2013, places 16-20

16. Bell Witch - Longing
Although released in 2012 I put it on my list as the vinyl was released in 2013. Some great doom releases this year and this is really one of them. The title "Longing" is really a great description of the music. There is a feeling of longing in the music throughout the entire record.






17. Pelican - Forever Becoming
Instrumental post-metal in the greatest of forms! Pelican released their strongest album yet with "Forever Becoming". A dynamic album that has anything you would like from an instrumental metal album without sounding pretentious. You've got your Mogwai melodies as well as some Mastodon like outbursts, a great combination!







18. Lumbar - The First And Last Days Of Unwelcome
Another one of those great doom releases of 2013! This is a short, hard-hitting and right to the point record. For a doom record to clock in at just 24 minutes is quite unusual, it's probably more usual that one song is of the same length.






19. The Dillinger Escape Plan - One Of Us Is The Killer
For me The Dillinger Escape Plan always deliver the goods, but since "Miss Machine" it's just been more of the same really. This album has been praised a lot, and rightly so, but there is always something missing from their albums I think. I can't put my finger on what it would be, maybe next album will fit my taste perfectly?





20. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Maybe this album deserves a higher position on this list? For me it doesn't top the amazing "High Violet" from 2010. This might be a more even album, songwise. I miss the incredible highs that "High Violet" presented us with. Songs like "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Terrible Love" are among the best songs of the 00s.

Pelican - Forever Becoming

From Southern Lord comes one of the best releases so far this year, Pelican's "Forever Becoming".

This is Pelican's fifth album and it might be their strongest to date. They're an instrumental progressive metal band which might sound a bit boring but this is far from it! Why add a vocal if it doesn't enhance the music? Every instrument and every note is there for a reason.

The single from the album "Deny The Absloute" was the first song I heard and so far it stands out as the strongest point of the record, maybe together with the brilliantly beautiful closing track "Perpetual Dawn".

Southern Lord always put out a quality product, not only music wise, but the vinyl product. Heavy weight vinyl and beautiful gatefold sleeve. They deliver the goods as always! My copy is on orange and blue vinyl, it was the first version available and sold out the 500 copies fast on pre-order.