Taste Be Damned; Another End of Year List courtesy of the mind behind the synth outfit Werewolves in Siberia
What would a slew of lists be without one from my pal Chris (the mind behind Werewolves in Siberia)? I’ll answer the (rhetorical) question; it wouldn’t feel complete. Thankfully it didn’t take long for me to talk Chris into doing one. In fact, he was rather eager to put digit to keyboard to prove to me that he’d made an effort to stay, somewhat, current. That prospect is daunting/extremely difficult; although I’ve listened to literally hundreds of albums this year, I believe I’ve missed more than have caressed the senses. Without further ado and distracted waffling what say we get started?
Last year, Cult asked me to write about my favorite albums of the year. I realized then that I had really only listened to about five new albums so that’s all I could write about. This year, I made it a point to listen to a lot of newer stuff. These were my favorites.
Steve Moore – “VFW (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
Holy shit. Steve Moore outdid himself this year. He released several new albums and soundtracks in 2020, plus had a few Zombi releases. As for his solo stuff, nothing was better than his “VFW” score.
Most phenomenal scores for movies still have a few cues that don’t translate so well to listening-only without the film. This one doesn’t have any of those. Even at a one hour and thirteen-minute run time, this album is great all the way through.
The film is a throwback to 80s b-movies with a group of military vets taking on legions of drug-crazed punks. I wish we got more of this type of aesthetic these days (the film is fantastic and well worth a view – Ed). The score is the perfect accompaniment and easily my favorite score/soundtrack of the year. This is quite possibly my favorite album Steve Moore has released, outside of Zombi.
Testament – “Titans of Creation”
While most metal bands from the 80s are in the twilight of their career (or broken up), Testament are still holding strong and pumping out amazing music. Since Slayer has ridden off into the sunset, I feel Testament can take the crown to be called the kings of thrash.
“Titans” isn’t necessarily completely thrash but a good portion of it is and, in all honesty, it is probably the most well-rounded metal album I’ve heard in the last couple years. Who would’ve guessed Testament would be putting out material this strong in 2020? Back in 1992, it looked like maybe they were on the decline with “The Ritual”? That was their first step in a more mainstream direction. It was still a good album but it was definitely no “Souls of Black” or “The New Order”.
When the band released Low in 1994 and “Demonic” in ‘97, it seemed they were headed in different directions with every album. They were both great records but, again, different. Then, vocalist Chuck Billy had a scary bout of cancer in 2001. From what us fans were reading; it didn’t sound good for the future of the band. Specifically, it sounded really bad for him. Fortunately, he recovered. It would be years before we got new material though. Since then, the band has just gotten better and, I have no idea how, but Chuck Billy’s voice is stronger than it’s ever been. Most singers have that weird tone to their voice that sounds like they’ve blown out their vocal cords way too many times after this many years. Not Chuck and this album is amazing.
The Seatopians – “Up from the Depths”
Last year, surf rockers The Seatopians released their debut album and it was on my list of top albums of the year. This year, they released a new EP early in the year entitled Off the 50th Parallel. It was a great follow-up with some laidback surf songs.
In October though, the band came back with a second EP for the year. Up from the Depths is more raucous to say the least. This is right up my alley. Plenty of horror/cult film vibes to make for the perfect surf EP for me. From the first song, “Seahorsemen of the Apocalypse”, I knew this one was something special.
If you’re wondering why so many metalheads and punk rockers are flocking to the surf scene lately, look no further than this band. This album should get you ready for the beach in no time. Grab a few beers and get ready to hang ten (I believe you forgot the word “Dude” – Ed).
Machine Head – “Civil Unrest” (single)
If you hadn’t noticed, this shit show of a year didn’t only beat us over the head with that bag of hammers called COVID-19, it was also filled with a swelling of civil unrest which led to protests (which in some cases led to riots) in the name of human equality.
Machine Head’s Robb Flynn has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. After George Floyd was murdered in broad daylight, in public and in front of cameras, the people took action. Seeing everything unfold, Flynn seemed to reach his breaking point and had something to say himself. Enter Civil Unrest.
