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.

Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks - Mo Anam Cara (2015)

In my early teen years, I really didn't think much of folk music.  There was some stuff by Bob Dylan that I enjoyed, but I hungered more for the extreme.  It wasn't til I heard "Far Away Coast" by Dropkick Murphys, (and maybe post-Hammerheart Bathory) when I started to appreciate folk.  By my early-mid 20's, that's when I was introduced to neo-folk, and got into Current 93, Sol Invictus, and Death In June.  Other than having beautiful melodies, and a laidback atmosphere, what folk music also brings is great lyrics and storytelling.  And these are what we can expect from Long Beach's Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks.  This past spring, Shannon and her bandmates put out their 7th studio album, Mo Anam Cara (which means "My Soulmate" in Irish-Celtic terms), and it's a wonderful journey into the Pagan/Celtic Culture.  Both the light and the dark are represented in Mo Anam Cara, which gives each song a different experience.

"Winds of Hel" kicks off with Shannon's harp, which to me it's a big part of the Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks identity.  When looking up Hel, I did get a feeling that the lyrics could be about dying.  If we let go, where would our souls be?  Wondering around the World or would there be a place where our spirit will be in peace.  On "Midwinter Ghost", you can hear Joy Shannon's voice getting into it.  We hear a woman expressing her love and dedication ("I won't let go of your ghost") to that soulmate.  And what that person means to her life ("you're my light when others gone out").  By the end, she ask if he'll accept the good and bad in her, as she is willing to the accept the good and bad about him.  Then we got "Midsummer Witch Hunt", which is one of the most saddest stories.  Of course if you've seen the music video for this, you pretty much know what it's about.  Studying about witch hunts during the 1400's and mostly the 1700's, this one was very personal to me.  Probably one of the best perspectives of a woman being accused of witchcraft by a establishment that has many faults and hypocrisy.  Do they think their sins aren't as bad as the one's they accuse of being evil.  The album ends with "Marbon: Airmid Bring Back The Dead".  When hearing this song, it does bring a fear of losing the ones you care about, and the ones who you enjoy being around with.  Being alone in a cold winter night.  No one to share laughs and love with.  You hope to have that moment, one more time.  Or at least hope to meet up again, once the time has come.

Mo Anam Cara can be seen as a story about the love of your life.  The one that you want to take care.  Be around with and cherish every moment.  The one who will listen to you, as you will also listen to them.  And also a story about fear.  Wondering if they love you as much as you love them.  Would they accept you for who you are.  And if they will be around forever or be taken away from you, and you'll be all alone in this World.  When hearing Joy Shannon's voice, you just get that feeling that you'll be taken care of, and you don't have to be alone.  The harp does bring in a angelic sound.  You just want to close your eyes and let it guide you.  As Joy's cello brings a more darker tone.  Amelia Barron and Rachel Star Albright backing vocals also bring light to Mo Anam Cara.  And the guitars by Daryl Hernandez bring in a doomy feel as Jon Zell's guitar is more in the lighter side on"Imbolc Invocation to Brighid" and "Ostara Blodeuwedd".  Everything about Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks feels so real.  From the vocals to the way the instruments are played, and the lyrics.  From the first track to the last, everything just flows nicely.  If you're ever in a mood to listen to something mellow, I would totally give Mo Anam Cara a listen.  It may feel odd that there would be a dark/pagan folk band from Long Beach, but once you dive deep into their music, you pretty much forget all about that.  And when you feel like you have no one, just pop this in on your CD/mp3 player, and let Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks make everything better

You can purchase Mo Anam Cara on bandcamp:

https://joyshannonandthebeautymarks.bandcamp.com/album/mo-anam-cara-2

I rate this "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face"

  

Swartwoud - Nusquam (2015)

- "nusquam" meaning: nowhere, in no place, nothing, for nothing -

Swartwoud is a unique kind of beast.  It is nothing that you've probably heard before.  Or at least in my neck of the woods.  After the bullocks that happened with Zaltu, Lord Orgun put Zaltu on hiatus and started focusing on is experimental Black Metal project, Swartwoud.  Last year, Hexental took us into a journey of bleakness and cacophony.  With Nusquam (Swartwoud's new release), we now enter a void that is dark, cold, and empty.  It's a place where those who have nothing can fit in.  If you're planning to  enter the abyss that is Nusquam, then step in with no light.  And let the darkness guide you through.

