iTokoloshe's 30 Albums Of 2014
The 30 metal albums released in 2014 that i enjoyed the most. These are in no particular order. |
| 1 |  | Ageless Oblivion
Penthos
Quality progressive/technical death metal |
| 2 |  | Architects
Lost Forever // Lost Together
Consolidates the best parts of their previous albums to produce an absolute banger
of an album |
| 3 |  | Black Moth
Condemned to Hope
Great doomy riffs with a fantastically quirky vocalist |
| 4 |  | Bury Tomorrow
Runes
This album would have made my list based on the song Man on Fire by itself. The
rest of the album is also really good |
| 5 |  | Empress AD
Still Life Moving Fast
Awesome debut album which builds on their previous EPs. Techy proggy groovy stuff |
| 6 |  | Every Time I Die
From Parts Unknown
Like a good wine these guys get better and better with age |
| 7 |  | Exodus
Blood In, Blood Out
I've always preferred Steve Souza as the Exodus vocalist, and he proves again that
he's the best man for the job. Straight up thrash metal made the way it was meant to
be |
| 8 |  | Hang the Bastard
Sex in the Seventh Circle
Dirty, gritty and great fun |
| 9 |  | I Killed the Prom Queen
Beloved
A great return to form after a long absence. Explosive and melodic |
| 10 |  | In Hearts Wake
Earthwalker
Even better than their debut album. An absolute beast of an album which has solidly
put these guys on the map |
| 11 |  | Job for a Cowboy
Sun Eater
This was one of the surprise albums for me this year. The progression in their sound
and the musicianship shown on this album is remarkable |
| 12 |  | Killer be Killed
Killer be Killed
Possibly my favorite supergroup release of the last decade. Took advantage of all of
the members strengths without coming across like a fanboy album |
| 13 |  | Machine Head
Bloodstone and Diamonds
Fist pumping and anthemic. A band that has been around for 20 years and is still
trying new things, another great album |
| 14 |  | Marmozets
The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets
My favorite female vocalist at the moment on an album with hooks, aggression and
fun. Its going to be hard for them to top this album |
| 15 |  | Mastodon
Once More 'Round the Sun
More quality music from the band. The use of three vocalist makes their music
dynamic and means that they can try almost anything in their songs |
| 16 |  | Monuments
The Amanuensis
I saw these guys live in Berlin recently and these songs sound even bigger live. Easy
transition to a new vocalist and some great guitar wizardry |
| 17 |  | Echoes (UK)
The Pursuit
Emotionally charged and gorgeous music |
| 18 |  | Obituary
Inked in Blood
25 years in and still just as brutal as they were when they started. Death metal
release of the year for me |
| 19 |  | Polar
Shadowed by Vultures
If you haven't heard this album, give it a spin. Possibly my most listened to album
this year |
| 20 |  | Skyon
Moments of Clarity
Whilst it is only an EP, the diversity and quality shown on this release in epic. These
guys have constructed a monster of an EP. Now to follow it up with an album |
| 21 |  | Slipknot
.5: The Gray Chapter
I must admit that i was skeptical that they could release a strong album without their
two main songwriters. Delighted that they proved me wrong and put out what is
probably their best album since Iowa |
| 22 |  | The Amity Affliction
Let the Ocean Take Me
These guys never cease to amaze me, great combination of melodic cleans and
harsh screams |
| 23 |  | Behemoth
The Satanist
I wasn't sold on this album until i saw them live in November. They ripped me a new
one and this album clicked for me, best black or blackened album of the year |
| 24 |  | Xerath
III
It may need a few listens to appreciate what they have created, but this is stunning |
| 25 |  | Dead Harts
Cult for the Haggard Youth
Angry, aggressive and violent |
| 26 |  | Cavalera Conspiracy
Pandemonium
A more focussed effort from the Cavaleras. Not as good as Inflikted, but possibly the
best Sepultura album of the past 20 years |
| 27 |  | Feed the Rhino
The Sorrow and the Sound
Easing back on the aggression and focussing on the hooks, but still keeping the
passion and fun of their previous releases |
| 28 |  | Hand of Mercy
Resolve
Uplifting and aggressive, great progression from the young band |
| 29 |  | Wolfmother
New Crown
Stripped down and simplified music. 70's rock with some swagger |
| 30 |  | The Acacia Strain
Coma Witch
Honorable mention |
| 31 | | Incite
Up in Hell
Honorable mention |
| 32 |  | Nexilva
Eschatologies
Honorable mention |
| 33 |  | Skyharbor
Guiding Lights
Honorable mention |
| 34 |  | Wovenwar
Wovenwar
Honorable mention |
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