Best Metal Album 2011

LOLPOCALYPSE · 12-21-2011, 02:19 PM

As the year comes to a close, what does everybody think some of the best metal albums were? I would expect to see lots of varying opinions, but here are some of my favorites:

The Black Dahlia Murder- Ritual

Seriously some of the best melodic death metal I've heard in a long time

The Human Abstract- Digital Veil

Call it what you will, this is progressive metal I think most could appreciate.

Animals as Leaders- Weightless

Instrumental in the djent style, this is a hard one to pass up. Tosin Abasi is one of the most creative guitarists of the 21st century.

Amon Amarth- Surtur Rising

Certainly nothing groundbreaking here but I would argue this is Amon Amarth's best release to date.

Primordial- Redemption at the Puritan's Hand

Black metal that has the Celtic flavor without the cheesiness of Finntroll

Textures- Dualism

With more progressive metal in the djent style, Dualism turned out surprisingly well despite another change in vocalists.

Some others I thought of but didn't think ranked among the best were:

Opeth- Heritage
Mastodon- The Hunter
Obscura- Omnivium
Black Tusk- Set the Dial
Between the Buried and Me- The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues (EP)

Salami · 12-21-2011, 02:34 PM

I know Engine will hate me for this, but I was very impressed by the Stratovarius album "Elysium" in march:

~~James~~ · 12-21-2011, 02:36 PM

Deafheaven's Roads to Judah and Wolves In The Throne Room's Celestial Lineage would get my votes I think. There's also been quite a few good Doom releases.

LOLPOCALYPSE · 12-21-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty Salami

I know Engine will hate me for this, but I was very impressed by the Stratovarius album "Elysium" in march:

I was expecting to see some power metal posted due to the recent power metal binge that's been going on here in the Banter. I've never really been a fan of the genre, but I like song you've posted.

Salami · 12-21-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOLPOCALYPSE

I was expecting to see some power metal posted due to the recent power metal binge that's been going on here in the Banter. I've never really been a fan of the genre, but I like song you've posted.

Haha, I only put it up because it has really showed an enormous change from their previous sound, and I genuinely enjoy the new style.

Can't say the same for all power metal, I am waiting in terror for the ominous 2012 Dragonforce album, because they will still be moaning about that damn quest of theirs which will still be going on after over a decade now.

Mrd00d · 12-21-2011, 05:31 PM

Off your list, OP, I'd say Animals as Leaders and Mastodon work for me.

Additionally:

Adrenaline Mob's EP was all right
Anthrax was pretty good
Devin Townsend Project - Deconstruction was an epic concept album/story
Megadeth was all right
Protest the Hero was above average
Sepultura was off the charts, really nice
Unexpect was unexpectedly good, if not a tad insane(ly good)
Wayne Static was better than I thought

I'd recommend Devin Townsend, Protest the Hero, Sepultura, Unexpect

hip hop bunny hop · 12-21-2011, 06:38 PM

The only new releases I've listened to this year and enjoyed are "Inferno of Sacred Destruction" by Black Witchery and "Aesthetica" by Liturgy. At least, those are the only ones I can remember, and I only found out about Liturgy a few days ago.

I'll have to give the new Midnight a listen, but other than that I'm more than content exploring older releases.

LOLPOCALYPSE · 12-22-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrd00d

Off your list, OP, I'd say Animals as Leaders and Mastodon work for me.

Additionally:

Adrenaline Mob's EP was all right
Anthrax was pretty good
Devin Townsend Project - Deconstruction was an epic concept album/story
Megadeth was all right
Protest the Hero was above average
Sepultura was off the charts, really nice
Unexpect was unexpectedly good, if not a tad insane(ly good)
Wayne Static was better than I thought

I'd recommend Devin Townsend, Protest the Hero, Sepultura, Unexpect

I heard a lot of good things about the new Devin Townsend Project but I haven't had a chance to listen yet. I wasn't really a big fan of the new Protest the Hero though

LoathsomePete · 12-22-2011, 12:24 AM

I'm going to have to also suggest that Devin Townsend's Deconstruction be at least considered for album of the year. It really does go above and beyond what you expect from Devin Townsend, he's at least proving that he's not too old to not still kick ass.

