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Jevnation’s top 5 albums of 2018

Kustin here, will be calling myself Jevnation from now on. Time passes quicker than most people may be aware of and as it shows, the members of IEH is certainly moving on to different, new things and interests (and names ;) ). But the love for music is always here to stay and it is in my interest to share my own list of top albums from last year that’s given aural pleasure and new sensations that helped enrich this year and the future to come. There are more albums that’s been on my mind and I’m likely to follow up with worthy mentions. But knowing me, I am a terribly slow writer trying to find words to express my experiences with the albums that crossed my life and ears. Hence this list being a couple of months overdue...

Without further ado, I present to you my top 5 albums in no particular order. Perhaps you’ll find some new gems to check out...!

Cardhouse - City Blur Genre: Electronic/alternative rock The Liverpool band Anathema is seeing evolution and re-invention of their sound constantly, flirting more with modern electronics that graced their recent albums lately. Their current keyboardist/drummer Daniel Cardoso has fit well into the band's current formation and played competently in live shows though his apparent, creative mindset wouldn't be showcased there as much as it would show in his own debut, solo record he produced. Enter, Cardhouse! (I see what you did there, Cardoso)

The music in it is tricky to categorize but does deliver its own thing; a unique combination of alternative/indie rock with modern, electronic production and a dark, aesthetic foundation for the album. Cardoso handles all the instruments and programming that's well calculated yet sounding so unchained. (Yes, he did the Elvis cover here, too)

His crooning vocals go around the mid-high register, which adds to the melancholic value of certain songs but also belts out some yearning tones that adds some weight to the music. The vocal production is also enhanced by applying light pitch vibrato reminiscent of Daft Punk and distortion for intense moments, respectively.

Overall, City Blur is an engaging journey through the nocturnal soundscape that's defined by the electronic-rock hybrid and I anticipate a continuation of Daniel's creative, solo outputs in the near future.

Stand-out tracks: Ink, Forgotten, Monster.

Michael Romeo - War of the Worlds Pt. 1 Genre: Progressive power metal, Symphonic Metal Symphony X is going low since they released and promoted their latest album Underworld, leaving the members to pursue other projects while recharging. The classical-influenced axeman Michael Romeo, however, channels some of the 'X to his solo project, orchestrating new music while taking in other influences and musicians on board. They all fit like a glove together while the fresh singer John Castellano delivers nicely the melody lines, having the timbre and attitude of Kelly Sundown and occasionally reaches up the raw power of Russell Allen.

The record is a sci-fi concept album about the tense relationship between man and machine, making for a blending pot between metal, orchestral music and electronic music at some point. The Symphony X fans will rejoice to the band still sticking to the familiar songwriting, as much as I got instantly engaged in the first half of the album featuring tight songwriting, virtuoso musicianship, memorable hooks and meaty riffs.

Some curve-balls are thrown in, most prominently in the track "F*cking Robots", which I could describe it as a call-and-response between man and machine riding on EDM-metal crossover. Overall, the record had me blown away so here's to hoping the 2nd part holds candle to its predecessor, which might see the light of day this year or next.

Stand-out tracks: Fear The Unknown, Black, Djinn.

Mike Shinoda - Post-Traumatic Genre: Alternative hip hop, rap rock, alternative rock Following the tragedy that has befallen Linkin Park regarding Chester's suicide led by depression, the fellow band members have decided to take a hiatus in order to cope with their terrible loss. Whatever happens to LP remains uncertain by this day but Mike Shinoda has decided to write his difficult experiences and laments, after losing his close friend, into his solo rap album.

As it's a less common genre in my musical taste, Post-Traumatic is a mixed bag of musical elements embraced in Mike's recognizable rapping and songwriting akin to Linkin Park. The songs mainly contain electronics and sample-based beats but there are some rock music implemented in the album. Mike's lyrical deliery walk a fine balance between clear re-telling and poetic expressions, for the listeners to get a share of his states of mind throughout the griefing period that led into this album's production. There's also a handful of songs that feature guest artists that make fine contributions without taking over.

