BearlySinister’s Monthly Round-Up (September/October)

Howdy ho, fans! Sorry it’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these, ol’ BearlySinister has been EXTREMELY busy. As you know, we’ve hired 2 new writers and our OG, Dave Woodward, is back as well! September and October were both INSANE months for music (although, truth be told, October beat out by September). Take a look at my favorite releases for both months.

SEPTEMBER

#7: In Flames – Siren Charms “While Siren Charms is far from the heavy, destructive metal beast that we’re used to having unleashed upon us… it’s certainly a wonderful addition to their repertoire. This album is by far the most diverse and experimental the band has been in years.” #6: LIGHTS – Little Machines
“If you don’t know who LIGHTS is, you’ve been living under a rock. As always, Mrs. Lights Bokan has delivered another electronica masterpiece, worthy of praise in all aspects.”

#5: The Script – No Sound Without Silence
“The Script has delivered again with their 4th offering, No Sound Without Silence, proving that they know what it is to make a wonderful cross-over record. Mixing elements of pop, rock, hip-hop and soul.. this album has something for everyone. If you were a fan of this Dublin trio, you’ll discover what it is to love them all over again with this newest release.”

#4: The Killjoy Club – Reindeer Games
“You wanted it, you begged for it… a collaboration between the almighty ICP and Da Mafia 6ix. Reindeer Games gives you the best of both worlds, showcasing the magnifique horrorcore that only ICP can create and the dope beats and sick flows that only Da Mafia 6ix can drop! Reindeer Games is by far one of my favorite rap releases of the year! Love ’em or hate ’em… it’s bound to turn heads!”

#3: Gerard Way – Hesistant Alien
“Hesistant Alien from first listen had me feeling pretty “hesitant”. After giving it subsequent listens, I started to realize that this is an album that was years in the making in ex-MCR frontman, Gerard Way’s head! It’s hard to put this album into a genre category because it’s all over the place (as he tends to be) but one thing’s for sure… it’s worth your attention!”

#2: Ariana Grande – My Everything ”
At first glance, Ariana Grande might look like a sweet, innocent little girl… that’s where you’re wrong. Indicated in tracks like “Bang Bang! (which features Nicki Minaj and Jessie J) and her sultry duet with The Weeknd, “Love Me Harder”… you’ll soon realize that looks can be deceiving. Focusing less on the soulful, old school R&B sound that she introduced herself with, My Everything is everything that a pop/R&B record should be!”

#1: The Color Morale – Hold On Pain Ends
“Hold On Pain Ends took a long time for me to really get into. At first listen.. it didn’t seem to have that punch that they’re known for… the lyrics were there, the emotion was there… but there was something lacking. However, when I came back and listened later… I realized that I had missed SEVERAL elements that make this the perfect metalcore record of the year. Hold On Pain Ends combines everything these guys have been known/loved for and mixes it with their favorite influences… featuring guest spots from Dave Stephens (We Came As Romans) and Craig Owens (Chiodos).. it’s not hard to see why Fearless Records was so excited about picking them up!

OCTOBER

#7: Black Veil Brides – IV
“The world’s most hated rock band’… Whether you’re a fan or you’re in with the crowd, you can’t deny that the amount of talent that Black Veil Brides possesses is not worth noticing. While it is a slightly lacking release in comparison to Wretched & Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones, they definitely continue to deliver a solid classic metal drive while keeping true to who they are.”
#6: Mary Lambert – Heart On My Sleeve
“Mary Lambert, best known for her heart-stopping duet, “Same Love” with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, proves that she’s not a one hit wonder. While the majority of her album lacks the bouncy nature of the debut single, “Secrets”, it truly is her heart being worn on her sleeve. It’s a no-holds barred, incredible venture by one of the most talented female artists in the game today. She even included a stellar rendition of the 80s hit “Jessie’s Girl”!

#5: Taylor Swift – 1989
“Best known in the paparazzo world as the break-up queen, T-Swift pulls out all the stops in this incredible pop endeavor. She has decided to completely drop the country facade and just focus on making a fun, 80’s inspired album… truly working to her advantage. She even teamed up with Imogen Heap on a track! If you loved Taylor in the past, you’re guaranteed to fall back in love with 1989.”
#4: Florida-Georgia Line – Anything Goes
“This Florida-Georgia duo proves that country and hip-hop can mix in the best of ways. Providing the best of both worlds, FGL delivers yet another incredible release… far surpassing their debut! Be sure to check out the videos for “Dirt” and “Sun Daze” (the latter of which was just released).”

#3: Varsity – Lights/Of Euphoria – Fall Where It May
“Two equally amazing releases from independent labels… I wouldn’t be able to choose my favorite if a gun were put to my head. Joey Varela and Co. continue to show that they have what it takes to stand with the best in the genre. Delivering a mix of R&B, metal, rock and any other genre he can get his hands of… Varela is a machine and is not to be underestimated! Of Euphoria is one of Afflicted Record’s newest signings and truly one of the most impressive I’ve heard since For All Who Fail. It’s hard to believe that Fall Where It May was released on this small, but impressive independent label because it definitely has the potential to stack up to labels like Rise Records, InVogue Records and Tragic Hero. Be sure to check them out!”

#2: Slipknot – .5: The Gray Chapter
“Recovering from a crushing loss, Slipknot have delivered the album that fans have been begging for since the release of 2004’s “Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses”. Combining elements of Iowa, their self-titled outing and their latest release All Hope Is Gone… this album is an incredible tribute to a truly amazing individual. If you had any doubts about the band when they came back, they’ll quickly be put to rest after one listen of this monster!”

#1: Exotype – Exotype/Chasing Safety – Season of the Dead
“We’ve got a personal history with Exotype that can’t be ignored but that’s not the contributing factor to why this beast made the tie for my #1 spot of October. Combining everything that Exotype had built up since their debut and elements of nu-metal… this self-titled album is by far one of the best albums of the year. So proud to have introduced the world to these guys with our review of their debut EP and even more proud that these guys were not only SIGNED… but hit #27 on the Heatseekers chart after their first week of sales! Don’t sleep on this release! On the same note, Chasing Safety have EASILY dropped one of the most impressive debut albums to date with Season of the Dead, both of these releases utilizing effects in the perfect way… not too overbearing, annoying or repetitive… it’s not hard to see why these will likely make my year-end list!”