Two songs here on this “single”, Stop the Bleeding and Bulletproof. I’ve noticed a lot of people commenting that Flynn needs to shut up when it comes to politics. Um, this is metal. Since when is metal or punk about hiding the things that piss you off?!
Also, griping about someone saying enough is enough when it comes to human beings being treated unequally isn’t a political view. That’s how I see it. It’s how things should be. It’s only seen as a political view because politicians like to use it as a way to further divide the fractures we already have in our world. Don’t let yourself see it as anything other than human beings deserving basic human rights.
Okay, back to the music…
The b-side to this one is pretty good and definitely has a lot to say but it’s really Stop the Bleeding that fuels a fire in me. Flynn reached out to Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage to belt this one out with him. It’s a match made in metal heaven. These two vocalists trade off with an attack on bigotry that gets me so amped.
“Beating after beating. Throat choked under knee. Help me, please because I can’t breathe. Just stop the bleeding.” How does this not get the blood flowing?! I’m getting pumped just typing the lyrics.
I tend to be of the mindset that Machine Head is at their best when they’re doing things that piss off a lot of fans. Sure, “Burn My Eyes” and “The More Things Change” are great albums, but I love “The Burning Red” while all their fans hate it. People hated “Catharsis”. I think it’s great. Now, they release “Civil Unrest” and people are like, “shut the fuck up, Robb. Play “Davidian” and keep your opinions to yourself.” Nope, keep on doing whatever the hell you want Machine Head. That’s when you’re at your best.
LIK – “Misanthropic Breed”
In 2020, I found my favorite new extreme metal band. I’d never heard of them before but someone who knows I tend to lean towards the Swedish death style of extreme metal told me about these guys and I’m glad they did. They’re definitely from the same cloth as the Swedish bands I tend to be into.
I checked out their 2018 album, “Carnage”, first. I dug it but just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, I made sure to give their newest a spin, too. It definitely wasn’t a fluke, these guys do it right.
While they don’t have the melodic presence that an At the Gates brings to the table, they have that killer guitar tone we’ve come to expect from the Swedes. In fact, I’d say they rival Entombed for gnarliest guitar tone out there.
If you’re into Grave, Hypocrisy, The Haunted and Bloodbath (or either of the bands from the last paragraph), LIK is for you. Turn it on, turn it up and get ready to fuck shit up because these guys will get you ready for anything.
Deftones – “Ohms”
I’ve been a fan of these guys since they first burst on the scene. I’ll admit to being hesitant to embrace the new face of metal in the late 90s. Korn broke out with a style that took a while for me to get into. Nu Metal was born and, while I can’t say I was ever a huge Korn fan, Deftones were lumped in there while doing something that was entirely their own.
Over the years, I let some albums go by without listening. I assumed I wouldn’t be into them anymore. That ship had sailed for me. Then, I put “White Pony” back into the rotation and realized how good they really were. So, I slowly went back and grabbed each of the albums I’d missed. They continued to march to the beat of their own drum.
Trends come and go but when a band sticks to their guns and continues on making the music that made them special to begin with, the people will come back to them. “Ohms” is a continuation of the band making great music that continues to evolve just enough without straying from their strengths.
I’ll be the first to admit that they seem like a band I shouldn’t be into. They’re kind of a light metal. I’ll be goddamned if they’re not great though. Every single time, they’re great.
If you’re not a Deftones fan, don’t bother with this one. If you are though, well, you’ve probably already got this album and it’s on your list of top albums of 2020, too.
Girl Over Planet – “Mod Monster Mania/Rolling with the Creeps” (singles)
2020 was a big year for Russian (I think) surf rockers Girl Over Planet. Early on, they released a killer EP, In Search of Cosmic Oceans. Then, in October (on the same day) they hit us with not one, but two horror-surf singles just in time for Halloween. Both are so incredible I can’t decide which is better and I always listen to both together.
The blend of horror vibes riding the waves through these surf tracks is music to my ears. They never stray far from straight up surf but both songs set a bit of a fun Halloween tone. Grab your ghoulfriend and head out for the party on the beach.
