Top 20 Albums of 2016

Well, folks, we are now in December.  Pretty soon, we'll be going into 2017.  To most people, 2016 is seen as a terrible year, with all our heroes leaving us.  As depressing as it is, the one thing these events have taught me is to appreciate my favorite bands and artist even more.  Because we don't know when we'll ever see them again.  But of course, I didn't spend most of the year wondering what famous person will die next.  I was wondering if the next album I buy will be just as kick arse as the last album I bought.
This year brought a lot of killer albums.  Some from bands that I've been in love with for many years.  And some that I just discovered this year.  There are still some new albums I need to get my hands on.  Anyhoo, after many hours of lstening to a lot of albums, I was able to bringing it down to 20.  So ladies and gents, I present to you, the TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2016.


#20. Faethom - Fury of the Scorned Witch



I like to think if King Diamond and Goblin would have a kid, it would be Faethom.  These terrorizors from Florida are a great combination of old-school metal, black metal, and horror soundtracks.  Their 3rd release (and 2nd full-length), Fury of the Scorned Witch, is a raw and killer audio horror story with some great musicianship, that you can headbang in the campfire.  Faethom are still young with a lot of potential, and I'm sure the next release will also make the Top 20.



#19. Misery Ritual - I Hurt Because I Must

This year, we've seen Kyle Ferguson put out two releases and some collaborations with other great artist.  The one that I keep putting on repeat, over and over, is I Hurt Because I Must.  A very brooding and punishing album, that it will make you scream your lungs out til it is shattered.  Misery Ritual have definitely left their mark.  And can only imagine things getting more misanthropic.

#18. Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Arc

A while back, Pig Destroyer but out a Doom EP which was really crushing.  I guess it's only fair that Scott Hull also does one with ANb.  Of course they had Kat of Salome do the entire vocals on this release.  And oh boy, what a Doom ep.  Scott Hull like always, just busting out some killer riffs, as Kat does on hell of a vocal performance.  Supposedly, they're doing another ep, in which another vocalist will contribute to the whole ep.  Can't wait for that.

#17. Medicine Moon - Tales of a Umber Earth

One of the most powerful neo-folk albums I ever heard.  The vocals sound very grand.  The songwriting just sound wonderful.  Never have I heard anything like this Oakland duo.  Hearing Medicine Moon live is also something to be seen.  Everything about Tales of a Umber Earth just sounds perfect.  It's definitely a soundtrack to taking a walk in the country.

#16. Clarke and the Himselfs and Friends - Clarke and the Himselfs and Friends

I want to thank Joe Black of the Nighttime Asylum at Radio Boise for introducing me to this.  For the past few years, I've been really getting into a lot of indie music.  Never did I thought I would get into bands like Jay Retard, JC Satan, and Clarke and the Himselfs and Friends.  Every track is really catchy with some great sing-a-long parts.

#15. Gatecreeper - Sonoran Depravation

 I heard a lot of hype about Arizona's Gatecreeper.  And holy shit, did they live up to it.  This is the way I love my death metal.  It's death metal, for fuck sakes.  It's suppose to sound grimy and ugly.  Sonoran Depravation definitely brings me back to the good ol' days of death metal, before bands started using protools and trying to get a slick production.  If you grew up in the 90's, you'll dig this album.



#14. Glaare - Surrender/Control

Another band I found this year.  Saw this band open up for King Woman and Wax Idols at the Slidebar in Fullerton.  And I just feel in love with them.  Synth-pop and Post-Punk is also something that I didn't think I would get into.  Hearing Rachel's voice just takes you to a happy place and makes you feel that nothing can go wrong.  And the atmosphere is very dream-like.  This EP really makes me interested in post-punk and want to dig deeper.

#13. dalek - Asphalt For Eden

Who would have thought that Profound Lore would release a Hip-Hop album.  If anything, dalek would definitely fit in with their roster.  dalek always seem to evolve on every release.  On Asphalt For Eden, dalek address some problems going on in this current society.  And they do it very well.  This EP continues to make me a long time dalek fan.

