THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2010, AS CHOSEN BY METAL MUSICIANS THEMSELVES — PART V
FEATURING MEMBERS OF INTRONAUT, DARKEST HOUR, THE RED CHORD, KYLESA, GORGOROTH, CORMORANT, RETURN TO EARTH, KRIEG, LAZARUS A.D., HAIL OF BULLETS, AND BLOODHORSE
For 2010, we decided to do something special as part of our regular end-of-year festivities here at MetalSucks — namely, ask musicians from across the vast spectrum of the metalsphere (or, in a few cases, the almost-metalsphere) what their favorite albums of the year were. Death metallers, thrash metallers, black metallers, stoners, grinders, and djenters alike graciously contributed lists to MS, and we’ll be running them in groups of ten to eleven musicians at a time twice a day for the rest of the week.
After the jump, check out the fifth group… we hope you enjoy seeing what some of metal’s heaviest hitters were into this year as much as we have!
(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.)
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.
