Yeah. I've been slacking off completely. I don't know, motivation escapes me. But, alas, here's what going on in my life as of late.
- I got accepted into the Bachelor of Journalism program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for Fall 2012.
- My music collection grew even more.
- I've been building a few player collections of my favourite hockey players. Mainly cards, but I have some cool bonus memorabilia too.
- I bought a car.
- I'm planning a trip to Ontario; I'll be going there in August if all goes according to plan.
- I still work a lot.
- DC Universe Online causes me to have little time to play any other games (namely Tales of the Abyss).
and other things.
Anyway, seeing as this is where I review(ed) music (although this may just become everything), might as well make this music related.
2011 was a good year for music (and my collection) and 2 major trips out into Vancouver brought in a major load of music. I posted about the first trip, but the second occurred the day before my 20th birthday and I added 5 more albums to my collection (which, at the time, I think was just under 80. Currently, I have 86).
But just because they were purchased in 2011, or even 2012, doesn't mean they were released then. These albums listed here were. And a short blurb to accompany them. As for 2012, I'll do another post for them later that'll stay updated.
Anything with a $ before the title means I got it elsewhere (friends/iTunes), and thus don't own a physical copy, but still listen to the album.
Back Through Time - Alestorm (Folk Metal; Scotland)
Pirates! Pretty good album, and definitely enjoyable, but not as memorable as previous releases. Although bonus points for the cover of "You Are a Pirate".
The Human Romance - Darkest Hour (Metalcore; USA)
Not bad, but, like Alestorm, lack of anything memorable means this one doesn't rate too high on my list.
Wasting Light - Foo Fighters (Alternative Rock; USA)
Well now. This is actually a good album the more I listen to it. Definitely a good variety from big headbangers, to more softer (but, nonetheless good) tracks.
Astral Rejection - I Set My Friends On Fire (Experimental Metal; USA)
Maybe the humour is gone for me, but ISMFOF seems to have just lost it this album.. although the track names are more clever than their first album.
Sounds of a Playground Fading - In Flames (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
Definitely something new from In Flames. It works at times, it doesn't at others, but without trying something new, how else can a band evolve. It's still a good effort and there are a few good songs.
$ Ukon Wacka - Korpiklaani (Folk Metal; Finland)
I understand only 1% of what's being said (what? Do I look like I speak Finnish?), but who says you need to understand to enjoy music? Fun album, and one I enjoyed very much.
Th1rt3en - Megadeth (Thrash Metal; USA)
Hit and miss. VERY hit and miss. Good variety though, and it definitely has a few winners on here.
Imaginaerum - Nightwish (Symphonic Metal; Finland)
Oh. My. Sweet. Lord. Easily one of the top albums of the year. Solid concept album, absolutely gorgeous instrumental-wise. Seriously. Go listen to this album! (and see the movie when it comes out)
Illuminator - No Bragging Rights (Melodic Hardcore; USA)
I pre-ordered this one; well worth it. Best album from them yet, and a great album for those looking for something new.
Scurrilous - Protest the Hero (Progressive Metal; Canada)
Reppin' the homeland! Another amazing album from these guys. Vocally trying something new (namely, less screaming), musically, even better. And that's saying something. Definitely check this one out.
Endgame - Rise Against (Punk Rock; USA)
Rise Against continually pushes the bar with each new album, and Endgame is one of their best yet. Recommending this one.
The Unseen Empire - Scar Symmetry (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
My only beef is that it's too short. It took a few listens to fully enjoy it, but this is a solid album from start to finish.
Rescue - Silverstein (Post-Hardcore; Canada)
Taking a seemingly punk rock route with this latest album, Silverstein shows tons of growth while still keeping what they had at the start. Great album, and one I replay a ton.
In Waves - Trivium (Thrash Metal; USA)
The beginning? Awesome. After that, I really can;t find a lot for it. It's one I'd need to replay more to get into. So-so album.
$ Hell Frost - The Unguided (Melodic Death Metal; Sweden)
Take basically the original Sonic Syndicate, add a dash of kick-assery, and boom. Enjoy. Best served ice cold and loud. Seriously, though, one of the absolute best albums of 2011.
