We invited artists, labels and publicists to tell us which records or artists they’ve personally enjoyed over the last twelve months. Asechiah Bogdan‘s picks below. Windhand new album, Grief’s Infernal Flower, is out now via Relapse Records.
“Here are ten records which caught my ear this year. They are not intended to be in any order of preference.”
Leviathan – Scar Sighted
“An unrelenting record equally mixing dirge, death, and ambiance. Great signature low end guitar and memorable drumming from one man wrecking crew Wrest. ”
CHURCH – Unanswered Hymns
“Crushing debut, well-crafted and memorable song writing from a criminally underrated band from Sacramento California. People will label this doom, but it deserves more introspection than that.”
Mgla – Exercises in Futility
“Unrelenting, but dare I say it this record is soaked in melody, stronger song writing than its predecessors, and a heavier production. You’ll find these songs stuck in your head for days.”
Tribulation – The Children of the Night
“Each track is unique with a natural progression throughout, very cohesive, a record that needs to be listened to from start to finish. Beyond catchy!”
Monolord – Vænir
“Speaker quaking Swedish three piece, this record justly deserves the accolades that it has received. We had the pleasure of touring with these guys for a month, they brought it each and every night. ”
Bell Witch – Four Phantoms
“Four glacial tomes that ooze with undeniable atmosphere, hypnotically crushing.”
Wand – Golem
“I heard this while we were recording the last record and was struck by the songwriting, equally part pop and psych with some seriously heavy leanings.”
ILSA – The Felon’s Claw
“Ugly and vicious in a good way, crafting songs that were raised from the primordial ooze. Great friends of ours, excited to hear we are now label mates.”
Cloud – Home
“Officially a four song demo released on Bandcamp by Jon Rossi, some may recognize his name as a member of Rhode Island’s Pilgrim. Incredibly well written hooks with catchy Earth-tinged melodies.”
Second Sun – Hopp/Förtvivlan
“Equal parts hard rock and psych, invoking the spirit of the late 60’s and early 70’s sounds of Hawkwind and Popol Vuh, the band is fronted by the drummer of Tribulation, Jakob Ljungberg.”