Listas dos melhores álbuns de 2010 segundo a imprensa, músicos, etc: Tópico Oficial

[GoncaloBCunha]

Como diz o título do tópico, vão postando aqui as listas que encontrarem na imprensa especializada, listas de músicos, etc e tal.

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART I
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 at 2:00pm by MetalSucks
FEATURING MEMBERS OF ARCH ENEMY, SUNN O))), MADBALL, FUCK THE FACTS, DOMMIN, DARK CASTLE, IMBROGLIO, EXHUMED, AND THAT METAL SHOW

ANGELA GOSSOW, ARCH ENEMY

1. Spiritual Beggars, Return To Zero
2. Grand Magus, Hammer Of The North
3. Behemoth, Evangelia Heretika
4. Atheist, Jupiter
5. Amebix, Redux
6. Sodom, War In Pieces
7. Arsis, Starve For The Devil
8. Christopher Amott, Follow Your Heart
9. Nevermore, The Obsidian Conspiracy
10. Exodus, Exhibit B: The Human Condition

STEPHEN O’MALLEY, SUNN O))), KHANATE, BURNING WITCH, etc.

1. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
2. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
3. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
4. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
5. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
6. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
7. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
8. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
9. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)
10. Seijaku, Mail from Fushitsusha (Doubt Records)

At least this month. Haino rules.

MITTS, MADBALL

1. Black Anvil, Triumverate
2. Soilwork, The Panic Broadcast
3. Terror, Keepers Of The Faith
4. Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier
5. Comeback Kid, Symptoms and Cures
6. Cruel Hand, Under Lock And Key
7. All That Remains, We Are Many
8. As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise
9. Sick Of It All, Based On A True Story
10. Bullet For My Valentine, Fever

TOPON DAS, FUCK THE FACTS

1. Kill The Client, Set For Extinction
2. Unearthly Trance, V
3. Bongripper, Satan Worshipping Doom
4. Magrudergrind, Crusher
5. Greber, Hometown Heroin
6. Alaskan, The Weak & The Wounded
7. Biipiigwan, God’s Hooks
8. Torche, Songs For Singles
9. Street Meat, Dick Party
10. Mekehaya, At the Cross Roads of Chaos & Solace

MARC BOURGON, FUCK THE FACTS, GREBER

1. Magrudergrind, S/T
2. Bongripper, Satan Worshiping Doom
3. Vilipend, Plague Bearer
4. Kvelertak, S/T
5. Knut, Wonder
6. Blacklisted, No one Deserves to be Here More than Me

KRIS DOMMIN, DOMMIN

1. The Birthday Massacre, Pins & Needles
2. Dommin, Love Is Gone
3. Sia, We Are Born
4. Johnny Cash, American VI: Ain’t No Grave
5. Oomph!, Truth Or Dare
6. Rob Zombie, Hellbilly Deluxe 2
7. Airbourne, No Guts, No Glory
8. Jimi Hendrix, Valley of Neptune
9. Sade, Soldier Of Love
10. Hans Zimmer, Inception Motion Picture Soundtrack

DON JAMIESON, THAT METAL SHOW

1. Accept, Blood Of The Nations – I guess if we said it’s the metal album of 2010 on “That Metal Show,” I have to say it here. Happy for fellow NJ-er Mark Tornillo for kicking ass & taking names in Udo’s spot.

2. Dio, Live At Donnington – We lost one of the greatest voices in rock this year. Luckily there are two discs of amazing live music from the man himself. He will live on forever.

3. Fireball Ministry, Fireball Ministry – Ok, seriously, genius.

4. Stone Sour, Audio Secrecy/ Murderdolls, Women & Children Last – Great side projects from Corey & Joey from Slipknot. Sad that we lost Paul Gray, but in the meantime, great music from the driving forces of that band.

5. Danko Jones, Below The Belt – Always loved this band. If Cheap Trick had a threesome with AC/DC & Thin Lizzy and the condom broke, this band would be born! Look for me in the video for “Had Enough” with Ralph Macchio & Lemmy!

6. Zodiac Mindwarp, We Are Volsung – Mainly picked this cuz I really like it, but also cuz I doubt anyone else will have this on their list. Long live the Tatooed Beat Messiah!

7. Overkill, Ironbound – If you wanna talk about thrash bands still making great music after 25 years, look no further than Blitz & the boys still laying down the metal better than ever!

8. Exodus, Exhibit B: The Human Condition – Ditto above, but for West Coast thrash!

9. Kingdom of Sorrow, Behind The Blackest Tears – Put the groovy sludge of Kirk Windstein’s Crowbar & the powerful vocals of Jamie Jasta’s Hatebreed in a blender with a bottle of Jack and you have one of the heaviest albums of 2010.

10. Don Jamieson & Jim Florentine, Terrorizing Telemarketers Vol. 5 – The hilarious prank call cd from myself & Jim available on iTunes, Amazon.com & Best Buy. Hey, I hadda do it!

Honorable Mentions:

Avenged Sevenfold, Nightmare – congrats on a #1 album, Portnoy!

Black Label Society, Order Of The Black – best disc since Mafia!

Hellyeah, Stampede – Always love the groove that VP lays down!

John 5, The Art Of Malice – An instrumental album that makes you HAPPY there’s no singer!

Scorpions, Sting In The Tail – A great going away present from a legendary band!

STEVIE FLOYD, DARK CASTLE

Top 10 + 1 (since we are going into 2011)…

1. Burzum, Belus -- Rather than explain why this is my number one, I am just going to quote Varg and how he envisioned this album….

“This album has been made according to my heart and spirit, and not to fit into any particular genre or category, or to live up to anyone’s obvious expectations. Inspiration for this album comes from fairy tales and myths, classical music, from memories of what once was, from traditional music, from fantasy, from wind and weather, from deep forests and running water, from the sky and sunset, from misty mountains, from yellow leaves falling and from old trees. If I can make you dream while listening to this album, I believe I have done a good job.”

I believe he did.

2. Portal, Swarth – This band just blows my mind, period. They completely and totally create a Portal with their music, a time Portal that takes you inward to the darkest place inside of yourself that you never wanted to confront. I feel like this band… especially on this album uses every element of metal to its fullest capacity. They definitely push black and death metal farthur than I think I have heard anyone do. It is a symphony of the most decrepit scales, chords and time signatures that stimulates all five senses and pulls feelings out of you that you didn’t know were there. I can’t even begin to wrap my brain around it, and that is why I love it so much.

3. Salome, Terminal – When it comes to writing a solid doom album, this is it… in it’s most primitive form… and it doesn’t get much better. Kat is hands down the best female vocalist to ever enter the metal world… and one of the best all time vocalists in general. A huge influence of mine and a beautiful human being. Rob and Aaron write some of the most driving and powerful riffs and rhythms. If you ever get a chance to see this band live, don’t miss it.

4. Ahab, Divinity Of Oceans – Funeral Doom at its finest. Other than My Dying Bride, this is it as far as I’m concerned.

5. Drudkh, Handful of Stars – For a band that doesn’t ever play live, do photos or interviews… I am amazed at the impact they have on me, sort of brings the same feelings to the surface as when I listen to Lifelover or Warning. It is such beautifully dynamic and progressive music with the rawest authentic heart felt vocals in the foreground. The contrast is what makes this album so epic, and embedded under my skin. With so many releases and how long they have been around, to keep reinventing black metal over and over just leaves me speechless.

6. The Body, All of the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood – The Body is so under rated… Not only do they know how to pull off being a 2 piece better than anyone, but Lee and Chip are 2 of the coolest people I know. They are not afraid to try anything… for starters, the album begins with a 30 piece woman’s choir?? There are a lot of loud bands but I’d have to say they are the loudest. Period… and they are smart… the guitars have the lowest of the low ends I’ve ever heard, and Chip’s vocals are so high that he doesn’t even need a microphone for them to cut through. The contrast of the highs and lows cuts you to the core.

7. Twilight, Monument to Time End – The combination of the people on this album really bring all of the elements to the surface. It has the ancient soul of black metal, from N. Imperial (Krieg), Blake Judd (Nachtmystium) and Wrest (Leviathan, Lurker of Chalice), with some underlying industrial psychedelic synth from Sanford Parker (Minsk, Byried at Sea, Circle of Animals)… who also recorded this album. I am always a fan of anything that he is apart of. The additions of Aaron Turner (Isis, Old Man Gloom), Robert Lowe (Om) and Stavros (Atlas Moth) added ethereal layers of vox and guitar that gave this album dimensions of flowing dream like states that really take you on some messed up sci-fi, never ending story type journey. It is an addicting album for sure that you listen to over and over. At least for me.

8. Circle of Animals, Destroy the Light – Yet again another Sanford Parker creation, along with Bruce Lamont (Yakuza). The concept behind this album is monumentally genius. It is sort of a tribute to the underground Chicago Industrial movement, and it is so well done. Sanford even had Chris Connelly (Ministry) do some vox… along with several different drummers to record and form the skeleton of the songs. These drummers brought a range of different beats to loop and base the songs off of… but still were “live drums” from rad drummers… Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth), Dave Witte (Municipal Waste/Burnt By The Sun), John Herndon (Tortoise), John Merryman (Cephalic Carnage) to name a few. You get the same raw roots of industrial, like if you were listening to Ministry, Skinny Puppy or Throbbing Gristle, with the beautiful ranges of Bruce’s vocals over it, along with some saxophone from him as well, middle eastern parts, vintage synth, and, somehow, harmonica. It is heavy, intense and hypnotic as hell… a unique concept that has never been done before, and for that alone I love it.

9. U.S. Christmas, Run Thick In The Night – After being completely addicted to their last album, Eat the Low Dogs, I had high expectations… and they were exceeded by this heavy album. I truly feel like USX is our modern day Pink Floyd. Psychedelic to the extreme, but still so dark and heavy. They come from the mountains of Hickory, NC. and it is very apparent in the music. With lagging drawn out rhythms and violins that make you feel like you’re watching a sunset, but in the midst of a thunder storm simultaneously. Nate’s vocals are of rustic truth. His lyrics tell a story from the depths of the deep… slowly unraveling only for you as the listener… They pull you into their music and make you feel as though its some little secret that only you get the pleasure of hearing.

10. Zoroaster, Matador – I am and have been a huge Zoroaster fan for a while, and I love all of their albums, but I’d have to say this one blows the others away, which is an enormous thing to do as a band in my opinion. Every album climbing and growing to new depths but still keeping the integrity of the music and what its about. It really captivates their live performance on record and lets you grasp how big their sound is. The variation of layered vocals swirls around in your head like a dark dream. Not to mention these dudes just rule in general.

11. Yakuza, Of Seismic Consequence – Yakuza always kills me with how many different styles of music they wrap and fold into one album with smooth transitions and flow. It is not an easy project but they some how do it with seamless effort. Bruce’s vocals are honest and genuine, up front and raw, derived from the purist source possible… and they will bring tears to your eyes watching him sing live. How he’ll then just pick up the saxophone and throw in the saddest melodies with the tremello picking guitar and double bass is beyond me. Super technical parts transitioning straight into driving riffs… flowing organically into ambient soulful interludes… It’s just such a beautiful album that directly puts you into the present moment.

NATE HARRAH, IMBROGLIO

1. Electric Wizard, Black Masses – This album speaks for itself. One of the best stoner doom bands out there, period.

2. Rotten Sound, Napalm EP – One of my favorite bands that has not disappointed me thus far. Napalm is full of everything you would expect from Rotten Sound and more.

3. Bongripper, Satan Worshiping Doom – Soundtrack to the apocalypse. Possibly one of the heaviest doom albums of the year.

4. Cough, Ritual Abuse – Ritual Abuse is by far Cough at their heaviest. This album sounds like a miserable, drug induced anxiety attack.

5. Seven Sisters of Sleep, Demo – I fell in love with this band the second I heard them. Think His Hero is Gone but slower and you’re getting close.

6. Clinging to the Trees of a Forrest Fire, Songs of Ill Hope and Desperation – This band has been my soundtrack to every bad day I’ve had all year.

7. Phobia, Unrelenting – A clusterfuck of ferocious grindcore.

8. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus – French Black Metal. The drummer for this band is what really got me. Going from vicious blasts to equally intense off-time fills that blow my mind.

9. Trash Talk, Eyes and Nines – Honestly, I don’t know what to say about Trash Talk other than “pissed as hell.”

10. Magrudergrind, Crusher EP – The last song on this album, “Cognition,” is one of the most pissed songs I’ve heard all year. I do not recommend listening to this album while driving. You will want to hit people.

LEON DEL MUERTE — EXHUMED, MURDER CONSTRUCT

1. The Budos Band, III — Funky shit that could be the soundtrack to any James Bond movie. Far and away my favorite album of this wretched year.
2. Bonobo, Black Sands – Music to boff your lady to.
3. Torche, Songs For Singles – Music to boff your bro to.
4. Nails, Unsilent Death – ass-ripping “hardcore.” Fourteen minutes of furious ear-fucking.
5. Massive Attack, Heligoland – More gay music for shitheads.
6. Animals As Leaders, Wave Of Babies – Only because the LP actually came out last year and that shit seriously whips ass.
7. Kill The Client, Set For Extinction – Are you happy, you assholes?
8. Hans Zimmer, Inception OST – Yeah, yeah, fuck you. If you’re at work and you play this, it makes everything seem hella crucial.
9. D.I.S., Critical Failure– I ran out of shit I actually liked this year, so this and…
10. Murder Construct, S/T —…will have to fill in the fucking gaps.

