Here it is, my Filthy Fifteen Of 2012!
These are my biggest obsessions from the past year, most were released in the year of XII, but not all of them. And I don’t care, they are all worthy of your attention so look into it!
15. Enslaved – RIITIIR (2012)
This album is like a mystical journey through a snowstorm in space! Progressive black metal (how do you like that oxymoron?) I suppose, but they removed the stick from their bums long ago and pledge allegiance to no one.
14. Deftones – Koi No Yokan (2012)
Not quite the shocker that Diamond Eyes turned out to be, but miles beyond the two preceding that one. Deftones for life.
13. Eyehategod – New Orleans is the New Vietnam (2012)
Amazing single and artwork. Equally annoying and brilliant to release a one- song 7″ after so many years of nothing, I just want more!
12. Craft – Void (2011)
Not a 2012 release, but this didn’t leave my iPhone all year and it deserves your attention. Chunky, heavy black metal that is not afraid of some production value.
11. Spastic Panthers – Unreleased Shite (2012)
4-song covers EP that I couldn’t and still can’t stop listening to. Just downright awesome, dirty punk and they rep my old hood of Forest Lawn in their version of Body Count. Too good, and its a free download, go find it!
10. The Gates of Slumber – The Wretch (2011)
Balding stoner rock for balding doom metal lifers. I can’t imagine anybody under 25 attending their shows or wearing their merch, they are too old and uncool, and awesome!
9. Those Poor Bastards – Is This Hell? (2011)
If you told me Lonesome Wyatt was born on the crossroads between heaven and hell I would believe it. If you dig Johnny Cash balladry, Hank III self- deprecation, and evil black metal, you will love this band 🙂
8. OFF! – s/t (2012)
I prefer Keith-era Black flag, but never really liked the Circle Jerks. Everything OFF! have done so far has been fucking wicked, get this album!
7. Boards of Canada – Hi Scores (1996)
The only reason this 1996 album made my list is because I severely abused it all year. Their entire catalog is beautiful. Nostalgic and perfect for times when you are all rocked out.
6. Baroness – Yellow and Green (2012)
This is how you gain fans over your career and not become boring and forgettable. Get off your “troo metal” high horse and enjoy this, it is their best album.
5. Earth – Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II (2012)
Dylan Carlson has his hooks in me and won’t let go, and I’m fine with it. Interestingly, they have added Lori Goldston to the fold (you know her as Nirvana’s cellist on Unplugged In New York), adding a mournfulness to this and Part 1 that I thoroughly enjoy in my instrumental drone/doom.
4. Jung People – Tenterhooks (2011)
This is my version of a hopeful record, it shows you the darkness before the light and beyond. Check out my interview with them from a while back, nice guys, and true artists.
3. J Mascis – Circle (2012)
Nobody can dominate a room with subtlety like J Mascis, and no rocker can do acoustic better than this. I prefer his solo stuff over his Dinosaur stuff, don’t hate me!
2. Pallbearer – Sorrow and Extinction (2012)
This is modern doom done right. It’s not a throwback, it’s not retro. These guys have a mystical, ghostly presence that is infectious and warrants repeated listens. Follow them on Facebook, they respond to your comments vaguely, it just adds to the mystery!
1. Mount Eerie – Clear Moon (2012)
This is part one of two records he released this year. This one is more songy than the second one, which is much bleaker, noisier and ventures deeper into the fog. Mount Eerie forces you to question what it means to be heavy, and how to get there in a new and amazing way. Why do Phil’s acoustic tracks feel heavier and more impactful than the darkest death metal, of which I am also a huge fan? Because it raises more questions than answers. Because a slightly out of tune vocal or guitar string makes the hair on your neck stand up the way a heavily processed macho bro barking about satan could never do. Plus I accidentally called him “Pete” when I requested an interview, and he still said “yes, I am ready.”
I hope you take the time and give these records a chance. Maybe you will like some of them, maybe you won’t. I don’t care, I like ’em.