10. Raein - Sulla Linea D’Orizzonte Tra Questa Mia Vita E Quella Di Tutti
The Italian Kings of Screamo return with an unexpected 2011 release FOR FREE. Crazy right? The same pioneers of the skramz anthem ‘Tigersuit’ drop their third consecutive solid release and boy, it was pretty damn nice. Although not as great as their magnus opus Il N’y A Pas De Orchestre, this album is anything but lackluster. It hits hard in all the right places with fluid guitars and harsh vocals, Raein still stands firm as one of the greatest screamo bands of the 21st Century.
LISTEN TO: Raein - Nirvana
9. Maths - Ascent
When I first listened to Math’s Descent re-release, I was amazed at how much potential this band has to offer. Although, I made the mistake of not venturing further into their discography (I was on a Sigur Ros kick for the past month, whoops!). I’ll admit, not listening to their Ascent EP was single-handedly one of the biggest mistakes I made as a listener this year. An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, fronted by a talented vocalist that’s accompanied by a talented UK band, Maths are multiplying my love for this EP and dividing it by zero. BOOM.
LISTEN TO: Maths - Unending Bloom
8. Beau Navire - Hours
A band consisting of members from I Wrote Haikus About Cannibalism In Your Yearbook, Loma Prieta, and Spectre would be expected to release something that would be jaw-dropping. And of course, they live up to expectations. To sum it up and just make it short and sweet, it sounds like if Loma Prieta and IWHACIYY had crazy wild sex, gotten pregnant, and then gave birth to Beau Navire armed with two powerful vocalists, a crazy talented band, and a dash of post-rock influence. IWHACIYY died from pregnancy complications. I have to say, I’m in love with the guitars in ‘Respire (sync)’; a beautiful way to end a great album.
LISTEN TO: Beau Navire - The Looking Glass
7. Mahria - S/T Cassette
Kathy Coppola is sometimes known as the Queen of Screamo, but after that monstrosity release CTTS put out this year, she should have her crown revoked and placed on the head of Mahria’s vocalist Corby Burnett. Why? Have you not heard their Self-Titled? It’s bloody brilliant! Her harsh vocals accompany the bands’ thrashing guitars and drums so well. These Edmontoners sure know how to make great music (looking at you Todos). I was very proud to have them join in on the Comp we put out earlier last month. ‘Save Yourself’ continues to be one of my favorite tracks of the year.
LISTEN TO: Mahria - Save Yourself
6. Ampere - Like Shadows
You can quote me on saying that Ampere are a flawless band. In my opinion, they haven’t released one bad piece of music yet. Knock on wood. They continue their stride of success with Like Shadows releasing in the summer of 2011. The album is relatively short in length; only reaching about 14 minutes but the power it packs is beyond ruthless.
LISTEN TO: Ampere - Of Nightmare Reality
5. Todos Caerán - After Dark
Edmonton, Canada seems to be a breeding ground for fantastic hardcore bands (i.e. Mahria, Detroit). One band to come out of that woodwork is named Todos Caerán (Google says it means All With Fall). Creating such a fantastic debut album, beginning to end, starting from the spoken word on ‘Afterdark’ to the 7 minute ‘The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle’ masterpiece…It almost ‘makes me want to hide everything, go out, and face the world’. There’s one thing Edmonton knows how to do and it sure isn’t winning hockey games… (;
LISTEN TO: Todos Caerán - Dance Dance Dance
4. William Bonney - Good Vibes
William Bonney went on hiatus and all they released were an EP, a split, and a demo. Well, they left us with something special and it’s called Good Vibes. An angsty, emotional six track EP, William Bonney slays on every single song leaving no room for error. ‘Drug Lord’ is still one of my favorite tracks off the album. The vocalist echoes out angstly lyrics throughout the song:
“I hate everyone that I know, then I wonder ‘where did my friends go?’ Fucking poor me, always suffering. Everyone will let me down, one way or the other. One day I’ll be dead and gone, maybe then we’ll get along? I’m not holding breath, but what do I know? I know nothing.”
I bet you money, the man with the sad face paper bag over his head would be smiling underneath if he listened to this. Billy the Kid lived a short life, and so did this band; hopefully they make a return and release some more emoey goodness.
LISTEN TO: William Bonney - Drug Lord
3. ManBearPig - Ruined Emo
You should know by now that I LOVE ManBearPig. I’ve posted every song off Ruined Emo on here and their songs from the four-way split with Cavalcades, Nai Harvest, For This World Is Hollow And These Hands Have Touched The Sky. There is a reason for that. Ruined Emo is an astonishing EP from start to finish. The three piece have been able to conjure up five amazing songs backed by vocalist Cal Hudson’s angsty howl mixed with a sexy English accent to give the EP a more unique sound compared to other emo/screamo bands. It sounds refreshing to say the least. Not to mention how well the whole band sounds together as a whole. ManBearPig is real, and I’m sorry Al Gore, they can’t be stopped.
LISTEN TO: ManBearPig - Balance
2. Pianos Become the Teeth - The Lack Long After
Pianos Become the Teeth have made a name for themselves in this scene; there’s no doubt about that. Everything they have done has been outstanding from the beginnings of the Salt Water EP to their infamous Old Pride debut. They have come a long way and continue to wow fans. The Lack Long After is stricken with sadness and emotion ladled with dark lyrics and swooning guitars. Kyle Durfey’s rugged vocals are delivered perfectly with such intense emotion through each and every song. They masters of post-rock screamo showcase their pure talent and determination as a band on their new record.
LISTEN TO: Pianos Become the Teeth - Sunsetting
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1. Iselia - Life From Dead Limbs
However, there is one band that can give Pianos Become the Teeth a definite run for their money and that band is called Iselia. From beginning to end, Life From Dead Limbs is utterly beautiful. Vocals, guitars, bass, drums, everything is just so well done. It could possibly rival anything Envy or even PBTT has ever released. It just baffles me that this is their FIRST album and they already release something as amazing as this. They truly created a masterpiece for the new generation of screamo that would make many fans have eargams. I don’t know how to explain any further on how great this is, but if you are going to listen to one thing this year, make it Life From Dead Limbs. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It is a classic.
“Stand strong
Be brave
Steadfast
Grow tall.”
LISTEN TO: Iselia - These Roots, These Branches
I suck at reviews. Thank you for a hella good year. <3
Follow my twitter at @RealScreamo.
