Average Rating: 4.17 Rating Variance: 0.54 Objectivity Score: 52% (Somewhat Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicAlkaloid Liquid AnatomyThis is one of those albums that you'll have to listen to multiple times to truly appreciate just how great it is. The genre-blending of death, prog, and even some melodic folk at times goes beyond each of the pieces they pull from into a truly amazing album worthy of multiple listens. American Football American FootballAugust Burns Red ConstellationsAugust Burns Red Rescue & RestoreAugust Burns Red All I Want for Christmas Is YouBlack Sabbath Black SabbathBlack Sabbath ParanoidBlack Sabbath Master of RealityBrockhampton IridescenceDance Gavin Dance Artificial SelectionMy initial impressions were flawed. This has quickly become one of my favorite albums of all time. Every song is just so well crafted and constructed, and the choruses and hooks are so catchy I find myself singing them to myself randomly. Dance Gavin Dance Downtown Battle MountainDance Gavin Dance Dance Gavin DanceDance Gavin Dance HappinessDance Gavin Dance Downtown Battle Mountain IIDance Gavin Dance AfterburnerDance Gavin Dance Tree City Sessions 2Devin Townsend Project Ocean Machine: Live in PlovdivEbonivory The Long Dream IPhenomenal. A unique and interesting album with so many different hooks and riffs to latch onto, with hints of stuff like pop punk and metalcore. Absolutely one of the best albums of the year so far. Enslaved UtgardFamily Force 5 Business Up Front, Party In The BackIgorrr Spirituality and DistortionAbout as perfect as you can get with Igorrr. More of the same is sometimes a great thing, and with Igorrr, they somehow still have a fresh sound still. Their blend of literally every genre creates a sort of soundscape in a way, and you can feel the rhythm in the chaos. Amazing album, worth countless relistens.Imperial Triumphant Vile LuxuryThere's a tuba feature in the first song, so instant 5 stars from me. This is some great, almost avant-garde at times, black death metal. Jon Hopkins SingularityLinkin Park Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)Majesty of Silence Zu Dunkel Für Das LichtI'm going to fully agree with the staff review on this one. This album defies genres (my best description would be Du Hast does melodeath with a dash of doom/black), and it does it in a way that creates something better than the sum of it's parts. Plenty of bands have done melodeath with doom or black influences, but Majesty of Silence have created an absolutely amazing album here, and one that will deservedly go into a number of Best of 2018 lists. Rise Against The Ghost Note Symphonies, Vol. 1I'll fully admit I'm a sucker for some good acoustic versions of non-acoustic songs. But this is a step above the regular acoustic cover stuff that you'll usually get. This is one of the most well-produced, well thought-out acoustic albums I've ever heard. You can tell that they didn't just go play the song with an acoustic guitar and call it a day, they spent time reworking the song to be played acoustically, with additions of violins and other non-guitar parts, and even a small electric guitar solo at one point that felt very welcomed. The acoustic cover of Savior is genuinely one of the best songs I've heard in a while period, not just acoustic songs. This is Rise Against at their peak, and the message of their lyrics becomes crystal clear in this as well. An absolutely amazing album that I plan on picking up a physical copy of. Run the Jewels RTJ4System of a Down ToxicitySystem of a Down System of a DownTaylor Swift FolkloreThis album absolutely slaps. I was wondering when she'd finally move out of the pop stuff, which she's admittedly a master of at this point, and really strip the music down and let her voice shine without any other bullshit, and she's done exactly that here. the last great american dynasty is a fantastic little bop, exile with Bon Iver is just as every bit as good as I hoped it was going to be, illicit affairs just tears at the heartstrings, and I actually had to rewind mad woman to make sure I heard the lyrics right because holy SHIT Taylor dropping F-bombs is something I didn't expect here at all, and we can't forget betty, which sounds about as close to Taylor coming out as bisexual as she can get without actually doing it (I'm about 95% positive that "James" is just referring to herself since she's named after James Taylor). This is by far her most mature album to date, and a pretty easy contender for album of the year. Thank You Scientist Stranger Heads PrevailThank You Scientist Maps of Non-Existent PlacesThank You Scientist TerraformerThank You Scientist The Perils of Time TravelThank You Scientist Audiotree LiveThe Maine American CandyThe Maine Lovely Little LonelyBuilding off of the upbeat themes in American Candy, Lovely Little Lonely mixes in the downbeat vibes of Forever Halloween to craft an absolutely amazing album. Each song flows into the rest, with the tracks "Lovely", "Little", and "Lonely" separating the album into unique sections. Each track feels fully fleshed out and you'll find yourself humming bits from every song after your first listen. Another amazing showing. 