You might have already seen my extensive top album/ep/single list for this year, but as a comglomerate of the three here’s my top 5 for 2021.
01 DEXCORE / -18-
My favourite active band right now, and this new ‘mini-album’ is an incredible way to see out the year. From the excellent single tracks we’ve already heard to the powerful lead track 20, this release sees a further refinement of that trademark DEXCORE blend of brutal metalcore riffs and powerful high-toned choruses with some more modern sensibilities. So far in my eyes this band can do nothing wrong.
02 | CVLTE / praystation 2
This band hailing from Hokkaido came out of nowhere for me this year and hit me hard with its well-produced and highly stylized mix of grungy guitar, trap beats and emotional pop-rock melodies. It’s also great to hear some not only accurate but natural English lyrics courtesy of ha-fu vocalist Aviel. This album has been on repeat since I discovered it and I’m gutted I just missed the window to get a physical copy.
03 | NEMOPHILA / REVIVE
These girls really know how to rock and their first full album was good enough to warrant an artist of the year award from Tower Records despite only dropping this month! The amazing composition and musicianship, powerful vocals from Mayu and above all the sheer energy and enthusiasm in each performance definitely earns them that accolade.
04 | アイナ・ジ・エンド / THE ZOMBIE
AiNA THE END has been prolific this year since launching her solo career, releasing not one but two full albums. While THE END back in February also made my top album list, it’s this second one where I think the quirky artist with her inimitable husky tones really comes into her own. Regardless, AiNA is definitely a legendary songstress in the making and I hope she continues down this path even after BiSH disbands.
05 | ã‚ズ / 仇
Despite being a sorely priced, glorified best album, it’s undeniable that Kataki has been one of my most-listened to releases this year. There’s simply no better way to get into Kizu, the stylish and highly-produced tour-de-force that has been pumping out quality releases consistently in bite-sized format and finally gets a compilation to entice new listeners. Each and every track on here deserves to be there and the excellent new songs are the icing on the cake. New single Strawberry Blue is definitely worth a listen too.
HONORARY MENTION
DEATHNYANN / illumina
I just have to leave this here because I can’t get it out of my damn head. Vocalist Minami Hoshikuma from Wagamama Rakia launches a solo project with the help of Paledusk guitarist DAIDAI and it’s about as crazy as you’d expect. The chorus is absurdly catchy and ever since the PV dropped it has been lingering at the back of my consciousness ready to burst forth when given the opportunity (and often without).