Of Woven Dirt and Luster: CJ's Top Metal Albums of 2015

Every year, I make a fairly concerted effort to compile my list of favorite releases in a way that makes the listening experience dynamic. Overall, many of the releases that make my lists are those that command both melody and quirkiness, grimy dissonance and luster. I enjoy so many different genres that my selections even surprise me, at times. Normally I do have some non-metal releases mixed in, which you can see on my RYM profile. Here, however, I will only focus on the metalest of all the metal!

This is my final list with placements that were decided by originality and overall musical contribution to their respective genres. I quickly cut bands and artists out who I felt were not attempting to introduce new nuances to their sound in an effective or interesting way, so this list wasn't just a typical array of albums I appreciated, but a culminating experience that caused me to revisit records multiple times over. I hope you find it interesting!

Honorable Mentions

Advent Sorrow - As All Light Leaves Her
Vehemence - Forward Without Motion
Leprous - The Congregation
Ghost Bath - Moonlover
Coffincraft - In Eerie Slumber
Cult Leader - Lightless Walk
Horrendous - Anareta
Abhorrent Decimation - Miasmic Mutation
Vola - Inmazes
Panopticon - Autumn Eternal
Wrvth - Wrvth

Top 10

10. Swallow the Sun - Songs From the North I, II, & III

If I could have broken this release up per album, I would have, because Despair (part III) is pretty much a 5/5 for me. It's absolutely soul-crushing and some of the best material this band has put out to date. Gloom and Beauty are also very strong, but they're very separate in my mind and are consequently the reason why this barely makes my top ten. I was really worried that these guys wouldn't be able to break into new interpretations of their music after their 2012 record, but they proved me wrong with their ambition and vast creative genius on this collection of materials. I will never complain about waiting three years for an StS record ever again.

9. Kardashev - Peripety

Kardashev return with a contemplative, melodic and brutal piece of progressive deathcore. I really love these guys because of their insistence on keeping the genre of deathcore more intelligent than many of their cohorts have tried to do. With heavy influence from bands like Fallujah and Aegaeon (who are also part this more intelligent interpretation of the genre), it's hard to argue with the formula, here. It's only successful, however, because they are able to reimagine it without faltering or forcing the music into uncomfortable boundaries. If you're a fan of deathcore and you don't like this, it's probably because you like things more straight forward and that's okay, but this band has a chance to open the door for a genre which is incredibly reliant on generic guitar tones, compositions and monotonal vocals. I hope more bands and listeners start offering this band the respect they deserve.

8. Chapel of Disease - The Mysterious Ways of Repetitive Art

What's important about this release is its manifestation of death doom as a trophy of musical wanderlust. You're going to be scarce in finding something that blends more genres, yet maintains a palpable devotion to its respective sound. This could be the first in a necessary development for death doom metal surfacing beyond 2010. It takes what's really successful in the newer, cavernous death metal movement and embraces other important influences that harken back to why a band like Candlemass was so innovative. The key here is that Chapel of Disease have found a sound entirely their own and have crafted an incredibly complete work, here.

7. Underling - Bloodworship

I'm really blown away by the amalgamation of genres, here. Punk, black metal, sludge, shoegaze - you name it. At first, I wasn't sure that I liked this as much what they did with their EP, 'Breathe Deeply', but of course this list is about rewarding bands who choose to innovate their sound and Underling came out swinging in that respect. The more I listened to this, the more I gained an appreciation for what it must be like to break away from a sound and to continue developing it all at the same time. We still hear aspects of Underling on this debut release that were very apparent and successful on their EP, but we also hear so many new things on this record that are initially difficult to digest. Given a chance, I think these guys will take this style of nuanced and hackneyed black metal into new territories that bands like Deafheaven refuse to explore.

