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.

Ghost- "Infestissumam" (2013)

It was about a few years ago that Ghost took the underground rock world by storm.  Was praised by Darkthrone's skin man, Fenriz.  Later a lot of major acts started to take notice (Phil Anselmo, James Hetfield, etc).  They were signed by Lee Dorian's label, Rise Above.  And Metal Blade made sure their debut album, "Opus Eponymous", got a decent distribution here in the US.  And of course there was the mad love they were getting from Decibel magazine ( who had them on the cover, twice).  

Last year, it was reported that Ghost got signed to Republic Records for a lot of cash.  Fans were now wondering if Ghost will outdo Opus.  And people who weren't familiar with them, were wondering if they were worth the hype.  Despite the over-the-top Satanic image, Ghost can really write some really catchy tunes.

As soon as I put in the cd, I knew I was going to enjoy this album once I heard the opening track.  One thing I notice was that the production didn't have that old school sound like the first album.  But it still had that Ghost feel.  "Secular Haze" is a way better song than "Ritual".  And "Year Zero is now my favorite Ghost track (before that, it was "Satan's Prayer").  And of course the chorus for "Monstrous Clock" was a great way to end the album.  Of course if you have the deluxe version, you also get two bonus songs (which includes a ABBA songs).   The lyrics still have a Satanic theme, but there are more church/Hammond organ than in the first one.

If you're a fan of Mercyful Fate and Blue Oyster Cult, you will dig this.  Most metal fans will be put off because they aren't a death metal/black metal band.  But if you can get pass their image, you will really like this band.  And I do have to admit, their image does bring something to their live shows.  "Infestissumam" totally gets "5 Hitlers punched in the face".  Come together, together as one.  Come together, for Lucifer's Son.