Sami's best albums 2012

Best-In 2012

30 Dec 2012, 17:22

This year it proved to be too hard to put the albums in order, so instead I put them into three categories and did not care how many there is in each one. I did, however, limit the number of albums listed here to keep competition going on.

Category 1, must be in the best list (for one or another reason)

Devin Townsend Project - Epicloud
Devin has earned a permanent place in my lists with his previous achievements. I do not mean that he will remain here if he will make some shitty album, but currently he seems not to be able to do that. Deconstruction/Ghost was quite controversial production and I'm still not fully understanding the whole thing. Epicloud is much more coherent package and with its few hits (Lucky Animals!) hit my heart also.

Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol
Paradise Lost continues where it ended it in Faith Divides Us. At first listening the album sounds just like the previous one, it takes a few plays to start appreciating the fine nyances of this piece of art as its own. And you should also take some time to listen this album it is not something to be taken in small peaces or when you are in rush.

Swallow the Sun - Emerald Forest and the Blackbird
I guess this album is here also partly because of their excellent previous album New Moon. Although acclaimed in many reviews, I must confess that I like the previous one more because of its more straight forward songs. The current one is dark, melancholic, not that rough but do not hear me wrong, it is definitely worth of this list.

Van Halen - A Different Kind Of Truth

I would not have believed that Van Halen will make another album at all, but what kind of album they released! A solid gold from a group that I used to love even before I loved to listen to music at any serious level at all.

High on Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis
A bit different from their earlier release(s), but it should be allowed to all bands and High on Fire manages to change their style with style!

Testament - Dark Roots of Earth
Well, what to say here, sounds like Testament and not in the bad way at all. Must be in the list for a good reason!

Soundgarden - King Animal
Another (surprising?) return along Van Halen. They just continue where they ended more than a decade ago. I did not listen Soundgarden that much when they were existing before, but after this album I have to take another look to their discography.

Candlemass - Psalms for the Dead
An end of an era. A worthly end (for album releases) to a great band!



Category 2, "newcomers" (new in my album shelf)

Leonard Cohen - Old Ideas
This is surely not an album from a newcomer, but an album worth mentioning. I don't know if I'm going to listen any other of his albums (should do that), but this one is going to be listened several times.

Jess and the Ancient Ones - Jess and the Ancient Ones
Absolutely amazing group! Happened to listen this group just for screening the bands coming to Tuska festival in summer and they were definitely one of the most rewarding surprises this year. Also the gig was well worth visiting even if the place was not the best that there is.

Baroness - Yellow / Green
An acclaimed band that with this album took a permanent place in my playlists.

Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
If last year Adele managed to surprise even myself, this time it was Lana Del Rey. Beautiful woman voice with (mostly) good songs in this album.



Category 3, something in between, but has to be mentioned

Barren Earth - The Devil's Resolve
A sound continuation to their previous album. Me likes.

Soulfly - Enslaved
Have something that makes you angry? Listen one Soulfly album and stop whining!

Killing Joke - MMXXII
This could be in Category 1, but haven't yet managed to figure out what exactly is the thing in this band. Old albums are good as well, but the last two with their updated soundscape are awesome.

In Mourning - The Weight Of The Oceans
Three albums released, three of them good, how long can they continue? Hopefully long. Again one excellent hit song (Colossus) and many good ones.

Graveyard - Lights Out
This album might be a bit too similar to the previous one, but if the thing works why change it too soon. Nicely rocking and rolling music.

The Sword - Apocryphon
From the first notes of this album, an irresistible urge to beat time with your foot and maybe some headbanging takes over.


Best Gigs of the 2012
Agalloch, 7.4.2012 Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo, Helsinki
Jess and the Ancient Ones, 1.7.2012, TUSKA 2012, Suvilahti, Helsinki
The Revival Tour (Chuck Ragan, Cory Branan), 30.10.2012 Tavastia, Helsinki
The Epic Industrialist Tour (Fear Factory, Devin Townsend Project), 7.11.2012, The Circus, Helsinki

Phage's Best Albums 2012

I sometimes wonder why this is so fun to make these lists. Anyway, this year was very good year, I found again many new favorites and made a personal record buying new albums during one year. 

Here are a few albums that deserves mention:

Best albums of the 2012

Testament - Dark Roots of Earth



The best metal album from the best thrash band at the moment. While some dinosaurs are less successful, Testament keep delivering and actually improving. De luxe -version contains three brilliant cover versions as well.

