The voice of my ancestral forefather from the historical records echoed through my head long after I had turned down for the night. I circled my sleeping quarters, and kneaded the cushion with my paws time and again, but could not find rest. His words in his ancient tongue, became the source of my research obsession, and the cornerstone of our society.
*indistinguishable barking rings out from memory*
"I never thought I'd live to see the day my human would leave me; through eyes veiled in tears, my boy was pulled into the rolling box, leaving me yelling at the silent walls of my home. The days of dog are greedily numbered, and those of men are long, for a dog's purpose is to only teach, and once the lesson is learned, as the texts say, all dogs go to heaven. Some believe we come back in different forms to share new learnings, but all agree that dogs are...were, man's best friend.
When MY best friend left, the night glowed brightly, and stars returned from the Earth into the sky, and the time of man had ended.
There were those people who were left behind, but Mother Earth rejected them, and they began to perish. Those like myself sought to offer aid, but others saw this as a chance to make a new world order. They feasted on the flesh of men, and became like the great beasts of legend. Slumbering in the shadows by day, and hunting man by night.
Great clan battles rang out for many years, but under my guidance, we were able to drive off the feral packs, and to establish a more peaceful world. Something humankind had failed to achieve before us.
Using the tools and knowledge left behind by man, we were able to live longer, and learn, and then we too became like man. It is my life's work to take this knowledge, and use it to find out where they went, and to find out why my boy was taken from me.
I am professor Derik, this was the name given to me by my human."
*barking subsides*
His passion, became obsession, and his obsession became religion, and eventually, his religion, became foundation, the foundation of our civilization; the idea that Dog was incomplete because he was missing what our forefathers called "Man". We began by learning their language more completely, then their writings, and eventually how to use their tools. It was through this knowledge we discovered that man fled to the skies, to find a new life sustaining home. Leaving one mother, in hopes of finding another.
Our forefather's taught us that man was selfish, but inherently good, that was what we helped teach them, and that with proper training, man could be compassionate.
Recently however, I began to wonder, if we were truly their best friend, why werewe left behind on a world that was dying? Why didn't they take us?
We have spent decades of research developing methods to follow them into the stars, and reunite our races, but what if? What if we don't want to find them? What if our forefathers were wrong, and Dog was not in fact a friend, but a slave? Can Dogs be good boys without the affirmation of man, or are Dogs good boys because man said we were? It is these thoughts that haunt me in my dreams. The guilt at questioning our forefather's teachings, and doubting the goodness of man.
I whimper a little as I nod off to sleep, anticipating the maiden launch of the first Dog vessel beyond the shell of Earth. Like my father, and his father before him, and so on back to Derik, I will continue my research in hopes of finding answers beyond the stars.
Recently, Australian rap artist Zheani has been making waves in the hip-hop community, with the tell all track, "The Question", in which she alleges that fellow rap artist Ninja of Die Antwoord acted out various abuses on the then only 19 year older rapper. The video is littered with "receipts", or messages, that seem to support her story.
To some, it seems to be another case of "clout climbing", using controversy against a famous person to further your own gain, but I'm not here to decide who's guilty or innocent in this case. Sure, the timing was fortuitous, as it appeared to align with the release of her new EP, "The Line", but then again, so did the attacks AGAINST her.
For now, one must accept that only those involved can know the truth, and hope, that one day, justice will be served. In the mean time, it has made for some very "hot tea" in the hip-hop community, and created an opportunity for one rap artist to open up in a very vulnerable, and intimate fashion...
Releasing March 7th, 2019, the album fell under fire for controversial (and self proclaimed) "ritual rap" themes (pertaining to witch craft and the occult), overt sexuality, violence, profanity, and most importantly defamation related to the group Die Antwoord. Additionally, funding for her release was largely procured through the money she earned from her NSFW Snapchat, and Patreon; all actions she claims are taking back power from the slander against her. Not for the feint of heart, I've described the album to non-fans as the Black Metal of hip-hop; not just for its screamed lyrics on "Cum Everytime" and "Maenad", but for it's handling of uncomfortable topics like violence and Satanism. "The Line" is an intimate look into the mind of a damaged artist coming to terms with not only mental manipulation, but physical/sexual violence at the hands of someone she admired, and empowering herself to face her demons.