Post-Traumatic is an emotive concept rap record that is pretty dark and honest to its subject matter, with a vulnerable and cathartic side as presented by the LP vocalist, musician and producer. It was surely a difficult record for Mike to put together; the results show how he went through terrible times but forges on as a musician and living person.

Stand-out tracks: Over Again, Lift Off, I.O.U.

Phideaux - Infernal Genre: Progressive rock (Crossover) The wait has been long and Phideaux Xavier finally shows he's still around in the music world, juggling between his jobs as a series director (General Hospital) and his solo prog rock band. The previous album was released in 2011 but seeing that his band's trilogy had yet to finish their concept album trilogy that started with The Great Leap (2006) and Doomsday Afternoon (2007), the time finally came for them to wrap things up after 12 years of waiting. The fans could rejoice for Phideaux's return, as the years of teasing are finally through.

With plenty of materials to go by, Infernal is a double-disc album that follows the musical blueprint similar to Doomsday Afternoon and their recent albums, comprised from mainly 70's progressive rock, chamber music, neo-folk, psychedelic and gothic rock. This results in the decet (10 members!) band going on their adventurous mix of musical ideas that make every song stick out in their own way, characterized by their familiar use of mixed vocals, instrumental effects from modern and early technologies as well as a rich variety of vintage synth sounds.

The concept theme carries on towards its conclusion, touching more upon the dystopic science fiction that concerns a "Big Brother"-like society and ecological disasters. The tracks flow together and contain many cross references, lyrically and musically, that connect them within Infernal and the previous albums.

By the release of this final part of the trilogy being a fact, not only is it welcome for the fact that Phideaux can now put his mind to rest and move on with new, creative ideas but that Infernal showcases the band I've grown to love playing on a strong note as ever.

Stand-out tracks: The Sleepers Wake, The Order of Protection (One & Two), Tumbleweed

Alter Bridge - Live at the Royal Albert Hall Genre: Alternative metal, Hard rock, Symphonic rock, Post-grunge Live albums don't merit easily in the top lists as much as studio albums, so they have to contain something exclusive enough for a listener to buy it along with the studio album (regardless if they're playing your favorite songs in it or not). But a trend has been growing with rock bands doing live concerts, which is adding extra section musicians or even a full orchestra to add to the band's musical performance. The 90's had Metallica realize "S&M", Dream Theater made "Score" a reality in the 00's and this decade had a decent amount of progressive bands perform in Plovdiv, where a local orchestra has made a niche in augmenting the bands' classics with classical instruments (pun intended). It's probably no wonder that Alter Bridge would follow suit and do their own live take with an orchestra; an idea sparked by their manager that stuck fast and came to fruition.

Their setlist include tracks from every album released before-hand and don't shy away from songs that may have been played less live, on the principle of how well they fit with the orchestra. The best example would be "Words Darker Than Their Wings", which gives a more soaring air combined from the musical elements of epic rock and symphony. The heavier songs gain more dramatic weight delivered through while the balladic tracks are brought out in new shine, well worth hearing in Alter Bridge's both sides of spectrum. There's some behind-the-scenes footage coming up between the songs, which I find helps make a good connection with the viewers and fans to see the process that lead to the band's historical show.

For fans and new listeners alike, I'd proudly call "Live at the Royal Albert Hall" their go-to live album for the diverse yet accessible setlist and the orchestral addition to their music.

Stand-out tracks: Blackbird, Words Darker Than Their Wings, In Loving Memory

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Kustin’s album of the year... 2015?

Hello again, beloved readers! Hope you guys had a nice year filled with music, growth of life and interesting discoveries throughout year 2016 (despite the gloomy death tolls of our musical heroes... ;_; ). We are getting through the last month before we mark off another trip around the sun for 2017 and that's normally the time for music bloggers, listeners and music lovers alike to write up their top list of albums (and songs) that have seen the light this year. However, knowing I skipped out on last year while having a draft lying about, I decided to bring up my top list of 2015 before I cover this year. I know, it is like coming way late to an annual party that has closed off since long. Nevertheless, I thought it might serve something for curious readers and musical explorers. So, there you have it: A list of top 5 albums I’ve personally chosen without a particular order, along with a second-tier, honorable mentions of another 5.

