01) Killer Be Killed, Reluctant Hero (Nuclear Blast)
The album that has the honor of being ranked album of the year is Killer Be Killed’s Reluctant Hero. This is a beautifully structured album written with heavy grooves, menacing riffs and catchy choruses. Given the all-star cast of this group, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they were able to craft an album blending the styles of every member. Each musician brings the thing you love most about their main band and forges it together in a way that works.
Hearing the chaotic duet between Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato and Mastodon’s Troy Sanders is what makes this album really special. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, you have Max Cavalera’s (Soulfly/Sepultura) iconic throat ripping savagery intertwined. Laying down the foundation behind it all is Converge’s Ben Koller’s energetic and strenuous drumming.
With the help of acclaimed producer, Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God/Megadeth/Gojira), they found a way to use their personalized sound to benefit one another and use that energy to fuel the fire. With this record, you don’t hear Mastodon, Soulfly, Dillinger, or Converge. Instead, you hear a new band with a strong identity.
Key Track: “Dream Gone Bad”