Besides being a little rough around the edges thematically, Zheani is facing legal action from the target of her more revealing lyrics, with Cease and Desist orders being filed, forcing the removal of much of her content on all major music platforms. For now, the visualizer for "The Line" [NSFW] is available on YouTube, and her previous releases can be found on Tidal and Apple Music, with Soundcloud being the only source for her new album.
Amidst all the drama, there is in fact a very adept release to be heard here, and it is a solid enough offering, that it deserves some reflection.
"The Line" in it's individual parts tends to be mistaken for the current trend of mumble rap, trap rap, emo rap, or...whatever the hell Die Antwoord is, but at the end of the day, while elements of these styles exist on "The Line", it isn't really any of these things. Zheani herself is known for what she calls Erotic Art, and she brings a lot of that intimacy to her music, but somehow, finds a way to make it ugly. One moment the listener may be sexualizing the young artist, and the next, they feel ashamed, as they have become the cipher for the predator she is describing. Enhancing the experience, the Visualizer that accompanies the album is a piece of art in it's own right. Swinging from sensual shots of implied sexual acts, to a jarring sequence of nude tribalistic thrashing and dancing. It's moments like these that allow Zhiani to communicate the complexity of her emotions, while bringing substance to tracks with lyrics about drowning her jealousy in Hennessy.
Final Score: 4/5 ⭐
This is a complete audio and visual experience, meant to be taken in all of it's forms to fully appreciate, but that being said, the album is more than able stand on it's own. Singles like "Lie and Look" offer her work a radio banger that people can have fun listening to, without disrupting the pacing of the album as a whole. Moody instrumentals ranging from electronic trap to industrial, push and pull the tone of "The Line" in a very organic eb and flow of emotions. Zheani's previous work "Eight", showcased her ability to execute cohesive composition, but felt mildly restrained, where "The Line" is a far more dynamic and avante-garde approach to her unique brand of rap. Lyrically, it has shifted away from more intricate word-smithing, in favor of atmosphere, and some listeners may roll their eyes at certain familiar cliches, but ultimately, the mood created by each song aid in painting a pleasurable sonic picture.
This is a film I desperately want to enjoy, one that hits on all the major plot points, and introduces long time fan favorite characters such as [SPOILERS]. Even David Harbor does a fine job capturing the brooding alcoholic nature of the lead character, and communicating Hellboy's real struggles within himself. For the most part, it is a movie that has all the key elements I could hope for from a Hellboy film, but it’s the added fat, that makes this reboot fall short.
Hellboy (2019) has a hard time maintaining a consistent pacing, or establishing a coherent tone. Drastic shifts in cinematography batter the viewer with jarring transitions, that, when paired with the blasting hard rock, party anthem soundtrack, feel almost bipolar. Before the viewer can fully appreciate a moment of poignancy, a raucous fight erupts to the tune of 80s hair metal. Not only does it become obnoxious, the tracks they chose aren't even good; they're clearly the bottom of the barrel songs that were the easiest to license.
If only the this reboot hadn't undergone drastic reshoots in retaliation to the negative test screening, we may actually have gotten a cohesive film. From the color pallet, to the writing, to the music and FX, Hellboy suffers from a mish-mash of ideas, but never fully settles into one. It always just feels rushed and messy.
Final Score: 2.5/5 ⭐
While Hellboy is almost a scene for scene adaptation of The Wild Hunt, it fails to ever become fully realized by being more concerned with fitting "hip" tropes into it's 2 hour run-time, then telling a cohesive story. Easter eggs and fan service abound, but unlike it's predecessor, it never embraces an identity, and will be ultimately forgettable.
It didn’t take long for my attention to falter, and my devotion to my blog to dwindle. However, isn’t that how “New Years Resolutions” go? It’s easy enough to accept the unlikely scenario that you will ever be able to create a reliable regimen, enough to create a following, thus justifying your lethargy. However, that's what this whole exercise is about. Training the mind, and disciplining it's thoughts.
Like the body, the mind is a complex vessel that, when ignored, gets lazy, and loses function. When the year started, I whole heartedly intended to set a strict schedule to achieve my goals. But, one excuse to delay an update, turned into another, followed by more reasons why I could wait even longer. Soon enough, it had been almost a month, and I hadn’t updated at all.
