There’s an unwritten rule in the music journalist world that
you must cap off your calendar year with some sort of list. While I don’t normally enjoy subscribing to
rules—especially when I vehemently disagree with them—in this instance I’m
going to partake. This time, though, I’m
putting my own, unique spin on the idea.
Instead of a “Top ____ Albums of 2011” or anything of that
particular ilk, I’m doing a “Good, Bad, Meh and Unheard” list. The first three are obvious: albums I’ve
listened to and adore, am indifferent to or detest. The “Unheard” portion is different. I’m listing albums I haven’t heard; had every
intention of doing so; but never did for whatever reason. That’s a twist, no?
So, first, the good (in no particular order):
The Dreaming – Puppet
I’d been waiting, along with the rest of this group’s rabid fan base, for this album to drop for what seemed like an eternity. When it finally came to fruition I was excited. When I first spun it, it was clear that the time was well spent. Not one, single moment of filler from the opening riffs to the closing synth lines. Puppet is a flat out solid record (clearly evidenced by the fact that all the physical releases sold out within a few hours of going on sale. See, people still buy CDs!).
I’d been waiting, along with the rest of this group’s rabid fan base, for this album to drop for what seemed like an eternity. When it finally came to fruition I was excited. When I first spun it, it was clear that the time was well spent. Not one, single moment of filler from the opening riffs to the closing synth lines. Puppet is a flat out solid record (clearly evidenced by the fact that all the physical releases sold out within a few hours of going on sale. See, people still buy CDs!).
Nick 13 – Self-Titled
Another album that’s been in the works for years, this labor of love is ten tracks of classic Americana penned and performed by Tiger Army frontman, Nick 13. This album shows the breadth of 13’s songwriting ability and also revived a desire for me to dig into those classic country albums by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. This album would make a solid addition to anyone’s library, especially if they’re trying to expand their musical pallet.
Another album that’s been in the works for years, this labor of love is ten tracks of classic Americana penned and performed by Tiger Army frontman, Nick 13. This album shows the breadth of 13’s songwriting ability and also revived a desire for me to dig into those classic country albums by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. This album would make a solid addition to anyone’s library, especially if they’re trying to expand their musical pallet.
Amon Amarth – Surtur Rising
Amon Amarth has been described by the folks at Metal Blade Records as fine liquor—they only get better with age. I couldn’t agree more. Surtur Rising sees the band getting personal lyrically for the first time instead of solely relying on Norse myth and Viking imagery to tell their savage death metal-meets-power metal tale. Not to mention the guitar harmonies on this album are phenomenal. The band has always had an ear for hooks—even of the metallic type—and that is showcased here.
Amon Amarth has been described by the folks at Metal Blade Records as fine liquor—they only get better with age. I couldn’t agree more. Surtur Rising sees the band getting personal lyrically for the first time instead of solely relying on Norse myth and Viking imagery to tell their savage death metal-meets-power metal tale. Not to mention the guitar harmonies on this album are phenomenal. The band has always had an ear for hooks—even of the metallic type—and that is showcased here.
Adele – 21
I don’t really care if I’m lumping this brief bit on top of a huge pile of glowing critiques or not, I can unabashedly say that I’m a fan of Adele and her heartfelt poetry, vintage voice and straightforward songwriting style. In my opinion, Adele is the first artist to use her personal diary and turn it into a hit record since Gwen Stefani did with No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom (sure, you can argue that Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway was the same thing, but I don’t consider her an artist—just a pop star). Everything about 21 is perfect—from the amazing compositions backing her killer voice to the sincerity that oozes out of the speakers when she croons—this album will easily be celebrated in the annals of music history.
I don’t really care if I’m lumping this brief bit on top of a huge pile of glowing critiques or not, I can unabashedly say that I’m a fan of Adele and her heartfelt poetry, vintage voice and straightforward songwriting style. In my opinion, Adele is the first artist to use her personal diary and turn it into a hit record since Gwen Stefani did with No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom (sure, you can argue that Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway was the same thing, but I don’t consider her an artist—just a pop star). Everything about 21 is perfect—from the amazing compositions backing her killer voice to the sincerity that oozes out of the speakers when she croons—this album will easily be celebrated in the annals of music history.
VNV Nation – Automatic
I’ve gushed about this album previously so I’ll keep this highlight brief. VNV Nation continue to evolve and always seem to evolve successfully. There hasn’t been an album yet that I simply can’t listen to. Automatic is spectacular for the simple reason that the band accurately created a feeling of warmth with “cold” instruments. If you’ve never heard the band before, this would be a solid jumping off point into their previous material.
I’ve gushed about this album previously so I’ll keep this highlight brief. VNV Nation continue to evolve and always seem to evolve successfully. There hasn’t been an album yet that I simply can’t listen to. Automatic is spectacular for the simple reason that the band accurately created a feeling of warmth with “cold” instruments. If you’ve never heard the band before, this would be a solid jumping off point into their previous material.
