Guest Lists: The Best of 2019

James Bauman of Racebannon, Wenches, Torturess

Looking back on 2019, we have another guest list today from James Bauman of Racebannon, Wenches, Torturess, Medusa and VRVLVM. Start digging into that catalog at the Master Kontrol bandcamp. Stay tuned for another guest list and our 2019 bracket results later this week. James' list follows:

My Top Ten releases of 2019 (in alphabetical order)
James Bauman

While this year saw some fine releases from bands I typically enjoy and support like Torche, Sunn O))), Monolord and False, I decided to only included albums that quickly made an impact on me and sent chills through me at least once during the first few listens. Here’s my top ten of 2019 in alphabetical order:

Abbath – Outstrider (Season of Mist)
The second "solo" album from former Immortal mastermind is nothing more than PURE BADASSERY. Riffs upon riffs upon riffs. Highly recommended.

Brittany Howard – Jaime (ATO Records)
This solo album from Alabama Shakes’ frontwoman is full of energy, emotion and amazing talent. While I do enjoy the Alabama Shakes that I’ve heard, I was surprised to like this as much as I do. I’ve been finding it inspiring and a nice change of pace from my usual taste.

C*nts – s/t (Ipecac Recordings)
Awesome record of nasty noise rock punk featuring members of Dead Cross and Retox. Let’s break stuff!

Devil Master – Satan Spits on Children of Light (Relapse Records)
ALL of my favorite genres rolled into one friggin’ awesome album. Relapse calls them “death rock meets black metal punk mayhem” and I can think of no better description. Don’t sleep on this if you haven’t already checked it out.

Ecstatic Vision – For the Masses (Heavy Psych Sounds)
This is one of my favorite bands currently. They manage to do the “trance-y” heavy psych-rock thing in a way that makes it obvious why they are on the label that they are on. A good record to play while driving on the highway.

The Heavy – Sons (BMG (UK))
Yes, I’m surprised this major label release is on my list too but I can’t help it. It’s just too fun. If you like soul and rock, you’ll feel the same way. This one helps me with my ongoing craving for James Brown.

Kadavar – For the Dead Travel Fast (Nuclear Blast)
Another favorite band of mine doing that 70’s creepy psych-doom thing. This band has developed quite a unique sound and I hope to see them live someday soon.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Infest the Rat’s Nest (Flightless/ATO Records)
My boy Kyle turned me onto this and I’m so glad he did. This is exactly what I always need. It’s heavy. It’s thrash-y. It’s got sick hooks and even sicker leads. If you like any type of metal at all, you will most likely get into this.

Lord Mantis – Universal Death Church (Profound Lore Records)
I just can’t get enough of this band. Featuring members of Chicago’s Indian, every release just absolutely crushes and annihilates. Makes me want to eat glass while burning to death hanging from a barbed-wire noose.

Sleater-Kinney – The Center Won’t Hold (Mom + Pop)
What a comeback. I know what it feels like to be on a break from playing music with your band only to reunite and feel tremendous chemistry right away. That must’ve happened for Sleater-Kinney when they got together for this record and it shows. It’s produced by St. Vincent and it’s REALLY good. Do it.