4.5 superb100 Gecs 1000 gecsAcherontas Faustian EthosI was expecting demons to come out of my earbuds at some point while listening to this, and I think I'll probably have to get an exorcism in the near future. Absolutely amazing stuff here and some truly haunting vocals tie together amazing instrumentals. Aesop Rock Spirit World Field GuideI'm not a rap guy at all, but this absolutely slaps. It feels like a great mix of modern rap and old school NWA style stuff. Alestorm Curse of the Crystal CoconutThey somehow keep improving upon a genre that on paper, is about as limited as you can get. They've taken this idea of pirate metal, and really opened it up with innovation and experimentation. Tortuga has some nearly full blown rap sections that don't feel shoved in or forced, and actually make the whole song feel even more epic than it was before, with the horns and big breakdown. They introduced female vocals on Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship, something that's a welcome change of pace in the middle third of the album. The solos are long and epic, and I think most importantly, it's just fun to listen to. They don't take themselves seriously at all, and they're fully aware that this music is as goofy as metal can get unless you're Okilly Dokilly. I don't think it's quite album of the year material, but it's one that will definitely be in rotation for me for a long time to come, and that alone is worth a 4.5. Also, as a post-review edit, I listened to the extra "16th century" versions, and leave it to them to do something as insane as that. I'll leave it as a surprise for you guys. Anachronism OrogenyAriana Grande SweetenerAugust Burns Red LevelerAugust Burns Red Phantom AnthemCaligula's Horse Rise RadiantCattle Decapitation Death AtlasAbout as perfect of a grindcore album as you can imagine. They somehow keep improving album after album, making unique music that just absolutely slaps. One of the best of 2019, and easily worth multiple relistens.Charli XCX How I'm Feeling NowClosure in Moscow First TempleClown Core ToiletClown Core vanMore of the same great crazy noise that this group excels at. They've somehow mashed grindcore and smooth jazz saxophone together in a way that doesn't sound like someone just turned on every radio in the house. Also clown nose beeps. Currents The Way It EndsDance Gavin Dance MothershipDance Gavin Dance Acceptance SpeechDance Gavin Dance Tree City SessionsDeftones OhmsExocrine MaelstromFvneral Fvkk Carnal ConfessionsGreat album. Very atmospheric at times without hitting the weird silence you get with some black/doom stuff, the mixing and vocals are phenomenal, and the riffs are chunky and epic as promised. Definitely worth a relisten.Hollow Front Loose ThreadsReally solid modern metalcore. Nothing that's super innovative, but sometimes that's a really good thing, and in Hollow Front's case, it leads to one of the better modern metalcore albums I've heard in a while. Iglooghost Clear TameiIglooghost Steel MoguManticora To Kill to Live to KillMovements Feel SomethingMurder by Death The Other ShorePagan Black WashThis some amazing blacked metal, straight from Australia. One of the better albums I've heard this year. Having a female vocalist does wonders to keep you on your toes while listening, and everything sounds fantastic as well. Phenomenal debut. Paradise Lost ObsidianProtest the Hero PalimpsestRespire DenouementRunemagick Evoked From Abysmal SleepShylmagoghnar TransienceThis is big, epic, and exactly what I would expect from a band with a name that unpronounceable. Skeletonwitch Devouring Radiant LightSlugdge Esoteric MalacologySvalbard When I Die, Will I Get Better?System of a Down HypnotizeSystem of a Down MezmerizeSystem of a Down Steal This Album!The Devil Wears Prada ZombieThe Dirty Nil Fuck ArtA great color by numbers pop punk album. It's nothing too innovative, and it's honestly refreshing just hearing a group execute the standard sound pop punk/hardcore sound this well. It sounds like old-school ADTR in the best possible way. The Glitch Mob Drink the SeaThe Maine Can't Stop, Won't StopThe Unguided Father ShadowThy Catafalque GeometriaAn absolutely unique showing of how avant-garde, metal, and prog can fuse together to become more than the sum of their parts. Trash Boat Crown ShynessTremonti A Dying MachineAn amazing album. It definitely has the vibes of Creed or Alter Bridge, but it hits those beats while also being original with amazing riffs. Tremonti's vocals are phenomenal throughout the album, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear a single or two from this getting radio time. Definitely worth a listen. Tropical Fuck Storm A Laughing Death in MeatspaceFirst off, you can't really go wrong with a band called Tropical Fuck Storm. You know you're in for a fun time by the band name already. Going in, I was expecting some fun, trippy stuff, and I wasn't disappointed one bit. The riffs are meaty and heavy, the vocals are varied and the lyrics are top notch, and everything else just melds into this amazing orchestra of sound. Certainly worth multiple listens just to fully dissect everything that's happening. Ulcerate Stare Into Death and Be StillWobbler Dwellers of the Deep4.0 excellent...and Oceans Cosmic World MotherAhtme Sewer