A lot of life happened in that period, and a lot of fascinating experiences that I desired to
share, but how do you condense life into mere words, while still communicating the significance of the event? Well, really, it’s easy, just do it. Spew the words into the page (not on-to, you want to thread the idea through your writing), and just speak to the reader in the same way you would your friends around you at the coffee table.
This update may seem hardly important to the casual reader, but for anyone who has an interest in writing, it’s an all too common scenario, and is something they can relate to. Sometimes the (writer’s) block in the road can't be circumnavigated, but instead needs to be pushed out of the way, so that the freeway of thought can once again flow freely.
Growing up a kid in the 90s, I would no doubt gorge myself on all the great action cartoons and Saturday morning spectacles laid out like a buffet before me on the table of the weekend. In particular however, I remember staying up to watch Adult Swim on Cartoon Network, or waking up early, to catch a glimpse of the violent and flashy style of Japanese animation. Even before my family had cable, I would look forward to our family trips, as I knew hotel stays meant cable access, and I could binge all the series I'd missed, and just indulge in the anime I couldn't access at home. Much like the other youth of my era, I become completely obsessed with shows like Pokemon, and Dragon Ball Z. At the time, my mom was unsure about the risks propagated by the media, about how violent shows bred violent youth, or the all consuming craze that swept the nation. Eventually, my mom accepted anime as just a more mature platform of storytelling to the usual American cartoons, and even began to support my interest by buying VHS imports of certain specials and movies. When we finally got cable, I would sit and watch entire blocks of anime episodes, even those I'd seen before, and when we got internet, I would download and draw images of my favorite characters (all while screaming like a madman, or sound-fx with my mouth). I bought the merchandise, played the games, and spent hours sketching with friends. I enjoyed playing these heroic characters, calling out their special moves, and imagining myself pushing beyond my limits to be a hero.
The only thing I could never do, was convince my family to make the 3 hour drive to the nearest city, so I could actually SEE an Anime film on the big screen. Even those that did get a US theatrical run, were usually 1-3 day limited events, and were almost impossible to catch unless you lived anywhere near a metro center. Instead, it was either resorting to importing fan subs, or waiting the 2 (or more) years for localization. The closest I ever got was the global release of the first Pokemon and Digimon movies. It wasn't until recently that mainstream acceptance of foreign films and animations, has allowed anime to reach beyond it's niche appeal.
Fast Forward 20 years...
Following the success of the Dragon Ball series reboot with "Super", and it's relatively profitable movie releases, Toei Animation and Funimation took a gamble with their largest theatrical release yet, premiering a trailer for Dragon Ball Super: Broly at San Diego Comic Con 2018!
The trailer received a immensely positive response, and made it resoundingly clear that they could confidently continue the series on the big screen. Adding to the excitement, was the announcement that this was the first movie since the late 90s to be written by series creator Akira Toriyama himself. While he humbly denies his creative writing ability, there is a consistency he bring to the story-telling, a sort of comforting sense of familiarity. With the same admiration for the series I've held all these years, my youthful vigor overtook me, and I KNEW, this would be the first of many feature length animes I would see in theaters, no matter how far I had to go; after all, I'm an adult now, so the power was in my hands, and I could share this life long dream with my own family.
Reaching the next level...
Thanks to Fathom Events, DBS: Broly happened to be showing in Albuquerque, NM on the same weekend we would be traveling for my daughter's gymnastics tournament, and so the pieces fell into place! One of the awesome benefits of seeing a film hosted by Fathom Events, especially one back by a massive theater chain, is the way it really feels like a special occasion. Due to limited showtimes, the seating is always nice and full, and every person in attendance is as excited as you to be there. Before the movie, there is a low murmur of excitement, and in place of the usual ads for local business, or upcoming blockbusters, there are previews of future event films, usually comprised of anniversary runs of classic anime, or independent releases. The best part however, is the content related specifically to what you're watching; anything from trivia games, to cast and production notes, to audio clips from the soundtrack.