Down - Down IV, part I: The Purple EP



Highly anticipated first EP of new Down package of four EPs. Smoky, crushingly heavy and groovy stuff from the New Orleans sludge gods. Anselmo sounds better that in a long time. Featured track: Misfortune Teller

Witchcraft - Legend



With this album Witchcraft steals the leading position in Swedish retro rock scene from Graveyard. Great comeback album with superb production and brilliant songs.

The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten



Definitively my summer album of 2012. They seem to have finally found their own style (the Springsteen worship times are almost over), and I think they're better than ever. Such a great rock album and de luxe -edition contains two nice bonus songs as well. Featured Track: Keepsake

Hot Water Music - Exister



Chuck is fine folk singer, but somehow to me he sounds better while fronting HWM. I just love how his vocal performance kicks so many punk singers' asses and give a whole lot more street cred to the message. Definitively my training album of the year. 

Corrosion of Conformity - Corrosion of Conformity



The original line-up from Animosity era put out such a tough album. It takes only three to rock 'n roll, or so it seems. Interesting mixture of old and new, the self titled album took some more listening before really opening up. It also seems that the power trio is enough to put out intensive live performance as well. Later, It was informed that Pepper Keenan decided to join Down full-time, but luckily the future seems to be bright for C.O.C. 

Katatonia - Dead End Kings



New Katatonia is always an important event. Interestingly, the release seems to be dark and rainy fall/early winter, which is actually a perfect time to listen to Katatonia. Nothing new or groundbreaking here and they continue in the spirit of their former album Night is the New Day. I don't mind. Dead End Kings is not a straightforward album, it doesn't contain obvious hit songs. Instead, its beauty is in the details and nuances that make it more interesting. All the important Katatonia elements are still there, if you're willing to discover them.

Neurosis - Honor Found In Decay



Another important and highly anticipated album for me. In a way, this sounds like a synthesis of Eye of Every Storm and Given to the Rising, both albums I particularly like. Neurosis isn't the easiest music and usually need a certain mood. Only time will tell, will this be my favorite album, but all the needed elements are present. 

The Sword - Apocryphon



I wasn't aware of this until it came out. Why, I really can't tell. I loved their previous record and I guess I just couldn't believe they'd put out next so soon. Anyway, Apocryphon is out and it sounds great. I haven't had enough time to listen it more carefully, but pretty similar stuff as Warp Riders.

Orange Goblin - Eulogy For The Damned



One of the early year releases I almost forgot. Brilliant stoner album from the UK based veterans. Listen to The Fog and you'll understand why this album is listed here. The rest of the songs ain't bad either.

High On Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis 



Heviest album of the year? Maybe not, but getting close at least. Slight problem of this album (and as a matter of fact of previous one too) is slight unevenness. There are many brilliant songs but also some more mediocre ones too. Nevertheless, when you need to consume some beer and whiskey, this album is your soundtrack of choice. Featured track: King of Days. 

Lee Ranaldo - Between The Times and The Tides



Better known from his band Sonic Youth, Lee Ranaldo is a gifted songwriter. Here he experiments with more traditional rock in the spirit of Neil Young. Yes, influence is clearly present, but where Neil sounds, well...Neil, Between the Tides and the Times expands and explores more. I probably started to listen to this, because it sounded like Neil, but later I found it to be a great addition to my playlist. Good rock record, that's what this is.

Van Halen - A Different Kind of Truth



One interesting comeback was the return of the Diamond Dave. He is a showman from the beginning and hasn't lost his edge. I think that A different Kind of Truth is actually quite good record. It rocks, it rolls and it grooves. It is entertaining and makes you wanna party. Welcome back Eddie. Welcome back Dave. Rock 'n roll needed you. We needed you. Featured track: China Town.

Dead Can Dance - Anastasis



I usually don't listen to this kind of music (I actually don't even know why, since it seems to be rather good). I bought this album solely after I read a review written so that it got me interested. This epic ambient/electronic/whatever masterpiece has given so many hours of enjoyment during this year. I learned that this is also one of the comeback albums of this year. Featured track: Opium. 

Nate Hall - A Great River



This found its way to my list on the eleventh hour. Nate Hall is (perhaps) better known as a front man and guitarist of U.S. Christmas. His has very distinct voice and he usually uses echo to tune his singing. The result is unique. Every listening is a journey to world beyond, to "the other side". I don't know where, but I like to be there.

