Hello again, everyone. I am back with my second year-end round-up list. In case you missed it, my article on my favorite hardcore and post-hardcore releases of the year is here. In a similar realm, this is going to be my roundup on my favorite heavy releases. This is stuff that falls into the metalcore categories, the sludge, the noise rock, the black metal, and all that kind of stuff that lies outside of the hardcore sphere but still stays under the metal umbrella.
10. Stander – Vulnerability (The Garrote, February 11)
The first of my little group is Stander, a Chicago instrumental trio who have perfected their take on math-metal. It is technical, precise, and full of character. While it meanders and definitely takes pages from many books of prog and post-metal, the root stays in heavy, experimental influence. Every time I listen to this record, it moves me in a different way.
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9. The Body & OAA – Enemy of Love (Thrill Jockey, February 18)
Everyone’s favorite sludge duo came out this year with another breathtaking collaboration. The electronic influence The Body have had on their own is multiplied tenfold by the masterful hand of OAA. Distorted, constantly evolving, and mind-numbingly heavy. Certain parts feel like the speakers and tapes are legitimately breaking down physically, and it creates such a punishingly surreal atmosphere.
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8. Flagman – Thank You, Come Again (Self-released, October 21)
Budding superstars Flagman bring their Orlando, FL personality to the front with their newest record. The slap bass skills of Les Claypool, all the rage and vocal range of System of a Down, but witty humor of Ween. Snarky, sneering, and done with the weight of gravity.
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7. KEN Mode – NULL (Artoffact Records, September 23)
A true definition of the cornerstone of a genre, KEN Mode have been figuring out how to make a heavier and heavier noise metal record since they started. Both recorded and live, they have reached this abyssal quality that is all their own. Harrowing, bleak, and confrontationally rooted in reality. I think if they go much heavier, they’ll need an honorary PhD for their research. Also, we need more saxophones in metal. I wrote a review about it earlier this year here.
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6. Dr. Acula – Dr. Acula (Silent Pendulum Records, October 28)
MySpace deathcore gets a heavy-as-shit facelift. Stellar riffs, blistering vocals, and all the familiar, fun-loving gimmicks we’ve come to know and love from these classic fiends. I also had the pleasure of writing a review of this album earlier this year which you can check out for more in-depth thoughts here.
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5. Colonial Wound – Easy Laugh (HEX Records, December 9)
Southeastern heathens making lots and lots of cool noise. Genuinely one of the most riveting debut LP releases from a band for me in a while. Angular, massive, and heavy. Members of Kylesa, Yashira, and Tiny Silver Hammers uniting for a sludgy take on dissonant metal.
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4. Mamaleek – Diner Coffee (The Flenser, September 30)
I am ready to come forward and be honest in saying that Mamaleek are my favorite black metal band of all time. Their fusion of warped jazz riffs, some of the most interesting production in the genre, and dissonance make it so individual and so special to listen to. The almost lounge-leaning of this homage to midnight rest stops and truckers needing caffeine is an unexpected move for them but stunning all the same.
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3. Buñuel – Killers Like Us (Profound Lore, February 18)
A heavier-than-hell third record from the Italian quartet fronted by Eugene S. Robinson of Oxbow fame. Violent, menacing, and deliberate in every move. Eugene is at a lyrical high point in his career, and the band are in a bloodthirsty haze throughout. It is another level of punishing, nearly agonizing music, in the most positive way manageable.
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2. Chat Pile – God’s Country (The Flenser, July 29)
I am sure you’ve probably heard of this band with the amount of buzz they’ve gotten this year, but in case you haven’t, these Oklahoma City DIY veterans have made quite the impact with their radioactive first album. Sludgy noise rock with a style and KoRn influence that make it in a field of its own. I also got to speak to the band about some of the work behind the record earlier this year and you can check that out here. I also say a few more words about how much I love the record in it.
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1. The Callous Daoboys – Celebrity Therapist (MNRK Heavy, September 2)
After listening to this album for months before it was released, assisting with merch designs for the release, and writing about it here, I am proud to report that it is still a 5/5 for me. Current mathcore’s unapologetically weird and diverse peak. At times rock opera gone unbelievably introspective, other times vicious criticism of right-wing groupthink, it is a hell of a ride. The Callous Daoboys forever.
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And that’s my list! There are hundreds of really good records that came out this year, but in the world of heavy music, these are the ones that really hit all my marks. I hope there’s something new for you here, and feel free to let me know your favorites as well.
Some other releases that came out this year that should be on your radar for off-the-wall impressive heavy music are as follows:
Thotcrime – D1G1T4L_DR1FT (Prosthetic Records, October 28)
Drowse – Wane Into It (The Flenser, November 14)
The Tooth – We’ve Got Everything (Double-sided single, Self-released, December 2)
ZOMBIESHARK! – Born From A Wish (EP, Self-released, October 7)
Alto Arc – Alto Arc (EP, Sargent House, February 11)
