My Top 50 Records Of All Time

I've made so many variations of this list for years now and I never feel satisfied with how any of them have turn out. My taste and leanings have changed and varied throughout the years making for a plethora of changes to any list I'd create. However, I think this is the first time I'm truly satisfied and can say that this is a list that encompasses an honest look into my musical taste. Heavy leanings on sludge metal, black metal, post metal, shoegaze, and punk/hardcore. This is my personal top 50 records of all time: 

1.) Amenra - "Mass V" (Released: 2012 on Neurot Recordings)

Amenra is one of two favorite bands of all time. They definitely were going to take the #1 spot. This is band that means a lot to me emotionally and can speaks hours and accolades about how truly incredible they are. Best live act you'll ever catch period. While I love each of their records tremendously, I think Mass V will always have a special place in my heart in how it approaches its themes. 

2.) Self Defense Family - "Have You Considered Punk Music" (Released: 2018 on Run For Cover Records) 

Self Defense Family is the second of my two favorite bands of all time. So naturally, they were either going to be first or second in terms of albums. This is their latest LP that just came out last year and it has quickly become my favorite release of theirs. It's funny cause sonically, it's dissimilar to past releases almost 100% entirely. This record sees the band adopting a more emotive and sad approach to song writing. But I'd be damned if I said it wasn't executed brilliantly and provides an impressive flavor of the band's music. Most interesting punk band in the wold forever. 

3.) Have Heart - "Songs To Scream At The Sun" (Released: 2008 on Bridge Nine Records)

The best hardcore record that has ever been released in my opinion. And I have way too many emotional attachments and memories associated with this record for it not to be this high on the list. If you want melodic-tinged hardcore music that is executed perfectly, look no further. 

4.) Oxbow - "The Narcotic Story" (Released: 2007 on Hydra Head Records) 

Oxbow is a band that is equal parts one of my favorite bands of all time and band that so many people don't even know exist. Frankly, the latter is utterly depressing. Describing their music is very challenging but I'd say it sort of sounds like a bluesy branch of experimental noise rock. Lead singer Eugene S. Robinson has the most unique vocals you'll ever hear and everyone in the band is a masterclass musician. This is (in my opinion) their most approachable record, as their other releases can be challenging for the uninitiated. It still remains my favorite to this day. 

5.) Converge - "Jane Doe" (Released: 2001 on Equal Vision Records)

This record was the first record I have heard that scared the crap out of me with how intense it was. But it was also my gateway into more "extreme and heavy music." So I have it to thank for that. To be honest, I don't think it's my favorite Converge record out of their entire incredible discography. But more so than any band, it's so damn difficult to say "this is THE record of theirs."My opinion on that matter is always changing. So I'll just go with this one and call it a day. 

6.) Envy - "Insomniac Doze" (Released: 2006 on Sonzai Records) 

Envy is one of the best bands out of Japan period. They play a very melodic, post-rock influenced hybrid of post hardcore/screamo and it's sick. This is my favorite record of theirs amongst many great ones. A band I still hope to catch live someday. 

7.) Rosetta - "The Galilean Satellites" (Released: 2005 on Translation Loss Records)

This is the record that really sparked my love of post metal. It's a concept album laying out a story about a man who travels to space to escape humanity; only for him to late realize how truly lonely and lost he is far away from others. This record is split into two discs: one containing the more post metally tracks with screamed vocals and the other containing ambient/soundscape, instrumental tracks. They are meant to be played over each other and that is so sick. Love this band tremendously. They can do now wrong. Artwork is by my hero Aaron B. Turner (more on him later). 

8.) Eyehategod - "Take As Needed For Pain" (Released: 1993 on Century Media Records)

When I first heard this I knew I was in love. Kick started my love of sludge metal and the band has remained a favorite since. They also double as a very quality live act.

9.) Thou - "Heathen" (Released: 2014 on Gilead Media)

I can go on and on about speaking as to why Thou is one of the greatest bands of all time. Citing reasons such as their impressively long catalog of releases, masterful blending of genres, the most impressive DIY ethic, etc. etc. But I'd be here forever. Thou is the coolest sludge metal band going atm that isn't even limited to just playing sludge metal. That being said, this record has remained my favorite of theirs up to this point.

10.) Neurosis - "A Sun That Never Sets" (Released: 2001 on Relapse Records)

Neurosis has been one of my favorite bands now for a long time. I'd argue they are the most influential metal band in the underground scene etc etc. But this record of theirs has a very special place in my heart. I never really paid much attention to the production on records until I heard this one. It's recorded in a way where it sounds like the band is literally performing each track right in front of you and that's so cool. Never felt that way about a record since I'm pretty sure. 

