Ba'al

We’re a bit late with our tunes and words this month because of various factors, including some of us galivanting at music festivals which will no doubt influence next month’s post… Anyway, have at it below.

Richard – Bass

Porcupine Tree – Harridan

Despite them releasing some of my favourite music of all time in the past, I was sceptical about the Porcupine Tree reunion album, not least because of the notable and un-commented-upon absence of bassist Colin Edwin (who still hasn’t said a word on the matter), but also because of Steven Wilson’s gradual ascent up his own arse. These low expectations worked in my favour, though, as I’m surprised to say that Closure / Continuation is currently one of my albums of the year. It’s got the hallmark PT sound – downbeat prog rock with some alternative rock weirdness, split up by hefty metal riffs – but I think, if anything, the 70s prog dial has been turned up yet further, and the hooks are just absolutely infectious.

Thomas Köner – Meta Incognita

Thomas Köner’s supremely icy album Permafrost was one of the myriad ways I tried to keep myself cool during the ludicrous temperatures recently (Sheffield was, briefly, one of the top 5 hottest cities on the planet for an hour one afternoon – insane). You can file Köner’s music under “ambient music so minimal, you’ll have to keep checking it’s still playing” Classic Köner-listener catchphrases include: “is it still playing or is that my computer fan?”, “is it still playing or is that distant traffic?”, “is it still playing or is that my tinnitus?” and “is it still playing or did it finish half an hour ago and I didn’t notice?”. Crank it up, though, and you’ll be in a sublime, motionless freeze.

Tómarúm – Where No Warmth is Found

Another one hovering near the top of my AOTY list is this album, which I truly cannot remember who told me about. If you imagine Australian extreme prog masterminds Ne Obliviscaris shot their violinist and replaced him with more straight-up prog-death and even more surging melodies, you’re not far off Tómarúm’s sound, but they also have a voice all their own. Also another helpful song title for avoiding thinking about the recent weather.

Akua Naru – The Backflip

“For those of y’all waiting for hip-hop: she’s here.” I’ve been soundtracking some of my recent car journeys with Akua Naru’s debut album, a near-flawless, oft-overlooked gem of conscious hip-hop. Naru’s smooth vocal tones and superb wordplay effortlessly roll over a mix of grooving samples and a wide array of live band instrumentation. Top class.

The Streets – Geezers Need Excitement

From one kind of lyrical mastermind to another (!). Another recent revisit for me has been the iconic Original Pirate Material, which I am coming to realise may be one of the absolute best rap-related albums to ever come from the UK. Mike Skinner’s stories of the everyday from the streets of working class Birmingham are told with such flair, humour and engaging flow that you have to marvel at how engrossed he can make you in verses about going to the chip shop or being late to meet your girlfriend because you were doing your hair.

Chris – Guitar

Jambinai – Sawtooth

Interesting, evolving, massive post-rock with a unique approach to timbre and texture. This was an out-of-nowhere discovery, check out the rest of the album if you like big sounds (which, if you’re here, you almost certainly do).

Uneven Structure – Quittance

I picked this album up years ago on a whim, and rediscovered it recently – I’m not a big djent person (unlike Nick and Luke) but this shit slaps. Big, frosty, space atmospheres enshroud the riffs (which are good in their own right). I’m still not a djentleman but I’ll make an exception for this lot!

Chat Pile – Why

Listening to this album was like having a rage-induced panic attack, and I mean that as a positive. One of the most intense, uncomfortable, unforgettable albums I’ve heard in some time, and this song is one of the crown jewels therein. Listen to it, get angry.

Brymir – Herald of Aegir

This gives me strong Eluveitie vibes – similarly bouncy and riffy with big choruses – but there’s a power metal vibe in there as well, and a black metal-ish album cover? It’s a big mishmash of genres, basically, but it works very well if you’re in the mood for something uplifting!

Metric – What Feels Like Eternity

I’ve been a big fan of Metric since I heard ‘Black Sheep’ on the Scott Pilgrim movie soundtrack, and they continue to put out great albums. This is off their latest, and it’s another certified earworm of undulating bass and synths overlaid with catchy vocal lines.

Nick – Guitar

Vildhjarta – All These Feelings

All these feelings that I’m feeling when I’m listening to ‘All These Feelings’ are feelings of pleasure at hearing all these massive riffs. Feels good.

Death Goals – Shrike

Overheard this track whilst we were packing down after our last show. Had to do an embarrassing speed walk to the sound desk to see what the song was. Turns out we were supposed to play with these guys at some point but the gig fell through for some reason which I cannot recall. Regardless it would’ve been a great gig, probably.

Ithaca – Hold, Be Held

‘Hold, Be Held’? More like hold my beer whilst we release one of this year’s best albums. I really enjoyed The Language of Injury but They Fear Us feels like such a confident step up, it’s in a different league altogether.

Ashenspire – Plattenbau Persephone Praxis

This album really resonated with me because A). It’s an incredibly powerful and authentically performed post-metal album, and B). You can tell they fucking hate the Tories. 5 stars from me.

Alexisonfire – Sans Soleil

This new album was a bolt from the blue and it’s arguably the best thing they’ve ever done. A noteworthy departure from the post-hardcore roots that made them such an important band, it’s probably the most mature they’ve ever sounded and I’m 100% here for it.

Joe – Vocals

Ultha – Bathed In Lightning, Bathed In Heat

Strong contender for album of the year for me and certainly going to be in my top five. All That Has Never Been True is an ugly piece of doom laden experimental metal from a badly unappreciated band.

Gaerea – Glare

A new album is incoming, but I still spin the last one regularly. This band is on a wave of popularity right now, but something I see few people mention is how good the vocalist is. His voice is fairly typical for black metal, yet resonates strongly with emotion, subtle but captivating.

Cairns – When Days Grew Shorter

Fellow Clobber label mates with a strong slab of atmospheric black metal and an anthemic clean sung chorus. Brings to mind Cairiss and Wodensthrone, which is obviously bloody awesome.

Unreqvited – Anhedonia

I’ve always enjoyed this project and been listening to them a lot lately. This offering is from my favourite album Stars Wept To The Sea and it’s lovely.

The Caretaker – It’s Just A Burning Memory

For the love of whatever fictional character you worship, go and listen to Everywhere At The End Of Time. It’s essentially an audio art exhibit on the onset of dementia and it’s one of the most heartwrenching things I’ve ever heard. This is the very beginning and it’s a haunting indication of what is to come.