Ken McGrath
1. Dillinger Escape Plan – One of Us Is the Killer
2. Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork
3. And So I Watch You From Afar – All Hail Bright Futures
4. Cult of Luna – Vertikal
5. Rest – I Hold the Wolf
It seems to be said a lot over recent years but once again we seem to be experiencing a vintage year for heavy music. And that’s not a complaint. Long may this golden period last. The new Dillinger and Queens albums show both bands at the height of their abilities. David Bowie proved that you could still surprise people in this age of information overload by recording an album in secret and only announcing it just before it was released. Most people thought “now there’s a one off that’ll never be repeated” when a few weeks later Trent Reznor strolls out and says there’s a Nine Inch Nails in the bag, waiting to be unleashed. So yeah, even though QOTSA and DEP may be battling it out on a day-by day-basis to retain the top spot there’s still plenty left in the tank for the remainder of the year.
Greg Lenzo
1. Aosoth – IV: An Arrow In Heart
2. Omnium Gatherum – Beyond
3. Arsis – Unwelcome
4. Killswitch Engage – Disarm The Descent
5. Fallujah – Nomadic (EP)
2012 was a somewhat polarizing year for metal (what year isn’t, right?). It seemed that, from writer to writer, there was a lot to love and a lot to hate about the various directions artists were taking in their music. However, with 2013 well into the halfway point, it seems that there has been a higher percentage of satisfaction across the board with the records we’ve seen and heard thus far, especially since a large number of bands have made noteworthy efforts toward refining and improving their sounds. Let’s hope more and more solid records keep coming! And a new Bloodbath album too!
Daniel Keating
1. In Vain – Ænigma
2. Alice in Chains – The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
3. Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork
4. Deafheaven – Sunbather
5. Summoning – Old Mornings Dawn
Ænigma from In Vain was my introduction to this Norwegian band, and it couldn’t have been much better. Musical, heavy, interesting, soaring…things that make me love music are all here in force. It’s one of those albums where I catch myself (talking to myself) saying “this fucking rules!” when I’m listening to it. I was blindsided by Alice in Chains’ new one, not really anticipating its coming, and what a nice surprise. Some of the songs herein are as good as any that AiC have done. It’s vintage stuff. The new QOTSA was a real grower. I assumed it would be more of a rocker, but as I grew into it I became taken by the groovin’ beauty of this one. The new Deafheaven is just what I needed in a new black metal album. It’s certainly not traditional black metal, and that’s fine with me. It’s very good, and already receiving rave reviews for a good reason. I love Summoning. I love fantasy books, and I love metal. Although perhaps a bit monotonous, it is another chapter from the realm of Summoning, and that is a very good (and long awaited) thing!
Dan Barkasi
1. Omnium Gatherum – Beyond
2. In Vain – Ænigma
3. Cult of Luna Vertikal
4. Hanging Garden – At Every Door
5. Heaven Shall Burn – VETO
Hello, fellow wackjobs! So we’re about at the midpoint of 2013, and we’re all trying something new – our top five albums so far. I’m one who notoriously labors over year-end lists, as it’s always difficult to finalize. Especially in the last couple of years, where there’s been – thankfully – an overload of quality music to sift through. How has 2013 fared, you ask? Just as much of a pain in my brain as last! I welcome this sort of struggle. Who wouldn’t, right? Without further stalling and whatnot, the above is my top 5 so far. By the bands that had to be omitted, the year-end bonanza is going to drive me even more looney tunes. Ah well. Onward!