Hawks
Ryan P
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Album Ratings 7450
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Last Active 09-10-19 6:24 pm
Joined 03-11-08

Review Comments 114,775

 Lists
12.03.25 HAWKS' TOP 100 OF 2025!!! ♦12.01.25 HAWKS STEALS DOOF'S: LEGACY BAND OF THE
11.30.25 BLACK METAL RECEMBER ♦11.28.25 BEST PLACE FOR VINYL???
11.25.25 HAWKS' 5'S: REWORKED11.25.25 RELEASE OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER 2025 ♦
11.23.25 GONNA JAM 100 NEW (TO ME) ELECTRONIC AL ♦11.20.25 PERSONAL NOTE FROM HAWKS....
11.18.25 GONNA JAM 100 NEW (TO ME) HIP-HOP ALBUM ♦11.17.25 BEST USER REVIEWS: OCTOBER 2025 ♦
10.31.25 RELEASE OF THE MONTH: OCTOBER 2025 ♦10.25.25 DISCOVERY CHECK LIST: DEATH METAL
10.03.25 BEST USER REVIEWS: SEPTEMBER 2025 ♦09.30.25 2025 REVIEW A RANDOM ALBUM! ♦
09.28.25 DISCOVERY CHECK LIST: AMBIENT/ELECTRONI09.27.25 RELEASE OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER 2025 ♦
09.26.25 LET ME REC YOU!!!09.25.25 DISCOVERY CHECK LIST: BLACK METAL
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YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM???

REC IT TO ME!!!!
1Max Roach
It's Time

I'm stealing Mk's idea cause it rules!!!
2Rothadas
Töviskert... a kísértés örök érzete.. Lidércharang

Rec me your favorite album! One for every day in April. First come first serve! Can be any genre. Gimme what ya got!!
3Marillion
Misplaced Childhood

APRIL 1ST - REC'D BY CHIPPE

ANALYSIS: I usually can't stand cheesy prog/pop rock stuff....but I LOVE this. Kinda feels like a rock opera of sorts because of how well it flows. The emphasis is on the spacey keys/synths but there are some really tasty guitar leads here as well. Perfect blend between the two. The vocals are also very nice. This guy just relies on his excellent voice instead of sounding like a complete cornball like 90% of other vocalists in this genre. Atmosphere here is on point. Very fluffy and cosmic. Just an excellent album that doesn't overstay its welcome.

RATING: 4.2
4Interpol
Turn on the Bright Lights

APRIL 2ND - REC'D BY FUTURES

ANALYSIS: Let me start by saying that I really dig this. Lots of groovy riffs here, a lot groovier than I was expecting from this kind of album tbh. Some nice reverb laden production mixed with an almost poppy aesthetic that I could see appealing to the mainstream. Vocals are typical for this kind of post-punk but also get a bit more melodic at times than I was expecting. Whole album flows so well but I can't help but think that this is just a solid piece of gothic-esque, dream pop-ish post-punk. Nothing here (as of right now) is really jumping out at me as genre defining. Will keep jamming to try and get there but its good stuff either way!

RATING: 3.7
5Relay Tapes
Early Morning Abstract

APRIL 3RD - REC'D BY BUDGIE

ANALYSIS: The atmosphere here is nice and fuzzy. But if I'm being honest, this is way too one note and (kinda) boring for a 19 minute EP. You can only rely on atmosphere so much and I feel like the songwriting is severely lacking here. Pretty much just some standard generic dream pop that would be good as background music and not much else. Ily Budg my boy but this is a miss for me.

RATING: 2.2
6Primus
Frizzle Fry

APRIL 4TH - REC'D BY VLACDRAC

ANALYSIS: Good lord....what a friggin masterpiece this is. I haven't heard much (any?) funk metal but this shit is so groovy. The basslines are MAGNIFICENT and some of the most hypnotic I've ever heard in my life. The vocals are quirky and weird and so damn good. Can't stress enough how hard these funky, off kilter riffs hit track after track. I haven't been this captivated by an album in a long time bros. The flow is insane and makes the album feel like one long track. I could go on and on. Incredible album

RATING: 4.7
7Propagandhi
Potemkin City Limits

APRIL 5TH - REC'D BY DEDES

ANALYSIS: Another RIPPER right here boys. This was a tad different than I expected. Went in thinking this would be more straight up punk oriented and instead I was met with some of the most fun and rifftastic melodic hardcore I've ever heard. Also wasn't expecting this shit to be so THRASHY! These crushing riffs ooze emotion yet always maintain an upbeat melody to them. Such a great contrast between attitude of punk and the heartbreak of the best melodic hardcore. The vocals are stunning. They're raw yet melodic and border on singing and wailing. This type of music makes me wanna blast this album on full blast on a nice summer day. BANGER.

