What a stacked year 2014 proved to be, with an excellent batch of releases across all genres of heavy music. Both this and our "Friends Of R13" Feature have highlighted that despite what the naysayers may argue, there was a LOT to sink your teeth in to in 2014. Enter 2015 discovering something you didn't get the chance to in 2014.
Happy New Year from everyone here at Room Thirteen!
Tom Donno (Reviews Editor)
Albums
Behemoth - The Satanist
The Satanist came out right at the start of 2014 and immediately set the marker as album of the year - instantly it became the album for which all other things heavy would be compared against. It has this phenomenal degree of aggression and technical brilliance, the like of which even Behemoth have failed to reach on previous releases. Nergal overcame a brutal illness and in turn came back stronger than ever. The Satanist is not only the album of the year, it will be right up there amongst the albums of the decade, and that is before I've heard five years worth of music to come.
REVIEW LINK: FULL REVIEW
Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun
Since its release, the new Mastodon record is still getting mixed reviews and feedback - mainly due to the fact that it is such a marked difference compared to earlier records, even more so than The Hunter and Crack The Skye ever were. But therein lays the brilliance of Mastodon. Every single album is its own unique piece. Once More 'Round The Sun will grow on you with every listen, and the fact that on the subsequent touring cycle it is the absolute best Mastodon have ever sounded live this has been yet another great year for the band.
REVIEW LINK: FULL REVIEW
Architects - Lost Forever // Lost Together
Another album which released quite early on in the year, Architects released perhaps the album of their career so far as they delivered track after track with devastating effect. After the single Naysayer released, the anticipation for this album really exploded and it is safe to say they didn't let anybody down. The music is intricately weaved together to detach itself from your standard run of the mill Metalcore albums, as we noted in the review this really felt like their Sempiternal on release. A really exciting British release from an exceptionally talented bunch.
REVIEW LINK: FULL REVIEW
Singles
Slipknot - The Negative One
Going for this one over The Devil In I mainly due to the fact that when it dropped it was relatively unexpected. The venom and the anger spewed in The Negative One delivered two very important facts, Slipknot were back and they were not messing about.
Live
Mastodon - Brixton Academy
To sit alongside one of my albums of the year, Mastodon graced Brixton once again towards the back end of this year, and my word did they deliver. Going from the show they played at Sonisphere in the Summer, it was clear that this band were bang on form and were absolutely delivering it live. As they rolled in to Brixton, most of the new album ended up being showcased, which was in no way a bad thing due to the quality of the tracks. The crowd greeted tracks like Halloween and Aunt Lisa as fervently as some of the older fan favourites. As Brann Dailor himself shouted at the end of the show "Why we didn't we film THAT one?" - damn right, what a gig.
Machine Head - The Roundhouse
This was the tenth time I'd seen Machine Head. After ten rounds with even your favourite bands, it has the potential to drag in to the 'seen it before' territory, but that attitude was kicked firmly out of my head at this show. The band played for well over two hours, working their way through fan favourites, rare gems and a chaotic Dimebag/Pantera tribute. The last time the band did a headline tour in the UK they took the plunge, and risked Wembley Arena, this time they went for two sold out nights at The Roundhouse and almost left it a heap of rubble in the corner of Camden.
Turbowolf - Dingwalls
It was difficult choosing which Turbowolf show from this year I wanted to include never mind choosing three gigs of the year. The performance at Camden Rocks in the Electric Ballroom, and the bedlam that was the show at The Barfly are certainly notable mentions, but for absolutely unrelenting chaos from the first note struck, then the gig at Dingwalls just about rears its head above the others.
Andrew Latham (Features Editor)
Albums
New Model Army - Between Wine and Blood
Half studio material and half live songs, this album followed up the critically acclaimed 2013 release Between Dog and Wolf and helped to reinforce New Model Army's identity and the strength of the current line up. For a band that have been going for so long to produce something so vibrant and current is no mean feat. They remain one of the best and most original bands in the UK and show no signs of being anything else but that.
FULL REVIEW
Gong - I See You
Gong brought in new band members and produced a fantastic album that was a real throwback to the glory days of the 1970s trilogy. Much underrated in the grand scheme of things, Gong have always had brilliant musicians and fused jazz with rock and psychedelia perfectly. It's not often that you would recommend a band's latest album as an introduction to their work but this would comfortably fit the bill.