11.) Bosse-De-Nage - "III" (Released: 2012 on Profound Lore Records)

Bosse-De-Nage is my favorite black metal band, despite that many would likely argue that they aren't really a "true black metal band." Bosse weaves in a lot of shoegaze and melodic elements into their flavor of black metal. Frankly, I think it's incredible and have been enamored with their approach to the genre for a while now. With titles such as "avant-garde black metal" and "Blackgaze" being thrown around these days, it makes for a weird dialogue. Anyways vocalist Bryan Manning's vocals sound like the dude is literally in agonizing pain while delivering these prose-poetry form lyrics. It's incredible. 

12.) Lungfish - "Sound In Time" (Released: 1996 on Dischord Records)

Lungfish is a band I discovered in my early days of college and very much grew to appreciate their music and influence on Self Defense Family. Of all their records, I found myself returning to this one the most. The most brutally honest and masterful post hardcore band that ever was. 

13.) Wiegedood - "De Doden Hebben Het Goed" (Released: 2015 on ConSouling Sounds)

Weigedood is Levy (bassist of Amenra) playing black metal with his other Belgium friends. It's masterful atmospheric black metal and I can't get enough of it. All three of the "De Doden Hebben Het Goed" records in the trilogy are great. That's translated to "The Dead Have It Good," if you were curious. 

14.) Emperor - "In The Nightside Eclipse" (Released: 1994 on Candlelight Records)

The very first black metal record I ever heard. Sparked my love for the genre and remains a record that has had a lot of influence on me. Love this band a lot and hope to also catch them live some day. 

15.) Russian Circles - "Station" (Released: 2008 on Suicidal Squeeze Records) 

I LOVE RUSSIAN CIRCLES. Instrumental metal band that has written some of the best riffs period in the past two decades. This has remained my favorite record of theirs, but you really can't go wrong with any of them. Also Brian Cook is my favorite bassist of all time. 

16.) The Body - "I Shall Die Here" (Released: 2014 on RVNG Intl.)

This record scared the ever living shit out of me when I first heard it. Now I love it and The Body very very very much. I'd only recommend this one to brave people or those of you who know what's up.

17.) Self Defense Family - "Heaven Is Earth" (Released: 2015 on Deathwish Inc.)

SDF is the only band that appears twice on this list. Was torn between putting this record or "Punk Music as #1." A solid' staple record of theirs that is a good representation of their old style of playing. Was also my technical introduction to Deathwish Inc. as a record label oddly enough. 

18.) Daughters - "You Won't Get What You Want" (Released: 2018 on Ipecac Recordings)

For years Daughters' last self-titled LP remained one of my all time favorite records. I didn't think in my wildest dreams, that this release last year would not only surpass it as my favorite of theirs but also serve as my number one record of last year. It's mind-blowginly incredible how great this record is. Do yourself a favor and let this branch of noise rock consume you. 

19.) Sumac - "Love In Shadow" (Released: 2018 on Thrill Jockey Records) 

Sumac is a super group fronted by Aaron B. Turner of Isis, Old Man Gloom, etc. Being a big fan of his music I was excited when he formed Sumac along with my favorite all time bassist Brian Cook (of Russian circles). Been a big fan since the beginning and their latest LP released last year has really grown on me. It's far more experimental than their past two releases, but I've come to love the risks they took here. This record also doubles as having my favorite artwork out of any other record on this list. The track Attis' Blade is a bloody masterpiece. 

20.) Vampillia - "My Beautiful Twisted Nightmares in Aurora Rainbow Darkness" (Released: 2014 on Virgin-Babylon Records)

Vampillia is a band I had accidentally discovered and boy was it the best accidental discovery ever. They are a band out of Japan with over 12 members that successfully combines classical music with black metal. My words will do this band no justice so I highly recommend checking out a live set of theirs on YouTube and letting yourself experienced their master talent. 

21.) Isis - "Panopticon" (Released: 2004 on Ipecac Recordings)

This is THE band that got me into Aaron B. Turner. This is a legendary and in my opinion THE definitive post meal band. If you've never heard of or listened to Isis, you've been living under a rock. 

22.) Endon - "Through The Mirror" (Released: 2017 on Daymare Recordings)

Endon is the coolest and my personal favorite band from Japan at the moment. They are some next level of intensity that I couldn't even begin to describe to you. Out of all the records on this list, this is likely the most extreme and hardest to approach. But if you are really into heavy stuff like I am, you really need to listen to this record right now. Some of the most unique noise-influenced metal you'll ever hear. 

