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Emeritus
Reviews 172
Approval 98%
Soundoffs 200
News Articles 34
Band Edits + Tags 478
Album Edits 1,058
Album Ratings 5903
Objectivity 86%
Last Active 01-01-70 12:00 am
Joined 01-01-70
Review Comments 21,030
| TY Sput + Fav Albums
So I'm heading off to college fairly shortly, which should be interesting/fun/I don't fucking know. So far this place has been great; I've been able to share my writing and my music, which is something I don't get to do very often in the real world. To mark the occasion of shoving off for university, I'm gonna list my (current) favorite albums of all time as a fun lil list. Thanks for being (mostly) chill. I'll still be around of course, I'm not leaving the site.
Albums are listed in a loose order. | | 1 |  | Modest Mouse
The Moon & Antarctica
Hard to go wrong with MM. This is my personal favorite and it's always a pleasure to listen to. There's a sort of airy atmosphere that the band creates, making it really awesome to take long drives to. The lyrics and the music create a beautiful atmosphere that never ceases to amaze me.
Top tracks: Third Planet, Lives, Life Like Weeds | | 2 |  | Jon Brion
Synecdoche, New York
Synecdoche, New York still remains my favorite film of all time, and it is definitely enhanced by a very fitting soundtrack. Every song fits the many themes and interpretations of the film, painting a vivid picture of a life in quiet disarray. It's beautiful, just like the movie it accompanies. Special mention goes to the Holy Mountain soundtrack, which I haven't found here, but is also a solid 5/5.
Top tracks: See the movie damnit | | 3 |  | Woods of Ypres
Woods V: Grey Skies & Electric Light
This album puzzled me when I first heard it: the vocals were unlike what I've heard before, which certainly threw me for a loop and turned me away from this album a few times. But after it sat for a while, it started to resonate. The depressive, bleak mood and the direct, honest lyrics really hit home with me. It's an emotionally charged album that stroke a huge chord with me. It still does. Finality remains one of my favorite tracks of all time.
Top tracks: Lightning & Snow, Finality, Modern Life Architecture | | 4 |  | The Hotelier
Home, Like NoPlace Is There
The amount of energy displayed here is amazing. This album brings out the feels better than many albums of its caliber and each track is played with such strength and emotion that it becomes instantly memorable. Every melody is immediately stuck in your head. Owning this on vinyl is such a treat.
Top tracks: Intro, In Framing, Discomfort Revisited | | 5 |  | The Beatles
The Beatles
For a long time, I was the biggest Beatles fan. I had the calendars, the T-shirts, the albums, magazines, everything. I checked the whole discography at least ten times. Yet, out of all their beloved albums, my favorite Beatles turned out to the The White Album. Not the most popular pick. To this day I'm still not quite sure what gives it the edge. Perhaps it's the zaniness of the second half or the first half that's loaded with instant hits. No matter the reason, this release remains a constant joy to listen to and never disappoints.
Top tracks: Dear Prudence, While My Guitar Gently Weeps (duh), Helter Skelter | | 6 |  | The Beatles
Abbey Road
Abbey Road brings me back to the days where I'd always be renting CDs from the library and loading them onto my old MP3 Player. I'd spend a lot of time sitting around listening to the elongated medley that plays out on the second half of the album, completely engaged to the music. Though I don't love them as I used to, The Beatles surely left an impact on my music taste.
Top tracks: Listen to the medley at the end 10,000 times. Then do it again. | | 7 |  | Persefone
Core
It's a fucking gutsy move to make an album solely composed of three tracks, each longer than 20 minutes, designed to play into each other and listened to in order in one sitting. You risk being boring or very self-indulgent or pretentious. Somehow Persefone composed an album that not only hooks you in from the start, but maintains your interest for more than 70 minutes. That's an incredible feat. Listen to this damn album.