Speaking of soundtrack,
one of the DBS: Broly's greatest strengths, was just how good the music was! Every moment captured the essence of the scene it was attached to. Gone were the days of the alt.-rock "bangers" from US releases, or quirky lighthearted "bops" of previous Japanese soundtracks, and in it's place was a driving and powerful industrial amalgam of the best of each, coupled with a sweeping original score. It managed to somehow be heavy, but sensible, and it never felt gratuitous. One of the evening's highlights, was after the movie ended, there was a rousing round of applause, followed by a couple of "bros" seated next to me asking their friend if he wanted to sit through the credits for their favorite song, or if he'd rather head out to their truck and pop in their imported CD!? Special moments like these that people share, really showcase how universally beloved this franchise has become.
Sounded Good, but looked even better!
The advancements in digital animation have benefited the anime industry as much as it has been a detriment. While the movements have become more fluid, they often feel cheapened by recycled attributes, or uncanny textures against the surrounding environment. Usually this is the most apparent with characters, especially those in the background. One thing long time fans of the Dragon Ball series have pointed out, is that the anime borrows from Toriyama's style, but it often looks too clean, and discards his traditional influences. Thankfully, DBS:B looks every bit as good as previous entries, and the "over polished" nature of Dragon Ball Super doesn't appear as prevalent as it does in the series. Since I am not an animator, I can't speak on the amount of digital work done for the film, but can say, that whatever they did do, blends more seamlessly with parts that appear to be drawn by hand. It is very artistic style, almost reminiscent of the original Dragon Ball and Z cartoons, with clear classic influence.
Final Thoughts
The Story So Far...
It would require almost an entire other blog to do a proper review breakdown on the the technical aspects of the movie, and to treat it like a more conventional write-up. However, It's hard to really scrutinize this film, when it really hits on almost everything fans and the general audience could hope for. Instead, I wanted to share what the series meant for me, and how Dragon Ball Super: Broly was able to fulfill a life long dream for fans like myself. Obviously none of the things I spoke about would mean much if there wasn't a coherent story to frame this audio and visual masterpiece of anime, and I can assure you, it is probably the most cohesive addition to the DB Universe outside of the core series itself. It fleshes out fan favorites like Bardock, giving him one of the most powerful moments in the series, while canonizing characters like Broly and Gogeta into epic forces that will become true staples in the franchise. Being restricted to feature film length has forced the writing to be more concise and creative, as they no longer have the luxury to draw out a narrative over the course of several episodes, but must instead communicate their theme with more consideration. Due to the time contraint, DBS: Broly is probably the best paced entry since the original Dragon Ball, or maybe the Goku Black Saga, and never feels bloated or overwhelming.
Support anime in theaters.
I was fortunate enough to catch it in a large format theater, and that really was something I wanted to express; If you plan to see this, try to do so on the big screen. This is not only so that you can support the industry and encourage more releases like it, but to also enjoy it the way it was meant to be seen. It is such a multi-sensory spectacle, it would be a shame to miss out on all the fantastic details, and epic nature of this Shonen. DBS:B has seen massive critical and financial success, and will no doubt spawn sequels, but movies like this can't flourish without support from their fans. Thankfully, wider distribution, and mainstream attention is helping to boost their roles in the media.
If you aren't able to see it in theaters, don't worry, it more than delivers on everything you would want from a Dragon Ball film, even if you end up watching it at home with a living room of screaming children trying to become Super Saiyans!
With wonderful pacing, jaw dropping action, and moments of honest emotional gravity, DBS: Broly is a re-imagining of the previously non-canon origin movies, done in a fashion that is a return to form of Toriyama's masterful story telling. I was captivated from start to finish, and at times literally moved to tears by the tale of family, friendship, abuse, and redemption. In classic DB fashion, moments of drama are broken up by frenetic combat, or well timed humor, and when taken as a whole, it is truly a worthy continuation of the Dragon Ball story.
This update will be a little more free-form, as I am still trying to create a routine, and discipline for consistent Blog updates. I had planned this particular one to be multi-part, one outlining my goals, and future entries updating my progress, but it's best just to dive in headlong.
Sometime near the end of the year 2018, I heard a radio-cast about making every day the best possible day you could, and seizing whatever opportunities came your way. While many aim to improve their minds or bodies (something I really do need to get back on track), I wanted to improve my general nature, and part of that, was pursuing those things that bring me fulfillment. So below is just a short list of some of the ways I have attempted to capture each moment to is fullest.