When you hear the drum beats of "Ubermenschlich" (German for "superhuman"), you feel like you're in a ritual.  You see shadow looking figures, dancing around the flames, revering a entity that is very superior.  On "87.7N.142.2E (North Pole Song), the guitar riff has a very militant vibe, as if Ogun ready to lead and conquer (most likely Santa's Village).  And you can hear a bit of a Rammstein influence on the vocals.  "Hellbound" is my favorite track.  I'm always a sucker for a guitar that starts off calm before going into total chaos.  Vocals are very menacing.  As if someone has upset that entity and it has now unleashed it's wrath.  Not sure if I'm hearing it right, but it sounds like Ogun does some guitar bending.  And it sounds really sick.  Things start to calm down when "Ex Nihilo" kicks in.  We escaped the darkness, but for some reason  we still feel trapped inside the abyss.  And when we hear those ambient keyboard/organ come in on "Nusquam". we realize that  we are in here forever.  All alone and just floating around.  Having to embrace that isolation.

I wonder if things didn't go sour with Zaltu, would we be hearing Nusquam today.  This is definitely a perfect predecessor to Hexental, as Nusquam has a better sound, a better atmosphere, and more creative.  The violin on "Eindelik" was a nice touch.  It just had a raw and ugly feel.  Perfect for the Swartwoud sound.  And it's those little things that I appreciate from Swartwoud.  With this project, nothing is off limits for Lord Orgun.  Swartwoud is the platform where he can express himself, however he wants to.  Many influences make what Swartwoud is.  But where many bands who have many influences sound like they're everywhere, Swartwoud managed to make it sound as one.  So whether it's heavy, ambient, noisey, mellow, it will still sound like Swatwoud.  Not sure what the average metal listeners would think about Nusquam, but for those who enjoy a very left-field sound, there will be some stuff that you'll dig.  It's a shame that we won't be hearing new Zaltu for a while, but I'm glad to hear some new Swartwoud.  Nusquam has really kept Swartwoud really interesting, and that's what we need in extreme and experimental music.  Sometimes we have to be challenge outside of our comfort zone.  Especially if you're hungry for new music.  If Orgun continues being creative, pushing his sound, and willing to give Swartwoud all his focus, then hopefully we will be hearing Swartwoud's phrases everywhere.

Nusquam can now be stream on youtube.

                          

And if you dig it, you can order the cassette by sending a email at swartwoud999@gmail.com

I rate Nusquam "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face"

Enslaved - "In Time" (2015)

Ever since they declared their love for Pink Floyd, Enslave have been pushing themselves from just being another Black Metal band.  Some fans of their early Black Metal recordings, may have been disappointed, as they felt like Enslaved has abandoned their early sound.  But there are those who welcomed it.  As to them, it was something new, and kept them interested.  Enslaved were already a unique band to begin with.  They were took Bathory's Viking them and took it to a whole new level.  And with their new album, In Time, we still hear Enslaved continuing their Prog journey.
"Thurisaz Dreaming" comes out of the gate swinging.  The tremolos are just blazing.  Cato Bekkevoid is just pounding on those drums.  And Grutle is just relentless with those vocals.  And then keyboardist/vocalist, Herbrand, comes in to make things diverse.  But his delivery in the 4:30 mark is just epic.  I also really loved his singing on "Building With Fire".  It's also one of my favorite song writing by Enslaved.  The way the song progresses is only something that a band with the experience that Enslaved has.  "Nauthir Bleeding" is another song progresses really nicely.  The set-up is nice and mellow.  Then the song starts to kick arse once we hear Grutle.  The solo around the 4:30 mark added a very nice touch before things get intense again.  And finally, you can't end a Enslaved album without something EPIC, to send the listeners off.  "Daylight" fits in perfects.  Just listen to the choir vocals.  That totally screams "EPIC".  It's also a perfect movie soundtrack about a Viking who just came back to his village, after laying waste to his enemy.  You just want to raise your sword up high for Odin and the warriors up in Valhalla, having a drink.
In Time is probably my favorite recent album by Enslaved. I definitely love their earlier stuff.  But ever since they changed their sound, I would have to pick In Time.  Everything about it is just so good.  From the production, the musicianship, Grutle and Herbrand's vocal delivery, and of course the lyrics.  In Time may not be old-school Norwegian Black Metal, but it does kick a lot of arse.  It also helps if you let the music sink in.  Believe me, it's gonna be one hell of a journey.  If you haven't heard Enslaved before, then I suggest you look for their early stuff before getting into their more progressive/experimental stuff.  If you love extreme and epic music, then you'll dig In Time.  Sadly I don't have mead on me, so I raise my cup of Mt. Dew: Code Red for Enslaved.

