Beggar - Compelled to Repeat
APF Records 2020
Dark matter-heavy, groove-focused sludge with expertly deranged, screaming-into-the-void vocals.
On their first full-length, Beggar’s mastery of
the heavy riff is startling. Sure, kicking you in the head is part of it, but
on Anaesthete, for example, the main riff just wraps you up in a hug and takes
you on the journey, like an extra heavy space rock jam. Similarly, metal
drummer extraordinaire, Bertrand Sautier, knows when and when not to go
full-on, deploying double kick bass with admirable restraint, and complementing
the riff at every turn.
Beggar conjures images of some mad street
prophet… but one that I’m happy listening to for 40 minutes.
Honourable Mention – OHHMS - Close
Mastodon – Crack The Skye
Reprise 2009
If I ever take Mastodon for granted again,
please punch me in the head. Not only do they have several great albums, but
Crack The Skye is near perfect. Mesmerising, floating-yet-focused, emotional,
and cool as fuck heavy, progressive rock with hooks so big you could catch a
mythical sea beast. Crackin’ stuff.
Listen to The Czar right now!
Honourable Mention – Sail – Slumbersong
Live Burial - Unending Futility
Transcending Obscurity 2020
This UK old school death metal band’s second
full length was featured on Bandcamp’s April releases to check out for good
reason. It’s a step up in every way. Punchy production, killer riffs, and demented
drumming come together with more thoughtful arrangements and atmospherics to
create a memorable experience.
Listen to Rotting On The Rope right now!
Honourable Mention – Bolt Thrower – War Master
Megadeth - Youthanasia
Capitol Records 1994
It’s just one memorable, hard rock/heavy metal
tune after another. I know plenty of fans wanted them to be all thrash all the
time, but who cares when there’s this much over-enunciated Mustaine goodness
here. The heaviness of these mid-tempo (even slow!) tunes is real, and every
time I listen to them I’m singing them for days.
Honourable Mention – Metallica – Death Magnetic
Scumpulse - Rotten
Gore House Productions 2018
Honestly, this is one of my favourite albums of
the last couple of years. Sounds like a bunch of guys from Scotland having a
great time. Y’know, like Wet Wet Wet in the smack days.
Scumpulse never seem bothered about trying to fit one mould or another, and the result is infectious, energetic, and addictive blackened crust punk.
If that’s not your thing, you probably won’t like
the amazing artwork by Kasper Povlsen (@artofsandullos) either.
Honourable Mention – Discharge – End of Days
Carina Round - Tigermending
DEHISCE Records 2012
I didn’t really know
where I was the first couple of times I listened to this, but it slowly revealed
itself as delicately and masterfully written stuff. Hooks are everywhere but
never overplayed. Beauty and melody balanced with a certain heaviness that
makes this album stand out even after you’ve started to take Round’s voice and
overall talent for granted.
Honourable Mention –
The Mitchell Museum – Skinny Tricks
Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 4
Jewel Runners/BMG 2020
You probably already
know about this one. The most exciting musical moment of lockdown, the release
was brought forward as the protests for racial equality escalated following the
police killing of George Floyd. Killer Mike and El P articulate the anger,
humanity, righteousness, and the intellect of the movement as well as anyone.
I don’t know where this
one sits among their other albums (I feel like I’m still getting to know it),
but this has to be one of the greatest ever four album runs for a new group.
Honourable Mention – Abdominal
& The Obliques – Gone Fishin’ EP
Melt Yourself Down - Last Evenings on Earth
The Leaf Label 2016
Irresistible Afrobeat, jazz
fusion madness.
Undeniably fun and
catchy with a heavy edge that surely drew me in further. Can’t wait to see them
next year.
Fingers crossed that
all goes ahead.
Honourable Mention –
The Comet is Coming – Channel the Spirits
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