[Indigente]

A da Decibel já saiu há umas semanas:

40 Darkthrone – Circle The Wagons
39 Lantlôs – Neon
38 Hail of Bullets – On Divine Winds
37 The Dillinger Escape Plan – Option Paralysis
36 Decrepit Birth – Polarity
35 Intronaut – Valley of Smoke
34 Early Graves – Goner
33 The Body – All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood
32 Father Befouled – Morbid Destitution Of Covenant
31 Deftones – Diamond Eyes
30 Nachtmystium – Addicts: Black Meddle Part II
29 Christian Mistress – Agony & Opium
28 Unearthly Trance – V
27 Fear Factory – Mechanize
26 Pivixki – Gravissima
25 Withered – Dualitas
24 Ghost – Opus Eponymous
23 Integrity – The Blackest Curse
22 Kvelertak – Kvelertak
21 Deathspell Omega – Paracletus
20 Electric Wizard – Black Masses
19 Atheist – Jupiter
18 Burzum – Belus
17 High On Fire – Snakes For The Divine
16 Kylesa – Spiral Shadow
15 Horseback – The Invisible Mountain
14 Coliseum – House With a Curse
13 Sailors With Wax Wings – Sailors With Wax Wings
12 Immolation – Majesty And Decay
11 Castevet – Mounds of Ash
10 The Austerity Program – Backsliders and Apostates Will Burn
09 Nails – Unsilent Death
08 Thou – Summit
07 Ludicra – The Tenant
06 Torche – Songs for Singles
05 Enslaved – Axioma Ethica Odini
04 Dawnbringer – Nucleus
03 Triptykon – Eparistera Daimones
02 Watain – Lawless Darkness
01 Agalloch – Marrow of the Spirit

[onedayless]

The Ten Best Heavy Metal Albums of 2010 (According to Ozzy)

. OZZY OSBOURNE - "Scream" ( )

2. BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - "Order of the Black"

3. MOTÖRHEAD - "The Wörld is Yours"

4. SLASH - "Slash"

5. HALFORD - "Made of Metal"

6. KORN - "III: Remember Who You Are"

7. PANTERA - "Cowboys from Hell" (reissue)0

8. LAMB OF GOD - "Hourglass" box set

9. FIREWIND - "Days of Defiance"

10. AC/DC - "Iron Man 2"

[portluis]

All About Jazz
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=38321

USA Progressive Music
http://www.usaprogmusic.com/joomla/index.php

Roadrunner Records
http://top2010.roadrunnerrecords.com/

[apscsantos]

Robb Flynn’s Top 5 Albums Of 2010!

The Machine Head frontman tells us his top albums of the year inside!

We had a chat with Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn and he revealed to us the five albums that have been blasting the tits off of his stereo this year.

Robb Flynn’s top 5 albums of 2010 are:

Deftones – Diamond Eyes
Eminem – Recovery
Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare
Karnivool – Sound Awake
Exodus – Exhibit B: The Human Condition

http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/rob-flynns-top-5-albums-of-2010/

[Kustu Rica]

Engraçado que para a Roadrunner já é ligeiramente diferente.

[apscsantos]

Engraçado que para a Roadrunner já é ligeiramente diferente.

não tinha visto o link da roadrunner

[onedayless]

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART II

GUS G., FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE

1. Firewind, Days Of Defiance
2. Ozzy Osbourne, Scream
3. Scorpions, Sting In the Tail
4. Dimmu Borgir, Abrahadabra
5. Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier
6. Halford, Made Of Metal
7. Psycho Choke, Unraveling Chaos
8. Black Label Society, Order of the Black
9. Accept, Blood of the Nations
10. Black Sabbath feat. Tony Iommi, Seventh Star (re-issue)

DANNY RODRIGUEZ, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD

1. Ion Dissonance, Cursed – I’ve always been a huge fan of Ion Dissonance, their second album, Solace, is easily my favorite tech metal album of all time. Ion Dissonance is brutal, technical brilliance at its finest. Cursed definitely delivers that. Their drummer, Jean-Fancois Richard, is a mastermind behind the kit. If you haven’t heard this album yet definitely give it a spin, for MATURE listeners only.

2. Fleshwrought, Dementia/Dyslexia – Navene Koperweis is a musical genius. Period. LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM.

3. Veil of Maya, ID – I’ve always loved Veil’s work and this album is awesome. Every song is very catchy and well written, but the main thing I get off of this album is the creativity.

4. Defeated Sanity, Chapters of Repugnance – Brutal as FUCK. This album is dark, devastating, and relentless. The artwork basically paints a good picture at to what you’re getting yourself into before you blast this cd.

5. The Tony Danza TapDance Extravaganza, Danza 3: The Series of Unfortunate Events – Heavy as fuck. Catchy as fuck. This album did a good job at standing up to Danza 2: The Electric Boogaloo, which if you haven’t heard yet, you NEED to check out… after listening to Danza 3, that is

6. Decrepit Birth, Polarity – Technical, melodic, progressive death metal with a lot of feeling. This album definitely sucks you in. Epic.

7. Ihsahn, After – [The Faceless'] Michael Keene got me into this band. It’s the lead singer/guitarist of Emperor’s solo project. It rules. End of story.

8. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis – Dillinger is one of those bands who is hard to top themselves. This album has some great songs on it, other songs are so-so. (for Dillinger that is) I definitely like this album more than Ire Works. However, it doesn’t stand up to Calculating Infinity or Miss Machine. Still a good album, worth checking out.

9. Deftones, Diamond Eyes – Great.

10. Periphery, S/T – This was a highly anticipated album for fans familiar with Bulb. This album definitely delivered the goods. Everything about this album from song structure to musicianship is great. It’s hard to NOT like this album.

JAMES MONTEITH, TESSERACT

1. Danza 3: The Series of Unfortunate Events – Josh’s off the wall technical riffing is taken to a new level on this record. Spazzy, crazy and fucking heavy!

2. Chimpspanner, At the Dream’s Edge — A real journey of an album. incredible (bedroom) production, great riffing, highly intelligent musical composition and the most tasteful cheese you’ve ever heard

3. Deftones, Diamond Eyes – Their fattest sounding record yet. The guitars are massive and Chino’s haunting melodies sound even more accomplished than ever.

4. Terror, Keepers of the Faith — The best record to break stuff to this year. End of.

5. Kylesa – Spiral Shadow – great sludgy riffs and edgy melodies are as expected, although the song writing is definitely some of the band’s best yet

6. Periphery, Periphery — Technical riffing that will impress even the most technically proficient guitar players out there. What a debut this is!

7. Ion Dissonance, Cursed – The heaviest thing I have ever heard. Seriously, nothing is heavier than this. Nothing.

8. Proghma-C, Bar-do Travel — Awesome prog/post metal from poland. Reminiscent of Tool and Mastodon, but with their own weird edge. Very cool.

9. Cloudkicker, Beacons — A beautiful instrumental record — etherial atmosphere, big guitars, lush melodies, djizz.

10. Fear Factory, Mechanize — What a return to form from these metal pioneers. Dino rules, nuff said.

BRAD MACKINNON, BISON B.C.

1.Wormrot, Abuse — Crippling.
2.Ceremony, Rohnert Park — Punk as Fuck.
3.Coliseum, House with a Curse — Ryan, Mike and Carter can just keep on evolving because everything they’re writing just gets better and better.
4. Fuck the Facts, Live In Whitby — Released on cassette, fuck yes!
5.The Bastard Noise/The Endless Blockade, The Red List (split) — POWERFUL powerviolence
6. Neil Young, Le Noise
7. Kvelertak, S/T — I could listen to these dicks speak Norwenglish all goddamn day. This album gets me pumped, but live is where they do it best!
8. Darkthrone, Circle the Wagons — “Destroy the modern metal and bang your fucking head”
9. Slayer — World Painted Blood
10. Boris & Ian Astbury — BXI

JAMES FARWELL, BISON B.C.

1. Boris with Ian Astbury, BXI — Best thing since “Love Removal Machine.”

2. Grinderman, Grinderman II — “My baby says I’m like the Loch Ness Monster, two great big humps then I’m gone.” Enough said.

3. Deftones, Diamond Eyes — Pleasantly sincere for an over-produced album that may have been written to get someone laid.

4. Neil Young, Le Noise – Thanks to Daniel Lanois for stepping away from U2 and getting weird with Neil.

5. Nu Sensae, TV, Death and the Devil – One of the best bands in Vancouver right now, a pleasure to see live.

6. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mojo – Can still write a fucking song.

7. Death Angel, Relentless Revolution – Thanks for not turning nu-metal.

8. Coliseum, House With a Curse – Indeed a grower – change of pace, but seeing it live blew me away.

9. Bad Religion, The Dissent of Man – Still writing epically catchy tunes with the same four chords – you fucking try to do that, and go out and get five thousand college degrees.

10. Kvelertak, Kvelertak – Well, singing in their native tongue, and I think some of those riffs are pure Norway as well, without the sailor hats that is. These peckersniffs are gonna be huge.

JERRY GARCIA, BONDED BY BLOOD

1. Holy Grail, Crisis in Utopia – Gave me a chubby and a half.

2. Exodus, Exhibit B – RIffffffffffffs!!!!

3. Heathen, The Evolution of Chaos – Amazing song structures and killer lead guitar work.

4. Overkill, Ironbound – Still showing people how its done!

5. Bonded By Blood, Exiled to Earth – Is it wrong to like your own bands release? If so, then fuck off — this is my list, not yours.

6. Lich King, World Gone Dead – Great riffs, I like what I hear, and apparently the king IS here.

7. Megadeth, Endgame – Even though it was released last year, it still surpasses most of this years releases. Lyrical subject matter, riffs, & solos!

8. The Black Dahlia Murder, Deflorate – Another album that was released last year and is still kicking my ass! Quite possibly my favorite release since 2009, right next to Megadeth’s Endgame.

SHAUN EMMONS, HAARP

1. Godflesh, Streetcleaner reissue
2. Arson Anthem, Insecurity Notoriety
3. Torche, Songs for Singles
4. The Roller, Wasted Heritage
5. Melvins, The Bride Screamed Murder
6. Kill The Client, Set For Extinction
7. The Sursiks, I Didn’t Know I Was Singing
8. Howl, Full Of Hell
9. Omean, Sea God
10. Warbeast, Krush The Enemy

GRANT TOM, HAARP

1. Autopsy, The Tomb Within
2. Satanic Warmaster, Nachzehrer
3. Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones
4. 1349, Demonoir
5. Drudkh, Handful of Stars
6. Burzum, Belus
7. Ramesses, Take the Curse
8. Torche, Songs for Singles
9. Sahg, Sahg III
10. Malevolent Creation, Invidious Dominion

KEITH SIERRA JR., HAARP

1. Autopsy, The Tomb Within
2. Admiral Angry, A Fire to Burn Down the World
3. Ramesses, Take the Curse
4. Salome, Terminal
5. Torche, Songs for Singles
6. The Dreamers, Ipos:The Book of Angels Vol. 14
7. Kill the Client, Set for Extinction
8. Howl, Full of Hell
9. Suma, Ahses
10. Unearthly Trance, V

RICHARD SJUNNESSON, THE UNGUIDED, EX-SONIC SYNDICATE

1. Blind Guardian, At The Edge Of Time – Well, seeing as they are my personal gods, it wouldn’t matter how the CD sounded, I’d still buy it and love it, hehe “Sacred Words,” “Road of No Release,” and “A Voice in the Dark” is top favs!

2.Dimmu Borgir, Abrahadabra – Even after losing two members, Dimmu comes out stronger than ever! I think Abrahadabra blows In Sorte Diaboli out of the water.

3. Parkway Drive, Deep Blue – Impressed alot on me! First time I got in contact with the Australian band and the vocals and heaviness are just ace.

4. As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise – Maybe not their strongest release, but still really solid!

5. Heaven Shall Burn, Invictus — HSB is everything I loved about the 90′s death metal scene, and Marcus Bischoff vocals are top five in the world to me.

6. Kamelot, Poetry For The Poisoned – Doesn’t beat Karma or The Fourth Legacy, but still solid and very dynamic album. It’s almost the only power metal band I listen to, save for Blind Guardian.

7.Amorphis, Magic & Mayhem – Heavy and oldschool as fuck! Tomi Joutsen proves just how tallented a heavy vocalist he is, which didn’t do as much on the last effort, seeing as it was more clean singing.

8.Raubtier, Skriet Från Vildmarken – Best band from Sweden, hands down!

9. Soilwork, The Panic Broadcast – Not Stabbing the Drama, but kills Sworn to a Great Divide any hour of the week!

10. Stone Sour, Audio Secrecy – Well… Had its moments. I like Corey’s voice, but I think the songs could have been more creative. Still enjoyable.

TREVOR BIRNIE, ANNEX THEORY, EX-QUO VADIS

1. Periphery, S/T
2. Baptized in Blood, S/T
3. Fear Factory, Mechanize
4. Underoath, Ø (Disambiguation)
5. Deftones, Diamond Eyes
6. Comeback Kid, Symptoms & Cures
7. Solution 45, For Aeons Past
8. Vanisher, The History Of Saints
9. A Day to Remember, What Separates Me from You
10. The Ocean, Anthropocentric

[onedayless]

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART III

FEATURING MELISSA AUF DER MAUR AND MEMBERS OF WATAIN, CATTLE DECAPITATION, FORBIDDEN, VANISHER, HOWL, THE CONTORTIONIST, DISEMBODIED, EVOCATION, AND ROSALINE


ERIK DANIELSSON, WATAIN

Ten albums??? Theres hardly been ten good albums released this century!! Haha!

Here are my top three for 2010:

1. Ghost, Opus Eponymous
2. Vomitor, Devil’s Poison
3. Grand Magus, Hammer of the North

Greatest expections for 2011:

1. New Negative Plane
2. New Repugnant
3. New In Solitude

MELISSA AUF DER MAUR

I did not fall in love more than once or twice this year, so adding filler firth sake of adding up to ten seems silly…

Shining, Black Jazz – By far the most progressive and adventurous heavy album made this year. It’s intensity and musicality instantly catches you by your Viking bones and demands you to join their movement. Live they are a force to be reckon with!!!! I dare you to listen!

TRAVIS RYAN, CATTLE DECAPITATION

1. The Legendary Pink Dots, Seconds Late for the Brighton Line – After 40 albums, Edward Ka-spiel and co. still can’t do any wrong.

2. Magma, Ëmëhntëhtt-Rê – Holy shit a new Magma. They only release albums when planets align or something because they’re few and far between and alter your existence with every listen.

3. Bethlehem , Stoenkfitzchen — Everything you read about this album always says “unlike anything that has ever been released before” and shit like that. Sounds like Bethlehem to me. A great return to form by this greatly underappreciated dark metal behemoth.

4. Blessure Grave, Judged by Twelve, Buried by Six — A great album. I’ve heard all the new stuff and its even better. Awesome collection of songs.

5. Agalloch, Marrow of the Spirit – Been waiting for this one. Lived up to the wait for sure.

6. Longmont Potion Castle, Vol. 7 — The best prank call artist. Ever. Not much comes close.

7. Nader Sedek’s Ageless, In the Flesh — Awesome art project/death metal band featuring concepts/art by Nader Sedek, vocals/bass by Steve Tucker, drums by Flo Mournier and Rune does guitar. Being released shortly, be sure to grab it. Its an incredibly fresh death metal album.