6. Tribulation - The Children of the Night

Did Blue Oyster Cult decide to write a new record? Of course, Tribulation bring their very unique sound to the table, here. That's what makes it so good for me - it's somewhat nostalgic yet altogether a very original piece of work. Judge Dredd and I actually wrestled with this one for a while because at times it's hard to tell whether or not this band is prepared to follow the path of Ghost in the way that they are simply attempting to emulate music that's been around for decades. In the end, there's a quality to Tribulation's take on that whole affair that makes it undeniable - completely its own untamed beast. The fact that this album is decidedly more gothic than black, more progressive than gritty, is strange and fascinating because it still conveys those sensibilities overwhelmingly. Indeed, those Strange Gateways Beckon.

5. Mesarthim - Isolate

Ethereal, cosmic, atmospheric and beautifully composed throughout. Space-themed black metal is far from new and it's become part of the new array of themes that are being beaten to death in metal music, but it's certainly a testament towards to the times we live in. It's even somewhat admirable that we have now begun to reconcile this vast body we have, as living beings, been thrust into through one of the most abrasive and vehement forms of music available. Somehow, in that contrast, a project like Mesarthim ultimately commands the beauty and haunting, cold darkness of space without abandoning that vehemence. At times dark wave, at times the blackest of black metal and, oddly, at times cheesy 80s synth-fest. Somehow this is a near perfect formula for me, and while 'Isolate' fell off a little bit for me at the end of the year, I was ultimately enthralled by this odd black metal concoction.

4. Archivist - Archivist

Just slightly overlong, but commanding and beautiful nonetheless. A few people on RYM started praising this record amidst the undeserved fervor (just my opinion!) surrounding Deafheaven's 'New Bermuda' and I had to check it out. With little resistance, this band found their way into my top five and never really left. As the year continued on, I kept listening and was thrust into an oblivious sort of stupor each time. I can't even work when this album is on anymore because all I want to do is focus on every aspect of it, which is a good problem to have. This is heavily sludge influence black metal and all the post-whatever tendencies you could ask for, but they've got a special approach to that style that makes me forget about many other bands who are doing the same. It's unfortunate that such an interesting combination of genres has been beaten so far into the ground by now, but that doesn't mean that the bands who are doing it right don't deserve credit. They deserve a lot of credit. This stuff is absolutely arresting and full of brilliant musicianship at every turn. Turn the volume up, bring the lights down low and make yourself at home. This debut release is as strong as they come.

3. Ad Nauseam - Nihil Quam Vacuitas Ordinatum Est

This was my first perfect score of the year for good reason. Ad Nauseam remind us that Gorguts are really good at what they do, but are not the only prevailing masters of dissonance and disarray. Of course, a group like this probably doesn't exist without their predecessors in Gorguts or Deathspell Omega, but when a band takes a sound so alien and erratic and ups the ante for just how absurd it can become you kind of have to stop and appreciate it. If this album were only fulfilling that quality, it would still rank highly, but here's why it's a perfect album for me: there is a spontaneous and unpredictable quality to this album that is somehow held together entirely by...cohesion. Yes, that's right. This album's real success is born from a formula that is, indeed, difficult to discern, yet somehow so commanding and unnerving. Listen to a song like La Maison Diev. You can hear every calculated moment in a sheer perfection of chaos. If not for musicians like this, metal would get boring really quickly, and even with their clear influences I can confidently say I've never heard anything quite like this before.

2. Mgła - Exercises in Futility 

I don't think I have to justify this selection very much, because I know many of you agree with me on just how great this release is. There's a level of hypnotism on this record that I feel commands its overall comprehension. Most of the soundscapes have a familiar appeal, but their meandering qualities draw the listener in just before the journey's end. At that precise moment, the next movement begins in an eruption of surprisingly repetitive, yet entrancing resolution. This album does it multiple times, in fact. You're listening, listening, listening...and all at once you are utterly thrust into haunting, suspended, even catchy riffs and vocal patterns. Many times I found myself wondering how the release could feel so complete and masterful - a sound unto itself and a precedent for all black metal acts yet to come.

