Beardog's albums of 2018
So here we are, my list that shows what I found interesting this year. Funny how most releases I loved were from bands that I never listened to before. Hope you get some recs out of this and bash me for my musical taste. Let's jump RIGHT into it. I'll start with my top 10 and then rec some shit that surprised me this year. |
| 1 |  | Daughters
You Won't Get What You Want
Well, really didn't expect myself to like this. It really grew on me after the first listen, in which it didn't do much to me. The wierd catchiness and interesting variations in mood and tempo, plus the intriguing lyrics made this a top release for me this year |
| 2 |  | Birds in Row
We Already Lost The World
Such a solid but varied hardcore release, and another one that didn't click with me on first listen. |
| 3 |  | Rolo Tomassi
Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It
Wow, I really loved this initially. It kinda wore off and never made it an AOTY competitor, but it's really solid. The electronics are well done, but the vocals kind of bug me in places. This for sure deserves the love it got around here though. |
| 4 |  | The Intersphere
The Grand Delusion
I'm really glad I checked this out before the end of the year. A very good rock record that incorporates many styles without effort. It's super-varied and features great instrumentation. Talented band for sure. |
| 5 |  | Zapruder
Zapruder
Okay, I think I might like this more than Rolo Tomassi, but time will tell I guess. The atmospheres created here are just so good. Starting it off superfun, but mellowing it down with the sax parts is extremely well done, and the moodswitches never feel off. Amazing mathcore release. |
| 6 |  | Black Peaks
All That Divides
Extremely solid Mastodon-core, with one hell of a vocalist. Shame the mixing is a tad off, but it kinda fits the vibe they are trying to go for on this release. |
| 7 |  | The Ocean
Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic
Can't really say much that hasn't been said before. Just extremely solid, but didn't have THAT much of a wow-factor to me. |
| 8 |  | Dance Gavin Dance
Artificial Selection
Never checked this band out before, but this was great. Fun, catchy record with great vocals and instrumentation. Might not be that special if you've known this band for a long time, but I'm glad that I don't. |
| 9 |  | Haken
Vector
A focussed release from Haken for once. It's nice how they kept it short, but it's also a shame how the vocals seem overproduced and emotionless most of the time. It doesn't keep the instrumentals from shining though, and it actually has some good vocal melodies. |
| 10 |  | Amorphis
Queen of Time
It was though deciding which record was gonna be last on the list, but this one was just good enough to make it. The second half is really good, but it's really not as good as Under the Red Cloud was. |
| 11 |  | Moeders Mooiste
Benen van Beton
Yeah, y'all are really not gonna like this Dutch music, but man, it's superfun pop rock with a jazzy vibe. Extremely talented musicians with fun songs (and lyrics, but you guys won't understand those). It's really worth checking out, and deserved EP of the year easily to me. |
| 12 |  | Rota Fortunae
Solstice
Amazing folk record with superb instrumentation. This might be the best user-project on Sputnik atm. |
| 13 |  | Aaron Parks
Little Big
This might've made my top 10 if I gave it more time. Superb jazz fusion. |
| 14 |  | Colourblind
Move Like You
Just short of my EP-section, really well done post-hardcore |
| 15 |  | All The Luck In The World
A Blind Arcade
For sure an interesting record, great vibes all around. |
| 16 |  | Imperial Triumphant
Vile Luxury
This was really close to being amazing, but the songwriting is just a tad off. Cool blend off genres, but could've been done better. |
| 17 |  | Zeal and Ardor
Stranger Fruit
Same goes for this band, but it's got way more improvements to make than the one above. |
| 18 |  | Ice Nine Kills
The Silver Scream
I'm surprised I liked this that much, the production is kind of off though. It's catchy though, and the horror-vibes are delivered really well. Great vocals. |
| 19 |  | Azusa
Heavy Yoke
This might grow on me too, was a cool record |
| 20 |  | Habitants
One Self
So sad that this is quite repetitive, but the highlights this record has are SO GOOD. You gotta check this out for sure if you're into post-rock or The Gathering. |
| 21 |  | Usurpress
Interregnum
This was also really good, and could've made my top 10. A real shame their vocalist passed away this year, this record showed amazing potential. This is 70s prog with death metal done right, Rivers of Nihil can learn from this band. |
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