Top 5 albums of 2015

Earthside - A Dream In Static (Progressive metal/Cinematic rock)

A young band that rose with a vision to take modern music to new heights, fusing rock/metal compositions with cinematic and progressive elements. Their ambitious endeavours has got several, recognizable music guests on board in their songs, including Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust), Dan Tompkins (Tesseract) and Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork). Heck, they even worked with Moscow Studio Symphonic Orchestra on two of their tracks and now they're out on tour making their name in the circles at a rapid rate! I'm anticipating what more surprises their next release will throw. Standout tracks: Mob Mentality, Skyline, Crater

Kauan - Sorni Nai (Post-rock/Doom metal/Black metal) Kauan is a band of its own merits and thus, is hard to categorize genre-wise. Throughout their discography, they pave way for an immersive journey of melancholy, nature's wonder, despair and beauty. Sorni Nai takes its own perspective retelling the story of the Dyatlov Pass incident, where a group of scientists perished by mysterious circumstances. Even if you don't know Finnish language which a majority of the band's lyrics are written in, the music will speak for itself as it takes you through different heights and moods, making for a mesmerizing experience as a whole. Standout tracks: Kit, Khurum

Lonely Robot - Please Come Home (Melodic progressive rock) If you're some sort of prog fan and heard of more modern bands such as Arena, It Bites and Frost*, the name John Mitchell might pop up once in a while. Well, 2015 had him release his new side-project where the well-regarded guitarist/vocalist had his full creative freedom in producing a modern rock album with a sci-fi theme. If you want a break from the "progginess" of music his peers produce now and then, then this album filled with sing-along choruses with slightly cinematic backdrops might be worth checking out. Standout tracks: Lonely Robot, Why Do We Stay?

Crippled Black Phoenix - New Dark Age (Progressive/space rock) I'm stumped with the decision if this release belongs to the EP or LP category, as one third of this hour-long piece contains original tracks. Nevertheless, the work as a whole makes for an immersive journey with retrospective sound production and arid atmosphere. The title track sums it up quite nicely but another note-worthy thing is the tribute which the band pays to their greatest influence, Pink Floyd. It baffled me at first how they chose to cover the epic fan favourite "Echoes" and bring it out twice its original length but man, oh man... The two-part cover says enough about how Crippled Black Phoenix can make the renowned classic justice. Standout tracks: New Dark Age, Echoes (both parts)

Arena - The Unquiet Sky (Neo-progressive rock) Of all the releases to take the spot in a top 5 list, this one was a certain last-minute addition. A concept album based on the horror story "Casting The Runes" (which got interpreted by the film "Night of the Demon"), the band immerses the listener with different moods the characters go through (contemplation, desperation, melancholy among others) and plot advancement that restrains from interfering with the music flow too much. This could be a one of the year's gems for fans of neo-progressive rock or for those familiar with the plot itself. Standout tracks: The Unquiet Sky, What Happened Before

Honorable Mentions

Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful (Symphonic Metal) With a fresh line-up and carrying on their musical journey, the Finnish titans of symphonic metal has apparently never sounded so tight as a band for years past, in my humble opinion. Endless Forms Most Beautiful takes on the concepts of life, evolution and different aspects on civilization. With Floor Jansen on board, not only does this Dutch powerhouse vocalist fill the shoes of both her singing predecessors with ease but also raises the bar vocal-wise (including the snarls and growls in the track "Yours Is An Empty Hope"). Despite some heavier numbers in the album, this album overall plays it relatively safe with accessible, melodic songs with optimistic themes. Hence, that may come off as a folk-tinged, symphonic rock/metal album with a feel-good approach at large, which I am personally fine with. I do reckon that this release is transitional for what the new line-up's full potential is to be realized in the future. Standout tracks: The Eyes of Sharbat Gula, Alpenglow, The Greatest Show On Earth

