01) Unto Others, Never, Neverland (Century Media)
I can’t get enough of these guys. Typically, most bands and albums I listen to are pretty heavy and Unto Others is a great change of pace for me. I love their 80’s gothic rock sound diffused with a punk and thrash attitude. The album is upbeat and a good time, even when the lyrics are not to be. The album is very diverse, consisting of ballads, thrash beats, and even Blue Oyster Cult-esque songs– looking at you, “Hoops.” Let’s not forget their superb cover of Ramones – “Pet Sematary” that rivals their previous album cover, “Hell Is For Children”. Never, Neverland is an extremely catchy record and has fortified Unto Others songwriting capabilities.
Rec Track: “Butterfly” & “Raigeki 雷撃”
Honorable Mentions
Kerry King, From Hell I Rise (Rising Phoenix Records)
Many Eyes, The Light Age (Perseverance)
DVNE, Voidkind (Metal Blade)
Devin Townsend, PowerNerd (InsideOut)
VOLA, Friend Of A Phantom (Mascot)
Opeth, The Last Will & Testament (Reigning Phoenix)
