2013 In Review - Musically Speaking, That is...

With 2013 winding down to a close, it is time to sit back and take stock of the year that almost was... Boring!

I could complain about how bad the pop-scene is or how pathetically formulaic the country scene has become or just gripe about the misogynistic content of rap and crucify Eminem and Kanye West but really, whats the point of all that. Or... and much more productively, I could blast some tunes and remember that this has been a great year, both personally and musically. This year I have acquired much less music than normal, but what I have bought has been stellar all around. A year with no clunkers is a good (and rare) year, unless you count the music you bought for your kids.

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Jan 31 - Dropkick Murphy's - Signed and Sealed in Blood. 14 years and 8 albums in, the Murphy's are showing no signs of slowing down with their unique brand of Celtic punk and blue-collar rock n' roll. This album is not as heavily influenced by the bands punk roots, but is more focused on melody, catchy lyrics and well crafted songs. The evidence of this is heard in the title-track, Rose Tattoo. One listen through and you will have the song rattling around your head for the rest of the day. Even though the album was released in January, it features a song bemoaning the Christmas holidays with family in the Murphy's humorous tongue-in-cheek style. The album contains absolutely no filler or extra throw-away tracks, but is solid from start to finish. Upon purchasing this album it has dominated my Cd player for weeks and is still in regular rotation along with the rest of the Murphy's catalog.

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March 19 - Anthrax - Anthems. Anthems was meant to be an accompaniment album to celebrate the re-release of 2011's Worship Music and contains 6 cover songs and 2 versions of the remixed song "Crawl" from Worship Music. The album was subsequently released as a bonus disc with the album and as a stand-alone album as well. The album was released with a few different covers mimicking the original artists albums from which the songs were drawn. All 6 cover songs are versions of 70's rock classics that influenced the band members in some form or fashion. My personal favorites are the cover of Boston's "Smokin" and Journey's "Keep On Runnin". The songs are given much respect by the band but some liberties are taken. The end result being a fantastic collection of covers by Anthrax that is without a doubt, an Anthrax album.

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May 05 - Stryper -Second Coming.This album was hyped and debated all over the 'net before it's release. Stryper, along with Metallica, were my introduction to heavy metal, so I knew these songs back-to-front and I love them. I was a little apprehensive about this album because I had grown up with these songs. I then started to hear/read reports that the vocals and guitars had been drop-tuned a step in order to keep Michael Sweet's voice in a comfortable range. OUCH! I put off ordering the album for a
couple of months while I decided what to do, and then I pulled the trigger. I am so glad that I did. The 14 remakes and 2 new tracks are very very well done, If this is drop-tuned, I can't tell. I know that Michael is singing in a lower register but not so low that it loses the character of the songs, rather it gives his voice a better attack. What the re-records did is add in Tim Gaines background vocals and bring up the volume of his bass. They also tweaked the guitar sound a touch and removed some of the 80' over-polished production, making the songs sound heavier and more balanced among the instruments. The end result is that instead of some over-polished hair metal, Stryper got back to their roots and created a monster of a heavy metal platter, the way that they should have sounded all along.

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May 16 - Heretic - A Time of Crisis. This album actually came out in June of 2012, but as the old saying goes, "Too many albums, not enough money". I had heard some tracks off of this album and watched the music video that was released to garner more attention and promote the return of these metal masters. The first time through I was floored. Being 2012 and most bands drop-tuning to be "heavy" instead of writing riffs that will inspire air guitar fits and instant mosh pits in the living room, Heretic stuck to their collective guns and wrote heavy riffs and pounding rhythms instead of falling into the trap and trying to be trendy. Musically, these guys are power metal, that rare breed of metal that defies labeling and walks the line between speed and thrash (not the keyboard laced, dungeons and dragons garbage - Thanks Scott). Lyrically,these guys take social issues head on and stay far away from the typical "look how evil we can be" juvenile nonsense. There are no expletives and each song is very well written and crafted to take on it's own identity within the confines of the album. Of note, the song Heretic was written and released in the late 80's on the bands only other album. This is one album that still sees frequent plays and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future.

