20. Arctos - Beyond The Grasp Of Mortal Hands
If you like any of the styles I’ve mentioned, or you like any kind of black metal, or metal in general, there will be a lot to like about this album. The fact that this is the bands first album is amazing, this sounds more like a band that have been making music together for decades. Highly recommended.
19. Ashbringer - Absolution
Brilliant mix of Black Metal, Post Black Metal and Progressive Metal. The songs are fantastic, and this album does have very well written, well rounded songs. Packed with melody, emotion and fantastic tunes, Absolution is an album that gets into your head, and will have you humming for days, Black Metal but for grown ups.
If you like any of the styles I’ve mentioned, or you like any kind of black metal, or metal in general, there will be a lot to like about this album. The fact that this is the bands first album is amazing, this sounds more like a band that have been making music together for decades. Highly recommended.
19. Ashbringer - Absolution
Brilliant mix of Black Metal, Post Black Metal and Progressive Metal. The songs are fantastic, and this album does have very well written, well rounded songs. Packed with melody, emotion and fantastic tunes, Absolution is an album that gets into your head, and will have you humming for days, Black Metal but for grown ups.
18. Violet Cold - Kosmik
Violet Cold return to the sound that made Anomie such a great album; and they pull it off again. Great tunes and melodies and just enough savagery to keep things interesting. Violet Cold make such interesting and engaging music, which, considering how productive they are is a massive achievement.
17. Zeal & Ardor - Live In London
Zeal & Ardor are a very powerful live act; this live album captures that perfectly, with hefty production. This album is essential for any Z&A fan.
16. Green Lung - Woodland Rites
During the conversation my friend stopped and said, “Who is this? This is really good!”. Well, my friend Matt is right, this is really good, really really good. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this album, and will continue to listen to it, as it is one of the best Stoner / psychedelic rock albums I have heard in a very long time. Fantastic album!
15. Wills Dissolve - The Heavens Are Not On Fire…..
The Heavens Are Not On Fire is a staggering album. It’s incredibly diverse in its influences, each track constantly changes, but all the transitions between disparate elements are seamless and so well realised you forget this is a the bands first album. This album has so many massive melodies that get stuck in your head, I’ve been humming this album pretty much nonstop since I got it.
14. Gaahls Wyrd - GastiR - Ghosts Invited
Gaahl returns with a brilliantly avant-garde take on Black Metal. GastiR - Ghosts Invited is initially a difficult listen, but it’s worth making the effort, as a dedicated listener will be rewarded with a very unique album. The album has a lot of depth, and will keep you intrigued for weeks, savage, hypnotic, introverted and very creative. The more you listen to it, the more you are rewarded, sublime writing and performances.
13. Dawn Ray’d - BEHOLD SEDITION PLAINSONG
Behold Sedition Plainsong is a fantastic album. It’s the follow up that The Unlawful Assembly deserved. The album is angrier in both lyrics and music, however the band haven’t solely used blasting aggression and extremity to achieve their aim. The album has more light and shade than its predecessor. There are different moods, pacing and feelings on this album. The band have allowed themselves introspection and thoughtfulness and as a result have produced a more rounded album. Yes, the album is angry (we live in horrific times, if you aren’t angry, then you are either part of the 1%, or you aren’t paying attention), but it’s a well informed, knowledgable and enlightened anger that is far more incendiary than simple rage. This is exactly the album that Dawn Ray’d needed to make at this point. It can act as a rallying call to any other bands that love Black Metal and hate fascism. In the Heavy Metal Battle of Cable Street, Dawn Ray’d are leading the way, throwing cobbles at the black shirts; driving the fascists back. Black Metal is Anarchy, Anarchy is Black Metal, Dawn Ray’d have proved that with this album.
12. Schammasch - Hearts Of No Light
There is a huge sense of religious fever (although it is undefined which religion, I get the feeling that Schammasch wouldn’t lower themselves to getting denominational about this) running throughout this album. I defiantly feel that this album has a sacerdotal function; it is channelling energy to the listener from somewhere higher, or maybe it would be more accurate to say ‘Other’. The band are an intermediary between the listener and a greater power. In a purely musical sense, this is a stunning album, it’ll take a few listens to get really into it, it’s a complex beast that deserves some effort from the listener, but if you do give it some time and energy, you will be rewarded by one of the best ‘Spiritual’ Black Metal albums I have ever heard. Absolutely stunning!
11. Mavradoxa - Nightmarrow
This is one of the most original black metal albums I have heard in many years. I’ve felt as exited about it as I was the first time I heard black metal. It is beautiful, nasty, hypnotising, cathartic, aggressive, blasting and sublime. I would highly recommend this album to anyone with any kind of interest in black metal, or if you’ve never listened to black metal, then this would be an amazing place to start. Right, now it’s time to hit Bandcamp and buy up everything they have recorded before this! Genuinely amazing Black Metal.