#12. Jagged Mouth - Louring

It's always great finding new Doom Metal bands.  Especially in places where I wouldn't think there would be any.  Jagged Mouth are one of those bands.  Hailing from New Mexico, Louring in one hell of a crushing and punishing album.  The sound will definitely punch you in the guts really hard, and you'll ask for more.

#11. Kyng - Breathe in the Water

This is a band that never disappoint.  They really do a killer job at making hard rock sound so goddamn heavy.  And with Breath in the Water, I really don't see Kyng calling it a day.  For many years, their fanbase is just growing and growing.  And I can only imagine album #3 just bringing in more people.  The lyrics that Eddie pins up just really gets you.  And their sound just keeps getting tighter.  Seeing that they recorded this album in Austin, Tx, you can tell that it brought new life to Kyng.

#10. SubRosa - For This We Fought the Battle of Ages 

I'm pretty sure by now, SubRosa are huge game changers in the Doom/Sludge scene.  On For This We Fought For The Battle of Ages, this Salt Lake crew continues to get more epic with their sound and songwriting.  There are also some elements that really helps their sound to grow.  And for this, I just love SubRosa even more.  Every praise they get is well deserving.

#9. Nails - You Will Never Be One Of Us

In order to make a really pissed off record, you really have to be a pissed off human being.  Whatever it is that the dudes from Nails were channeling from, it really made You Will Never Be One Of Us a kick arse album. The riffs were just intense.  The drums were blasting like a motherfucker.  And Tom Jones vocals were more brutal than ever.  For sure, this album is the best one Nails has ever released.

#8. Muscle and Marrow - Love 

One of the albums that I've been looking forward, Muscle and Marrow's Love.  The Human Cry was such a awesome record, I was really looking forward to their 2nd album.  And Love did not disappoint.  "Black Hole" is definitely a favorite of mines, among other tracks from this album.  A bit of a pop-ish sound, but still has that dark undertone that made me a fan to begin with.  Of course seeing they're from Portland, you can always expect to hear a great record.

#7. Young Hunter - Young Hunter

Here's another awesome band from Portland, Young Hunter.  I have to thank Billy Goate for introducing me to this band.  They got a really sick Blue Oyster Cult sound with a Portland touch.  Hard to explain what that is, but I like to think you get what I'm saying.  If can get into the first track, then you're really gonna dig the rest of the release.  Great guitar work.  Some catchy riffs.  And of course a awesome chorus.  I'll definitely be keeping a eye out for Young Hunter, as I can only imagine that we'll be seeing some great thing from them.

#6. The Body - No One Deserves Happiness

According to the band, the dudes from The Body were getting a bit bored of the Doom scene, that they started listening to pop records, including Taylor Swift.  This would be the inspiration for their latest release, No One Deserves Happiness.  With the help of some female singers, The Body were able to create a very dark album with a Pop touch.  One of the things you got to admire about The Body is that they are willing to not challenge themselves, but also the listeners.  One of my favorite tracks is "The Fall and the Guilt"  The female vocals singing over a piano and white noise just warms my heart.

#5. Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas - Mariner

When I heard that the love of my life was doing a collaboration with one of my favorite Post-Metal bands during the 00's, I was super excited.  Mariner was everything I expected to sound.  Julie Christmas still sounds awesome as ever.  And the dudes in Cult of Luna did great work in creating a atmosphere that brought this album to life.  I like to think this is this generation's Jarboe & Neurosis.  When you got great minds working together, you can only expect something awesome to brew up.

#4. Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard - Y Proftwyd Dwyll

Another band that I feel like are game changers in the Doom Metal scene, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard.  When they said they were gonna bring some kick arse riffs, oh, boy, they weren't joking.  On Y Proftwyd Dwyll, they really brought in some heavy riffs.  This is a huge step from their last release.  And their heavy use of the keyboard really made things a killer psychedelic journey.