BornReally solid tech death. Nothing particularly fancy about it, but the execution is just top-notch. Alice in Chains Rainier FogAngelus Apatrida Cabaret de la GuillotineAngelus Apatrida certainly isn't redefining the genre of thrash metal but this is a great homage to thrash of the 80s and 90s. Great riffs, great lyrics, and of course, mind-blowing solos. Simple but effective. Definitely worth a re-listen, and I could easily see these guys opening for any of the big 4 without batting an eye. As Real MarvelessBetween the Buried and Me Automata IIBoghaunter WritheSludgy and slow doom. I only wish it was longer, because at 24 minutes with two songs, you're left with a sense that something is missing. Bong Thought and ExistenceI usually don't go for drone metal, but I decided to give this a shot partially because of the band name, and partially because of the decent review score. I came out pleasantly surprised. Beneath the layers of droning guitar and occasional snares were some pretty unique riffs and when they came up, the vocals added another layer of flavor to the music, and the listening experience could certainly be enhanced with the usage of the band's name. Bring Me The Horizon POST HUMAN: SURVIVAL HORRORCosmic Putrefaction The Horizons Towards Which Splendour WithersCovet technicolorCraft White Noise and Black MetalCrypt Sermon The Ruins of Fading LightGreat stuff. Reminiscent of old school Dio combined with Dream Theater. Tells a story in a long epic fashion, with great riffs, great solos, and good stories. Good stuff, worth a relisten.Fornicus Sulphuric OmnipotenceGatecreeper An Unexpected RealityGhost (SWE) PrequelleAnother excellent entry into their discography. This feels like you could've pulled it straight from the 80s with the vibes and style that they're going for, and for this band, that's the highest possible praise you can give them. Horna Kuoleman KirjoImperial Triumphant AlphavilleIn Chasms Deep The Realm BetweenInter Arma Sulphur EnglishReally good. Vocals had a very unique effect of almost being like in an echoing cave, and the overall tone and sound was very good. Album was a tad on the long side, but otherwise no real complaints. Good shit.Lik CarnageMake Them Suffer How to Survive a FuneralMayhem DaemonInsanely good black metal. Hit just the right atmospheric tones without going overboard, the riffs were great and varied, vocals were good, everything was just perfectly blended together. Definitely worth multiple relistens.Movements No Good Left to GiveNapalm Death Throes of Joy in the Jaws of DefeatismNight Verses From the Gallery of SleepObsequiae The Palms of Sorrowed KingsVery atmospheric, bordering on ethereal at times. Very good stuff, and highly enjoyable. Worth a relistenOdraza RzeczomPrimal Fear ApocalypseSangre de Muerdago XuntasTaylor Swift EvermoreThe Body I have fought against it, But I can’t any longerTrying to define this under any genre is basically impossible. It's a very unique blend of noise, metal, orchestral vocals, and even some pop at times. I'm not sure that I'd listen to it again, but it's an absolutely bleak and wonderful thrill ride. The Glitch Mob See Without EyesA great return to form from The Glitch Mob. Drink the Sea was my first introduction to electro music that wasn't dubstep, and to this day remains one of my favorite albums. See Without Eyes feels like the evolution of the themes from Drink The Sea, combined with the heavier reliance on vocals introduced in Love Death Immortality, which admittedly wasn't their best showing. rAs for a single song, Disintegrate Slowly is probably my favorite on the album, and should definitely be checked out regardless of the rest of the album. The Maine Forever HalloweenThou Rhea SylviaTides of Man Every NothingTiny Moving Parts SwellTravis Scott AstroworldUada Cult of a Dying SunVein.fm ErrorzoneVoid Rot Descending PillarsYon order of violenceThis is a really unique blend of post-hardcore and emo. I honestly can't even pinpoint an exact genre. Above all else, it feels very raw and emotional. What a way to dive in with your first LP. Zeal and Ardor Stranger Fruit3.5 greatAC/DC Power UpAlcest Spiritual InstinctSolid, but a bit too atmospheric for my tastes. Felt like everything melded into one song at various points.Arch/Matheos Winter EtherealStandard epic prog fare, nothing super unique, but well executed. Vocals were good, riffs were sufficiently proggy, but nothing really unique or outstanding, but definitely good enough for a relisten at some point. August Burns Red Found in Far Away PlacesAversions Crown Hell Will Come For Us AllBlack Peaks All That DividesDwellings Lavender TownGruesome Twisted PrayersWonderfully solid thrash death metal here. The bands page describes them as a modern continuation of Death, and they've got that sound nailed down. Obviously not an innovation of the genre, but when you're doing something like this, you don't need to innovate, you just need to check all the boxes, and Gruesome has done exactly that here. Well done. Idris Ackamoor and The Pyramids An Angel FellThis album was working wonders for me right up until Warrior Dance. It felt like a hard diversion from the unique jazz fusion vibes of the previous songs, and the vocals just felt