20. Swans - To Be KindThe follow up to the massive "The Seer" album from Swans is an unbelievable record. Getting to the length of almost 2 and a half hours this massive album is filled with bashing experimental and industrial hardness that Swans is known best for. 
Against Me! has had a few rough years. The loss of half of the original members and the tough journey of Tom Gabels sex operation took a big toll on the band. But now the band has risen from the depths stronger than ever! With Laura Jane Grace in the lead and a strong punk record telling the about the obstacles Laura Jane had before the sex operation, the band shows what they are capable of doing! A very strong punk record of the year!
The Danish Post-Punk band have released two solid post-hc/punk records that they can proudly stand behind, but with their third record they show how much they have matured as a group. "Plowing Into The Fields Of Love" leads the band to a more country/rock style, that sounds something that Nick Cave or Tom Waits could have released. The use of horns and strings bring the dynamic sound of the songs to a new level. A very solid release from the band!
The country record of the year. The long awaited cooperation with the pop singer P!nk and ex-Alexisonfire guitarist/singer, now a days singer songwriter Dallas Green has been the biggest talk of the year. The harmonies and lyrics of the record are pure love and the atmosphere of the album is really warm and easy to listen to. A match that was supposed to happen years ago!
After the release of their debut album "Signals" Mallory Knoxes journey had just begun. Named as one of the biggest first releases of the year, and playing in some of the biggest festivals in the UK the band has been going strong ever since. Now after releasing their sophomore album "Asymmetry" it seems that the band is not showing any signs of slowing down. Anthemic sounds from the debut, with bigger sounds and strong playing makes this album a worthy participant on the list. One of the best Alternative sounding records of the year!
Circa Survive has risen to be one of the cornerstone bands of the progressive/post-hardcore scene. The release of their fifth album "Descensus" was boosted with the cooperation with the biggest progressive/metal labels of the world Sumerian Records. The album is the heaviest they have made and has maybe the strongest songs of their era. With personal lyrics about the lead singer Anthony Greens drug addictions and the captivating artwork of Esao Andrews, this record is a definite hit!
The Finnish rock group did it again! After almost 5 years of hiatus the band has come back stronger than ever. Releasing an album of true rock anthems that would make the likes of The Gaslight Anthem and Bruce Springsteen jealous! The length of only 8 songs it is still a record that makes people have a smile on their face! One of the best records of the year definitely!
The last Damien Rice album came out in 2009 and the singer has been quiet for a few years. The comeback album My Favourite Faded Fantasy shows that the songwriter is showing no signs of slowing down, with a beautiful and emotional record with a very big orchestral vibe. This is a record for the cold dark nights.
One of the biggest surprises of the year! The debut album that is said to save rock music once and for all. Selling over 60 000 copies on the first week of release, this bass and drum duo has been playing in the biggest festivals and gotten notice worldwide. The sound mixing with the likes of The White Stripes, Queens Of The Stone Age and Led Zeppelin the hard rock filled album is a definite album for all the rock lovers!
The summer record of the year! The smooth indie sound and pop hooks of "Atlas" brings a smile to your face and makes you think about the best summer of your life. The album is filled with hits and the pure organic sound of the album is a beautiful mixture to the other big sounds of other bands!
In a few weeks I will post my Top 10 albums of the year and I wish you all a peaceful and love filled Christmas :)
- Niklas
No comments:
Post a Comment