Top tracks: The whole thing is like a giant, mythology-soaked track. It's a 5/5 unless you're lame. | | 8 |  | Wolverine
Communication Lost
This album has a truly stunning melancholic atmosphere. In between the wonderful lyricism and the top-notch, gloomy instrumental delivery, this album hits a big emotional chord. The songs all progress into gorgeous climaxes, complete with some of the best vocals I've ever heard. They probably won't ever replicate this sort of moody album again (they tried way too hard to on Machina Viva), but at least they were able to make this when they did. Best to be listened to in full.
Top tracks: Pulse, What Remains, Communication Lost | | 9 |  | Comus
First Utterance
This album is insane, plain and simple. The demented lyrics and haunting folk instruments give vivid pictures of a variety of displeasing topics, covering fun things like hanging Christians and rape. In my opinion, this album is still so ahead of time and will most likely never be replaced. It's a one-of-a-kind experience, truly. All of the elements involved here, in between the thundering drums and powerful string instruments, come together in such a unique blend.
Top tracks: Diana, The Herald, Song to Comus | | 10 |  | Astra
The Weirding
This album has the same sort of airy feel to it that Modest Mouse does; you could take a long car drive across the country and feel like you've been transported into another realm. The brilliantly hazy production really adds to this progressive beast. The songs are all long, held together by great guitar work and synth work, utilizing older-generation keys to give the album a more 70s/80s feel. I can drift away to this and enjoy every damn second.
Top tracks: The Weirding, Silent Sleep, Ouroboros | | 11 |  | Yndi Halda
Enjoy Eternal Bliss
Rarely does the post-genre click for me like this does. Something about the distant production quality and gentle, slowly-progressing, uplifting tracks really worked. Strings are used to great effect here and the crescendos/build-ups all lead to well-crafted climaxes. There are no disappointments, no dull drone moments. Just a pure post-rock experience with all the excess fat cut off. It's an excellent experience.
Top tracks: Listen to the whole thing. My favorite is the album closer, but this entire work deserves one sitting. | | 12 |  | Amia Venera Landscape
The Long Procession
Empire hits like a fucking truck. From that point forward, I was all about this album. Every subsequent track just gave me more reason to love this album. It has a perfect blend of unrelenting hardcore/metalcore heaviness with beautiful melody and post-metal progression. I can't stop listening to this and I probably never will. If a new album never comes, we'll always have this masterpiece.
Top tracks: Empire, A New Aurora, Glances (I and II) | | 13 |  | First Fragment
Dasein
This record is so damn clean. The production gets every instrument out into the open, allowing every band member involved to shine individually, combining to make a technical death metal opus full of awe-inspiring guitar work. This album never slows down and never relents, pounding you over and over with incredible melodies. It shreds for days. You could schedule your entire week around every riff. It shreds that much.
Top tracks: Le Serment De Tsion, Émergence, Gula | | 14 |  | Forest Stream
The Crown of Winter
Only a few albums have gotten a proper emotional reaction out of me. This sits firmly at the top of the peak. The opening keys of the introduction track and the melancholic bliss of the title track hit hard and bring out a lot of feelings. It's an experience I still have whenever I spin this album. Listening to it all the way through is very memorable and rewarding, but the tracks can be heard on their own just as easily. The album shifts from doom metal to haunting black metal in such an amazing way. The transition between the styles is probably one of the biggest highlights here.
Top tracks: Bless You To Die, Autumn Dancers, The Seventh Symphony of Satan | | 15 |  | Outrun The Sunlight
Terrapin
Instrumental albums aren't easy to make. If you lose interest for a moment, the album experience could end for you right there. Outrun the Sunlight exceed expectations with a very enjoyable blend of post-rock/metal and progressive metal. The genres and influences are balanced masterfully, running from hard-ritting riffs to soft post-rock-inspired crescendos. The album has a very light, happy, epic atmosphere to it. It deserves all the praise it gets, though it sadly remains rather unknown. I still spin it from time to time and it has never departed from a 5/5.
