1). Sentinels - "Collapse By Design" :
This album pretty much encapsulates everything I enjoy the most in progressive "core" music. It's diverse, well put together, has some bewildering performances and goes incredibly hard. What more do you need?
2). SeeYouSpaceCowboy - "The Romance of Affliction" :
As blisteringly chaotic and heavy as it is melodic and vulnerable; this album is a huge step-up from a band who already had a near-perfect back catalogue already and is their most mature release yet.
3). Spiritbox - "Eternal Blue" :
Undoubtedly the most anticipated heavy debut in a long while.
Although I felt like the hype was a bit excessive, this album is filled with both heavy-hitters and catchy, accessible softer cuts that rarely miss their mark.
4). Silent Planet - "Iridescent" :
Yes I was disappointed by the lyrical downgrade and the somewhat predictable song structures, but Silent Planet have never sounded this heavy, technical and experimental; making "Iridescent" a metalcore album that simply cannot be ignored this year.
5). WristMeetRazor - "Replica of a Strange Love" :
MySpace-core revival has rarely sounded this good or varied, with elements of industrial and goth rock implemented into the band's agressive, dark yet emotional metalcore.
6). While She Sleeps - "Sleeps Society" :
Anthemic metalcore that dabbles in electronic experimentation; which doubles as a love letter to fans and a call for change within the record industry.
7). ERRA - "Erra" :
Highly technical progressive metalcore with some incredible performances that simply leave the listener in awe.
8). Monosphere - "The Puppeteer" :
A conceptual album that shifts and contorts to cover a variety of different styles and genres;
a truly captivating debut that foreshadows even greater things to come.
9). Landmvrks - "Lost in the Waves" :
Another metalcore album with a diverse stylistical palette with some unexpected twists and turns.
10). Termina - "Dysphoria" :
Fun djenty riffs and flexible vocal performances; bangers galore!
Comments