Volbeat has long been thrown under the “rock” umbrella by radio stations and streaming services. This album showcases Beartooth’s ability to write songs with passion and feeling without sacrificing their trademark heaviness. In each song there is a balance between the intensity found on Aggressive and Disgusting, along with their more melodic songwriting found on Disease. Some of the best albums are ones where bands are able to find a balance between the strengths of their previous records without going too far in either direction. Whether it is the turntable effect on the vocals, electronic hi-hats driving the groove, or the irresistible heavy-riffing, Out For Blood is sure to make your head move.
Code Orange may have been in the books as an industrial metal band for a while now, but “Out For Blood” really showcases the band’s ability to fuse the electronic elements of industrial bands like KMFDM and the heavy thrash-filled riffs of classic acts like Metallica and Anthrax. Songs like “I’m Not Right” and “Sick of You” are perfect for the head-banging nu-metal crowd, “Negative Noise” is perfect for the intense high-speed metalcore crowd, and the grooves on “Push Down” and “Take a Look Inside” can make any metalhead want to dance.Īt the #2 spot we have the only single on this list. There is something on Unstable for everyone.
I have to confess: I have a soft spot for this band as they were my first in-person interview at WSOU and the first band I saw live at a WSOU show, but I think Unstable would top the list either way. Patrick Ritter’s Top 10 Albums of the year