Best albums of 2009?

[Squid]

So 2009 is drawing to a close, and a lot of good music has been released this year. What were your favourites and why?

No lists. Please.

My favourites of the year:

1: Crack The Skye - Mastodon
Without a doubt my favourite Mastodon album yet. I love the new sound (The vocals in particular are much more to my liking than on previous albums). The album as a unit is truly a masterpiece and each song is stunning in its own right. The gem for me is The Last Baron, which is now my second favourite Mastodon song after Colony Of Birchmen. Oblivion is absolutely fantastic too. Any self respecting metal fan should give this album a listen.

2: For Lies I Sire - My Dying Bride
This album rocks. Aaron's vocals are more emotional than ever, and the violins make an awesome addition the bands sombre sound. While A Line Of Deathless Kings is still my favourite, this album comes in a close second. For me, the title track is the pick of the album. Doom metal is the most emotional kind of music for me, and MDB is top of the pile. I love listening to this stuff. \m/

3: The Days Of Grays - Sonata Arctica
As a long serving fan of the band I was a little skeptical about this album after their last offering (Unia) was a little dissapointing. The departure of the lead guitarist didn't help my hopes either. I was pleasantly with this album, and it has quickly become my favourite Sonata album yet. The band has less of a power metal sound this time around, but the new style is refreshing and pretty darn sweet. The female vocals on some of the tracks add a fantastic edge too. The orchestral versions of each song are another added boon. Favourite tracks are No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart and Deathaura.

Honourable mention: Evocation I - The Arcane Dominion - Eluveitie <3

[pArkEr]

I won't go in depth, but my favourite album of 2009 would be When The World Comes Down by The All-American Rejects. I was never really a fan, until I heard Gives You Hell on the radio. Sounded very catchy, and I liked the lead singers voice, so I just went out on a limb and bought it. Glad to say I was not dissapointed.

Favourite tracks are Gives You Hell, Fallin Apart and Damn Girl.

[NecroWolf]

I'd have to say Cult of Static by Static-X. It;s a bit slower than their usual stuff but still awesome. It's a very good demonstartion of Wayne Static's vocal talents. Lunatic, You am I and Stingwray have to be my favourite songs on the album. I still haven't heard/got Liebe ist fur alle da by Rammstein and I really want it but I haven't had the opportunity.

[Domanskip]

Rock album of the year:
Liebe ist fur alle da - Rammstein

Trance album of the year
Imagine - Armin Van Buuren

Overall Album of the Year
Bass Generation- Basshunter

Now I know I'll be judged by that last one, but I find the music addictive and easy to listen to. Its also that sort of music that you know will be looked back on with nostalgia in later years.

And best album of the year for me that didn't come out this year would have to be Under The Table And Dreaming by the Dave Matthews Band. DMB was an awesome discovery for me but of course, I'll be judged on that too!

I've broken out of my metal penchant this year for some very different stuff and I don't regret it at all!

[Azimuth]

Lamb of God - Wrath

An absolute facemelter from start to finish. Seeing them play In Your Words live at Sonisphere festival gave me goosebumps in 30+ degree weather.

[onona]

Lamb of God Wrath

Definitely my favourite album of the year. I'm a huge fan of Lamb of God, and this is just their best album to date. I was absolutely blown away by this the first time I heard it. Honestly, I think Adler and Morton are the two best riff guitarists in metal today.

Ensiferum From Afar

As far as folkish metal goes, Ensiferum is one of my favourite bands and while many folk metal bands tend to release albums that sound the same, Ensiferum somehow manages to avoid that. This album has been a regular on my iPod since it came out, with the track Smoking Ruins, in particular, really standing out as awesome.

Mastodon Crack the Skye

Squid has already covered this. It's simply brilliant. Amazing. Incredible.

Marilyn Manson The High End of Low

This was surprisingly excellent after his last album which was a bit meh. I listen to this regularly, and really love the way it's a real return to form for them, probably due largely to the return of Twiggy Ramirez to the band. Sadly, their live show did not live up to the standard of the album. I saw the band twice this year since the release and let's just say I'll never waste money going to see them again. Manson may be good on his records, but he absolutely sucks dog arse live these days.