10. Sun Worship - Emanations Of Desolation
Aggressive, tremolo picked Black Metal that manages to be extreme, aggressive and nasty, whilst also being melodic, tuneful and packed with ideas. Initially you are struck with the aggression, but with further listens a lot of depth and intelligence is revealed behind the savagery.
9. Батюшка - Панихида
Панихида (Panihida) is a great album. However, it’s not the huge step forward that most Batushka fans were hoping for. There have definitely been some progress, Песнь 4 and 6 are cases in point, but the other tracks, although incredibly enjoyable, are quite similar to the first album. The progress that Песнь 4 and 6 show probably would have spread to the whole album if Krzysztof Drabikowski had been able to concentrate on the album, and not had to fight to keep control of what, let’s face it, was always HIS project. Making an album with the expectation that was attached to the second Batushka LP was always going to be difficult and daunting; making that album and fighting a court case, with no record company backing or support, whilst having to constantly defend himself from smears and innuendo from the other Batushka camp, what Krzysztof Drabikowski has produced is nothing short of amazing. The fact that he has managed to move the project forward at all deserves respect, producing 2 tracks like Песнь 4 and 6 is staggering. This is clearly the second Batushka album; talent will out, the answer is in the music.
8. Vukari - Aevum
Brilliantly conceived Black Metal. Multi layered tremolo picked riffs that are filled with melody and tunefulness. Very aggressive, but tempered with beautiful melodies, and a very affecting atmosphere. Once you get into it, it’s difficult to stop listening, in fact for a while this album took over my life.
Violet Cold return to the sound that made Anomie such a great album; and they pull it off again. Great tunes and melodies and just enough savagery to keep things interesting. Violet Cold make such interesting and engaging music, which, considering how productive they are is a massive achievement.
17. Zeal & Ardor - Live In London
Zeal & Ardor are a very powerful live act; this live album captures that perfectly, with hefty production. This album is essential for any Z&A fan.
16. Green Lung - Woodland Rites
During the conversation my friend stopped and said, “Who is this? This is really good!”. Well, my friend Matt is right, this is really good, really really good. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this album, and will continue to listen to it, as it is one of the best Stoner / psychedelic rock albums I have heard in a very long time. Fantastic album!
15. Wills Dissolve - The Heavens Are Not On Fire…..
The Heavens Are Not On Fire is a staggering album. It’s incredibly diverse in its influences, each track constantly changes, but all the transitions between disparate elements are seamless and so well realised you forget this is a the bands first album. This album has so many massive melodies that get stuck in your head, I’ve been humming this album pretty much nonstop since I got it.
14. Gaahls Wyrd - GastiR - Ghosts Invited
Gaahl returns with a brilliantly avant-garde take on Black Metal. GastiR - Ghosts Invited is initially a difficult listen, but it’s worth making the effort, as a dedicated listener will be rewarded with a very unique album. The album has a lot of depth, and will keep you intrigued for weeks, savage, hypnotic, introverted and very creative. The more you listen to it, the more you are rewarded, sublime writing and performances.
13. Dawn Ray’d - BEHOLD SEDITION PLAINSONG
Behold Sedition Plainsong is a fantastic album. It’s the follow up that The Unlawful Assembly deserved. The album is angrier in both lyrics and music, however the band haven’t solely used blasting aggression and extremity to achieve their aim. The album has more light and shade than its predecessor. There are different moods, pacing and feelings on this album. The band have allowed themselves introspection and thoughtfulness and as a result have produced a more rounded album. Yes, the album is angry (we live in horrific times, if you aren’t angry, then you are either part of the 1%, or you aren’t paying attention), but it’s a well informed, knowledgable and enlightened anger that is far more incendiary than simple rage. This is exactly the album that Dawn Ray’d needed to make at this point. It can act as a rallying call to any other bands that love Black Metal and hate fascism. In the Heavy Metal Battle of Cable Street, Dawn Ray’d are leading the way, throwing cobbles at the black shirts; driving the fascists back. Black Metal is Anarchy, Anarchy is Black Metal, Dawn Ray’d have proved that with this album.
12. Schammasch - Hearts Of No Light
There is a huge sense of religious fever (although it is undefined which religion, I get the feeling that Schammasch wouldn’t lower themselves to getting denominational about this) running throughout this album. I defiantly feel that this album has a sacerdotal function; it is channelling energy to the listener from somewhere higher, or maybe it would be more accurate to say ‘Other’. The band are an intermediary between the listener and a greater power. In a purely musical sense, this is a stunning album, it’ll take a few listens to get really into it, it’s a complex beast that deserves some effort from the listener, but if you do give it some time and energy, you will be rewarded by one of the best ‘Spiritual’ Black Metal albums I have ever heard. Absolutely stunning!
