Manky's Best Of Things In 2012!

[mankvill]

Originally Posted by hellawaits77ny

Scoure is definately one of the heaviest songs in recent memory, if not ever.

Each of their last 3 albums have had at least one song that just blew me away with how heavy it is. Scourge Of Iron here, Evisceration Plague last album, and Death Walking Terror on Kill. I actually think DWT is one of the heaviest songs ever.

[mankvill]

17.

Abigail Williams - Becoming



What a turn around! Too bad this is thier last alb- wait no it's not. Still, great to see them ditch the always shortcoming style that they used to have and instead picked up a more accesible Wolves In The Throne Room-type black metal. The vocals here are great - kind of muted and in the background to make for an ethereal presence. The long songs here are great, especially the album closer "Beyond The Veil." I hope they keep to this style from now on - great things could happen for them!

Standout tracks: Beyond The Veil, Ascension Sickness, Radiance

[hellawaits77ny]

Originally Posted by mankvill

Each of their last 3 albums have had at least one song that just blew me away with how heavy it is. Scourge Of Iron here, Evisceration Plague last album, and Death Walking Terror on Kill. I actually think DWT is one of the heaviest songs ever.

Good call. The title track is the best song on the EP album, by far.

[mankvill]

16.

Liberteer - Better To Die On Your Feet Than Live On Your Knees



One of the most unique albums I've heard this year. Actually, one of the most unique bands I've EVER heard. The lyrics read more like a rallying cry and manifesto, but the music actually seems more like one huge song. I don't think I've ever heard a grind album do that before, and certainly not a grindcore album with elements of power metal and symphonic keyboards. Awesome stuff and totally unique - just what the extreme music scene needs!

Standout tracks: Class War Never Meant More Than It Does Now, Usurious Epitaph > Revolution's Wick Burning Quick, It Is The Secret Curse Of Power That It Becomes Fatal

[mankvill]

15.

Alcest - Les Voyages De L'Âme



Equal parts beautiful post-rock, heavy shoegaze and even some old-school black metal, Alcest's latest might be their most complete album yet. Each song is very memorable and has its own merits. I don't think there's another band out there in this same style that does it better than Neieieieiieieieiieghe and company.

Standout tracks: Autre Temps, Les Voyages De L'Âme, Beings Of Light

[mankvill]

14.

Eluveitie - Helvetios



As a casual folk metal fan, it pretty much doesn't get much better than this. "Helvetios" is basically a more upbeat, more fun, more catchy Amon Amarth album with actual folk instruments - not just keyboards pretending. I love it. "A Rose for Epona" is probably my favorite track on the album. I dunno, I just love those female vocals. My favorite live folk metal band does a good job at recreating what makes them so fun live on record!

Standout tracks: A Rose For Epona, Havoc, Meet The Enemy

[mankvill]

13.

Title Fight - Floral Green



A perfect combination of melodic and post-hardcore with a little dash of pop-punk. "Floral Green" has all the catchiness of The Story So Far and Four Year Strong, but still the same emotional heaviness as Touche Amore and La Dispute. "Secret Society" is one of the best songs of the year with a driving bass line to define it (also it's one of the best music videos of 2012). There really is something here for everyone and it should surprise anyone who is hesitant about jumping into this type of music.

Standout tracks: Secret Society, Calloused, Leaf

[slapguitarer]

Head in The Ceiling Fan is an awesome song, but I can't dig the rest of Floral Green.

[powerslave_85]

It's decent, but nothing outstanding.

[mankvill]

12.

Wodensthrone - Curse



This is early Enslaved meets Wolves In The Throne Room, and it's addicting! Perfectly executed long-form black metal. A bit of some progressive elements here and there, like on "First Light" and you've got yourself one helluva classic black metal record. Awesome music!

Standout tracks: First Light, Battle Lines, The Name Of The Wind