Periphery - Juggernaut (Progressive metal, djent) The 2010's is flourishing with double albums and concept albums, which at least in the metal community sees trend rising with nods to classic prog tendencies. The young band Periphery is no exception, either, whereas one of the torch-bearers in the djent movement fulfills their ambition in crafting their own concept release. As the band is silent about the actual plot to this day, this double-disc journey is up to the listener's own interpretation. While there are also strings of pounding, rhythm-bending metal tracks akin to their previous albums, the band delivers changes of flow for the story as well as having recurring themes. Enthusiasts of the modern metal genres would do themselves a favour checking this double release out, if they enjoy a mix of polyrhythmic riffs, catchy melodies and heavy groove elements in a modern production that pushes the boundaries at this age. Standout tracks: The Scourge, Alpha, The Bad Thing

Steven Wilson - Hand. Cannot. Erase. (Progressive rock / Art rock) As of now, I think he doesn't need any further introduction. The latest decade sees the man, crowned as the current prog rock king, working full-time without cutting any notable slack in the genre business. His 2015 release "Hand. Cannot. Erase." takes on a full-fledged concept inspired by a report of a woman who isolated herself from society and was never heard from again until years after her death. This album takes for a slightly more modern sound production compared to its predecessors, putting more electronic undertones throughout the album but not excluding retro-inspired riffing and musicianship into play, which continues to take heed to the classic rock eras in the 20th century. I do like how Steven takes the story and develops it into something as his own, taking the listeners for an emotional rollercoaster ride and makes the aspect of everyday life something relevant. To be nit-picky, however, I find the plotline here being presented somewhat disjointed, especially during the second half, with the story ending up pretty vague without a clear focus during the play. Nevertheless, this release has hit home to many fans and critics alike and I find it quite an enjoyable experience of 2015. Standout tracks: Routine, Perfect Life

Zierler - ESC (Progressive metal) I reckon only a fraction of fans in the progpower metal circles might have been hyped by the return of the genius keyboardist Finn Zierler. Beyond Twilight, his brainchild during the 00's, caught my attention because its first album had my favorite singer Jorn Lande on board and from there on kept on challenging the musical norms while keeping on delivering interesting, cerebral, listening experiences. Since the third album's release in 2006, Zierler went under the radar for nearly a decade until he announced his return in solo outfit. Zierler is now a supergroup project with renowned members from Scar Symmetry, Fates Warning, Circus Maximus and the return of the previous killer vocalist Kelly Sundown Carpenter. ESC demonstrates the fresh line-up delivering songs that blasts out a heavy wall-of-sound, curve-balls in songwriting being thrown and theatrical performances delivering the sci-fi/horror/satirical themes throughout. Welcome back! Standout tracks: Darkness Delight, Water

Mechina - The World We Lost (Symphonic/industrial death metal, ambient) This is an odd entry to my top-list, considering it's a nearly 19 minute-long one track EP. Mechina is a band making a house-hold name for themselves by forging a science-fiction universe that tells of nuclear wars, space colonialization and transhumanism, told through their musical releases going back and forward chronologically. The band's production quality has soared to cinematic levels that explores different genres as mentioned above. I consider this epic track as an introduction to the band's music as a whole (and where the story begins), even though it scratches the surface of the music itself to something more.

That would be it for now. I’m gonna aim to get the top list of 2016 out sometime during January. Until then, if you’re willing, do share your own list of albums that made the top list of this year, maybe even 2015! The Incredibly Expanded Horizon Tumblr blog could use some more love, words... and music as we explore or look back into the history of music.

Cheers!

- Kustin

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Kauan & Onuka - Time (Kauan remix) (2015)

Since I discovered it just recently, I don’t have much to say about it besides how it’s both chill (to the point I felt it) and engaging at the same time. Kauan has the knack for injecting the musical pieces they work on with beautiful - at times melancholic - atmosphere; the same can be said about the remixes they do with artists they collaborate with. In this case, their take on “Time” by Onuka is one I would take for a relaxation period from a day of work.

