The Republic of Wolves - The Cartographer [2011]

Ah, back in the saddle again. I meant to post this album several months ago, but never quite got around to it. Before we move onto the new stuff, lets go over my favorite album of the year.

What it is: a simple seven song album from the indie rock outfit, Long Island natives the Republic of Wolves.

At least, that's what I expected upon my first listen.

What I got, however, was a variable Smörgåsbord of different genres from song to song, with the album swinging between post-rock, to indie rock, to folk, to shoegaze, to metal, and heading right back to alternative with the album closing. All with the same topic; that is, the wide open ocean and maps. They, in these seven songs, manage to encompass all my favorite genres, and do so flawlessly. How they manage to perform in so many different circumstances is beyond me, but hell, it sounds incredible. Truly my personal, if not THE album of the year so far.

If only more bands managed to do this... (in a semi acceptable/decent fashion.)

Fallen Joy - Order to Die [2010]

France has done it again (sort of.) This time we have a band who has gained quite a following in Paris. Fallen Joy is a five man melodic death metal project from.....you guessed it, France. They formed in 2009, and are currently playing local shows in Paris....No word on another album.

Now for the debut EP. First things first, this IS melodic death metal. Like that shit you listened to when you were the angst ridden teenager that you were in high school. However, even upon the first track, it's all the good from that angsty teenage music. They sound alot like Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquility, and (insert melodic/pagan metal that everyone listened to here.) They are definitely familiar with their sound.

That being said, It's not the same that you've heard before. Vocals and guitar both sound like they are from completely different genres, but flow together seamlessly.

The music itself is good. I'm not going to tell you that it's incredible, because the truth is that Melodic Death metal is no longer really my cup of tea. However, this is one of the best debut EP's I've heard in a while. The band sounds like they have been playing for years already.

So, If you only listen to "mature" music, and feel that you've moved past this sort of thing, this is definitely not for you. However, if you are willing to stay unbiased, this hits home: It's the plain old brutality you knew and loved, and it still is alive and kicking.

Download is here.

But the Ep is only 5 euros, so I would definitely suggest picking it up off of their Myspace.