#3. King Dude - Sex

 It seems that King Dude brings everything to the table.  From neo-folk to post-punk, and some high energy rock & roll.  On Sex, you'll hear what is King Dude's best effort to date.  This record will make you sad.  It will making you feel happy.  It will make you jump in a car and just step on the gas and ride like hell.  A very well written record by one talented bloke from Seattle.



#2. The Coathangers - Nosebleed Weekend

I have Whores to thank for getting me into The Coathangers.  Just like Whores, The Coathangers come from Atlanta and they bring their own take on indie punk and the riot grrl sound.  Listening to Nosebleed Weekend does bring me back to some fun times.  Everyone on this record does a great job in bringing their best to make this record sound awesome.  Crook Kid brings a poppy side, while Rusty brings some attitude to the vocal duty.  I can now hear why the dudes from Whores are huge fans.

#1. Oathbreaker - Rheia

I so regret not getting into this band sooner.  I'm pretty sure they would have made my "Best of" list a few years ago.  I don't know what is it that I heard that made me give them a pass.  But listening to Rheia, it really made me fall in love with this band.  A lot of female fronted bands are doing the whole singing and screaming combo.  But most of the time, it sounds very generic and forced.  Which is why I don't give a fuck about The Butcher Babies or YOLO.  Oathbreaker, that's a band that does it really right.  Their take on blackened post-hardcore is something that I can really dig.  Rheia is a perfect blend of beauty and intensity.  This album really doesn't sound like other bands who try to do the same thing.  If anything, this album really feels genuine, and it really connects with me very well.  Hence why this album gets the top honors.

RAPT (2016)

 

I remember hearing a story about someone from the New York Times gave a negative review to Ernest Hemingway's new book, at the time.  When Hemingway read it, he took the time from his busy schedule to visit the home of that New York Times critic and beat the fuck out of him. Which fuck'n rules.  Because it's Hemingway.  On RAPT, they take "handling criticism" to another whole level.  Written by first timer, Russell Hackett, with Jerry Janda (Painkiller) and direct by Tom Ryan, RAPT tells the story of a aspiring filmmaker trying to make a slasher film that will win the hearts of horror fans.  Sadly the reaction wasn't was what he was looking for.

The movie takes place at a film festival in the woods of New Jersey, where our filmmaker (played by Russell Hackett) is premiering his film, "16 Steps of Death".  Things didn't turn out well once people started walking out of the screening.  To make it worse, the Filmmaker would hear two festival attendees shitting on the film.  And of course a review by a blogger named The Horror Pro (Jerry Janda), in which he shreds "16 Steps of Death".  After hearing all the negative comments, the Filmmaker decides to do something about it.  He invites The Horror Pro over his house to get his opinion about a scene he just shot.  As The Horror Pro watches this new scene, we (the viewer) see that this isn't just any low-budget indie slasher.  The Horror Pro gives his opinion, which of course was negative.  But he did give props to the actress' "performance".  And the "special effects".  But then the Horror Pro would get his face smashed with a beer bottle by the Filmmaker.  Later, the Horror Pro wakes up in the woods, only to find out he's the next victim in the Filmmakers new film.  And since then, the filmmaker starts hacking off everyone who disliked his film, which would inspire his new direction..

In today's age, we've seen many people bitching and complaining about recent horror films.  Yes, not all of them are original.  But there are some that are fun to watch.  And of course there are filmmakers who don't seem to make the effort to tell a good story.  When it comes to taking criticism, it doesn't seem that many people can't handle it.  We've seen many filmmakers go on a online rant.  Saying how people are too stupid to understand their film.  But of course you have bloggers/critics who seem like they just want to hate everything because it makes them feel good about themselves.  Even though the Horror Pro's opinion are very harsh, he does give his honest opinion.  But it's the usual criticism I see every blogger says.  Now with the Filmmaker, he didn't took the criticism well.  He also seems to get upset when someone else gets some praise.  But it seemed that he made something out of all the negative comments.  Now it's not something I suggest people to do, but it's not like he started going online and talking shit.  Don't make snuff films.  So anyhoo, RAPT was a fun short to watch.  Everyone there seemed to be having a good time.  If you enjoy the films of Bill Zebub, then you should dig RAPT.  The location where it was shot looked really nice.  There really isn't any gore, but I don't think it really needed it.  The aftermath is just good enough.  This is a nice addition to the Slasher genre.  I can definitely see this being a full feature.  But RAPT was able to tell it's story in that half hour.  A nice writing debut by Hackett, and I'm looking forward to see what he pens up next.