1. Akhlys - The Dreaming I

Sinister beyond description, calculated with directives that make you squirm. This is caustic and unnerving black metal where darkness and morbid sensibilities reign supreme. Akhlys delivers my best album and musical experience of the year. Nothing compared to this in its abject delivery of disgusting and unsettling musical exploration. The pure energy of the record is enough to command insanity, but there is such a surprising and ultimately incomparable sense of melody on this release that is somehow born both of dissonance and luster. Without hesitation, The Dreaming I will make you question every other evaluation of music you've made this year. Only an album of this nature can make you question whether or not you loathe or adore it, and in my case, it was surely the latter.

Thanks very much for giving this a read! Don't forget that Judge Dredd and myself will be hosting the show on KJHK from 9 pm - midnight every Sunday.

In The Beginning...There Was METAL

The following is the retelling of the early days of Malicious Intent on KJHK re-imagined as mythical lore, and was provided by previous MI DJ, Nietch.

The Bible of Malicious Intent Book Two: The Era of Nietch As told by the scribe Witgen 

VERSE 1: It was a dark time in the land of Jayhawks. For no metal was to be had by those with a radio dial. Children wept as parents curled into balls on the floor, unable to muster the hope they needed to get through yet another cloudy day. Tales were told of a show called Malicious Intent, but it was nothing but legend. Most had never even known of its existence. But the legends also told of a prophecy, that one day a man with long hair and acne, garnered in a brown leather jacket, would call forth to the deep. The deep where darkness feeds, Vikings drink, demons dance, and blood rains. One man did rise from the ashes. This was a man of wisdom, strength and fortitude. He was hit by a bus. A woman rose up, but she was into punk so took over the punk show. But then, then! A man named Nietch stepped forward. The rituals were performed. Arms were slashed, but immediately mended because that shit hurts. Ancient texts were poured over to find others means of ritual. Finally, one was found that would work. The one known as an application form. Papers were signed and behold, Malicious Intent was born again in the spring term of the 97th year of the 20th century. 

VERSE 2: It was a wonderful time to behold, the late 90s. Cradle of Filth, Neurosis, Soulfly, Flesh Parade, Fu Manchu, In Flames, The Esoteric, Wormwood, and more, so very many more, graced the airwaves. Interviews with the likes of GWAR, Therion, Megadeth, Clutch, Machine Head, and more were experienced. Sometimes in a men’s bathroom. 

VERSE 3: Soon, Nietch was joined by a man who flat out refused to ever take a hint and leave. This man was Mean Dean. Their wit and witticisms and super duper clever bantering banter made the airwaves tremble and stuff. 

VERSE 4: But not all was well. The Underarm Music Show, another specialty program, was jealous of Malicious Intent. The show’s Reverend played music born from the sweatiest, most unwashed pits known to man. Obviously there was a lot of overlapping of bands between the two shows. Nietch and Mean Dean were happy for the Reverend, for the spreading of metal, any metal, no matter how vile its stench, is to be welcomed with open arms and unclogged nostrils. Alas, the Reverend did not see it this way. He did besmirch Malicious Intent and Nietch. Mean Dean went live on The Underarm to protect Nietch’s valor while Nietch drank whiskey and watched Tick cartoons. A battle more amazing than the Two Towers and Return of the King transpired, one which has been told by greater poets than I. In the end, it was for naught. Mean Dean was slain. Upon hearing the news, Nietch went to bed, for it was late. The next day he went about his business. And the same for the next several days. But when Mean Dean failed to show up for Malicious Intent, Nietch remembered that a gaggle of Goth girls with daddy issues could be found in any coffee shop. Once Mean Dean had quenched his loins behind a bush spying on them he would come, pun most certainly intended. Then Mean Dean’s severed head was found. It was not in a box. Made a heck of a mess, I tell you. And did Nietch even try to clean it up, take as much as a used tissue to it? You tell me. No, just leave it to sweater vest wearing Witgen to handle such matters. And the stench – Sorry, back to the tale. Nietch looked upon the severed head. He cried for now he didn’t have enough time to smoke before needing to cue up the next song. Eventually though, after failing to find another sidekick, one that would love the metal as much as he and would laugh at any and all of his jokes, Nietch figured it was time to bring Mean Dean back. 

