“And you know nothing that matters now.”
My albums of the year - 2011
#5.
Puscifer - Conditions of my Parole
Maynard James Keenan, the frontman of Tool/A Perfect Circle has done it again. Puscifer is MJK’s freshest project, and Conditions of my Parole is his second full-length release under that pseudonym. This album is pure quality, and the lyrics are a lot more serious, introspective, and honest then the cover art suggests: I think that’s the point too, Puscifer is a conundrum. This year I’ve gotten into more and more atmospheric and electronic stuff and this album is full of awesome beats, trip-hop rhythms, and beautiful melodies and soundscapes; it’s also very diverse and eccentric. There’s no shortage of driving and moody Maynard that he has become known for as well. One of the biggest highlights for me is the inclusion of British vocalist Carina Round contributing vocals on half of the tracks. MJK and Carina trading off back-and-forth is amazing. I love this album and was completely surprised and blown away. Maynard has never sounded better either. And you know that’s saying a lot.
My albums of the year - 2011
#6.
All Shall Perish - This is Where it Ends
This album is relentless, and technical. This album is large, destructive, and epic. All Shall Perish have written a near-perfect modern metal album which showcases just how talented these guys are - and also how almost no other band nails this sound quite likes the do. The breakdowns are absolutely skull-crushing, and are executed at all of the right moments. This is Where it Ends is also ASP’s most diverse album: some songs are straight death metal, some incorporate black metal riffs, some are very melodic, some have progressive riffs, and the good ‘old piano even shows up from time to time. This album plays like a textbook example of how to write an engaging, fluid, and unique heavy album in a time where most bands are derivatives of derivatives. All Shall Perish keep refining their sound, throwing in new sounds, and perfecting their songwriting chops.
My albums of the year - 2011
#7.
Panic At The Disco - Vices & Virtues
Panic at the Disco is one on those polarizing bands: either your love ‘em or hate ‘em. I love them. Brendon Urie is a fantastic vocalist and their blend of pop, dance, punk, and whatever else they feel like at the moment, coalesces into a unique sound. Prior to this album, the band split in half - four members became two. Ryan Ross, lyricist and guitarist, and bassist Jon Walker parted with the band. Remaining original members Brenden and drummer Spencer Smith decided to press on, and this album became highly anticipated and discussed. Would they “return to form” of their dancey debut, or would they continue with their nostalgic sounds of their sophmore release? Answer: neither. This album has nuts and bolts from their previous two albums but all-in-all Vices & Virtues is it’s own sound. All of this narrative aside, the reason I love this album is that it’s so fun to listen (and dance) to and Brenden’s vocals/lyrics are top notch.
My albums of the year - 2011
#8.
Lower Definition - the infinite et cetera
This is an EP release. 5 songs, and they are demos. Usually something like this wouldn’t make my list. However, Lower D aren’t like most bands. These demos sound fantastic and vocalist Matt Geise’s performance is so good. the infinite et cetera doesn’t venture terribly far from their previous work but that’s OK since I absolutely love their sound. Part post-hardcore in the vein of Glassjaw, meets Killswitch Engage interrupted by spastic and passionate breakdowns and mosh parts - all of those sprinkled with some sweet pop action. This EP is no different. These songs are concise, heavy, melodic, and super fun and catchy.
My albums of the year - 2011
#9.
The Human Abstract - Digital Veil
I’ve never heard a metal album that actually sounded like a neo-classical composition mixed with the exact kind of modern metal that I prefer until this album. I’ve never really heard any attempts at it either. Digital Veil is a ripper, going by in thirty-six minutes, and urging you to put it on repeat. Lead guitarist A.J. Minette went to school to study classical music and it truly shows. This is a journey. This is technical. This is musical, memorable, and professional. The lyrics are quite topical, relevant, and refreshing. Overall this album has kept me coming back throughout the year, only to find an awesome new part that I dig every single subsequent listen-through.
My albums of the year - 2011
#10.
Russian Circles - Empros
The music takes you on an emotional journey. It’s part barren-landscape after a nuclear war, or after an attack by a corrupt government unto a peacefully assembling citizenry, part silver lining - long enough to feel like the sun might wash away the rain, only for a looming storm to reappear and to wash over the landscape once more. Repeat and add in oppressive feelings battling hopeful winds throughout. The final track, the only one with vocals, resolves things, almost giving you a feeling that this was all just a dream, or, a nightmare rather. But was it?
