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Articles : LORD – Andy Dowling’s Best Albums of 2013

By on December 12, 2013

LORD – Andy Dowling

Sydney’s LORD are widely known as one of Australia’s premier metal acts. In 2013, they’ve proven why they’re worthy of that statement with their new album ‘Digital Lies’, which was listed as #2 on a Metal Obsession contributors list of favourite 2013 albums. They haven’t been too big on the Australian touring front this year, because their tour promoting the new album was in late 2012 before the album was released. But the band went on a successful tour in Asia, where they played shows in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. Outside of LORD, frontman Lord Tim made a double-album titled ‘Chronicles of Damnation’ with his side-project Blackened Angel, also featuring members of Serenity Defiled, Germ and Carbon Black.

Metal Obsession is pleased to have bassist and Golden Ale enthusiast Andy Dowling share his favourite international and Australian albums with us.

AUSTRALIAN ALBUMS

5. Blackened Angel – Chronicles of Damnation
I might be slightly biased with this one, seeing as it features our very own Lord Tim, however this album is a monster and unfortunately I think a lot of people will overlook or simply not know about it. If you’re reading this, be sure to check this out. Think Kreator and Grave Digger getting it on together. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Listen: “Of Wings and White”

 

4. Germ – Grief
Who would have thought our old drummer would go on to have successful solo career?! Well, TY has always had his roots heavily planted in black metal and he’s been able to use those influences along with a multitude of different rock and metal elements into what is now called ‘Germ’. This album absolutely haunting and full of raw emotion. Germ has managed to pull quite a following in Europe and remain virtually unknown in Australia for the most part. Hopefully this can change. Listen: “Blue As The Sky, Powerful As The Waves”

3. Truth Corroded – The Saviours Slain
This album got them signed to AFM Records internationally and you can hear why. The guys have raised bar again with great song writing and production. If you love your death/thrash metal, then check these guys out. A slick assault of the senses. Another great example of Australian’s showing the rest of the world that we’re not to be ignored.
Listen: “Of Gods Drowned in Blood”

 

2. Taberah – Necromancer
I still remember these guys supporting us back in 2006 when they were 16 years old. It’s amazing to see how far they have come. Taberah is one of the very few Australian bands who has done something very simple; they stuck at it. Other bands should take notice. Great things can come from great work ethic and believing in what you do.
Listen: “Burning in the Moonlight”

 

1. Harlott – Origin
Who would have thought hey? Maybe if I was living in Melbourne then I would have seen this one coming, instead this has come out of nowhere and has been the absolute shock of the year for me. Can I say this is the best thrash album I have ever heard come out of Australia apart from Allegiance‘s ‘D.E.S.T.I.T.U.T.I.O.N’? Too bad, just did.
Listen: “Ballistic”

 

INTERNATIONAL ALBUMS

5. Motörhead – Aftershock
If you’re already a fan of Motörhead, then for the most part you can never go wrong with a new album the power trio. This falls into the same slot as Amorphis; nothing shocking or dazzling, but Motörhead are not about that, are they? Quality as always.
Listen: “Silence When You Speak to Me”

 

4. Amorphis – Circle
Nothing ground breaking, just another consistent world class, top notch album from one of my favourite bands. If you enjoyed the last few albums then you should dig this. Seeing these guys for the first time ever in Australia this year was a dream come true. What a band! Listen: “Shades of Grey”

 

3. Hell – Curse and Chapter
My apologies, but who? Clearly I’m late to the party. Better late than never, because this album is ridiculously awesome! Classic heavy metal with catchy chorus’ and riffs in the vein of King Diamond (!!!). Looks like I’ll have to go back and listen to their previous album ‘Human Remains’ as well as their early 80s material. Consider me a fan.
Listen: “The Age of Naferious”

 

2. Matenrou Opera – 喝采と激情のグロリア (Kassai to Gekijou no Gloria)
No, I don’t expect you to know who on Earth I’m talking about, but it’s definitely worth giving this one a spin. Ignore the language barrier (or great excuse to learn!), this album is EPIC. Huge production, very catchy guitar work and some great vocal hooks. These guys are part of the ‘visual kei’ metal genre in Japan, and are VERY popular in their home country. I picked this up when on tour in Japan this year as a wild card, and is easily the best blind purchase I have ever made. Well worth checking out for something different. You’ll either fall in love with it, or not get it at all. Listen: “Merry Drinker”

1. Queensryche – Queensryche
Who would have thought eh? While I can’t comment on the inner turmoil publicised within the band over the last couple of years (everyone including Tate were super cool with us back in 2006 when we supported them), I can clearly see that the band is in a far better place now musically than they have been for many many many (get the picture?) years. This album packs such a huge statement and has given them a new lease on life. Highly highly recommended, especially for those who gave up on this band many many (OK, I’ll stop) years ago.
Listen: “In This Light”

 

Metal Obsession would like to thank Andy for sharing his favourite albums of 2013 with us.

Check out the music video for ‘Because We Can’, taken from LORD’s latest album ‘Digital Lies’

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Patrick has been a dedicated contributor to Metal Obsession since 2011. He believes that you can put Lars Ulrich's face on just about anything. Add Patrick on Facebook.