Top 5 Albums of 2014

It was hard to compile this list for "Best Album".  So many great albums from some well-known acts.  Of course a lot of people are talking about Mastodon, Pallbearer, etc.  On this list, I wanted to bring attention to bands that not many people will be familiar with.  So hopefully after reading this, you'll at least check out one song from these bands.

5. Girlflesh - Nudes

Girlflesh was definitely a darkhorse this year.  Girlflesh caught my attention when filmaker/podcaster/wrestling personality, Rob Dimension, gave Girlflesh a like on Facebook.  Nudes was the first electronic album I heard in a long time.  Nudes is one of my favorite finds of 2014.

4. Kyng - Burn The Serum

Even though they're on a well known label, have songs played on the radio, touring with well-know acts, I still feel that there are a lot of people who need to hear Kyng.  Trampled Sun was great album.  But Burn The Serum really topped it.  They sound way better.  They play way better.  And of course their album art is even way better.  Really proud of these guys.  They sure had one hell of a year.

3. Muscle and Marrow - The Human Cry

This was also a great new find for 2014.  BillyGoat from Doomed & Stoned brought these guys my attention.  This Portland based duo bring a unique sound to the Doom sub-genre.  The Human Cry is a very dark and haunting piece.  Great to see more awesome bands coming out of Oregon.

2. Hellbeard - Dark/Light EP 

This was my biggest anticipated release of 2014.  This was Post-Metal at it's best.  Who knew that a 3 song E.P. would be a very crushing release.  The guys from Hellbeard have been working really hard to put out this release, and it really shows once you hit that play button.  And just because it's #2, it doesn't make it any less.  I really loved this E.P. and can't wait for it to come on vinyl.

1. Akem Manah - Demons of the Sabbat

This was another album I've been looking forward to.  And I'm really glad that Dead Nedry put this out as a full-length, instead of two e.p.'s.   "Reign of Terror" is one of the catchiest song that Akem Manah has written.  But "The Twisted Rites of Satan's Bride" is the best track from this album.  And of course Adam Richardson's vocal spot on "Nightfall" was also great.  Akem Manah topped themselves again with Demons of the Sabbat, and becomes my favorite album of 2014.

Hellbeard - "DARK/LIGHT E.P." (2014)

Hellbeard are back.  And what a fuck'n e.p. they put out.  Ever since I heard "Black Snail" on youtube, I've been waiting on some new Hellbeard.  Their first album, "Scarecrow" was a solid album.  And with Dark/Light, they take their sound to a whole other level.

Dark/Light features 3 track, which are the best and heaviest songs that Hellbeard have played.  Once the first track, "Maiden of Mercy", starts to play, you knew that this is going to be a totally different Hellbeard.  The one thing that I like about this song is during the middle, they play a really nice doom riff, which then goes to something more ambient.  "Light" is probably my favorite.  When I hear this song, there's a "Time & Grace" feel to it.  And of course I loved those tribal-esque drum beats during the end of the track.  And then we have "River's End" to finish up.  Has a nice 90's hardcore metal riff and then a sweet guitar solo.

The production was well done.  The vocals have gotten very intense from the last album.  Great guitar work and of course the rhythm section sound great.  I would have loved to hear a studio version of "Black Snail",  But after hearing the new e.p., I really don't know how it will fit.  For sure this is a whole new Hellbeard.  And this new Hellbeard makes me want to punch Hitler even harder.  A awesome e.p. if you enjoy post-metal, sludge, and doom.

To purchase Dark/Light, go to https://hellbeard.bandcamp.com/album/dark-light