RATING: 4.3
8Anthony Braxton
12 Duets (DCWM) 2012

APRIL 6TH - REC'D BY HAVEY

ANALYSIS: Let me start by saying that I only listened to one hour long composition from this album because I'm not sitting through an 11 hour album. Just not doing it lmao. The composition that I listened to had a hell of an eerie atmosphere. The free improv chaos kinda reminded me of Dororthy being thrown around the house during the twister with the wicked witch floating around outside lol. There's no real direction or flow but it is free improv. I can't see myself ever jamming this (or the whole thing) again but its kinda cool for what it is. 11 hours is absolutely ridiculous though lmao.

RATING: 2.8
90edit
Neotokyo OST

APRIL 7TH - REC'D BY IMPERIAL

ANALYSIS: My oh my this is massive. I've never played this game and I honestly haven't been huge into gaming since high school....but none of that matters. This soundtrack is nearly 2 and a half hours of some of the most engaging and atmospheric electronic music I've ever heard. Its core sound is rooted in drum and bass/IDM, but is largely on the chillout/downtempo/tribal ambient spectrum as well. Its uplifting and warm and almost post-rockish in some of the buildups and climaxes. This is just incredible all around. Wow.

RATING: 4.5
10Gonin-ish
Naishikyo-Sekai

APRIL 8TH - REC'D BY PYROFLARE77

ANALYSIS: Idk how to even evaluate this one lol. Super wild avant-garde metal/brutal prog that is really all about the piano, the riffs and the friggin batshit vocal performance. The pianos are an integral part to every track whether they're calm and serene or going on a free jazz-esque tangent. We do have riffs here and they hit hard but kinda play second fiddle to the piano tbh. The vocals range from j-pop(ish) singing to weird wailing to hardcore style squeals. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. Requires multiple listens but this is a sick album for sure.

RATING: 3.8
11David Bowie
Station to Station

APRIL 9TH - REC'D BY EVILFORD

ANALYSIS: This is my 3rd Bowie album and it definitely has a different vibe than Ziggy and Low. Bowie’s trademark art rock sound is in full form but this one is super smooth and soulful. Bowie’s vocals are just some of the best ever, coming off as a gospel singer a lot of the time here. The soft guitars, rhythmic drumming and serene piano playing will have you on cloud 9. The only track I really don’t care for is the title track (which may be blasphemy idk). Honestly, Bon Iver could’ve taken a page out of this album’s book for their new album. It probably would’ve turned out to be way less cringe. Either way, I love working slowly through Bowie’s massive discog. Another banger for the most part!

RATING: 3.9
12Johnny Truant
No Tears for the Creatures

APRIL 10TH - REC'D BY JOHNFIRE

ANALYSIS: Ehhhh this is pretty decent stuff but it doesn’t really hold my attention that hard, especially compared to some of the other metalcore I’ve jammed lately. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely has some sweet riffage and I dig the subtle melodeath influences too. But at a certain point it got kinda one note and I started wandering off lol. The vocals are kinda cool but also kinda not as powerful as I like in this genre. Seems like the album prior to this is worth my time. This one I can’t see myself returning to often.

RATING: 3.1
13Disharmonic Orchestra
Not to be Undimensional Conscious

APRIL 11TH - REC'D BY BRICKHED

ANALYSIS: This right here is some of the most refreshing death metal I’ve heard in a long time. I can’t believe this album came out in 1992 because it’s way ahead of its time. It kinda reminds me of Demilich meets Atheist meets Morbid Angel. The riffs are off kilter and wanky but not in a cheesy wank way. They still hit just as hard as any other classic dm band. The entire album feels claustrophobic like an escape room with all the riffage and TASTY basslines thrown in your face. The vocals are the least impressive thing about this but nevermind that because they rule too lmao. They’re quirky and guttural at the same time. Man this fucking slays.

RATING: 4.5
14Continuance
Carry Ourselves

APRIL 12TH - REC'D BY EFP123

ANALYSIS: Ok boys now we have the second KILLER melodic hardcore album on the list. This checks every box for me when it comes to this genre. Dramatically high pitched vocals with the occasional clean chorus, groovy as hell/extremely upbeat riffage and an insanely energetic drumming performance. Kinda reminds me of Saints Never Surrender and that’s never a bad thing. The beauty underneath the chaos will have me coming back to this bad boy for sure. Summer time jams right here!

