TOP 16 MOST POPULAR ALBUMS OF 2018 SO FAR.... THE SOUR 16 (JAN - JULY 2018)

It has been hectic 2018 to say the least, so forgive me readers for I have sinned, it has been 6 months since our last SOUR 16, and our usual presentation of the 16 most popular albums of the month.  So given that I have failed to deliver the chart for the last six month, I’ve decided to present not only the most albums of the 7 months , but also the individual charts for the months you missed.  So by my reckoning that 112 albums for you to check out.  So apologises normal services is resumed, here is our TOP 16  MOST POPULAR ALBUMS OF 2018 SO FAR and the SOUR 16 (JAN - JULY 2018)

Here’s a quick recap, each month you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, the SOUR 16 are the records that have been trending the most at SLUDGELORD HQ.

The results are compiled based on the amount of page views the reviews have received and are then calibrated into the list below. (Total views are highlighted in brackets)

16). Black Label Society, “Grimmest Hits” (2134)

15). Tribulation, “Down Below” (2249)

14). Harakiri for the Sky, “Arson” (2504)

   
13). Phantom Winter, “Into Dark Science” (2532)

12). Fu Manchu, “Clone of the Universe” (2657)

 
11). Verheerer, “Maltrer” (3504)

   
10). Somali Yacht Club, “The Sea” (3651)

   
9). Witchcryer, “Cry Witch” (3884)

   
8). Earthless, “Black Heaven” (4071)

7). Monster Magnet, “Mindfucker” (4744)

6). Forktail, “Forktail” (5194)

5). Sleep, “The Sciences” (5931)

4). Hooded Menace, “Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed” (5924)

   
3). Winterfylleth, “The Hallowing of Heirdom” (9958)

   
2). Amorphis, “Queen of Time” (15574)

1). Wolftooth, “Wolftooth” (19820)

June/July 2018

16). Aseethe / Snow Burial, “Split” (413)

15). Witchsorrow, “Hexenhammer” (415) 

14). Drug Cult, Drug Cult” (451)

13). Witch Mountain, “Witch Mountain” (463)

12). Grave Lines, “Fed Into The Nihilist Engine” (503)

11). Uniform & The Body, “Mental Wounds Not Healing” (517)

10). Smock, “Interstellar Nobody” (520)

9). Wytchhazel, “II: Sojourn” (535)

8). Yob, “Our Raw Heart” (649)

7). Tomb Warden, “Reflection of the Mistake” (690)

6). Dopethrone, “Transcanadian Anger” (702)

5). Acid Priest, “Drop Out” (771)

4). Orange Goblin, “The Wolf Bites Back” (1097)

3). Cult of Occult, “Anti-Life” (1129)

2). Churchburn, “None Shall Live...The Hymns of Misery” (1305)

1). Bongripper, “Terminal” (1963)

May 2018

16). Tunguska Mammoth, “Breathless” (465)

15). Garganjua, “Through The Void” (477)

14). Mol, “Jord” (500)

13). Behemoth, “Messe Noire” (521)

12). Skinless, “Savagery” (580)

11). Cist, “The Frozen Casket” (581)

10). Iron Void, “Excalibur” (615)

9). Bong, “Thought & Existence” (709)

8). Wychhound, “Earth Orbiter” (730)

7). Chrch, “The Light Will Consume Us” (847)

6). Barst, “The Endeavour” (909)

5). LLNN, “Deads” (942)

4). Morag Tong, “Last Knell of Om” (997)

3). Nibiru, “Netrayoni” (2018) (1040)

2). Speedclaw, “Beast In The Mix” (1123)

1). Amorphis, “Queen of Time” (15574)

April 2010

16). Vomitor, “Pestilent Death” (428)

15). Boss Keloid, “Melted on the Inch” (438)

14). My Silent Wake, “There Was Death” 510)

13). Beneath Oblivion, “The Wayward & The Lost” (537)

12). Conjurer, “Mire” (565)

11). Will Haven, “Muerte”(610)

10).Foehammer, “Second Sight” (641)

9). Judas Priest, “Firepower” (721)

8). Hashteroid, “Hashteroid” (975)

7). Lychgate, “The Contagion in Nine Steps” (1000)

6). Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard & Slomatics, “Totems” (1084)

5). Eagle Twin, “The Thundering Heard” (1090)

4). Ulvesang, “The Hunt” (1189)

3). Aerosol Jesus, “Failure” (1444)

2). Sleep, “The Sciences” (5931)

