Generally the beginning of the year is a fairly slow time for new releases as labels get back into the swing of things after their holiday break. In 2010 there were several excellent CDs released in the first month of the year, and a couple are good enough they may even make the best of the year list, depending on what else happens throughout the rest of 2010. Ihsahn tops January's list with his third solo CD After, but it was a tight race between him and Sigh.
1. Ihsahn - 'After' (Candlelight)
Candlelight Records
Each song on After is painstakingly composed and arranged, and the album flows extremely well. Ihsahn utilizes many different tempos, textures and intensities throughout the album, embarking on a musical ride with many ups, downs, twists and turns.
After is my favorite Ihsahn solo album. While all three are very well-done, this one resonates more because he continues to experiment and push musical boundaries while still maintaining a readily identifiable sound. Adding the sax was risky, but it fits in very well. The sonic palette on the album is painted with many shades and colors, and you'll discover subtleties and nuances with each listen.2. Sigh - 'Scenes From Hell' (The End)
The End Records
Every album from this Japanese black metal group has been something completely radical, and Scenes From Hell is no different. Working off the blueprint of 2007’s Hangman's Hymn, Kawashima and company brought in a string quartet and brass players to add authenticity to the orchestrated sections.
The ferocity has not been displaced with the large violin and horn presence, a message the band wanted to make clear from the early going. “Prelude To The Oracle” is the fast descent into ground zero, as the chants of metal fans spawn into a choir of the damned that beckons the listener into the emitting darkness. The band is not bound by any conventional songwriting traits, as instruments come and go at will to fuel the chaos.
3. Dark Funeral - 'Angelus Exuro pro Eternus' (Regain)
Regain Records
Angelus Exuro pro Eternus is a brave assault upon the black metal parapet, presenting a re-energized Dark Funeral who sound practically rabid; an established band with something to prove. Dark Funeral hasn’t sounded this vicious in years. Bassist/vocalist Emperor Magus Caligula should be particularly commended, as the man practically seethes his hatred through every hateful scream and hiss.
Meanwhile, Lord Ahriman’s riffs and melodies, which seemed to bleed into one another on the band’s recent releases, possess this diabolic spark to them which lend each track a sense of brutal, satanic urgency. Sure, there’s still a formula here, but who cares? Angelus Exuro pro Eternus is Dark Funeral’s best album in years.
4. Paradox - 'Riot Squad' (AFM)
AFM Records
The constant for the German band Paradox over the years has been vocalist/guitarist Charly Steinhauer, who has been with the band for all their studio CDs. His presence gives them old school credibility, which really shines through on Riot Squad. The songs are fast and thrashy, with a vintage speed metal vibe and a touch of power metal.
“Dream Hero” is another strong track, with a great groove and some nice hooks. “Planet Terror” has a little different vibe. It's the longest song on the album, nearly 7 minutes long, with more ebbs and flows than the typical Paradox opus. With speed/thrash metal, there's a danger of monotony, but Paradox manages to inject enough variety to avoid that pitfall.
5. Broken Teeth - 'Viva La Rock, Fantastico!' (Perris)
Perris Records
Fronted by ex-Dangerous Toys/Watchtower singer Jason McMaster, Broken Teeth redefine hard rock swagger here with Viva La Rock, Fantastico! Simultaneously sleazy and sleek, Viva melds together trad ‘n true NWOBHM balls with massive hair metal hooks to create one of the freshest, most energetic listens in recent years.
Broken Teeth rock, and rock HARD, appealing to fans of classic metal (Motorhead, AC/DC, Rose Tattoo), as well as the more recent breed of high octane rock ‘n roll, such as Turbonegro, Danko Jones and The Hellacopters. McMaster’s voice, believe it or not, sounds even better with age, possessing all of his '80s helium screech, coupled with a nasty, Lemmy-esque snarl which really suits the bruising Broken Teeth sound quite well.
