| Tickles My Fancy |
| 1 |  | Killswitch Engage
The End Of Heartache
Don't get me wrong, I love Leech-era KSE; but as one of not only my first metal albums but also my first KSE record, this probably takes the cake as my favorite release from the band. Sweet, catchy riffs, the perfect balance of breakdowns and obviously Howard's enormous vocals. Recently I've been listening to this album a lot (especially along with the (Set This)World Ablaze DVD audio rip) and realizing just really how good it is. |
| 2 |  | Incarpathia
Lost
Not even going to front, I really don't like deathcore; everything about the genre is just list of things I hate in my music. However despite that, I still really enjoy Lost by the now defunct Incarpathia. Sure it has tons of breakdowns, but it also has some really sweet riffs, leads and vocals. Taking a more "experimental" route (but not really) the band incorporates some scarce clean vocals that work out really well, and definitely make this more enjoyable. |
| 3 |  | Peaking Lights
Imaginary Falcons
I've been trying to promote this album as much as I can, because well, it rules. Really low-fi ambient with female vocals. I've seen it categorized as "ambient-pop", a term I definitely have some gripes with; yes, this at times does seem closer related to more "conventional" music, but there's nothing really "pop" about it. If anything it displays a much larger reliance on reggae traits which I find to be very intriguing and an integral part to it's appeal. |
| 4 |  | Burzum
Belus
This album was definitely a pleasant surprise and recently has been getting better and better. I really enjoy the increased use in melody and can (finally) appreciate the different direction this album took as opposed to Varg's older works. |
| 5 |  | Forest Mysticism
Forest Mysticism
Even though I can acknowledge that most people would find this just barely an above average release, for some reason I really love this album. Featuring a truly awful production (like holy fuck bad) I love the way the band layers the clean and harsh vocals. They also create (imo) some triumphant melodies that are just mad epic. |
| 6 |  | Heinali And Matt Finney
Lemonade
I was actually fortunate enough to speak with Mr. Finney who request I review this album. Whereas the first was definitely more ambient with slight post-rock elements, Lemonade takes the complete opposite route, acting as more ambient influenced post-rock. Awesome atmospherics and some great spoken word interludes. Matt Finney is a genius with words. |
| 7 |  | Valkyrie
Valkyrie
FUCKING EXCELLENT NEO-FOLK. It reminds me a lot of Kveldssanger with a slightly lighter tone. Really really beautiful melodies, some stellar playing and a great atmosphere is created on this little gem of an EP. Seriously find it, and get it. |
| 8 |  | Wo0
With The Flowered Minds
Once again, some low-fi ambient noise. Interestingly enough, sole member Wo0 (real name unknown) uses the pickups of his instrument to receive certain frequencies (from cell phones, radio transmitters, etc...) and then runs them through guitar effect pedals to make them sound well, awesome. Also, he includes some great classical orchestrations (something I really enjoy in my ambient). |
| 9 |  | Der Weg einer Freiheit
Der Weg einer Freiheit
Really awesome straight up black metal with epic as fuck melodies. Interesting enough, the two members of this band are also members of Fuck Your Shadows From Behind (German metalcore band). Trve? Who the fuck cares, this album rules. |
| 10 |  | Senses Fail
Let It Enfold You
Another album that helped my transition into heavier music. I remember the day I got this (along with My Chemical Romance's Three Cheers...and Muse's Absolution) and absolutely hated hated hated Buddy's voice. Nowadays, he's one of my favorite post-hardcore vocalists. Also, I love the overall sound of the music and how different it is from the stuff they have now. |
| 11 |  | Godswill
Cold Outside
Really excellent blackened funeral doom. Slow, churning riffs mashed with elegant melodies and a rough production. It really is quite accessible, so this is definitely recommended to anyone who would be interested in getting into black metal/doom. |
| 12 |  | Leper
End Progress
A mix of black metal, crust and ska. Need I say more? Get this fucking album. |
| 13 |  | Oh Hiroshima
Tomorrow
Swedish post-rock/indie. Awesome hooks and vocals that really remind me of recent Enslaved cleans |
| 14 |  | The One
I, Master
Evil as fuck black metal from Greece. The vocals are really awesome, and the band manages to pull out some pretty cool riffs from time to time. |
| 15 |  | Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Because Paul D'ianno is better then Bruce Dickinson |
|
