Top 5 Albums of 2013

5. ALTAR OF PLAGUES - "IN TEETH GLORY & INJURY"

"Mammals" was such a killer album.  It made me a become a fan of this band.  Altar of Plagues are one of the bands that really keep extreme music interesting.  So when "Teethed Glory & Injury" came out, I was looking forward to hearing their new material.  And what an awesome album.   The album has been praised by many music publications.  2013 has been great to these Irishmen.

4. WINDHAND - "SOMA"

After hearing Cough, it's great to hear another Doom band from Virginia.  I heard of Windhand from the split they did with Cough.  Windhand bring in more of a traditional Doom sound, which right now is breathe of fresh air.  If you're a fan of early Doom Metal bands, then "Soma" is your kind of album.

3. DEAFHEAVEN - "SUNBATHER"

If you read my review of this album, then you shouldn't be surprise that it made my Top 5.  I really don't know how much more I can give praise to this album.  Everything I loved about Deafheaven, they did it twice as better on "Sunbather"  Their cross of Post-Rock and Black Metal is really amazing.  Totally pick this up for your New Year's Eve party.

2. GHOST B.C. - "INFESTISSUMAM"

Oh, boy.  This album started my 2013 with a bang.  Of course I've been waiting for this album since I've heard their first single "Circular Haze".  And just like the first album, this album is even more catchier.  Seeing that this band is on a major label, I'm glad they didn't water them down.  And even though they've added the "BC", these Swedes will always be Ghost to me.

1. SUBROSA - "MORE CONSTANT THAN THE GODS"

It was awesome when I heard that SubRosa was putting out a new album in 2013.  "No Help From The Mighty Ones" was one of my favorite Sludge albums.  With "More Constant Than The Gods", everything sound more heavier, more catchier, and just more kick arse.  Since it's release, I can not stop listening to this album.  Violins are the best thing to happen in the Sludge genre.  And if these kids from SLC continue to push themselves, then don't be surprise if their next album is #1 on my list again.

Palms - "Palms" 2013

A couple of years ago, I was super excited when I heard the news that Deftones singer, Chino Moreno was forming a band with three members of ISIS.  Of course I was interested in how they will sound.  Would it sound like ISIS with Chino on vocals?  Or would it be a complete different band?

Well, I will say this; Palms sound like a nice cross between Alternative Metal and Post-Rock.  I can hear a bit of Deftones and ISIS.  But it does have a tropical/dream-like feel.  It really does feel like another band.  But of course Chino's vocals are very recognizable.  Hopefully when you're listening to it, you can get past that.  And I have to mention that it's nice hearing Clifford Meyer doing more guitar.

"Future Warrior" starts off great.  With "Patagonia", I just wanted to close my eyes and pretend I'm flying above the clouds.  And from there on, it's just enjoyable.  I don't think this is going to break any new ground.  But I'm pretty sure Chino has done it with the Deftones.  And Aaron Harris , Cliff Meyer, and Jeff Caxide have did get that whole Post-Metal thing rocking and rolling.  So if you enjoy the work of the Deftones and ISIS, I might recommend this.  This was a good record by very creative people.