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June 1 - Absolon - Darkness Rising: The Tale of Derek Blackheart. I enjoy combing through the piles of unsigned bands to find that one gem that you KNOW is going to do big things with their musical career. Absolon is that one band. I heard about these guys from another friend that enjoys the same thing. I listened to a few tracks online and I was blown away!! Why, oh why were these guys not a major label? They have the talent and have each honed their skills in order to produce this masterpiece. This album went straight to the top of the ol' want-list. I ended up scoring the album and some free merch in a drawing held by the band. What I had heard did not prepare me for the first
listen through the album in it's entirety. Musically this band walks that fine line that is too progressive in nature to be considered traditional heavy metal but not quite progressive enough to be labeled progressive metal, and they walk that line with ease. Absolon are a blend of early Queensryche and classic Deep Purple but do not sound like either band specifically. The other thing that sets this band far above their contemporaries is that while this is a concept album, each song has it's own life and place on the album. Each song stands alone but collectively tells a story that is clear and direct but open enough for the listeners interpretation. To be sure there is a moral to the story. What I have grown to appreciate over the amount of time that I have owned this gem, is that the musicians, especially lead singer and primary songwriter Ken Pike are so accessible. These guys do not have the rockstar mentality but rather are more than willing to just converse with their fans and be real people. From a fan's perspective, this fact alone makes me a loyal fan of the band. I sincerely hope that the new year finds many successes, prosperity and open doors for these guys. They deserve the limelight for this work alone.

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June 13 - Alan Jackson - Precious Memories: Volume II. Most people that know me, know that for the most part, I cannot stand modern country. What they may not know is that I am an absolute sucker for the classic hymns. I could just sit and listen to the hymns and nothing else. That being said, I saw this album and immediately purchased it, having Volume I already. Alan Jackson has kept the hymns to the traditional melodies and timing and pays huge amounts of respect to the songs and original authors. This album is just pure simple praise and worship with accompaniment by an acoustic guitar and piano, with the occasional upright bass. Listening to this album takes me back to my childhood because when I was sitting in church singing these songs, we had a piano and guitar to sing along with. This is the way that hymns should sound, let the hymns stand alone on their own merit.

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June 24 - Megadeth - Super Collider. Megadeth came out of the early 80's Bay-Area thrash upheaval. While they are still labeled as a thrash band, as front-man David Mustaine put it "the music is just Megadeth". That pretty much sums it up. Megadeth have long been and continue to be one of my favorite bands, so it was with great excitement that I bought this album, and it has been money well spent. This album is also a bit of milestone because it sees the first album of 100% new material to feature the return of original founding member and bassist David Ellefson. Each Megadeth album is new venture into new territory and on "The Blackest of Crow" Dave and Co. incorporate a banjo and fiddle into the mix. The end result is a mournful ballad that flows well with the established styles already in play. This album is blend of the traditional styles of metal, some hard rock and of course, the bands thrash roots. I have not played this album as much as some of the aforementioned albums, but with each spin there is something new as well as something comfortable, like a visit from an old friend. I have not enjoyed a Megadeth album this much since Youthanasia, and each album is great. This album is most definitely NOT rehashed styles and songs, but new songs. Megadeth continue to deliver the goods with each new outing, not something that can be said for their peers. I bought the Best Buy limited edition version with extra tracks and a live version of the seminal "Symphony of Destruction."

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November 13 - Sacred Warrior - Waiting in Darkness. This album was released in June and there had been some hype surrounding the album as Sacred Warrior were a fairly established act in the Christian metal scene in the early 90's but had not released anything since 1991's Obsessions. I was somewhat familiar with them at the time but being more into the traditional hard rock of Petra and L.A. stylings of Stryper, they escaped my notice. I bought their compilation album Classics back in the day but it was not a frequent player then. Since the release of Obsessions, Sacred Warrior have lost the original singer, Rey Parra to other projects and sadly, one member has passed away. I watched the video that was released as an album teaser and featured the title track a few times but I was not fully sold on the album. I decided to give it a shot as I liked what I had heard, and I am very glad that I did. Waiting in Darkness features the outstanding Eli Prinson on vocals and he absolutely delivers. It took a few spins to hear what is going on, and in the process of those spins, I was completely drawn in. The lyrics are vintage Sacred Warrior but the music is much more progressive in nature than the speed metal that they had previously released. Guitarist Bruce Swift has most definitely kept his chops polished and the fretboard pyrotechnics are in full bloom. Each instrument is balanced with precision and nowhere on the album is there a heaviness for the sake of heaviness attitude or any of the Dream Theater type of wankery going on. Each song is perfectly crafted and balanced between musicians as well as the attitude and implied tone of each song. Since owning this album it has slowly been making it's way to the top of my "Favorite albums of all time" list. What started as gamble has turned into one of the most played albums in my collection thus far.