Rammstein Liebe Ist F?r Alle Da

This one was also a surprise. The first time I heard the single *****, I thought it was kinda lame, but since picking up the album, I've actually come to enjoy it. The whole album is actually really good.

A special mention also goes out to My Dying Bride's For Lies I Sire, already covered by Squid. It was great to hear a violin in Bride again, although musically I still prefer A Line of Deathless Kings, and they've still never surpassed The Angel and the Dark River.

[Inphidel]

Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

A brilliant album from start to finish, and great to listen to. Lots of 'getting into the zone' tracks like 'Vlad the Impaler,' balanced by slower songs, such as 'Thick as Thieves.' This album nearly won the Mercury award, although, imo, it should have gone to them. Also, having seen them live a few months back, I can say that they are just as good in person, if not better, as they are in the studio.

[Cpt.Monde]

Static-X - Cult of Static:
This album is awesome from start to finish. It's nice and slow and it's also similar to Wisconsin Death Trip which was, and still is, an awesome album.
Deathstars - Night Electric Night: Okay, it's not as good as Termination Bliss but it's still awesome. "Death Dies Hard" is like my favourite Deathstars song (next to New Dead Nation and The Last Ammunition).
Special mentions go to K-Os and High and Mighty Colour. I'm not really a huge hip-hop fan but K-Os really released a great album(K-Os - Yes!). High and Mighty Colour (the song XYZ to be specific) is J-Metal at its finest.

[pArkEr]

Trance album of the year
Imagine - Armin Van Buuren



Have to agree with you there. Armin makes some of the trippiest **** known to man. In And Out Of Love! @_@
Can't beat Lost by Dj Shah though.

[MarryO+LewyG]

Overall Album of the Year
Bass Generation- Basshunter
Now I know I'll be judged by that last one, but I find the music addictive and easy to listen to. Its also that sort of music that you know will be looked back on with nostalgia in later years.

And best album of the year for me that didn't come out this year would have to be Under The Table And Dreaming by the Dave Matthews Band. DMB was an awesome discovery for me but of course, I'll be judged on that too!


joke post?

please be a joke post.

[Falafel]

Deadmau5 - For Lack of Better Name

Classic Deadmau5, with ****ing beautifully catchy and dance enducing music. Moar Ghosts n Stuff takes the cake, but almost every song on this album is ace. Can't wait to see him live!!!

[GeometriX]

I'm glad to hear that Cult of Static is actually good. After buying and loving every single Static-X album, I was very bored with Cannibal. I'll definitely have to pick that up.

[Machine]

Nile - Those Whom the Gods Detest

Now I know how predictable I'm being here but I have listened to other 2009 albums and this is my opinion of the best album of 2009. To date this is Nile's best effort, showing off their years of experience in death metal. The album has THE BEST production value when compared to any of their previous work, the guitars are clear and tight as f*ck. George Kollias' drumming is ridiculously skilled as usual, I'm very glad to hear his sound is louder in the mix this time. The music itself is very much like their earlier albums (fast, technical and brutal) and unlike their previous album Ithyphallic.

Honourable mention:

Swallow the Sun - New Moon

Obscura - Cosmogenesis

Animals as Leaders - Animals as Leaders

Behemoth - Evangelion

[sualk]

Rammstein - Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da (the best album the band has put out.Period!).

Lamb Of God - Wrath (Chris Adler is a drumming god and adds excitement to the mix).

Mastodon - Crack The Skye (a much better effort than the 2006 album.The band has added layers onto their great style of music).

DevilDriver - Pray For Villains (a very different approach to the previous albums but still goes down nicely with great riffs and out of this world drumming).

Five Finger Death Punch - War Is The Answer (an excellent follow up to the 2007 album.These guys are some of Metal's finest musicians).

Porcupine Tree - The Incident (this is the most melodic album of the bunch and well worth a listen.Not too far off from Opeth).

[Mr_krinkle]

Slayer world painted in blood. I am pleasantly surprised how good it was.

[Tr00jg]

1) Enter Shikari - Common Dreads.