RATING: 4.2
15Van der Graaf Generator
Pawn Hearts

APRIL 13TH - REC'D BY CUGNOBRASSO

ANALYSIS: This is some of the most "out there" prog rock I've ever heard. The atmosphere is as if you're in some sort of spastic time machine. It seems like this band is heavily reliant on the chemistry between the insanely wacky vocal performance and the cosmic soundscapes provided by the free jazz-esque sax playing. Both are extremely well done but this can be a little too weird at times. The softer parts are a welcome switch from all the craziness and are honestly my favorite part of the album. I don't love it overall but it is pretty fun.

RATING: 3
16Coldrain
The Side Effects

APRIL 14TH - REC'D BY ARTHROPOD

ANALYSIS: This one has a huge nostalgia factor for me. Some early 2000s inspired alt metal/post-hardcore that reminds me a lot of Underoath's early 2000s stuff mixed with some Thrice and even some electronicore influence as well. Not really my style nowadays but its cool for what it is. The vocals are really good, almost reminding me of Saosin which is cool. I just wish some of the riffage was a little heavier because I think it could've benefited the band. Decent stuff but not something I see myself returning to often.

RATING: 3.1
17The Orb
Orbus Terrarum

APRIL 15TH - REC'D BY MINDLEVITICUS

ANALYSIS: This is exactly the type of twinkly yet still dark and aquatic ambient techno that I can really vibe with. In fact, this one seems to be extra twinkly while still having that suffocating, haunting feeling of being trapped under water. That upbeat feeling is always present yet impending doom is always on the horizon. Perfect blend of the 2 sounds. This one is really pulling me in and I love it. The longer song lengths are no problem, this thing is super engaging the whole way through.

RATING: 4.4
18Jakob Ullmann
Voice, Books and FIRE 3

APRIL 16TH - REC'D BY COTTONSALAD

ANALYSIS: Kinda torn on this one. On one hand this has a super desolate and "ghostown" type atmosphere that I really dig but outside of that I don't find much to hold on to here. A bit too minimalist for my taste, which is weird considering I love a lot of minimal stuff, but there's just not much going on. It's like the whole piece is a buildup to a climax that never comes. The haunting atmosphere is enough to warrant at least one listen though.

RATING: 3
19De La Soul
Buhloone Mindstate

APRIL 17TH - REC'D BY FLASHMOBBA

ANALYSIS: Once again I can see the appeal of De La Soul, but they just don't strike a chord with me. This is decent enough early 90s boom bap with some very smooth jazzy production but these guys might be a bit too laid back for me tbh. I like my hip-hop with at least a bit of an edge and this (similar to 3 Feet High and Rising) is just too soft for my tastes. Not terrible, just not my thing for the most part.

RATING: 2.7
20Sly and The Family Stone
There's A Riot Goin' On

APRIL 18TH - REC'D BY WIDOWSLAUGH123

ANALYSIS: Man this is some suuuuper groovy stuff. I haven't heard much funk music but what I have heard featured extremely prominent basslines and this is no different. The bass and the vocals (both male and female) are the main highlights for me. You see why people say funk is sex music lmao. While this is definitely a vibe, it fails to completely pull me in to where I think this is an instant classic or even close to that. Maybe I just have to get more into this sound but still a really good album.

RATING: 3.6
21Judas Priest
Defenders Of The Faith

APRIL 19TH - REC'D BY ROCAROLLACOLA

ANALYSIS: Out of all the pioneers of heavy metal, Priest hits me the hardest by a large margin. Halford's operatic vocals soaring over the plethora of melodic and insanely catchy riffs always gives off a sense of triumph and this one is no different. Priest just makes feel-good heavy metal that's good for the soul and will be stuck in your head for days on end. Just a sea of riffs and fantastic vocals as usual. Another banger.

RATING: 4.6
22Ween
Quebec

APRIL 20TH - REC'D BY JRLIKESTODANCE

ANALYSIS: This one is a bit of a clusterfuck in the best way possible. Influences range from alt rock to neo psychedelia to art rock to indie pop....you get the idea. Even with all of the different sounds going on it still flows so well. The quirky and weird tracks are just as prominent as the more guitar driven heavy hitters. Vocals are all over the place as well but, once again, they come together to form one insanely cohesive unit. For an album as "out there" as this is at times, it still knows how to strip it down to the bone and make great rock tunes also. Rating could go up on further listens for sure.

RATING: 4.2
23Sun Kil Moon
April

APRIL 21ST - REC'D BY EYESWIDESHUT

ANALYSIS: Definitely doesn't hit me as hard as the debut but it still really good for the most part. Can slowcore be upbeat? Cause this is both melancholic and also very warm and inviting. The acoustic melodies are fantastic throughout and the vocals are monotone in the best way possible. My biggest gripe is that it's just a bit too long winded. Probably could've been trimmed a bit.

