05) Opeth,The Last Will and Testament (Moderbolaget)
Many people have called this album a return to form or that Opeth is going “back” to death metal. I disagree with both statements because the band is not going “back” to anything. The Last Will and Testament builds upon all Opeth have done in their entire career and the inclusion of death growls are less of a “return” and more of a “reincorporation.” It’s exciting, yes, but it’s not even the best thing about the album. The concept is very fitting for Opeth, suitably gloomy, and the flow from track to track is so smooth it’s easy to ingest it all in one sitting, then come back for more. The inclusion of the London Session Orchestra and the legendary Ian Anderson have me champing at the bit for an Opeth tour backed by an orchestra.
Key Track: “§4”
04) Alcest, Les Chants de l’Aurore (Nuclear Blast)
The last time Alcest put out an album, I listened to it while cradling my crying, hungry newborn child in the dead of night. Five years later, I’m listening to it in my car after dropping off my kindergartener. Wild. Times may have changed, but Alcest’s inimitable brand of music is as lush and beautifully melancholic as ever. For every bright gazy guitar riff like on “L’Envol” there’s the heavier black side found on “Améthyste” followed by the somber, contemplative closer “L’Adieu”. It’s more of what you love and a testament to the strength of the duo that is Neige and Winterhalter.
Key Track: “L’Enfant de la Lune (月の子)”
03) Vokonis,Transitions (Majestic Mountain)
Apart from having one of the most gorgeous album covers of the year, Vokonis deliver one of the best albums of the year period. I’m a newcomer to the band, but trust me when I say there’s never been a better time to climb aboard because this album fucking RULES. The proggy stoner metal comparisons to the likes of Mastodon or Elder is assured, but Transitions stands strong on its own merits with riffs and psychedelic passages. What’s more, it brings more visibility of trans folks in the scene.
Key Track: “Pink Fang”
02) High on Fire,Cometh the Storm (MNRK Heavy)
There was a long period back in the spring when I had the riff for “Burning Down” stuck in my head for weeks. That shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone remotely familiar with any record Matt Pike has ever played on, but goddamn something about High on Fire’s latest album really stuck to me this time round. Everything on here is heavy as shit, especially the album closer “Darker Fleece,” which is like a monolith of granite getting dropped on your eardrums.
Key Track: “Burning Down”
