20. Abnormality - Contaminating the Hive Mind
Number 20 on my list goes to Abnormality. I figured I had to start off with a local band, since I took a lot of time to listen to and support local acts this year. This band has been around for a few years, and contains members of other local acts, but this is their first full-length. They play punishing brutal death metal with a female vocalist. I really don't like pointing that out though, because her vocals are great and I don't want to seem like I have to point that out like it's a novelty or something. Great vocals, great music, and this album is just a lot of fun to listen to. Plus, this band puts on a crushing live show. I saw them open for Suffocation in November, and they were the best band of the night behind Suffo. I gotta see them again soon, and I am really excited to see what they will do in the future.
Sample Tracks:
Monarch Omega
Fabrication of the Enemy