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Here are the albums that I have heard so far in 2013. The list will grow as I listen to more albums that come out (which doesn't seem like much compared to 2012, but I'll take what I get regardless). This list is ranked from first to last (Dustwalker by Fen is the first album I heard this year), not by rank. Album ranks will be placed in each description.
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1.
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Fen - Dustwalker
[7.5/10] Good, but not essential compared to their excellent previous two releases. The last half of the album lags behind after a strong first half, and the overall sound feels less consistent and focused compared to Malediction Fields and Epoch. "Hands of Dust" is a real contender for song of the year to give the benefit of a doubt however. |
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2.
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Riverside - Shrine Of New Generation Slaves
[8.75/10] Excellent prog release, the first real highlight of 2013. For me, It's about as close to classic 1970's prog rock that I have heard while also retaining the "heavier" elements and better maintaining the audience's attention than an album like Opeth's Heritage from 2011 (which I liked, but the overall reception was rather lukewarm). A strong contender for album of the year in my book as the year progresses. :D |
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3.
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Cult Of Luna - Vertikal
[8.25/10] Great post-metal album. A worthy follow-up to their 2008 effort Eternal Kingdom. I really like the more experimental and "spacey" nature of this album, and the "Metropolis" like concept being weaved through the lyrics is fascinating. |
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4.
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Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)
[9/10] This album is truly wonderful. The songwriting and music is exquisite and Steven Wilson's angelic voice graces every second. |
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5.
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Darkthrone - The Underground Resistance
[8/10] Very solid take on the classic NWOBHM-styled sound. Darkthrone has proven once again that they do not need to reside in one given genre to make very enjoyable and solid music for these ears. Great stuff. |
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6.
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Through These Gates - In the Eyes of the Prophet
[8.3/10] Really enjoyable blackened death metal experience. Very crushing with a subtle layer of atmosphere layered over it. |
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7.
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Depeche Mode - Delta Machine
[8/10] I know it's not a metal record, but I still love this band and want to express my thoughts on it. I really like it! I think it's a big step up from "Sounds of the Universe" (which I thought was just ok) and the band sounds refreshed here. It has a cool "Songs of Faith and Devotion" vibe, while also reaching back to their 80s sound. The production sounds a bit compressed for my taste, but I still really enjoy this album! Great stuff once again from one of the legends of electronic music! :) |
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8.
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Geoff Tate's Queensrÿche - Frequency Unknown
[1.5/10] While it is a very very slight improvement over his latest solo album and much of the recent Queensrÿche material, it's still not worth buying because of how generic, boring, and awful the music is still (not to mention those laughable re-recorded songs). Plus could his album title and cover art be anymore obvious? It's a pathetic excuse to put out this crap just because he wants to get back at the "other" Queensrÿche. It already guarantees I won't be buying this album just based on pure principle. Quite possibly the worst album of the year, maybe even the decade. |
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9.
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Amorphis - Circle
[9.25/10] This just replaced Steven Wilson's new record as my personal forerunner for album of the year. Such a big bounce back from 2011's "The Beginning of Times" and a very mystical, heavy record. It is a very refreshing listen and these songs are among the best I've heard this band create, with some of my least favorites even becoming big growers. A superb release from these prog/folk/melodic death metal legends. |
Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
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