Mono

Japenese post-rock outfit Mono are one of those bands that seem to be effortlessly good at what they do. Admittedly they don't make grand gestures or mix things up on every release, but what they do they do exceptionally well and they keep on polishing, making their chosen sound as good as it can be. They something special tho... the ability to wrench deeply heartfelt emotions out of their instruments, despite the complete absence of vocals.

 

AOTY #5. Code Orange - Forever

Forever is indeed a hardcore record, but without sacrificing the aggression, brutish intensity and passionate vehemence that makes it so, its tropes and conventions are toyed with at every turn, either accentuated or subverted completely. The first listen is an absolute thrill ride, the listener quite simply strapped in, tossed around in wild different directions and told to deal with it. The joy of further listens comes not only in that maintained visceral high but getting inside those twists and turns and becoming part of the mayhem.

Chelsea Wolfe

Well, you already know this is a highlight from the first few notes. The atmosphere and melody is absolutely flooring. '' I wanted to write some sort of escapist music, songs that were just about being in your body, and getting free ''... That's what she said. FUCK!