8. Thomas Koner, Nunataak Gongamur and Permafrost LP reissues — Isolationist and minimal sub-tonal ambient genius. Every Ebay search session I do includes his name.

9. Interpol, Interpol — I love this band. And I don’t wear sweaters, so fuck you.

10. Boyd Rice’s NO book — Its not music but hey, its one of the more entertaining Boyd reads. You should check it out.

STEVE SMYTH, FORBIDDEN

1. Accept, Blood Of The Nations
2. Exodus, Exhibit B: The Human Condition
3. Death Angel, Relentless Retribution
4. Forbidden, Omega Wave
5. Scorpions, Sting Of The Tail
6. Y&T, Facemelter
7. Grand Magus, Hammer Of The North
8. Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier
9. Ozzy Osbourne, Scream
10. Dimmu Borgir, Abrahadabra

ADAM CODY, VANISHER, GLASS CASKET

1. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis
2. Mouth of the Architect, The Violence Beneath
3. Deftones, Diamond Eyes (Yes, it’s metal)
4. Dimmu Borgir, Abrahadabra
5. Napalm Death, Torn Apart/Words from the Exit Wound re-release
6. Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire, Songs of Ill Hope and Desperation
7. Trap Them, Filth Rations
8. Soilwork, The Panic Broadcast
9. Faith No More, Midlife Crisis: The Very Best of Faith No More
10. Fight Amp, split and the first two albums

TIMMY ST. AMOUR, HOWL

1. Watain, Lawless Darkness
2. Withered, Dualitas
3. Melechesh, The Epigenesis
4. The Body, All The Waters Of The Earth Turn To Blood
5. High On Fire, Snakes For The Divine
6. Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones
7. 1349, Demonoir
8. Daughters, Daughters
9. Portal, Swarth
10. Nachtmystium, Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. II

ROBBY BACA, THE CONTORTIONIST

1. Pat Metheny, Orchestrion
2. Intronaut, Valley of Smoke
3. Deftones, Diamond Eyes
4. Cynic, Re-Traced
5. Jaga Jazzist, One Arm Bandit
6. The Red Chord, Fed Through the Teeth Machine
7. Massive Attack, Heligoland
8. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis
9. Coheed and Cambria, Year of the Black Rainbow
10. Minus the Bear, Omni

JOEL JOHNSON, DISEMBODIED

1. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini
2. Black Breath, Heavy Breathing
3. The Acacia Strain, Wormwood
4. Terror, Keepers Of The Faith
5. Electric Wizard, Black Masses
6. Nails, Unsilent Death
7. Wolvhammer, Black Marketeers Of World War III
8. Veil Of Maya, [id]
9. Trash Talk, Eyes & Nines
10. Salome, Terminal

MARKO PALMEN, EVOCATION

1. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini
2. Hail Of Bullets, On Divine Winds
3. Aeon, Path Of Fire
4. Dark Tranquillity, We Are The Void
5. Witchery, Witchkrieg
6. Sotajumala, Kuolemanpalvelus
7. Dimmu Borgir, Abrahadabra
8. Demiurg, Slakthus Gamleby
9. Unleashed, As Yggdrasil Trembles
10. Desultory, Counting Our Scars

MADISON STOLZER, ROSALINE

1. Gorillaz, Plastic Beach
2. Conditions, Better Life
3. Norma Jean, Meridional
4. PMtoday, In Media Res
5. Minus The Bear, Omni
6. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis
7. Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
8. The Bled, Heat Fetish
9. The Chariot, Long Live
10. Circa Survive, Blue Sky Noise

[Zyklon]

Deviam ter dito ao Timmy e a Stevie que o Swarth é do ano passado...

[onedayless]

Deviam ter dito ao Timmy e a Stevie que o Swarth é do ano passado...

(And please note that these are musicians and that they, um, have a lot on their minds. So some of ‘em named albums that actually came out last year. Please don’t freak out.)

[onedayless]

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART IV

AARON TURNER, HYDRA HEAD RECORDS, EX-ISIS

Good things from 2010 (in no particular order):

Alcest, Écailles De Lune – Not many people can get away with black metal howls and pretty nylon string guitar passages. These guys are good at it though.

Bastard Noise, A Culture of Monsters – Social/political critique, low end pummel, and electronic squiggles all in one place. Masters of their craft.

Aluk Todolo, Finsternis — Determined. Deliberate. Scary. French. Slow. Dark. Yes.

RST, The Sunset Limited — The best driving-at-night-through-the-woods-when-it’s-raining CD I’ve heard all year. RST seems to only pop up every now and again, but it’s always a welcome return.

Krallice, Dimensional Bleedthrough – Shredding with emotion. Epic without being contrived or melodramatic. Most records this punishing are hard to make it through in one sitting. These guys make it a pleasure.

Sun Kill Moon, Admiral Feel Promises – Kozelek does it again, but this time with some flamenco flair. Sounds like a bad idea in theory, but is wonderful in actuality.

Eleh, Location Momentum – Says more with stark simplicity than most artists/bands can say with any amount of ideas/instruments/players/layers. Beauty in restrain and focus.

Horseback, The Invisible Mountain — The songs go on and on, but I think they could still go on a bit more. The second thing on this list to effectively combine black metal and krautrock.

Dead Fader, Corrupt My Examiner – Truly ugly beats. Good ugly. Big, gritty, and forbidding. The world seems to be getting darker. Revel in it or something.

Evan Caminiti, West Winds — I really like Earth and the Dead Man soundtrack and Barn Owl. Slow brooding guitars with beds of droning textures are cool, too. Apparently Evan is a master of combining all these things into one tremendous record. Thank you, Evan.

TONY FORESTA, MUNICIPAL WASTE

1. Low Threat Profile 7″
2. Dopamines, Expect the Worst
3. Tiltwheel, The High Hate Us
4. Torche, Songs for Singles
5. The Fest, Fun Fun Fun, Brainsqueeze and Best Friends Day
6. Toxic Holocaust/Inepsy split 12″
7. Off With Their Heads, In Desolation
8. Antoine Dodson, “The Bed Intruder Song”
9. Ceremony, Rhonert Park
10. Kylesa, Spiral Shadow

ANNA MURPHY, ELUVEITIE

1. Alcest, Écailles De Lune – I just went on MySpace to check what their music is described as, and I wasn’t surprised it just says “other.. Their style is simply unique ,and this is by far their most amazing album to date. When it came out, I couldn’t stop listening to it.

2. As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise – This album got rid of my prejudices against metalcore. It completely blew me away. The songwriting is amazing, as is the production. It’s one of those perfect albums. I have no idea how they’re going to top this.

3. God Is An Astronaut, Age Of The Fifth Sun – Age of the Fifth Sun isn’t better or worse than their previous albums, they’re all equally brilliant. So I was neither disappointed nor surprised. Just a great band, that’s all I can say.

4. Deftones, Diamond Eyes – I’ve been listening to this band since I was about 11, I guess they got me into harsh music. I completely lost track of this band during the last few years and was really excited about this new release.

5. Anathema, We’re Here Because We’re Here – To be honest, the lyrics make me cringe. But the fantastically written music can distract me from them quite well, hehe.

6. Massive Attack, Heligoland – Takes some time to get into, but it’s still brilliant. Gotta love Massive Attack, nothing else to add here…

7. Ufomammut, Eve – This album was given to me by a friend, I had never even heard of this band before. Really cool experimental, psychedelic stuff! I’ve listened to them quite a lot since.

8. 36 Crazyfists, Collisions and Castaways – We recently toured with them and I was completely blown away by their live performance, probably one of the best bands I’ve seen in a long time. So when I got home I immediately had to get all their albums off iTunes.

9. Woven Hand, The Threshingfloor – The voice of David Eugene Edwards is not from this world. It took me really long to get why everybody around me loves this band so much, now I don’t get how you can’t.

10. Groombridge, Customers from Hell – An alternative post-rock whatever band (I hate analyzing genres…) from Switzerland. I saw them live with the American band This Will Destroy You and thought they were brilliant. Their CD certainly is too, worth checking out!

ARIF, WORMROT

1. Rotten Sound, Napalm – Inhuman. Always a fan of bassy, thick pounding tunes from these guys.

2. Phobia, Unrelenting – They just keeps on going faster and faster. We always do love the grind crust coming from Phobia. As long it sounds pissed off, everyone is happy.

3. Magrudergrind, Crusher – All I can say is, this is like their 2009 s/t album with extra dosage of steroids. Not much grooves going on, but still fucking furious.

4. GAF, Cultivate Disdain – Grooves at it’s finest. Nothing monotonous about this album at all. Dance!

5. Aborted, Coronary Reconstuction – Probably their best release ever. There’s more grind influences going on in this one. Massive production, too.

6. Misery Index, Heirs To Thievery – Misery who? Haha kidding. It was already a masterpiece even before the release. I just knew it. I was right all along.

7.Kill the Client, Set for Extinction – Raw to fucking core. If you are into clean pro as fuck production, then jolly well fuckoff. KTC never been angrier in their entire life. You might kill yourself and your own family with a mortar after spinning this bad boy.

8.Defeated Sanity, Chapters of Repugnance – Technical as shit, guttural vocals, insane guitar works, heavy production. too perfect for a brutal death metal album? YES.

9. Rehashed, Code Black –Hey ho let’s go! Makes me wanna skate although I’ve never skated before. If I could, I’d grind the shit out of the railings while blasting this album with headphones on. TRY IT.

10.Trap Them, Filth Rations – This release recieved great amount of spins in my stereo. A fan of their angsty, raw yet heavy production. Song writings/variations are killer in this one.

EVAN SAMMONS, LAST CHANCE TO REASON

While most of my year was spent listening to 80’s era King Crimson and videogame podcasts, I did manage to think of ten metal-ish albums that tickled my fancy in 2010. In no particular order…

Yakuza, Of Seismic Consequence — There’s no other band out there like Yakuza. Of Seismic Consequence is atmospheric, dynamic, complex, and full of textures typically unheard of in metal. Awesome stuff.

Fear Factory, Mechanize — FF’s return to form! Sounds like Demanufacture with modern production and Gene Hoglan on drums — ’nuff said.

Look What I Did, Atlas Drugged — Call it ‘info punk’ if you must, but there’s a lot more to LWID than meets the eye. Minuteman for the Moment was one of my favorite albums of the past ten years and Atlas Drugged should not be missed either.

Deftones, Diamond Eyes — You can’t go too wrong with Deftones. While I didn’t fall as hard for this one as, say, Around the Fur or Saturday Night Wrist, it’s still a great album. Plus it’s fun to hear Steph Carpenter’s love for Meshuggah continue to bleed into the Deftones sound.

Periphery, Periphery — People on the internet seem divided about this band. They shouldn’t be. This album shows an unheard of level of technical prowess and musical maturity for a debut album. A very important release for progressive metal, period.

Atheist, Jupiter — Speaking of important releases… NEW ATHEIST! Holy eff this is great.

Powerglove, Saturday Morning Apocalypse — Powerglove makes good on their promise of destroying your childhood memories with metal renditions of all the videogame and cartoon music you grew up with.

Iron Thrones, The Wretched Sun — This is probably the fourteen-millionth time this has been posted on MetalSucks, but Iron Thrones’ The Wretched Sun rocks. We toured with these guys over the summer and they slayed every night.

The Contortionist, Exoplanet — Syncopated chunky-munky heaviness, mixed with great ambience and melody. These guys have a lot of potential moving forward.

Metroid Metal, Varia Suite — Finally, a full band recording of the internet’s favorite prog-metal Metroid renditions. Much love to Stemage and the boys. Anyone into prog, metal, or Metroid should give this stuff a listen.

PETE GRIFFIN, ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA

In sort of order.

1.Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini –Just awesome, great songs, perfect production, with a sprinkling of Pink Floyd sonics and Alice in Chains vocal harmonies.

2. Deftones, Diamond Eyes — Never liked them much before, but this album has so many undeniable grooves.

3. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis — Everything you love about DEP, plus pretty piano sections. Great stuff to scare your non-metal friends.

4. Shining, Blackjazz — A glimpse into the future of heavy music, sax freakouts, broken electronics, and batshit crazy arrangements.

5. Norma Jean, Meridional — So what if they’re Christian, this album just rocks hard. Raw production and slick arrangements.

6. Periphery, S/T — Amazing tech-y tunes with a singer that doesn’t sound like anyone else.

7. Intronaut, Valley of Smoke — These guys have really found their voice on this record, the music transitions from brutal to elegant seamlessly.

8. Cynic, Re-Traced — Almost non-metal, it’s really cool to hear Cynic just write some amazing songs without needing to be super technical.

9. Karnivool, Sound Awake — Best live singer I’ve ever seen, this album shows off just how different these guys are from other metal.

10. Coheed and Cambria, Year of the Black Rainbow –They’ve really figured out how to meld their pop side and their prog-metal side. “Here We Are Juggernaut” is simply incredible.

DANNY TUNKER, GOD DETHRONED

1. Immolation, Majesty and Decay – A band I’ve always liked turned into one of my favorite bands of all time this year. This album did it for me. It sounds great, the songs are killer and a lot more compact. They pack a hell of a lot of punch and are, through all the sheer brutality, enormously catchy. Just listen to the title-track!

Favorite songs: “A Token Of Malice,” “Majesty and Decay”

2. Jon Oliva’s Pain, Festival – Being a big Savatage fan, I followed this band quite closely and liked all their other albums. Liked them, but didn’t really love them as much as I’ve loved, say, Gutter Ballet, Edge Of Thorns of The Wake Of Magellan. Imagine my surprise when I routinely listened to this album (hey it’s got Jon Oliva’s name on it) and was blown out of my socks. The songs, the feel, the playing, the singing. To my ears Jon Oliva’s voice hasn’t sounded this great since Streets!

Favorite song: “Afterglow”

3. Misery Index, Heirs To Thievery – Any album by Misery index is worth checking out, and this one doesn’t disappoint. I loved Traitors, and Heirs To Thievery is a very logical and natural follow-up.

Favorite song: “The Illuminaught”

4. Anathema, We’re Here Because We’re Here – Unlike a lot of other metal-fans I loved the fact that Anathema branched out into a lot of “alternative” sounds. For me they have grown naturally, and my favorite Anathema album is A Fine Day To Exit. It still is, but this album has officially become my second favorite Anathema album. Awesome songs, great performances, and very beautiful artwork abound on this release!

