No Nonsense Metal
Top 10 Albums Of 2013!
2013 has proven to be a monumental year for extreme music. We have witnessed the return of some of the greatest pioneering acts Metal music has ever seen, as well as a succession of future legends solidifying their place within our realms. It is fair to say that 2013 holds some of the best Metal releases of all time, but within it also resides some of the most spectacular misfires ever to insult mortal eardrums. Focusing on the positive aspects of the years releases, here is a round up of 10 albums that 2013 shall truly be remembered for. Undoubtedly, this list of albums will (and should) be fairly predictable, reminding you of the incredible strides extreme music has made within the last year. However, it should also highlight just how much can change within a 365 day stretch, and just how much Metal music can terraform within that time. So lets hope 2014 lives up to the achievements of 2013. Bring on the brutality!
10- MEGADETH: SUPER COLLIDER
Super Collider proved to be the most Marmite Metal album of the year. For what should have been another building block to Megadeth's ever growing legacy, Super Collider was torn asunder by the media and disemboweled by critics. Many fans saw this slight stumble as just that, and not the half-hearted attempt to stay relevant that many reviews sold it as.
Super Collider certainly isn't in the same league as Megadeth's own monoliths like Rust In Peace or even Thirteen, but snapping at their heels with tracks like "King Maker", Super Collider is far from a disappointment.
8- IMMOLATION: KINGDOM OF CONSPIRACY
Trying to follow up a successful release is never easy, but following up a stretch of spectacular albums can be a bit more difficult, and sometimes near impossible. Immolation however, grasped 2013 and used it to demonstrate both how a successful follow up is made, and just how clean-cut Death-metal is really done. Kingdom Of Conspiracy varies in approach and style from its predecessors, but it is certainly no less brutal or memorable. If anything, breathtaking tracks such as "God Complex" and "All That Awaits Us", ensure that it is Kingdom Of Conspiracy that Immolation will be remembered for.
7- SODOM: EPITOME OF TORTURE
2013 has been a great year for Thrash-Metal, but it was made all the better by the continuing battle of German Thrash titans, Sodom, and their monolithic 14th full length release, Epitome Of Torture. Strictly following the classic Sodom recipe, Epitome Of Torture is far more than just clean cut Thrash-Metal. Barbaric musicianship, thundering rhythms and Tom Angelripper's iconic snarling, justify perfectly why Sodom are one of the greatest Thrash-Metal bands in the world.
6- BLACK SABBATH: 13
Legends come and legends go, but sometimes, legends return. For Black Sabbath, their return needed to be something worthy of their status. So how did Birmingham's finest reply to the anticipation of fans, many of whom had endured 30 years of waiting? The answer, is by releasing their greatest and most consistent album to date.
13 appears effortlessly special, packing some of the greatest material Sabbath have ever created. The sound and style is expectedly predictable, which is in no way a shame. Choice cuts such as the Doom-laden "Age Of Reason" and the grooving "Loner", provide comfort with otherworldly Iommi riffs, Geezer's heavy bass tunes and Ozzy's iconic vocals. If another 30 year wait was necessary for a follow up as good as 13, then it would be well worth the wait.
5- AMON AMARTH: DECEIVER OF THE GODS
Folk-Metal is currently taking the world by storm. Although it is not a new style or motive of sound, its continual rejuvenation solidifies its position within the Metal music world. As is the way with any sub-genre, Folk and themed bands need to stand out from the crowd. Amon Amarth have been ahead of the game for some time, but Deceiver Of The Gods has seen them burst out from the Folk pigeon hole, and basking in the acceptance of the wider Metal scene as a genuine band creating equally genuine music.
Amon Amarth's unique style of melodic Death-Metal appeals to a far wider audience than their Viking themes and imagery, which in itself is an incredibly wide audience. Musically and vocally, Deceiver Of The Gods is utterly flawless. Stretching across 10 tracks of Viking and Mythologically inspired Death-Metal majesty, Deceiver Of The Gods is an untouchable, game changing masterpiece.
4- CHILDREN OF BODOM: HALO OF BLOOD
Halo Of Blood is the sound of a finely tuned, well oiled metallic machine. Virtually impossible to define, Children Of Bodom have taken their unique strain of Metal to the next level on album number 8.
Although Children Of Bodom have a respectable catalog to their name, it is hard to deny that they never quite managed to top the brilliance of 2003's Hate Crew Deathroll. However, a decade on Deathroll's throne has finally been conquered by the pure excellence of Halo Of Blood.