FULL REVIEW
Live
Eureka Machines - Manchester, Gullivers
I was feeling pretty jaded with the whole gig scene at the start of the year. Having seen thousands of bands over many years I was losing enthusiasm for it all but then I go to a gig like this and it reminds just why I have kept on doing it! Eureka Machines are just a superb band that have everything I want to see in a great live performance; they just go for it right from the start and never let up. The songs are well crafted, the delivery is tight and exuberant and they make a dark and dingy room just come alive and all with a sense of fun.
FULL REVIEW
Frank Turner - Manchester, Phones 4 U Arena
It's rare that an arena gig gets in my end of year list but I make an exception for this. It wasn't the best gig I have seen Frank play and certainly the venue is a little cold and soulless but this gig was really the culmination of a quite spectacular journey that has seen Mr Turner go from playing pokey basement clubs in front of 15 people, to arenas in front of thousands. We've followed him all the way and it really was awesome to see so many people singing along and a sea of hands in the air. That I got a name check kind of made the journey complete. He'll go on of course and we'll keep turning out but this was something special.
Gong - Manchester, Club Academy
An odd one this as due to a long term illness, Gong's long standing frontman and original member Daveid Allen, couldn't actually be there. As a result crowd numbers were well down and I was worried that it would be a bit like watching a Gong tribute band but boy was I wrong! The rest of the band were just superb and I probably enjoyed this gig more than any other all year. Gong are a brilliant band and they always have been, no matter who has been in the line up but this current band take some beating. As a result the new album is just as good as this performance was.
FULL REVIEW
Neil Richardson (Writer/Editorial)
Albums
Hearts Under Fire - Outlines
The Surrey quartet have been on our radar for some time and with their debut long play, Outlines, they have shown they are ready for the big time. The teenage angst of when we first met Hearts Under Fire is now converted into a controlled power that deserves all they praise it got at the time of its release.
The Graveltones - Don't Wait Down
When you only have two band members you really need to be good to carry it off musically and with The Graveltones, they don't just carry it off, they propel themselves to a whole new level. Rock laden with a big dollop of blues, this album is just a joy to behold. Their live sets are definitely worth catching now before they have to stop playing the small intimate venues.
Future Ages - 002EP
The overall feel to this EP is one of big sounds and noise explosions. Each of the 5 tracks offer something different, each with their own unique twist. It may be a twist too far for some people but those that love their music, and more importantly, love their music to have its own individual sound, will love Future Ages 002 EP. If there is one thing you should do today, right now in fact, is to go and listen to Future Ages.
Live
Star Scream - Nightmare Festival
Despite being an early afternoon show, with daylight pouring into the venue, Star Scream produced a mesmerising set at this year's Nightmare Festival that proved why we gave them our Band of the Month award towards the end of 2014. They kicked off with fast paced rock that set the igniters on full blast and didn't let up throughout the set. Without doubt, Star Scream are a band I fully recommend checking out in 2015.
Toseland - 100 Club London
This might be a slightly controversial choice as while Toseland may not be getting awards for their music, it is still highly enjoyable enough. Despite only having one album's worth of material, they put on pretty much a 90 minute set which puts to shame many higher profile bands who dare not break the hour mark. Not once did the gig feel boring or repetitive, just pure enjoyment and I found myself still talking about this gig 3 months after - now that is what a gig should do to you!
Kenelis - Q Alternative Stage, Brighton Pride
In the past, going to a Pride festival may not have been high up on the 'to do' list but all that changed thanks to the superb diverse line up at the Q Alternative Stage at Brighton Pride in August. While bands like Echo and the Beats, Death Koolaid, Republica and Joan Ov Arc (who are currently hitting the main stream press with their recent Christmas single) all entertained immensely, it was Kenelis who deserve the praise with their kick ass, hard core rock. Mel Sanson's screams coupled with the powerful riffs make for an enjoyable event any day of the week. And the weather was just about nice too.
Gareth Allen (Writer)
Anathema - Distant Satellites
This album was a crowning achievement, for a band that so effortlessly draws its fan base from a musical spectrum that goes from progressive rock to metal. The combination of orchestral, electronic, progressive and metal sounds is completely intoxicating, and the lyrics pack an incredible emotional punch. This is quite simply the one album you cannot afford to be without in 2014. Listen to the Lost Song Part 1 and you will have tears rolling down your cheeks, with its emotional power.