1). Winterfylleth, “The Hallowing of Heirdom” (9958)

March 2018

16). Vile Creature, “Cast of Static & Smoke” (498)

15). Blheg, “Solarmegin” (527)

14). Dead Empires, “Designed To Disappear” (598)

13). Ilsa, “Corpse Fortress” (617)

12). Mournful Congregation, “The Incubus of Karma” (668)

11). Hemelbestormer, “A Ring of Blue Light” (683)

10). Solleme, “The Infinite Violence” (888)

9). Rivers of Nihil, “Where Owls Know My Name” (969)

8). Leechfeast, “Neon Crosses” (1053)

7). Ministry, “AmeriKKKant” (1210)

6).Blaze Bayley, “The Redemption of William Black (Infinite Entanglement Part III)” (1308)

5). Coilguns, “Millenials” (1437)

4). Ancst, “Ghosts of the Timeless Void” (1727)

3). Earthless, “Black Heaven” (4071)

2). Monster Magnet, “Mindfucker” (4744)

1). Forktail, “Forktail” (5194)

February 2018

16). Marriage + Cancer, “Marriage + Cancer” (763)

15). Cultus Profano, “Sacramentum Obscurus” (845)

14). Lowered, “Lowered“(890)

13). Oryx, “Stolen Absolution” (897)

12). Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, “Choosing Mental Illness Is A Virtue” (926)

11). Green Lung, “Free The Witch” (962)

10). Mammoth Grinder, “Cosmic Crypt” (1264)

9). Keiji Haino & Sumac, “American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On” (1336)

8). Necrophobic, “Mark of the Necrogram” (1394)

7). Windhand / Satan’s Satyrs, “Self Titled” Split (1431)

6). Against The Grain, “Cheated Death” (1507)

5). Visigoth, “Conquerer’s Oath” (1709)

4). Harakiri for the Sky, “Arson” (2504)

3). Phantom Winter, “Into Dark Science” (2532)            

2). Fu Manchu, Clone of the Universe” (2657)

1). Verheerer, “Maltrer” (3504)

January 2018

16). Greber, “Cemetary Preston” (731)

15). Corrosion of Conformity, “No Cross No Crown” (751)

14). Greyfell, “Horsepower” (786)

13). Agrimonia, “Awaken” (805)

12). Haunt, “Luminous Eyes” (EP) (826))

11). Possessor, “The Ripper” (872)

10). Come to Grief / Fistula & Fistula / (16) Splits (946)

9). Druid Lord, “Grotesque Offerings” (956)

8. Watain, “Trident Wolf Eclipse” (999)

7). King Buffalo, “Repeater” (1397)

6). Black Label Society, “Grimmest Hits” (1665)

5). Wolftooth, “Wolftooth” (1723)

4). Tribulation, “Down Below” (2047)

3). Somali Yacht Club, “The Sea” (2388)

2). Witchcryer, “Cry Witch” (3676)

1). Hooded Menace, “Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed” (5646)

ALBUM REVIEW: Earthless, "Black Heaven"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 16/03/18

Label: Nuclear Blast

“Black Heaven” is going to grab 2018 by the nuts and set the bar for what makes a good classic-rock influenced record. We can all take a lesson from Earthless.

“Black Heaven” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Gifted by the Wind (6:28 )

2. End to End (5:16)

3. Electric Flame (8:51)

4. Volt Rush (1:53)

5. Black Heaven (8:45)

6. Sudden End (8:26)

The Review:

If you thought Earthless was still an instrumental power trio from California, it’s time to make an adjustment. On their new album, “Black Heaven,” Earthless hits the streets with 45 minutes of rockin’ songs. That’s right, songs. With choruses, verses, bridges and yes, even vocals.

Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell let the cat out of the bag and told his band mates that he can sing. And how! Sure, Golden Void is Mitchell’s side project, and it’s one that has him step up to the mic, but his vocal performance on this new Earthless record is a whole different kettle of fish.

The added value to “Black Heaven” isn’t just the addition of vocals. “Black Heaven” goes further and posits these Californians not only as instrumental bad asses who are technically gifted. This album goes so far as to show that these cats can lay down a tasty lick, tie it together with some verses, and come out the other end with a helluva tasty song.

So what does Earthless sound like playing these songs? Well, I hear a lot of Van Halen coming through the speakers. Certainly when it comes to “Gifted by the wind”and the 9 minute centerpiece, “Electric Flame.” But the classic rock and metal influences don’t stop here. You hear elements of Cream pop up in “End to End” and some colorful southern rock harmonies brighten up the place in the album’s closer, “Sudden End.” There’s even a little ZZ Top shuffle sprinkled over everything. What’s not to like?

