Thank you all once again for all of the suggestions and recommendations from 2014, and for following this list over the year! I can't promise I'll get to all of the suggestions, nor will I make this list as much of a priority. However, I will probably get to them at some point in the near future. The only thing I need to do is adjust my ratings, which are skewed very high at the moment.
My future plans: Well, I'm going to be primarily pilfering metal selections from everyone else for a little while. I don't know if I'll contribute by making a 2015 list or not. I'm very interested in making an alternative metal or all-time favourites list, so that's my next project. I imagine you'll see another 2015 list materialize, but it will probably be later than usual.
Qualeaceans - Capture Of Ziz [9.8] Experimental death metal with a little bit of kraut midway for taste. Thanks to mz for bringing this album to my attention!
2.
Amogh Symphony - Vectorscan [9.7] Easily the best avant-garde metal I have heard since uneXpect's Fables of the Sleepless Empire in 2011. This is an absolutely stunning piece of avant-garde jazz fusion metal, remarkable simply because it remains cohesive without skimping out on experimentation/technical guitar work (an enormous challenge that very few of their contemporaries have overcome). This stands light years away from The Quantum Hack Code, and if you didn't already know the name, you wouldn't suspect Vishal made both of these records. A definite album of the year candidate, and my personal favourite Amogh Symphony album.
3.
Schammasch - Contradiction [9.3] An extreme metal tour de force, with some creepy nuances and an astonishing vocal performance all around. This album is actually better than Emptiness's Nothing But the Whole, mainly because it injects some much needed personality to make the album cross the other side.
4.
Kayo Dot - Coffins On Io [9.3] Prog with avant-garde tendencies- probably the closest thing we'll get to the progressive rock album of the year. Toby Driver's impressive vocal performance conjures memories of Peter Gabriel's Genesis days, but his ability to finely control his falsetto is the real icing on the cake. Add the "Future Noir" Blade Runner styled atmosphere, and you've got a winner all around. Fantastic.
Zaum - Oracles [9.0] Middle-Eastern styled doom from Moncton, NB
10.
Space Witch - Space Witch [9.0] Instrumental psychadelic sludge metal
11.
Persisting Absolution - MMXIV [8.9] A really exciting technical thrash/death metal band that's producing some of the best local music I've heard in a long time. This demo is absolutely enormous. This is fun and technical, like a thrashier version of Gorod without the jazz-based additions. Be sure to check out Barra Xul as well. http://persistingabsolution.bandcamp.com/album/mmxiv
12.
Ride for Revenge - Enter the Gauntlet [8.9] Death metal
Rishloo - Living As Ghosts With Buildings As Teeth [8.2] The renuited band has released a stunning comeback that paves a new pathway between Eidolon and Feathergun, on the one hand, while straying into even more unique territory. The most unpredictable record in their discography- there are some really unsettling moments and also some tantalizing psychadelic noodlings, along with some downright stunning vocal performances by Drew. Will not disappoint.
51.
Deumuseth - Deumuseth [8.2]
52.
The Bellerophon Project - Mental Abscess [EP] [8.2]
+1 for Peanut Butter Burger ^^
Is the new Cynic available for streaming or something? It's not released yet. Other than that, some good picks, though I obviously disagree with Hail Spirit Noir, since it's my #1 of 2014 at the moment
+1 for Peanut Butter Burger ^^
Is the new Cynic available for streaming or something? It's not released yet. Other than that, some good picks, though I obviously disagree with Hail Spirit Noir, since it's my #1 of 2014 at the moment
Cynic's newest has leaked, and as promised there are no harsh vocals present whatsoever. It's an interesting album and there are a few points that are filled with classic Cynic moments (ie. the opening track), but overall it was a huge step down from Traced in Air and Focus. It kind of plods along, but the minor shift in sound ultimately won me over.
As for HSN, I just can't get into them. I certainly don't think it's a bad record and I am very aware of its unique qualities. I would say, however, that from two listens I couldn't find any tracks that were highlight worthy. I'm clearly an outlier, though. 2014 is just beginning, though, so stay tuned!
Cynic's newest has leaked, and as promised there are no harsh vocals present whatsoever. It's an interesting album and there are a few points that are filled with classic Cynic moments (ie. the opening track), but overall it was a huge step down from Traced in Air and Focus. It kind of plods along, but the minor shift in sound ultimately won me over.
As for HSN, I just can't get into them. I certainly don't think it's a bad record and I am very aware of its unique qualities. I would say, however, that from two listens I couldn't find any tracks that were highlight worthy. I'm clearly an outlier, though. 2014 is just beginning, though, so stay tuned!