VERSE 5: Mean Dean’s head and body were buried in blood soaked ground as Nietch danced above to simultaneous sounds of Mayhem, Iron Monkey, Opeth, and Faster Pussycat. Metric tons of Zima and Jagermeister seeped through Mean Dean’s tissue and bones. Also included was Nietch’s piss, not because it was a part of the ritual, it wasn’t, but because Nietch thought it would be funny. And it was. 

VERSE 6: Time passed and Nietch paused. He looked about this kingdom of Malicious Intent and saw that it was good. Listeners listened, local bands sought live play, and Mean Dean was back from the dead, penis kept securely in a locked cabinet. Goth girls with daddy issues were able to live their lives in peace. It was time to move on. Necks were slashed, virgins crucified, and I’s dotted. More pee was poured onto Dean, again only because Nietch found it to be funny. The time of Nietch had come to an end, but Malicious Intent was to live on. 

VERSE 7: No one knows for certain what ever happened to Nietch. Rumors range. Porn store clerk, strip club DJ which he was fired from for not playing enough light-rock “hits”, carpenter, stage actor and director, mime, bus driver for special-needs kids, deliverer of newspapers and phone books (ancient is Nietch, indeed, if these are to be believed). Troubled times spent in the land of shocked wheat. One tale says he now goes by the name Trevor and spreads the word of metal in Osaka, Japan to his trapped students of English. That he is married and they have spawned a kaiju bent on the world’s destruction. Wherever he has gone, know that he is one with the truly most beautiful music in the world, the very reason he and Malicious Intent DJs exist, heavy metal.

Malicious Intent: Reunion of the Deviants

Clockwise, from top left: Judge Dredd, Mark of the Beast,
CJ, Mean Dean the Metal Machine, Metal Al

Unholy hails to thee, loyal Malicious Intent legions!!  This blog has been slightly inactive the past few months, mainly due to Judge Dredd and I being busy with our scholarly post-graduate studies and CJ venturing into the mysterious misty mountains of beautiful Nepal...however, you may have heard whispers in the night of strange forces beyond our terrestrial sphere, working diligently to bring about a crossing of paths of Malicious Intent warriors past and present for what could hopefully be the first of many reunion shows!   

From CJ's notes on the show:

Metal Al (left) on the phone with Frankenstein (Mike Hall),
another former Malicious Intent DJ who unfortunately
couldn't make the show.  Meanwhile, Mark of the Beast (right) overlooks his majestic
collection of pirated Kroda CDs.

If you’re a follower of KJHK, you’ve probably heard about Malicious Intent at one point or another. It’s been a staple of the university station for well over twenty years, which means there have been a slew of DJs who have carried the mighty torch. These brave bastions of metal have carried that flame with extreme care and dedication towards the all-encompassing genre of metal in tandem with its ardent and vocal community. This post is the first in a number of KHJK segments that honor the program’s history and its contributors. On October 24th, the regular two-hour program was converted into a reunion show featuring five different DJs, both old and new. 

"The kids these days, they just don't
listen to enough Mercyful Fate!"

In attendance were current DJs, CJ and Judge Dredd, along with Metal Al, Mark of the Beast and Mean Dean. If you missed the show by some unfortunate stroke of bad luck, we welcome you to sit back and enjoy all of the banter and metal madness that occurred during this special edition of the show. Even if you’ve already heard it, we know you probably enjoyed it so much that you want to listen again; so by all means, please do so.

Listen to the show here:  http://kjhk.org/web/2015/10/28/malicious-intent-reunion-of-the-deviants/