Top tracks: Where Every Word Spoken Speaks, And Every Glance Has Only One Meaning, The Pace of Glaciers | | 16 |  | Unexpect
Fables of the Sleepless Empire
When it comes to wild yet cohesive experimental, avant-garde music, no one does it better than Unexpect. This album is heavy and loaded with melody. Graceful strings and soaring female vocals collide with hard-hitting riffs and harsh vocals, coming together to make an end product that is awe-inspiring. The songs are all kept together while still running wildly with experimentation, avoiding becoming excessive or overbearing. It's crazy and unhinged and entirely worth your time. Shame they broke up.
Top tracks: Unsolved Ideas of a Distorted Guest, Mechanical Phoenix, Quantum Symphony | | 17 |  | Shade Empire
Omega Arcane
By far the best usage of symphonic elements in the metal genre. Whether they take center stage or take a supporting role behind crushing black metal riffs, the symphonic sounds serve as the firm foundation for this album. They mesh perfectly with the music, allowing for the creation of some truly beautiful songs.
Top tracks: Ruins, Ash Statues, Omega Arcane | | 18 |  | Seventh Wonder
Mercy Falls
I have yet to have a vocalist utterly stun me like on this album. When he finally makes his entrance, chills instantly shoot down my spine. The rest of the band doesn't disappoint either, forming creative melodies and creating top-notch instrumental breaks, keeping each song memorable and interesting. There is never a dull moment to be found here. Progressive metal at its finest.
Top tracks: A Day Away, Hide and Seek, One Last Goodbye | | 19 |  | Shadow of the Colossus
End Game
I firmly believe this is the pinnacle of the deathcore genre. It's smart enough to navigate away from genre cliches, putting an emphasis on melodic delivery and memorable songwriting. Despite this different approach, the band still hits hard and keeps things heavy. Some tracks have such a punch while simultaneously remaining engaging. The energy here can be felt a mile away. You'll never have a deathcore album make you feel this much.
Top tracks: Beholder of Eyes, Amygdala, End Game | | 20 |  | TTNG
This Town Needs Guns
Despite sounding rather happy or uplifting, I can't help but feel a touch of sadness or remorse. There's a beautiful sort of subtle sadness added here. It really connects with me on an emotional level and keeps me coming back for more listens. Outside of that, the guitars here are jaw-dropping, featuring some insane, unique work. It's a great soundtrack for your summer days, happy days, sad days, or just every day.
Top tracks: 26 is Dancier Than 4, Do You Wanna Come Back to My Room and Listen to Some
Belle and Sebastian?, Japanese Ultra-Violence in D-Minor (The Saddest Chord) | | 21 |  | The Beatles
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
This is the last Beatles album on the list I swear
Top tracks: With a Little Help from My Friends, Getting Better, A Day in the Life | | 22 |  | I/O (US)
Saudade
It's weird. This album has some sort of feeling to it that resonates like nostalgia or some kind of familiarity. From the opening chords of Twins, this album instantly engages you. It's like an old friend stopping by to say hello and reminisce in old times. Perhaps, with me going off into a new life, this sort of ambiance hits stronger than usual. I love it.
Top tracks: Twins, Input/Output, Warship | | 23 |  | Departures
When Losing Everything Is Everything You Wanted
IT'S WHEN THE SUUUUN CATCHES MY EYEEE/10
Seriously amazing melodic hardcore with the force of a train but with beautiful melodies and memorable riffs. There's so much passion in here that can be felt, from the vocal delivery to the energetic guitars.
Top tracks: Sunday, A Life In Pieces, Midnight Lights | | 24 |  | Foo Fighters
The Colour and the Shape
Alongside The Beatles, I also grew up with a few other big-name bands. My parents really love the Foos, so I heard this album quite often. Rarely does a rock album have so many catchy, consistent tracks while straying from the radio rock formula. It's a very solid and incredibly enjoyable ride from start to finish.