Well, I'm not the biggest Cynic fan, so I don't mind it if they change their sound, I don't really have expectations for that album.
About HSN, it's OK if you don't like them, especially since you can admit it has unique qualities. One of the tracks that really stands out for me is "Mermaid" I just LOVE that one. I can understand if you don't like them though, back in '12 I didn't really get into them either. I knew their debut was something quite fresh/unique, but, for some reason I don't know about (Maybe I didn't give them enough of a chance, or maybe I just "wasn't ready" or something), I only started liking it a few months back. Maybe you should give them another try in a year or two
Anyways, ramble ramble, have a Peanut Butter Burger on me!
Oh, and that Major Parkinson album is indeed great
Never heard of half this stuff...would I like any of it?
Lethe, Major Parkinson and Ethersens might be up your alley. The rest of it would probably not jive with your tastes.
Oh, and Cynic is always a must for progheads.
Lethe, Major Parkinson and Ethersens might be up your alley. The rest of it would probably not jive with your tastes.
Oh, and Cynic is always a must for progheads.
Alright brother, I will give em a try and I will keep a close eye on this list.
Shameful of me, but I'm not a big fan of Cynic. I admire what they can do I suppose but it's not really music I've immersed myself in.
+1 for the promise of great tunes and fine cuisine!
To each his own. Cynic prior to CBA is pretty good, in my opinion, but this incarnation of Cynic is different.
Are you going to make a killer list so I can steal enough albums to make a decent list for once?
To each his own. Cynic prior to CBA is pretty good, in my opinion, but this incarnation of Cynic is different.
Are you going to make a killer list so I can steal enough albums to make a decent list for once?
I've been considering giving the new Cynic album a try, perhaps it'll appeal to me. Only one way to find out!
Your lists are always informative, and I'm hoping you continue to add some comments to your listens on this one. I'll make a list at some point soon, when I have some material to share that is. At the moment I've dug into about a dozen releases from this year, Twilight Cinema and Oi Magoi being two of those. I've been meaning to check out the new Lurk there, after their grisly debut of a thing.
Digging Atlas Machine. A kind of industrial/drone tagging up with some ambient black metal.
You can thank Joe for that one. I was really digging that album after two listens, and I might have to increase the rating. The middle to the end of the album was unreal.
Haha given all of the great albums he's led me towards, I'd be willing to call him a brother.
Ah too bad, I guess you haven't seen the South Park episode I was referring to. (just google "he's not your friend, buddy" or something like that and you'll see what I meant)
Haha I'm really busy with school, but I'll get to them soon enough. Don't fret, my friend.
I have a lot to say about Benighted in particular. The most fun I've had with metal in a long time.
Haha given all of the great albums he's led me towards, I'd be willing to call him a brother.
Ah too bad, I guess you haven't seen the South Park episode I was referring to. (just google "he's not your friend, buddy" or something like that and you'll see what I meant)
Dude... check out Nibiru now if you are unfamiliar with the group. The double-disc Netrayoni might be up your alley if you're looking for something unique.
Quote: At points, I cannot help but think of The Doors, but that would leave the theatrical qualities unaccounted for; I honestly don't think I can place this band relative to any other.
I take it you're not acquainted with Tom Waits, then? This is so damn close it could be called worship without much reservation. Especially the vocalist is doing his best impression. On the other hand, you're one of the few who actually has ears good enough to hear this isn't anywhere close to DSO. Well, it's a win-win for me, I love both Waits and DSO, so MP was quite a nice little surprise.
Quote: At points, I cannot help but think of The Doors, but that would leave the theatrical qualities unaccounted for; I honestly don't think I can place this band relative to any other.
I take it you're not acquainted with Tom Waits, then? This is so damn close it could be called worship without much reservation. Especially the vocalist is doing his best impression. On the other hand, you're one of the few who actually has ears good enough to hear this isn't anywhere close to DSO. Well, it's a win-win for me, I love both Waits and DSO, so MP was quite a nice little surprise.
I am actually not familiar with the music of Tom Waits, although I have heard many great things about him. I will certainly be on the prowl.
Thanks a lot for letting me know your thoughts. It's really funny that people keep comparing it to Diablo Swing Orchestra.
Me thinks the new Cynic is porn for jazz-fusion fans.
Funny we have the same taste when it comes to Alcest.
The new Cynic has been highly regarded within my circle of musician friends. I'm into jazz fusion a bit, but there was a bit of an engagement issue at the beginning for me. I keep listening and listening to it, though, and it grows on you.
Alcest really nailed it over the last few albums, but this time around, there's not really much to redeem it from mediocrity. Little of interest this time around. You and I seem to have some similar tastes; drop by again with a recommendation some time.