Boasting tracks such as the crushing, "Damaged Beyond Repair" and the unmistakably Bodom sounding "All Twisted", it is plain to see just how far both Bodom and Halo Of Blood will go. Packed with a wide variety of style and sounds, ranging from Thrash speed riffing to symphonic elements, Halo Of Blood literally has something for everyone.
Six Feet Under have been putting the Death into Death-Metal for the best part of 2 decades. Within that time there has been many musical highs and lows, variations in sound and themes, and the expected evolution that upwards of 2 decades forces upon any band. Unborn however, is the culmination of Six Feet Under and Chris Barnes' careers, and in no way does this album fall short of their deserved justice.
Similar in style and sound to the accompanying, Undead, Unborn is an unblemished Death-Metal masterclass. Openly returning to the trademarked horror themes, this 11 track collection of refined brutality demonstrates just how alive, kicking and screaming the sub-genre really is. Tracks such as "Decapitate", "Incision" and "Inferno", are laden with the spine shivering, skull shattering elements that entice the gore obsessed and Metal addicted masses, and ensure that Death-Metal remains and will continue to remain relevant in the future.
There is only 1 possible candidate for the number 1 spot in 2013. Taiwanese Metal warriors, Chthonic, continue to conquer the globe with their unique combination of solid metallic riffing, impressive vocal strength and variation, and the use of traditional Taiwanese and Asian instruments. Chthonic's 7th full length release, Bu-Tik, is a musically sound tribute to their achievements and progress as a band. Metal music and other such spectacles can often be condemned in some parts of the far east, but Bu-Tik is a shimmering example of what dedication, determination and passion for a cause can accomplish.
Tracks such as "Supreme Pain For The Tyrant" and "Defenders Of Bu-Tik Palace", incorporate pulsing melodic breakdowns, crushing riffs, guttural growls and shattering screams, all contained within a symphonic shell that works to encapsulate and mesmerise the listener. On the surface, Bu-Tik may appear to some as a heavier Folk-Metal effort, but listen a little closer and you shall hear the passion poured into every second of the album, and although Bu-Tik might not be the album that boosts Chthonic into mega-stardom, it will forever hold its independence as an undeniable beacon of brilliance.
10- MEGADETH: SUPER COLLIDER
Super Collider proved to be the most Marmite Metal album of the year. For what should have been another building block to Megadeth's ever growing legacy, Super Collider was torn asunder by the media and disemboweled by critics. Many fans saw this slight stumble as just that, and not the half-hearted attempt to stay relevant that many reviews sold it as.
Super Collider certainly isn't in the same league as Megadeth's own monoliths like Rust In Peace or even Thirteen, but snapping at their heels with tracks like "King Maker", Super Collider is far from a disappointment.
9- JUNGLE ROT: TERROR REGIME
A flawless Death-Metal future classic, armed to the teeth with all the key components a memorable release requires and so much more.
Although Terror Regime had a number of admirable releases preceding it, it is fair to say that this is possibly Jungle Rot's greatest achievement to date. Mixing classic Death-Metal musicianship, with ferocious breakdowns and Jungle Rot's own unique sound, Terror Regime pleases Metal-Head right across the musical spectrum.
Trying to follow up a successful release is never easy, but following up a stretch of spectacular albums can be a bit more difficult, and sometimes near impossible. Immolation however, grasped 2013 and used it to demonstrate both how a successful follow up is made, and just how clean-cut Death-metal is really done. Kingdom Of Conspiracy varies in approach and style from its predecessors, but it is certainly no less brutal or memorable. If anything, breathtaking tracks such as "God Complex" and "All That Awaits Us", ensure that it is Kingdom Of Conspiracy that Immolation will be remembered for.
2013 has been a great year for Thrash-Metal, but it was made all the better by the continuing battle of German Thrash titans, Sodom, and their monolithic 14th full length release, Epitome Of Torture. Strictly following the classic Sodom recipe, Epitome Of Torture is far more than just clean cut Thrash-Metal. Barbaric musicianship, thundering rhythms and Tom Angelripper's iconic snarling, justify perfectly why Sodom are one of the greatest Thrash-Metal bands in the world.
6- BLACK SABBATH: 13
Legends come and legends go, but sometimes, legends return. For Black Sabbath, their return needed to be something worthy of their status. So how did Birmingham's finest reply to the anticipation of fans, many of whom had endured 30 years of waiting? The answer, is by releasing their greatest and most consistent album to date.
13 appears effortlessly special, packing some of the greatest material Sabbath have ever created. The sound and style is expectedly predictable, which is in no way a shame. Choice cuts such as the Doom-laden "Age Of Reason" and the grooving "Loner", provide comfort with otherworldly Iommi riffs, Geezer's heavy bass tunes and Ozzy's iconic vocals. If another 30 year wait was necessary for a follow up as good as 13, then it would be well worth the wait.
Folk-Metal is currently taking the world by storm. Although it is not a new style or motive of sound, its continual rejuvenation solidifies its position within the Metal music world. As is the way with any sub-genre, Folk and themed bands need to stand out from the crowd. Amon Amarth have been ahead of the game for some time, but Deceiver Of The Gods has seen them burst out from the Folk pigeon hole, and basking in the acceptance of the wider Metal scene as a genuine band creating equally genuine music.
Amon Amarth's unique style of melodic Death-Metal appeals to a far wider audience than their Viking themes and imagery, which in itself is an incredibly wide audience. Musically and vocally, Deceiver Of The Gods is utterly flawless. Stretching across 10 tracks of Viking and Mythologically inspired Death-Metal majesty, Deceiver Of The Gods is an untouchable, game changing masterpiece.
4- CHILDREN OF BODOM: HALO OF BLOOD
Halo Of Blood is the sound of a finely tuned, well oiled metallic machine. Virtually impossible to define, Children Of Bodom have taken their unique strain of Metal to the next level on album number 8.
Although Children Of Bodom have a respectable catalog to their name, it is hard to deny that they never quite managed to top the brilliance of 2003's Hate Crew Deathroll. However, a decade on Deathroll's throne has finally been conquered by the pure excellence of Halo Of Blood.
Boasting tracks such as the crushing, "Damaged Beyond Repair" and the unmistakably Bodom sounding "All Twisted", it is plain to see just how far both Bodom and Halo Of Blood will go. Packed with a wide variety of style and sounds, ranging from Thrash speed riffing to symphonic elements, Halo Of Blood literally has something for everyone.
3- CARCASS: SURGICAL STEEL
Surgical Steel is a stainless example of all that Metal music has achieved. Carcass paved the way for generations of Metal bands through the pioneering of Grindcore, Goregrind and of course the predominant sound of Surgical Steel, Melodic Death-Metal.
After 17 years, Carcass haven't lost a single drop of their classic blood splattered sound. Stuffed to the brim with Carcass' patented style of rhythmic savagery, Surgical Steel resonates the sounds of 1993's classic, Heartwork. Blast-Beats and rolling basslines perfectly accompany Bill Steer's iconic riffs and Jeff Walkers exhuming vocals, to create a breathtaking return to form.
2- SIX FEET UNDER: UNBORNAfter 17 years, Carcass haven't lost a single drop of their classic blood splattered sound. Stuffed to the brim with Carcass' patented style of rhythmic savagery, Surgical Steel resonates the sounds of 1993's classic, Heartwork. Blast-Beats and rolling basslines perfectly accompany Bill Steer's iconic riffs and Jeff Walkers exhuming vocals, to create a breathtaking return to form.
Six Feet Under have been putting the Death into Death-Metal for the best part of 2 decades. Within that time there has been many musical highs and lows, variations in sound and themes, and the expected evolution that upwards of 2 decades forces upon any band. Unborn however, is the culmination of Six Feet Under and Chris Barnes' careers, and in no way does this album fall short of their deserved justice.
Similar in style and sound to the accompanying, Undead, Unborn is an unblemished Death-Metal masterclass. Openly returning to the trademarked horror themes, this 11 track collection of refined brutality demonstrates just how alive, kicking and screaming the sub-genre really is. Tracks such as "Decapitate", "Incision" and "Inferno", are laden with the spine shivering, skull shattering elements that entice the gore obsessed and Metal addicted masses, and ensure that Death-Metal remains and will continue to remain relevant in the future.
1- CHTHONIC: BU-TIK
Tracks such as "Supreme Pain For The Tyrant" and "Defenders Of Bu-Tik Palace", incorporate pulsing melodic breakdowns, crushing riffs, guttural growls and shattering screams, all contained within a symphonic shell that works to encapsulate and mesmerise the listener. On the surface, Bu-Tik may appear to some as a heavier Folk-Metal effort, but listen a little closer and you shall hear the passion poured into every second of the album, and although Bu-Tik might not be the album that boosts Chthonic into mega-stardom, it will forever hold its independence as an undeniable beacon of brilliance.
