Top ten music releases of 2017

There is no doubt that 2017 has been an excellent year for live music, especially for myself. But how did it fair in terms of new music releases? This post is going to be a little looser in format than some of my reviews, something that I might continue into the future. So here is my list, the top ten music releases of 2017... presented in no particular order except for the number one spot. 

10. Ecostrike - Time is now

I've got a big soft spot for metallic hardcore... so I always enjoy when I see it done right. This EP definitely does it right. Filled with stompy mosh-pit riffs from start to finish. It's reminiscent of early Earth Crisis in both style and lyrical content (not a bad thing in my book). Though it is a little rough around the edges at points this EP is an excellent statement of intent. A great EP that makes me excited to see what Ecostrike have in store for us in the future.

If you only listen to one track: Act Of Militance

9. Boak - Movies

Aberdeen's Boak provided us with a masterclass in brevity with their EP Movies. Short and violent, this six track EP clocks in at under six minutes itself with no track breaking the minute marker. Boak are one of the best powerviolence bands active in the UK at the moment and this EP shows why. 

If you only listen to one track: Just listen to the whole thing, it's only 6 minutes long. haha

8. The Domestics - Cherry Blossom Life

The Domestics came to my attention through a friend and I glad this one didn't manage to slip me by. Cherry Blossom Life is the hard hitting punk album that I had been waiting to listen to all year. Fast paced, angry and belligerent. Track 6, Human Ikizukuri, a spoken word piece actually gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it. The Domestics and Pizza Tramp are the two most exciting modern UK hardcore bands.

If you only listen to one track: Don't Tell Me What Love Is

7. Dalek - Endangered Philosophies

2017 felt like a slow year for Hip-Hop, maybe that is because 2016 for me was such a great year for the genre. When I went back to some of the releases from this year and mopping up some of the releases I had managed to miss along the way I realised my initial assesment may have been a little unfair. One album, for me, stood head and shoulders above the rest... Endangered Philosophies. Probably the moodiest Hip-Hop release from 2017, this album is built on dark minimalistic beats and howling ambient noise. Dalek might be something a little different but I think that is something to get excited about.

If you only listen to one track: The Son Of Immigrants

6. Mastiff - BORK

I've said it before and I'll say it again... Mastiff are better than your band. But seriously, Mastiff are the one of the best sludge metal bands in the UK at the moment. One of my favourite things about Mastiff is they don't forget the hardcore punk roots of sludge metal... And BORK is no different. An aggressive and confrontational EP that makes good on all the threats they had made in previous releases.

If you only listen to one track: Eternal Regret


5. Blanck Mass - World Eater

Dropping fairly early in the year, World Eater is the electronic album that makes this list because how many times it has had me coming back for repeat listens. Drawing on a wide range of genres, this album has elements of electronica, noise, ambient and vaporwave... whilst also having a sound that is distinctly it's own. Though there have been some more challenging electronic albums released this year World Eater has a replay-ability that is undeniable.

If you only listen to one track: John Doe's Carnival Of Error


4. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic

 Power Trip are giving crossover thrash the boot up the arse that it needs. Nightmare logic absolutely left this years releases from both Municipal Waste and Iron Reagan for dust with its catchy neanderthalic riffs. The entire album has a party mosh pit vibe to the sound but with a clenched teeth anger behind it. And if you get the chance you absolutely need to catch Power Trip live.

If you only listen to one track: Executioner's Tax (Swing Of The Axe)

3. Corrupt Moral Altar -Eunoia

Eunoia is the best release to come out of Corrupt Moral Altar so far. Their sound is one that is hard to completely pin down but this album has elements of grindcore, powerviolence, hardcore, death and black metal and blends them all seamlessly. Essential listening for anyone who likes their music intense.

 If you only listen to one track: Survivor's Guilt

2. Stupid Cosmonaut - Algol

It's been a busy year for newcomers Stupid Cosmonaut after a hand full of releases and slew of live shows. The yawning spacescapes contained within Algol perfectly showcases their blend of electronics and ambient post-rock. Stupid Cosmonaut are definitely one to watch.

If you only listen to one track: The Demon Star Pilot

1. Bell Witch - Mirror Reaper

In my opinion Bell Witch's Mirror Reaper is the best release we saw in 2017. An album that commands your full attention. The emotion contained within the 83 minute composition is palpable. Extremely heavy, mournful, moody and dark. Although for a lot of people a single 83 minute track is a big slog it is well worth the effort you have to put in whilst listening to it.

If You only listen to one track: Hahahaha