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| Telekinetic Yeti |
Yes, it is that time again O ye lover of
riffs, “The Sour 16” returneth.
You 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 The 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). Necrowretch – “Satanic Slavery” (438)
15). Witchapter – “Spellcaster” (521)
14). Hawkbill – “Self Titled” (578)
Track by track these rusted broke-down
tractor boys weave a landscape that is reminiscent of the groovier parts
of Grief or perhaps an even more slowed down and swampy take on some
Weedeater. With a natural emphasis on
groove and natural timing and feel, this album moves like a sloth with a spliff
in its mouth.
13). War Brides – “Regrets” (585)
Chicago bruisers War Brides raid the vaults of the noise
rock greats to create a compellingly ugly debut LP in the shape of “Regrets”.
It is a quick and dirty shot of addictive mayhem, channelling the nastiness of
its influences to fine effect and offers hints of evolution into a stranger
beast over the course of future releases.
12). Cowardice – “With Condolence (599)
the sound is
relatable and as tender as a fingernail wrenched from its bed. It drifts
between aching sadness and violent bouts of self-disgust. This stratum of
emotional, chemical and physical self-destruction is the calling card of
genuine, heartfelt sludge, and “Without Condolence” is definite rap on the
door.
11). Ohhms – “The Fool” (600)
10). Kenoma – “The Tides will Prevail” (611)
Kenoma are firmly
focused on the metal side of the post-metal equation for the most part of “The
Tides Will Prevail” and manage to create huge, enveloping sound constructions
reliant on intricate interlocking guitar parts rather than a phalanx of effects
pedals. The albums extended gestation period has produced an absorbing
set of finely honed post-metal behemoths.
9). Aathma – “Avesta” (634)
8). Earth Witch – “Out of the Shadow” (661)
7). Moloch/Disrotted
& Cloud Rat/Moloch
- “Splits” (675)
6). Mage – “Green” (702)
5). Mastodon – “Emperor of the Sand” (794)
4). The Obsessed – “Sacred” (959)
Quite simply, I
can't find anything on this album I don't like. The best comeback of the year,
without a doubt. This record will be turning up in many year end lists, without
a doubt. It could even be the best album by The Obsessed, but only time will
tell on that one. I can't recommend this highly enough.
3). Artificial Brain – “Infrared Horizon” (1272)
The artwork
depicting a mournful android grieving the loss of another android is absolutely
devastating as a visual, and that same feeling permeates the whole musical
experience.
2). Spidergawd – “IV” (1462)
“IV” is eight
tracks that follow the verse-chorus-verse-chorus formula and does so with
licks, vocals, lyrics and melodies that are sharp, fast, and poignant. As far
as that’s concerned, there’s absolutely nothing to complain about
1). Telekinetic Yeti – “Abominable” (3755)
All in all, the
recording has a huge sound and the production is absolutely amazing. It has
everything you could ever want and I would rate it as a perfect 10. The album
is truly remarkable and is sure to go down in history as one of rock’s greatest
debuts. These guys are definitely heavyweight contenders to find their place at
the top of the scene
A
big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no
boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.
April 2017’s “Sour 16” features reviews by: Richard Maw, Daniel
Jackson, Andre Almaraz, Grim Trashcan, Victor Van Ommen, Richard Maw, Charlie
Butler, Jack Taylor, Conor O’Dea & Stephen Murray
