I want to start this top 5 portion with a MASSIVE honorable mention list. There were legit dozens of fantastic albums and major events throughout the year. So let's dive in, shall we? We've got ...and Oceans, Perturbator, Amorphis, MegaDrive, Miami Nights 1984, Green Carnation, Fractal Universe, Macro Blank, In Mourning, Lacuna Coil, Omnium Gatherum, Impureza, Orbit Culture, Jade, Buried Realm, Between the Buried and Me, Jinjer, and even a new freak'n DREAM THEATER this year!! Heck, there was even a new Ghost album!! How on earth do I NOT include ANY of these bands in my top 10? Well, I had a long talk with myself.. that's how...
I said "Self!" You listen to the same shit nearly every year, and yeah, I get it, you have tastes that sometimes could be considered shallow, and you like to stick to the bands you've always loved, but.. and I mean this seriously... do you always enjoy them? You said yourself that the last Amorphis album wasn't really that great, yet you've listened to it dozens of times. Your "spotify wrapped" told me so!!
So maybe it's time I stepped out of my comfort zone, found some new bands, gave them an honest chance and truly see how they stack up to everything. And sure.. while it may be a HUGE event every time Amorphis or Megadeth come out with something new, and sure you'll buy it on vinyl (you hipster sack of slime!), but c'mon. Venture out! Try something new, and let your own ears decide for you without any bias!! So yes- I now give you... (according to my ears)
This entry could only be known as.....
Part 2, the top 5 best albums according to me? Let's go!!
TÓMARÚM released Beyond Obsidian Euphoria this year, and I'd never knew of their existence. Formed in the late 2010's and releasing their first album over the pandemic; they've drilled a hole into a sound that truly hits the mark for me. Euphoria is a feeling, and there are rare times a sound or song can instill this feeling in me. These guys have done it. Freak'n stellar listen!!
#5 - 『まほろば – MAHOROBA』by Ningen Isu
The 24th studio album by Ningen Isu (celebrating 35 years as a group as well!) hit us as an early Xmas gift on the week of Thanksgiving!! What more can I say about Ningen Isu? It's stellar, and fits in perfectly with some of their best works!! You want badass hard rock? You want a headbanging pace in each song that fit together perfectly? It's all here! Ningen Isu has yet to disappoint me! まほろば is absolute MUST LISTEN!
#4 - Heather & Hearth by Phantom Spell
Phantom Spell is a British progressive rock project led by Kyle McNeill, known for a '70s prog sound with influences from classic bands like Rush and Iron Maiden. Let me tell you... omfg- these guys are amazing!! For some reason Phantom Spell's recent release isn't on spotify yet, but they do have their music available on youtube and bandcamp! There's a certain excitement that comes from discovering an amazing album from the ancient scrolls, and while Phantom Spell is a brand new band that sounds "Retro", it still holds up to those fantastical works of classic prog legends. This album should NOT be missed!
#3- Ànv by Eluveitie
In April we got a new Eluveitie album. Each and every time these folk masters release something new it's a major event, and this time is no different. In the running early on for the very best album of the year (for about a month!)... 'The Prodigal Ones' and 'Taranoías' are the strongest tracks, but in order to get the full experience, jump in from the beginning UNINTERRUPTED through to the end. Absolute fantastic work here! One of my favorite Eloo Vee TEE A albums ever!!
#2 - Nexum by INZO (featuring Blookah)
INZO has quickly become a go-to on our morning drives to school. A musical taste that you share with your kids is priceless. I love the blend of stardust, dance, and dubstep. It invokes emotions and honestly kind of emphasizes them too. Whatever you're feeling, you feel it more when listening to Nexum. A fantastic album that I've listened to completions dozens of times this year.
#1 Rivers of Nihil by Rivers of Nihil
When compiling this list of "best albums of the year" it wasn't that I was shuffling or re-shuffling albums around from 1-10 (ehem- 11), but I was truly just trying to figure out what I'd list as 2nd through the rest. Simply put Rivers of Nihil is the finest album of the year. The return to excellence after a few "middle of the pack" releases by Rivers sparked immediate interest in this self-titled album. A rebirth of sorts, a reminder of just how talented they are. Absolute perfection. Thank you for reading!
Alright, enough of this ooey gooey, showing of emotions and best music crap!! We'll be back to our regularly scheduled WACKYNESS next week! Stay tuned!! Be good, and HAPPY NEW YEARS!!
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