The Sludgelord Presents: Phil Weller's Top 25 Records of 2014

25) American Heritage – Prolapse

Their swansong and one hell of one at that. Only six original tracks here, with three covers concluding the record but nevertheless merciless.

The Sludgelord Review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/american-heritage-prolapse-album-review.html?m=1

24) Melvins - Hold It In

Melvins plus the Butthole Surfers: Cacophonic chaos

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/melvins-hold-it-in-album-review.html?m=1

23) Yossi Sassi - Desert Butterflies

The ex-Orpaned Land guitarist has crafted a record as beautiful as it is diverse.

http://yossisassi.bandcamp.com/album/desert-butterflies

22) Serpent Venom - Of Things Seen and Unseen

 

Gritty doom metal. Staggering live.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/serpent-venom-of-things-seen-and-unseen.html?m=1

21) With Our Arms To The Sun - A Far Away Wonder

Cinematic and captivating, this mostly instrumental record is full.of moving, experimental prog rock.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/with-our-arms-to-sun-far-away-wonder.html?m=1

20) Truckfighters – Universe

The Swedes have reached a new level of brilliance with a sound truly unique.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/truckfighters-universe-album-review.html?m=1

19) The Vintage Caravan - Voyage

Classic rock with subtle progressive twists and bursting with energy. A very young band too.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-vintage-caravan-voyage-album-review.html?m=1

18) Marty Friedman - Inferno

 

Smattered with guests, these are some inspired collaborations from a fantastic guitarist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTzDR4HdbKI

17) Goya / Wounded Giant - Split EP (2015 Release)

One half is slow, evil doom, the other more succinct and punchy. A perfect split EP.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/goya-wounded-giant-split-12-vinyl.html?m=1

16) Revocation – Deathless

Crisply produced thrash / death metal, they continue to build on their self-titled record with palpable results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPIRkrb7C0k

15) Collibus - The False Awakening

Prog metal excellence. A cacophony of exceptional guitar work and incredible vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZn938T8iK8

14) Pineapple Thief – Magnolia

 

Simply gorgeous compositions. Perfect for mellow evenings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU7MEhiiitw

13) Floor – Oblation

Sludge pop. Riffs dirtier than a pig in mud but more contagious than Ebola.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.com/2014/05/floor-oblation-album-review.html

12) Slash - World's on Fire

Slash and Myles deliver huge rock songs once more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSBJL-Wo9xM

11) Killer Be Killed - Killer Be Killed

Four unique and supremely talented musicians combine and the results are just as we fanatically imagined.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/killer-be-killed-st-album-review.html?m=1

10) Sky Valley Mistress - Rivals, Hounds & Rebel Sisters

Full of fuzz, attitude and swagger.

http://skyvalleymistress.bandcamp.com/album/rivals-hounds-rebel-sisters

9) Æges - Above & Down Below

 

Nasty riffs juxtaposed with soaring, spine-chilling melodies. A fantastic band.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/ges-above-down-below-album-review.html?m=1

8) Witchrider - Unmountable Stairs

A record that's just grabbed me. So groovy, so fun.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.com/2014/09/witchrider-unmountable-stairs-album.html

7) Corrosion of Conformity – IX

COC do what COC do best. Tarquinius Superbus is one of the songs of the year.

The Sludgelord Review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.com/2014/06/corrosion-of-conformity-ix-album-review.html

6) Paul Gilbert - Stone Pushing Uphill Man

 

Only one song has vocals, the guitar is the voice here and it sings like an angel. His tones cut right through me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di1tZ5Xmuok

5) Machine Head - Bloodstone and Diamonds

Metal titans in every sense of the word. Now We Die is a perfectly crafted anthem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJKReRPG5tM

4) Opeth - Pale Communion

Vastly diverse and original, amass with sublime musicianship, Opeth really are a stunning band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSdO2gooWNE

3) Wild Throne - Blood Maker

 

If only this were a full length record. Absolutely sensational. Short but incredibly powerful.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/wild-throne-blood-maker-ep-review.html?m=1

2) Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun

More accessible and psychedelic as they ever have been, but just as alluring. Packed with riffs.

The Sludgelord review: http://thesludgelord.blogspot.com/2014/06/mastodon-once-more-round-sun-album.html

1) Destrage - Are You Kidding Me, No?

Forever astounding, this is pure insanity. Such an ambitious album. Still noticing nuances with every listen. The title track is just unstoppable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep-MOnxzhxA