2017 has seen some really good albums released. We’ve had great comeback albums, great follow ups, and debuts, that are pretty solid. Obviously we still have half a year left of albums coming out but, these are the best of 2017, so far!
This list is in NO PARTICULAR ORDER.
Mastodon- Emperor Of Sand:
Darkest Hour- Godless Prophets and The Migrant Flora:
There are bands out there that get a bad rap for no good reason. And the more you really delve into the band’s albums, you realize that said band is quite good and really consistent in releasing quality material. Over the last few years, I’ve personally noticed that the band Chevelle falls into this category of underrated bands. Not only do they release consistently solid albums but, they’ve upped their game on each album. Rather than just stick with a “radio friendly” formula, the three guys in Chevelle, bucked the trend and went on to create what they wanted to.
After their platinum selling second album, Wonder What’s Next, which featured songs like radio staples “The Red” and “Send The Pain Below,” Chevelle realized that they needed to separate themselves from the rest of the bands of that time. Drawing more on their influences of Helmet, Tool, and The Cure, Chevelle managed to carve out their own little niche. Since Wonder What’s Next, Chevelle has been consistent in putting out solid albums. This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In and Vena Sera, are very melodic and heavy. Sci-Fi Crimes is a bit of an experimental album for them, as they were toying around with bits of prog rock in their new tunes.
When they made Hats Off To The Bull, that’s when they really found their sound and style. Working with producer/engineer Joe Baressi, was the best thing they could have done. Joe not only has a great ear for production but also tones, and structures. Hats Off, while, not the band’s best effort, was the push in the right direction. When it came time to work on their follow up, La Gargola, Chevelle made a statement with that album. Not only is it an “album” but it was sonically bombastic and written so well. It was the perfect album at the right time. Not long after, when it was time to go back in the studio, Chevelle upped the ante by writing their heaviest album to date, The North Corridor. This album is 10 songs of unrelenting syncopated rhythms and a darker tone.
Chevelle are the type of band that deserves the recognition of being one of the best heavy rock bands since the turn of the century. Their catalog represents that as does their live show. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them in different times of their career, and they have never disappointed. One other thing that makes Chevelle such an underrated band is that they are a great band to recommend to someone that is wanting to get into heavier music but, doesn’t want it to be “too heavy.” Chevelle is and will always be a melodic heavy rock band, and they do it so well.
Give them a chance if you haven’t before. You’ll be surprised at what you missed out on.
Over the last decade or so, there has been a really interesting thing happening in the heavy music genre. Rather than just play the same Metallica or Slayer- esque type of thrash, bands have been incorporating other styles to separate themselves from the pack. One such band that I’ve grown fond of over the past few months is Widower. Hailing from Austin, Texas, these gents have taken thrash to another level of heavy by incorporating a black metal vibe and a dash of doom to their music. Widower is a band for today. Their ability to craft chunky and thrashy riffs and rhythms, makes them stand out. Widower’s most recent release The Unholy Oath E.P. is 5 songs of pure heaviness, that will leave you head banging. I personally am looking forward to new music from Widower. Check them out!!
A couple weeks ago while looking for something to watch, I noticed that Shoot Em Up with Clive Owen was just starting. So, of course I had to get comfortable and watch. It had been quite a while since I last saw this movie, and it’s still a fun action movie. Far fetched as all hell but, one hell of a good time.
While I was watching, I totally had to make a note to share one of the shoot out scenes that featured Nirvana’s “Breed.” This song fits perfectly in the scene. Check it out!
I’m having a lot of fun doing these same name song battles. It’s been really cool to hear all the responses as to which song you all dig more. Yesterday, while I was stuck in traffic, 3 different songs entitled “Burn” came up on my iPod. Naturally, this was a sign that I should do a song battle for these great songs. I present to you three songs entitled “Burn” by The Cure, Neurosis, and Nine Inch Nails.
The A to Z list continues to find the top ten bands/artists in the alphabet. R is upon us and needs help to complete the list. As usual your suggestions are wanted in completing this list. These are in no particular order as well.
01) Lou Reed
02) Radiohead
03) Rage Against The Machine
04) Ramones
05) Replacements, The
06) Red Hot Chili Peppers
07) Rolling Stones
08) Refused
09) Henry Rollins
10)
I really wonder why some bands think they can pull off certain covers. It’s almost as though they are surrounded by “YES” people, that tell them they can do no wrong. Here is a great example of a cover song that should have never been done and released. This is Atreyu, covering Faith No More’s “Epic.”
We live in a very interesting time for music. Electronic music is more prevalent than ever. There is an element to electronic music that if used properly, can make for some really intriguing music. Which brings me to Antiwave. Formed by singer-guitarist-keyboardists Heather Baker and Rachel Sinfield, Antiwave is bringing something special to the table. Mixing bits of Portishead, The Cure, Garbage and the very underrated Air, Antiwave is a band that brings an element of light to the darkness of the goth-synth genre. Their first single “Holiday Heart” is a great way to introduce the band. The song is quite a reflection of influences and of life. You can tell by listening that Heather and Rachel are making music they really connect with. Antiwave is definitely a band to watch out for.
It’s been a few years since we last heard new music from the Foo Fighters. Their failed experiment, Sonic Highways, was pretty bad. The Saint Cecilia EP they put out not long after Sonic Highways, was a step back in the right direction. Today, Dave Grohl and company released “Run,” a very awesome new track that rocks on all levels. The video is fantastic and hilarious as well as directed by Dave. If this is the direction the Foos are going on their new album, then we have something to really look forward to.
It’s been over a decade since Eighteen Visions have been a band. In that time, many people including myself, have been wondering if and when they would get back together. Well the answer to that question is a resounding yes, Eighteen Visions are back, and are they coming back with a vengeance. Their upcoming album will be out Friday, June 2nd. Based on the few tracks they’ve released thus far, the band finds themselves returning to their metalcore roots and bringing an unrelenting assault to the genre.
Check out a few of the tracks from their upcoming return album.
Over the last decade or so, there has been a really interesting thing happening in the heavy music genre. Rather than just play the same Metallica or Slayer- esque type of thrash, bands have been incorporating other styles to separate themselves from the pack. One such band that I’ve grown fond of over the past few months is 
It’s been over a decade since Eighteen Visions have been a band. In that time, many people including myself, have been wondering if and when they would get back together. Well the answer to that question is a resounding yes, Eighteen Visions are back, and are they coming back with a vengeance. Their upcoming album will be out Friday, June 2nd. Based on the few tracks they’ve released thus far, the band finds themselves returning to their metalcore roots and bringing an unrelenting assault to the genre.