Yeah, the record’s pretty retro. But, believe it or not, it’s also original. Earthless aren’t copying anyone, they’re channeling the greats. These boys know what they’re doing, too. There’s no instance of phoning it in. Earthless uses “Black Heaven” to show that they’re more than a one trick pony. They’ve got more up their sleeves than instrumental jams that go on for eons. And that’s awesome. Earthless also uses “Black Heaven” to show how to keep things fresh in a genre that’s dangerously close to being played out.

“Black Heaven” isn’t a masterpiece. It won’t stand the test of time in the same way that the Sabbath’s and the Zeppelin’s have. That’s fine, because for now, “Black Heaven” is going to grab 2018 by the nuts and set the bar for what makes a good classic-rock influenced record. We can all take a lesson from Earthless.

“Black Heaven” is available here

Band info: facebook

EXCLUSIVE TRAILER: Genre and Where Earthless Fits

San Diego-based trio Earthless return with their new full-length album “Black Heaven” on March 16 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.  As commented on this here blog, the synchronicity displayed and the deep understanding of each other’s playing styles sets them apart from most instrumental jam bands right now, the trio, consisting of Isaiah Mitchell (Guitar), Mike Eginton (Bass) and Mario Rubalcaba (Drums) have an untouchable ability to jam flawlessly, fusing heavy psychedelic rock with krautrock and blues.  Today THE SLUDGELORD are thrilled to be able to share an exclusive trailer of the band sharing their thoughts on genre and where Earthless fits.  “Black Heaven” is available here 

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Stinking Lizaveta - "Journey to the Underworld"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 17/02/2017

Label: Translation Loss

Stinking Lizaveta’s new album “Journey to the Underworld” finds the band in deadly form, crafting music that is seriously weird and complex yet still delivers an addictive riff high.

“Journey to the Underworld” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Witches and Pigs

2. Chorus of Shades

3. Sharp Stick in the Eye

4. Six Fangs

5. Blood, Milk and Honey

6. Journey to the Underworld

7. Love Song For Jusu

8. A Stranger's Welcome

9. Allegro

The Review:

It’s an impressive feat for a band to be in their 23^rd year of existence to release an LP that sounds as raw and hungry as a debut. Stinking Lizaveta’s new album “Journey to the Underworld” finds the band in deadly form, crafting music that is seriously weird and complex yet still delivers an addictive riff high.

The Philadelphia trio have honed their idiosyncratic sound to perfection here, delivered with a telepathic tightness. The band’s style of riffage recalls retro rockers like of Earthless and Comets On Fire but is so vital and fresh it could only have come from the present. Instead of the endless molten jams into the outer realms of the previously mentioned acts, Stinking Lizaveta travel just as far into the unknown but tie themselves into carefully orchestrated labyrinthine constructions but still find room for wild unhinged solos.

The propulsive drive of opener “Witches and Pigs” contains traces of proper Thin Lizzy-esque classic rock while “Chorus of Shades” features some glorious shredding and irresistible leads that are steeped in NWOBHM. “Sharp Stick in the Eye” is an almost funky strut with a groove that winds itself tighter and tighter as the band’s playing gets more frenetic.  There is a heaviness and darkness in these songs though that sees them slip across into noise rock territory, an underlying nastiness that adds a sweet sharpness to proceedings.

The title track seems them ease up a little on the intensity to allow a little psychedelic rock to bubble to the surface. “A Stranger’s Welcome” sees them employ passages of acoustic guitar to bring a spaghetti western dustbowl feel which although brief provides a powerful contrast to the epic riffage that surrounds it.

“Journey to the Underworld” is another incredible release from a truly unique band. Stinking Lizaveta manage to make instrumental metal that sounds like nothing else out there. Here’s to another 23 years of madness 

“Journey to the Underworld” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Russian Circles - "Guidance"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 05/08/2016
Label: Sargent House

“Asa” provides a gentle start to the LP. The calm is soon destroyed when “Vorel” lumbers into view. A leviathan of rumbling drums, gritty bass and insistent, buzzing guitar lines, the track sets the tone for things to come, and along with “Mota” and “Afrika” it demonstrates an irresistible blend of intricate post rock with subtle hints of black metal.  “Calla” provides the album’s heaviest cut, whilst “Overboard” and “Lisboa” are the closest the band come to traditional post-rock but both tracks demonstrate how to avoid the pitfalls of the genre with style.  “Guidance” is a stellar release from Russian Circles. The band breathe new life into an often dull and played-out genre with dazzling results

‘Guidance’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Asa
2). Vorel
3). Mota
4). Afrika
5). Overboard
6). Calla
7). Lisboa

The Review:

I owe Russian Circles a big apology. Many years ago I saw them play a couple of times on bills with High On Fire and Earthless. At the time I dismissed them as boring, generic post rock unworthy of sharing the stage with such mighty riff warriors. One listen to the Chicago trio’s new LP “Guidance” was enough to make me realise I’d made a terrible mistake.

