Priestess- “Prior to the Fire”
A
band remembered by many for their guitar hero favourite “Laydown” produced an
absolute classic follow up record with “Prior
to the Fire”. If riffs are what you dig, this album is full of them; the
NWOBHM classics like “Lady Killers” and
“It Baffles the Mind”, to sludgy
down-tuned jaunts of “Murphy’s Law” and “We Ride Tonight”, the record has a bit
of something for everyone.
Unlike
a lot of stoner metal acts, the band does not merely rely on riffs alone. The
vocals
of Mikey Heppner gives the album its melodic sensibilities; offering a catchy
hook on every track. This album is perfect from top to bottom.
Anion- “Without
Solace”
“Without
Solace” is
a deep-cut in the catacombs of the No-List Records catalogue. Do not let the beautiful album art fool you,
this is a deeply disturbing record that truly sounds unique. Tons of off-kilter
riffs and rhythms that make for an uneasy listening experience. A stand alone
record in the quagmire of hardcore/sludge metal bands.
Collider- “Collider” EP
Collider
managed
to only put together one EP before disappearing all-together. They were
riff-centric, while still having the swing that many sludge metal bands lack. Collider represents what Mastodon
would have sounded like if they continued down the path they forged with
their first record “Remission”.
Hamn-
“Pig People”
By
far the catchiest heavy record to come out of Canada
Mares of Thrace-
Arguably
the most visceral and bleak record on this list. “The Pilgrimage” tells the dark biblical tale of David and
Bathsheba. The record is brooding like a doom record, but has the frenetic
riffs that would appeal to a variety of Metal fans. Unlike many records, “The Pilgrimage” is meant to be played
from front to back to fully appreciate the entire sonic palate created by Mares of Thrace
