Album Of The Year 2013 – Number 6

Another day, another instalment in my ‘Album of the Year 2013’ countdown. Thanks for reading! If you’ve missed my choices from 20 down to 7, there are links to these at the bottom of this post – please feel free to check them out.

But, for now, here is my choice at number 6:

KINGCROW
‘In Crescendo’
Sensory Records

If you’re looking for some melodic progressive metal that is both intelligent but not mind-bendingly complex, Kingrow could be for you. Unbelievably, given their undeniable quality yet relatively unknown status, “In Crescendo” is album number five for the Italians. However, quite rightly, their reputation is starting to really grow in prog circles.

“In Crescendo” will, if there is any justice in this world, allow Kingcrow to stand proudly aside the very best bands that the progressive metal genre has to offer because this record is quite simply brilliant. The album is chock full of interesting tempo changes and intriguing song structures and there’s also plenty of drama too.

However, the big strengths of Kingcrow are two-fold. Firstly the band writes fantastic songs full of emotion, power and melody. Whether they’re long epics that touch the ten-minute mark or shorter, more punchy numbers, there’s always something to enjoy, be it a sublime melody, a great choppy riff or a memorable hook-laden vocal line.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfS9thC30Xs&w=420&h=315]

Secondly, the in-house production means that this is one of the best sounding progressive metal albums that I have ever heard. In fact, the production is that good that it really adds another dimension to this record. This collection of excellently written songs is delivered with a warmth, vibrancy and clarity that has to be heard to be believed.

I adore this album and have taken it to my heart. Have a listen yourself and I’m absolutely certain it will have the same effect on you.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4sNpc-fvPw&w=420&h=315]

Links to the other posts in my 2013 countdown:

Day 1 – Number 20
Day 2 – Number 19
Day 3 – Number 18
Day 4 – Number 17
Day 5 – Number 16
Day 6 – Number 15
Day 7 – Number 14
Day 8 – Number 13
Day 9 – Number 12
Day 10 – Number 11
Day 11 – Number 10
Day 12 – Number 9
Day 13 – Number 8
Day 14 – Number 7

You can also read my entire Top 20 of 2012 here, if you missed it first time around.