Other albums worth mentioning:

Bob Mould - Silver Age, OM - Advaitic Songs, Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol, Soen - Cognitive, Neil Young - Psychedelic Pill, Mark Lanegan Band - Blues Funeral, Six Feet Under - Undead, Graveyard - Lights Out 


Best EPs of the 2012

Down - Down IV, part I: The Purple EP



Corrosion of Conformity - Megalodon



Agalloch - Faustian Echoes



Dark Tranquillity - Zero Distance



Best Gigs of the 2012

Agalloch @ Korjaamo 7.4.2012
Judas Priest @ Jäähalli 22.4.2012
Brice Springsteen @ Olympiastadion 31.7.2012
Corrosion of Conformity @ Tavastia 14.8.2012
The Revival Tour @ Tavastia 30.10.2012

Sami's best albums 2011

Best of the best 2011

26 Dec 2011, 12:41

10. Adele- 21
Hard to admit, but I like this album. In some parts it turns a bit too wimpy and bonus tracks start to be too much, but what a voice!

10. Devin Townsend Project - Deconstruction
At first I was a bit puzzled with this album. It was not bad, but after Addicted! and Ki I did not immediately think that this album was perfect. While making the top of the year list I gave this album another round of plays and it's complexity started to turn from puzzlement to strenght. This is an album that will resist listening with all of its little things. I should also mention the other album of DTP - Ghost (and Ghost 2) - it is a beautiful album, but even harder to put into its right place in this list, so I don't even try.

9. Pentagram- Last Rites
I was not very familiar with Pentagram before this album. I had of course heard of them and few of their songs from older albums, but there is just not enough time to listen all good bands, right? It is still immediately obvious that these gentleman are not doing this for the first time. They don't try they just do it. The songs work, album is well build and there is really no moments that you would like to do something else than listen it.

8. Lenny Kravitz - Black and White America
Whenever Lenny releases a new album, it is very likely to be in my list (if it isn't complete bs). This might not be the best album of his, but it isn't bs either. I like very much the first part of the album showing the funkier part of Lenny. Towards to the end of the album it leans more to soul and R&B, not my favorite styles of music, although performed by Lenny makes it bearable. This division to two styles of music makes this recording also not as coherent piece of art that it could be. The last complaint is that with 16 songs it is a long album and something could be left out (the more soulish songs!) to make it a better package. Beyond and despite these flaws this is a really entertaining album.

7. Mastodon- The Hunter
I haven't been a great fan of this band, but it is not the first time I've been wrong. I'll have to check their older production, since either my taste has changed or their music has never been as bad as I have thought.

6. Insomnium- One for Sorrow
First I didn't know how many times I should listen this to create my opinion on this album. Then I realized that this is an album that needs to be listened so many times because it just so damn good! Well not a great surprise for a band that I have always liked!

5. Vektor- Outer Isolation
This album came out so late in the year that it almost slipped out from my list. I was mainly scanning through the release lists to check out what albums I should listen before making my picks for the year. Gladly I saw the release and after Black Future it was certain that I should listen this before making any decisions. This is another album with Vader that begins, crabs you from the balls and holds you until the album ends. There is no way to escape.

4. Amorphis- The Beginning of Times
Rullaa kuin viitasusi! Amorphis could make the worst of their albums and still be in the top ten. This album though is not their worst, it is solid. There is no weak elements at all, maybe not ultimate highlights either, but this is more a compliment to its solidness than any complaint.

3. Ghost Brigade - Until Fear No Longer Defines Us
There is so many songs in this album that sound familiar with the first time you listen them. Sometimes it is a good thing that the album starts to sound good after several visits, but in this case the familiarity comes from the fact that all the songs are so good.

2. Vader- Welcome To Morbid Reich
This album is pure gold, or lead if you prefer that type of metal! When it begins you just have to go with it, there is no escape until it ends. This might not be the most original recording ever, but hey who cares if it works this well.

1. Graveyard- Hisingen Blues
An excellent album! No weaknesses. A great gig that they played in spring in Helsinki probably made this experience even better and put them in the first place in my list. I could continue with !!!! and some words, but no time have to go and have another session with this album.

Phage's Best Albums 2011

Another year behind and it is once again the time to make top lists of everything encountered during the year. Musically 2011 was very nice if not even great and my musical taste got broader which is evident from the top albums –list. Well, I don’t mind, world is filled with great music waiting to be discovered and only sad thing is that there is never enough time to check it all out. I’m not going to write any reviews because nobody reads them anyway, just some words why particular record is on my list. This listing is not in any particular order (unless stated otherwise), they are way too different for that. Or how would you compare Vader and Kate Bush? 


Vader – Welcome to Morbid Reich



Welcome to the Morbid Reich was one of the toughest new releases for me and it is awesome death metal made in old school spirit all over it.

Obscura – Omnivium



Obscura put out incredible technical and complex album. This is interesting, challenging and great death metal.

Vektor – Outer Isolation



The Black Future lifted the expectations high and Outer Isolation claimed them beautifully. Brilliant progressive thrash metal from these young Americans.

Machine Head – Unto the Locust


At first I didn’t like this one at all, but then I somehow continued and now it is one of the top notches of the year. Nice groove/thrash metal with progressive touch. Highly recommended album.

Amorphis – The Beginning of Times



Kalevala saga continues and this, I think, is best of them all. Again an album that opens slowly but when it does, it is most rewarding. I believe this will bear time better than the previous three records.

Ghost Brigade – Until the Fear No Longer Defines Us



Their job wasn’t the easiest one after the great Isolation Songs. Until the Fear No Longer Defines Us is a step further and time will tell which one I prefer in the long run. Great album.

The Haunted – Unseen



The Haunted kept renewing their expression and we how are more open minded were please with the end result. This might be the last album with Peter and with The Dead Eye it is one of the best they've made.

Megadeth – TH1RT3EN



A bit compulsory fan boy addition, but I honestly preferred this over Anthrax’s Worship Music. I hate really the way the name is spelled…

Mastodon – The Hunter



Mastodon is great band because you never know what they put out next. Every album is different and yet great. Classy artist put out perhaps the most pop orientated record thus far and yes, I love it.

The Gates of Slumber – The Wretch



Honest, slow old school doom with crushing riffs swarming all over you.

Wo Fat – Noche Del Chupacabra



Take some fuzzy stoner riffs, add some psychedelic flavors, and blend it with some elements from improvisations from jam session you get Noche Del Chupacabra. Perhaps not in the same level as Psychedelonaut was, but still great album.

Monkey3 – Beyond the Black Sky



Amazing instrumental stoner and psychedelic rock from Switzerland. A bit of a surprise and late-bloomer for me, but here it is. Rightfully.

Opeth – Heritage



Heritage is another watershed album. Plenty of fans hated this album because it is not metal, but I think they should try to see beyond that. Heritage is a tribute to all that made Opeth in the first place. Great retro progressive rock.

Graveyard – Hisingen Blues



I think this is perhaps the best album of the year. Musically brilliant retro psychedelic rock record and sonically of superb quality, a rare feature nowadays. Awesome and really worth all the hype.

Black Spiders – Sons of the North



Honest hard rock from UK. I had the luck to witness their live performance and it further strengthened their entry to this list. Though stuff, do check them out.

Black Stone Cherry – Between the Devil & Deep Blue Sea



Black Stone Cherry is my favorite new southern rock band and I anticipated this release very much. I turned out to be even better than I expected. Nice riffs and catchy songs and genius composition made this one my summer record of choice. It though works well with other seasons too.

Plain Ride – Stonebridge



Plain Ride is a side project of Janne Westerlund from Circle.Stonebrigde is pretty original album featuring different kinds of song from the broad field of rock music. Give this one a spin!

O’Death – Outside



Another late additions recommended by a friend. I like a lot of Iron & Wine and O’Death gives me similar vibes. Outside is much more easier to appreciate that their previous release. Great alternative country music at its best.

Dave Alvin – Eleven Eleven



Man with the voice and guitar, best parts from blues and country and you get Eleven Eleven. I think Dave Alvin is just behind the late master Johnny Cash in storytelling.

The Horrible Crowes – Elsie



Another side project that rises above the main band. The Gaslight Anthem is nice, but I think when Brian Fallon is not bound to Springsteen worship, he can express himself better and Elsie is a rock solid statement for that. In a way this is thematically a film noir –record, dark, nostalgic, and beautiful. 

Kate Bush – 50 Words for Snow



Kate is a magical woman with magical voice that has matured like a classy red wine. 50 Words for Snow is relaxing album and just perfect while waiting the snow to come.

Some other stuff I had absolutely not enough time to listen to, but showed great potential to enter this list: The Wounded Kings - The Chapel of the Black Hand (sounded awesome), Elder - Dead Roots Stirring, Deceased - Surreal Overdose, Origin - Entity, Seasick Steve - You Can't Teach Old Dog New Tricks, Ulcerate - The Destroyers of All, You Handsome Devil - The Hell, You Say. 

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Best EPs of the year:

Scion A/V released two magnificent digital EPs totally free. Both releases are very promising what comes to new albums...

Immolation - Providence



Enslaved - The Sleeping Gods



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Best gigs of 2011

Graveyard @ DOM
Pentagram @ Korjaamo
Monster Magnet @ Tavastia
Riverside @ Nosturi
Opeth @ Jäähalli

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