I’ve been taking some time to reflect on the massive year in metal that was 2011. In years past, I can hardly remember ten good album releases, let alone being able to list my personal top 10. It was a long year of music news as well. Black Sabbath announced their reunion plans; Coal Chamber is reforming in 2012; Mike Portnoy left prog-metallers, Dream Theatre – a story that continues to play out online; Metallica and Lou Reed released a concept album, Mastadon did not; Evanescence came out of nowhere and released a #1 album; Anthrax has never gone away, but this year, reunited with original singer, Joey Belladonna, they delivered an ferocious education in thrash metal.
Here’s my own top 10 for 2011.
10. Red Fang – Murder The Mountains
Red Fang reach back to an earthy feel often missing from some of the over-produced metal being released these days. Their sound is as refreshing as it is dirty with chugging riffs, driving percussion, and catchy vocals. Standout tracks from Red Fang include “Malverde,” and “Wires.” Their music video for “Wires” was definitely one of the best of the year.
9. Times Of Grace - Hymn Of A Broken Man
Another reunion in 2011, Times Of Grace is collaboration between former and current members of Killswitch Engaged. Following similar patterns as Killswitch, Times Of Grace explores the human experience with punishing and technical guitar riffs and a blend of smooth and coarse vocals.
8. Storm Of Light - As the Valley Of Death Becomes Us, Our Silver Memories Fade
Following in the path of bands like Isis and Neurosis, Storm Of Light’s debut album is twists and turns with doom-laden agony. Dense vocals supported by bone-crushing guitars make this one my favorites in 2011.
7. Children Of Bodom - Relentless, Reckless Forever
Finnish death metal act, Children Of Bodom deliver another set of blistering metal on their latest album, the follow-up to 2008’s Blooddrunk. Band leader Alexi Laiho’s signature wail and fierce guitar take the listen on a wild ride.
6. In Flames - Sounds Of A Playground Fading
The Swedish band, In Flames has been churning out their brand of melodic death metal for many years. This year, they released their 10th album, Sounds Of A Playground Fading. Singer Anders Friden builds incredible emotion into his range of vocal styles, from clean, soaring choruses to fiery screams. In the softer moments, when the guitars slow and mire themselves in delicious feedback, Anders voices speaks to you, crackling with intense, tragic emotion. You feel like you are on the edge of insanity, looking into a world through his bone-chilling lens.
5. Trivium - In Waves
Trivium wins my award for the most infectious metal song of the year. The opening title track to their latest album is punishing and dangerously catchy. Their blend of thrash and bone-crushing metal riffs, coarse and smooth vocals, and apocalyptic lyrics create a perfect storm for the listener.
4. Amorphis - Beginning Of Times
Early on in 2011, Amorphis released one of their best albums to date. While Beginning Of Times may not seem to every fan as groundbreaking as earlier works, such as Tales From The Thousand Lakes, singer Toni and company carve out an epic story set against winding guitar riffs, folksy synth, and soaring vocals. The album follows the story of Väinämöinen, the central character of the the Kalevala, an epic Finnish poem.
3. Ghost Brigade - Until Fear No Longer Defines Us
Doom metal saw resurgence this year. Along with bands like A Storm Of Light, Hull, and Krallice, Finnish metallers Ghost Brigade combine heavy, sludge-laden riffs with singer Manne Ikonen's deep, sorrowful voice. Ikonen applies both a tenor croon and desperate growl to every track. He is back up by dense, heavy guitar and drums. Standout tracks include “Into The Woods,” “Clawmaster,” and “Breakwater.”
2. DevilDriver – Beast
Beast – the title says it all. DevilDriver returns with their fifth album, the follow-up to the brutal Pray For Villains. Dez and company shattered any doubts about DevilDriver’s ability to produce punishing, head-banging, heavy metal. From the opening track, “Dead To Rights,” the listener is assaulted with dual-guitar ferocity and Dez’s guttural growl. The auditory assault never lets up – Beast is 55 minutes of pure metal.
1. Opeth - Heritage
With every release, Swedish prog-metal icons, Opeth, have always attempted to change the game. Bandleader Mikael Akerfedt and company openly explore their ideas and pay tribute to their influences. Each album explores different styles, shapes, and textures with stunning musicianship. With their 10th album, Opeth pays their most direct tribute to the prog rock influences of bands gone by – Heritage is as lush and it is heavy. While there are no 10-minute epic suites, each song provides its own set of twists and turns, exploiting the technical prowess of every member of the band. Akerfedt leaves the death growl on the sidelines, opting to sing cleanly for 50-some minutes. His voice is perfectly matched for the winding bass lines and intoxicating guitar work. This is truly one of the best albums I’ve listened to a very, very long time.
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