Just when it feels like the year is just getting started, at least around here, we're actually hitting the halfway mark. That makes it a good time to take stock of where we have been so far, to give ourselves an expectation for the rest of the year. There has been a lot of music to get through, and the results so far have been a mixed bag. There haven't been as many great albums as I would have hoped for, and there have been more terrible ones than I wanted to sit through. Here's how they break down, in alphabetical order:
The Best:
Any Given Day - Overpower
Here's an example of how faults can be overcome. I wish this record didn't bother with the metalcore convention of growling/screaming the verses, but the choruses are so glorious, melodic, and memorable that any complaints are easily forgiven. More than anything, this record feels and sounds like the Temonti record Tremonti has not been able to make for himself. Surprise of the year, so far, for sure.
Forever Still - Breathe In Colours
Coming off a promising debut album, Forever Still stepped it up and delivered an even better sophomore outing. They were able to make dark rock both heavy and beautiful, in no small part because of the fantastic vocal abilities of Maja Shining. 'Mainstream' might be a dirty word, but Forever Still have nailed everything that's good about it. This record should continue their ascent.
Soen - Lotus
With their last album winning AOTY from me, the follow-up would have to be something stunning to stand a chance of a repeat. They delivered exactly that. Evolving into an even more focused, melodic beast, Soen has made a record that is both melancholy and optimistic. It's music that captures the feeling of seeing the sun breaking through the storm clouds, knowing it will soon rescue you.
Vanishing Signs - Vanishing Signs
I am a vocals-first listener, and Vanishing Signs delivers unto me my favorite voice of them all. Playing some darn solid old-school rock with plenty of killer Hammond organs, they have given us an album that does vintage the right way. No frills, no gimmicks, just good songs and great performances.
Yours Truly - Afterglow [EP]
From their first EP to this new one, Yours Truly got even more pop. Their music is shinier, bouncier, and even better. Of all the bands out there right fronted by women who are writing riotously catchy pop/rock, none of them are doing it better than Yours Truly. The only criticism I can muster is that they haven't given us a full-length to truly satisfy us.
Just missing out: Avantasia - Moonglow, Within Temptation - Resist, The Beautiful Monument - I'm The Reaper
The Worst:
Arch/Matheos - Winter Ethereal
John Arch is a terrible singer, I say objectively. His shrill tone is like nails-on-a-chalkboard to me, but the bigger problem is how he slurs his way through melodies, obscuring his lyrics to the point they could not exist and mean just as much. His performance on this album is so terrible it ruins what could have been a good progressive metal album.
Devin Townsend - Empath
"Will It Blend?" was a viral hit on YouTube. It doesn't carry over to music, where Devin Townsend threw together every idea he's ever had, resulting in an album that makes no sense whatsoever. Jumping from death metal, to children's choirs, to cat's meowing, it's an insult to the audience how little he cared to put his craziest ideas in any sort of context.
Manowar - The Final Battle I
I can't tell you how much I hate sharing a hometown with this band. This collection of 'songs' is among the worst music I've ever heard. It's lifeless, boring, recorded terribly, and a complete waste of time. And considering the band continues to dodge questions about their (accused) child-porn owning former(?) member, it's also morally bankrupt.
The Three Tremors - S/T
Three singers get together and shriek their lungs out. No thanks.
Weezer - The Black Album
I know better than to get my hopes up anymore, but I always wonder if this is the time Weezer is going to turn things around. Not here, their worst album yet. Rivers Cuomo is in full mental decline on this collection of pop cynicism, where he bitches about his fans, continues to act like a teenager (despite being middle-aged), and now thinks it's edgy for him to start swearing. It's pathetic, as is the fact I ever liked Weezer as much as I did.
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