Anthrax – Worship Music
Worship Music is another album that took years to craft, but the end result was (nearly) worth the time spent. Anthrax managed to become truly relevant again with a metal album that combines their classic thrash with modern production. The end result sees the band hungry to kick some ass and sports a sense of urgency that’s been noticeably absent from their material for years. Welcome back, gents.
Worship Music is another album that took years to craft, but the end result was (nearly) worth the time spent. Anthrax managed to become truly relevant again with a metal album that combines their classic thrash with modern production. The end result sees the band hungry to kick some ass and sports a sense of urgency that’s been noticeably absent from their material for years. Welcome back, gents.
The Boxer Rebellion –The Cold
Still
Although my first introduction to the band was in the Drew Barrymore, Justin Long rom-com Going the Distance, I can say that I was instantly intrigued by their sound. Combining equal parts mellow introspection with urgent undercurrents in their sonics, The Boxer Rebellion hit on most of my points for a staple to my library. The Cold Still fills the hole left by The Smashing Pumpkins in the wake of Billy Corgan’s ego eruption in the late 90’s.
Although my first introduction to the band was in the Drew Barrymore, Justin Long rom-com Going the Distance, I can say that I was instantly intrigued by their sound. Combining equal parts mellow introspection with urgent undercurrents in their sonics, The Boxer Rebellion hit on most of my points for a staple to my library. The Cold Still fills the hole left by The Smashing Pumpkins in the wake of Billy Corgan’s ego eruption in the late 90’s.
The Rope – S/T EP
I’m not one to typically celebrate a band that takes direct inspiration for a century’s past sound and tries to call it their own. The Rope, on the other hand, make use of the post-punk playbook of the 80s and do so in a flattering way instead of a bastardizing it. The greatest part? This is the band’s debut. They’re currently tracking a full-length and I’m trying my best to be patient for its future release.
I’m not one to typically celebrate a band that takes direct inspiration for a century’s past sound and tries to call it their own. The Rope, on the other hand, make use of the post-punk playbook of the 80s and do so in a flattering way instead of a bastardizing it. The greatest part? This is the band’s debut. They’re currently tracking a full-length and I’m trying my best to be patient for its future release.
Blutengle – Tränenherz
It was by some random occurrence that I watched a music video for this group. After watching the video for the track “Reich Mir De Hand” twice in a row (and reposting on Facebook) I haven’t looked back. Although the vampire shtick boarders on the campy with their English lyrics, this darkwave/EBM outfit keeps me interested the same way The Smiths and Depeche Mode do—the music makes me feel nice and chilled out in the most delightfully dour way.
It was by some random occurrence that I watched a music video for this group. After watching the video for the track “Reich Mir De Hand” twice in a row (and reposting on Facebook) I haven’t looked back. Although the vampire shtick boarders on the campy with their English lyrics, this darkwave/EBM outfit keeps me interested the same way The Smiths and Depeche Mode do—the music makes me feel nice and chilled out in the most delightfully dour way.
DEVOLVED – Oblivion
Tech-death metal act DEVOLVED put out a wallop of an album with Oblivion. The band had stepped up their game with the use of clean vocals to enhance the brutality of their musicianship and the focused song structures on this album. Unfortunately for me not long after this album dropped the band also fractured in two as well. With the original drummer sticking with the name and forging ahead with new member (their latest demo can be heard here) and the rest reforming with their original singer and new drummer under the moniker ROME, heard here (why are you guys always shouting in text?), Oblivion was a once in a lifetime release for these cats. Cest la vie.
Tech-death metal act DEVOLVED put out a wallop of an album with Oblivion. The band had stepped up their game with the use of clean vocals to enhance the brutality of their musicianship and the focused song structures on this album. Unfortunately for me not long after this album dropped the band also fractured in two as well. With the original drummer sticking with the name and forging ahead with new member (their latest demo can be heard here) and the rest reforming with their original singer and new drummer under the moniker ROME, heard here (why are you guys always shouting in text?), Oblivion was a once in a lifetime release for these cats. Cest la vie.
Times of Grace – Hymn of a Broken Man
It’s interesting to think how much personal pain can create some truly amazing pieces of art. Hymn of a Broken Man is quite the catharsis for both singer Jesse Leach and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. The end result is passionate and intricate metal core, the likes of which hadn’t been heard from these two cats since they were both in Killswitch Engage in 2002. Layered compositions, vocal acrobatics and impassioned lyrics make for a killer album. On the one hand, I hope they never have to suffer the way they did to gain the inspiration for this album, but should it happen I’ll be excited to hear the end result.
It’s interesting to think how much personal pain can create some truly amazing pieces of art. Hymn of a Broken Man is quite the catharsis for both singer Jesse Leach and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. The end result is passionate and intricate metal core, the likes of which hadn’t been heard from these two cats since they were both in Killswitch Engage in 2002. Layered compositions, vocal acrobatics and impassioned lyrics make for a killer album. On the one hand, I hope they never have to suffer the way they did to gain the inspiration for this album, but should it happen I’ll be excited to hear the end result.
Stay tuned for the meh, the bad and the unheard!
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