Cloak impressed us in 2019, and we are looking forward to seeing where 2020 and beyond will take them. The Atlanta black metal project’s new album, The Burning Dawn, has landed on a few of our year-end lists, and if you haven’t listened to it yet, read our review. While we are waiting until the group goes back on tour, we got to know more about vocalist/guitarist Scott Taysom as he shared his Top Ten Albums of the decade (2010-2019).
My favorite albums of the last decade would change at any moment, but right now as I think back on the decade here are the albums that moved me in some way. I feel most of my choices will resonate with the rest of the band as well.
01) Watain, Lawless Darkness (2010)
This album needs no introduction and it certainly changed the game for modern day black metal. I saw them on this tour for the first time and got rotten animal blood in my eye, couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to their live show.
02) Morbus Chron, Sweven (2014)
One of the more interesting and captivating albums of the decade for me, it’s a shame they broke up soon after.
03) In Solitude, Sister (2013)
Speaking of breaking up too soon… This album changed my entire life and my perspective on music. I truly believe Cloak wouldn’t be a band if Sean didn’t give me this on a burned CD. Sean, Max, and myself formed a bond due to this album. I remember seeing them with Watain and Tribulation on the Wild Hunt Tour in 2013, and that was the moment I decided I needed a change in my life, a new musical journey began shortly after. I can only put this album on at certain times because it’s such a heavy listen for me, it does things to me and brings back feelings or memories that are hard to digest sometimes. I can’t describe it, it’s magical and deadly at the same time. Long live In Solitude and Sister!
04) The Devil’s Blood, The Thousandfold Epicentre (2011)
The perfect follow up to their timeless debut album. This band was pure magic and they will be missed for the rest of our lives. I never got to see them live unfortunately. Hail Selim!
05) Behemoth, The Satanist (2014)
The Satanist was voted best metal album of the decade by many metal publications, and I can’t say they’re totally wrong. This album is extremely powerful and it definitely had an impact on me.
