Huck N’ Roll and Eldritch Elitist will now hold court with their well-thought-out Top Ten(ish) lists. Appear or be held in eternal contempt.
Huntsmen
Huntsmen – Mandala of Fear Review
“Huntsmen was one of the best left-field surprises of 2018 with their American Scrap album. By mixing progressive sludge and Americana, they created a sound not quite like any other. The songs neatly encapsulated heartfelt stories about working in the coal mines, a tragedy in Atlantic City, and others, closing on “The Last President” which included a dramatic performance by Aimee Bueno as the POTUS who unleashes nuclear Armageddon and hangs herself right after. It was a potent storytelling format that was bolstered by strong riffs, earnest vocals and succinct songwriting. So it makes sense that Mandala of Fear continues in… Wait… Does that promo sheet say “85 minute double LP dystopian concept album?!”” More as less.
Ferrous Beuller’s and GardensTale’s Top Ten of 2018
Ferrous Beuller and GardensTale need to unburden themselves and share all their picks for the best of 2018. Be polite and sit quietly until they’re done, then you can go outside and get a cupcake.
Record(s) o’ the Month – February 2018
“As usual, the new year began with childlike dreams of having timely Record(s) o’ the Month posts, and as usual, our pie in the sky hopes came crashing to Earth by February. The lesson here is, never ever try. With this new pragmatic approach to cruel blogworks realities, we can assure you that most, if not all of the Record(s) o’ the Month posts will be refreshingly late. Hell, some months they might not happen at all!” I don’t feel tardy.
Huntsmen – American Scrap Review
“On their debut American Scrap, Chicago quartet Huntsmen blend Americana with a progressive take on searing sludge metal. But can they do justice to the self-proclaimed Greatest Country in the World?” Born in the U.S.A..