Top 5 Albums of 2009

I really don't like to do "the best of a certain year thing" because I'm usually not up-to-date with what's current. I try to reflect more on what's in the past so far as music & art is concerned. Seeing as though one really only can rely on older material if looking for anything good while the present state of music is literally collapsing on itself, I was still able to muscle up five albums that impressed me enough. Here they are!

5.) Marduk "Wormwood"
Regain Records

Seriously, how can you not love this album? Black Metal is pretty stagnant so far as pushing limits to music but this album is very unique & uniquely brutal if there ever is such a thing. The tracks range from straightforward fast black metal, experimetal sounds to set the mood of the album, & slow paced repetitive riffs which all work in the albums favor. Good stuff.

Recommendations: "Nowhere, No One, Nothing" "Funeral Dawn" "Unclosing the Curse" "Phosphorus Redeemer"
"Whorecrown"



4.) Raekwon "Only Built for Cuban Links"
Ice H20 Records

Honestly, I've never heard the first "Cuban Links"........yet. I'll need to get up on that. The truth is you don't really need to listen to the original in order to appreciate this album. If you are a fan of the Wu-Tang, you really can't expect anything less than great. Raekwon may not be the prominent figure when it comes to the Wu but he still holds his own as I can see on this album. Every track is just raw street shit not pop bullshit. What I love primarly is that Raekwon tells stories of the crime life but with empathy. He's not just saying "I'm a street nigga" or "I sell dope" just to put nice words together but because it's more of an observation or reflection of what's going on. The cameos are top notch by veteran MC's like Ghostface, Jadakiss, & Beanie Siegel. Number 4, ladies & gentlemen.

Recommendations: "Cold Outside" "House of Flying Daggers" "Ason Jones" "Catalina"



3.) Shrinebuilder "S/T"
Neurot Recordings

When you combine the masters of Stoner, Sludge, Doom, & Post Metal together, you're definitely in for something great. This album is fantastic. Scott "Wino" Weinrich (Saint Vitus, Obssessed), Scott Kelly (Neurosis), Al Cisnero (Sleep, Om), Dale Crover (Melvins, Nirvana) all have gathered together to make a compelling unique album. Each song on the album just flows naturally as if it's just four guys on the floor looking to make something simple yet awesome in it's own way. No one's here is trying to outshine each other just trying to make great music. One of the only supergroups that are interesting.

Recommendations: "Pyramid on the Moon", "The Architect," "Blind for All To See"

2.) Black Math Horsemen "Wyllt"
Teepee Records

Boy, I am glad I was introduced to this band. Not quite metal but still has some metal incorporated into their music. While I've seen other websites describe this band as Black/Doom (I don't know why?) & while I'm not great at genre labeling, I would just call it Post-Rock/Metal. Anyway, this album leads the listener into atmospheric terrain with the lead singer (Sera Timms) guiding you. Her vocals jump from soprano to alto through each song but it's all done so beautifully. The production on the album is great & the music itself is top notch. So far as recommendations, I really can't give any because the album is meant to be listened as a whole & no single track stands out from any other. Great debut.

1.) Anaal Nathrakh "In the Constellation of the Black Widow"
Candlelight Records

It was really a split between this & "Wyllt" because both albums were so damn good. I've only been listening to this band for about a year & a half & none of their albums have disappointed me yet. (Check out "Hell Is Empty & All the Devils Are Here") This is the definition of Extreme Metal. With the guitar being a little too screechy & staticy (if that's a word), this album still triumphs. Not for the faint or weak of heart. The album explodes from one song to the next. A mix of Black Metal, Grindcore, Death Metal, & suprisingly Alternative with the choruses being so catchy & all, this album will have you bouncing off the wall within the first second it comes on. No need for any more explanation, just go get this album.

Recommendations: "In the Constellation...." "More of Fire Than Blood" "Terror In the Mind of God" "So Be It" "Satanarchist" "Blood Eagles Carved On the Backs of Innocence"

Honorable Mention:

1.) Absu "S/T"

Candlelight Records

Really good stuff on here but kinda boring overall. Worth checking out for Track #5 & 6.