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?