You can purchase "RAPT" at:

http://www.raptfilm.com/sales/

           

Deathkings/Medicine Moon/Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks @ The Complex (6-28-16)

Back in late June, I was able to get Tuesday night off from work, so I decided to head down to the Complex in Glendale, CA.  Performing that night was Deathkings, Medicine Moon, and Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks (who I've been waiting to see again).  As much as I wanted to kick back and enjoy the show, I took some pics and videos of the show.  Please check out these bands and follow them on social media for updates on upcoming music and shows.

https://www.facebook.com/JoyShannonandtheBeautyMarks/

https://www.facebook.com/medicinemoonband/?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/DeathkingsMusic/?fref=ts

JOY SHANNON AND THE BEAUTY MARKS 

                                          

 

              

             

MEDICINE MOON

                                   
              

DEATHKINGS 

             

             

Flip The Goat Podcast - 003

Playlist:

1/2 Southern North - "Kokyto (River of Mourn)" - (album: Cantabile of Hades (Rivers of the Underworld)

Eight Bells - Landless (album: Landless)

Cult of Luna & Julie Christmas - "A Greater Call" (album: Mariner)

Lost Sounds - "Satan Bought Me" (album: Blac Static)

Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks - "Midsummer Witch Hunt" (album: Mo Anam Cara)

Suicide - "Frankie Teardrop" (album: Suicide)

Flip The Goat Podcast - 002

Playlist:

Black Vulture Conspiracy - "Psychosphere" (album: Black Vulture Conspiracy)

Yidhra - "Cult of Bathory" (album: Cult of Bthory E.P.)

Misery Ritual + Wreckage - "GLOW" (single)

The Coathangers - "Nosebleed Weekend" (album: Nosebleed Weekend)

Akem Manah - "From Hell They Ride" (single)

Witchcraft - "Nucleus" (album: Nucleus)

Flip The Goat Podcast - 001

Today's Playlist:

Muscle and Marrow - "Black Hole" (album: Love)

Muscle and Marrow - "Help Me" (album: The Human Cry)

The Body - "The Wandering" (album: No One Deserves Happiness)
The Body - "A Curse" (album: All The Waters of the Earth Turn To Blood)

Magrudergrind - "Relentless Hatred" (album: II)
Magrudergrind - "The Protocols of Anti-Sound" (album: Magrudergrind)

Nails - "You Will Never Be One of Us" (album: You Will Never Be One of Us)
Nails - "God's Cold Hands" (album: Abandon All Life)

Nothing - "Vertigo Flower" (album: Tired of Tomorrow)
Nothing - "Get Well" (album: Guilty of Everything)

Medicine Moon - "Hey Apparition" (album: Tales of an Umber Earth)
Medicine Moon - "Blue Juice" (album: Medicine Moon E.P.)

Sloth/See Through Buldings - The Greatest Noise on Turf (2016)

