Albums of 2009

My favourite albums of 2009 are...


1. Wrath - Lamb of God
2. Pray For Villains - DevilDriver
3. White Lies For Dark Times - Ben Harper & Relentless7
4. Backspacer - Pearl Jam
5. It's Not Me, It's You - Lily Allen
6. Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
7. The Devil You Know - Heaven & Hell
8. The Resistance - Muse
9. The Infection - Chimaira
10. Sonic Boom - KISS

In the end I struggled to get this right so went with what I listened to most once I'd got it. Wrath was a clear favourite since its release in February. It is ear bleeding riffs and pounding drums with a fair bit of melody and acoustic interludes thrown in for variety. 'Contractor' will induce vomiting if you have a weak stomach. DevilDriver's album was crushing and was clearly their best work so far. Ben Harper's new band is rocking and were great fun both nights at BluesFest in Byron Bay. Pearl Jam continue their rebirth after the self titled effort a few years ago. Backspacer is an album that is the equal of their mid90's stuff, don't let anyone tell you different. Lily Allen is just good fun, witty lyrics and potty mouth included. Personally I like 'The Fear' and '22', but to each their own. Them Crooked Vultures was highly anticipated and once you realise that it doesn't sound like Foos or LedZep, it is pretty much a great album of rocking influences, though very much in the QOTSA style. 'Elephant' is just a great song and 'Eraser No Chaser' and 'New Fang' are not far behind. Far more interesting than the token new song on the Foo's greatest hits. The last four are all worth checking out. Muse's new one divided people- yes, it is overblown and trying far to hard- but there are some great songs on there though I rate it lower than their previous album. Chimaira's album is all atmosphere and horror movie vocals but a great effort nonetheless. Heaven & Hell was brilliant and the best 'old school' release of the year. 'Bible Black' is just classic Iommi riffing with clever Dio lyrics. The album is largely mid-paced but what a sound! Sonic Boom is nowhere near the old stuff but I dare you not to sing along. KISS is back and there are plenty of songs that will fit neatly into their set lists for future tours.

Honorable mentions:
EndGame - Megadeth
World Painted Blood - Slayer
Hatebreed - Hatebreed
Hatebreed was surprisingly thoughtful and had some great stuff, alongside the usual meat head lyrics. Slayer's new one is far better than their last. Plenty of thrash to be had there. Not sure about Megadeth. I didn't find it as catchy as United Abominations, but enjoyed the solo'ing and riffing more. There are a few great tracks but a few average ones too. All are good heavy albums though that warrent purchase if you want to listen to something new.

Worst:
The High End of Low - Marilyn Manson
sorry Maz. This was just shit. Turns out Twiggy wasn't the answer.

Still to hear: Porcupine Tree, Powderfinger, Yeah Yeah Yeah's (I love 'Zero'!)