Favorite song: Everything

5. Nox, Blood, Bones & Ritual Death – I’ve been a NOX fan for a long time and a new release is always good news for me. This EP is a rollercoaster-ride of a death metal album. All ingredients are in place and NOX has never sounded better. Every song delivers.

6. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini – This band just keeps growing and this album continues that tradition. If you like progressive music in any way, I can fully recommend this release.

Favorite song: “Ethica Odini”

7. Kaipa, In The Wake Of Evolution – I loved their last album, Angling Feelings, and was looking forward to the follow-up. It’s more epic in that it contains longer songs, but it’s still unmistakably Kaipa. Per Nilsson’s playing on this album is out of this world!

Favorite song: “Electric Power Water Notes”

8. Severe Torture, Slaughtered – A brutal slab of Dutch death metal, and quite possibly their best album so far. It’s certainly their best sounding one.

Favorite songs: “Grave Condition,” “Deride Jesus”

9. Allen & Lande, The Showdown – A great melodic rock album. I’ve loved the first two, The Battle and The Revenge, the latter being my absolute favorite, and The Showdown once again delivers! Jorn and Russel sound great together, the songs are great, and so is the playing.

Favorite songs: “Judgement Day,” “Never Again”

10. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus – A great and fitting end to their trilogy.

Favorite Songs: “Wings Of Predation,” “Dearth”

TONY WOLFE, OWEN HART

1. Rotten Sound, Napalm – Rotten Sound’s Napalm Death covers are fucking insane. I couldn’t think of a better present day band to cover Napalm Death and the original Rotten Sound songs on here are fucking brutal as shit.

2. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus – I fucking love this album. Deathspell are one of the few bands today pushing the boundaries of extreme music. Fucking chaotic.

3. In Disgust/P.L.F. split – Both these bands fucking kill on this record, but the In Disgust side is my favorite. Gnarly fucking grind at its nastiest. Fucking insane live, fucking insane on record.

4. Arson Anthem, Insecurity Notoriety – Fuck the NOLA scene for constantly pumping out killer shit. Phil Anselmo and Mike Williams can do no wrong. This album blows the EP away for sure. Raging hardcore shit from NOLA.

5. Ufommamut, Eve – The mixture of weed and this album will melt any mind. I love concept albums in general and the heavy space shit Ufomammut unleashes on this record is perfect for getting fucking ripped to.

6. Magrudergrind, Crusher – Why the fuck is Scion putting out records?? Regardless, Magrudergrind rips and this EP fucking rips. Really wish it wasn’t related to a fucking car company, but it fucking rips.

7. V/A, This Comp Kills Fascists, Vol II. – Minus our two songs (shameless self promotion), this record is an amazing showcase of present metal/grind/powerviolence. Lack of Interest kills, along with Despise You, Noisear, and Hummingbird of Death. Every song on this record is awesome, and i think that’s extremely rare for a comp.

8. Dangers, Messy, Isn’t It? – Dangers are one of the few “hardcore” bands I dig. The lyrics are a fresh air in this stagnant scene. I feel like no band sounds like Dangers and I really appreciate that.

9. Kerasphorus, Cloven Hooves at the Holocaust Dawn – Gnarly black metal. I think this is the only thing Kerasphorus put out before they broke up this year? But it is relentless as fuck.

10. Defeated Sanity, Chapters of Repugnance – Heavy as fuck death metal. Intricate, technical, and grooving. Willowtip has good taste, as always.

EVAN HENSELY, NIGHTFALL

I don’t know if these are necessarily the 10 best albums of 2010, but they are the ones I paid the most attention to!

1. Dimmu Borgir, Abrahadabra – This record kicks ass. I like the more orchestral style as opposed to the previous record, In Sorte Diaboli, and the arrangements and production are top-notch.

2. Overkill, Ironbound – What a great thrash record from a band that has never deviated much from their core. Blitz gives a great performance and the energy never lets down on the whole record.

3. Nevermore, The Obsidian Conspiracy – The Peter Wichers production does really well on this one, giving the songs a sharp, concise feeling. “…And the Maiden Spoke” in particular has some really interesting riffs and solos.

4. Opeth, In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall – This has to be one of the best filmed metal performances I have ever seen/heard. They simply knock everything out of the park (pun intended). The set list choices were great and the sound (especially on the DVD) is phenomenal.

5. Arsis, Starve For The Devil – A great release from a band that doesn’t get too much recognition outside the US. Mike Van Dyne is back on the drums and he makes sure things groove a bit more than the last release, We Are The Nightmare. I really like the ‘80s guitar vibe to some of the songs here as well, even though I know they got flak for it.

6. Paul Gilbert, Fuzz Universe – Paul is one of my favorite guitarists and he put together a great mix melodic, dynamic, and fluid arrangements without making them necessarily over-technical. His sense of melody and composition is what sets him apart from a lot of ‘80s shredders.

7. Kalmah, 12 Gauge – This band doesn’t get much attention in the US, which is a shame since they have put out six stellar albums now. I really like this Finnish style of melodic death metal, and Kalmah infuse it with a thrashier side that packs a lot of punch!

8. Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier – A solid record. I saw them on this tour and they are still putting on great shows, especially Bruce.

9. Cradle of Filth, Darkly, Darkly Venus Aversa – I actually just got this two days before writing this list, but it seems pretty good so far! Very heavy.

10. Exodus, Exhibit B: The Human Condition – Good follow-up to Exhibit A. Lots of heavy riffs! Exodus still keeps going strong.

JENKS MILLER, HORSEBACK

1 Locrian, The Crystal World
2 Skullflower, Strange Keys To Untune Gods’ Firmament
3 Francisco López, Machines
4 Darkthrone, Circle the Wagons
5 Oren Ambarchi/Jim O’Rourke/Keiji Haino, Tima Formosa
6. Wolfgang Voigt, Freiland Klaviermusik
7. Profanatica, Disgusting Blasphemies Against God
8. Gate, A Republic of Sadness
9. Harvey Milk, A Small Turn of Human Kindness
10. William Fowler Collins, Enter the Host

FRED NORMAN, OCTOBER TIDE, EX-KATATONIA

A Swarm of the Sun, Zenith — This album is like a movie without a screen to me. Very dark and depressing.
Ghost, Opus Eponymous — Old school and brilliant!
Khoma, A Final Storm – Swedish kings of dynamics.
KENT, En Plats I Solen — Swedish kings of pop.
Amorphis, Magic & Mayhem — Recoveries of finnish friends.
Bo Kaspers Orkester, New Orleans — Swedes moving boundaries and diminishes the world.
Steve Hackett, Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth — The legend with another masterpiece filled with emothions and stunning guitar work.
Moon Safari, Lover’s End — Third album from swedish retro-progers and masters of harmonies.
Interment, Into the crypts of blasphemy — After twenty years they finally release their debut album. Death metal the way it should be!!!
Sun Kil Moon, Admiral Fell Promises — Perfect for lonley nights.

[onedayless]

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART V

SACHA DUNABLE, INTRONAUT

1. Cloudkicker, Beacons – This dude came to one of our shows in Ohio and gave this CD to Joe, our bass player. Most of the time we’ll put one of these discs on for a few minutes just so we’re not being total dicks to the people who cared enough to give us their music. We must have played this thing like ten times in a row. This music is so perfect to me, and even though it’s totally different, it reminds me of my own band in some ways. I loved it so much that I ended up emailing Ben to tell him that if he ever puts a band together, I want to try out for guitar.

2. Torche, Songs For Singles – I have loved this band since the first moment I heard them. This record gives me everything I want out of Torche. Concise, catchy, heavy tunes. Perfect.

3. Murder Construct, S/T – Again, I’m a little biased here. Having watched this band in six years go from a sticker on Leon’s guitar case and a bunch of guitar pro files to having this very well produced record, I have to say that I’m proud to know them. Then again, here you have the best drummer in grindcore, ever, along with one of the best frontmen in heavy music, two other local legends, and Leon del-fuckin’-Muerte, so how could it not be the best grind record in years?

4. Elder, Reflectv – Another surprise hit. Have you heard of them? I didn’t think so. You will love this, I promise.

5. Nails, Unsilent Death – This record is angry as fuck and most of the songs are under one minute long. There is also gratuitous use of a Boss HM-2. Everyone should own this.

6. Horseback, The Invisible Mountain – On paper, four ten minute songs consisting of one main riff each is the most boring idea ever. The fact that they made it work is the most impressive thing here, and beyond that, it’s actually a very memorable and convincing record. The whole desert black doom thing is somewhat unique, too.

7. Immolation, Majesty and Decay – The best death metal band ever and one of my favorite death metal guitar players ever deliver their best record ever. If only their earlier records had production this good!

8. Boris with Ian Astbury, BXI – I don’t know the story behind this collaboration, but this seemed too strange to not check out. I was never a huge fan of The Cult, but I’ve always liked Ian Astbury’s voice, and him singing over a fuzzed-out Boris ended up sounding really cool.

9. Rosetta, A Determinism Of Morality – I’ve always loved this band, and I really do think that this is their best record yet. This hasn’t left my car in many months. Great job.

10. High On Fire, Snakes for the Divine – I will never not like a High On Fire record.

MIKE SCHLEIBAUM, DARKEST HOUR, BEASTS OF NO NATION

1. Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis – To me, this is the cutting edge of metal. DEP never disappoints, and this record is no exception. The dudes are at top form, and producer Steve Evitts nails this record. Hats off to these guys. It’s rare that a band of your peers makes such an amazing album… but these dudes did it. Cheers!

2. Ice Cube, I Am The West – Forget that Cube is destroying his gangsta image with all the kids movies he’s doing. And forget that he really isn’t at his best unless Dre is in mix. It’s rare for any hip-hop record to really kick ass nowadays. What can I say? Cube’s still got it!

3. Against Me, White Crosses – It took me a long time to get into Against Me. For a long time they kind of turned me off… then New Wave came out and it changed everything. I felt like the singer was writing songs just for how I felt. It’s really special when a record speaks to you like that. White Crosses caries on in that tradition and leaves me wanting more. I love the sound they have cultivated, and can’t wait to see where that sound takes them.

4. Danko Jones, Below the Belt – I partied with Mr. Jones backstage in Europe, and although the conversation ended in a fierce debate over the Areosmith Rocks record, he won my respect. Dude IS rock, no doubt, and this record makes me want to drive fast and wear leather for sure. Rock is all but a dead, and Danko Jones is one of the few songwriters keeping it from being totally dead. Get this record and throw a party… trust me, it will make you.

5. Ben Folds, Lonely Avenue – Ok, after that rager, then put on this record, ’cause it’s time to get pop. I love Ben Folds — as a songwriter, he can’t be touched. There have been more than a few times that I have copied a structure idea or got inspiration from his arrangements. I search the internet all the time for live recordings of Ben, and when I heard this record was coming out, I pre-orded it! I mean, it was probably already leaked, but I needed the real version. I guess I am just insane!

6. The Toadies, Feeler – This was a big surprise. Although this record is actual old it never came out till now. Its like going back in time and getting a record you never knew existed. Either way the Toadies rock.. you dont believe me, go see them live. Rock like this is ment to be jammed loud and live. You can’t beat the Toadies in that enviorment but on record its not to bad either.

7. The Crown, Doomsday King – Not saying I made this happen or anything but MetalSucks was on this from day one! Yep, you know it — I love The Crown, and this record is crushing. Look, all you kids copying Swedish metal now: COPY THESE GUYS! This shit is sick, pissed, fast, and raw, but also thrash and darkly melodic. It’s perfect thrash/death/speed metal, and it’s for real. These dudes live, breath, eat, shit, and sleep metal. Shit, the bass player is named Magnus… what else do you need, go get this shit! Note: The Crown is so heavy it makes me curse more then normal.

8. Revocation, Exsistance is Futile –We just finished a tour with Revocation, and dude, they are the future of metal music. Think I am bullshitting you? Well fucking check out this record. It will tear you god damn tits off. Yep, this shit is so sinister it will make you shit razors and then want to shave with them. I mean, I know those last two sentences were crazy, but that’s what this record makes me think… that, and it makes me want to take guitar lessons again. Get this shit and start a pit in your back yard with the neighbors… it’s just that type of record!

9. Veil of Maya, [ID] — Ok, so these dudes are practically family, and I know that makes me biased, but this record slays. It’s hard to find young bands that push this music to the edge, but Veil does that, both on the record and live. Make sure you check these jams OUT!

10. After the Burial, In Dreams — This is another band that is pushing the limitations of traditional guitar. I’ll never forget meeting these guys on Summer Slaughter. Some of the most real, down to earth musicians I have ever met. And they own all. I think they are using 20 sting guitars now specially made for them by aliens from the 6th dimension, but if you can look past the fact that you will have to buy a $3,000.00 guitar just to play these riffs, you’ll be alright. Trust me, there are not to many of you who can tab any of this shit… I mean, it’s out of hand.

MIKE “GUNFACE” MCKENZIE, THE RED CHORD

There’s no way I can put these in any kind of order, as some of them are very different in style. But I can say Deathspell is #1.

1. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus – Possibly my favorite band at the moment…and one of the most original bands making music right now. Brilliant madness.

2. Defeated Sanity, Chapters of Repugnance – This record sounds like death metal made by aliens. Similar appeal to Wormed.

3. She & Him, Volume Two – I liked the first She & Him record, but I love the second one.

4. Encoffination, Ritual Ascension Beyond Flesh – They have an Incantation vibe, which is welcome. Creepy and gross death metal.

5. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini – These guys get better with every record. From primitive black metal to prog genius.

6. Christina Aguilera, Bionic – Sounds like Christina heard Lady Gaga. No matter, this is pop gold.

7. Father Befouled, Morbid Destitution of Covenant – More Incantation worship…this record’s production reminds me of the days of yore. Awesome.

8. The Acacia Strain, Wormwood – They’ve somehow gotten heavier and their songs are slower, with more misanthropic atmosphere. Crushing.

9. Goldfrapp, Headfirst – Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory made a record that sounds like it was plucked right out of the 80′s.

10. Jenny and Johnny, I’m Having Fun Now – Super catchy tunes with some bitter lyrics. I’ve had a crush on Jenny Lewis since I saw The Wizard in 1989.