23.) Foxing - "Dealer" (Released: 2015 on Triple Crown Records)

Really fond of emo, post-rock tinged, indie band Foxing. Have had a lot of emotional experiences with them catching them live, and have a lot of emotional moments associated with this record. This record is absurdly emotional and relatable on many fronts. And it will always have a special place in my heart. 

24.) Touche Amore - "Is Survived By" (Released: 2013 on Deathwish Inc.)

My favorite of Touche's LPs. The most consistent and well written in my opinion.

25.) MewithoutYou - "Ten Stories" (Released: 2012 on Big Scary Monsters)

MewithoutYou is an indie inspired post hardcore band with sprinklings of punk elements. Lot of people are turned off by lead singer Aaron's Weiss' spoken-word style vocals, but I think it's effective and cool. This record of theirs in particular displays all the elements that make MewithoutYou one of the coolest bands going. 

26.) Melvins - "Gluey Porch Treatments" (Released: 1987 on Alchemy Records)

Don't got to say much about Sludge metal, noise metal, and really everything metal band Melvins. These dudes are old, amazing, and I still harbor a deep fondness for their heavy as all hell first LP. 

27.) Minor Threat - "Out Of Step" (Released: 1983 on Dischord Records) 

I shouldn't have to say anything about this one. 

28.) Mogwai - "Mr. Beast" (Released: 2006 on PIAS Recordings)

Most Mogwai fans would likely disagree with me about "Mr. Beast" being their best LP. And I don't blame them as it isn't in the grander scheme of their fantastic plethora of masterful post rock recirds. However, this record will always be my personal favorite of theirs as I have many emotional memories associated with it. I definitely would label it as an underrated release of theirs. It's super consistent in terms of quality. Also features lead singer of Envy, Tetsuya Fukagawa on one track. 

29.) This Will Destroy You - "Young Mountain" (Released: 2006 on Magic Bullet Records) 

This Will Destroy You is a post rock (instrumental) band that I adore. They have plenty of great releases. However, their first LP here continues to have a deep impression on me. This truly is a masterpiece and a master class on writing emotional, instrumental music. 

30.) Inter Arma - "Sulphur English" (Released: 2019 on Relapse Records)

Originally, Inter Arma's last LP "Paradise Gallows" occupied this spot. But I can't deny that this latest release that just dropped blew it out of the water. This record is heavy as all hell and features some of the best drumming I've heard on a metal record. Always fighting to never be genre-fied. This behemoth contains elements of black metal, death metal, sludge metal, and even folk. Inter Arma is one of the best metal bands going and they very much deserve your attention. 

31.) Bossk - "Audio Noir" (Released: 2016 on Deathwish Inc.)

Bossk is my favorite British band out of the UK. This record is a seminal post metal record and Bossk is still so damn underrated. They should have a lot more fans than they do now. Do yourself the favor and let yourself experience super high quality post metal. 

32.) Nahtrunar - "Symbolismus" (Released: 2015 on Altare Productions) 

A very very good black metal record. 

33.) Earth Crisis - "Destroy the Machines" (Released: 2006 on Victory Records) 

One of my favorite all time hardcore bands with many good records. This one was my first time hearing them and I never forgot. 

34.) Leonard Cohen - "Songs of Love and Hate" (Released: 1971 on Columbia Records) 

Most people that know me get very surprised when they hear I actually very much love folk music. Leonard Cohen really spearheaded that love for me and I've been a very big fan of his for a long time. I view this record more like a beautiful work of art as opposed to a conventional music album. Was ahead of his time and I truly miss him. May he R.I.P.

35.) Slowdive - "Souvlaki" (Released 1993 on Creation Records) 

Slowdive is the band that really nurtured ans fostered my love of shoegaze. This one is simply beautiful and I consider this a big turning point record for me and my musical taste. Everyone should listen to Slowdive. 

36.) Have A Nice Life - "Deathconciousness" (Released: 2008 on Enemies List Home Recordings)

Shouldn't have to say anything about this one either if you've spent any meaningful time on the Internet. 

37.) Emma Ruth Rundle - "Marked For Death" (Released: 2016 on Sargent House)

Emma Ruth Rundle is absurdly talented and you should listen to everything she's ever put out. Starting with this one. 