Keep these guys on your radar because I expect big things from them going forward. From Russia… with love… on a surfboard.
Too much? Whatever, I bet you’ll keep reading.
The Black Dahlia Murder – “Verminous”
If there’s one American band that embodies the sound of Swedish Melodic Death Metal, it’s Michigan’s The Black Dahlia Murder. Since “Unhallowed” was released in 2003, I’ve been a fan. 17 years later, they haven’t strayed from their sound and continue to make great records.
I’d be lying if I said I was so into metal since 2003 that I didn’t miss a release. I recently got back into a lot of the metal I was into before and had to make up for lost time (maybe it was the frustration of such a shitty year that made me need something a little more intense). I really dug “The Ritual” and its heavy old school Morbid Angel influence in the guitar work all while they kept sounding like themselves.
When I heard they had a new album coming out this year, I was stoked. Once again, they’ve blown me away. I heard some people thought it was too slow and I guess the term they like to throw around now is “dad rock” … well, fuck you! This album might be a little slower but it still sounds like BDM and it still rips. I’ll take style and substance over speed for the sake of speed any day. Plus, let’s be honest, it might not be as fast as some of their other stuff… but it really isn’t slow music.
AC/DC – POWER UP
Oh, the comments that come up online when AC/DC release a new album… “New AC/DC album? I think I’ve heard it before.”
Sure, AC/DC make pretty much the same song over and over. It’s usually the case, though, that the song kicks ass. Sure, an album here and there has been a bit of a dud. In fact, the last album, Rock or Bust, didn’t strike a chord with me. It sounded like them but it felt like they were just going through the motions.
When you know founding member Malcom Young was sick, it’s easy to see why they might have been lacking the inspiration. When he passed away, it could have easily been that Rock or Bust would be the last AC/DC album. When you lose a founding member, a main song writer, a large part of the soul of a band, there would be no shame in calling it a day.
Fortunately for us, AC/DC know how to persevere in the face of adversity. After they tragically lost original vocalist Bon Scott, they made a triumphant comeback and turned out a hell of an album in the process. That’s what we got this time around. “POWER UP” is full-on AC/DC and it has that something special that makes so many of us come back for more after decades.
Do they make pretty much the same song all the time? Yes. Does that matter? Hell no. If they did it any differently, everyone would say, “AC/DC used to be good but they switched up their sound and now they suck.” They know what works and I don’t care what anybody says. They’re legends and they deserve every accolade they ever got. AC/DC kicks ass!
Zombi – “2020” LP/ “Evans City” EP
In 2020, we were lucky enough to not only get a killer new Zombi album, but we got a stellar EP as well. Both are on two different sides of the spectrum from them, as well. 2020 is very bass guitar-heavy progressive synth album while “Evans City” is stripped down and subdued.
When the first song from 2020 (“Breakthrough and Conquer”) hits, we’re immediately fleeing danger. Every song paints a vivid picture that could work perfectly in a movie. It’s not all zombie movie imagery anymore but still very cinematic.
Overall, Zombi’s sound has evolved tremendously. Each release sounds bigger and broader. It still always sounds like Zombi so the evolution is well received. This album really is a masterpiece from beginning to end.
As far as “Evans City” goes, it’s a complete 180 back to the stripped-down sound that made me love the band in the first place. It was released as a “name your price” Bandcamp exclusive and influenced by the Pittsburgh cemetery from Night of the Living Dead. With 7 songs, it still only hits the 18-minute mark but sounds very much like its own zombie movie soundtrack… just like the old days of Zombi.
Two songs have two versions with slightly different takes. Those different takes both work very well in adding a different dimension to each of the songs. It further expands that film score feeling, too. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. No one does synth rock as well as Zombi right now. Maybe it’s the prog influence that sets them apart. They were the band who inspired me to start Werewolves in Siberia. As long as they keep evolving the way they have been, I’ll keep buying every release.
https://zombi.bandcamp.com/album/evans-city
While I think everyone reading this should give each of these albums a go on Spotify to check them out, I strongly urge you all to find the albums and actually buy them in whatever format you usually listen on. Spotify is a great deal for the listener but the bands are getting screwed. Let’s get these amazing artists paid and start buying music again.
