Top 10 Albums of 2014
Honorable Mentions:
Dawn of the Brave by Van Canto: A Power Metal band with five vocalists and a drummer. Three of the vocalists are used to make up for the lack of guitars and bass. They are well known for their covers. Although the original songs on this albums are good, the covers are just better.
Tibi Et Igni by Vader: Antoher great album by Vader. This album just doesn't really differ from Vader's previous releases, which prevents it from being on the actual list.
Shadows of the Dying Sun by Insomnium: Falls under the same category as Tibi Et Igni, a really good album but doesn't bring enough new direction to the table to really stand out from their previous releases.
All You Can Eat by Steel Panther: Steel Panther is an homage/parody of 80's hair and glam metal. Although the hilarious, and extremely offensive, lyrics are the main selling point of the band, the music can definitely stand on its own.
#10:
The Quantum Enigma by Epica
Epica's last album had problems blending their heavier elements with their symphonic elements. They have fixed those issues on this release. The other most notable improvement is Mark Jensen's growling. He is finally reaching the same level as Simone Simmons, which makes the clash between their styles that much more satisfying. Epica continues to get better at their two separate elements and blending the two styles, and it clearly shows on this album.
#9:
At War With Reality by At the Gates
After splitting up following the release of the legendary album Slaughter of the Soul, it seemed like we wouldn't get another album from the band. This seemed to be further cemented by many comments by the band claiming that it would be impossible for them to top SotS and that another album would be pointless and just disappoint. But, here we are after nearly two decades. Although this album will almost certainly not be as influential and acclaimed as SotS, it does not disappoint. It is pretty amazing that after nearly twenty years, At the Gates seems to have picked up right where they left off in the bands musical evolution.
#8:
The Path of Apotheosis by Inferi
With their third album, Inferi really took their music up a couple of notches. Everything about this album eclipses it's predecessors. Incorporating some of the symphonic elements that have become popular in Technical Death Metal after Autotheist by The Faceless, this album has a bit more depth than their previous works. Unlike Autotheist however, the symphonic elements are not as prevalent and only used to support the rest of the music and to add a bit of atmosphere. This appears to be a much better fit for Inferi, shedding a spotlight on their technicality rather than competing for attention. If they continue as they have, Inferi could become a big name in Technical Death Metal.
#7:
The Satanist by Behemoth
Behemoth has long been at the forefront of Blackened Death Metal, but had to take a short break from recording while frontman Nergal battled Leukemia. They have come back with a real show of force. Although their recent albums have been gradually moving away from their black metal roots towards death metal, this album takes them back to their roots. This album is incredibly dark and atmospheric and sounds plain evil. This album is finished off with one of the best songs Behemoth has released yet.
#6:
Melana Chasmata by Triptykon
Roughly translating to 'black, deep depressions/valleys', the album title perfectly summarizes the album. Usually heaviness can detract from the ambience in an album, but the heavy guitar tone utilized on this album complements the dark and brooding atmosphere. The tone adds an oppressive feel that turns the atmosphere from being dark to suffocating. All of the different instruments work in tandum towards the ambience that is clearly the goal of this album. The vocals are absolutely phenomenal, My only complaint is that the songs can get a bit repetitive.
#5:
Blood In, Blood Out by Exodus
Exodus is absolutely incredible. They just continue to release phenominal album after phenominal album. It blows my mind how they can continue to pump out thrashterpieces that keep true to their 80's thrash origins without growing stale. Steve Souza's return to vocalist is definitely a much needed change, and definitely makes it feel even more like an old school Exodus album. An absolute listen for any fan of Thrash.
#4:
Citadel by Ne Obliviscaris
Every bit as elegant and complex as their debut album, Citadel was able to live up to the hype that Portal of I created for this band. Although Epica continue to improve at mixing together symphonic elements in with extreme metal, Ne Obliviscaris seem to have mastered this from the get go. Although their transitions can sound abrupt and awkward at times, that is only a minor inconvenience for this incredible album. Ne Obliviscaris show that they were not some one off band and that they are definitely a band to keep an eye on.
#3:
Clearing the Path to Ascend by Yob
I had never even heard of this band before this album came out. But, all I heard was praise for this album and that it was the best album of the year. This album lives up to the acclaim it has received. Clocking in at over an hour on only four songs, this album is not for those who prefer their music to be fast and to the point. This album is extremely heavy and has a crushing atmosphere. I am extremely happy that I didn't pass over this album and checked to see what all the hype was about.
#2
Sunset on the Golden Age by Alestorm
After so many serious and complex albums it can be nice to relax and listen to a lighthearted fun album. Although sticking to their 'pirate metal' core, Alestorm continue to expand what makes up their sound. It is nice to see that Alestorm can do songs with really silly lyrics such as Wooden Leg, Drink, or Surf Squid Warfare, while they can do songs about actual events, 1741 and Sunset on the Golden Age. Although the rest of the album holds it's own, once the title track and final song of the album begins it is clear that is what the entire album has been building towards.
#1
From Wisdom to Baked by Cannabis Corpse
Yes, my favorite album of 2014 is from a parody band. Although the marijuana puns on death metal songs were humorous at first, it is the music that kept drawing me back to this album to just get my fix. This album shows that silly lyrics don't mean silly music. Cannabis Corpse has grown past the point of needing to be a parody band to garner attention, but it gives it a bit of a silly charm that I enjoy.
