Baby Woodrose - Third Eye Surgery (Bad Afro Records)

Another of my favorite albums released this year is Baby Woodrose's ninth full-length entitled, 'Third Eye Surgery'.  Being my first exposure to Baby Woodrose, my expectations were definitely met and then some.  One of the few purely psych rock albums I thoroughly enjoyed this year, Thrid Eye Surgery is a must have for Baby Woodrose/Dragontears fans and the like. 
Fav tracks: 'Waiting for the War' & 'Dandelion', the latter of which features a guest female vocalist who steals the show, albeit for one song. 

My Rating: 8 / 10

Old Man Gloom - NO (Hydra Head Records)

Getting back to stellar releases of 2012, today's daily review is 'NO' by the metal/hardcore supergroup Old Man Gloom.  For those not afraid of mixing extreme music genres a bit (i.e. post-metal topped with hardcore & a side of experimental rock) OMG's fifth studio album will hit the spot.  Really heavy and unique sound. 
Fav tracks: 'Shadowed Hand' & 'Crescent'

My Rating: 8 / 10

The :Egocentrics - Love Fear Choices & Astronauts

The :Egocentrics (not sure what the colon in their name represents) are a very talented instrumental stoner/psych rock band from Romania and 'Love Fear Choices & Astronaus' (2010 release date) is their debut full-length.  Musically there is a lot going on during each song (mulitple guitars solos, several tempo changes, etc) yet somehow everything seems to come together before the end.  I also enjoy how each song tends to build up for a grand finale, usually lasting 1-1.5 minutes.  I can't wait to get my hands on their second album, released last year via Nasoni Records. 

My Rating: 9.5 / 10

Black Cobra - Invernal (Southern Lord Records)

Black Cobra's 2011 album entitled, 'Invernal', is without a doubt one of my favorite albums of the past 5-10 years.  With so many Sludge/Doom Metal bands these days, I imagine it has to be a challenge to keep a distinct sound associated with your band.  Black Cobra's distinct sound would best be described as supremely intense sludge metal with heavy riffs and unrelenting vocals. 
Fav tracks: 'Crimson Blade' & 'Corrosion Fields'. 

My Rating: 10 / 10

Golden Void - Golden Void (Thrill Jockey Records)

Golden Void, released earlier this year, is the debut full-length from Golden Void, a band consisting of members of Earthless, Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound, and other great psych/stoner bands.  Initially, I wasn't the biggest fan of this album, however, after a few rotations I started to get the sound the band was going for (a sort of stoner/psych/folk hybrid)  Sometimes the best music, and art in general, takes time to digest before you fully appreciate its meaning and significance. 
Fav tracks: 'Virtue', 'The Curve', & 'Atlantis'

My Rating: 7.5 / 10

Demonic Death Judge - The Descent

I honestly have no idea how I came about today's album by Sludge Metal beasts, Demonic Death Judge.  Regardless, 'The Descent', released in 2011, is DDJ's debut full-length released by Inverse Records.  DDJ play hate-filled sludge/stoner metal with a dash of black metal for good taste.  I really like how DDJ are not afraid to slow things down a bit and give the listener's eardrums a chance to regain their bearings. 
Fav track: 'The Descent' (brilliant song!!)

My Rating: 8 / 10

The Devil's Blood - The Time of No Evermore (Ván Records)

One of my favorite albums of 2011 was 'The Thousandfold Epicentre' by The Devil's Blood.  I liked said album so much I sought out the remainder of band's back catalog, which includes today's album, 'The Time of No Evermore'.  Released in 2009, The Time of No Evermore is a hauntingly beautiful slab of classic heavy metal/occult rock with some seriously awesome female vocals.  Apparently, the band lives up to their name in concert as well, full on blood bath and all.   Check it out!! 
Fav tracks: I'll Be Your Ghost' & House of 10,000 Voices.   

My Rating: 9 / 10

Beastwars - Beastwars (Destroy Records)

I'm back!  I never thought regularly updating a blog would be as difficult as it is. 

Beastwars self-titled debut, release in 2011, is a a monster of an album that I somehow managed to put off listening to for an entire year.  Just an all around great album I can't recommend enough. 

