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.

Akem Manah - "Demons of the Sabbat" (2014)

Even though Doom Metal is becoming very popular in the underground scene, the number of Doom Metal bands that are coming out is very steady. which is why I'm still a fan of the sub-genre.  Unlike most musical genres that become very poplular, a shit load of bands come out of the woodwork, trying to catch in on the trend.  It also helps that a lot of Doom Metal bands mix some Death, Black, and other experimental music.  Which can sometimes keep things interesting.

When I read online that Akem Manah is coming out with a new alubm, I know that I'm gonna hear a awesome Doom record.  On the last one, "Night of the Black Moon", main man, Dead Nedry added some layers to the Akem Manah sound.  On album #3, to me, the Akem Manah sound has been defined.  As soon as I hear the first chord, I know it's Akem Manah.  Also Nedry was able to get Chris Lollis (ex-Nile/Lecherous Nocturne) on bass and Ivan de Prume (ex-White Zombie) on the skins.  As much as I hear Lollis bass, I do have to say that de Prume did a great job on the drums.  Head guitarist, Scott von Heildt, makes a appearance on two tracks and keeps things interesting.  Also Ramesses' Adam Richardson does vocals on "Demon Rise", which was also fantastic.

I love the piano intro on "Dark Ritual".  "Reign of Terror" is probably the best song that Akem Manah has recorded.  Scott von Heildt's lead also makes that track awesome.  I wouldn't be surprise if the title "Possession Of Nun" was inspired Haxan.  And "The Twisted Rites of Satan's Bride" is also one of my favorite tracks.

If you're a fan of "The Devil is in All of You" and "Night of the Black Moon", Then you're really going to enjoy "Demons of the Sabbat".  It's a huge step forward but still the Akem Manah that we know and love.  Very heavy.  Very dark.  Very Akem Manah.  This album gets "Five Hitlers Punched in the Face".