Being a metalhead, most of my peers didn't take to kindly that I enjoyed sports.  Especially football.  I always hear how football is "gay" and "it's a bunch of guys getting in top of each other.  And of course these are people who love Judas Priest and listen to Korn (Jon Davis being bi-sexual).  So imagine how excited I was when I saw hnw project, See Through Buildings, doing a football themed split with Florida's Sloth.  This split is gonna take "team spirit" to a whole other level.
Sloth (of Gulf Coast Florida) start things off with what sounds like a industrial drum line.  Then the distortion just rushes at you like James Laurinaitus.  Sacking your eardrums onto the ground.  You can just imagine the crowd going wild on that.  Then we got See Through Buildings' side, which kicks off with the Lion's fight song (I believe it is).  And just like Barry Sanders, See Through Buildings blast into the field with it's devastating harsh noise, and into the end zone. I would like to think that See Through Buildings' track would have been good enough to demolish the Pontiac Silverdome, this past spring.
If you're a fan of both projects, then you will definitely dig this split.  For a sports fan like myself, I really enjoy this because I hardly come across sport fans in the underground music scene.  Sloth sounded wicked as always.  And I totally loved See Through Buildings using a clip of a Lions game, while a wall of noise is blaring in the background.  Both of these noise artist showed what they are capable with their craft.  They really do bring a punishing sound that will crush your mind and soul.  Hope to hear more sports themed splits, because this is really a fun idea.  Huge kudos to Ben and Brandon.

To purchase The Greatest Noise on Turf, visit:  https://seethroughbuildings.bandcamp.com/album/the-greatest-noise-on-turf

And visit them on facebook:

See Through Buildings:
https://www.facebook.com/seethroughbuildings/?fref=ts

Sloth:
https://www.facebook.com/Sloth-of-gulf-coast-florida-1599972390285627/



I rate this: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Mire of Despondency - Sorrow Is A Void (2015)

For a while now, Black Metal has definitely been a force to be reckon with.  From Venom's raw-thrashy sound to Dimmu Borgir's epic symphonic tunes, Black Metal has always found a way to stick around, by evolving and taking things further.  Around the late 90's/early 00's, the sub-genre was taken to a whole other level when Krieg, Leviathan, and Xasthur came to the scene.  And because of them, we have what the Black Metal scene is today.  And one of those bands that represent today's Black Metal scene is Mire of Despondency, who consist of one member, Nokturnus Megrothas   Last year, Mire of Despondency put out 9 tracks up on Soundcloud, called Sorrow is a Void.  A perfect blend of raw Black Metal and ambient/experimental music.

Sorrow is a Void starts off with a very haunting piano, which is then followed by a very wretched sound.  Then "My Cold Embrace" comes in, with some mid-paced riffs and a very cold shriek.  Then a acoustic guitar comes in to close that track. "Disintegration" has a nice Scandinavian folk vibe.  The whispering vocals adds a nice touch and brings out a nice atmosphere.  "Moonrise"is a nice ambient track.  It definitely reminds me of some of the ambient stuff that Burzum does.  If there was a track that will define Mire of Despondency, it will be "Shadowed Earth".  Love the piano intro with the strings in the background.  Then the guitar and drums come in for a killer Black Metal song.  "Desolate" is also a great track.  Love the rawness in the Black Metal part.  And then we got "Cold Autumnal Winds", pounding away to close Sorrow is a Void.  This one really steps it up and makes sure that when it's over you'll come back for more.

A great Depressive Black Metal release that captures a raw sound and a ambient/atmospheric sound.  Nokturnus is definitely someone who knows this sub genre very well.  And because of that, I am able to enjoy Sorrow is a Void.  I don't know if there's a physical release or a download, but you can stream it on Mire of Despondency's soundcloud page.  On the facebook page, there was mention that Nokturnus was working on another project.  That I'm looking forward to.  And then of course there's plans of making Mire of Despondency a full band.  But what ever happens, I'm up for hearing anything that Nokturnus Megrothas performs in.

Stream Sorrow is a Void at: https://soundcloud.com/nokturnus-megrothas

I rate Sorrow is a Void: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

We Are Stil Here (2015)