I was a mild fan of Enter Shikari before Common Dreads. I'm not really into the core scene, but Common Dreads is awesome. Such a perfect blend of electronic dance music with core rock. Zzzonked, Solidarity and The Jester are my favourites. When I thought about what albums are best, I also thought about flow. This album flows very well, especially the use of the different Havocs.

2) Karnivool - Sound Awake

Coming a close second is Karnivool's Sound Awake. A brilliantly pieced together prog rock album. I didn't get into it after quite a few listens, but once I did, I realised how brilliant it is. You have to actually listen it from start to finish in one go, taking it all in. Goliath and The Caudal Lure is my fav songs.

3) Isochronous - Isochronous

While not technically a 2009 album, I have to give it to these guys. First saw them live, before getting the album. No doubt the best live band in South Africa. Their album doesn't quite match their passion when playing live, but when I close my eyes, I can feel it all coming back to me. It takes a while to get into the tunes, but its mix of prog rock with jazz and awesome basslines (SLAP BASS!!), makes it such a fresh new sound. Really looking forward to Imago in 2010.

4) White Lies - To Lose My Life

Was really into the first 3 songs for a long time, until I fell into the other songs on the album. Still listening to them now. The fat bass, 80's influence and the lyrics make this album. Really looking forward seeing more from these guys.

5) Muse - The Resistance

I'm a huge Muse fan. Why wouldn't I love anything that they spew out? I loved it. It was something new. Having gathered some objective perspective, it wasn't AS great. Sure Exogenesis is a masterpiece and Undisclosed Desires is surprisingly awesome, it wasn't THE best album from the Muse clan. That doesn't affect my love for the band. Want to see MK Ultra and Unnatural Selection live!

[Dark Prince]

It came abit late in the year but it still qualifies, mine would definately be Stardust Galaxies - The Parlotones.

[BladeMaster]

I liked the Black Eyed Peas', The E.N.D. album and David Guetta's One Love album. They both have excellent dance tracks on them. Favourites fron One Love include Sexy Chick, Memories, When Loves Takes Over and from BEP, Meet Me Half Way, Imma Be, I Gotta Feeling, Boom Boom Pow and Party All The Time.

And how about The Offspring's Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace. Great songs on there, Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? and You're Gonna Go Far, Kid.

Also The All-American Rejects' When The World Comes Down. Great songs include...I Wanna, Gives You Hell, Believe and Falling Apart.

[Jest3r]

I'm an old metal fan, but have never heard of Mastodon before, so at your recommendation I went out and bought "Crack The Skye". At first I thought: What the...? but by the second listen through, the album had me in it's grip. This is classic stuff that grows on you. At times the lead singer almost sounds like Ozzy... very cool.

[The Dash]

30 Seconds to Mars - This is war

The only other album i have of them is A Beautiful Lie, and the difference between the albums is mind-blowing. Jared's voice and even the lyrics seem to have matured a bit, and it definitly makes a difference in the overall style. I absolutely love this album, while i found the other to be only meh. Only track i dont get is L 490. Seems so out of place to the rest of the album

[wisp]

Seeing as i have never heard of ANY of these groups mentioned in the above posts i feel a bit out but my favourite album this year has been (puts on Flak jacket and knows that he will get smacked )is - Robbie Wessels -Afrika Sonsak

[Dead!Raven]

Chimaira- The Infection: I really dig the sound of this album.

DevilDriver- Pray for Villains: This was just a such a great metal album. The variation on the songs and unique sound really makes this stand out

Dethklok- The DethAlbum II : Even if they are a cartoon mock band, they make some kick ass metal :)

Atreyu- Congregation of the Dammed : And example of good metalcore. The track "Stop: Before It's To Late And We'Ve Destroyed It All:is just fantastic. Defiantly one of the best of the year

The Used - Art/Work : The Used have evolved from the fantastic "lies for the liars" and have delivered a great Post-hardcore album. Kudos

[L0S]

I'm going to keep it simple:

1: Mastadon: Crack The Skye
The album was not like the older albums, in a way as the older albums where more vocally hectic, but this album was as always, very musically clever, but the vocals seem softer, but you can still hear that its Mastadon. Well done to you Mastadon!

