1) letlive., The Blackest Beautiful (Epitaph)
I know Bram had this featured this album in his top 10 as well, and I know that it’s not exactly “metal”, per se (not that it should really matter), but few bands bring the energy in their live performance like letlive does. The Blackest Beautiful captures this energy in a way that 2010’s Fake History somehow failed to, and features raw lyrics that address big subjects—some acting more as a commentary on contemporary American society, while others address relationship issues, and beyond…. Songs like “Pheromone Cvlt”, “White America’s Beautiful Black Market”, and “The Dope Beat” showcase the diversity and depth of lyrical content explored on the record and are good examples of the level to which their sound has evolved with this release. After such a hard-hitting, emotional, powerful record, it’s hard not to wonder what will come next from this band. Catch them on tour in 2014 during their US tour with Bring Me The Horizon.
Honorable Mentions:
The Safety Fire – Mouth of Swords
Trivium – Vengeance Falls
Skeletonwitch – Serpents Unleashed