Conan - Blood Eagle
This has been a great year for doom metal albums, but this must surely be the pinnacle. Conan on this album exhibit such controlled power and mesmerising riffs, that the music becomes completely enveloping and immersive. What is so stunning is the way they have integrated melody and dynamic changes of pace and almost jazz influenced drumming into the mix, taking doom to new musical places. Stunning!
Decapitated - Blood Mantra
Decapitated have shown the potential for death metal to evolve and conquer new musical territory. The earth shaking combination of dynamic pulverising tech death guitar, polyrhythm's, and metal groove, is completely irresistible on record and live. To top it all off, vocalist Rafal Piotrowski has to have one of the best death growls on the scene, spine tingling with incredible emotional expression.
Singles
Behemoth - Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel
Behemoth bring together black metal and death metal in the most atmospheric way, all underpinned with Nergal's expansive musical and conceptual vision. This song from their EP, which can also be found on this years The Satanist album, is chilling in the soundscape it creates, full of eerie foreboding music and hellish chants. The blast beats are wondrous and the guitar work straddling both melody and sledgehammer riffs, just unbelievably good.
Live
Cannibal Corpse - Damnation Festival
Cannibal Corpse's set at the Damnation Festival was the one metal heads were all talking about. The sheer bludgeoning nature of their sound, and the honed technical precision that underlies it, is like no other death metal band live. The mosh pits they generate in an audience are intense, full on and legendary. Damnation was their's with a towering sledge hammer like performance.
The Ocean - Glasgow Audio
The Ocean at the intimate Glasgow Audio, played through in its entirety, their most recent album Pelagial. Their shimmering playing full of melody, is pretty much at the cutting edge of progressive metal, and live complemented by a beautiful lighting set up and filmic screen backdrop. They held the audience enthralled and completely attentive, not an easy thing to do, when in effect you are playing one continuous piece of music. Spellbinding stuff.
Arkona and Eluveitie - Classic Grand, Glasgow
Arkona and Eluveitie managed to convert an audience of Glasgow metal heads to jigging in the mosh pit, which says everything you need to know about an amazing evening of life affirming folk metal. The way in which folk metal combines traditional instruments and melodies with death metal, has its detractors. However, live in Glasgow, the soaring melodies and vocals, and death metal attack, converted everyone, creating a celebratory atmosphere, and a sense of real connection between audience and bands. Everything metal should be about!
Jim Parry (Writer)
Albums
Nadja - Queller
Aidan Baker and life / band partner Leah Buckareff have gone all warm and fuzzy for this release, embracing song structures and hooks like never before to put the brilliant 'Queller' at the top of my list for 2014. Massive melodies, droney fuzz so toasty it'll scorch santa's sack, and to top it off there's a nice owl on the front cover.
Fen - Carrion Skies
Fen's late entry to 2014 is an absolute triumph of rich, emotive yet scathing black metal, with a strength of songwriting to make 'Carrion Skies' just about the band's strongest release to date. Winterfyllth's 'The Divination of Antiquity' is certainly up there this year, but Fen continue to impress and have outdone themsevles once again, creating a hugely engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Godflesh - A World Lit Only By Fire
A huge, HUGE comeback album from Godflesh, who are once again spewing out industrialised fire and brimstone as if Streetcleaner wasn't actually TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD. Prolofic noise-monger Justin Broadrick sounds utterly at home being back in his old day job, partnering up once again with Ben Green to bring about another lesson in sonic annihilation.
FULL REVIEW
Singles
Junius - Days of the Fallen Sun
A very welcome return for the metal / shoegaze quartet, especially when they include a re-imagined version of the brillant 'A Day Dark With Night' (originally taken from the split with Rosetta). Hugely immersive and equally listenable - an absolute joy to experience.
Faith No More - Motherfucker
Faith No More returned a few years back and began gigging again (much to my delight), and finally, after a seventeen year wait (I've been counting), they go and release a brand new single. A strange yet instantly anthemic song, 'Motherfucker' is classic FNM belligerence as they continue to yield to no pre-set expectation, whilst still managing to write fantastically gritty, noisy music.
Skaphe - Skaphe
One of the standout releases this year from the subterranean depths of the metal world. Self-described as 'asphyxiating black metal', you have to experience this music to truly understand just how accurate that is. Another excellent release on Fallen Empire Records.
Live
Kerbdog - Nottingham Rock City Basement 21/11/14
Yet another reunion from a much-missed band, but I just can't be cynical when I get to see a band I've waited 17 years to see. A storming set that included all the classics from both albums, I left Rock City a happy man.
Paul Chesworth (Writer)
Albums
Rival Sons - Great Western Valkyrie
One the finest rock albums of the last few years. Rival Sons have in Jay Buchanan one of the finest vocalists plying his trade in this or any other age. Its pure unadulterated rock with a massive 'R'. Songs like Electric Man and Rich And The Poor are instantly embedded and have become classics. Sure lots of the other writers will plump for Royal Blood, but of you want an album chock full of quality that doesn't let for a single second, then look no further than GWV.
H.E.A.T. - Tearing Down The Walls
21st Century Bon Jovi! H.E.A.T. should (and deserve) be massive, and hopefully they will be very soon, given the right breaks. Massive anthems, and huge hooks made Tearing Down The Walls essential listening for anyone with a love for anthemic rock that very few bands can match. Since Eric Gronwall came on board, the band have made huge leaps forward and as good as this album is, check them out live. Check out A Shot At Redemption, and Point Of No Return.
California Breed - California Breed
Hot on the heels of Black Country Communion came California Breed. Two giants (Jason Bonham & the "voice of rock", Glenn Hughes) teamed forces with virtual unknown 21 yr old Andrew Watt. At 62, Hughes has got even better with age and can wipe the floor with any of his 70s and 80s contemporaries (or any other decade). Check out his solo rendition of Breathe on YouTube and see how the master works.
Live
Winery Dogs - Slade Rooms Wolverhampton
Three giants of rock (Billy Sheehan / Mike Portnoy / Richie Kotzen) formed a couple of years back, and I for one didn't ever envisage a tour. With 300 people packed into a sweat box in July made for this gig of the year. Yes its a group thing, but Winery Dogs is a platform for Kotzen to show off his remarkable talents - he is without doubt one of the finest singers I've encountered in over 32yrs of attending gigs. Small and intimate proved best this year. I never thought I'd be able to witness the awesome Billy Sheehan so up close and personal.
Lords Of The Riff Tour 1 - Roadhouse Manchester
Buffalo Summer, Monster Truck and Scorpion Child were just shaded by the above. This was the best value ticket in town all year - a mere 10 quid! Klassic rock with Monster truck just shading the honours for me, but Scorpion Child's frontman Aryn Jonathan Black is a compelling frontman.
Stryper - Frontiers Festival Milan
I'm not religious (ironic considering the God loving Stryper), but this gig felt like a pilgrimage. It's taken me 30 years to see them live, and it was well worth the wait. Few singers retain the voice they had some 30 years earlier, and Michael Sweet in a very small club of singers still able to cut the mustard.
Che Ballard (Writer)
Albums
Bad For Lazarus - Life's A Carnival, Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bad For Lazarus are, to my jaded ears, one of the most exciting bands around at the moment. Delightfully unhinged, they somehow managed to release an album that is both utterly chaotic, yet at the same time irresistibly catchy. I've been playing it for months and I still haven't tired of its twisted genius.
Rival Sons - Great Western Valkyrie
Corker of an album. There's a retro sound to the production, and a definite "classic rock" vibe, but the songs still sound fresh. Jay Buchanan's voice is the real focal point on this album, and is utterly sublime. There aren't many vocalists like this any more.
Prong - Ruining Lives
A fine release from the hugely influential Prong. Exactly what you hope for/expect from a Prong album; razor sharp riffs, plenty of channelled rage and thought-provoking lyrics, Ruining Lives delivers on all fronts. Heavier than a lead elephant. Or something.
Live
Max Raptor - Norwich Waterfront
Max Raptor are, quite simply, a phenomenal live band, that put much larger bands to shame on stage. On record Max Raptor are addictive with the perfect blend of melody and aggression, in a live setting their anthemic punk/rock is incendiary.