My Rating: 9 / 10

Goat - World Music (Rocket Recordings)

Long gone are the days of limited access to music from new bands located on different parts of the earth.  Case in point, Sweeden's new 'it band' Goat who released their debut album earlier this year to nearly universal critical acclaim.  As the title of the album title aptly implies, Goat play a fusion of many different musical styles from around the world, mostly Jazz, Psych Rock, Afro-Rock...you get the point.  Goat are scheduled to perform at the almighty Roadburn Fest in April of next year, I have a feeling they will not disappoint. 
Fav Tracks: 'Diarabi' & 'Goatlord'

My Rating: 9 / 10

Graveyard - Hisingen Blues (Nuclear Blast Records)

One of the things I like about the current state of heavy metal is how bands like Graveyard, who are not full-on heavy metal, are embraced with open arms by critics and fans alike.  Many of the aforementioned placed Graveyard's 2nd full length album very high on their 'Best Albums of 2011 List' and I myself was no different.  Apparently Graveyard are not resting on their laurels, they are about to release another album via Nuclear Blast Records later this month. 
Fav Tracks: 'Buying Truth (Tack & Forlat)' & 'Aint Fit To Live Here'

My Rating: 9.5 / 10

Archie Bronson Outfit - Coconut (Domino Records)

Another album that has dominated play time on my ipod these past couple years is, Archie Bronson Outfit's 3rd full-length entitled, 'Coconut'.  Released in 2010, Coconut is an amazing record of loud and harmonic garage/noise rock.  Very impressive album that I cannot recommend enough, metal fan or otherwise. 
Fav Tracks: 'Shark Tooth', 'Wild Strawberries, & the epic 'Harness (Bliss)'.

My Rating: 10 / 10

Ancestors - Of Sound Mind (Tee Pee Records)

Progressive Metal/Rock is very hit or miss with me and Ancestor's second full-length album entitled, 'Of Sound Mind', definitely falls into the former category.  Using a perfect mixture of keyboards, riffs, and varied tempos, this album, is a Prog Metal gem.  Ancestors are much more than your standard Progressive Metal band though, as I can think of at least 5 of other musical genres at play in this album.  Extra points for showing some serious classical piano skills on a couple tracks as well.
Fav Track: 'Bounty of Age', 'Mother Animal', & 'Challenging' (Challenging is a classical piano piece!)

My Rating: 8.5 / 10

Dukatalon - Saved By Fear (Relapse Records)

I'm trying to concentrate on applying for jobs today so I don't want to spend too much time blogging, sorry to disappoint the 3 of you who regularly stop here.  Anyways, one of my favorite albums of the past 3 years is Dukatalon's debut full-length entitled, 'Saved By Fear'.  Originally released in 2009 by some obscure Isreali label, Relapse Records later got wind of these guys and re-released the album in 2010.  Dukatalon play some of the grimiest sludge metal I have ever heard!  Seriously, I don't think the lead singer/guitarist tries to pronounce the words whatsoever, but rather growls into the microphone for different lengths of time.  These guys fucking destroy and I can't wait to hear more from them (supposedly they are working on a new album for 2013). 
Fav tracks:  'Zx' & 'Mekonenet'

My Rating:  10 / 10

Eraas - Eraas (Felte Records)

Every once in a while I will purchase an album without knowing a single thing about the band, besides perhaps a similar band comparison.  Inevitably, this practice leads to me being let down about 50% of the time.  Eraas self-titled debut, released earlier this year, is an example of the opposite result.  I don't really know how to describe their sound, but the first band/artist that comes to mind for me is UNKLE, one of my all time favorite groups.  Basically, this album is a mix of dark ambient post-punk with various sound effects scattered about.  The album cover appears to be a scared astronaut which might be the best way to describe the overall feel of the album. 
Fav tracks:  'Crescent', & 'Skinning'

My Rating: 7.5 / 10

Mammatus - Mammatus (Holy Mountain Records)

For no particular reason other than being badass, I've chosen the debut full length by the stoner/psych rockers Mammatus entitled, 'Mammatus', as album of the day.  Released in 2006, Mammatus's debut is a brilliant blend of heavy psych, stoner, and fuzz rock which instantly catapulted the band to the top of the stoner/psych scene's proverbial mountain alongside Sons of Otis, Ufomammut, and Samsara Blues Experiment, just to name a few.  According to the Mammatus facebook page, the band is currently mixing album number 3. 
Fav Track:  'Dragon of the Deep Part Two'

Rating:  8.5 / 10

Unearthly Trance - V (Relapse Records)

One of the more consistently brutal and impressive metal bands of the past decade, IMO, is Unearthly Trance.  Released in 2011, their final full-length album entitled, 'V', contains  13 tracks of skull crushing brutality mixed with just a bit of drone for good measure.  The band announced their dissolution earlier this year, only to re-emerge bigger and badder than ever under the name 'Serpentine Path'. 
Fav tracks: 'Into a Chasm' & 'The Leveling'

My Rating: 9 / 10

Horseback - Half Blood (Relapse Records)

One album that is sure to make an appearance on my best albums of 2012 is Horseback's 3rd full length entitled, 'Half Blood'.  I remember reading a review of this album which stated that the combination of musical styles these guys utilize should not work.  I share that reviewer's sentiment, but somehow the odd mix of growling vocals, soft-psychedelic riffs, and drone tempos works perfectly. 
Fav tracks: 'Arjuna' & 'Hallucigenia III: The Emeral Tablet'

My Rating: 9 / 10

Tia Carrera - The Quintessential (Small Stone Records)

Its funny how some musicians can play guitar without any particular sound structure in mind and end up with some of the most killer rock I have heard in some time. Tia Carrera do exactly that on their 4th full length album entitled, 'The Quintessential'. Released in 2009, via the stoner rock kings (Small Stone Records) this album contains 5 songs of heavy, laid-back, and unscripted rock n roll. By the way, normally these guys are strictly instrumental however, the final track on The Quintessential features vocals which are not too shabby. Fav tracks: 'The Unnamed Wholeness' & aforementioned 'Hazy Winter'.