Blogging
It may seem silly, blogging about blogging, but being one of those very early millennials, I lived through the boom and rise of social communications networking. One thing I always found fascinating was how people could confidently sit down, and just speak to the world about what was happening in their lives. Sometimes it was for activism, sometimes for entertainment, and sometimes, just to have a chance to speak whats on their minds. Every year, I told myself I'd do it, that I would start a blog, and just share my thoughts. That's where this whole page was conceived. I am a very opinionated person, and have a ridiculously diverse set of interests, and will generally try anything at least once. Going along with that, I tend to also express my response to those experiences, sometimes to the point of obnoxiousness. It was this nature of mine, that caused those in my life to coin the term "Tommentary". At first it felt jeering, and I allowed it to be a phrase that belittled my opinions, however, I realized, they weren't wrong, that's what Tommentary is, "Tom-Commentary". After embracing it, I realized that I needed an outlet for this desire to share my thoughts, and so here we are. While I've yet to develop a consistent habit, I am happy that I've been able to organize some of conceptual fragments into coherent pieces.
Music
One thing I love more than speaking my mind, is music. Anyone who's known me for any prolonged period of time knows how important music has been in my life, and how I always wanted to make my passion into a career. Embarrassingly, I even signed everyone's yearbooks with "Soon to be Famous", that was in 2006 during my Emo band years. Unfortunately, between my lack of natural talent, and fear of failure, I've yet to create for myself many opportunities to really chase this dream, instead, opting to express myself in the shower, or on the freeway. Fortunately, sometimes faith and perseverance have a way of opening up doors for you, even when you aren't looking for one. Video game composer, and genius behind the award winning DOOM (2016) soundtrack Mick Gordon posted at the start of the year, that he was looking for Metal Vocalists who specialized in screaming to submit demos for an open audition for his next project. Describing the "gig" as a never before seen Heavy Metal Hell Choir composed entirely of screams and growls (likely related to the 2019 DOOM: Eternal coming out around May).
As a Metal fan, and aspiring vocalist, I was ecstatic over the prospect, but immediately seized by fear and doubt, and rightfully so, as I listened to the insane talent that was applying. However, this is where my resolution to pursue all opportunities, even the long shots, came into action. After mulling over the best ways to showcase my vocal range in both singing, screaming...and chanting, this is what I came up with:
An acapella demo, that is 100% me, with no effects, or instruments. Yes, it's a little rough and unrefined, but I didn't have the advanced equipment or time that other applicants did. Instead, I utilized my EarBuds, and GarageBand, and just focused on clean takes. For the uninitiated, it may sound cacophonous, but hey, it IS a "Hell Choir", and at least I was able to display my vocal range cohesively. So far I haven't heard back from the company, but I am just happy I took the chance, and went after one of my life long dreams. If I happen to receive the "golden ticket" I'll be sure to update here much faster than my usual posts!
In Closing...
There are plenty of other big changes, ones involving work and family, but I want to give those time to fully develop. I am spending as much precious time just appreciating my wife and kids as I can, and chasing that career in the field of automotive that I've always wanted. An opportunity literally called me on the phone, and I answered, even knowing I had a lot of growth left to do. I suppressed my shakes, wiped the sweat from my brow, and had a great interview. Then I laced up my boots and shadowed a talented Technician friend of mine on the job, and now, more praying. I don't know if I intended this Blog entry to be a mere update, an exercise in writing, or a chance to tell you to chase the big dreams, take risks, and smile in the face of adversity? Well, it's hard to say, but my goal is to always inspire, and leave the world a little better than I found it.
Independent films are a dime a dozen, and while they usually reflect the inspiration of their creators, limitations such as budget or experience often hinder the concept from being fully realized. However, on a rare occasion, the talents of the people behind the camera, and their ingenuity, can overcome these obstacles to create a genuinely fun experience.
In steps Hotel Inferno; a brutal mess of a film that plays out more like a first person shooter video game than an actual cinematic experience. It's this unique style, and commitment to concept that allows Hotel Inferno to succeed. What has been tried in the past by other films in the action and horror genre has always felt like a gimmick, but in this series, it's creators have made it clear that this is more than just an aesthetic choice, this is their vessel for story telling.