2: Chevelle: Sci-Fi Crimes
The albums I think was a awesome album and as I think, the kind of fun to play music that's easy to listen to. I'm glad Chavelle has always kept its sound :D

3: Rammstein: Liebe is fur alle da
Rammstein was just living up to their insane name I guess, even though the whole "*****" single.
HEIL RAMMSTEIN!

4: Devil Driver: Play For Villains
This album was just such a joy to listen to. Every second of every song was awesome.
Devil Driver was living up to its awesome metal name with this album the all the solo's and all the screams.
<3 Devil Driver

[CrashHelmut]

I guess I have a slightly different taste in music to the majority of members here.

There were two albums this year that I particularly enjoyed:

Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest
More accessible than some of their other stuff, it still takes a little getting used to. But after a few repeated listens, the quality really starts shining through.

Sunset Rubdown: Dragonslayer
OK, I know, some of the lyrics tend to be a bit corny, but other than that, this album offers something different from the mainstream.

I don't really know in what genres you'd classify the above two bands, I'm sure Wikipedia would offer some insight. Doesn't really matter though, they're still pretty awesome.

[BladeMaster]

2: Chevelle: Sci-Fi Crimes
The albums I think was a awesome album and as I think, the kind of fun to play music that's easy to listen to. I'm glad Chavelle has always kept its sound :D


Chimaira- The Infection: I really dig the sound of this album.

I absolutely love Chevelle...plus Chimaira is kickass.. I would place Chevelle at like number 3 of my top five. Antisaint is a great song. And so is Dead Inside of Chimaira.

[Tr00jg]

Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest
More accessible than some of their other stuff, it still takes a little getting used to. But after a few repeated listens, the quality really starts shining through.


Yes, been wanting to get my hands on this for quite some time.

[uro]

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

I got this a few weeks after I first started to listening to the Flaming Lips and I was completely taken by surprise. They have jumped from the light indie sounds of their last album (At War With The Mystics) straight to darker, alternative, almost Pink Floydian prog-rock sound. The album did take a couple of listens to get into, but now it is with doubt my favourite album of their's.

[Dead!Raven]

Oh, i forgot to mention Slipknot - 10th anniversary Edition. In my opinion the best deal of the year. You get 1: One of the greatest metal albums of the recent past plus a few unreleased demos and the amazing track Purity
2: A live show from one of the greatest live bands ever
3. A voliminal: inside the nine Esque Documentary on slipknot in their glory days

all for 200 bucks. Great deal.

[Wah]

World Painted Blood by Slayer is definately their best album they've released thus far, and for me is the metal album of the year.

As for rock, ehm, I'd say Ace Frehley's Anomaly was rather good and had some great Ace solos in it.

[01DT!m3r]

Static-x:cult of static .slower but very melodic.if you like static x you'll love this album.
maroon:order.heavy,fast and just plain awesome.

[Azraphael]

Funnily enough, the album that I listened to the least last year, Chevelle's Sci-Fi Crimes, would probably be my pick for album of 2009. I find that it is great to sit and listen to or just have playing in the background. Best songs on it would have to be "Shameful Metaphors" and "Jars". My second pick, just behind Sci-Fi Crimes would be Infected Mushroom's Legend of the Black Shawarma. Tracks like "Project 100" and "Legend of the Black Shawarma" are just pure Mushie goodness while "Riders on the Storm" proves that Psytrance re-mixes of Classic Rock can be done, and done brilliantly at that.

[.dB]

lol slipknot

http://www.metallibrary.ru/bands/discographies/images/ribspreader/pictures/09_opus_ribcage.jpg
Ribspreader - Opus Ribcage

dunno if you got around to giving it a listen yet Machine, but you really should.

[sualk]

I would like to add another album to my list : Nile "Those Whom The Gods Detest".

What an album!

Best drumming by far.Best Nile album by far.

