By: Aaron Pickford
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Travis Shinn (c)
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Back to the usually chart then, following our recent
list of Top 16 records of year so far (Jan - June). You should know
the drill by now, 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 Headquarters.
The results are compiled based on page views alone
and calibrated into the list below. All reviews can be viewed by
clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible.
(Total views since their publication are highlighted in red)
16). Merchant – “Suzerain” (409)
A potent mix of
the epic vision of Yob and the no-nonsense sludge aggression of Weedeater,
these tracks are more than capable of holding their own against the
heavyweights of modern doom. Pulverising riffs worthy of Bongripper beat the
listener into submission, repeated until breaking point, before moving onto a
higher plateau of heaviness. “Suzerain” is an awe-inspiring release from
Merchant and all the more impressive for being a debut
15). Dark Funeral - “Where Shadows Forever Reign” (414)
I’m sure a lot
of Dark Funeral’s fans saw the album cover and assumed that this would simply
be“Secrets of the Black Arts II”. And while this isn’t that, the typically
fantastic Necrolord album art did signify a return to that same level of
quality. This Dark Funeral is every bit as good as the Dark Funeral of 1996.
14). Rotten Sound – “Abuse to Suffer” (418)
“Abuse to
Suffer” is an absolute banger of an album, that flat out runs you down like a
T-1000, it is an album for the wild soul looking to get ripped apart, and
Rotten Sound have their abuse sharpened to a rusty point, just for you.
13). Anion – “Fractures of Failure (421)
Huge riffs rain
down on the listener from all angles, channelling the finest moments of the
Hydra Head back catalogue and delivered with the venom of Gaza. The band occasionally pause for breath
to allow their spacier side to dominate but these interludes provide brief
respite before they lurch back into high gear, a perfect balance of crushing
groove and mathematical complexity.
12). Raging Speedhorn – “Lost Ritual” (446)
The ‘Speedhorn,
these days, are a more measured beast- gone are the almost out of control
frenetic changes and overall delivery, and what we have instead is a band still
capable of viciousness and aural violence, but approaching their craft in a
more measured manner. As Comebacks go this is a great one- the band has lost
none of their power and the ten tracks here are of uniformly good quality. A
fine effort, well worthy of your time and a perfect antidote for these
troubling times.
11). Monoliths – “Monoliths" (472)
This self-titled
debut respects the crushing pedigree of the band’s constituent members while
heading into uncharted territory. Over the course of two 16 minute behemoths,
Monoliths create an absorbing world of bludgeoning repetition and psychedelic
heaviness, fusing a more exploratory approach with the filth and weight of the
heaviest doom
10). Haasts Eagled – “II: For Mankind” (483)
The majestic,
sweeping 'Zoltar' begins with piano and a warm, all encompassing riff. If this
song was the sea, I would happily drown in its crystal waters and when we get
the heavy stuff... boy is it heavy! Fans of musical journeys take note; THIS is
the album you need to hear this year. Its epic, it's majestic, it's fucking
brilliant.
09). Spiritual Beggars – “Sunrise to Sundown” (495)
Business as
usual for Spiritual Beggars, then; another album of good songs, strong playing
and wrapped up in an impressive production. If you long for the days when
Blackmore still played rock and jeans were flared, this album is certainly for
you. It should be noted that there are two things about this record which
really stand out: the sound and the performance. The sound is fantastic, live
and raw but crystal clear... the performance? Even more remarkable, as this was
tracked live, yes live, off the studio floor!
08). Merlin - “Electric Children” (543)
While Merlin may
sound a little too much like their influences for some people's taste,
“Electric Children” has a lot to offer listeners, and it shouldn't be cast off
after just one listen. With a sound reminiscent of Om and Sleep and striking
just the right balance between Hawkwind and Saint Vitus, Merlin accomplish what
they set out to do which is obliterate your mind with a witches' brew of epic
towering riffs and '70's era doom jams
07). Tides of Sulfur – “Extinction Curse” (648)
This is an
astonishingly confident and assured record for a debut LP, helped by excellent
production by Chris Fielding. He has managed to capture the filth of the band’s
undeniable heaviness, whilst retaining the clarity of their epic song writing.
“Extinction Curse” is a bold and compelling statement from Tides of Sulfur. The
shockwaves from this seismic detonation are sure to be felt throughout the UKunderground
and far beyond.
06). Nails – “You Will Never Be One of Us” (652)
“You Will Never Be One of Us” is
as grim and dark a record as they come, and whilst they offer only one shade of
black, they happen to do this shade incredibly well. For the brief instances they
choose to experiment, they do so in a very meaningful and effective way;
however it seems they would rather just flat out punish every living thing in
existence. This record’s power can physically obliterate the weak while
exhausting all mental reserves of strength. Such exhaustion at the end of a
record is now their certified trademark.
05). Melvins -
“Basses Loaded” (690)
“Basses
Loaded”is yet another stellar release from the Melvins. They may never release
another record as influential as their 80’s and 90’s classics but the fact they
are still unleashing vital shots of oddball heavy rock, 33 years into their
career is testament to their immortal power.
04). Churchburn & Opium Lord – “Churchburn/Opium
Lord” (932)
Like a swift
punch to the throat, this split by Pawtucket,Rhode Island crushers Churchburn and
Midlandsfilth mongers Opium Lord is both unexpected and completely disabling.
Released in Europe through the fantastic F H E D and on the other side of the Atlantic by DG Records, this release packs enough of a
wallop to take down a herd of elephants.
03). It’s Not Night: Its Space – “Revival” (1304)
No vocals, just a lot of stoned, smoky repetition that is equally
spiritual as it is absolutely mind blowing.
02). Budgie - "The MCA Albums "1973-1975" (1500)
These reissues
should be picked up by anyone with an interest in the era, the growth of
the“heavy” genre and by anyone looking for some quality hard rock, played well,
by great musicians. Lars Ulrich is no Pete Boot or Steve Williams (who play
solidly and professionally on the albums re-packaged here), but he knew a tune
when he heard one, all those years ago
01). Gojira – “Magma” (2029)
Magma’ is a
record that envelopes you with its overtly dark drama, but within its haze, its
crushing catharcism makes it one of the most special metal records to be
released in some time. It may not be the relentless assault many fans wanted
from the album – and that’s not to say it is barren of those moments – yet, as
a vehicle for emotional cleansing, as a eulogy and an obituary for a woman who
shaped the personalities that drive this act, it is staggering.
A big
thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries
and for that I am truly grateful. June’s“Sour 16”features
reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Richard Maw,
Daniel Jackson, Victor Van Ommen, Charlie Butler, TJ Kliebhan, Steve Wilson and Hunter Young