THANK YOU FOR READING!!! \m/
Feel free to comment or ask any questions.
Please remember that all albums chosen for this list are done so by a individuals opinion and that there are many more worthy albums released in 2013.
What a shit list. Of course it was a shit year for metal. SFU's Unborn was a fucking disappointment compared to Undead. Jungle rot's new shit doesn't suck, but it's there weakest fucking album. Chimaira was a surprise for me. I thought without Rob Arnold There new shit was gonna suck some major dick, but I was pleasantly surprised. #1- CHTHONIC: BU-TIK, really? I have a feeling a large percentage dudes who listen to that shit also like to put things in there pooenshaften. You can stick that lame ass shit right back up your ass, along with this weak fucking list!
ReplyDeleteStrong words there, friend, but are you really saying that Black Sabbath, Carcass and Children of Bodom are shit? The albums selected were done by my own opinion, so as long as the albums chosen are Metal, no-one is wrong here.
DeleteA "best of 2013" list can't be serious if it includes Super Collider. I mean, seriously? 13, Sodom and SFU? I mean, SERIOUSLY?
ReplyDeleteCoB, Amon Amarth, Immolation, Chthonic are all average to good albums but best of year material? Not by a long shot.
Almost unanimously 2013 is regarded as not a great year for metal but still, where's Steven Wilson, the Ocean, Dichotomy, Rivers of Nihil, Gorguts? Protest the Hero, Cult of Luna, Intronaut, Riverside? Deafheaven, Anciients, Haken?
Everything's objectionable and taste is taste but this list goes beyond that. It's just a lame ass assortment of average, when not mediocre, albums. I'd keep only Surgical Steel, the rest is utter garbage. Worst "best of" list I've read this year and, well, ever.
If you say 2013 has been monumental and THIS is the best you've listened this year, well... wow. Sucks to be you.
It would be impossible to claim that not a single good thing happened within the Metal music world this year. Release wise, there were fantastic albums produced right across the sub-genres. Super Collider, along with Surgical Steel and certain other albums were highly polarising, but both worthy of recognition. Six Feet Under, Immolation and Jungle Rot appeal to a wider audience than some of the small underground or more exclusive efforts, thus making a more noticeable and sizable impact. Selecting only 10 albums to sum up the highlights of the year is an incredibly difficult task, but attempting to state that even the brilliant releases that we have seen from the likes of Broken Hope, Coffins or Pathology, were better or bigger in terms of response and scale than those of Black Sabbath or Amon Amarth, would be plain foolish.
Deletea best of list should be a best of list, not a most impact list. Including BS and Megadeth just because they are big bands, even though they released awful to mediocre records, doesn't make any sense.
ReplyDeleteEven by your impact standards, the list is weak. Where's Alter Bridge, Volbeat or Clutch? Big bands that actually released their best albums to date, or got close enough.
Super Collider being worthy of recognition might well be the best joke of 2013, as we are doing lists.
My best of 2013 list, written on the spot so bear with me:
10. RIVERS OF NIHIL - The conscious seed of light
9. ANCIIENTS - Heart of oak
8. DICHOTOMY - Paradigms
7. PROTEST THE HERO - Volition
6. RIVERSIDE - The depth of self delusion
5. CULT OF LUNA - Vertikal
4. the OCEAN - Pelagial
3. HAKEN - The Mountain
2. CARCASS - Surgical Steel
1. STEVEN WILSON - The raven that refused to sing
Honorable mentions:
GORGUTS - Colored Sands
BLOOD MORTIZED - the demon, the angel, the disease
BIRDS AND BUILDINGS - Multipurpose Trap
THE ARISTOCRATS - Culture Clash
and, BTW, it HAS been a weak year, even though of course there have been great albums.
ReplyDeleteAccording to YOUR list, it has been the shittiest year since the invention of music.
PPS: RIVERSIDE - Shrine of new generation slaves, I keep fuckin confusing the album's name with that of the best track
ReplyDeletethis list is suck. Super Collider is big disappointment. I still wonder why the great albums like Everblack, Passages Into Deformity, Autopsychosis, Womb of Lilithu,... don't appear in this list. They're fucking better than Undead, Super Collider or Terror Regime
ReplyDelete