flat and off in comparison to the rest of the album. Remove Warrior Dance and this becomes a 4.5 easily, but as is, Warrior Dance just hurts the album for me. Definitely listen to everything before it though, because the instrumentals are some of the best jazz/funk I've heard in a while. Makari HyperrealObscura DiluviumPlini SunheadThis isn't bad by any means, but after no releases for two years, a four song EP just doesn't cut it for me. What's here is amazing, but it feels like the first half of an album that just isn't there, and it's extremely disappointing. Real Friends ComposureThe Maine Black & WhiteThe Maine PioneerTiny Moving Parts BreatheVulkan Technaturasolid modern prog, nothing really innovative here, just good music Wilderun Veil of ImaginationDecent, but nothing spectacular. Good for the genre, which I'm vaguely a sucker of, and I appreciate the mixing of prog and folk elements into something a bit more unique than your standard epic prog fare. Potentially worth a relisten at some point.3.0 goodCult of Luna A Dawn to FearSolid doom metal with hints of sludge, nothing genre defining, but definitely worth a listen if you like the genre. Not my cup of tea per se, but certainly an enjoyable listen nonetheless. Darkthrone Old StarInoffensive, but not great. Darkthrone being a band that has been around for 20+ years, an album that's basically just a black metal inspired take on thrash/speed isn't really interesting or innovative, especially coming from a band this experienced. It's not bad, but it's bland.Grayceon IVThis is certainly a good album, but it feels very disjointed. I'm all for pulling from different genres and blending them into a new mix, but it felt like Grayceon just pulled from different genres without actually thinking about how to blend them. There's death, prog, and folk elements all present in this album, but they all feel layered on top of each other without any thought as to how to combine them into a full-fledged mix. A great example of this is the last song, Dreamers, where you have a violin solo going over a completely different guitar riff, and almost nothing joining the two together. It's like they're playing two different songs. They almost had something here, but the disjointedness of it dropped it into the "listen once, and never again" pile. Paul McCartney McCartney IIISkeletal Remains The Entombment Of ChaosSkinless SavageryThis is good, but there was nothing on this album that stood out for me. Certainly not bad, but middle of the road for what I was expecting from previous reviews. Soreption Monument of the EndSpirit Adrift Divided by DarknessPerfectly fine metal. There's not really anything innovative or unique here beyond the use of a wide variety of tropes and themes from other genres that really just kind of ends up sounding like Dragonforce Lite at times. It's good, but not great.The Sea Within The Sea WithinThis wasn't bad by any means, but it just felt like another generic prog rock album rather than being anything great. 2.5 averageBaptists Beacon of FaithThis is just run of the mill metalcore. I didn't even realize I was four songs deep until I looked and noticed the track name if you want a clue as to how similar all the songs sound. Nothing really stands out here. It's certainly not a bad album, but it's not doing anything really innovative or unique here other than the vaguely doom element you get from the growls at times. IDLES Joy as an Act of ResistanceI don't understand the hype at all. There's zero variance between any of the guitar riffs, the vocals are mediocre, and half the songs sound the same. Skip this. Khorada SaltThis honestly was not that great. I'm not picky about my metal genres by any means, but there's atmospheric black metal where you have an ambient vibe going on that works, and then there's this. It's ambient to the point where it just becomes a meld of noise that you can't make anything out on. There's no real nuance to the vocals, and it almost sounds like whisper screaming at points rather than actual dirty vocals. Frankly disappointing. Mizmor CairnFalls into the same trap that every drone thing does, which is that an 18 minute song in which 13 minutes of it are barely noise with a new chord every 45 seconds doesn't really do much in the way of music or entertainment. It's certainly fine for the genre, and when they do get into good riffs and vocals, they sound great, which makes it all the more disappointing that it's such a boring album2.0 poorBaroness Gold And GreyGave up about 2/3 of the way through. Absolute mismash of noise, with weird acoustic breaks, songs with no lyrics and almost nonsencical bordering on atmospheric doom levels of just blank noise. Pretty trash.Dimmu Borgir EonianHellions RueIDK what you guys were listening to because this was some hot trash. Super generic riffs, super generic vocals, and literally nothing that stood out to me. Lingua Ignota CaligulaI get the idea of the album telling a long form story, but it felt like at times it was just long and moody for the sake of being long and moody. Not a great album, and while I can see why it gets the love it gets, it's just really not my thing.1.5 very poorOrianthi O
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