Oh, did you need more from 2020 to check out? I’ve got a few more that were pretty damn good, too.
Ozzy Osbourne – “Ordinary Man”
Maybe it wasn’t an earth-shattering return for Ozzy, but it was decent. So weird that so many of the younger generation had no idea who Ozzy was and thought it was nice of Post Malone to put him on the map. Let’s face it, the Post Malone song featuring Ozzy kind of sucked… a lot. The Ozzy song featuring Post Malone was a rocking song though. It was also cool to hear Ozzy and Elton John collaborate.
Hum – “Inlet”
Hum had a minor alternator rock hit in the 90s called “Stars”. I loved the song but didn’t know anybody else noticed them until recently. That song has come up a lot randomly and then I found out they put out a new album in 2020. It’s pretty damn good, too. The guitars are super heavy but it’s a slow groove kind of alt rock with great melodies that really relax you. Check it out if that sounds like your thing.
Mr. Bungle – “The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny”
In all honesty, when everybody went Mike Patton crazy, I was like, “yeah, Faith No More kicks ass… I’m not too into much of his other stuff.” I don’t know if I need to revisit more of the Mr. Bungle stuff or if it’s just having Dave Lombardo and Scott Ian in the fold this time around, but this album is great. Spazzy like you’d expect from a non-FNM Patton project but it’s got so many more layers and it’s just a killer metal record.
Surfnado Tiki Squad – “Tiki Fingers”
More killer surf music here. It’s obvious these guys take inspiration from a lot outside the surf realm. With a title like Tiki Fingers, I’m assuming it’s a nod to The Rolling Stones and the first song on the album being branded Cowboys from the Dwell, I’m assuming they listen to some metal. This album is constantly in the surf charts and for good reason. It’s one of the most solid of the solid surf albums released in 2020.
Sepultura – “Quadra”
In all honesty, when Sepultura released “Against”, their first post-Max Cavalera album, I was stoked on the future of the band. While others wrote them off before hearing the new lineup, I gave it a shot and loved “Against”. Since then, I only heard an occasional song that really got me going. When the first single from “Quadra” hit, it was easily the best thing I’d heard from them since 1998. The entire album isn’t quite what Against was but it’s really good all the way through.
Agent Orange – “Living in Darkness (40th Anniversary Edition)”
Okay, not new music at all so there’s no way I could include this on the main list… but this edition was released in 2020 and I really hadn’t listened to the band before. Their surf punk stylings are a great bridge of my love of punk and surf rock. This version of the album includes their “Bitchin’ Summer” EP that further solidified their love of surf back in 1981/82 with covers of some iconic surf songs in a way more “punked out” way. The super surfy guitar solos over thrashing punk set this band apart from anyone else at the time. I wish I’d given this band a chance earlier but not sure I would’ve fully appreciated them until more recently.
There you have it. My favorite albums of 2020… and while my last Werewolves in Siberia album was out in December of 2019, I did start a new project and released 2 exotica-style singles under the name Lava Lagoon. So, if you want to be transported to an exotic island paradise to escape 2020, check it out (one song is original and the other is a tiki-inspired Misfits cover).
-Chris Cavoretto
Thanks for your thoughts and picks Chris and great luck with your new project (I’m not normally one to take articles into political waters but seems as this is Chris’s piece, and he’s a guest, I’ll let it slide). Chris introduced us to a varied smorgasbord of audio here (an arena I honestly wouldn’t explore without prodding) and mentioned his band Werewolves in Siberia. And I’m happy to promote his work. if you’re tempted by synth laden audio with a Gothic/Cult leaning give one of his many albums a spin. I suggest starting with “The Rising” and then go from there. Be prepared to fall deep into a rabbit hole which will open a whole other fascinating universe of sound.
https://werewolvesinsiberia.bandcamp.com/
– Cult
CultMetalFlix 