It is that time once again people to cast our minds
back, and digest the 16 albums that would become November’s most viewed albums
and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest
and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic
soufflé.
You
know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a
list of the top 16 records that we featured in November, covering all genres of
metal. Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their
opinion about their favourite music. 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 and streams can be viewed by clicking the artwork . (Total views since their publication
are highlighted in red).
16).
Spirit Adrift - "Chained to Oblivion” (380)
This
album is elegantly forged from beginning to end, and has no definable weak
chinks in its armour. Overall, this is likely to be an AOTY
candidate for me, and one I have found myself returning to again and again in a
variety of moods.
15). Superjoint - "Caught up in the Gears of
Application" (381)
This
is gnarly and nasty music made by a figure that is both revered and reviled.
Through all the controversy, one thing keeps me coming back to listen to
Anselmo: the quality of the music. And the music is as potent as ever. A
storming return.
14) Animals As Leader - "The Madness of Many " (388)
Tosin
Abasi and company find expressionism through mathematic complexity.
13)
The Judge – “The Judge (399)
This one is crazy good, and crazy Sabbath inspired
too. Give this band a listen, you’ll dig it.
12). Wasted Theory - “Defenders of the Riff (417)
11). Desolate Pathway - "Of Gods & Heroes"
(420)
Make no mistake, Desolate Pathway have delivered an
epic doom record of epic proportions: light and shade, massive riffs, great
performances, a downcast atmosphere... it's all here
10). Fvnerals - "Wounds" (443)
“Wounds”
is a captivating set of songs that are simultaneously heavy and delicate.
FVNERALS unique brand of doom-filtered slowcore creates a powerful feeling that
stays with the listener long after the final note has rung out.
09). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (473)
All in all, “Temples” is a great record. Holy
Serpent nailed it. The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the
vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out
right heaviness. Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.
08). Dusteroid – “To Fathom Hell” (475)
They
serve up a king size slice of skull crushing, heavy Sludge that feels like
being hit with a sledgehammer repeatedly. Job extremely well done and then some
07). The Dead At Sea - "The Dead At Sea" (479)
A
potent blend of early-Pelican crunch and Kyuss-style riffage, The Dead At Sea
distil the sound of desert rock sinking into a cold watery grave. “The
Dead At Sea” is a compelling combination of killer riffs and hushed menace that
perfectly evoke the bottomless depths of the ocean
06). Ortega - "Sacred States (500)
Ortega
are not the first band to fuse post metal, doom and spaced-out sludge but they
succeed by doing it bigger, better and heavier than most. Sacred
States” sees Ortega take their sound to the next level, delivering on the
promise of previous releases and stretching out towards bold new horizons.
05). Call of the Void "A.Y.F.K.M." (508)
Call
Of The Void’s sound is a potent cocktail of punk attitude and rock’n’roll
swagger coated in a thick layer of sludge aggression. “AYFKM” is an
intoxicating adrenaline rush that will keep you coming back for more.
04). 11Paranoias - "Reliquary for a Dreamed of
World" (512)
What
sets 11PARANOIAS apart from other bands operating in the realms of psychedelic
heaviness is the otherworldly atmosphere they conjure. Every note is enshrouded
in a hazy fog that lends their music a darkly unsettling feel.
03). Ghoul – “Dungeon Bastards” (828)
So
many bands try to do what Ghoul is doing and just can't fucking get it right.
This is a perfect storm. Superior song writing, technical prowess, and an
awesome aesthetic.
02). Mother Mooch - "Nocturnes" (991)
Their
blend of psychedelia with grunge and stoner rock/doom is a highly sought after
formula and Mother Mooch are keeping the secret closely guarded - and rightfully
so. ‘Nocturnes’ is an astounding album from a band that have the
potential to conquer the world.
1). Metallica - "Hardwired…To Self Destruct"
(1565)
Metallica
have rediscovered their mojo, brought the heavy and most importantly appear to
be enjoying themselves. An album, of two halves, with a cracking opening salvo
on side “A” and “B” side, marred only by one throwaway track. If not
perfect, it is the best music they have produced in over two decades and is the
natural successor to the Black Album.
A
big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no
boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.
September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by: Richard Maw, Theron
Moore, Charlie Butler, Conor O’Dea, Jake Wallace, Eric Crowe, Rick Ahmed, Bobo
Coen & Phil Weller
