Top 20 of 2011 – Jake’s Picks
Shortly after I wrote last year’s Top 20 list, I knew it was going to be interesting to write this year’s. I’ll be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope for 2011 after the year that 2010 was. There were several huge releases in ’10 that I figured would put it on top for, at least, a few years. Sure, there were a few heavily anticipated releases I knew were coming in ’11 like Graveyard‘s Hisingen Blues, but that still paled in comparison. It wasn’t until this year started to go along that it was clear that 2011 was just as good, if not better, than 2010. This was helped along by several amazing hidden gems that were discovered throughout the year. I must have had fun discovering and enjoying all of this music because 2011 flew by faster than any year in recent memory.
In comparing last year to this year, I did find something curious. Last year, Bill and I shared similar lists with 10 matching entries with several of those in nearly identical placements on our lists. This year, things are a bit different. I only count 7 matches, and only 2 with a similar position. Consider the additional albums on this list an early Christmas gift from the cosmos.
As always, the creating of these lists are extremely hard, and I hate to leave some very deserving bands off of a list like this. Unfortunately, I can’t include every amazing album on this list. This year’s list has been worked on all year. I’ve meticulously arranged albums as I’ve listened to them throughout this year, continually going back to adjust their standings. Some bands have moved up, some have moved down, and some have flew to the top, seemingly out of nowhere. (more…)
Swedish Sunday – Witchcraft
This week’s feature is a band that I hold in high regards and is a bad that I have a history with. This band was the third show I saw live, and it was the first band I saw in a small venue. It was an amazing experience and one that really set off my love affair for live shows, especially those in dark, small bars. They are the first and only Swedish band I have seen live to date. They are the influential doom metal/rock band from Örebro, Witchcraft. (more…)
Electric Wizard: Black Masses [review]
Electric Wizard- Black Masses [2010]
Rise Above Records
If Electric Wizard’s 2007’s effort, Witchcult Today took us behind the doors of the darkest and most ritualistic dungeons of England, then 2010’s Black Masses takes us beyond those damp bloody walls and into an afterworld that echoes the cries of hell.
The 3rd album since shuffling their lineup brings Electric Wizard to a sound that’s true to the doom genre they helped reinforce while keeping it new and freshly black. Jus Osborn, vocals and guitar, has remained as the only original member and is doing a hell of job keeping Electric Wizard a dark enigma that moves freely and effortlessly in the darkest edges of your musical soul.
The album opens with a grungy title track. The elements of doom flicker with the old flame of grunge. Being born in the woods of the northwest, I can hear that sound of Tad and L7, my ears are tuned in to it. And please understand…that is a major compliment from my world. Thick…fuzzy…and forceful. “Venus in Furs” and “Nightchild” both begin with haunting audio clips and droning beats. Both tracks do a great job of weaving in the second guitar of Liz Buckingham and creating an outstanding metal/drone vibe.
If you haven’t loaded your bowl yet, [I’m disappointed if you haven’t …it’s Electric Wizard], pack it tight for “Satyr IX”. Minimal lyrics. Spaced out doom beats that nod your head in slow motion. Undertones of lingering tremors.
“Turn Off Your Mind” is my personal favorite as of eight times around this album. This track just magnifies what this entire album does. Undertones of audio torture and psychedelic sounds. Thick grinding bass and drums. Droning guitars that, at times, pair with the likes of speed metal. The albums finishes with a slow paced fuzzy “Scorpio Curse” that is almost bluesy and an installment of the instrumental Drugula that takes us to the Crypt.
I recommend that you load your bong …grab the rest of the bag too. Sit somewhere comfy…dim the lights to black. Turn Off Your Mind and allow Electric Wizard to give you a peek into the darkest corners of the afterlife. The gang has created the soundtrack to what’s beyond the living walls of the darkest dungeons. It’s not as scary as you might think. It’s inviting.
Reviewed by Mood:Doom
The Soda Shop 