Good morning, it’s time to metal. Here’s some news you might have missed from yesterday:
Alright, so we spend a lot of time reviewing albums, right? And by ‘we’ I mean ‘the internet’, not just Nine Circles. But I’ve never expressed anticipation for certain albums before they drop. I mean, sure, between the podcast (R.I.P.) and the blog, we have at least kept you apprised on upcoming releases fairly consistently. However, as we kick off 2017, I want to focus a little more on the hype behind some of things soon to come our way. There are a number of albums slated to drop in the next year that I am unquestionably excited for. So why not introduce some of them? Below you will find five albums that I am highly anticipating in 2017. Better put, below you will find five albums or artists I really, really hope don’t blow it in 2017. I already spend way too much time in a state of disappointment. Continue reading
It’s hard to say how I will look back on 2015. On a personal level, the last twelve months have been significant. Thanks to the efforts of our Nine Circles team, I have been given the opportunity to explore deeper into the metal universe, uncovering more obscure bands that have significantly impacted my musical life for the better. My position within metal’s audience has undeniably reached a new level, and I have no reason to not be excited about what’s to come. So from that standpoint, 2015 has been a phenomenal year.
That said, looking at metal from a higher perspective, when you compare the last couple of years, it would be difficult to say that 2015 was especially exceptional. The peaks of this past year just don’t quite measure up to those of the preceding year in my opinion. But still, a number of great albums surfaced that I have enjoyed immensely. Overall, this past year has been solid across all genres of metal. So, without further delay, here are my personal favorites from 2015.
If you listen to our podcast regularly, you’ll know I’ve already run down my Top 15 albums of the year. If you don’t… firstly, what the hell’s wrong with you? And secondly, you can find my picks here (Nos. 15-11), here (10-6) and here (top five). I try to avoid being redundant — thanks, journalism school! — so I didn’t want to rewrite these picks out here again on the blog. Instead, this post will cover nine honorable mentions for 2015. These may not have made the final cut, and they certainly aren’t the only honorable mentions I’ve got from this year, but they’re all well worth your time. Here’s what I’ve got: Continue reading
It’s the final episode of 2015! Co-host emeritus Kevin Davis joins and the guys each break down their top five albums of the year — including stuff from Tribulation, Dead to a Dying World, Arcturus and more!
All that and…really, not all that much more in Episode 28, but check it out anyway. ‘Cause hey–after this, we’re off ’til 2016!
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Keep it heavy,
Dan