[Ruandre]

Beware by Bonnie "Prince" Billy (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:3vfqxqwkldse) <3

xWBmx4wd2_g
Y7RAQp8LxHw

Noble Beast by Andrew Bird (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:anfpxqyhld6e)

The Life Of The

World To Come by The Mountain Goats (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:jvfoxq8gld0e)

Yonder Is the

Clock by The Felice Brothers (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:j9fexqqrldhe)

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dpfexqq0ldfe)

Far by Regina Spektor (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hzfwxqyald6e)

Middle Cyclone by Neko Case (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:h9fexqrhldde)

Sometimes I Wish

We Were An Eagle by Bill Callahan (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hbftxqrgldte)

The Crying Light by Antony And The Johnsons (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dnfexqrjld0e)

The Hazards Of Love by The Decemberists (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kpfrxqu0ldje)

Keep It Hid by Dan Auerbach (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fcfrxqt0ld0e)

Monsters Of Folk by Monsters Of Folk (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hbfrxzlgldhe)

[F1ak3r]

Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings
I love DT. This new album is phenomenal. The songs are long and really epic (except Wither, which is only 5:35, but is still a very beautiful song). I love every song on it.

Muse - The Resistance
The album's not as strong as some of their previous efforts, but has a lot of really excellent moments. I don't much care for United States Of Eurasia, but the first three and last three songs are really great, with some decent stuff in the middle.

Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
The singing's easier to understand, and the songs feel more varied. An enjoyable listening experience, and a more wholistic effort than either of their previous two albums.

Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
I guess Sex On Fire is the highlight of this album, considering it's one of the few non-Parlotones songs I like that got played on the radio. The rest of the album shouldn't be overlooked either. Closer, Use Somebody, Revelery, 17, Be Somebody, etc... there's a lot more good stuff.

Modest Mouse - No One's First And You're Next
This is an EP, not an album, but I decided to mention it anyway, because I loved it. Except Perpetual Motion Machine. All its other songs were fantastic, but I really couldn't stand that one.

@uRo-07: That's out? WANT.

[Oeaks]

Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Pavillion:Finally got around to listening to it, Lots of fun, and Summetime Clothes keeps on putting a smile on my face.

Bombay Bicycle Club-I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose:A fantastic debut. They've got a great sound and really nice lyrics. i'll definitely be keeping an eye on them

Fever Ray-Fever Ray: Dark and intimate. I really wish I had listened to it when it came out (I would of had a chance to see her live). It might be my favourite

The Flaming Lips-Embryonic: The best way I can describe it is that it's like listening to mercury: nothing solid, but still pretty fantastic.

**** Buttons-Tarrot Sport: The first electro album I've been excited about in awhile. A great listen when doing my maths homework.

Grizzly Bear-Veckatimest : Perfect for walking around my school's campus. As CrashHelmut said, more accessible then their earlier stuff.

Jason Lytle-Yours Truly, The Commuter: The first solo album by Grandaddy front man. Really, it's just more Grandaddy. Which is always a good thing for me.

Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse present Dark Night of the Soul: Since it's only sung by guest vocalists, it doesn't really sound like a Sparklehorse album. It still has some fantastic songs, and each vocalist makes every song sound unique.

Super Furry Animals-Dark Days/Light Years: One of their best. It's everything I'd expect from them.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs-It's Blitz: I haven't really got into their earlier stuff, but this album had me hooked. I had Heads Will Roll on loop for ages.

[TheLionsInnards]

Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Pavillion:Finally got around to listening to it, Lots of fun, and Summetime Clothes keeps on putting a smile on my face.


I completely adore this album. It's been playing straight since Christmas. By far my favourite album of the year.

Although it's not really a contender, I have really enjoyed the new Arctic Monkey's album, Humbug. It's a nice change from the previous albums, as much as I enjoyed them.

[Slither]

Just bought "Chinese Democracy" by GNR, and I must say, this album takes some getting used to. However, after a few playthroughs, it starts growing on you. One track stands out above all the rest, aptly named
"This I Love". What a BRILLIANT ballad! Just can't stop listening to it.

[Domanskip]

Ronald Jenkees - Disorganized Fun

Some really catchy, upbeat tunes. Phenomenal stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoFurLevE28