10. Rotting Out – The Wrong Way
Released near the beginning of this year, I knew that The Wrong Way would be on this list when I first gave it a listen. Packed with even more intensity and hate then the band’s previous release, this album is the perfect example as to why Rotting Out is one of the top hardcore acts out there right now.
9. State Faults – Resonate/Desperate
To be honest, I wasn’t blown away by this band’s work until I saw them live over the summer. Once this album was released, I checked it out and was amazed by how great it was. This album also happens to contain one of the best songs of the year, “Wildfires.” Resonate/Desperate is proof that screamo is far from dead.
8. The Black Dahlia Murder – Everblack
I looked forward to this album once I saw that it was announced and, when I listened to it, I was not disappointed. The members of The Black Dahlia Murder haven’t lost their touch over all of the years and they released, quite possibly, their heaviest album to date this year. Another huge bonus was the tribute to The Evil Dead that Everblack had.
7. The Wonder Years – The Greatest Generation
Here’s another album that I eagerly looked forward to from the moment it was announced. The Wonder Years did what I thought wasn’t possible with this album and packed even more emotion and angst into it than what you can find in Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing. With each listen, I find something new that I like about The Greatest Generation.
6. I Can See Mountains – Life on a Houseboat
This is an album that I certainly didn’t expect to make its way onto this list. Before this album, I had only listened to this band once before and it was a “listen and forget” type of band. However, Life on a Houseboat changed that for me. Each song on this album is even more catchy than the one before it.
5. Sworn In – The Death Card
Heavy. That is all.
4. The Front Bottoms – Talon of the Hawk
Back when this band released the self-titled album, I didn’t pay much attention to it. Talon of the Hawk, however, put my spotlight directly on this band. The lyrics and music style are so unique and easy to relate to. Once you listen to this album, be ready to give it at least twenty more listens right after.
3. Deafheaven – Sunbather
There was a ton of commotion surrounding this band and album before Sunbather was released and I was curious to find out why. When Sunbather came out, I gave it a listen…and then another…and another. This album is well over an hour, but not for a moment does it cause me to lose my attention. Even seeing this band live was an incredible experience that I will not soon forget.
2. Erra – Augment
Everything about this album is absolutely perfect. The guitar work, clean vocals, screaming and drumming constantly blow me away – even on my 60th listen. This album may be over 50 minutes long, but I don’t miss a second of it whenever I play it. This is easily one of the best albums released in the genre.
1. Counterparts – The Difference Between Hell And Home
Once again, I can’t find a single thing that I dislike about this album. I’ve memorized every single word, note and beat of this album and I still have yet to grow tired of it. “Witness”, “Soil” and “Compass” are all in my list for favourite songs this year. With each album, this band continues to grow and the lyrics get more personal.
Honourable Mention
Better Off – (I Think) I’m Leaving
Defeater – Letters Home
Skeletonwitch – Serpents Unleashed
Weekend Nachos – Still
Chvrches – The Bones of What You Believe
