#22 - Ion Dissonance | Cursed

Some of the most hilariously shitty lyrics I've ever heard yet some of the most insanely heavy music I've heard IN AWHILE.

Way better than Minus the Talent.

I listened to this maybe too much over the period of two weeks. It's still wicked awesome.

#23 - The Contortionist - Exoplanet

WHOA?! What is this? Pandolfo still listens to metalcore?

Yeah, only the best metalcore albums of the year. And there was only one really good one of the year.

The Contortionist.

It's like Self Titled Between The Buried and Me meets The Faceless. I couldn't help myself for about a week this summer. This was pretty much on repeat and every once in awhile I still get the urge to just blast the hell out of it.

So to answer that question actually...no I don't still listen to metalcore. It's a rarity. But every once in awhile a good band is still alive somewhere in the sea of shitastic gimmicky bands. This is one of them.

#24 - Periphery | Periphery (Instrumental)

Yeah, I may seem like a dick for stating that the number 24 album of 2010 is strictly NOT the actual CD with the vocals. As much as I do believe Periphery's vocalist has a great singing voice, and I didn't hate his screaming, the incredible instrumentation on this CD totally gets blocked out when there are constant vocals.

There were several things I noticed on this record that I wouldn't have if they never had released the instrumental album. Plus, there are moments of this CD that are actually much heavier due to the fact that there are no vocals.

Anyways, this was an awesome CD to blast as loud as possible. Although I think it's slightly too long at times, I must say that "Racecar" is an unbelievably awesome track, especially that it's clocking in around 15 minutes. I hope their new stuff sounds more like that.

#25 - Sleeping Peonies | Rose Curl, Sea Swirl

Well what the fuck is this?

Black metal dream pop?

Yup. And it's gorgeous and definitely unique.

This might be seeming cliche of me to keep saying this but I honestly cannot wait to hear what else this group comes up with in the future. This is their debut EP and I hope it's only the start of some big releases.

"Lighthouse Alight, Stars Aligned" is one of the coolest songs I've heard all year. Devastatingly pretty melodies, synthetic black metal drums, and emotional vocals. The end of the song kill me and it sounds like someone ripped the midi from tabit. Somehow it still sounds so beautiful. Definitely check out this EP.

#26 - Baths | Cerulean

What the fuck is Glitch Hop, you ask?

Well, other than another stupid sub genre, it's actually quite awesome sounding electronic beats, all created separately and placed properly to the artists' desires so that it can sound proper, or GLITCHY.

It also sounds great on Baths Cerulean.

One dude. Lots of sounds. Awesome beats and great ambiance.

This is definitely a fun CD to listen to. Would love to see this guy perform live and see how he pulls this off.

#27 - Dead Letter Circus | This is The Warning

One of the bigger surprise CD's of the year for me goes to Dead Letter Circus. HORRIBLE band name, but impressive musicians.

This album sounds like a combination of Lost Prophets, Incubus, and dredg. The vocals are dynamic and catchy, as well as more than half of the songs.

This was a CD I blasted hard for about two weeks straight and was my go to album if I wanted something fun to listen to. These guys have a lot of talent and I'm looking forward to hearing more.

#28 - The Tallest Man On Earth | Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird

Some may disagree with the idea that I'd choose putting his new EP over the full length in my top 30. For whatever reason this EP just touched home a tad harder than the full length, which is also very good.

I'm particularly fond of his bluesy attempt in "The Dreamer" as it is one of his more unique songs and has a gloriously catchy chorus.

"Like the Wheel" is one of his more simplistic and soothing songs and is also possibly my favorite due to the subtle and nearly depressing chorus. His vocal melodies and his style can be so crushing to your soul.

I am looking forward to hearing anything else from The Tallest Man on Earth in the future.

#29 - Her Name Is Calla | Long Grass EP

This EP sounds almost like a combination of Bon Iver and folk. The opening title track is gorgeous and somber. Building with acoustic guitars, banjo, violins and longing vocals.

"A Sleeper" is an upbeat campfire sounding song filled with claps, acoustic guitars, and what sounds like 5 or 6 people all singing together. It's fantastic.

Long Grass EP is just three short but sweet songs. It's time for this band to come out with a goddamn full length now.

#30 - The Secret | Solve et Coagula

Some people may ask how I could possibly enjoy this CD If I fucking despise Converge.

Answer:

This is not an annoying pile of shit.

This is extremely angry, heavy, dissonant, gritty, and ferocious hardcore.

This is also 10 times better than their previous record which sounded like Converge b-sides.

Pissed off Italians are awesome. Moving on...

Top 30 coming...

I tried writing about the new Agalloch record. It's too huge even for me to produce paragraphs that can actually describe the journey that takes place in your ears when you put on the record.

So in the meantime, I'll be posting my top 30 albums of 2010 starting with #30. A short, and sweet blog post about each CD starting from the top! By the time I get to Agalloch MAYBE i'll be able to brew something up.

Number 30 is coming soon.