RATING: 3.5
24The Smith Street Band
Throw Me in the River

APRIL 22ND - REC'D BY BELLOVDDD

ANALYSIS: I love this. Kinda reminds me of Frightened Rabbit if they played emo/punk. The whole album is dripping with a heavy sadness. I'm not sure about the background of this album but it flows like a concept album. The riffs are folk influenced and the subtle acoustics provide a nice touch. The vocals are just full of raw emotion, alternating between a hoarse singing and harsh wailing. A perfect emo/punk combo.

RATING: 4.3
25Bright Eyes
Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

APRIL 23RD - REC'D BY VELDIN

ANALYSIS: I can definitely see the appeal of this one...but it's just not for me. I honestly find a lot of this cringey as hell a lot of the time and the vocals are dramatic in a very cheesy way. Instrumentally this also does very little for me. It borders between upbeat folk tunes and the more bombastic side of singer-songwriter but it fails to ever pull me in. Also drags on way too long. Idk bros, not feeling this.

RATING: 2.5
26Therapy?
Troublegum

APRIL 24TH - REC'D BY KINGDOK

ANALYSIS: Hmmmmm really don't have too much to say about this other than I don't like it at all lol. I mean am I missing something? Just sounds like standard (and very boring) 90s alt-rock/metal to these ears. Almost put me to friggin sleep. Idk bros. Help me out!!!

RATING: 2
27Fall of Efrafa
Owsla

APRIL 25TH - REC'D BY DEDEX

ANALYSIS: Some really nice crusty and atmospheric sludge metal right here. The shorter tracks can get almost thrashy at times which I was not really expecting and I dig that. I do feel like this would've pulled me in a bit more if the production was a bit " dirtier" tbh. The riffs still hit but I feel like they could've hit even harder. I will say the violin (I think?) is a sweet touch to Last but Not Least. Oh...and the closer is one of the best sludge songs I've ever heard. Just a very solid sludge album with moments of brilliance.

RATING: 3.6
28Die Beleidiger
Die Erde ist eine Scheibe

APRIL 26TH - REC'D BY NEXCELERIS


ANALYSIS: Really wish I could understand what these guys are saying lol. The production here is suuuuper top botch, sounding like it could've came straight from the early 90s East Coast scene. Clearly lots of Nas and Wu-Tang influences here which is never a bad thing. Boom bap (or hip-hop in general) coming from other countries never really interested me because of the language barrier but this rules. Not being able to understand the lyrics blows but the production is too good to pass up.

RATING: 3.7
29Rorcal
Heliogabalus

APRIL 27TH - REC'D BY DTYPE

ANALYSIS: Part atmospheric sludge/black metal, part haunting/claustrophobic drone and part cosmic sounding dark ambient. Yeah...this is killer. Super massive album at 74 minutes but you never feel the length. This thing is engaging 100% of the time. The riffage is like a tidal wave hitting you in the face and the ambient parts are desolate as hell. This band doesn't miss.

RATING: 4.2
30Xiu Xiu
Knife Play

APRIL 28TH - REC'D BY DEMON OF THE FALL

ANALYSIS: Was skeptical going into this because I hate A Promise, but this was a pleasant surprise. This band is extremely weird, mixing jazz elements with indietronica and chamber pop on this album, but it all comes together. Vocals are equally weird and creepy. They're kind of like a whiny croon in the best way possible. Can drag at times but overall a great album.

RATING: 3.7
31Rush
Clockwork Angels

APRIL 29TH - REC'D BY ANIMALFORCE1

ANALYSIS: This was my FIRST experience with an entire Rush album and I can guarantee it won't be my last. What a friggin banger bros. It's heavy in an almost alt metal kinda way but is also soft and serene at times. Wasn't expecting so much riffage on a Rush album tbh. Geddy's vocals are also just fantastic. This one is very rock opera-ish and I can tell there's a lot more to unpack. More jams needed but amazing first listen.

RATING: 4.3
32Crass
Penis Envy

APRIL 30TH - REC'D BY SLOTHCORESAM

ANALYSIS: We really ended on a bang. I fucking love this. Early 80s female fronted noisy anarcho-punk that really kicks the government in its cock. The vocals are kinda cheesy but I think its on purpose. This album is serious in terms of lyrics but its also easy to tell that the band had a ton of fun making this. The riffage is actually a tad more melodic than I was expecting for an early 80s punk album. Noise rock and even some ambient influences are felt heavily throughout. A very unique and amazing album.

RATING: 4.6
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