2012 was, so far, another great year for metal. We we’re once again blessed with great, solid and epic albums that we still be hearing many years from now. Personally i think it was a great year for doom and black metal. When asked to choose the 6 best sludge releases for this year i really found it a tough task, because within’ this genre we get several branches like blackened sludge, atmospheric sludge, etc. But looking to the most played albums on my iPod it became clear to me. So without further introduction, these are the best sludge albums of the year:
6th – Alkerdeel “Morinde”
Some people believe, based on an ancient prophecy, that in 2012, we will witness the end of the World. I really have some serious doubts about it since I’m a very skeptical guy. But one thing I’m not skeptical about is Alkerdeel’s latest full-length “Morinde”. After the amazing 2010’s “De Speenzalvinge” the belgian band became noted and soon the name Alkerdeel was on everybody’s mouthes. But after that impact, the band soon fell into oblivion again, and in this two year leap, the beast may have been asleep, but it always kept an eye wide open.
“Morinde” presents the finest raw sludge/doom infused with filthy low fi black metal – the compositions have matured and gained more depth. The lo-fi approach of the previous albums made room for a more thoughtful recording process, making it sound perhaps more accessible but also allows the sound to reveal all its sluggish nuances. The Inferno of “Morinde” begins with “Winterteens” with its 13 minutes that will drag you into a world of pain and chaotic grief. The second track “Horsesaw”, the shortest track with only 2 minutes, it may be small in length but sure it’s poisonous. A total and brutal discharge of black metal, like a pack of wolves tearing a poor and helpless sheep apart. Back to the sludge again with “Hessepikn”, another short track, about 5 minutes, this track is much slower than the previous tracks, but like the others it has its own haunting personality. The vocals, in a spoken word way, tend to swirl between this mantle of noisy, low-fi sludge before it bursts into flames in a incendiary black metal track. Amazing. Finally the apotheotic end arrives with the colossal track “Du Levande”, about 20 minutes, of pure low-fi black/sludge, an amazing track and the best way to close this awesome album. The best thing in this album is that it’s totally unpredictable and you never guess what is coming next.. an eruption of black brutality or a slow painful death into filthy sludge quicksands?
“Morinde” was one of the albums of 2012 i was very anxious to hear, and with it, seems that Alkerdeel opened the door for the most striking albums of the year. Don’t even think of letting this album pass you by. I bet the vinyl edition sounds twice as heavy. A must-have for the most avid and extreme sludge fan.
Buy it here.
5th – Black Shape Of Nexus (BSON) “Negative Black“
“Negative Black“ marks the return of the german behemoth doom machine Black Shape of Nexus. It’s been four years since its predecessor “Microbarome Meetings” but i can already say that all of this delay was really worth it. Recorded in the mild winter of 2011/12 this album is a new mark in the discography of Black Shape of Nexus, to me is by far their best recording to date and one of the heaviest, i mean really, really “heavy” in the whole sense of the word, albums of the year. This is going to be your neighbours favorite soundtrack, wheither they like it.. or not.
Having an unbelievable length of 80 minutes, this album is meant to tear down every single building where it will be played at. So take a deep breath and prepare to let your skull be successively pummeled by this massive sludgy doom sledgehammer as you immerse yourself into BSON’s dark palette of “Negative Black“. Read the full review here.
Buy it here.
4th – Rituals “Rituals”
Here is another one i was counting the days and nights to hear it in his full glory. Featuring current members of Hellas Mounds and former members of Abysmal, Rituals was formed in late 2010 in Phoenix, AZ. These guys play a blend of slow, heavy, and pummeling riffs with a mixture of sonically versed melancholy melodies.
Among the realms of atmospheric sludge metal, Rituals are kings. An extremely beautiful record which i fell in love with just after a first audition. Ritual’s music comes straight from the heart. An amazing debut album. Know more about this amazing album here.
Buy it here.
3rd – Sonance “Like Ghosts”
Now this release was quite a surprise that came out of nowhere. Nothing could predict what i was about to hear with UK’s Sonance debut, “Like Ghosts”.
Sonance are an atmospheric/experimental sludge/doom collective hailing from Bristol and “Like Ghosts” is their first recorded material from this Bristolian 5 piece formed by Ben (guitar, screwdriver), Will (guitar, dictaphone, vocals), Tom (vocals), Chino (bass) and Jamie (drums).
“Like Ghosts” comes in two halves, totaling just under 42 minutes. Each part is an atmospheric heaping of interwoven arrangements, detailed and droned stretches that subside into sludge filled chasms as the bass pushes you through the floor and lifts dust from the walls. The record was written and rehearsed in a confined practice room in which the waves of sound could literally be felt shuddering up through your lungs and out of your mouth.
Sonance’s ability and creativity to shape and shift their music into different directions without becoming dull or boring, even in the most still parts, is impressive. It really shows the level of maturity that this band holds. Creating this way, from beginning to end, an atmosphere that binds us as we dissect every note with great pleasure. This way it won’t take long until Sonance will become a name present in every lover of this genre’s mouth. These guys are new in the game and they know precisely what they are doing. Don’t forget this name: Sonance. Meanwhile know more about this release here.
Vinyl available soon. Listen to it here.
2nd – Neurosis “Honor Found in Decay”
Here is a band that needs no introduction. Precursors of a whole genre, brilliant and creative minds, they are Neurosis. Returning this year with “Honor Found in Decay”, an album that follows the lineage of their most recent records, keeping one foot in the future but also in the past, in terms of sound.
Like no one else, Neurosis balance the beauty of the most atmospheric landscapes with the heavier and dark scenarios, creating a sound so unique that some try to imitate but always without success. Tracks like “We All Rage in Gold”, “At the Well” or the wonderful “My Heart For Deliverance,” which in my opinion is the most beautiful track featured on this album and one of the best ever created by the band, set the tone for an album full of intense emotions from start to finish. Brilliant. Read the whole review here.
Buy it here.
1st – Amenra “Mass V”
Now, i must confess that this was THE album i was looking forward the most to hear this year. Amenra’s “Mass V”. This is probably the slowest, heaviest and intrinsic album to date. During the four tracks that last a total of 40 minutes, our emotions are swept and swallowed in this maelstrom of feelings that “Mass V” holds in its core.
With this fabulous album the Belgian band puts another glorious milestone in their career. A brilliant album that will leave every sludge fan completely hooked and crying out for more. If you are still blind, hear “Mass V” and witness with your own eyes one of the most superb albums of the year within’ this genre. An album you just can’t miss. Read the complete review to “Mass V” here.
New Comments