By Andrew Bansal
Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Ihsahn is primarily known as the vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist in the black metal band Emperor. That band was on a hiatus since 2007 but has decided to reunite again in 2014, but in the meanwhile Ihsahn released his fifth solo studio album ‘Das Seelenbrechen’ via Candlelight Records this year. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #45: Ihsahn – Das Seelenbrechen”
By Andrew Bansal
English psychedelic rock/doom metal band Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats released their third studio album ‘Mind Control’ via Metal Blade/Rise Above Records on April 15th of this year. Having started out in 2009, they are relatively new in the scene and a somewhat unknown entity in America, but this new album has succeeded in changing that at least to some extent. Classic-sounding jams resulting not only from the use of vintage instruments and recording equipment but also from the songwriting itself which is a nod to the kind of rock that dominated the airwaves in the 60s. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #46: Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – Mind Control”
By Andrew Bansal
Los Angeles-based cellist Alison Chesley, who goes by her stage name Helen Money, released her third full-length solo album called ‘Arriving Angels’ via Profound Lore Records in February of 2013. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she moved to Chicago to study music and carve out a career for herself, which she successfully did not only as a solo/session musician but also as a collaborator, and a composer for film, theater and dance. She has had her ventures in the hard rock/heavy metal world as well, through collaborations with bands like Anthrax, Disturbed and Russian Circles. Recently she relocated to Los Angeles again, but has certainly incorporated some of the Chicago vibe into her music. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #47: Helen Money – Arriving Angels”
By Andrew Bansal
Connecticut metalcore outfit Hatebreed have been around for almost 20 years, and unlike a lot of their peers from back in the early ’90s, this band continues to deliver music that stays true to their roots, as was proven by the sixth studio album ‘The Divinity Of Purpose’ which came out in late January via Razor & Tie in America and Nuclear Blast in Europe. As strong as anything they’ve ever released, this album gives the listener Hatebreed’s signature blend of hardcore, thrash and punk all put together in a relentless 35-minute attack that hits the ears with nothing but sheer brute force. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #48: Hatebreed – The Divinity Of Purpose”
By Andrew Bansal
Based out of the vast reservoir of creativity that is Austin, Texas, American Sharks is a punk-infused rock n’ roll band that brings a true party vibe with their beer-fueled brand of fast, heavy music. They toured North America alongside The Sword and Gypsyhawk in late 2012, and released their self-titled debut album this year in September via The End Records, following which they’re now on another North American tour with The Sword, this time with Clutch as the headliner. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #49: American Sharks – Self-Titled”
By Andrew Bansal
The year of 2013 has 50 more days left before it draws to a close, and this time I decided to make my year-end ‘best of’ as a grand top 50 albums countdown with one album featured per day leading up to the end of the year, rather than a single list. You might think picking out 50 albums must have been easy, because the higher the number of albums the easier it should get, right? But that was certainly not the case, as 2013 has seen a plethora of great album releases. Selecting the best 50 and then ranking them was a herculean task but I’ve given it my best try. For this list I’ve listened to all albums released (or slated to release) between January 1st and December 31st 2013, and as usual, I’ve considered only full-length studio albums of original material. Without further ado, I present to you my 2013 year-end top 50 albums countdown. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #50: Nails – Abandon All Life”