vendredi 26 Déc 2008, 18h36m
Honourable Mentions
Nebucadnezzer - Affliction EP. Amazing release
Sonic Syndicate - Love and Other Disasters. An album that fell just short of the top 5.
Síol Na Gréine - Incandescence. Mindbending neoclassical released for free.
Defamer - Chasm
5. The Dead Walk! - Hunting Humans
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m170/mc_meaney/Albums/huntinghumanslores.jpg
This 7" release turned out to be the final recording from the NCHC outfit. The 5 track, 14 minute long release was from TDW! boys, with the aggression and power that fans have come to love prevalent throughout. Hunt, Bury, Kill the standout track, a track that rivals some of the best (old and new school) of all time.
4. Gojira - The Way of All Flesh
http://www.metallibrary.ru/news/music/attach/1416/gojira_-_the_way_of_all_fle.jpg
These guys are fairly new to me (disappointingly) but they have made an impression with their newest album The Way of All Flesh. The brand of progressive melodic death metal (listed by some as Technical Death Metal) that Gojira are playing is uncompromising and hits you like a fist in the face (over and over for 9 minutes). What makes the album so good, is that it doesn't repeat the same sounds over and over, and is one of the better prog-MDM albums that I have ever heard. The vocals could be better (and by this, I mean, more "death" influenced) but the melody work is stunning.
3. Dimaension X - Ugotllathath
In the next couple of weeks, you will see thousands of these "Top _ Albums of 08" journals, and I assure you, this is one that won't show up anywhere. The Lord has released a prolific number of records since beginning his project Dimaension X, and this is by far, the best.
The album takes an experimental approach, crossing the genre divides and challenging the notions of music as we know it, by blending jazz and black influences together, and these juxtaposing forces combine excellently to create what is only know as “Ugotllathath”.
2. Cannabis Corpse - Tube of the Resinated
http://max0831.com/wp-content/cannabis_myspace_top11.jpg
Many would see Cannabis Corpse as a group who have set out to parody Cannabis Corpse and ride on their coattails. Fortunately, this attitude couldn't be further fromt he truth. The band, set up to express the love of weed and corpses, have released their second album (TOTR) this year and improved immensely on their debut (Blunted At Birth).
TOTR shows the best of the brutal death scene, whilst including slam elements that perfect what is an amazing release. These guys may have the "parody band" tag, but they are sure as hell worth listening to (over, and over, and over).
1. Amon Amarth - Twilight of the Thunger God
http://sangremetalera.com/web/data/files/uploaded/amon%20amarth.jpg
The arguments that seem to come up a lot, especially in the metal scene are revolved around the metamorphosis of the sound over time, and the sellout label that comes along with this. Unfortunately for the competition, Amon Amarth have failed to follow the trend, by releasing yet another stunning release (maybe their best) that has not compromised on the sound that fans have come to love.
What more is there to say about the number one album of the year, that has gone closest (for mine) to being the perfect album? No two tracks are completely alike (which has unfortunately become a popular addition albums, circa In Flames - Soundtrack To Your Escape) which makes the album feel like a musical journey (along the high seas on The Drakkar). Go out, buy this album, and play it until you get sick of listening. I guarentee it will take months.
As usual, I'm opening the journal to all comments. List your favourites, post your hate, flame, explain why you think some albums are crapola. Whatever.