The sleepy drum less haze of “Asa” provides a gentle start to the LP. The calm is soon destroyed when “Vorel” lumbers into view. A leviathan of rumbling drums, gritty bass and insistent, buzzing guitar lines, the track sets the tone for things to come. Along with “Mota” and “Afrika” it demonstrates an irresistible blend of intricate post rock with subtle hints of black metal. The effect is similar to what Latitudes achieved on their awesome “Old Sunlight” album earlier this year but stamped with Russian Circle’s distinctive identity.

“Calla” provides the album’s heaviest cut and brings some no-nonsense heavy riffs to the table. This track best demonstrates the band’s serious low-end crunch bought by Brian Cook. His four-string Midas touch is in full effect here, bringing a crushing density redolent of his work in Botch and Sumac.

“Overboard” and “Lisboa” are the closest the band come to traditional post-rock but both tracks demonstrate how to avoid the pitfalls of the genre with style. The former is an affecting, dreamy soundscape, all the more effective for its restraint and lack of distortion. The latter features quiet/loud dynamics and soaring delayed guitars but both elements are employed in such a way to make them sound vital instead of stale and predictable.   

“Guidance” is a stellar release from Russian Circles. The band breathe new life into an often dull and played-out genre with dazzling results. Being proved wrong has never sounded so good.

‘Guidance’ is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

SPLIT: ‘Earthless/Harsh Toke" by Earthless & Harsh Toke (Review)

By: Jake Wallace

 

Album Type: Split LP
Date Released: 27/05/2016
Label: Tee Pee Records

 

A sonic collision between two giants of the heavy psych scene. San Diego’s EARTHLESS & HARSH TOKE have joined forces for one of the most killer splits of 2016.  Consisting of two tracks, this split from Tee Pee Records is a 35 minute cosmic journey, showcasing the very best in psychedelic jams from the West Coast of the USA.

 

 

‘Earthless/Harsh Toke DD//LP track listing:

 

1. Acid Crusher (EARTHLESS)

2. Mount Swan (HARSH TOKE)

 

The Review:

 

San Diego heavy psych rippers Earthless have returned with a bang after their 2013 album ‘From the Ages’. The instrumental trio, consisting of Isaiah Mitchell (Guitar), Mike Eginton (Bass) and Mario Rubalcaba (Drums) have an untouchable ability to jam flawlessly, fusing heavy psychedelic rock with krautrock and blues. Their track, entitled ‘ACID CRUSHER’ is actually one of their most patient jams to date and incorporates all the elements that gave Earthless the well-deserved status of sonic architects. The track starts off slow with Eginton’s flowing bass line, complementing organ sounds and Rubalcaba’s impeccable rhythm. Mitchell is incredibly patient, adding slight nuances when he sees fit. His expansive use of pedals helps create a huge atmosphere and his restraint is vital in maintaining suspense. The track grows and grows with Mitchell beginning to let loose around the 10-min mark with a Hendrix-esque display of wah-wah sorcery. This is when we see Earthless really shine. The synchronicity displayed and the deep understanding of each other’s playing styles sets them apart from most instrumental jam bands right now. After a few minutes of Mitchell’s mind-boggling, cosmic solos, the track begins to wind down with the same rhythm that it started with, easing out slowly and giving us a true taste of what’s to come on their fourth full-length album, which is due to be released later in 2016.

