Apparently, there’s a whole world of music outside of Idaho. It just so happens that Idaho is pretty tiny in the grand scheme of things, and a lot of those outsiders are pretty famous. Who knew? Let’s look at the best gems from OUTSIDE of the Gem State.
5. Darker Still by Parkway Drive
The greatest hardcore band in recorded history strikes again! Darker Still is more melodic than their previous work but just as smart and furious. Every track demonstrates Parkway Drive’s ability to craft a memorable song. I noticed more guitar effects and some actual singing, which I’m sure hardcore purists will hate, but purists are idiots, and I loved every experimental move.
4. Will of the People by Muse
I wasn’t bonkers about Simulation Theory. As a lifelong fan, I was disappointed that Muse would dare release something that didn’t meet my expectations. They owed us a damn good album, they delivered, and now I can be a ride-or-die Muse fan again.
But seriously folks, Will of the People slaps.
3. Pawns & Kings by Alter Bridge
Alter Bridge gets back to their roots with their newest album. It’s heavy and ambitious, deep and inspiring. Myles Kennedy is easily one of the best contemporary vocalists in the world, and a great match for Mark Tremonti’s unique guitar style. Alter Bridge is great at blending catchy hard rock with ambitious math-rock elements. Pawns & Kings nails that dynamic from the brutal opener This is War to the 8-minute prog epic Fable of the Silent Son.
2. SO MUCH. too much. by Destrage
I’ve said before in this magazine that Destrage are the most underrated metal band in the world. They’ve got the rhythmic technicality of Tool, the speed of Racer X, the pure rockability of Van Halen, and the heaviness of Gojira. In theory, that should all add up to something incredible. In practice, it’s orders of magnitude cooler than anybody expected. (How’s that for math rock?)
1. 4 by Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
Slash slices the superfluousness from his genre, reminding us all that rock n’ roll in it’s purest form still exists and is still the greatest form of music ever made. His fifth solo album (the fourth featuring MylesKennedyandtheConspirators) wastes no time rocking your socks off. I can’t kiss Kennedy’s ass too much in one article, but it is nice to hear his voice on two new gems this year. What a busy boy. ■
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