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Earthside - Mob Mentality feat. Lajon Witherspoon & Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra (A Dream In Static, 2015)

Earthside is a relatively, new band from New England (no pun intended) that was formed by four young musicians that just graduated in the music college and set out to play a modern music with a wide range of world influences, dubbing it “cinematic rock”. By such description of their background and current stage, you would likely find it hard to believe if somebody told you that for their debut album, they got a hold of some high-prolific guest singers (including members of Soilwork and Tesseract). Even harder when this song features Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust) in the lead vocals and a full Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra that drives this opus and complements with the band’s performance.

To call it “symphonic metal” can rather sound pretty off, since it’s less of a band performing with the orchestra backing them up but rather a symbiotic interplay between the two parts that define this song with interesting results. Also, if you wanted to hear the Sevendust vocalist in a different light of musical territory, then I can assure you that this piece of music is gonna be hard for him to top in his repertoire. He proved he got the chops for this type of music, which in this case the whole piece is delicate yet powerful!

- JKustin

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Oceans of Slumber - Winter (Winter, 2016)

I must say that 2015 has been filled with interesting music releases that I wanted to make top list of albums and songs. However, it’s been difficult for me since it seems there’s too few that stand out in the list. That’s why I would need some more time to get back to those releases and finish it up someday. As for what’s been coming up during the first quarter of 2016, things seem to turn up for some promising output of bands/artists, both favorites and unfamiliar ones. And that’s where I’ll bring up the latter, as I think I’ve found an interesting formation of a band originating from Houston, Texas.

The band at first started out as a progressive metal band with influences from numerous genres that inspired them, including sludge/death metal and jazz, which could be heard on their debut album but it isn’t until their following releases Blue (EP) and their recent, sophomore album Winter that they incorporated the singer Gilbert to add to their songs and covers with the vocals mixed with soul and power. The opening, title track from their latest album is a brooding trip of melancholy with the intensity evolving fiercely along with the track’s length and climaxing before the ending. This about sums up the diversity of the band but I can assure that you are on to find something new and refreshing with every track being on the album “Winter”, besides some interlude tracks holding the flow together. Heck, they even made a cover on “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues!

-JKustin

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Our Oceans - What If (Our Oceans, 2015)

If you’ve listened to Exivious before, then maybe you should know that some of the members have formed a new band called “Our Oceans”. That’s not to say that it’s another one of those modern jazz/metal fusion bands rolling in for what I can tell, because those early samples they’ve brought up shows that they’re going for a more melodic, dream-like approach here. That’s very apparent in their first full song made public, “What If”.

This song really fits with in the calm evening times for me. It’s mellow, it’s melodic yet the instrumentation is so liquid that I can’t easily grasp a shred of prediction where they’re going next (that’s a good thing, for which a band is hard to accomplish). One just has to let the music flow and take you along in its own journey, let itself do the interpretation for you.

But I digress... If you like what you hear, their debut album will be out in November 15th.

-JKustin

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Phideaux - Body To Space (313, 2005)*

While Phideaux’s latest albums are worthy masterpieces in his catalogue, I must say his creativity weren’t limited from his earlier albums with plenty of tracks that are what’s been described as “addictive, fun, deep, and compelling“ all at the same time. I’ve been stuck to this track for months now, due to the dominating subtility of the soundscapes and several small movements that grace this track. The last minutes turn out quite majestic.

-JKustin

*Corrected track title, disregard the name in Youtube.

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Battlestations - Necro (The extent of damage, 2015)

The blog is back from the dead (again). Not knowing how frequent I’ll be posting here, I should make sure to get some more music up for music lovers to discover (hah... kinda rhymed).

Being notified of Battlestations’ upcoming release, I must say I am intrigued after they released their music video accompanying the 12-minute long opening track “Necro”. It somewhat differs from their earlier works but the mood changes along with ominous, dark character looming through the length works interestingly well with the slowly changing video with the retrospective, silent film production. Does it leave you mesmerized, as well? Hope you enjoy!

/JKustin

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The Soft Moon - Far

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Fen - "Menhir - Supplicant" (Carrion Skies, 2014)

If you're something of a fan of atmospheric metal with post-black foundations on it, then you might be happy to know that Fen is coming out with a new album in November. Until then, I am passing this song on here as the band has unleashed it into the world's dark light of reality - for you to immerse yourselves with. I must say, it's quite a powerful journey in this 11-minute track...!