11. Mavradoxa - Nightmarrow
This is one of the most original black metal albums I have heard in many years. I’ve felt as exited about it as I was the first time I heard black metal. It is beautiful, nasty, hypnotising, cathartic, aggressive, blasting and sublime. I would highly recommend this album to anyone with any kind of interest in black metal, or if you’ve never listened to black metal, then this would be an amazing place to start. Right, now it’s time to hit Bandcamp and buy up everything they have recorded before this! Genuinely amazing Black Metal.
10. Sun Worship - Emanations Of Desolation
Aggressive, tremolo picked Black Metal that manages to be extreme, aggressive and nasty, whilst also being melodic, tuneful and packed with ideas. Initially you are struck with the aggression, but with further listens a lot of depth and intelligence is revealed behind the savagery.
9. Батюшка - Панихида
Панихида (Panihida) is a great album. However, it’s not the huge step forward that most Batushka fans were hoping for. There have definitely been some progress, Песнь 4 and 6 are cases in point, but the other tracks, although incredibly enjoyable, are quite similar to the first album. The progress that Песнь 4 and 6 show probably would have spread to the whole album if Krzysztof Drabikowski had been able to concentrate on the album, and not had to fight to keep control of what, let’s face it, was always HIS project. Making an album with the expectation that was attached to the second Batushka LP was always going to be difficult and daunting; making that album and fighting a court case, with no record company backing or support, whilst having to constantly defend himself from smears and innuendo from the other Batushka camp, what Krzysztof Drabikowski has produced is nothing short of amazing. The fact that he has managed to move the project forward at all deserves respect, producing 2 tracks like Песнь 4 and 6 is staggering. This is clearly the second Batushka album; talent will out, the answer is in the music.
8. Vukari - Aevum
Brilliantly conceived Black Metal. Multi layered tremolo picked riffs that are filled with melody and tunefulness. Very aggressive, but tempered with beautiful melodies, and a very affecting atmosphere. Once you get into it, it’s difficult to stop listening, in fact for a while this album took over my life.
7. The Penitent - Before It All
One of Déhà’s many, many projects. This one is old school depressive Black Metal, lots of tremolo picked riffs and blasts, but all of it drenched in staggering melancholy. The 3 very long tracks take you on a journey through misery, is dark, but ultimately rewarding. Also features Nokt Aeon from Dymna Lotva, what more could you ask for?
6. Bull Of Apis Bull Of Bronze - Offerings Of Flesh And Gold
Offerings Of Flesh And Gold is a stunning piece of chaotic, ritualistic Black Metal. The band are spiritual, Anti-Capitalist and Anti-Fascist, and the rage against the evils of the world is palpable. Musically and lyrically angry, intelligent, savage and thoughtful. Bull Of Apis Bull Of Bronze are going to be a very important band, going on how good their debut album is.
5. Falls Of Rauros - Patterns Of Mythology
Fantastic progressive Black Metal, with elements of doom and folk. Falls Of Rauros have swapped some of their aggression and savagery for lushness and beauty, and it works so well. One of those albums that can cause obsession in the listener, stunning.
One of Déhà’s many, many projects. This one is old school depressive Black Metal, lots of tremolo picked riffs and blasts, but all of it drenched in staggering melancholy. The 3 very long tracks take you on a journey through misery, is dark, but ultimately rewarding. Also features Nokt Aeon from Dymna Lotva, what more could you ask for?
6. Bull Of Apis Bull Of Bronze - Offerings Of Flesh And Gold
Offerings Of Flesh And Gold is a stunning piece of chaotic, ritualistic Black Metal. The band are spiritual, Anti-Capitalist and Anti-Fascist, and the rage against the evils of the world is palpable. Musically and lyrically angry, intelligent, savage and thoughtful. Bull Of Apis Bull Of Bronze are going to be a very important band, going on how good their debut album is.
5. Falls Of Rauros - Patterns Of Mythology
Fantastic progressive Black Metal, with elements of doom and folk. Falls Of Rauros have swapped some of their aggression and savagery for lushness and beauty, and it works so well. One of those albums that can cause obsession in the listener, stunning.
4. False - Portent
The mixing of blasting chaos, and smoother, tempered sections is done in such an intelligent way, that it’s almost unbelievable that they have managed to pull this off. This album is chaotic, savage, brutal, difficult, disturbing and oppressive; whilst also being tuneful, melodic, accessible, tranquil, sweet and mellifluous. To combine styles that should be dispirit in such a seem-less way is nothing short of incredible. If extreme Black Metal has always turned you off, give this a go, it’s a gateway drug to more extreme, difficult music. This is an incredibly well made and written album, a classic from the first listen. If you like Black Metal, or any kind of extreme music, this is essential, close to a perfect album.