Hardest thing that can happen to a parent is losing their child.  As the old saying goes, "a child should never go before their parents".  Probably one of the toughest thing someone can overcome.  I always hear about how it leaves a void when someone's child dies.  And it's really heartbreaking to hear.  In Ted Geoghegan's We Are Still Here, our two main characters go through that struggle.  And also have to deal with something just as worse.
The movie begins with Paul and Anne Sacchetti moving in to their new home, hoping to start a new life after the death of their son, Bobby.  Once they settle in, you knew something wasn't right with the Sacchetti's new home.  We then meet Dave and Cat McCabe, who welcome the Sacchettis to the neighborhood.  The Sacchettis invite them inside for a drink and get to know each other.  Dave tells Paul and Anne about the family who use to live there, and the tragedy that happened.  As it turns out, every 30 years, the house needs a family to feed upon.  If not, the house will swallow the whole town.  The house is also haunted by the ghost of the family who use to live there.  This gave Anne the impression that her lost son's spirit, followed them to the new home.  So she invites her friend May and Jacob, along with their son and his girlfriend Harry (who was a long time friend of Bobby).  While spending the night, May had a nightmare which involved the house and it's dark history.  This concerned her husband, Jacob, so the next day, Jacob decides to have a seance with Paul.  They make contact with the spirits living in the house, and then things get crazy.  The ending should satisfy some horror fans who want blood.  Definitely some crazy kills.
One of the things I loved about We Are Still Here, is the atmosphere.  Especially that basement.  When they talk about how "hot" it is, I can just feel it a bit.  The story is well done.  Two couples lose their son, then move into a house that's haunted.  You can only guess that this flick is gonna be one hell of a ride.  And then of course you got Larry Fessenden, who is always fun to watch  Seeing him play Jacob, you just can't help but love the guy.  I do have to say that the beginning is a bit slow, but the movie does pick up very well.  So if you're seeking a haunted house/supernatural flick, totally check out We Are Still Here.  You'll get a kick out of the final scene.

             

Through These Gates - In The Eyes Of The Prophet (2013)

The destruction that one grand sound can create.  It can make the floor crumble, and have people running for cover.  It can turn the sky black, and have make everyone cry for salvation.  But sadly, that punishing sound will crush them to oblivion.  Well that's what Through These Gates has created with In The Eyes of the a Prophet, the second album by the one-man Blackened Death Metal band, created by Michael Pendergrass.  The 11 track album feature some blistering riffs,  blast beats that keep pounding away, and some keyboards to expand Through These Gates' sound.

On "Distant Shadows Arise", we are greeted by a deep/hellish voice, before our face is ripped by the relentless guitar work of Pendergrass.  The onslaught continues on "Dreaming In Darkness", as the blast beats get more intense and those blackened-death riffs continue coming at you like the horde of the unholy.  The slow melancholic strings fit perfect to end the track.   Then we got "War", a nice short track with a great epic sound.  Of course "Legion" follows next and continues laying waste.  I really love the riff in 1:20, it was really catchy.  And by the 3:00 mark, those riffs start getting crazy.  "Demons of the Rising Sun" is by far my favorite track.  It's everything that I love about blackened death metal.  The part in the 2:00 mark, reminds me of Rotting Christ.  Or at least gives me that vibe.  The piano in the end just came out of nowhere for me, and that I find awesome.  "Enslaved" ends the album with a dark ambient soundscape.  It definitely feels like a journey into the abyss.  Or if you just walked into a cult performing a ritual.  Some singing in the middle, but done in a melancholic way.  And the whispering adds a more brooding atmosphere.

In The Eye's of the Prophet is very well made album that doesn't need to be overly produced, or overly polished.  I'm really impressed in how the sound feels so huge.  Like, how there are parts where it feels very cinematic.  I like to think that Through These Gates is more than just trying to be brutal.  There are a lot of dynamics and layers in Through These Gates' sound, which makes it stand out.  Especially in a live setting.  And don't expect some shred fest.  Everything doesn't need to be super technical to be "metal".  As long as you give it some heart and power, then you'll totally get something that feels real.  And that's what I really love about In The Eyes of the Prophet.  As awesome the production and mix is, it doesn't have that trendy/generic sound that I hear at Hot Topic, or on Uranium and the new Headbanger's Ball.  What a lot of young musicians can learn from Pendergrass, is that if you work really hard on creating your craft, you can come up with something that really sticks out.  And what is more awesome is that Michael Pendergrass didn't need a full band to create such a killer album.

