Another year almost in the books and as we’re all older and wiser and the world of independent and purely DIY music press continues to shrink around us. IDIOTEQ has had a great year with lots of inspiring new artists coming up and we’ve been keeping a close ear out for many noteworthy hardcore, punk rock, alt rock, experimental metal and post rock records this year. Just like 2 years ago and back in 2018, we’d like to highlight some of the best records our guests and friend bands heard come out around the world in the past year, from a variety of voices, genres, and backgrounds, all of which made 2019 an unforgettable year for DIY music. Our today’s guest Andrew Budwey, the guitarist for CRUEL HAND, joins us to share his top 6 hardcore and metal releases worth a check!
2019 was cool for Cruel Hand! We did a great European run with Knocked Loose and put out a new single as well entitled “Never Be Whole”. We’ll be releasing a new record through Static Era Records some time in 2020 so keep an eye out.
Here’s my favorites of 2019:
Creeping Death – Wretched Illusions
Perfect blend of old school death metal and hardcore punk ethic. This album is great front to back and the band is incredible live.
Blood Incantation – Hidden History of The Human Race
Packed with absurd riffs, next level brutality, and ambient experimentation combined with full, clear, great production, this is must-hear metal.
Buried Dreams – 9 Reasons Not to Live
Nihilistic in the best way like the old Blood For Blood records, this is about as straight for the throat as hardcore records get.
Judiciary – Surface Noise
Memorable hardcore songs with great riffing and vocals. Imagine if Machine Head went hardcore instead of nu metal.
Gatecreeper – Deserted
Suffocating HM-2 laden death metal album with ripping riffs and great melodic flourishes expanding on some of my favorite parts of their previous LP.
Iron Age – The Sleeping Eye reissue
This record is from 2009 but it was re-released in 2019 and in my opinion is still at the top of the heap. It’s just that good.