 

Harsh Toke also hail from San Diego and consist of Richie Belton (Bass), Austin Ayub (Drums), Gabe Messer (Keys) and professional skateboarder Justin Figueroa (Guitar). Their trademark style of free-flow jamming and acid rock has garnered attention from all over the world. ‘MOUNT SWAN’ is a 20-minute colossus of thick, fuzzed out riffs and soaring psychedelic displays of jamming. The track starts off slow with some minor riffage before taking off into a faster, impressive display of Figueroa’s guitar playing. There are hints of Boston trio Elder present in the riff styling and vocal sounds. The track then slows back down and Belton’s bass line is repeated while Figueroa and Messer create an auditory landscape with their plethora of effects. Around the 6-min mark the track starts to gather speed again and Figueroa launches into more blistering solos, in the same vein as Earthless’ Isaiah Mitchell. As the track progresses, all sense of pre-determined structure seems to fade away and the band begin to truly experiment to see what they can achieve through legitimately free-flowing jams. As the main riff winds down, around the 12-min mark, Belton sets a new scene with a bass line that is reminiscent of Berlin trio Kadavar, allowing Figueroa to let loose once more. There is a well-defined atmosphere created by the band but its sporadic, chaotic dynamics add a sense of disorder to the mix. Around the 18-min mark, a solid wall of fuzz riffs provides a very thick and heavy outro to the song, showcasing the diversity of Harsh Toke’s abilities.

‘Earthless/Harsh Toke is available here

 

Band info:  Earthless on Facebook  || Harsh Toke on Facebook

REVIEW: Arctic - "Arctic" (EP)

By: Gerardo Pacheco

Album Type: EP
Date Released: 24/06/2016
Label: Outer Battery Records

This is a fine example of well executed rock, with an excellent blend of influences that don’t overstep anywhere to make the band sound like rip offs of any kind.

“Arctic” DD//LP track listing:

1.Over Smoked (08:36)

2.Cryptic Black Sun (04:07)

3.Burnt Ice (08:05)

4.Daewon (04:57)

5.Higher (03:23)

The Review:

I’m well aware that every time your intention is to read a review, your expectation should be that subject matter will trump personal opinions. You want to know what the album is about, prior to putting it on the device of your choosing for listening, or measuring your proper judgment of said album against a peer of the realm, namely a reviewer from whatever your source of information is. That said, I find myself perplexed with this band, more by the individuals that play the actual sounds they taped. This being a debut EP, I did some research on who these guys were, as I only had the EP to go by, which was given as a gift from a fellow Sleep fan. Digging beyond the cool as fuck cover art from Arik Roper (Sleep, Earth, Weedeater) I hit a wall when I found references for these people on skateboard related articles. These three dudes are pro-skaters. Pro-skater defined as sponsored athletes, backed by a brand named Volume 4 (sound familiar?). And of all places, they come from California. Oceanside, to be precise, dating back to 2011. So, by definition you would expect them to sound like they belong on a Tony Hawk game soundtrack, right? Prepare to have your archetypes broadened.

A blizzard of flangered white noise along with numbed cymbals gusts in to prepare us for what’s to come. Reverbed guitars that remind us of cavern echoes compliment the intro before allowing the fuzz pedals to take over and reveal the beginning of this 30 minute trek. “Over Smoked” then gives way for the initial riff to further develop, as well layered production from Jordan Andreen (Earthless, JOY) provides quite the lysergic experience over the course of its almost 9 minutes. And I say almost, as the band hits the brakes and shift gears mid-track to steer us towards stoner rock pastures. “Cryptic Black Sun” lures you in with 70s infused classic rock, cornering the listener to bathe its ears in slow burning acid, leaving us charred with psychedelic euphoria.

As we continue to dwell on the Arctic soundscape we can appreciate the tripping textures on “Burnt Ice”, which features heavily distorted vocals, a first on the record. The LSD-dipped melodies mangle riffs with blues roots and fry them in blown-out amplifier tar. A face-melting solo stretches well over half of the track, which serves as a conduit between chunky power chords juxtaposed against hallucinatory hooks. “Daewon” bridges over the drum fill from “Burnt Ice” and sways over to colourful psych-doom for a minute, or 3, as organized chaos brakes out to throttle your senses as the song progresses, throwing a spotlight on ‘Figgy’ who shreds solo after solo as if he was hitting a perfect line of park benches, sidewalks and the occasional obstacle. Much like a buffalo stampede “Higher” rolls in with the kind of bravado and muscle that was apparently the norm for well-respected bands back in the day. That does not last long, as the band surprises us with a turgid mass of crushing filth. Not much is left on this hike and as we soar to the peak of the proverbial mountain, a final sprint is made by the guys in an effort to conclude the ascent.

This is a fine example of well executed rock, with an excellent blend of influences that don’t overstep anywhere to make the band sound like rip offs of any kind. Definitely keep them on your radar, I would not be surprised if Heavy Psych Sounds Records picks them up and issues a split with Karma to Burn? One can only wish.

“Arctic” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook