Bloodiest – Descent
These guys (and gal) frolic in the post-metal fields ploughed by Neurosis, though they definitely do their own thing. That being said, their thing is a little too weird for me.
Reviews – Audio
Black Space Riders – Black Space Riders
Black Space Riders certainly know what sound they are going for and with only one minor misstep on this album I’d say they’ve found it. The music isn’t too spacey to deter fans of more doom styled stoner rock nor is it too doomy for the rock crowd. Is the music a case of trying to please everyone? Perhaps, but in this instance it really works.
Rhapsody of Fire – The Frozen Tears of Angels
Rhapsody of Fire are true storytellers on the record, and the music works well in conjunction with audiences familiar with everything from Middle Earth escapades to the grand picture power metal paints in our minds, resulting in an experience that is both aural and visual.
Ghost – Opus Eponymous
If you consider Opus Eponymous to be a pop album, you probably think Yes and Genesis are pop bands, too. Erm, wait a minnit. Well, I can’t say I see Ghost going down that route, anyways. After all, it won’t be the 80’s for another 69 years…
Thinning the Herd – Oceans Rise
Thinning the Herd is a band that’s proud to call The Big Apple home, personally proclaiming that they’re keeping the city’s heavy rock scene alive
Electric Wizard – Black Masses
Anyways, if you’re expecting Dopethrone II, look elsewhere, as the band has definitely moved on. (C’mon man, it’s been 11 years now…) The psychedelic sounds that pervaded their last couple efforts are clearly at work here, and this is apparent from the get-go.
Windfaerer – Tribus
There’s hardly any filler to be found here, not even a short, throwaway instrumental track. Tribus was one of the latter great albums of 2010, one that I’m sorry to have missed until well into 2011.
Jag Panzer – The Scourge of Light
Along with Iced Earth, Jag Panzer remains the cream of the crop for American Power Metal. Welcome back boys, nice to have you.
Dragged Into Sunlight – Hatred For Mankind
Hatred for Mankind is a special flavor of ugly, reveling in nightmares and revealing in its horror. Predatory and visceral, Hatred for Mankind is a knife-in-the-gut of an album, one that begs to be listened to in its entirety – if only to see what’s around the next corner.
Snail – Blood
Snail isn’t your typical tune-in-and-drop-out stoner band. There’s something more interesting in this collection of tunes, something in that juxtaposition of the sweet vocals and heavy riffs that has my head nodding in approval.