You can purchase In The Eyes of the Prophet at http://www.throughthesegatesofficial.bigcartel.com/product/in-the-eyes-of-the-prophet

This album gets "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".

And here's some live footage of Through These Gates.

              

TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2015

*NOTE* I wish I was able to publish this way sooner, but I had a issue with my laptop and I had to get ready for a Diclonius gig.  Thanks for being so patient.  I was really bummed out that I didn't post anything in January.  But hope to make it up.

This year we've seen albums by bands we haven't heard for many years.  Bands trying to break the sophomore jinx.  And bands trying to catch a break.  I've been very active on Bandcamp this year, and found a lot of great bands on that site.  Sadly, from out of all the music that I've purchased and listened to, I can only pick 20 that stood out to me.  There's also some smaller bands that I feel like they should get some attention.  Hopefully with their name being on the same list of a major act, some people will check those unheard artist.  So with that being said, I present to you, my "TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2015".

#20 BLEAK - WE DESERVE OUR FAILURES

Right when I was about to do my list, this album just comes charging at the "TOP 20" list, full speed ahead.  An album full of intensity and creativity, We Deserve Our Failures isn't your typical Metallic Hardcore record.  Bleak is a huge reminder of why I love this music.

#19 INSECT WORSHIP COLLECTIVE - AL AZIF

What the Insect Worship Collective have accomplished is getting a few experimental/noise artist, with different sounds, and making them become ONE.   What is presented on Al Azif is a World of darkness and anarchy.  Or at least that's what I hear.  Looking forward to seeing some of the artist at Insect Worship Fest in January.

#18 SLANDERS - FLANDERS' DOZENTUPID F

One of the most funnest albums I've heard in 2015.  As I've mentioned on my Flanders' Dozen review, this ska band from Fullerton, CA, bring back some awesome memories from my high school days.  Highly recommend some Stupid Flanders for your New Year's Eve party.

#17 GIRLFLESH - ALMOST HUMAN

2015 was a busy year for Girlflesh mastermind, Roxxxie Wallace.  And it all started with Almost human.  Applecart and OZZLE were great entries, but I always come back to Almost Human.  It was a fun year to see Girlflesh growing up with it's sound.

#16 JOY SHANNON AND THE BEAUTY MARKS - MO ANAM CARA

Wish I had spoken about this project, a long time ago.  I didn't get to hear Mo Anam Cara til I bought it (along with The Oracle) at the OCCCA in Santa Ana.  It's a well written album with a a well composed atmosphere to accompany it.  Need something to listen to around the fireplace?  Mo Anam Cara is perfect for this winter.

#15 LIGHTS AND THE WINDOWS - LIGHTS AND THE WINDOWS "EP "

Lights and the Windows came in to the game to start a "New Rock Revolution", and are doing just that.  Despite losing two members, later n the year, LATW are continuing to finish what they started.  Their s/t EP is something that today's rock scene needs.  And it's bands who play with heart.  Fuck your cookie cutter standards. 

#14 SWARTWOUD - NUSQUAM

One of Lord Orgun's best work to date.  This is what experimental Black Metal should be about.  Not afraid to mess around with different sounds, what Ogun did with Swartwoud is create a atmosphere so dark, that you might get lost.  What ever Ogun was feeling, he sure let it out with Nusquam.

#13 KANTATION - NEPHILIM

One of the my most anticipated albums of 2015, and Kantation's sophomore album did not disappoint.  Nephilim did get things started with me with songs like "Walk Through Desire", "Tragedy", and their kick-arse cover of Saxon's "The Power and The Glory".  Traditional Metal is very strong with this one.

#12 DEAFHEAVEN - NEW BERMUDA

Despite the tag "Hipster Black Metal", Deafheaven's brand of Black Metal and Shoegaze was a breathe of fresh are for me.  Especially when it comes to American Black Metal.  New Bermuda may not be Sunbather, but it sure takes things to a much heavier level.  Once you get this album spinning, you can't help but start headbanging.