Top tracks: Hey, Johnny Park!, My Hero, Everlong | | 25 |  | In Dread Response
Heavenshore
Arguably one of the most underrated releases of the previous year. Blending melodic death metal with trash tendencies, this album launches at breakneck speak and hits you with shredding guitars, pounding drums, and killer vocal work. It's a very energetic album that contains great jams as well as some surprisingly effective slower songs. Like other albums on this list, it's clearly got a lot of energy and passion crammed in to it.
Top tracks: Heart of Stone / Heart of Glass, Heavenshore, Weight | | 26 |  | Modest Mouse
Good News for People Who Love Bad News
There's an element to this album I'm not picking up on. Maybe it's the happy, poppy-er vibe, the somewhat stranger songs or the airy, somber sort of sound underneath. For whatever reason, this stays firmly as my second favorite MM record. It has a decent length of about 50 minutes, but it feels like a relatively short listen. It's like taking a few minutes to sit by a peaceful ocean and take in the beautiful sights and feel the breeze. A great journey whenever I spin it.
Top tracks: The World At Large, The View, Black Cadillacs | | 27 |  | Rishloo
Living as Ghosts with Buildings as Teeth
Living As Ghosts... is what happens when gifted musicians feel that urge to make an album, get together and crank it out with as much spirit as possible. The band nearly broke up after their vocalist left, only for him to return to the group and make the outfit's best release. There's a lot of emotion and creative songwriting, containing the traditional Rishloo psychedelic vibe and increased musicianship.
Top tracks: Landmines, Dead Rope Machine, Salutations | | 28 |  | Ascariasis
Ocean Of Colour
Another rare example of a deathcore release definitively outclassing its peers. With technical mastery and creative songwriting, this one EP rises quickly above every modern album in the genre. Sitting at under 30 minutes, the album ranges from slow-tempo affairs to riffing tech-death tracks with deathcore influence. The heaviness is immense, the melodies are catchy and imaginative--pretty much everything you'd ever want from a deathcore album.
Top tracks: Torchbearer, Carving the World | | 29 |  | Scatman John
Everybody Jam!
This guy was my idol as a kid. I looked up to him and his positive message, which served as such an inspiration. Instead of cashing in on standard pop topics, he focused on loving each other and working together and maintaining happiness. It was something different from what I've heard. His music is full of passion and it's just so damn fun to listen to.
Top tracks: The Invisible Man, Let It Go, (I Want To) Be Someone | | 30 |  | Scatman John
Scatman's World
Scatman is the motherfucking man.
Top tracks: Quiet Desperation, Scatman, Everything Changes | | 31 |  | The Faceless
Planetary Duality
One of the best modern technical death metal albums. It's short, hits hard, and is very memorable, featuring impressive instrumental work.
Top tracks: The Ancient Covenant, Sons of Belial, Planetary Duality II (A Prophecies Fruition) | | 32 |  | The Contortionist
Exoplanet
Another one of my favorite deathcore albums ever. However, this one comes in a unique blend of technical death metal/progressive metal. It all converges into some simply beautiful instrumentation.
Top tracks: Primal Directive, Flourish, Contact | | 33 |  | Tanooki Suit
Vaati and Veselekov
Tanooki Suit are another one of those few groups that inject life into whatever they do. Their two EPs outclass many full hardcore albums. Every track is distinguishable from the rest, with their own driving guitar melodies and vocal parts. Both their EPs are worth checking, but the variation and strength of V&S is superior.
Top tracks: A Bloody Mess, Avarice, Berserk | | 34 |  | Winterhorde
Maestro
Once again, symphonic metal is given justice. These guys have a great blend of progressive metal with black metal, creating a haunting atmosphere
Top tracks: Antipath, They Came With Eyes of Fire, Maestro | | 35 |  | Soilwork
The Living Infinite
A double album that isn't boring? Yeah, this fucking rocks.
Top tracks: This Momentary Bliss, Drowning In Silence, Parasite Blues | | 36 |  | Vildhjarta
Masstaden
Or: How I Learned to Beat Meshuggah at Their Own Game
Top tracks: Dagger, Traces, When No One Walks With You | | 37 |  | Seizures
The Sanity Universal
Some hardcore/mathcore chaos that rivals the genre titans. It's gripping from the get-go and has a ferocity unmatched by most releases.