Honorable Mentions:

Entrails, Tales From the Morgue
Norrin_Radd, Anomaly
Secret Sisters, Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Powerglove, Saturday Morning Apocalypse
Sargeist, Let the Devil In
Rihanna, Loud
Efterklang, Magic Chairs



TORMENTOR, GORGOROTH

In no particular order, except The Devil’s Blood #1 and Ghost #10…

The Devil’s Blood, The Time of No Time Evermore
Okkultokrati, No Light for Mass
Darkthrone, Circle the Wagons
Burzum, Belus
Vomitor, Devil’s Poison
Drugged SS, I Hate What You Think About My Life (tape)
Kvelertak, Kvelertak
Danzig, Deth Red Sabaoth
Körgull the Exterminator, War of the Voivodes
Ghost, Opus Eponymous

ARTHUR VON NAGEL, CORMORANT

1. Sabbath Assembly, Restored to One – Queen of doom Jex Thoth, No Neck Blues Band guru Dave Nuss, and Sunn O))) producer Randall Dunn team up to present a unique mystical experience: psychedelic rock interpretations of prayers from the 1970s Gnostic cult “The Process Church Of The Final Judgement.” The result is a bewitching gospel melding of Satanic and Christian chants. Simultaneously hopeful and apocalyptic.

2. Weapon, From the Devil’s Tomb – From the Devil’s Tomb is a potent distillation of the best elements of death and black metal, combining the intense riffing of the prior with the melodic sensibilities of the latter. Some tasteful Greek/Middle Eastern atmospheres and progressive tendencies add just enough spice. Canada proves once again that they have the market cornered on fusions of extreme metal genres.

3. Rome, Nos Chants Perdus – Luxembourg’s Rome offers a lighter, more streamlined and cinematic follow-up to last year’s martial neo-folk masterpiece “Flowers From Exile.” Perhaps this is my Gallic side talking (or maybe just the accordion use), but “Nos Chants Perdus” conjures up the photography of Brassai, the novels of Albert Camus, and the films of Jean Renoir, a very personal kind of nostalgia for me that I find myself revisiting often.

4. Worm Ouroboros, Worm Ouroboros – Worm Ouroboros play heart-shattering ambient doom/dark rock, linked in spirit and personnel to underground legends The Gault and Amber Asylum. An album to enjoy lakeside, amongst the birds and the fog. Beautiful.

5. Ludicra, The Tenant – San Francisco’s multi-hyphenated black metallers Ludicra return with an affecting vision of the loneliness and oppression of city life. The band’s musical scope has grown, and I catch definite nods to bands as diverse as Coroner and Alcest, even perhaps an old-school Scorpions (!) guitar solo or two. Ambitious without realizing it, angry when it needs to be, progressive without ever falling into excess, The Tenant weaves all its disparate threads into one of the best extreme metal albums of the year.

6. Slough Feg, The Animal Spirits – Vintage rockers Slough Feg strip their sound to its essentials and unleash what is perhaps their best album since Traveller. Scalzi’s voice is as infectious as ever as he tackles themes as diverse as Martin Luther, lycanthropy, and Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition to the Polynesian islands.

7. Cauchemar, La Vierge Noire – Female-fronted occult true doom from Quebec. A must for fans of Cirith Ungol, old Paul Chain, Saint Vitus, and Witchfinder General. The French vocals only add to the mysterious atmosphere.

8. The Body, All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood – Crushing apocalyptic sludge from Rhode Island with touches of black metal, industrial, and classical music. The soundtrack to a cult’s mass suicide.

9. Christian Mistress, Agony and Opium – Grimy, raw NWOBHM with hints of Coven, Motorhead, old Saxon and Warlock, but with a personality all its own. The twin-guitar attack and “Philthy Animal” drumming beautifully compliment Christine Davis’s gritty biker bar shout.

10. Inquisition, Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm — One of the most consistently fantastic black metal bands of all time releases another gem. The amphibious Popeye vocals are in full force, and the riffing is just as powerful, thrashy, catchy and melodic.

MATT SOLIS, CORMORANT

1. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini – Another magnum opus from the masters of black metal evolution.

2. Agalloch, Marrow of the Spirit – An exciting stylistic shift for the Oregonians. Aesop’s drumming takes their sound to a new level.

3. Intronaut, Valley of Smoke – Took a minute to get used to the new vocals, but it was smooth, jazzy sailing after that. I can’t get enough of this fucker.

4. Ludicra, The Tenant – The Bay Area’s best band puts together another excellent album. John Cobbett should change his name to “Riffmaster General.”

5. Immolation, Majesty and Decay – They should have called this “Trampled by Riffs.” Immolation kills 99 percent of death metal bands.

6. Alcest, Ecailles De Lune – This album is a reminder of the emotional power of music. It’s also a reminder that my girlfriend bought me “How to Learn French” audiobooks and I never listened to them.

7. Slough Feg, The Animal Spirits – No surprises here. Mike Scalzi and company bring the riffs and rock my face off.

8. Decrepit Birth, Polarity – If George Frideric Handel rose from his grave and started a death metal band, this is what it would sound like. Awesome stylistic choice for an always exciting band.

9. Therion, Sitra Ahra – A throwback to mid-era Therion, circa Deggial and Secret of the Runes. I will fight you if you’re not down with this band.

10. Blind Guardian, At the Edge of Time – History’s greatest power metal band keeps the party train moving. Not as awesome as previous efforts, but still dragon-slayingly epic.

Honorable mentions: Cephalic Carnage, Misled by Certainty; Ihsahn, After; High On Fire, Snakes for the Divine; Autopsy, The Tomb Within; Dax Riggs, Say Goodnight to the World.

RON SCALZO, RETURN TO EARTH

I’d put my album on this list if it wasn’t considered such a dick move. Not as dicky as a dude who calls himself “Sammy O’Hagar” comparing RTE to Marilyn Manson, but still…

1. The Temper Trap , Conditions – The most pleasant surprise of the year for me comes from Australia, combining the best parts of Radiohead, Bloc Party, and Kings of Leon to make for an atmospheric masterpiece. Infectious.

2. Grum, Heartbeats – I love electronica. Sue me. Grum is pure fun with an awesome ’80s sensibility and some mesmerizing hooks. If you like Daft Punk, you’ll love Grum. Check out the fantastic bro-mance video for “Through The Night.”

3. Holy Fuck, Latin – Improvisational instrumental prog-electro without any shortcuts. Masters of their instruments and masters of the groove. Dig it.

4. The National, High Violet – These dudes have been around the Brooklyn scene forever, hooked me with ‘The Boxer’ and reeled me in with ‘High Violet’ – music can be moody and driving without turning the guitars up to ’11′ and pounding the double bass pedal. Good shit.

5. As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise – My Metal Blade label mates impressed me both live and on wax- – admittedly not much of a fan before hearing this, I have been converted. Jesus rocks.

6. Underworld, Barking – Veterans of the electronica scene just keep putting out solid stuff — no punches pulled here, this is pure 3am-and-I’m-on-ecstasy-at-Webster-Hall drum n’ bass thumping trance at its best.

7. Mike Patton, Mondo Cane – I’m admittedly not fond of a lot of Patton’s projects not called Faith No More or Mr. Bungle — Peeping Tom was disappointing and Fantomas is hard to swallow in large doses — but this is Patton done right. An orchestra, Italian love songs, and Mike’s vocal gymnastics make for a quality treat.

8. Sleigh Bells, Treats – Speaking of treats, another surprise from my hometown of Brooklyn. Chick singer and ex-Poison The Well dude who plays his guitar loud and beats-on-overdrive off of his iPod. The White Stripes in reverse without all the pomp and circumstance.

9. Spoon, Transference – Another veteran band from the alt-rock scene surprised me with catchy tunes that were worthy of more than a few listens. Dropped by Elektra over a decade ago, these guys prove that life after the major label apocalypse exists.

10. The Sword, Warp Riders – A band I admittedly got into by playing Guitar Hero (Remember Guitar Hero?) remind me of part-Zep, part-Metallica. Great, simple band name that captures the vibe of who this band is. Call it doom metal, call it stoner rock – I call it the last album on my list.

IMPERIAL, KRIEG

1. Profanatica, Disgusting Blasphemies Against God — Profanatica have been a really strong influence and important part of my life for close to twenty years. This record practically erases all of that in its sheer heaviness and sick density. You don’t often expect older bands to come out with something that affects you more than the material which got you initially into them. This is one of those times.

2. Satanic Warmaster, Nachzehrer –Primitive and primal, Satanic Warmaster’s new record has the emotional impact of the best tapes you’d receive in the mid 90s from the far corners of the world. Proof that underground black metal can still be relevant and invigorating.

3. Woe, Quietly, Undramatically — A lot more aggressive than the name would lead you to believe, Woe for me is the best band in the neo-USBM scene that’s popped up in the wake of Xasthur, Leviathan, etc.

4. Murmur, Mainlining the Lugubrious –Not at all expected, this is demented and strange black metal, experimental without being pretentious.

5. Maniac Butcher, Masakr –Triumphant return of one of the eastern bloc’s oldest and harshest bands. A lot of beer drenched black & roll moments, my favorite MB record since ‘Invaze”

6. Black Witchery, Inferno of Sacred Destruction — 24 minutes is all you need of this barbaric trio’s first record in five years.

7. Ritual Combat, Occultus Requiem – This band is much more suited to front man Psycho than his previous tour of duty in Nokturne. Frenzied old school USBM, must be seen live to fully appreciate.

8. Teratism, Viva Negativa — Having known of this band and seen them live a few times in the past I never really fully appreciated them until we played together at the Samhain fest. Their performance was fucking gripping which caused me to seek this record out. Pitch black metal with an experimental ritual atmosphere. Another band that needs to be experienced live.

9. Nachtmystium, Addicts — Worth it because of how angry it seems to make people.

10. Killing Joke, Absolute Dissent — This honestly doesn’t require explanation.

JEFF PAULICK, LAZARUS A.D.

1. Periphery, Periphery –Hands down the best record of 2010. These kids are so young, talented, and so business savy on top of it. They recorded and mixed the whole record themselves AND even got to keep their masters, while the label(s) simply license it. And it comes as no surprise, because it’s well worth it. Every aspect of the record is perfectly produced, and forward thinking at the same time. I’ve never heard anything quite like it, and I’m very interested to see if they can maintain such a high caliber writing style. Kudos to these dudes, they deserve all of their success.

2. Avenged Sevenfold, Nightmare — Just shy of their last effort (I don’t think they’ll ever top it), these guys continue to prove why they are the best hard rock band of our generation, despite all the haters. The songwriting is top notch, along with the production (guitar tone could be heavier) and having arguably the most talented skinsman in the world fill in for your now deceased founding member, that’s a huge deal. Nobody could have done it better, I only now fear they won’t be able to capture that special sound in the future.

3. As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise – Holy shit are these guys taking the right direction. Once again, just a step under their last record (only because of some filler) this CD hits hard. Every song is catchy as fuck and is jam packed with face crushing riffs. After starting in the metalcore genre, they truly have come into their own sound, and I dig!

4. Black Label Society, Order of the Black – After releasing Shot to Hell (easily his worst) and questioning if he had anything left after being dismissed by Ozzy, Zakk bounces back in true heavy metal fashion. I’ve loved this disc from the moment I heard it, and it ranks right up there with Mafia and Hellride.

5. B.o.B., The Adventures of Bobby Ray – Best hip-hop album in a long time. I like his style and the beats are undeniably catchy, I’m really getting sick of shitty commercial rap and hip-hop, so this is a breath of fresh air.

6. Daath, Daath — Phenomenal effort. Incredibly experimental heavy metal. Wish they stepped up this vocals but nonetheless, a very fine technical metal album.

7. Slash, Slash – What a great record! It’s a solo album but he had so many guests on it, you’re never bored. A couple of monsters on this one, and giving him an opportunity to tour again with Miles Kennedy handling vocals, well… enough said.

8. The Ocean, Heliocentric – Never heard anything before by them, was given a promo from the label and fell in love. These guys are really talented and I’m sure they are gonna turn more and more heads soon.

9. Fear Factory, Mechanize – Great effort, with Dino back in the band things really click well, a solid comeback for them.

10. Jimi Hendrix, Valleys of Neptune – It was such a sad and mediocre year in releases, that something recorded 40 years ago had to make this list!

ED WARBY, HAIL OF BULLETS

1. Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones – As close a follow-up as humanly, errr, demonically possible to Celtic Frost’s magnificent Monotheist, and a glorious album in its own right. Pitch black, utterly morbid and breathtakingly beautiful in its ugliness.

2. Masterplan, Time To Be King – Masterplan show that it’s possible to make power metal without an abundance of cheese. Awesome vocals from one the best hard rock singers around.

3. Facebreaker, Infected – Old school death metal, gotta love it! Nothing new, but these guys do it so well it doesn’t matter. Classic Swedish buzzsaw sound is honey to my ears.

4. High On Fire, Snakes for the Divine – Not as immediately impressive as Death Is This Communion, but a lesser band could fill three albums with the collection of gargantuan riffs on display here.

5. Dark Fortress, Ylem – A nightmarish trip into the darkest regions of hell, and definite proof that Satan doesn’t mind a good, heavy production at all.

6. Accept, Blood Of The Nations – Wasn’t expecting much, so the fact that this return of the teutonic terror is in fact really good comes as a pleasant surprise. It’s no Restless & Wild, but it’ll do just fine!

7. Autopsy, The Tomb Within – Ok, it’s just an EP, but it’s Autopsy! Great to have them back, the world needs more rough, dirty death metal like this.

8. Mar De Grises, Streams Inwards – Chilean doom gods’ third masterpiece in a row, put some effort into digesting it and the rewards are plentiful.

9. Kvelertak, Kvelertak – Usually not entirely my cup of tea, but these guys’ infectious blend of black metal, punk, rock ‘n’ roll and some other styles absolutely ROCKS!

10. Carach Angren, Death Came Through A Phantom Ship – Brilliant symphonic black metal with lyrics based on Dutch folklore, just like their debut album Lammendam. Great stuff.

ADAM WENTWORTH, BLOODHORSE

1. Sabbath Assembly, Restored to One – Restored to One is nine hymns from the Process Church of the Final Judgement, recorded for the first time ever I believe. Delicate and haunting interpretations. Jex Thoth’s voice is incredible. Nothing I say can begin to do it justice, you just have to hear it.

