7. Of Mice & Men – ‘Restoring Force’
Having grown up in the 90’s Of Mice & Men did what any heavy music fan of that era would love to do: Create an album that could stand with any band they grew up listening to. Not only is ‘Restoring Force’ heaps more mature (You’re sure Papa Roach didn’t write “Identity Disorder”?) but it also showcases a kingdom-minded group of musicians playing music that they genuinely enjoy. The album still comes equipped with signature OM&M bangers such as “Public Service Announcement” and “Glass Hearts” – but the real attraction here is the Slipknot/Machine Head/Mudvayne lovechild that is “You Make Me Sick”. Look out for the album to come Full-Circle in February.
6. Volumes – ‘No Sleep’
Volumes do a grand job of playing unique, emotional djent that rivals their peers and allows them to exist in multiple scenes. ‘No Sleep’ is the band’s second and finest full-length featuring improved songwriting and display of band chemistry. The replay value is high and the grooves are massive as expected (“Neon Eyes” especially jams) but the addition of more clean vocals creates a feely atmosphere that ‘Via’ only semi-explored. Songs like “Erased” and “Up All Night” show that ‘No Sleep’ is more than just passionate music – It’s a collection of personal experiences.
5. Issues – ‘Issues’
Everyone’s been talking about Issues and for good reason: The Georgia/LA-based gentlemen make for a downright ambitious group. The Issues shown on the self-titled record was a band that wanted to appeal to fans of Limp Bizkit, Justin Timberlake and Breathe Carolina alike. The effort is as crazy as it would seem, but the album was more than a novelty – The massive choruses, emotive hardcore expression, electronic-produced melodic soundscapes and heavy low-end guitars crushed, dazzled and entranced the listener in a way that no other band in 2014 did. Each song was different than the last, yet consistent in delivery. Even on album #1 Issues have an identity, as sporadic as it may be, and all of the heart that went into songs such as “Never Lose Your Flames” and “Disappear (Remember When)” should not be overlooked.
7. Of Mice & Men – ‘Restoring Force’
Having grown up in the 90’s Of Mice & Men did what any heavy music fan of that era would love to do: Create an album that could stand with any band they grew up listening to. Not only is ‘Restoring Force’ heaps more mature (You’re sure Papa Roach didn’t write “Identity Disorder”?) but it also showcases a kingdom-minded group of musicians playing music that they genuinely enjoy. The album still comes equipped with signature OM&M bangers such as “Public Service Announcement” and “Glass Hearts” – but the real attraction here is the Slipknot/Machine Head/Mudvayne lovechild that is “You Make Me Sick”. Look out for the album to come Full-Circle in February.
6. Volumes – ‘No Sleep’
Volumes do a grand job of playing unique, emotional djent that rivals their peers and allows them to exist in multiple scenes. ‘No Sleep’ is the band’s second and finest full-length featuring improved songwriting and display of band chemistry. The replay value is high and the grooves are massive as expected (“Neon Eyes” especially jams) but the addition of more clean vocals creates a feely atmosphere that ‘Via’ only semi-explored. Songs like “Erased” and “Up All Night” show that ‘No Sleep’ is more than just passionate music – It’s a collection of personal experiences.
5. Issues – ‘Issues’
Everyone’s been talking about Issues and for good reason: The Georgia/LA-based gentlemen make for a downright ambitious group. The Issues shown on the self-titled record was a band that wanted to appeal to fans of Limp Bizkit, Justin Timberlake and Breathe Carolina alike. The effort is as crazy as it would seem, but the album was more than a novelty – The massive choruses, emotive hardcore expression, electronic-produced melodic soundscapes and heavy low-end guitars crushed, dazzled and entranced the listener in a way that no other band in 2014 did. Each song was different than the last, yet consistent in delivery. Even on album #1 Issues have an identity, as sporadic as it may be, and all of the heart that went into songs such as “Never Lose Your Flames” and “Disappear (Remember When)” should not be overlooked.
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Album Of The Year Architects Beartooth Crosses Crown The Empire Issues Music Reviews Of Mice & Men Set It Off Slipknot The Amity Affliction Volumes