#11 J.C. SATAN - J.C. SATAN

J.C. Satan was an awesome find this year.  These guys have been rocking out for a while now, and I'm glad that they've found their way into my ears.  Their s/t album is a great slab of catchy tunes and attitude.  If you never heard anything out of France, J.C. Satan is a perfect gateway.

#10 MYRKUR - M

For Myrkur, 2015 was a great year and a tough year.  M as been getting a lot of phrase by Metal publications and blogs.  M has also been getting a lot of criticism by a lot of "trve" Black Metal fans.  Calling Myrkur "generic" and "hipster".  For me, Myrkur brings a ambient atmosphere to it's sound, which I'm a huge fan of.  And that's why M is in my year end list.

#9 PUBLICIST UK - FORGIVE YOURSELF

Never knew that someday, I'll have a huge love for Post-Punk.  And Publicist UK takes it even deeper.  As soon as I heard "Levitate The Pentagon", I knew that Forgive Yourself was gonna be a special album.  A great Post-Punk album done by members of Revocation, Municipal Waste, and Goes Cube.

#8 ROYAL THUNDER - CROOKED DOORS

It may not be CVI, but Crooked Doors is still a rock'n album.  The songwriting is very well done.  Mlny tells one hell of a story with her lyrics.  With album #2, Royal Thunder showed everyone that they are here to stay.

#7 BEHOLD THE MONOLITH - ARCHITECT OF THE VOID

When you lose a bandmate, you also lose a friend and a brother/sister.  Yes, this may have been said about Behold! The Monolith many times, but I'm so glad they were able to put out one of the most heaviest records of 2015.  Void of the Architect is everything you expect from a B!TM record.  When you put the volume way up, it feels like a horde with their swords and axe, are about to charge you.

#6. SHEPHERD - STEREOLOTHIC RIFFPOCALYPSE

Who would have known that the most talked-about band in 2015 came from India.  Shepherd got many praises by The Sludgelord, Doomed & Stoned, and I believe made the Doom Charts.  And because of this, I had to take a listen to Stereolothic Riffpoclaypse, which has been blasting in every metalheads headphones.  Make room, everyone.  Shepherd is here to stay.

#5 GOATSNAKE - DARK AGE BLUES

Goatsnake continue to kick arse with their brand of Doom & Blues.  The songwriting for Dark Age Blues is just amazing.  A lot of stuff here to sing along to, also.  If you call yourself a fan of music, then you should really dig this album.  Goatsnake really do have a awesome sound, and I hope many people will start taking notice.

#4 CHELSEA WOLFE - ABYSS

Who knew that sleep paralysis would be responsible of making Abyss, Chelsea Wolfe's most darkest and heaviest record.  As soon as you give this a spin, you know that Wolfe has created an album that will be passed around from generation to generation.

#3 GHOST - MELIORA

If there's one thing that Meliora says about Ghost, it's that Ghost are gonna be here for a long time.  As long as they continue to write songs that we can bang our heads and sing along to.  Their 3rd album may not be Opus Eponymous, but as soon as I heard "Cirice", I knew that Meliora was gonna be a enjoyable hard rock album.

#2 RUBY THE HATCHET - VALLEY OF THE SNAKES

Oh, such a voice.Jillian Taylor has.  And it meshes really well with the psychedelic sounds that her bandmates in Ruby The Hatchet churn out.  Valley of the Snakes is everything I like about the whole psychedelic rock/vintage revival.  But trust me, they don't sound like everyone else in that scene.  That modern touch is what makes Ruby The Hatchet stand out.  And "Tomorrow Never Comes" is such a crushing track.

# 1. LEVIATHAN - SCAR SIGHTED

One of the most personal records I've heard in 2015.  I was really glad to see that Wrest was in a good place when recording Scar Sighted.  Because of that, he was able to focus on making the next Leviathan record very crushing and intense.  What ever True Traitor/True Whore lacked, he was able to make up for it on Scar Sighted.  You can hear that so much was put forth to make what the album is.  And for that, Scar Sighted is my top pick for 2015.