My Rating: 8 / 10

Brainbombs - Urge to Kill (Load Records)

Another non-metal genre of music I enjoy quite a bit is post-punk/noise rock.  Hence my choice for album of the day today, Brainbombs 1999 classic, 'Urge to Kill'.  The music featured on this album is a sort of groove based version of noise rock.  The album and band itself is infamous for their controversial lyrics (at this moment I'm listening to track 5 entitled, 'Maybe', which includes the line 'maybe I should fuck you and your baby...').Yeah, their lyrics are pretty wild, but damn they know how to play a good riff! 
Fav. tracks: 'Slutmaster', 'Ass Fucking Murder'

My Rating: 8 / 10

Ice Dragon - The Sorrowful Sun (Self-Released)

The Sorrowful Sun, released in 2011, is Ice Dragon's 3rd full-length album.  These guys play doom metal reminiscent of Electric Wizard,  including the intentional low quality of recording.  Strangely, the low quality of production seems to fit perfectly with the band's overall sound.  If you fancy some good old fashioned doom/heavy metal then check out Ice Dragon! 
My fav tracks: 'Mistress Death', ' Interspecies Communication, 'Near Sun, on Earth'. 

Currently, all of the bands albums (including 3 full lengths released in 2012) are available for download and you can name your own price!

My Rating: 7.5 / 10

Cobalt - Eater of Birds (Profound Lore Records)

I hate when I miss updating my blog, but this past weekend was quite hectic.  I am going to make up for missing a few days by picking an album today that is so punishingly awesome I don't think words can do it justice.  I'm speaking of Cobalt's 2nd full length album entitled, 'Eater of Birds'.  Released in 2007, the album contains some of the most intense hardcore/black metal music this blogger has had the pleasure of hearing.  Whats even more remarkable is the bands successful transition to playing acoustic rock which occurs a few times throughout the album.  I tried to turn a couple friends of mine onto this band who are very into stoner/sludge/doom metal but it wasn't their cup of tea.  All I can say is, I don't typically get into black metal/hardcore but these guys got me hooked!
Fav. Tracks: 'Ulcerism', 'Eater of Birds'

My Rating: 10 / 10

Carlton Melton - Pass It On (Agitated Records)

Being that I am a pretty massive fan of psych & space rock, it is no small miralce that I have not chosen an album of the day from that genre.  That streak comes to an end today, as I have chosen Carlton Melton's 2nd LP entitled, Pass It On, as today's album of the day.  Released in 2010, this album is drone rock done right.  Listening to this album instantly puts me in a relaxed mood whether i'm sitting in rush hour traffic or laying on the floor on a lazy sunday morning.  Check these dudes out asap!
My Rating: 8.5 / 10

Sourvein - Black Fangs (Candlelight Records)

Black Fangs, released in 2011, is the 3rd full length album from Sourvein,  a sludge/doom metal band out of Cape Fear (great movie), North Carolina.  These guys have been around in one form or another since 1993 which makes them a sort of hidden gem of the Sludge/Doom Scene.  The album consists of 10 intense, heavy, riff-laden tracks but what I especially like is this band's ability to change tempo on the drop of a dime to a faster but no less intense pace.  My fav tracks are Gasp, Flux..., & Nomadic.  Check em out! 

My Rating: 8.5 / 10

High On Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis (E1 Music)

This album is freakin epic!  King of Days, Warhorn, Fertile Green, Madness..., etc, a complete metal masterpiece from beginning to end.  If you're a metal fan and don't like High on Fire than, to me you don't exist. 

My Rating: 10 / 10

Acid Witch - Witchtanic Hallucinations (Razorback Recordings)

First off, I would like to apologize for the nearly one year gap between posts.  I guess you could say my job(s) took over my life.  Fear not, as I have been listening to more music than ever before! 

My first album of the day for 2012 is Acid Witch's second full length entitled, 'Witchtanic Hallucinations'.  I have known of this group for a while but have shyed away from them due to the media's categorization of them as 'Death Metal'.  While the vocals on this record are certainly Death Metal-esque, the music played could fall into several categories (i.e. Psychedelic, Doom Metal, etc.).  Anyways, outstanding album from a really cool band.  Check em out!

My Rating: 9.5 / 10

* Update (11/7): I'm changing my initial rating from 10 to 9.5 as I think I may have been focusing on a couple great songs.  The album kills but maybe not quite perfect 10.