With 2014 almost two weeks behind us, I finally got around to compiling my favorite full length albums of 2014. Be sure to also check out my favorite EPs of 2014!
Here is part one of the three part series:
black metal
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 2014 turned out to be one of the strongest years for metal in recent memory, making the compiling of this list something of a challenge. It seemed like a particularly strong year for black metal, which comprises half of my list. |
 Thus far, 2014 has been an outstanding year for fans of black metal. Starting back in January with Murmur’s stellar self-titled record, this year has seen excellent releases from both more established bands (Cormorant, Agalloch, Lantlos, Woods of Desolation, Krieg) and relative newcomers (Bastard Sapling, Barghest, Mutilation Rites, Barbeleth, Myopic, Torrid Husk, The Great Old Ones, Emptiness, Thantifaxath). Add to that list a pair of releases from September: Panopticon’s Roads to the North and the self-titled debut EP from Myrkur. |
 You've probably never heard of this surprisingly good one-man project called Prevenge because the band still hasn't suffered the mythical "big break" yet. This is hardly surprising given that Prevenge makes music just for the sake of making music. What I've heard previously from Prevenge consists of not-so-weird post metal and black metal. Although the black metal side is stronger on Paramnesia, Max Reff is still feeding his music with artistic nourishment and the album deviates enough from the black metal path not to make this another generic, useless record. |
 At this point, I don’t think anyone would fault Agalloch if they decided to simply rest on their laurels. After all, their discography has been so consistently excellent that if the band were to just phone one in and make Pale Folklore: Part II, few people would probably mind. This is a band with absolutely nothing left to prove, especially after 2010’s nearly universally lauded Marrow of the Spirit. |
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