful flow of cool color that serves as a façade to the true nature of the record, *cough* *cough* refer to album art. A record to be blasted at the gym, but also at night while trying to fall asleep.
Favorite track: Halcyon

1. Hopesfall – Arbiter

Ah yes. And here we are. Numero uno – that’s number one for all my English speaking motherfuckers. Before I get into this tear jerking, absolute fucking masterpiece of an album, let me start off by saying that Hopesfall is the most influential band on my style of both playing and writing music. If it weren’t for this group, I would’ve never have gone through a second emo phase (which I’m still currently in, sorry mom), nor would I have discovered many of my other favorite bands in the process. Alright, enough fan boy shit; let’s talk about this record. Arbiter, the perfect blend of previous releases such as The Satellite Years and Magnetic North. Hopesfall took the very best of their heavier early years and more tamed modern style and concocted the best release that post hardcore has seen since 2005. I still get goosebumps running through songs like “C.S Lucky Ones” and “Tunguska” for probably the 200^th time. I still feel the blood rush to my head when tracks like “Drowning Potential” and “Bradley Fighting Vehicle” start up. Every fucking chorus to every fucking song on this record has gotten stuck in my head at one time or another since its release back in July. I’m a huge sucker for summer releases, I could not have asked for a better soundtrack to searing days, and invigorating nights, riding my bike down Santa Monica Blvd. Bill, if this album isn’t on your list I’m going to pee in your mouth.

Favorite track: Indignation and the Rise of the Arbiter

Other solid-ass releases:
Geisterfahrer – Demolition Fetish
At The Gates – To Drink From the Night Itself
Dimmu Borgir Eonian
Secret Cutter – Quantum Eraser
Dieux Des Cimetieres – Love Is the Law
Behemoth – I Loved You at Your Darkest
Chvrches – Love is Dead
Nicole Dollanganger – Heart Shaped Bed
Anochronism – Solitude
American Nightmare – S/T
Yashira – Shrine
Will Haven Muerte
Totalselfhatred – Solitude
Anatomy of A Bear – Alysu
EPs:
Needle Under the Nail – The Third Impact
Armed For Apocalypse – Palm Reader
The Secret – Lux Tenebris
Pyralis – Everything is Emptiness
Kailee Morgue - Medusa

Cult Leader w/ Primitive Weapons and God Mother @ Great Scott

    A show that went one until 1 in the morning that I actually stayed for? You know it. Cult Leader put out a monster of an LP this year and I didn't want to miss a thing. Supported by Brooklyn's Primitive Weapons and the Swedish Lunatics God Mother made for an interesting show, definitely not forgetting this one anytime soon.

God Mother

Genre: Mathcore/Grindcore/Crust FFO: Enabler, Torch Runner, Baptists

   So let me start with I've checked out God Mother after seeing their name on one of The Dillinger Escape Plan's final shows and I was impressed by what I heard. However I had no idea what to expect live.

     The band started with the vocalist taking the mic and stand and walking all the way to the front door of Great Scott which I'm surprised the wire was even long enough, and gave the ol' "Hello everyone we're God Mother from Sweden thank you for being here" and immediately began the song. The vocalist was screaming from where he was standing and constantly getting into everyone's face and doing random dances, from karate moshes, to country line dancing, to even ball room dancing. I was constantly looking back and forth from the vocalist to the band and the band had straight chaotic movements as well. Evetually the voclaist would even climb atop the bar, and then jump along to one of the tables on the other side of the room and start swinging from the chandelier.

   They stated "I know we can be obnoxious, but I want you all to know we have free health insurance so you don't have to worry".  He said this was lying down in a sexy pose on the ground. He also stated that they would never disrespect anyone's personal space. After this speech the band began playing, and the voclaist had two members of the crowd hold the microphone wire up and handed the mic to someone else in te crowd. The wire was held like a limbo bar and you guessed it, he got people to limbo.  He grabbed random people near him and limboed linking arms all while the band would play chaotic mathcore, I couldn't tell you waht song it was. I was one of the lucky ones he limobed with. Guess I can say I limboed to blast beats now. 

    All night God mother did crazy shit. One song the mic was getting passed around by people who didn't know the song, The vocalist would climb along the stage lights and hang upside down, even tango with members of the crowd, but for the last song, he somehow crowd surfed with only a quarter of the crowd that would come. I can't get over how incredible this was and it was their first Boston performance. Straight up I didn't think Primitive Weapons had a chance of showing these guys up.

Primitive Weapons

Genre: Progressive Sludge Metal

I was right.

Cult Leader

Genre: Mathcore/Metalcore/Grindcore FFO: Gaza, Dead in the Dirt, Baptists

A huge wave of nostalgia hit me here considering years ago I saw Gaza take this same stage. One reason I knew I had to stay for the whole thing. Cult Leader began at 12:00am on the dot. Last time I saw them was on the final Dillinger tour and the set up was the same, One bright light projected behind the drummer and I'm pretty sure the vocalist was wearing the same thing, a hooded leather jacket. They immediately began with the song I Am Healed. The sound was loud and heavier than I could've imagined. I had to be upfront for this one. The light shinig behind them gave off a dark aroma to the performance, and the vocals were more gutteral than the record. Once again that drummer drums thunder into my soul. That bass drum could start an earthquake. 

    With the chaotic songs of course the band would move spastic and chaoticly, but let me tell you, if you heard the new album, you know about the slow clean songs. This is what I wanted to see. Every instrumentalist in the band stared down at the floor and the vocalist almost looked like he was either wounded in battle trying to get out his last words, or straight up reading a depressing poem. Amazing how I can go from seeing malice and evil in someones eyes into regret and anguish. 

    A band of few words. Cult Leader do something I like and didn't speak between songs to keep the atmosphere alive. The most they did was say the song titles. LIke....Great I Am, which got that pit moving. For the most part all the older songs got a mosh moving, but the real climax of the night, was the last son, A Patient Man. Such small movements from each member for this long song, and such emotion from the vocals. Near the end he took off his leather jacket and began moving the mic as if a heavy part would erupt, but instead the song end with a sudden "Thank you".