38.) Radiohead - "In Rainbows" (Released: 2007 self released) 

Most Radiohead fans would likely pin this as a "basic response" as to which of their records is best. But I simply love everything about this one. There is not a single bad track on here and this band puts out a lot of great music. Another band I really shouldn't have to say much about. 

39.) Ulver - "Bergtatt - Et eeventyr i 5 capitler" (Released: 1995 on Head Not Found Records)

Classic black metal. 

40.) Godflesh - "Selfless" (Released: 1994 on Earache Records / Columbia Records)

I'm a very big fan of Justin Broadrick and his music. Godflesh is a massive beast of a project that really melds minimalism and heavyness in a masterful way. Another project of Broadrick's will appear on this list, but I've always appreciated Godflesh's music; particularly this record. 

41.) My Bloody Valentine - "Loveless" (Released: 1991 on Creation Records / Sire Records)

THE quintessential shoegaze record. Discovering this changed my life. 

42.) Deftones - "Saturday Night Wrist" - (Released: 2006 on Maverick Records) 

There was a point in time I considered Deftones my all time number one favorite band. I still love them dearly but my taste has very much shifted a bit since then. This is a hot take but I sincerely believe this record to be their best. Most won't agree with that, but I find nothing wrong with this record and feel it to be their strongest material. Funny, given that it's definitely their most experimental release. It was also recorded during a time where Chino was in the worst health/physical condition of his career and the band was at odds with each other; even contemplating breaking up. That said, it's the last effort that was put out before the unfortunate death of bassist Chi Cheng, and I'm glad this record exists. 

43.) Lingua Ignota - "All Bitches Die" (Released: 2017 on Profound Lore Records) 

Kristen Hayter, aka Lingua Ignota is a very incredible and talented artist. This album and her music overall is unlike anything I've heard and I've very much come to love this record. She combines classical music with noise, industrial rock, and metallic elements and it's sick. She has a new record dropping soon this year and I'm expecting that it will overtake this one. But yea, you really got to check this one out. 

44.) Full of Hell - "Amber Mote in the Black Vault" (Released: 2016 on Bad Teeth Recordings) 

The only EP that appears on this list, and I feel like I'm cheating. But frankly I love everything that Full of Hell has put out. This EP in particular just happens to be my favorite release of theirs. However, I already expect their new LP dropping soon on Relapse ("Weeping Choir") to likely occupy this space soon. Last track on this one is a Melvins cover by the way, and it's sick. 

45.) Creative Adult - "Psychic Mess" (Released: 2014 on Run For Cover Records)

Creative Adult is the coolest and most slept on post punk band in my humble opinion. It's members have currently split into two very quality post punk acts of their own (Fearing and Spiritual Camp), but I hope they all return to this project eventually. This record is very much slept on and is very very consistent. 

46.) Yob - "Clearing the Path to Ascend" (Released: 2014 on Neurot Recordings)

Yob is a band I've loved for a long time. When I think of doom metal, I think of Yob. These dudes are damn legends and if you ever have the privilege of catching them live, you will be blown away. This particular record of their is my favorite (although their latest LP has been growing on me heavily lately). The track "Marrow" on here is mind blowing and an actual epic. 

47.) Boris - "Pink" (Released: 2005 on Diwphalanx Records)

Boris is another legendary band out of Japan. It's noisy, filthy, and very masterfully approached metal. And this record is by far their most approachable and funnest to listen to. This band has commanded a lot of respect from many metal acts around the world, and for good reason. 

48.) Old Man Gloom - "The Ape of God" (Released: 2014 on Profound Lord Records / Sige Records)

The last of my Aaron B. Turner worship ends with this record. Old Man Gloom is yet another super group featuring Turner, Nate from Converge, the now passed away Caleb Scofield (r.i.p.), etc. This is some heavy as all hell sludge metal and you owe it to yourself to check out this project if you haven't already. 

49.) Jaye Jayle - "No Trail and Other Unholy Paths" (released: 2018 on Sargent House) 

Jaye Jayle is the latest project of Evan Patterson (Young Widows). It's like a chill folky, post country band that features some of the most enchanting and tightly written music. I've been a fan of Patterson for a while, but I'm more and more excited for his more quiet approach to music in the form of this current project. This record is flawless and haunting. 

50.) Jesu - "Conqueror" (released: 2007 on Hydra Head Records) 

We end my list with Justin Broadrick of Godflesh's post rock project Jesu. This album has some of the most interestingly composed post rock I've ever heard. Broadrick is more tame here and it makes for an incredible listening experience that's not easily forgettable. 

Thanks for reading!