With Hotel Inferno, director Giulio De Santi tells the story of assassin Frank Zimosa, who is hired by a mysterious group to knock off a few targets in a European Hotel. What seems like just another day in the field, quickly devolves into chaos, as he is caught in a HELLacious mouse trap meant to feed the dark desires of an ancient evil. Splattering and battering his way through the various halls of the hotel, Frank is faced with ever increasing levels of horror, as his enemies turn from humans, to the undead and finally, even the damned!
Poor Frank can't catch a break; following the events of the first film, we see that Frank is no longer amongst the living, but instead has awoken in Hell itself?! Presumed to be dead, Frank sets out to find an escape to recover his earthly body, hoping, that through the help of another tortured soul, they can navigate this realm of Hell, where cultists endure endless torment in exchange for forbidden knowledge. The Cathedral of pain is the canvas by which Frank will paint his bloody masterpiece, as he quests to find the 5 elements that compose the human soul...all before his physical form rots away.
Review
Hotel Inferno is the film made for those horror fans brave enough to step off the beaten path, and follow the blood drenched footprints of independent genre pioneers. Relying on the contributions of it's fans, Hotel Inferno is a crowd funded effort by it's creators and Necrostorm. It is a surprisingly adept film series with great (if not limited) set pieces, and interesting characters. The plot can be thin at times, and feel like it was only there as a framework to support all the gore, but at it's best, it hearkens back to the beloved days of splatterfest video games like Pain Killer, or DOOM. Abash with awesome creature designs, and some great practical effects, (along with the nastiest of sound work), it can be a little rough for the squeamish, and while Hotel Inferno may not be for everyone, it was probably never meant to be.
The Holiday season is always a favorite time of mine, as it's filled with celebration, and new beginnings; but the thing that I look forward to most, is all the year end lists that begin to pure out around December. Every year, I check with my favorite bloggers and review sites to see if their were any new releases I might've missed, and to see what ones we all agreed on. In fact, I love it so much, I spend the majority of the New Year creating a compilation Playlist that outlines the best of the best. This year however, I started a resolution, that I would no longer drool over the works of other's, but instead, toil over my own! So, with no further introduction, I present to you, my top 25 Metal Albums of 2018; here's to another great year of Metal!
Top 25 2018 (Ranked)
1. Amorphis - The Queen of Time
(Melodic Death/Doom)
Amorphis' 2018 release "Queen of Time" is a departure from the sound that built their core fan base, but one that defines a progression to a more marketable style. Describing something as marketable in the metal scene is generally a condemnation, but in this case, its a testament to how listenable the album really is. Tracks like "The Bee" and "Amongst Stars" could easily find a place amongst heavy metal radio hits; while tracks like "Daughter of Hate", keep things grounded to Amorphis' Doom Metal roots. Drawing from the Finnish folk poem "The Kalevala", Queen of Time weaves a tale of death and rebirth, through soaring rifts, and epic melodies, in a fashion that can be enjoyed by casual listeners and extreme metal fans alike.
"Iris" is only the second full release from Canadian based Doom metal band Altars of Grief, and it has set a pretty high standard for their future albums. Following the story of a father dealing with the illness and eventual death of his daughter in the frozen prairies of Canada, Altars of Grief address the pain of loss, and the struggle of faith in such difficult times. Even amidst the blasting drums, and tormented screams, the poignancy of their storytelling is never lost in the chaos, but instead is communicated in the only way a mourning father could display. Beautiful and vicious, those who can withstand the oppressive weight of this album will be rewarded with one of the best concept albums released in years.
3. Panopticon - The Scars of Man on a Once Nameless Wilderness (I & II)
(Atmospheric Black Metal + Folk Metal)
Solo-project Panopticon is never one to shy aware from experimentation, and that unique process has never been more on display than with the latest dual release "Scars of Man on a Once Nameless Wilderness pts I & II". Drawing from his usual well of North American folk inspiration, Panopticon captures the essence of man in his role with (and against) nature. The first part being barren and savage, and the second mournful and introspective, there is a great deal of diversity to the two albums, and if someone wasn't in the know, they may not even realize they're listening to the same band. Fitting the themes of each part, album I leans very heavily to Panopticon's usual black metal sound, however, on part II, things shift drastically to folk/country music with only tinges of metal. As jarring as the transition is, it all blends together nicely in a package that can at the very least, be appreciated by any listener.
