It's that time of year again, where we say goodbye to one and hello to another. Although 2021 hasn't exactly been the year that it was expected to be, one shining factor that has stayed consistent is music. Music this year has been one for the books, competitive, energetic but mainly just fun and reliable.
There's a bit of something for everyone, but what albums are the top picks of the year?
Holding Absence - The Greatest Mistake of my Life
A true obliteration of expectations after their 2019 releases Afterlife and Die Alone (In Your Lovers Arms). Holding Absence released an LP that radiates so much energy, confidence, and emotions, that you almost forget any other album was released this year. This album has everything you could want from an album and more.
Ice Nine Kills - The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood
In their ever-so magnetic style, INK released an LP that is darker, more wistful, and bolder than ever before. Think about all the monsters in the night, wrap them up, and put them in a box. That is The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood.
Mod Sun - Internet Killed The Rockstar
There is so much nostalgia, heart, and soul to be explored in this album. Mod Sun shines his talents in an LP worthy of where he is currently in his career. The heart and soul in this album pick up the emotions and the energy from 98 to 100 instantaneously. A very loving piece of work.
Black Veil Brides - The Phantom Tomorrow
A conceptual world that feels ever-so real. BVB have showcased their sound and overall aesthetic poise with their storytelling and dystopian world. The cinematic feel of the album makes this album one of their most desirable yet, showing just how accelerated they have become in their songwriting. Classic sounds but same band, we welcome Black Bird…we welcome The Phantom Tomorrow.
Pretty Reckless - Death By Rock and Roll
Brooding and dark - the elements that fans of Pretty Reckless are so fond of. Taylor Momsen’s vocals are the driving force of this album which showcases some more stripped-back rock songs, and other heavier, more energetic tracks. An overwhelming and healing LP for the band, this intense album shines more rock and roll than ever before.
Bullet For My Valentine - Bullet For My Valentine
It was about time BfMV made a self-titled album and it far from disappoints. Hitting straight back into their routed sound with tracks like Knives and Parasite, those raspy screams of Matt Tuck will ring in your ears for minutes. Heavy, suspensful and darkly intense. If you loved BfMV's other albums, then this should be in your arsenal too. Offereing a lot of their original sounds from their first two albums, BfMV hone in on particular elements and make them the driving forces of the tracks.
Waterparks - Greatest Hits
2021 was a year of attitude and no f’s given from Waterparks. Although the name might suggest otherwise, the fourth studio album sees more diverse sounds from the trio with a stronger attitude, limitless creativity, and so much energy. If the other three albums weren’t enough for you, then this 17 track LP will hit the spot.
Architects - For Those That Wish to Exist
Brutal, chaotic, and broodingly dark. What more could one ask from an album like this. Exploring their surroundings and the world that currently surrounds them, Architects have taken what they are experiencing and put it straight down on paper. Inclusive and overly relatable, the band has created a strong eighth album, that has broadened their sound and given a fresh taste to an archaic sound.
Evanescence - The Hidden Truth
With empowering piano ballads, a love letter-esque vibe, and nostalgic sounds of Evanescence, Amy Lee and the band have created the light. An airy feeling in the darkest of days, this album is the driving force of it all. Anthems from start to finish wash over your ears, and offers a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is some light out there. Very true to Evanescence style.
Don Broco - Amazing Things
True to style and sound, Don Broco explored some fresh and almost unpredictable elements. Just as witty as they portray themselves, Broco has created a strong and diverse set of tracks that in themselves, exhibit finesse and energy.
The Maine - XOXO: From Love & Anxiety in Real Time
Summer in an album. Overwhelmingly energetic, emotional, and welcoming. With everything that was happening throughout the year, this album was the sidekick that no one knew they needed. More experimental in the pop elements of their music, The Maine created an LP that speaks volumes to the world, feeling nostalgic in some areas and much like Evanescence, reminds you that even in the darkest times, there is light.
Top EPs of 2021:
Although short, Against The Current did it again. A short play that brings so much energy, heavy rock elements and staple sounds to one place. Just when you think that the roof couldn’t be raised any higher, ATC proof us wrong. Fever is just the beginning, of the return to the band's nostalgic sound.
Bronnie - Love Letters & Hate Mail
Pop-punk anthemic vibes, dark yet fun and relatable. Bronnie is known for creating overly catchy music. This EP over her other short plays showcases the growth in her songwriting and is almost a love letter in itself to her fans. If you are a Bronnie fan then this is an unmissable EP.
Meet Me @ The Altar - Modern Citizen
Exploring some nostalgic pop-punk sounds, MMATA has created from start to finish a track for different pop-punk stages. Never Gonna Change feels like a track you would expect from more modern pop-punk sounds, like those of Machine Gun Kelly, whereas other tracks are strongly reminiscent of those relating to Paramore, A Day To Remember, and more.
Hot Milk - I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead
Heavy pop-punk is not what you would expect to hear from Manchester-based, Hot Milk. This EP is their heaviest release to date, which offers versatile electronic beats, pop-esque hooks, and overwhelming energy that is stereotypical to the band's sound. It's no secret that they are rising to pop-punk fame fast, but once you hear this EP, it will become clear why. With no signs of slowing down, this short play has much to offer.