I haven't been active here for a good while, maybe it's not news anyway. Maybe it's because I've got more off with writing own things but it doesn't mean that I can't stop sharing music that I love with you fellow music lovers. The rest of the year is expected to be jewelled with anticipated releases. Love music! Love the art!

- JKustin

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think you guys might like this

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New Ten Kens song! It’s a well written, catchy and rocking tune that breaks new ground into a slightly heavier, more convoluted sound.

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Joyless - Untitled (Wild Signs of The Endtimes, 2009)

Joyless is an odd sort for being labeled as a depressive rock/black metal band. They are known for implementing psychedelic rock and shoegazer pop in their later albums when I just discovered them. As much as I find the aesthetics in their musicianship intriguing, I was mostly captivated by this song - which, in fact, isn't originally the band's song to begin with.

Taken from a Youtube comment: They lifted this music from a film score, they took it off of the film as no soundtrack was never issued, the film is the 1976 British horror film based on a Peter Straub novel entitled THE HAUNTING OF JULIA...

The Haunting Of Julia track has surely got its vintage film charm, sound-wise, with a beautifully, sad atmosphere that could leave an open listener fragile. Nice discovery, nonetheless!

- JKustin

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Jono - I Was The One (Requiem, 2013)

As a matter of fact, I've heard that Jono is a band from where I grew up. I don't have much expectations for local bands but man, how they've managed to exceed them. They play melodic rock with wide influences of art/progressive music (I hear a bit of Queen in some of their songs) and strays off neither to modern pop tendencies nor to technical playoffs. Something for fans of tasteful songwriting with inspirations from rock bands of earlier times. I salute for you, fellow Gotland musicians!

Favorite part: The chorus is enjoyable for a sing-along.

-JKustin

Edit: Fun fact for Within Temptation fans! Their guitarist Stefan Helleblad is part of Jono, as well.

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Ashent - Fractural (Inheritance, 2012)

A dynamic, melodic track that has a bit of hypnotic characteristic to it. Enjoy!

- JKustin

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Anubis Gate - Never Like This (Horizons, 2014)

No, it's not what you might think it sounds like when you read "progressive metal" in the description of Anubis Gate. At least, not in the traditional "Dream Theater" sense. The kind of prog metal they play here is rather focused on songwriting and the flow of itself, rather than delving in the technical virtuosity that might be an acquired taste for a general rock/metal listener. Anubis Gate is about to release their 6th album "Horizons" and just released this lyric video of "Never Like This (A Dream)", which I find to be groovy, catchy, slightly pop-inspired but still containing enough heaviness to be classified as a metal track.

Personally, I gave this band a lot of play since I started listening to their self-titled album last year and my interest grew when they released their free EP called "Sheep" (featuring some covers including one of Pink Floyd, for the name-sake). A good momentum to anticipate for this album, since I really enjoyed the mix of influences they brought to their songs and the stellar vocals that their bassist took duty upon in their last album.

-JKustin

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Kustin's lame (late) top albums of 2013

When it's more common to share your own opinions of last year's albums you've listened to around the new year time, I had to do this just when April is nearly approaching? Awkward...  Anyhow, I'll just post my top 5 albums (in alphabetic order) along with honorable mentions and get this over with.

Anathema - Universal (Live) (Atmospheric rock, new prog)

Alter Bridge - Fortress (Alternative metal, heavy metal, hard rock)

Empyrios - Zion (Progressive metal, industrial groove metal)

Jolly - The Audio Guide To Happiness, Part 2 (Progressive metal, alternative metal)

Symphonic Theater Of Dreams - S/T (Orchestral Dream Theater covers)

Honorable band mentions: Anubis Gate, Birds And Buildings, The Custodian, David Maxim Micic, Dream Theater, Frost*, Plini (specifically Other Things) and Subrosa.

For my list of album ratings, you can check my last.fm blog post here: http://www.lastfm.se/user/RealKustin/journal/2014/03/25/61cis3_kustin%27s_late_2013_album_ratings

So what's your top albums of 2013, music lovers?

-JKustin