2. Watain, Lawless Darkness – Just a vicious record from start to finish. It’s unrelenting like a Craft record, but embraces a Jon Nödtveidt-esque melodic sense, and they are able to utilize both extremes without any of loss of intensity. It’s also worth noting the packaging for the 2xLP version is out of control. Basically, Lawless Darkness is everything I would want from a black metal record.

3. Grinderman, Grinderman 2 – Less noisy and abrasive than the first Grinderman record, but by no means does it suffer from it. It still feels like a separate entity from the Bad Seeds, but has a more fluid feel this time around. I generally enjoy everything Nick Cave and Warren Ellis have to offer, and this release is no exception. Also, “Heathen Child” off this record gets my vote for best video of 2010.

4. Kvelertak, Kvelertak – Straight forward Turbonegro-style deathpunk mixed with elements of black and death metal. On paper that sounds like a terrible idea, but in practice these guys really nail it. The only downside is that I can see hordes of bands copying this idea, and when not done properly, this would be an offensive mix. Regardless, this record sounds terrific and has been getting a lot of plays at home.

5. Swans , My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky – This sounds like the end of the world. Apocalyptic and livid. It’s a bit like the aural equivalent of watching the landscape before you disintegrate over the span of 45 minutes.

6. Nails, Unsilent Death – A fourteen minute gratuitous act of aggression. Pure and grinding hatred. This is what I put on to take the subway at rush hour or for those rare and horrific times I have to set foot on Bedford Ave. Quite possibly the angriest record released this year.

7. Black Breath, Heavy Breathing – I hate the state of Connecticut with a burning passion and I have to drive through it constantly. Heavy Breathing is perfect for starting off those two hours of my life that I’ll never get back. It makes the car go faster. So much of this reminds me of To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth, which is my favorite Entombed record. Also, Black Breath one of the best sounding live bands I’ve seen in recent years.

8. Twilight, Monument to Time End – A great listen on headphones while alone. The song “8,000 Years” alone puts this in my top ten. This is one of those records that can perfectly compliment your surroundings. Listen to “Monument to Time End” outside on a cold, grey day – it is an experience.

9. Darkthrone , Circle The Wagons – Nocturno Culto and Fenriz are crazed on heavy metal.

10. The Devil’s Blood, Come, Reap – This would be my #2, but it actually came out in 2008. I know that’s cheating, but it’s just so good I don’t care. Ritualistic heavy metal in the vein of early Pentagram, Roky Erickson, etc., with Joplin-esque vocals. Also, Selim Lemouchi is one of the best guitarist I’ve ever seen — if you caught Watain on the Lawless Darkness tour in the US, you saw him deliver the goods.

[onedayless]

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART VI


DOC COYLE, GOD FORBID

2010 was an interesting year in the world of music, but to be truthful, I’ve been so busy working on new music myself that I really didn’t listen to as many new albums and new bands as I would have liked to to. I’m sure there are some killer new bands that I haven’t been exposed to. I will have to scour everyone else’s top 10’s to find the hidden gems out there. Overall, I can say that there were some disappointments from some old favorites, a handful of lukewarm passable records I heard, and maybe just the fact I’m getting a little older that some of the newer genres aren’t really hitting me. Sumeriancore and crabcore is all the rage these days, but I still have hope. These were the best of the bunch I heard for heavy music.

1. Deftones, Diamond Eyes – In a year where good songs outnumbered good albums, the opening title track said it all as it mowed down all the competition in its imminent perfection. I realized how much I loved the Deftones this year. Between hearing this album and seeing them live twice, it dawned how important they are to me and many others. Like Opeth, they keep trucking along at the top of their field with no signs of slowing down. A brilliant album by a brilliant band.

2. Periphery, Periphery – I probably listened to this album the most in terms of quantity. I was really looking forward this and they really delivered. In my opinion, Periphery are the current leaders of this whole djent scene in terms of originality, musicianship and ambition. I love that they have a real singer in an era that doesn’t seem to favor vocal melody as far as younger bands are concerned. I can’t wait to hear what they do next!

3. Soilwork, Panic Broadcast – Soilwork is back! Peter Wichers really brought something back to this band that is irreplaceable. This is the best Soilwork album since Natural Born Chaos. It so well written, performed, and recorded. You really can’t go wrong if you enjoy this style of metal. I love this album. I don’t have much to say, just listen to Soilwork rip!

4. As I Lay Dying, The Powerless Rise – This band surprises me with every new release. They seem to consistently get better, and The Powerless Rise is no exception. You can tell that these guys are students of metal, and they put a lot of work into crafting their songs and honing their chops. The days of lumping As I Lay Dying in with the rest of metalcore garbage heap are over.

5. Slash, Slash – Slash is my favorite guitar player. He is pretty much the reason I play. This is a little biased, but with that said, I have to really give him credit for this album. I’m not sure which songs he wrote or not, but it smokes both Velvet Revolver records, and it’s his best tone and lead playing since Use Your Illusion. There are a few rock radio snoozers on here, but more hits than misses. Especially the Miles Kennedy songs and the M. Shadows jam.

6. Sevendust, Cold Day Memory — The MetalSucks crew hit the nail on the head when comparing the Soilwork/Peter Wichers situation and the Sevendust/Clint Lowery deal. These guys are just too important to the chemistry of their bands to not be there. This is the best Sevendust record since Animosity. Clin’ts riffs and voice are just amazing. He actually does some killer guitar solos as well. I love this band, and I’m glad they are still kicking ass.

7. Nevermore, The Obsidian Conspiracy – We had to wait five years for this one, but better late than never. Nevermore is another one of my favorite bands. Their talent is off the charts, and although I don’t think Obsidian Conspiracy is on the level of The Godless Endeavor or Dead Heart in a Dead World, it still crushes most of what else is out there. Jeff is on fire as usual, and Van Williams may just be the most underrated drummer in metal. Motherfucker got groove!

8. Daath, Daath –vI’ve been absorbing this record for about a month now and it’s really blown me away. This album has a very dark vibe, and although its fast and intense, there’s something kind of doomy always lurking. I have so much respect for Eyal and Emil’s playing and writing. The more natural drum production really benefits Kevin Talley’s playing. He really shines on this album.

9. Death Angel, Relentless Retribution – I just got this album a week ago so I haven’t listened to it a whole bunch, but it hooked me immediately. God Forbid did a tour with these guys a couple years back, and I really enjoyed watching them every night. They sound extremely vibrant, energized, and that type of pure enthusiasm is very difficult to fake in metal. It’s awesome when bands can keep it going at such a high level in a long career. It gives me hope.

10. Avenged Sevenfold, Nightmare – In all honesty, in comparison to 2007’s self-titled album, I was a little disappointed. But Nightmare’s high points are really great, and I just enjoy this band. Go to the 4:57 mark of “Buried Alive,” and if you aren’t feeling that, we aren’t getting along. They write big, epic, ambitious songs that are right up my alley. In light of the Rev passing, I’m just happy they are still doing it and really flourishing. Here’s to 2011!

Honorable Mention – TessaracT’s Concealing Fate, Volbeat’s entire catalog, all fifty records Devin Townsend put out this year, Demon Hunter’s The World is a Thorn, Sade’s Soldier of Love

Best Live Show – (TIED) BlackDiamondSkye Tour w/Alice In Chains, Deftones, and Mastodon and Faith No More Reunion @ Williamsburg Waterfront

Most Anticipated Albums –The Human Abstract, A Life Once Lost, Opeth, In Flames, A Perfect Circle, Soundgarden (???), The Haunted, DevilDriver, anything I put out (Come on Doc, you lazy bitch!).

TOMAS LINDBERG, AT THE GATES, DISFEAR

In no particular order…

Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones
Autopsy, The Tomb Within
Ghost, Opus Epynomous
1349, Demonoir
Liars, Sisterworld
Misery Index, Heirs To Thievery
Watain, Lawless Darkness
Holy Fuck, Latin
Torche, Songs for Singles
Dax Riggs, Say Goodnight to the World

ROBB FLYNN, MACHINE HEAD

Top ten albums I rocked in 2010 (not necessarily released in 2010):

1. Deftones, Diamond Eyes – From the first time I heard the song “Diamond Eyes” I was floored. Deftones managed to do what is the most exhilarating, and yet most difficult, thing for any band to do: keep the foundation of your sound, but infuse it with something modern or fresh. In their case, this was accomplished with guitarist Stephan Carpenter’s introduction of an 8 string guitar, and some serious Meshuggah-worshipping riffs. Chino fully explores his range and harmonizing skills, Frank Delgado’s keyboards/DJ-ing add some incredible mind-bending depth and ambiance, while drummer Abe Cunningham and new bassist Sergio Vega’s poly-rhythmic foundation somehow glues it all together. That the band was able to pull it from the depths of such a horrible situation is an even greater testament to how good this band truly is. Crushingly heavy, beautiful, passionate, and real, Diamond Eyes is my album of the year. Check out “Diamond Eyes.”

2. Eminem, Recovery – The venom and anger are back, and he got rid of the weird ragamuffin flow from Relapse. He also thankfully changed the musical landscape of hip-hop by introducing a different level of production with stoner guitar jams, sampling Sabbath and New Wave, and adding classic rock elements. Most importantly, he’s pissed again. Check out “Almost Famous.”

3. Protest The Hero, Fortress – This band literally saved me this year. So fresh, different, heavy, beautiful, challenging, weird, musical, talented. Inspired beyond belief by them. Check out “Bloodmeat.”

4. Flyleaf, Flyleaf & Memento Mori – My personal views are pretty much the polar opposite of what this band stands for, and yet, Lacey’s voice absolutely mesmerizes me, it hypnotizes me. The guitar melodies, the Robert Smith-guitar tones… wow. Saw them live for the first time this year and had a non-religeous-religious experience. Check out “Circle” and “So I Thought.”

5. Avenged Sevenfold, Nightmare – I’ve hated everything this band has done post-Waking the Fallen, but this album floored me. Heavy, melodic, huge. A band going for it, doing their own thing, and getting massive results. Every one of these dudes is extremely talented. They should probably being paying Metallica and GN’ R royalties, but who cares when it’s done this good, and they’re are turning a whole new generation onto the originators of metal? Thank you A7X for finally getting us a legit metal record in at number one instead of some country bullshit, Justin Bieber, or lame rap record. Check out “Nightmare.”

6. Karnivool, Sound Awake – Music Choice’s metal station played this a lot ,and I have it on for background noise when I put my son down for a nap. Really impressive band, great sense of melody, progressive, and the fact that the singer can sing almost entirely clean yet still sound heavy is a testament to how good this band can become. Check out “Set Fire to the Hive.”

7. Shinedown, The Sound Of Madness – Waaaay late to the Shinedown party, but the best straight-up-rock record of the last five years. Check out “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide.”

8. Jay Z, The Blueprint 3 – As a long time hip-hop head who’s somewhat disillusioned with how bad rap has gotten lately, I still always check out a new Hov record. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s lame, but in this case he has delivered maybe his best album since The Blueprint ten years ago. Pissed, cocky, ballsy, reflective… dude’s flow is incredible. He’s doing something that was nearly impossible before in hip-hop… growing up gracefully, and getting better with age. Check out “On to the Next One.”

9. Sevendust, Cold Day Memory – I can’t say I really ever got the whole Sevendust thing. Great dudes, talented players, but it never clicked for me. This record, I finally got it. Insane vocal harmonies, great metallic/melodic rock riffs, tasteful keyboard parts, interesting structures. Kudos to the 24/7 dust. Check out “Karma.”

10. Exodus, Exhibit B: The Human Condition — I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up as a teenager in the golden era of Bay Area thrash, and to have been able to witness that scene. For a good three years, Exodus were the only band that mattered to me, I was obsessed with them. It is amazing and inspiring that they have been able to persevere on through years of bad luck to nail down a stable line-up, and find the gem that is Rob Dukes as a singer. He has the skills of Zetro, but has that “Whoa-that-dude-has-problems” persona of of former singer Paul Baloff that I so gravitate towards in music. I other words, he’s pissed. If the song “Burn Hollywood Burn” doesn’t make you want to stab posers in the arm with a fork, there’s is something wrong with you. Check out “Burn Hollywood Burn.”

TOMMY ROGERS, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME

1. Pendulum, Immersion
2. Mike Patton, Mondo Cane
3. Pain of Salvation, Road Salt One
4. Johnny Cash, Ain’t No Grave
5. Braveyoung, We Are The Lonely Animals
6. 1349, Demonoir
7. Brandon Flowers, Flamingo
8. Cee Lo Green, The Lady Killer
9. Rufus Wainwright, All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu
10. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus

ROBIN STAPS, THE OCEAN

In this particular order:

1. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis
2. Deftones, Diamond Eyes
3. Abraham, An Eye on the Universe
4. Kruger, For Death, Glory and the End of the World
5. Knut, Wonder
6. Khoma, A Final Storm
7. Efterklang, Magic Chairs
8. Misery Index, Heirs To Thievery
9. The Black Atlantic, Reverence for Fallen Trees (OK this came out in 2009 but I discovered it only this year)
10. At Our Heels, Misanthropy and Godlessness

AMBER VALENTINE, JUCIFER

1. Jucifer, Throned In Blood – Yes. It might be considered lame to choose your own album. But it’s more lame to put the album out if you don’t stand behind it to the nth. After a succession of long, production feast-y records, we made this one short and raw. And unlike our other full-lengths we (mostly) excluded songs beyond the spectrum of what we’d play live. It’s bleak, black, doomed, and nihilistic. But in a weird way could be the most ‘fun’ album we’ve done.

2. Watain, Lawless Darkness – As a vegan I’m disgusted (those of you who’ve been to their shows know why). As a black metal fan, I’m rapturously inebriated on Watain’s poison. Infinitely sinister, they sheathe technicality in emotion so it all just washes into you… like the stench of rotting blood, but cleaner.

3. Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones – Saw some of this in concert at a festival we both played. It was epic — I couldn’t stop grinning, headbanging, punching my own leg and stomping the ground. Which was appropriate, since Triptykon seems hellbent to the center of the earth on this one. Warrior forever!

4. Immolation, Majesty And Decay – I love death metal. Even more, I love death metal that surprises me. Immolation keeps it brutal and shows, like most of my favorite music, the massive difference between technicality for its own sake and technicality that lends itself to good songs.

5. Pantera, Cowboys From Hell (re-issue) – Yeah I know, it’s an old record. But I have great memories of getting wasted on 40′s of St.Ides with Edgar and dancing by ourselves to the whole album — twice over! — at a house party way back when. It took malt-liquor-drunk idiots to couple dance to Pantera, and it took Pantera to bring groove metal (for better or worse).to the 90′s.