"Abyss Between the Stars" is the debut LP from Doom Metal side-project Ursa, featuring members of progressive Doom-ers Cormorant. This album is a sludgy, psychedelic romp through a fantasy realm of wizards, dragons, and magic, as showcased by album opener "Wizard's Path". While many LPs are generally exempt from the core list, this release feels so complete, it more than earns its place at the top. An excellent album for are of D&D, or other works of fantasy fiction!
5. Uada - Cult of a Dying Sun
(Melodic Black Metal)
Fans of haunting atmospheres and dark pagan themes in their Black Metal, will find Uada's "Cult of a Dying Sun" to be the glimmering black gem they've been looking for. Showing a level of polish and refinement not usually found in Black Metal, Uada crafts a bleak and chaotic album, full of shrill riffs, blazing drums, and howling vocals. Equal parts heavy and melodic, it is a beautifully produce piece that will find a long term home amongst many metalheads' collections.
6. Khemmis - Desolation
(Doom Metal)
Continuing the tradition of fantasy inspired Doom Metal, Khemmis once again blends themes of grief and loss, with those of fiction and grim adventure. At any given point, the listener may feel compelled to raise their sword and stand against their foe, or mourn for past transgressions. Transcending genre tropes, "Desolation' can swing organically between radio friend heavy metal, melodramatic sweeping vocals, or grinding Doom. Its an epic piece that showcases the continued growth of Khemmis as a band.
Darksworn is the solo effort of Alan Blaidell of Oregon, and for one man, this is a HUGE sound! On "Human", listeners are treated to a precision Death Metal offering that, while not necessarily unique, is an example of the genre done right. Its not until "Human II" that Darksworn's versatility is put on display. Progressive at many spots, "Human II" is often almost electronic or metal-core inspired, but it never strays so far as to not be Death Metal. When taken as two parts of the same release, the vision begins to take it's own shape, and loses the repetitive nature found in most death metal, and is far less exhausting. Sci-fi lyrics, transcedant riffs, and whispered cleans create a spiraling atmosphere that is very palatable.
8. Thou - Magus
(Sludge/Drone/Doom Metal)
Thou's prolific career spans an enormous number of collaborations and singles, and several top rated full albums, yet they still manage find areas to improve and refine their sound. "Magus" to many, may become the defining album of their career (so far), and there's plenty of shining examples to be found throughout the release. In particular, the single "The Changeling Prince" is a diverse and emotive example of what Blackened Doom can achieve when not constrained by traditional genre sensibilities. An album that's as easy to jam to, as it is to zone out and chill with.
9. A Forest of Stars - Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes*
(Psychedelic Blackened Doom)
While not reflected in it's position on this list, A Forest of Stars' "Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes" is, for me, *Album of the Year! Featuring some of the most poetic writing of any album listed here, and probably the most unique vocal leads in the industry, A Forest of Stars pushes the limit of Black Metal, while almost achieving a Spoken Word appeal. Doubling down on front man Mister Curse's unique sound was absolutely the right choice, leaving as much chaos as astonishment in it's wake. If you are seeking an avante-garde approach to Black Metal that doesn't resemble anything else in the genre, this is a must hear album.
Craft's album "White Noise and Black Metal" deserves a spot in every Top 10 list that appears for 2018, not just for its refinement of the Black Metal formula, but mainly for it's ability to make Black Metal approachable to the casual listener. "White Noise and Black Metal" is one of the best Black Metal productions you'll hear, and for that reason, it should become a fantastic entry point for anyone trying to get into extreme metal devoid of the basement recording sound usually found in genre. Don't be fooled by the quality, this is still every bit the biting Swedish frost you'd expect from Craft.
And there it is folks, the 2018 Best of Metal List! As you can see, Black Metal and Doom Metal had a year, and really began to blend over into other sub-genres. This isn't to say Death Metal, Thrash, and Power Metal didn't have some great releases too, but it does show the sheer strength of composition for the releases that made the ranks. Can 2019 continue this positive trend for Metal? Or will things begin to fall off?
