The editor’s at team ThisIsNotAScene polled our writing and photography crew to ask them what their top 5 favorites were at this point in the 2012 release year. With so many great releases so far in 2012 we thought it would be a good idea to take stock at the half-way point, we wonder how many of them will still be there in six months’ time?
The best thing about putting this one together is I got to read all the submissions and it became clear we have a crew as diverse as the music we review.
Without further ado, here is the compiled top 5 releases so far in 2012 for team ThisIsNotAScene…
Joint Fourth and Fifth Place
There was a four-way tie for fourth and fifth place.
Cattle Decapitation – “Monolith of Inhumanity.” This marks the 5th full length release from the boys from San Diego. Hailed as their finest work to date it is not surprising that this album made it onto the mid year favorites of many of the staff here at ThisIsNotAScene.
Our own reviewer, Chris, used words like flawless, precision and brutality, stunning guitar work to name but a few. This is now out on Metal Blade Records.
Gojira – “L’Enfant Sauvage.” This also marks the 5th full lenght release for this French metal powerhouse. Marked with their trademark stop and starts with precision, this release is a perfect follow-up to “The Way of All Flesh.”
Gojira recently moved to their new label, Roadrunner Records, has done nothing to slow this juggernaut of fury packed metal. “L’Enfant Sauvage” is now available in CD and vinyl forms.
Meshuggah – “Koloss”. This is marks their seventh release for the Swedish metal legends. It s been 20 years since their release of “Contradictions Collpase” and they have been growing and pushing the metal envelope ever since.
Meshuggah have forged a uique sound and influenced many along the way and it is always good when truly greats continue to remain just that, truly great. Out on Nuclear Blast Records.
Moonspell – “Alpha Noir”. “Alpha Noir” is the ninth studio release from these Portuguese metal band. Having released their first LP in 1995. Hard to classify in one particular genre, Moonspell continues with their own brand of music, played their way. In the metal world this can be one of the highest compliments given.
A well deserved slot on the mid year recognition here at ThisIsNotAScene. Moonspell can be found on Napalm Records.
Joint Third Place
There again was a tie for third place. It seems like the top 5 mid year slots were marked with many ties this year.
Pallbearer – “Sorrow and Extinction.” This was the dark horse and surprise of the top 5 selection process. Storming out of Arkansas albeit in a slow doom fashion, “Sorrow and Extinction” has caused waves through the metal world in particular among the doom aficionados.
It captures from the first notes and draws you in leaving you wanted me more on the last note. These up and comers can be found on Profound Lore Records.
Kreator – “Phantom Antichrist.” It’s Kreator! These Tuetonic thrashers still continue to awe and amaze audiences around the world. Forged in thrash, these German icons have continued their approach to keeping thrash fresh and alive the world over.
Their latest release is testament to their dedication and commitment to bringing the world the finest thrash has to offer. Kreator can be found on Nuclear Blast Records, a fitting label if there ever was one.
Second Place
No ties here, it was Alcest with their latest release “Les Voyages De L’Âme.” These french metal boys are fast becoming the biggest name in black shoegaze metal worldwide.
Tending more towards the ethereal side than before this is still a remarkable piece of music. Wonderfully crafted and produced, it is certainly a powerful third release for this French duo.
First Place
Again, no ties on this one either, this was by far the unanimous choice for the number one slot by our ThisIsNotAScene crew.
Anathema – “Weather Systems”. Starting out as one of Britain’s pre-eminent doom metal bands, in the 90′s they seem to have switched gears and tended more towards the progressive side of metal. Album after album Anathema has firmly established themselves in this genre as well.
Anathema‘s last LP was in 2010 and some thought it could not be topped. Clearly at ThisIsNotAScene, their 2012 release seems to have surpassed their previous release in the metal sphere.
So there it is, the mid year top five as we at ThisIsNotAScene see it. Still many months and releases to go. See you again at the end of the year and lets see if Alcest and Anathema can hold onto their top spots.
Other reviews, interviews and news items that might interest you:
- ThisIsNotAScene’s Top 20 Albums Of 2012
- Kreator – Phantom Antichrist
- The Safety Fire Release Video For DMB (FDP) Documenting Download 2012 & Gojira Tour
- Bloodstock Festival 2012 – Friday Preview
- Gojira & The Safety Fire @ Corporation, Sheffield – June 26, 2012
- SWALLOW THE SUN: Finnish Death/Doom Collective Return To North America This Fall
- Alcest – Bloodstock 2012 Live Photos
- KISS, Queen and Faith No More Confirmed As Sonisphere 2012 UK Headliners
- Gojira @ Mo Club, Southampton – November 15, 2012
- Devin Townsend @ The Borderline, London – June 6, 2012
