2011 has been a great year for me, as I feel that I have accomplished a lot personally, Newcastle have been playing well, and I have had some generally great experiences. In terms of what the metal world has offered however, there has certainly been a mixed bag cast forward by bands the world over, something most spectacularly seen in Morbid Angel's latest album "Illud Divinum Insanus", that should have seen them sectioned at best and executed at worst. Nevertheless, there have been some quality offerings this year, and my top 5 list is home to just a small number of them.
5. Burzum - Fallen
With this album, which sees the infamous Varg Vikernes adopt clean vocals alongside his usual screeching, the listener is tormented by an unusual mix and a concoction of ferocious, discordant melody, all part of the appeal of Burzum. "Fallen" sees Burzum offer up some much needed freshness into the world of atmospheric black metal, and Varg's capacity to constantly push his own boundaries in certainly to be admired.
4. Dark Forest - Dawn of Infinity
An intense whirlwind of traditional heavy metal and folk awaits those who choose to dance the waltz of Dark Forest's latest offering "Dawn of Infinity". Melodic harmonies provide catchy hook lines, and perhaps the best example of this is found in the truly anthemic "Under the Greenwood Tree", which features a rousing chorus and the kind of riffing that would easily have Manowar and Ensiferum fans jigging in unison.
3. Anaal Nathrakh - Passion
Ridiculously hysterical to some, and crushingly brutal to others, Anaal Nathrakh are a band that make no concessions in their approach to extreme metal. "Passion" draws influence from grind and blackened metal styles to leave the listener feeling violated in a pool of savage extremity and vile rage.
2. Autopsy - Macabre Eternal
Back with their first full length since reforming, Autopsy are doing what they do best with this gallery of diverse, yet always reassuring old school, death metal. The vocals and lyrics are positively repulsive, and the general sound of the band is crushing at times and ripping at others. Autopsy is a death metal beast that continues to embarrass those that have let themselves and their fans down in the most hilarious way (Morbid Angel). Kings of death metal? Autopsy, step right up!
1. Warbringer - Worlds Torn Asunder
Topping my list is the third album from American thrashers Warbringer, who have certainly cemented their place in the modern scene as a vitally important band with this release. Combining their ferocious blend of thrash with old school black metal and death metal styles has proved to be a very successful avenue for Warbringer to pursue. This album has, for me, been unmatched this year, with the addition of Carlos (drums) to the band clearly providing them with some spectacular versatility.
A special mention must also go to Metallica and Lou Reed, who have created the finest work of comedy ever to have graced these ears with "Lulu", well done lads!
It wasn't a joke!?
/L
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