Top tracks: The whole thing is one long (but amazing) punch in the gut. | | 38 |  | Seasons In Wreckage
Perspectives
If you couldn't already tell, I admire passion and energy in music. This underground band excels at that, attacking immediately with strong musicianship. The listening experience is short but sweet and instantly memorable. It's catchy as hell.
Top tracks: Above the Trees, To Be Misled | | 39 |  | Maroon 5
Songs About Jane
Honorable Mentions: This was the first big album I got in to. In retrospect, a little kid probably didn't have any business jamming a record primarily revolving around sex, but back then I hardly paid attention to the lyrics. Without this album I probably never would have started to appreciate music as much as I do now. It was an important stepping stone. And hell, it is still a really fun listen.
Top tracks: Harder to Breathe, Shiver, Through With You | | 40 |  | Goldfinger
Hang-ups
This album has been a constant jam in my car for two years now. It's really damn catchy and nostalgic. I can't held but give it credit for just being so solid. I got a soft spot for it since it's been in my life for quite some time and somehow refuses to get old.
Top tracks: Superman, This Lonely Place, Carlita | | 41 |  | All That Remains
This Darkened Heart
This was the album that introduced me to metal. I remember first listening to it and wondering what the hell was happening with all these weird vocals and loud guitars. It randomly clicked one day when I listened to Focus Shall Not Fail. That song suddenly opened me up to a world of new music, and I have loved every minute of it. Kudos to ATR for making a great album (honestly betten than Fall of Ideals).
Top tracks: The Deepest Gray, Focus Shall Not Fail, Regret Not | |
brainmelter
08.09.16 | 37 rules | DigitalSchism
08.09.16 | 8 and 27 are excellent | Lord(e)Po)))ts
08.09.16 | terrible | iloveyouall
08.09.16 | pretty shit yeah, but kudos for repping the core hard. | iloveyouall
08.09.16 | espec for the dxc love | CaimanJesus
08.09.16 | Damn nice write up. I'll check a few of these | Mort.
08.09.16 | What r you studying fam? | MarsKid
08.09.16 | I mean, dunno what would make you think you'd like any of this Pots, but your valuable input is once again appreciated.
I'll be going into Integrated Social Studies, which is a Social Studies teaching degree for grades 7 - 12. | RadicalEd
08.09.16 | To me this list looks horrendous, but probs for the effort and good luck with college. | MarsKid
08.09.16 | Thanks for stopping by. | Conmaniac
08.09.16 | hey nice list even though there's a bunch of stuff that isnt up my alley at all. I felt the same way going into college last year! it'll be a blast man but keep reviewing while you're there! | TheTripP
08.09.16 | Listening to 4 as I type this... 19, 28, and 35 are great albums and the best ATR is TFOI c'mon now! Nice list here bud enjoy college! | MarsKid
08.09.16 | TDH has a harsher tone that I enjoy with more variation between the songs and superior guitar work. Also nostalgia is a hell of a drug. | Artuma
08.09.16 | "By far the best usage of symphonic elements in the metal genre."
nah the bands that do it the best are the ones that choose not to use them at all | MarsKid
08.09.16 | Hilarious and original. | TheTripP
08.09.16 | Nostalgia is a crazy drug indeed... Keeps me around Static-X and System of a Down | MarsKid
08.09.16 | Feel free to check stuff man, some good albums here. | TheTripP
08.09.16 | Will do :) | MarsKid
08.10.16 | My current dig is also nice too, if you don't mind some Gothic influence. | Snake.
08.10.16 | have fun in college
make sure to study hard in yr first year because it's the most important one, right now i'm still on probation and i'm regretting it | MarsKid
08.10.16 | Yeah, I'll do my best! I'm definitely nervous about the work ahead, but excited to take it on at the same time. |
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