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It has been hectic to say the least during the last 7 weeks or so of 2018, so forgive for the delay in our usually presentation of the 16 most popular album from January, but here it is your SOUR 16.
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 SLUDGELORD HQ.
The results are compiled based on the amount of page views the reviews have received and are then calibrated into the list below. All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views are highlighted in the red)
16). Greber - “Cemetery Preston” (704)
Greber’s pursuit of intricate heavy music pays off immensely, creating a consuming sonic experience. “Cemetery Preston” will be one of the most unique and layered experiences of this year.
Dissipated is the more prevalent punk and thrash of "IX" in favor of the sound that made CoCits name, but done in a contemporary way. As such, this is Corrosion of Conformity'sfinest work in many years. "No Cross No Crown” is something Corrosion of Conformityfans can rejoice in.
14). Greyfell - "Horsepower"(786)
“Horsepower” is an interesting and accomplished album – a wonderful piece of doomy, gloomy, ritual rock – which should please fans of Greyfell’sprevious work, and no doubt introduce many new listeners to the band.
13). Agrimonia - "Awaken" (805)
'Awaken' is a tour-de-force of genre hopping doom. It should see the band gain ground on their contemporaries and even surpass them.
12). Haunt - "Luminous Eyes" [EP] (826)
Fitting in squarely with the likes of Cauldron, this is heavy metal of the old school done correctly and with affection. If you want traditional sounds with a dark edge to the songs, this is most assuredly for you.
11). Possessor - "The Ripper" (872)
"The Ripper" is one of the most pleasing releases to wrap 2017 and open up 2018. Possessor's massive sound and brutal composition make it one of the more intimidating listens on the scene, and one you should get to know now, if you aren't already down.
10). Come to Grief / Fistula & Fistula / -(16)- [Splits] (946)
9). Druid Lord - "Grotesque Offerings" (956)
Fans of Hooded Menace, Serpentine Pathand traditional Florida death metal like Obituary or Malevolent Creation can't go wrong here; this is a great example of the doom/death genre and surely one of the musically darkest albums you could pick to play out the winter.
8). Watain - "Trident Wolf Eclipse" (999)
“Trident Wolf Eclipse’ is an album that’s both diverse, but also does a better job of staying within the band’s established wheelhouse. The album’s opening track is a perfect statement of intent: “Nuclear Alchemy” is the sort of thrashy, high-energy hellstorm that sets the stage for the rest of the album
7). King Buffalo - "Repeater" [EP] (1397)
The band sounds confident as they play through the dreamy plucking of the guitars, the perfectly enunciated vocals, and that sweet meditative groove that drummer Scott Donaldson brings with him. The tunes are mellow, meditative, groovy, and best of all, heady. As a short release, “Repeater” does what it’s intended to do and offers the hungry fans just a taste of what the main course is going to bring. Bring on that sophomore release!
6). Black Label Society - "Grimmest Hits" (1665)
“Grimmest Hits” is a Sabbath-esque listen with bluesy inflections and is chock full of riffs and solos.
5). Wolftooth - "Wolftooth" (1723)
If you were disillusioned by The Swordafter their first three albums, and if you loved Earth Witch then don't delay and get hold of this album as it is a riffing stoner metal delight.
4). Tribulation - "Down Below" (2074)
I’ll stop short of calling this Tribulation’sdefining masterpiece, if only because the band seem to keep outdoing themselves. For that same reason, it’s hard to imagine the band won’t have even more to show us as the years go by, and that’s a thrilling prospect.
3). Somali Yacht Club - "The Sea" (2388)
Basking in sonic emersion and drawing from an Elder influence, Somali Yacht Club succeeds in taking the listener on that well-known ride of warm tones and meandering melodies. In the world of progressive psych-rock, confidence is key and these Ukranians hold that key and open every door with it that they can.
2). Witchcryer - "Cry Witch" (3676)
The riffs are infectious, the grooves hit you right in the gut and their well written songs are accentuated by climatic dynamics and impassioned performances by all members of the band. Witchcryerhave created something really quite special on “Cry Witch”, a debut surely worthy of addition to the doom metal cannon.
1). Hooded Menace - "Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed" (5645)
Hooded Menace, is the quintessential death-doom metal band and this album is a crawling behemoth with so much gloom and doom that it feels like a slimy dense fog is pouring out of your speakers and into your unsuspecting lungs.
A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful. January 2018’s “SOUR 16” features reviews by: Richard Maw, Andre Almaraz,Daniel Jackson, Ben Fitts, Ernesto Aguilar, Mark Tremblay &Victor Van Ommen