Another album that I think need be considered is the new Vektor album Outer Isolation be considered as well. It definitely is a departure from their 2009 magnum opus Black Future but it does so in a sequely way. I'm not sure how best to describe it, but their new album really does feel like an evolution on their sound, which is exactly what Vektor want to do for their 3rd album.

Metal Connoisseur · 12-24-2011, 02:49 PM

As a result of my prolonged absence from the forum, I know you are all dying to know what I have chosen as my best of 2011. Actually probably not but here they are anyway (in no particular order of course, that's like choosing which child to sacrifice to the gods for a bumper crop first)

The Black Dahlia Murder: Ritual

Whoever calls this band deathcore should have their eyes gouged out. Not only do they produce one of the tightest, most visceral aural assaults in all of modern metal, they do it with riffs that rival Amon Amarth in the catchiness department. Technicality is present, but not overbearing melding perfectly with dynamic vocals that fluctuate between a blood curdling screech and a guttural low. Do yourself a favor and listen to this ASAP

Crowbar: Sever The Wicked Hand

Kirk Windstein, the sludge god, shows no age on this record. It's like it's 1994 again only this time with better production. No instrument is muddled allowing for a cohesive union between Kirk's gritty moan and the musical sludge avalanche provided by his bandmates.

The Human Abstract: Digital Veil

A new singer and the reunion of virtuoso guitarists A.J. Minette (who had left the band previously to pursue a graduates degree in music? I think that's why correct me if I'm wrong) and Dean Herrera completely resurrected this band from their stinker of an album in 08, Midheaven. Complex polyrhythms, neo-classical shred, and djent comprise the guitar styles on the album and the transitions between the three are seamless. Confident drumming and a great vocal performance given by Travis Richter (who has already left the band to pursue a career in producing) elevate what is already an outstanding guitar album.

Times of Grace: The Hymn of a Broken Man

As bad as the state of metalcore is today, I still remain, unashamedly, a fan of Adam D. and Jesse Leach. Together, they created what I consider to be the best melodic metalcore record of all time in Alive or Just Breathing and I was ecstatic when I heard they were making a record just between the two of them. The production on this album is perfect with Adam D. in control of all instruments, the good cop/bad cop dynamic that Leach helped to pioneer are amazing as are the vocal harmonies between both Adam and Jesse. Lyrically, themes of perseverance through struggle and introspection might put some people off as they could be perceived as cheesy but hell, half of you guys listen to power metal so you shouldn't have a problem with dairy by-products in your metal.

Rotten Sound: Cursed

Awesome, Awesome deathgrind. What set this a cut above for me was that the guitars had a tone similar to the trademark "buzzsaw" sound of the Swedish death metal bands of the early 90's. Also, the album flows excellently as you can't really tell when one song ends and one begins (I mean this in a positive way). Finally, the groovy riffs and solos that bubble up from the blast beats and palm-muted speed picking create a sense of diversity that really made this album a joy to listen to.

Amon Amarth: Surtur Rising

There's something to be said for consistency, and these vikings are the pinnacle of constantly building and perfecting on a sound. On Surtur Rising , Amon Amarth's sound has been refined to the max, with amazing riff after amazing riff. Simply put, this album is Amarth at the top of their game.

Blut aus Nord: 777 - Sect(s) & 777 - The Desanctification

The French lords of the dark released two albums this year but they are part of the same trilogy (the third part comes out next year) so I bunched them together. There's no denying that Blut aus Nord is about as esoteric and inaccessible as it gets but when I put on my headphones and laid back to listen to both of these records just the aura and mood of the music was overwhelming. More of an experience than a listen I'd say. These two records are about as indescribable as the band's genre but if you're looking for a challenge, look no further.

Hate Eternal: Phoenix Amongst The Ashes

This is the album Morbid Angel should have made in 2011.

Fleshgod Apocalypse: Agony

Admittedly, I didn't like this album as much as their debut from 09, however their expansion on the symphonic elements of their sound is pretty cool and, as always, the musicianship is top notch.

Wolves in the Throne Room: Celestial Lineage

I'm a big fan of post-metal influenced black metal, and Celestial Lineage has some amazing airy passages that work great in contrast to the typical black metal parts of the album.