"Rating: 5 Hitlers Punched In The Face"

You can purchase In Time here, along with a instant download.

Enslaved - In Time @ amazon.com

Code 415 Podcast: 12-6-15

On this episode, I'll be playing bands from Australia.  Also music from Amorphis, Enslaved, and the collaboration between The Body and Krieg.  Hope you guys will enjoy.

Playlist:

Girlflesh - "Monster"

Asylum Sisters - "Harder, Darker, Louder"

Hope Drone - "Every End Is Fated In It's Beginning"

The Body + Krieg - "Bottom of the Bottle, Bottom of the River"

Amorphis - "Better Unborn"

Enslaved - "Daylight"

Code 415 Podcast: 12-6-15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Royal Thunder - "Crooked Doors" (2015)

Anyone who's heard "CVI", the debut full length by Royal Thunder, should pretty much know already how much they rock.  Their Southern sludgy/psychedelic/hard rock sound, with Miny's voice won me over and turned me into a huge fan.  And they came in a good time when a lot of Georgia bands were making some noise.  Now they have released their 2nd LP, "Crooked Doors", a perfect successor to "CVI".  A album that is just as catchy and heavy as the last one.

"Crooked Doors" starts off with one of my favorite tracks, "Time Machine".  As soon as you hear it, you know something different is gonna happen.  And it's gonna be really good.  I love that Joan Jett-esque attitude in Miny's vocals on the chorus.  It's just awesome when someone who has a blues-y and soulful voice can take it up a notch.  Also a perfect choice to make it into a music video.  If "Time Machine" didn't quite did it for you, then "Forget You" should do the job.  It may not be "Whispering World" from "CVI", but it is just as heavy.  "The Line" has a nice guitar feedback and bass line to get your attention.  "The Line is another track that displays how well they mesh the heavy and mellow parts.  And it has some good solos in this one, too.  "Forgive Me, Karma" is a great title.  And I can only imagine that a title like that will have a psychedelic feel.  And hearing "The Bear II" just makes me want to cry.  Not because it's a piano balled, but because I know it's over.  Of course I can always play it back again (along with "CVI"

"Crooked Doors" has a great flow.  Especially hearing it on vinyl.  I knew what the band was capable of after hearing "CVI.  "Crooked Doors" escapes the "sophomore jinx" and accomplishes  in becoming kick arse record for 2015.  If you've been digging the indie rock influence in Kylesa, and enjoy Baroness or Red Fang, then Royal Thunder is the band for you.  Relapse has been putting out some awesome records this year.  And "Crooked Doors" is one of them.  Just a great album with heavy riffs and sweet vocals.  If you're tired of In This Moment and Butcher Babies, then please give Royal Thunder a try, and pick up their latest album, "Crooked Doors".  I promise you'll be rocking out in no time.

I rate this album "5 Hitlers punched in the face"

You can purchase "Crooked Doors" at:

https://royalthunder.bandcamp.com/album/crooked-doors-deluxe-version

Code 415 Podcast: 11-29-29

Playlist:

Jesus Is Dead

"Genetically Modified Organism"

Statistical Anger

https://jesusisdead.bandcamp.com/album/statistical-anger

Phog Masheeen

"Breathalizer (Unforeseen Side Effects)"

Survey of Brutaity

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/phogmasheeen

X-Bax

"Bring The Noise"

Philturd

https://xbax.bandcamp.com/album/philturd 

Endometrium Cuntplow

"T H R E E (Trip Currents Redux)"

Failed Ghost

https://endometriumcuntplow.bandcamp.com/album/failed-ghosts

See Through Buildings

"Graceless"

Noisevember

https://seethroughbuildings.bandcamp.com/album/noisevember

Small Drone Orchestra

"Part 1"

Lost In Largesse

https://smalldroneorchestra.bandcamp.com/album/lost-in-largesse

Code 415 Podcast: 11-29-15 by Code415media on Mixcloud