1. The Ocean - Pelagial
Because of this album I now have a new greatest fear, which is slightly more plausible than my previous greatest fear--a well-trained army of cats wearing berets and marching in perfect synchronicity--and that is falling to the bottom of the ocean with no way of reaching the surface ever again. Such is the concept behind The Ocean's latest. From the first time I heard this album I knew it was going to be one of my all time favorites. Twenty+ listens later, it still holds up.
2. Queens of the Stone Age - Like Clockwork
Their best work to date, in my opinion. This album simply oozes sex, drugs and rock n' roll. The song "If I had a tail," is like the filthy, late-40's, tripped out on speed, three time divorcee, in serious need of dental work, woman in the swankiest bar in town who just can't keep her arms off of you. And I mean that in the best way possible.
3. Clutch - Earth Rocker
My favorite rock band of all time Clutch has yet to disappoint. On this album, they have basically perfected their formula. And as good as the album is, they're better live.
4. Steven Wilson - The Raven that Refused to Sing
How I long for another release from Porcupine Tree, or at least I thought so. Steven Wilson's latest solo album is darn-near flawless. The quantity and quality of material that he produces is nothing short of prodigious, and the best part about the relatively short wait between releases is digging through his extensive back catalog. Steven Wilson is one of the most important people in music today, and this album is a prime example of that.
5. In Solitude - Sister
On my first few listens I wasn't too impressed, but boy if this isn't a grower. I've only had a few weeks to get acquainted with this one, but I just crave the sound these guys have. Their gothic metal is a fresh twist on a genre I didn't think I had much of an interest in.
6. Chvrches - The Bones of What You Believe
How did a pop album end up on this list? By being ridiculously catchy and dark, that's how.
7. Deafheaven - Sunbather
Hipster black metal that evokes feelings of hope as well as it does despair. I like to think of it as urban-Agalloch. Deafheaven is the perfect soundtrack for the desolation of city living, I only wish this one came out when I was still living in New York.
8. Ayreon - The Theory of Everything
Awww yes there's a new Ayeron album this year. That might not mean much to most of you, but it should. This here is the best rock opera of the year by far (not that far I supposed, it is just 5 slots above Avantasia). Basically, it's about a hyper-genius and quest to solve the grand unifying equation of physics and those who would help or hinder him. Each role is played by a different singer, and the result is stellar.
9. Grayceon - Pearl and the End of Days
I picked this up because of the band's association with Giant Squid, and the fact that it was a 2 dollar download on amazon. Holy crap was this worth it! With a run time of 25+ minutes for just two songs, this thing is as relentless as it is hauntingly beautiful. A prime example of the 'newer' sound metal has taken on of late.
10. Caladan Brood - Echoes of Battle
Epic black metal. And I mean epic. I can't wait to play DnD with this bad boy blaring in the background.
11. David Bowie - The Next Day
When I bought this for my wife who's a big Bowie fan, I didn't really know what we were in for. I should not have doubted ye olde Goblin King. This is a fantastic collection of songs that stands up quite nicely next to the rest of his output.
12. Amorphis - Circle
I love Amorphis. They're one of my most listened-to bands. Their folky take on melodic death metal is insanely catchy.
13. Avantasia - The Mystery of Time
Tobias Sammet's solo project has surpassed Edguy, which has taken a turn towards fun cock rock over the years. For fantastic powerprog with fantasy elements, come over to Avantasia. Or listen to Edguy. Seriously, they're both rad.
14. Twilight of the Gods - Fire on the Mountain
This album is pure heavy metal. The vocals simply slay, as does everything else.
15. Elton John - The Diving Board
He's still go it.
16. Katatonia - Dethroned and Uncrowned
An interesting take on their classic sound. I'd really like to hear more of their back catalog redone in this style. Really pretty stuff here.
17. Vhol - Vhol
I listened to this album a ton when it first came out. It's a magnificent album by a metal super group. My interest in the album has waned over time, but that may be due to the underwhelming live show I saw them play (that might have just been the sound mix, which was shitty).
18. Skagos - Anarchic
This album is really evocative of a pagan, pre-societal world. Haunting, sometimes ethereal black metal. Wholly immersive and exhausting.
19. The Fall of Every Season - Amends
A little bit like Katatonia meets Opeth. Which is great when both of those genre stalwarts are putting out lighter fare these days.
20. Ihsahn - Das Seelenbrechen
Progressive jazz-tinged black metal with moments of both sheer catchiness and terror, this is adventurous music that'll surely rise higher on this list as it seeps in.
The remainder are albums that I was able to get my hands on this year, but either didn't thrill me, or I did not have enough time to acquaint myself with properly. I should say that nothing on the list is disappointing, although the Gorguts may be outside of my tastes, but we'll see.
Carcass - Surgical Steel; Skeleton Witch - Serpents Unleashed; Motorhead - Aftershock; Encircling Sea - A Forgotten Land; Dream Theater - Dream Theater; Vattnet Viskar - Sky Swallower; Sound City; Gorguts - Colored Sands; Lord Dying - Summon the Faithless
I'm always looking for new recommendations or to have a discussion about music, so light up that comments board.