Insomnium: One For Sorrow

Insomnium is sort of like Amon Amarth in terms of consistency. One element that is really highlighted on the album is how their brand of melodeath carries a sort of doom element with it that is tragically beautiful. The addition of more clean vocals also adds to the beauty of One For Sorrow. I just wish they wouldn't mix the vocals down so much!

Craft: Void

Normally don't have a taste for traditional BM, but you can't help but not like this album. The crunchy guitars chopped up with melodic passages and some of the most gut wrenching vocals on the planet are highlights.

12-21-2011, 02:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
LOLPOCALYPSE Aryan Wonder Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 445	Best Metal Album 2011 As the year comes to a close, what does everybody think some of the best metal albums were? I would expect to see lots of varying opinions, but here are some of my favorites: The Black Dahlia Murder- Ritual Seriously some of the best melodic death metal I've heard in a long time The Human Abstract- Digital Veil Call it what you will, this is progressive metal I think most could appreciate. Animals as Leaders- Weightless Instrumental in the djent style, this is a hard one to pass up. Tosin Abasi is one of the most creative guitarists of the 21st century. Amon Amarth- Surtur Rising Certainly nothing groundbreaking here but I would argue this is Amon Amarth's best release to date. Primordial- Redemption at the Puritan's Hand Black metal that has the Celtic flavor without the cheesiness of Finntroll Textures- Dualism With more progressive metal in the djent style, Dualism turned out surprisingly well despite another change in vocalists. Some others I thought of but didn't think ranked among the best were: Opeth- Heritage Mastodon- The Hunter Obscura- Omnivium Black Tusk- Set the Dial Between the Buried and Me- The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues (EP) Last edited by LOLPOCALYPSE; 12-21-2011 at 03:00 PM. Reason: almost forgot about Textures!

12-21-2011, 05:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mrd00d Stoned and Jammin' Out Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Northern California; Eugene, OR; mobile Posts: 1,602	Off your list, OP, I'd say Animals as Leaders and Mastodon work for me. Additionally: Adrenaline Mob's EP was all right Anthrax was pretty good Devin Townsend Project - Deconstruction was an epic concept album/story Megadeth was all right Protest the Hero was above average Sepultura was off the charts, really nice Unexpect was unexpectedly good, if not a tad insane(ly good) Wayne Static was better than I thought I'd recommend Devin Townsend, Protest the Hero, Sepultura, Unexpect __________________ Mrd00d's Last.fm

12-21-2011, 06:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
hip hop bunny hop Music Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,381	The only new releases I've listened to this year and enjoyed are "Inferno of Sacred Destruction" by Black Witchery and "Aesthetica" by Liturgy. At least, those are the only ones I can remember, and I only found out about Liturgy a few days ago. I'll have to give the new Midnight a listen, but other than that I'm more than content exploring older releases. __________________ Have mercy on the poor.

12-22-2011, 12:24 AM	#9 (permalink)
LoathsomePete Cardboard Box Realtor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hobb's End Posts: 7,648	I'm going to have to also suggest that Devin Townsend's Deconstruction be at least considered for album of the year. It really does go above and beyond what you expect from Devin Townsend, he's at least proving that he's not too old to not still kick ass. Another album that I think need be considered is the new Vektor album Outer Isolation be considered as well. It definitely is a departure from their 2009 magnum opus Black Future but it does so in a sequely way. I'm not sure how best to describe it, but their new album really does feel like an evolution on their sound, which is exactly what Vektor want to do for their 3rd album. __________________ Last.FM 101 Albums That May Not Change Your Life, But I Really Like And You Might Too

12-21-2011, 02:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Salami Get in ma belly Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Derbyshire Posts: 1,385	I know Engine will hate me for this, but I was very impressed by the Stratovarius album "Elysium" in march:

12-21-2011, 02:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
~~James~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Scotland Posts: 4,483	Deafheaven's Roads to Judah and Wolves In The Throne Room's Celestial Lineage would get my votes I think. There's also been quite a few good Doom releases.