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November - 13 - Stryper - No More Hell to Pay. Album number 2 for the yellow and black attack is a return to form... sort of. I ordered the standard edition rather than the limited edition because I didn't
really feel the need to pay for a second disc of in-the-studio-making-the-album type of stuff. As the band was recording the album, they were releasing small sound-bites and tidbits to garner excitement for the release. The conversation began to emerge that the band was re-visiting the early records and were getting back to the metal roots. Now, normally when a band says this, it is not even remotely true, but such is not the case with No More Hell to Pay. What we have here is a slab of traditional L.A. metal that rides the line between the seminal Soldiers Under Command and polished glam of To Hell with the Devil while sounding completely modern as well as embracing the bands legacy. There are hooks and solo's aplenty as well as that signature Michael-Oz dual guitar solo's. Robert is in fine form with the back-beat and Tim even breaks out a few tasty bass licks as well as keeping the low-end firmly planted. Michael Sweet is in top-notch form throughout the album and breaks out more than a few of his high-pitched wails proving that his voice is stronger than ever now. The end result is an album that is new and fresh while still maintaining that classic Stryper sound. Not since 1991's Against the Law have I enjoyed a Stryper album this much, and unlike the previous outing in '09, this is all new material featuring the original 4 members. The one weak spot of the album is the cover of the Doobie Brothers Jesus is Just Alright. I am not a fan of the Stryperized version as I think that they could have added a bit more funk to the mix and let Tim Gaines carry the song with his bass instead of just adding distorted guitars vocal harmonies. This is a solid metal album that can stand on equal ground with the classic material.

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November 29 - Theocracy - Theocracy. This album was originally released in 2003 and featured all instruments and vocals sans drums played by founding member Matt Smith. The album was released on Metalages Records and quickly went out of print. So quickly that by the time Mirror of Souls was released, this album was going for stupid amounts of money on eBay and Amazon. This album was remastered and now features drummer Shawn Benson laying down the drum tracks for 2013 release. Not being familiar with the original release, I cannot compare the two different versions, but what I can say is that this album was worth the wait. The vocal harmonies, mini-epic tracks and sonic brilliance speaks to the incredible talent of Mr. Smith. Each song is completely unique and different and adds much listening pleasure to the whole work. Musically, the album is more of that European speedy-prog metal style that the band continues to work in. Lyrically, the album is unashamed Biblical theology and a pure representation of the gospel with enough personal application to not sound preachy and condemning. This album focuses on Matt's personal experience with Jesus and the honest challenges that have come his way by being a follower of Christ. I personally find this lyrical style to be refreshing and encouraging in my own Christian walk and through my struggles as well. 

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November 29 - Bloodgood - Dangerously Close. Early this year Bloodgood launched a kick-starter project to fund a new album. Seeing that they had not released any new material since 1991's
All Stand Together. I was a bit skeptical and did not buy in and wanted to hear some new material first. Bloodgood have been active touring and playing festivals off and on over the years, and they had also added Oz Fox of Stryper fame on guitars to round out the mix. When the video for the first single Lamb of God was released I immediately laid down the money for a pre-ordered copy of the disc. What I received was an album that did not sound dated or hurried in the studio but rather was a another immediate classic in the Bloodgood catalog. I have read a few different reviews that state that this album is the perfect follow-up to All Stand Together and sounds like no time has passed between the release of these to albums. I disagree, what we have here is the missing segue between the phenomenal speed-metal opus of 1989's Out of the Darkness and the more melodic hard rock of All Stand Together. Guitarist Paul Jackson is no slouch on his instrument so not much help was needed from the mighty Oz Fox in that department. What Oz brought to the table is his ability to write fantastic riffs, and strong background vocals. Adding in another guitarist of Oz's caliber also added more depth to the sonic deliciousness. Bassist Michael Bloodgood is in top-form as well, adding his own groove to the songs. Drummer Kevin Whistler holds down the rhythm in a simplistic but powerful performance that fits each song perfectly, and Les Carlson does not hit the high notes like he used to but he adds a bit of bluesy gravel to his voice and still sings that charismatic high-pitched wail that gives the band their character. Lyrically, the band is in top form and have written what I think are some of their best songs yet, each and every song finds an unashamed Biblical stand for the gospel. I would have expected no less from the band they have delivered on every track. There are no speedy numbers but rather we have been given a fantastic slab of traditional metal that could only come from Bloodgood. This album shows that the chops are still present and strut and swagger of a premier metal band are in full swing and top form.

In retrospect, this has been a fantastic year for music and heavy metal specifically. With some of my musical hero releasing albums that have been put off for far to long and others just starting out and others continuing to fly the flag unashamed, this has been a stellar year. It would be a difficult proposition to rank one album above another as each is an expression of the individual artists and bands and each has affected me in a different time and season. Hopefully many of these bands will not fall prey to the one-and-done mentality but will use these efforts to restart careers and influence the next generation. In the meantime I will raise a glass to the efforts produced in 2013 and hope for even better things in the 2014 to come. God bless all of you who put in blood, sweat and tears to keep this metal fan grinning from ear to ear all year long.