Guest Lists: The Best of 2018

James Bauman of Racebannon, Wenches, Torturess

Before unleashing the bracket results, we have another guest list. Today, James Bauman, best known as founding guitarist for Racebannon, shares his list. In addition to his Racebannon cred, Bauman has also played in bands such as Medusa, Torturess (read more here!), Wenches, and VRVLVM (read more here again!). You check them all out at the Master Kontrol bandcamp. Be prepared, it's a heavy list:

My Top Ten releases of 2018 (in alphabetical order)
James Bauman

ASG - Survive Sunrise – Relapse Records
I was pretty pumped for this release from ASG and it did not disappoint. Killer, hook-heavy riffs with, dare I say melodic singing, made for a great summer time road trip soundtrack.

The Atlas Moth - Coma Noir – Prosthetic Records
Wow. Absolutely crushing. Guitar tones that you just want to take a bite out of.

Craft - White Noise and Black Metal – Season of Mist Records
One of the best black metal records I’ve ever heard. Seriously. Highly recommend.

Daughters - You Won’t Get What You Want – Ipecac Recordings
This album is rad. This band is rad. If you don’t know, now you do. ‘Nuff said. Favorite track: The Reason They Hate Me (quite possibly my favorite track of 2018).

Graveyard – Peace – Nuclear Blast Records
I can’t get enough of Graveyard from Sweden. An awesome blend of super catchy rock, stoner-doom, and blues. This record is a bit more aggressive and heavier than their last one. I also recommend seeing them live if you get a chance.

High on Fire - Electric Messiah – Entertainment One Music
If there’s a new HoF album, it should be on everyone’s year-end list. Electric Messiah is a nod to the late great Lemmy Kilmister. Matt Pike even had time this year to also put out a new Sleep record! If I had listened to it more, it might’ve made this list too.

Sleigh Bells - Kid Kruschev – Torn Clean Records
Technically this record came out at the very end of 2017, but close enough. I wasn’t able to stop listening to it all of 2018. Favorite tracks: Rainmaker & And Saints (check out the video if you get a chance.)

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats – Wasteland – Rise Above Records
This has made many top of the year lists and it’s not surprising. These guys just keep getting better and better and have developed such a unique sound. Can’t wait to see them in Chicago with Graveyard in March.

Watain - Trident Wolf Eclipse – Century Media Records
Hail Watain.

Zeal and Ardor - Stranger Fruit – MVKA Music
How do you blend African chanting with black metal? Just like this. A genre-defying amalgamation of sweet goodness. Highly recommended for anyone that likes things that rule.