Album of the Month... February 2015

Eternal Misery by No Zodiac

25 Jan 2012

Best Albums of 2011

2011 was a pretty decent year for hardcore record releases both from older artists and modern ones. The following album list is my own individual choices that I feel stood out and made a positive impact. I have included both full lengths and also extended plays. So over January 2012, I’ve been thinking about releases over the last 12 months...


10.) SWAMPS: 'CORRODING KINGS'


There are a lot of different views on this band, some positive some negative. So I thought I would see what all the hype was. From start to finish I could not find any complaints with this EP. In my opinion it has been one of the catchiest records of 2011 and I actually got addicted to listening to it. Corroding Kings is very hard hitting and is in the vein of the 90’s era. I have to admit the content and the hatred theme is a little too obvious but who cares! The instrumental sound and mosh style of this record got me hooked and seemed quite fun, alongside the hate and anger, that’s exactly why it’s up here.



09.) REAL TALK: 'MINDLESS'


I only started listening to this band a couple of months ago but instantly found myself loving their hard hitting sound. This EP is really heavy, raw and sounds a little like Trapped Under Ice (but in a good way). Mindless is a solid record that pulls no punches. If you haven’t listened to Real Talk yet, then you should be expecting real, straight up angry hardcore. It’s full of catchy breakdowns, 2-step style riffs and contains just enough melody to separate the other elements from each other. This EP flows really well and yet again it is another addictive record which I thoroughly enjoyed.


08.) NO TOLERANCE: 'NO REMORSE, NO TOLERANCE'


I know a lot of people have been posting stuff up about No Tolerance and I thought I'd join in as this new EP is so good! I didn’t get into this record as quick as I wanted to but once I first heard it I was completely hooked! It’s one of the hardest and solid records I’ve heard in a while. You can definitely notice the 90s hardcore influence on this record, mixed up with some rapid speed riffs and angry lyrics. One of the best straight edge bands around right now and this new EP is so much better than the demo (and I loved the demo).



07.) EARTH CRISIS: 'NEUTRALIZE THE THREAT'


I have been a big fan of this band for quite a few years now and I think it would be wrong of me if I didn’t mention these in my list. Earth Crisis just have a massive amount of aggression which no one can compete with and this album is no different. I love the 90’s style metalcore and to hear it still going strong in 2011 is amazing, with just as much passion and energy as always. Still unsure of some of the instrumental work that is present on this one, but nonetheless, still up here in my top favourites! 



06.) SORRY EXCUSE: (SELF TITLED)


Sorry Excuse had to be in my top ten, just for the sheer amount of ferocity and speed in their songs. They combine rapid instrumentals with raw, shredding vocals which is just plain and simply, a heavenly sound. Fast riffs, mid tempo-breaks and complete moshing destruction sums this band up in one. Every song is super quick and doesn’t even allow a gap before the next. This record is quality and is one of my favourites 
from last year. Sorry Excuse are bringing the rawness back, minus the bullshit (excuse my French).




05.) MOTHER OF MERCY: 'IV SYMPTOMS OF EXISTENCE'



This band play some of the best metallic hardcore that is currently around, and are best known for their thrashing chugging sounds. They seem to be able to take out all the best parts from early 90s sounding hardcore and combining it with just the right amount of metal. This album is just as great as their previous material and I really enjoyed the sound and spent a lot of time listening to this record. I really love this record and hope to hear more from Mother of Mercy in the future.



04.) 
NAYSAYER: 'DOWN BUT NOT OUT '


This EP was pretty short with only 4 tracks but it’s a decent listen. Naysayer have never disappointed me with their sound and this is no different. They also released a full length last year too with 2 tracks from this EP on it but to be honest I did prefer this EP. The recordings and content is a lot rawer and I liked the sound of the tracks better. A heavy, pummeling style of hardcore in the vein of old school bands like Madball and Death Threat. Definitely a must have which is why it's on my list.



03.) KINGDOM: 'THREADS'


I pre-ordered this and for all the good reasons. Kingdom are a very angry, vegan, straight edge band who cover all of the relevant topics that are affecting the world of today. I have always liked the way Kingdom have gone about things, maintaining good ideas and ethics behind all their activities. Threads is diverse but still packs a powerful punch that is needed. This record contains intelligent lyrics based around suffering, police violence, poverty and rage on the system. I like everything about the 4 tracks and only wish it was longer!




02.) WAR HUNGRY: (SELF TITLED)



Since I first heard War Hungry they have always been one of my favourite bands and was delighted to hear they were releasing a full length last year. After listening to it I loved it! They are the perfect sound of modern day metallic hardcore and add some really heavy guitar riffs which just make you want to bang your head. Containing 9 tracks, this was one of the heaviest releases of 2011 and is an essential record to own.



01.) FOUNDATION: 'WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS'



One of the fastest and heaviest records of 2011, containing some very hard hitting, straight edge hardcore. This contains 10 tracks of pure pummelling instrumentals, ferocious breakdowns and untamed vocals. This to me, was Foundation’s best material released as of yet and I loved it from start to finish. This is a must have album and is easily at the top of my list.

No comments:

Post a Comment