3. Venom Prison - Samsara
Samsara is a fantastic album. It will probably be one of the best Death Metal releases this year, in fact it’ll be one of the best metal releases full stop. The album feels like it has had a massive amount of work put in to it. There was a huge amount of expectation associated with this album, Venom Prison have exceeded that expectation massively. The album is extreme, brutal, viscous, crushingly heavy, and just about the most intense album I’ve heard in a very long time. Animus had a huge amount of promise, Venom Prison clearly keep their promises. This album is stunning!
2. Devin Townsend - Empath
Devin broke up his project to do this album, which took some guts. His bravery has been richly rewarded with this staggering exercise in progressive metal adroitness. One of the hugest album sever made, it’s a work of compositional and performance genius. The album is made of massively disparate elements that Devin has somehow made to work together. From multi layered progressive metal tracks, to reggae, to swing, to blastbeats, and even a track that feels like it’s come from a Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta, this album seems to contain the entire history of music. An amazing sprawling monster of an album, that is just SOOOOO good.
1. Mizmor - Cairn
It took me a little while to get into this album. Something that I’ve read about it quite a lot. However, after giving it 5 or 6 listens, I found I kept on wanting to put it on. It started to become obsessive, after listening to it, I found I wanted to go strait back to the beginning and listen to it all over again. Mizmor play a very dark, depressing style of Blackened Doom, a mix of savage black metal and crushingly slow and oppressive Doom Metal. The difficult thing with Cairn is explaining why it’s such a good album; only member A.L.N. hasn’t discovered a new, novel way to do Blackened Doom. It’s one of those albums where everything is done so well, so skilfully, so expertly that I can’t think of any band that has done this better. The quality of the riffs, the tunes, the stunning vocals, the deeply oppressive feel of the album is far beyond anything achieved in this style of metal before. At times it feels like the listener is drowning in misery, but in such an engaging, enjoyable way that I found I was really enjoying the anguish. If dark and depressing is what draws you to extreme music, then this is essential, and that is why it’s my number 1 album this year.
No 1 Gig Of The Year - Devin Townsend’s Acoustic Tour, St Georges, Bristol.
The mixing of blasting chaos, and smoother, tempered sections is done in such an intelligent way, that it’s almost unbelievable that they have managed to pull this off. This album is chaotic, savage, brutal, difficult, disturbing and oppressive; whilst also being tuneful, melodic, accessible, tranquil, sweet and mellifluous. To combine styles that should be dispirit in such a seem-less way is nothing short of incredible. If extreme Black Metal has always turned you off, give this a go, it’s a gateway drug to more extreme, difficult music. This is an incredibly well made and written album, a classic from the first listen. If you like Black Metal, or any kind of extreme music, this is essential, close to a perfect album.
3. Venom Prison - Samsara
Samsara is a fantastic album. It will probably be one of the best Death Metal releases this year, in fact it’ll be one of the best metal releases full stop. The album feels like it has had a massive amount of work put in to it. There was a huge amount of expectation associated with this album, Venom Prison have exceeded that expectation massively. The album is extreme, brutal, viscous, crushingly heavy, and just about the most intense album I’ve heard in a very long time. Animus had a huge amount of promise, Venom Prison clearly keep their promises. This album is stunning!
2. Devin Townsend - Empath
Devin broke up his project to do this album, which took some guts. His bravery has been richly rewarded with this staggering exercise in progressive metal adroitness. One of the hugest album sever made, it’s a work of compositional and performance genius. The album is made of massively disparate elements that Devin has somehow made to work together. From multi layered progressive metal tracks, to reggae, to swing, to blastbeats, and even a track that feels like it’s come from a Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta, this album seems to contain the entire history of music. An amazing sprawling monster of an album, that is just SOOOOO good.
1. Mizmor - Cairn
It took me a little while to get into this album. Something that I’ve read about it quite a lot. However, after giving it 5 or 6 listens, I found I kept on wanting to put it on. It started to become obsessive, after listening to it, I found I wanted to go strait back to the beginning and listen to it all over again. Mizmor play a very dark, depressing style of Blackened Doom, a mix of savage black metal and crushingly slow and oppressive Doom Metal. The difficult thing with Cairn is explaining why it’s such a good album; only member A.L.N. hasn’t discovered a new, novel way to do Blackened Doom. It’s one of those albums where everything is done so well, so skilfully, so expertly that I can’t think of any band that has done this better. The quality of the riffs, the tunes, the stunning vocals, the deeply oppressive feel of the album is far beyond anything achieved in this style of metal before. At times it feels like the listener is drowning in misery, but in such an engaging, enjoyable way that I found I was really enjoying the anguish. If dark and depressing is what draws you to extreme music, then this is essential, and that is why it’s my number 1 album this year.
No 1 Gig Of The Year - Devin Townsend’s Acoustic Tour, St Georges, Bristol.