6. Salome, Terminal – I’m totally biased because I’ve known these guys for awhile. They’re great people and I love their band. Rich, raw, anguished, and leaden in the best sense of the word.

7. Sigh, Scenes From Hell – A friend turned me on to this. Along with black metal I’m a sucker for strings and brass, and crazy noise… all of which are present here.

8. High On Fire, Snakes For The Divine – I’m biased with these guys too, knowing Matt and Des since we toured together a few years back. Even so I slept on this record for awhile. Glad I finally woke up! Matt Pike and HOF have been awesome at what they do for so long that we really expect nothing less, but ‘Snakes’ has turned it up a notch. It feels taut, wired, and furious, even through the slicker-than-usual production.

9. Brutal Truth, Need To Control (re-issue) — Another re-issue, but damn, a classic is a classic. Plus you get bonus tracks and an interview.

10. Ufomammut, Eve – Originally met these guys because of their utterly fantastic art collective, Malleus, which is responsible for some of the most jaw-dropping gorgeous poster art in the world. Snagged a copy of ‘Eve’ when we played together in the spring and, impressed as I was with their magnificent show, was equally impressed with the new album. Psychedelic passages trip you out and lull you… then when you’re getting cozy they come at you with a mega-riff from hell. Not to mention the concept rules. And I’m always down for some tastefully-employed Theremin.

11. Random Non-Metal Shout Outs – I just need to get these off my chest. Much as I’ve never paid attention to Rihanna (to the extent that I had to Google to learn she did this song) I’ve been disturbingly unable to change radio stations whenever “Only Girl (In The World)” comes on. Ditto for that “Like a G6″number by Far East Movement. (Had to Google that one too.) I can’t speak for the albums, but the singles make me almost want to get them. Almost.

12. One Last Thing – Google pwns Bing, and Bing is exactly what their ads accuse Google of being: a purveyor of crap you never asked it to find.

JESSE ZURETTI, THE BINARY CODE

1. Jaga Jazzist, One Armed Bandit
2. Pat Metheny, Orchestrion
3. Les Discrets, Septembre et ses dernières Pensée
4. Kruger, For Death, Glory and the End of the World
5. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus
6. Mantric, The Descent
7. Castevet, Mounds of Ash
8. Envy, Recitation
9. Ghost, Opus Eponymous
10. As We Draw, Lines Breaking Circles

NICK PALMIROTTO, HULL

1. Defeatist, Sixth Extinction (Willowtip) – If you are into fast, loud, pissed-off music, even the least bit, you will immediately have respect for these three “grandfathers of grindcore.” Drew Mack (HULL) and myself had the fortunate opportunity to create some blistering brutality together with drummer Joel “The Hummingbird” Stallings in our former band, Reservoir, and let me just tell you… the man is a fucking machine! If the sound of two tanks fighting in a mass grave of dying volcanoes and earthquakes is what you’re looking for, Defeatist is the band for you!

2. Salome. Terminal (Profound Lore) – In the past, I used to snarl at bands without bassists. I just need that heavy low end to ruminate through my bones. Fortunately for Salome, Rob Moore’s ridiculously massive guitar tone mixed with Aaron Deal’s thundering drums and Katherine Katz’ excruciatingly barbarous vocals means that there is definitely no need for any more bass. What makes this band even more exciting is the fact that Kat is the voice of Satan hidden inside the shell of a petite blond… it’s like a present day wolf in sheep’s clothing! After having the pleasure to tour with Salome and Batillus on 2009′s Beard Destroyer Tour, I can say that I am proud to call them my friends.

3. Wormrot, Abuse (Earache) – I am so stoked to have gotten to see this band at all, being that they are from Singapore… but to have seen them at The Acheron (Best DIY venue in NYC, run by local thrashers, Atakke (RIP)) was absolutely phenomenal! Again, no bassist, and no bassist needed. My mind has been opened. Flex your head. Grind your face.

4. The Ascent of Everest, From This Vantage (Shels Music) – I went to 538 Johnson to see these guys, as a good portion of the members came from Nashville’s Evil Bebos, and due to the fact that the Bebos fucking own, and they are some of the best people around (they always put us up, hook up shows and party with us whenever we are in Tennessee), I decided that the least I could do was to check them out in my own hood. I had to work early in the morning, and they were scheduled last, so I was very hesitant to stay… physical labor + lack of sleep = shit, but Fuckin’ A was I happy I did! This orchestral, shoegazey, experimentally ambient phenomenon absolutely blew me away. If you are looking for a soundtrack to sleep while dreaming about having sex on a lunar flight while tripping on mushrooms to, this is the album for you.

5. Thee Silver Mount Zion Memorial Orchestra, Kollaps Tradixionales (Constellation) – The first time I had the pleasant experience of witnessing this prodigious orchestral assemblage at the former North 6 in Brooklyn, I was barely able to hold back my tears. Members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor plus Equal parts symphonic ensemble and punk rock ideals, TSMZMO is one band that should never be missed if ever the opportunity presents itself. One of my most memorable experiences is sharing the stage with them at The Impetus Festival in Lausanne, Switzerland while playing bass for Jarboe in April 2010.

6. Agalloch, Marrow of the Spirit (Profound Lore) – Unfortunately, we can no longer call Agalloch label mates, as they have since moved on from The End Records to Profound Lore. Nonetheless, Marrow of the Spirit is a folk/black metal opus that is deserving of a proper blasphemous act. Bibles beware.

7. Nachtmystium, Addicts: Black Meddle Part II (Century Media) – I had the advantageous opportunity to tour with these partying heathens around Europe and heard a lot of these songs live before the actual release of the album. One of the best nights I had was attempting to sing karaoke in Finnish with drummer Charlie Fell in Jyväskylä. This album reminds me of prom, only with an impaled animal heads, mock crucifixions, and medieval weaponry theme.

8. Bison B.C., Dark Ages (Metal Blade) – This band rips. Hands down. They are amazing live. Full of energy and riffs bonanza. Dark Ages shows Bison’s continuing progression and mountainous behemothity. If that is not a term already, Dark Ages officially makes it one. Bring it.

9. Man’s Gin, Smiling Dogs (Profound Lore) – Along with the partying antics of Nachtmystium, I also shared the stage with Erik Wunder (Cobalt, Man’s Gin), Josh Lozano (Man’s Gin, Inswarm) and Fade Kainer (Batillus, Inswarm), backing Jarboe. We had some pretty momentous evenings sitting around random hostels with an acoustic guitar and singing some of the songs off Smiling Dogs. The only thing missing was a campfire and s’mores. My dudes.

10. High on Fire, Snakes for the Divine (eOne) – I felt that High on Fire deserved to be on this list. They consistently release quality metal albums, and I like this regardless of the fact that this one is definitely the most produced albums released by them thus far. Shit, if anything, I had to add HOF due to the FUCKING INCREDIBLE SLEEP reunion shows thrown by Osiris and Brooklyn Vegan at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple back in September! Considering OM and SLEEP did not release albums this year, I had to tie the room together somehow!

KEVIN HUFNAGEL, DYSRHYTHMIA

1. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus — My most anticipated record of the year, and it does not disappoint. The new standard for metal.

2. Fielded, Terrageist — This one caught me by surprise. An awesome collection of songs based on complex vocal arrangements, set against dark, minimalist electronics. The solo project of Lindsay Powell, also of Chicago proggers Ga’an (look ‘em up!).

3. Sailors With Wax Wings, S/T — Who would’ve ever thought members of Unwound and My Dying Bride would be on the same album?

4. Starkweather, This Sheltering Night– Further twisting their already unique sound into new, dark, and disturbing territories.

5. Kayo Dot, Coyote — When “goth-jazz fusion” is huge in fifteen years, KD can say they were the first to do it.

6. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini — They lost me with the last couple of albums, but got me back on track with this one.

7. Swans, My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky — Not the album I was hoping for, but seeing these songs live gave me a new appreciation for this record.

8. Immolation, Majesty and Decay — Catchiest death metal album of the year, without dumbing down their style.

9. Killing Joke, Absolute Dissent — Still relevant, and killing, after 30+ years.

10. Atheist, Jupiter — Picks up right where Unquestionable Presence left off. Welcome back, guys.

Honorable mentions: Les Discrets, Yakuza, Triptykon, Intronaut, Blut Aus Nord, Agalloch… too much to choose from this year!

WILL LINDSAY, INDIAN

1. Kris Kristofferson, Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends: The Publishing Demos 1968-72 – Excellent liner notes, the first recording of “Me and Bobbie McGee,” an excellent rendition of “If You Don’t Like Hank Williams,” and the inclusion of “Getting By, High and Strange” make this release essential.

2. Bloodyminded, Magnetism (reissue) – Power Electronics at its finest. Harsh, disturbing, and brilliant. Plus, it makes your stupid fucking kvlt/pagan/whatever black metal record sound like a nursery rhyme.

3. Autopsy, Awakened by Gore – It’s Autopsy. What the fuck else needs to be said?

4. Johnny Cash, American VI: Ain’t No Grave – You just can’t go wrong with Johnny Cash.

5. Merle Haggard, I Am What I Am – The Hag just gets better with age. Easily his best album of the millennium.

6. Swans, My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky – Reunions, or whatever term Micheal Gira used in lieu of reunions, always make me skeptical. This album, however, far surpassed my expectations. Furthermore, their live show was absolutely stunning.

7. Twilight, Monument To Time End – Great people making great music. Also provided great internet reading via “true” black metal fans that were obsessed with facial hair, length of hair, and clothing choices of the people in the band, once again proving themselves to be the petty, banal, and worthless assholes they’ve always been.

8. Locrian, Territories – Very dense and interesting record. Excellent contributions from Mark Solotroff, Blake Judd and Bruce LaMont, as well.

9. Earth, A Bureaucratic Desire For Extra-Capsular Extraction – Yes, it’s a reissue of material that is years old. There is a reason it was reissued. No one gave a fuck about it then and not enough people give a fuck about it now.

10. Christian Mistress, Agony and Opium – Oscar and Ryan are an amazing guitar duo. The rhythm section and vocals are also top-notch. 20 Buck Spin always delivers the goods.

ADE MULGREW, DARKEST ERA

1. Enforcer, Diamonds – Totally ripping NWOBHM from start to end. Shared a stage with them in Germany. Messy.

2. Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier – Another solid album from the greatest band of all time

3. Various Artists, Whom the Moon a Night Song Sings – Really interesting compilation of acoustic songs from Ulver, Tenhi, and many others.

4. Primordial, Spirit the Earth Aflame – The reissue of the 2000 classic, a totally essential record dripping with melancholic atmosphere!

5. Alcest, Ecailles de Lune – Neige continues his reign of wetness with this soggy sounding metal masterpiece.

6. Atlantean Kodex, The Golden Bough –

7. Woven Hand, The Threshing Floor

8. Swallow the Sun, New Moon

9. Slough Feg, The Animal Spirits

10. Anathema, We’re here because we’re here.

[onedayless]

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART VII




PHILLIP COPE, KYLESA

1. Kvelertak, Kvelertak
2. Melechesh, The Epigenesis
3. Alcest, Ecailles de Lune
4. Cephalic Carnage, Misled By Certainty
5. All Pigs Must Die, EP
6. Ghost, Opus Eponymous
7. Coffinworm, When All Became None
8. Deathspell Omega, Paracletus
9. Sweet Cobra, Mercy
10. Nu-Kle-Er Blast Suntan, Blot Out the Worthless Sun

FENRIZ, DARKTHRONE

HELLO EVERYBODY!!

Before you just take this list and use it, know this: Albums are just the tip of the iceberg. The most important releases this year were, as usual, demos.

Of all the people you ask for these lists, most of them have barely even heard ten new albums this year, so the tips are really far-fetched/lame in most cases.
Ideal people to ask for these lists are, for example, the editors of underground pressese worldwide. Only a handful musicians are as drenched in music listening as myself

Also, we all love lists, even though we all know top ten lists are bullshit and that MUSIC IS NO COMPETITION.

Ghost, Opus Eponymous (Sweden) — Astounding album, but is it heavy metal occultism or death-rock? Who cares…
Deathhammer, Phantom Knights (Norway) — It is not possible to make a more 1985 deathrash black album than this. Simply not possible.
Burzum, Belus (Norway) — Back almost exactly where he left off with Filosofem.
Enforcer, Diamonds (Sweden) — Managed to create an album so old school it doesn’t even of traces of the first Metallica record.
Cauchemar, Le Verge Noire (Canada) — Extremely old school sounding epic heavy metal/doom/NWOBHM.
Knuste Ruter, Gjennom Veggene (Norway) — Very engaging album in the vein of the infamous Norwegian “blitz” style punk/HC style.
Grave Desecrator, Insult (Brazil) — South American death, meaning a lot of black vibes… but also sounds like it’s 1986. Great solos.
Murderess, The Last Thing You Will See… (USA) — Shockingly organic crust, and vocals that sound involuntarily like Burzum.
Körgull the Exterminator, War of the Voivodes (Spain) – They finally turned 80s on us, and what a result — an onslaught of die hard metal.
Whip Striker, S/T (Brazil) — Incredibly old school and vicious underdog from Brazil, cool songwriting that takes from the 70s as well as 80s.
Züül, Out of Time (USA) — It’s heavy metal rock in a most glorious way.
Nekromantheon, Divinity of Death (Norway) — Norwegian thrashers do very little to disappoint here…
Hell Darkness, Rockin’ Underground (Israel)
Vomitor, Devil’s Poison (Australia)
Hellish Crossfire, Bloodrust Scythe (Germany)
Metal Inquisitor, Unconditional Absolution (Germany)
Christian Mistress, Agony and Opium (USA)
Children of Technology, It’s Time to Face the Doomsday (Italy) – It’s time to face the doomsday
Autopsy, The Tomb Within
Abscess, Dawn of Inhumanity (USA)
Enslaved, Axioma Ethica HOUDINI (Norway) – hahaha
Masakari, The Profit Feeds (USA)
Dishammer, Under the Sign of the D-Beat Mark (Spain)
Bombus, S/T (Sweden)
Smoke Mohawk, The Dogs are Turning Red (Norway)
Cathedral, The Guessing Game (England)
Hooded Menace, Never Cross the Dead (Finland)
Atlantean Kodex, The Golden Bough (Germany)
Kvoteringen, Samhällets Förrädare (Sweden)
Demon’s Gate, S/T (Australia)

…and probably the new Electric Wizard, but I haven’t heard it yet.

