Crimson's 2008
a bucket full of METUHL! |
| 1 |  | In Mourning
Shrouded Divine
I didn't think it would top this list when I first heard it. I didn't think it would three months after I heard it, but the thing is, this album simply has not grown off me in the slightest. In terms of longevity and general quality, this outdoes itself and beats the rest of the year almost without effort, genuinely creative, genuinely unique and obviously awesome. The best of 2008 without doubt. |
| 2 | | pg.lost
It's not you, it's me!
Although there are a few albums that beat this on quality further down in the list, this is the album that practically got me seriously into post-rock. The fact that it is here is as much down to that as it is the quality of the release, post-rock done to perfection. |
| 3 |  | Mesa Verde
The Old Road
As above, this album got me into a whole new genre. The first screamo album I EVER heard, and one of the finest still. 'For The Tree That Fell' and 'Post-Youth' are some of the finest examples of scream you'll find ever. |
| 4 |  | Oceans Of Sadness
The Arrogance Of Ignorance
This surprised me. Mirror Palace was an enjoyable, interesting and very unique release that was plagued by some major issues, I never expected Oceans to pop out a successor that not improves upon all their already good mechanics, but also removes all the flaws. An album that is consistent as it is impressive. |
| 5 |  | Island
Orakel
Although it is not the most consistent or impressive for all round solidity, the moments of greatness on Orakel more than make up for it. Add to that a genuinely unique sound and rather stunning artwork and you have one of the most challenging but impressive records of 08. |
| 6 |  | Isthmus
Land Bridge
Coming virtually out of nowhere, Isthmus have crafted one of the most inventive post metal albums of recent times. Combining technicality and virtuoso with atmosphere and post-y ness, Land Bridge hints at promising things for a band with unbelievable potential. |
| 7 |  | Moonsorrow
Tulimyrsky
One of metals finest bands, full stop. My raging homosexuality for every member of this band increases with every release. |
| 8 |  | Arghoslent
Hornets of the Pogrom
One for the sputnik crowd, Arghoslent need no introduction at all. DEATH METAHUL RIFF SUPREMACISTS FTW. |
| 9 |  | Protest The Hero
Fortress
Falls down the list as it wears thin, and I realise that in the end I do prefer Kezia just slightly, Fortress is nonetheless a superb album by a superb band. |
| 10 | | The Gaslight Anthem
The '59 Sound
I don't really know what to say about this, I feel like I shouldn't love it, but I do. Just really listenable rock that never gets old. |
| 11 |  | The Flashbulb
Soundtrack To A Vacant Life
My first taste of this kind of music, and it's good. Overly long - but good. |
| 12 |  | Loma Prieta
Last City
Just quality screamo that doesn't mess around, one of my favourites. |
| 13 |  | Eternal Deformity
Frozen Circus
My obscure metal release of the year, gothic/avant-garde metal that only people like me could love. |
| 14 |  | Grouper
Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill
Introduced to me via sputnik, one of the most beautiful records I've ever heard, almost impossible to dislike. |
| 15 |  | Withered
Folie Circulaire
Probably the heaviest album on this list, it kills me every time I listen to it. Thanks to the review on this site for getting me into this. |
| 16 |  | Burst
Lazarus Bird
One of the strongest releases of the year in terms of overall quality, but beaten because I never got into it as much of some of the others on this list. |
| 17 |  | Mutyumu
Ilya
Amazingly intense and original, but also slightly erratic and inconsistent. |
| 18 | | Into Obscurity
Within The Chains Of Time
None of you will have heard this, and most of you never will, but it's really, really good melodic death metal. |
| 19 |  | Off Minor
Some Blood
This will be on pretty much every list I reckon. |
| 20 |  | Lights Out Asia
Eyes Like Brontide
Really solid post rock. One of the best albums in the genre of the year. |
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