12-24-2011, 02:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
Metal Connoisseur Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 539	As a result of my prolonged absence from the forum, I know you are all dying to know what I have chosen as my best of 2011. Actually probably not but here they are anyway (in no particular order of course, that's like choosing which child to sacrifice to the gods for a bumper crop first) The Black Dahlia Murder: Ritual Whoever calls this band deathcore should have their eyes gouged out. Not only do they produce one of the tightest, most visceral aural assaults in all of modern metal, they do it with riffs that rival Amon Amarth in the catchiness department. Technicality is present, but not overbearing melding perfectly with dynamic vocals that fluctuate between a blood curdling screech and a guttural low. Do yourself a favor and listen to this ASAP Crowbar: Sever The Wicked Hand Kirk Windstein, the sludge god, shows no age on this record. It's like it's 1994 again only this time with better production. No instrument is muddled allowing for a cohesive union between Kirk's gritty moan and the musical sludge avalanche provided by his bandmates. The Human Abstract: Digital Veil A new singer and the reunion of virtuoso guitarists A.J. Minette (who had left the band previously to pursue a graduates degree in music? I think that's why correct me if I'm wrong) and Dean Herrera completely resurrected this band from their stinker of an album in 08, Midheaven. Complex polyrhythms, neo-classical shred, and djent comprise the guitar styles on the album and the transitions between the three are seamless. Confident drumming and a great vocal performance given by Travis Richter (who has already left the band to pursue a career in producing) elevate what is already an outstanding guitar album. Times of Grace: The Hymn of a Broken Man As bad as the state of metalcore is today, I still remain, unashamedly, a fan of Adam D. and Jesse Leach. Together, they created what I consider to be the best melodic metalcore record of all time in Alive or Just Breathing and I was ecstatic when I heard they were making a record just between the two of them. The production on this album is perfect with Adam D. in control of all instruments, the good cop/bad cop dynamic that Leach helped to pioneer are amazing as are the vocal harmonies between both Adam and Jesse. Lyrically, themes of perseverance through struggle and introspection might put some people off as they could be perceived as cheesy but hell, half of you guys listen to power metal so you shouldn't have a problem with dairy by-products in your metal. Rotten Sound: Cursed Awesome, Awesome deathgrind. What set this a cut above for me was that the guitars had a tone similar to the trademark "buzzsaw" sound of the Swedish death metal bands of the early 90's. Also, the album flows excellently as you can't really tell when one song ends and one begins (I mean this in a positive way). Finally, the groovy riffs and solos that bubble up from the blast beats and palm-muted speed picking create a sense of diversity that really made this album a joy to listen to. Amon Amarth: Surtur Rising There's something to be said for consistency, and these vikings are the pinnacle of constantly building and perfecting on a sound. On Surtur Rising , Amon Amarth's sound has been refined to the max, with amazing riff after amazing riff. Simply put, this album is Amarth at the top of their game. Blut aus Nord: 777 - Sect(s) & 777 - The Desanctification The French lords of the dark released two albums this year but they are part of the same trilogy (the third part comes out next year) so I bunched them together. There's no denying that Blut aus Nord is about as esoteric and inaccessible as it gets but when I put on my headphones and laid back to listen to both of these records just the aura and mood of the music was overwhelming. More of an experience than a listen I'd say. These two records are about as indescribable as the band's genre but if you're looking for a challenge, look no further. Hate Eternal: Phoenix Amongst The Ashes This is the album Morbid Angel should have made in 2011. Fleshgod Apocalypse: Agony Admittedly, I didn't like this album as much as their debut from 09, however their expansion on the symphonic elements of their sound is pretty cool and, as always, the musicianship is top notch. Wolves in the Throne Room: Celestial Lineage I'm a big fan of post-metal influenced black metal, and Celestial Lineage has some amazing airy passages that work great in contrast to the typical black metal parts of the album. Insomnium: One For Sorrow Insomnium is sort of like Amon Amarth in terms of consistency. One element that is really highlighted on the album is how their brand of melodeath carries a sort of doom element with it that is tragically beautiful. The addition of more clean vocals also adds to the beauty of One For Sorrow. I just wish they wouldn't mix the vocals down so much! Craft: Void Normally don't have a taste for traditional BM, but you can't help but not like this album. The crunchy guitars chopped up with melodic passages and some of the most gut wrenching vocals on the planet are highlights.