…and VERY probably the Bastard Priest album as wel — haven’t heard it yet, but I KNOW it kills!

And don’t tell me to pick out ten faves!!!

RICH HOAK, BRUTAL TRUTH, TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION

1. FU, Love I Love CD
2. The Bastard Noise, A Culture of Monsters LP
3. Black Ganion, “First” CD
4. Cortisol, Peace of Meat CD
5. Flag of Democracy, Home Lobotomy Kit CD
6. Real Ugly, Demo 2010 CD
7. F.U.B.A.R., Doomed to Consume CD
8. Rotten Sound, Napalm CD
9. Monsters of Pot,“Live” cassette
10. Grind Bastards Volume 4 compilation cd

MAURIZIO IACONO, KATAKLYSM, EX DEO

1. Accept, Blood of the Nations
2. Overkill, Ironbound
3. Kataklysm, Heaven’s Venom
4. W.A.S.P., Babylon
5. Keep of Kalessin, Reptilian
6. Alter Bridge, III
7. Black Label Society, Order of the Black
8.Swashbuckle, Crime Always Pays
9. Exodus, Exhibit B
10. Arsis, Starve for the Devil

CAM PIPES, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD

1. Enslaved, Axioma Ethica Odini – One of the most consistent quality bands of the past fifteen years. Every album is well thought out and inspired. Their sound has evolved naturally over the years and maintained a distinct Enslaved trademark. Every album feels like a new chapter in an endless saga. Axioma Ethica Odini shows that the band is nowhere close to slowing down, but are getting more inventive, blending atmospheric ambiance with the brutal viking metal that they cut their teeth on.

2. Bison B.C., Dark Ages – A band to keep an eye on if you haven’t already been doing so. This is their third album and probably their best to date, yet they will likely top themselves in heaviness with each new record. No bullshit or pretenses with this band, just in-your-face power.

3. Holy Grail, Crisis In Utopia – These up and coming trad metal warriors are a force to be reckoned with. With their first full length, they continue to showcase their love of true metal, as they did with the Improper Burial EP. Now with an expanded repertoire of killer cuts, these youngsters are showing what real metal is all about.

4. Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier – Maiden’s back, but they never really went anywhere. The Final Frontier shows that Maiden still have something to teach all the young bucks out there. Even this deep into their career, they continue to be relevant and aren’t afraid to try new things. Not surprising that they are bigger today than they were in the 80′s

5. Blind Guardian, At the Edge of Time – The wait for each new Blind Guardian album is sometimes agonizing, but well worth it. Each song is a journey into a mystical world, telling a story that sends the listener into a realm of high fantasy. At the Edge of Time maintains Blind Guardian’s place as the lords of power metal.

6. Triptykon, Eparistera Daimones – Like many people, I took the most recent dissolution of Celtic Frost quite badly. Luckily, Tom G. Warrior didn’t hang up his musical hat and continued on with Triptykon. Eparistera Daimones will satisfy CF fans and fans of dark metal in general.

7. Accept, Blood of the Nations – As skeptical as I was when I heard Accept was reuniting without Udo Dirkschnieder, they actually managed to put out a really good record with a different singer. Mark Tornillo does a nice job in Udo’s absence, while the rest of the gang still deliver that unmistakable Accept sound. A nice return by the German boys.

8. Early Man, Death Potion – Its been way too long since the last Early Man release, but here it is, better late than never. It’s unmistakably Early Man, and they’re still dishing out tasty, thrash-laden riffs. Death Potion will fit nicely in your collection.

9. Witchery, Witchkrieg – Witchery got a lot more sinister since I last heard them. The addition of ex-Marduk vocalist Legion gives Witchery an extra ferocity that most bands wish they had. Witchkrieg is a step in a slightly different direction musically, but they’ve done a superb job with this record.

10. Exodus, Exhibit B: The Human Condition – Another band that has maintained its presence and relevance over the years is Exodus. Since bringing in Rob Dukes on vocals, Exodus has demonstrated that they are still capable of blowing imitators and a lot of their contemporaries away.

STEF BROKS, TEXTURES

1. Karnivool, Sound Awake
2. Chimp Spanner, At The Dream’s Edge
3. The Dillinger Escape Plan, Option Paralysis
4. Dead Letter Circus, This Is The Warning
5. Deftones, Diamond Eyes
6. TesseracT, One
7. Cube X, Kanzi’s Wordlist
8. 30 Seconds to Mars, This is War
9. Periphery, Periphery
10. Anathema, We’re Here Because We’re Here

ADMIRAL NOSEBLEED, SWASHBUCKLE

1. Misery Index, Heirs to Thievery
2. Gadget/Phobia, Split LP
3. Forbidden, Omega Wave
4. The Crown, Doomsday King
5. Hail of Bullets, On Divine Winds
6. Twilight, Monument to End Time
7. Unleashed, As Yggdrasil Trembles
8. Death Angel, Relentless Retribution
9. Rotten Sound, Napalm
10. Barren Earth, Curse of the Red River

RICKY ARMELLINO, THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE

1. Deftones, Diamond Eyes – Is there anything that I can’t say about this record? You can definitely hear what this band is going through, and they don’t even directly mention it once on the album. It’s awesome to see that a band we listened to in middle school can still make an album that is characteristic of themselves, that they can be just as relevant as they were ten years ago, and not just a novelty. Longevity is a beautiful thing.

2. Conditions, Fluorescent Youth – Every song on this record is a heartfelt anthem for anyone between the ages of 20 and 30. Some of the nicest dudes on Earth, a great band, and they definitely made a pop-rock CD that wasn’t just moving in on the hearts of prepubescent girls.

3. 30 Seconds to Mars, This is War Deluxe Edition – Shut up. Just shut up. This record is brilliant, and the addition of Kanye on “Hurricane” fucking rules.

4. Bring Me The Horizon, There is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen it There is a Heaven Let’s Keep it a Secret – This band made a record ill enough to not even need to rock the whole hipster “guilty pleasure” moniker alongside it. It’s just an awesome mash-up of all of the garbage kids these days are listening to that somehow cuts through the confusion.

5. Cloudkicker, Beacons – Just listen to it. Melodic, technical, and you can jam it over the speakers at the retail shop you work at without worrying about getting fired.

6. TessarecT, Concealing Fate – It took just a few minutes of listening to this record before I realized that I was stoked on slap bass for the first time in… eight years? Nine years? I don’t know, man, I don’t keep track of this shit.

7. Drake, Thank Me Later – I don’t think this needs too much of a description. The kid is clever. A few of us actually stage managed one of his gigs at a college a few months ago, and I don’t even know what was going on, mostly because we barged in on the female basketball team’s house party and cleared them out of their party punch. Where were we?

8. Periphery, Periphery — Touring with this band was a harsh reminder that I needed to practice. A lot more. A flawless live band with a record that does whatever the hell it wants to. I love these guys.

9. Katy Perry, Teenage Dream – Get this album. Shut the fuck up. Hit the gym. Lawyer up. Delete your facebook. Get your life started.

10. The Acacia Strain, Wormwood – I have to listen to bands desperately try to mimic these songs every single night of my stupid life. It’s torture. Oddly enough, I sort of love it when it’s done right.

CAMERON ARGON, A.K.A. BIG CHOCOLATE, DISFIGURING THE GODDESS, BURNING THE MASSES

1. Defeated Sanity, Chapters of Repugnace – Most brutal album in existence. ‘Nuff said.

2. Meshuggah, Alive – It’s like if Meshuggah wanted a greatest hits album… Took all their greatest hits… and re-recorded them… Oh, and it’s a live recording.

3, Excision, Shambhala 2010 –Excision is a EDM producer/dj that puts together a mix of a large collection of dubstep, drum and bass, and other EDM sub genres. It’s not all ‘Excision tracks/remixes,’ but by all means I listened to this mix too many times not to put it on my favorite ‘releases’ of 2010. An hour and a half of 2010′s finest tracks by various producers. Plus, putting this mix along in my top ten can cover the many single/EP releases by these producers instead of flooding my top ten with singles.

4. Ion Dissonance, Cursed – Always been a big Ion D fan. Fan of all of their previous albums.
Solace is an all-timer for me and I actually really enjoyed Minus the Herd‘s ‘heavier/chuggier’ sound change. This album sounds like a perfect hybrid of Minus the Herd and Ion D’s older more ‘in your face’ grindy math core sound. Win-win for me.

5. Noisia, Split The Atom — Drum and bass tyrants Noisia’s 2010 LP. Gods of production and bass. Really enjoyed this album because it’s not 100% drum and bass the entire time. They switch up the style a lot without changing their sound and originality.

6. Skrillex, Scary Monsters and Nice Spirtes – Skrillex’s newest EP, featuring mind blowing originals and some of the best remixes and collaborations in the EDM music genre. Top notch American EDM.

7. Hour of Penance, Paradogma – HoP’s last release was one of my favorite albums of all time, so I was pretty eager to get my hands on some new material. Changed the feel a little bit, but didn’t change the style. Perfect follow-up album.

8. Immolation, Majesty and Decay – Real sludgy. Real evil. Real good.

9. Beneath the Massacre, Maree Noire EP – EP release always stick to me better than LPs, for a few reasons… The artist has his concentration on much fewer song,s and the fact that there are less songs on the release means it takes less time to get in sync with all the songs. This EP is a great tech death release. Sounds like a big huge brutal gorilla on vocals, which I LOVE. The recording is real tight, and the songwriting includes some real solid heavy elements.

10. Daughters, Daughters – I’ve oddly always been quite a fan of Daughters, along with their style changes. It’s a real mature album from Daughters, it’s not 100% controlled randomness. A few parts in this album strike me as a metal/ rind version of the band Health. Anyways, a great album if I’m in the mood for it.

REUBEN STOREY, CHRISTIAN MISTRESS

1. Milk Music, Beyond Living LP– American rock music. Like if the Grateful Dead plowed instead of danced. This record jams.

2. Ghost, Opus Eponymous LP – Sounds to me like Blue Oyster Cult and Mercyful Fate jamming together in haunted house. It’s poppy, sugary, and slick but it RIPS. The writers are obviously geeks and super self aware but they pull it off and made a killer heavy metal record with a subtle wink.

3. Mach II, S/T LP – Mach II has the attitude of Van Halen but with a more subdued and heavy metal execution. Whiskey, women, scummy dives… no plastic, just grime. They sound like they live it. Honest and dirty, a serious ripper.

4. Furdidurke , Native 7″ EP – Another anxious record. This is a guitar record, drums and vocals are superfluous. Maybe the only reason they are there at all is so a niche market will listen. Regardless, the guitar sings. It’s beautiful.

5. HPP, S/T LP – Honest and dark music. Killer writers that love to shoot themselves in the foot. Self deprecation is the order and they serve it mean.

6. Bone Sickness, S/T demo MC – The band is made up of assholes and who better to play death metal? They carry the torch of delusional hierarchy. For that reason the music is genuine and vile.

7. White Boss, S/T LP — White Boss makes scary music. This record reeks of anxiety and paranoia. It’s unnerving for me to listen to, fully affective.

8. Realmbuilder, Summon The Stone Throwers CD – Got the LP last year, but as the CD came out in 2010 I feel fine putting it here. Really bizarre sounding US Heavy Metal. Thin, weak, small… some of my favorite attributes when applied with the sincerity that these guys portray. Totally killer record.

9. Dead Head, S/T demo MC – Hard blues. Sounds like riffs that were created and forgotten or lost during the writing of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Powerful and unique. Dead Head takes you on a ride.

10. Ultra, Roman Holiday 2xLP – Disgusting display of humanity’s underbelly. Good record to lose yourself and loved ones in. Permanently.

JOHN LOCASTO, MISERY

1. Fear Factory, Mechanize — I like the way Fear Factory went back to their roots.
2. Kingdom of Sorrow, Behind the Blackest Tears — Enjoyed Jamey Jasta’s vocal range on this album.
3. All that Remains, For We Are Many – Talented musicians that draw crowds and sell albums.
4. Sick of it All, Based on a True Story — Old school NYHC!!
5. Kataklysm, Heavens Venom — Brutal heavy metal.
6. Kittie, In the Black — Their album grew on me after touring with them.
7.In this Moment, A Star Crossed Wasteland — Awesome vocals, great hooks.
8.Overkill, Ironbound — Still thrash metal monsters.
9.Exodus, Exhibit B — Should be part of the big five.
10. Death Angel, Relentless Retribution — Pure Metal.

PER BRODDESSON, GRIFTEGARD

1. Procession, Destroyers of the Faith — Great classic doom metal album. If they don’t become huge, the world is not a fair place!

2. The Wounded Kings, The Shadow Over Atlantis — Wonderful hypnotic doomy album. I keep pressing “play” after the last song ends, wondering where the time went. Recommended!

3. Dawnbringer, Nucleus — All the best ingredients from old Maiden, some black metal, some prog, all wonderfully mixed into their own style.

4. Night Bitch, Sex and Magic — This tape came with a bottle of bitch nips. How can you not love metal served up like that? LP version coming as well — I ordered two copies!

5. Spiritual Beggars, Return To Zero — I love my classic hard rock, and I was nervous about this one, with a new singer and all. But I didn’t have to worry. If you liked’ em before, you still will — but those Michael Schenker melodied are they rip-offs or tributes? I’d say it’s the latter!!!

6. Onda Radio, Seizure the Moment – A bit rock, a bit metal, a bit doom, a bit grunge (but in the best way!). Well thought out song structures. A surprise, but I keep coming back to it. Give these guys a professional budget and studio and they’ll have a deal in no time… the again, the world is not a fair place.

7. Ludicra, The Tenant – I just love it! Great metal I’ not sure is black… whatever they are, they rule! And if you happen to have a spare copy of the vinyl version, sell/give/trade it to me. It’s all I need to complete my collection!

8. Jex Thoth, Witness — This EP only has one problem — it’s not an EP and it’s not a full-length. You don’t know Jex Thoth? Check ‘me out, or feel the wrath of five furry beasts! (Not Manowar.)

9. Hour Of 13, The Ritualist — First time you hear this piece of wax you feel instantly at home… great listening for any occasion.

10. Earthride, Something Wicked — Still new to Earthride I am, but I keep coming back to this album, so it must be great — no comparisons to the old albums since I haven’t heard them.