As 2013 draws to a close, we’ve been giving the site over to artists to let us know what they’ve been listening to. You can check out part 1 here, part 2 here, part 3 here, and part 4 here. We’re also ranking our faves of the year, with Chris Colgan and Zach Shaw already weighing in on what they’ve been listening to all year. Here’s our latest roundup from musicians, including members of Northlane, Ghost Ship Octavius, Noctum, Gigan and Call of the Void.
Josh Smith of Northlane
(in no particular order)
Balance and Composure, The Things We Think We’re Missing
Karnivool, Asymmetry
Endless Heights, New Bloom
Letlive, The Blackest Beautiful
Daylight, Jar
Misery Signals, Absent Light
Hundredth, Revolt
Stray from the Path, Anonymous
Vildhjarta, Thousands Of Evils
Dead Letter Circus, The Catalyst Fire
Matthew Wicklund of Ghost Ship Octavius/ex God Forbid
(in no particular order)
Soilwork, The Living Infinite
This band has everything that I enjoy listening to all in one package. They have incredible skills, can groove, have hooks galore, creative and powerful vocals – both aggressive and clean, interesting progressions and super cool guitar solos. One of my all time favorite bands. I had the honor of working with Dirk Verbeuren on Warrel Dane’s Praises to the War Machine album. One of the best drummers in the business!
Carcass, Surgical Steel
Awesome Record start to finish. Brings me back to the 1990s when I first fell in love with heavy metal after hearing and later becoming obsessed with “Heartwork”. Cool harmonies, grinding riffs and awesome solos!
Devin Townsend, The Retinal Circus
Devin is my favorite all around character in metal music. I love all of his songwriting and his dramatic and theatrical visions. This live show in London was incredible and to me his songs are meaningful and inspiring. A must-listen and must-see.
Queensryche, Queensryche
Seattle Represent! Flawless songwriting and performances. Excellent guitar playing by my friend Parker Lundgren!
Killswitch Engage, Disarm the Descent
I love this band. Great dudes and timeless music. Jesse is back and better than ever. KSE has the best guitar riffs in town.
Lesbian, Forestelevision
I have been a fan of this band for many years. These guys create amazing metal soundscapes to get lost in. Unique and mesmerizing.
Alice In Chains, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
I grew up in Seattle throughout the Grunge movement in the 1990’s so I have a special place in my heart for many of these classic bands. AIC has always written cool songs with a dark vibe and a bit of a metal edge. Another excellent record from them that delivers that unique sound that Alice in Chains made famous.
Integrity, Suicide Black Snake
So stoked to hear Integrity making music again. This album delivers what you want and expect from Integrity. Raw, Guitar Driven, High Energy, Pissed-Off heavy metal.
Trivium, Vengeance Falls
I really like the attention given to the vocal production on this record and the arrangements are nice. The hooks are dialed in and the guitar tone they got is crushing!
Twelve Foot Ninja, Silent Machine
I really like the way they combine different stylistic musical elements and are able to write hooks that rival any rock radio hit. Top musicianship all around. Their video for “Mother Sky” kicks ass.
