Top 10 Albums of 2014: Michael of The Killing Lights
The Killing Lights was formed when Michael Vampire left the band he founded, Vampires Everywhere (check out our Talking Tattoos) and wanted to reinvent himself. Since the year is winding down, Michael gave PWV his Top 10 Albums of 2014, so check them out below!
Motionless in White – Reincarnate
@MIWBAND
These guys keep pushing themselves musically and managed to break through the Warped scene to getting constant play on the radio. They are meticulous about their image and sound which is refreshing in the scene full of bands copying each other! MIW definitely has an amazing career ahead of them. Their new album Reincarnate shows that the band can straddle both industrial, goth & radio rock effortlessly. Definitely give this album a listen!
Royal Blood – self-titled debut LP
@royalblooduk
This band hit me like a ton of bricks. Their unique sound is reminiscent of Led Zeppelin with a dirty south under tone. I think this band is about to change things up in the music industry. Their debut album is amazing — imagine a fusion between Led Zeppelin and Muse! What’s great about this album is its aggressive undertone and no mercy guitar riffs. They’re slowly becoming one of my favorite bands to listen to.
Dorothy – self-titled debut EP
@itsdorothysucka
Now, I am not a giant fan of most female rock singers but Dorothy is the absolute exception. Her energy live and her amazing voice could sway the biggest of critics. Dorothy sounds like Adele mixed with The Black Keys. I suggest you check her out, she is the future of rock n’ roll. She just released her debut EP which is available for free download. Yes I said it, FREE download! I would suggest getting on that at https://soundcloud.com/dorothytheband/wicked-ones
Slipknot – .5: The Gray Chapter
@slipknot
I mean there’s not much I can say but “the best metal band of 2015”! Slipknot changed my life as a kid and still continue to impress me. They brought a sense of respect back to the metal scene and have an amazing live show. They take great care with their overall aesthetic and keep fans on the edge of their seats. If you’re having a bad day put on some Slipknot and melt away into your own aggression! Their new album .5: The Gray Chapter is reminiscent of older Slipknot albums that made me fall in love with the band. They took a simple approach to their patent aggressive sound and definitely created something fresh.
Bring Me the Horizon – Sempiternal
@BMTHOfficial
BMTH is evolving and with each new album they keep bring something fresh to the table. I’m pretty positive they will end up replacing Muse. I always had respect for this band and I expect nothing but great things from them in the future. I keep missing their shows because I’m usually on tour but hopefully I’ll be able to catch one in 2015. I would have to say Sempiternal is one of the best albums of 2013/14. I now most of you are saying it came out in 2013 but I don’t care! This album is definitely one to carry on into another year. I never got to talk about this band or album so I took the shot, haha. In any case I would say it sounds like an aggressive journey through the senses. Pick this album up!
Marilyn Manson – new album coming soon!!!
@MarilynManson
Well, as most of you know I have a soft spot in my heart for Manson. His music got me through some tough times in my life and I have to thank him for that. I was into earlier MM stuff but I got to say his new single has a badass swag to it. I’m definitely digging his new direction and I’m sure his new album will be a masterpiece. Touring with MM is on my bucket list, however, I hear he only takes out female fronted bands, haha. C’mon MM lets do this, and of course have some absinthe! I just heard MM new single “Third Day Of A Seven Day Binge” and I think he really tapped into something great. His album is due out 2015 but I had to mention him on the 2014 artist chart because I want to the first to say his new album will be amazing. I can tell by this single he’s taping into something dark and that’s the reason I feel in love with Manson in the first place!
Jack White – Lazaretto
@thirdmanrecords
Dark, melodic and genius describes Jack White and his new album. I have always been a fan of JW! His swag is amazing and his lyrics bring me back to an old acid trip. I am definitely using him as an inspiration for upcoming TKL stuff. His new album Lazaretto is amazing. Now keep in mind its a must to like JW’s voice to enjoy his records! His patent sound is a refreshing break from a saturated rock scene. The simplicity and lyrics on this album are amazing.
Hozier – self-titled debut LP
@hozier
I just became a fan of this band actually… take me to the church I think the line is?? In any case his dark ambient melodies and almost Nirvana-esque vibe drew me right in. If you haven’t heard of this band yet I suggest you get on it. Now as most of you know I love the 90’s. Most of all I love 90’s grunge. Hozier’s self titled album is just that with a twist of indie flare. This is definitely your chill dark anthem album for sure!
Arctic Monkeys – AM
@arcticmonkeys
Most people say “I hate Indie bands” which in most cases I agree with them. However, if you were to pick one indie band that would be king it would be Arctic Monkeys. They are amazing songwriters and of course bring a dark ambience to an already saturated indie scene. I would know as I live right near Silverlake! What’s with those grandpa shoes anyway? Now most of you are saying their album came out in 2013!!! Again, I don’t care because AM lasted the test of time and still gets more radio play then most bands that popped out something in 2014. Again, this is your indie anthem and maybe your new favorite band.
Gerard Way – Hesitant Alien
@gerardway
So… I have always been a giant fan of My Chem like most dudes that come from my age group. I grew up listening to this type of music and it was my high school anthem. However this new album by Gerard way is badass! I like the way he deconstructed everything and it became more simple. I am into straight forward music lately and the darker, more grungy it is the more I love it. Congrats to GW on his new brand. Hesitant Alien is a mixture of Gerard’s signature voice mixed with a simplistic approach to alt rock music. Again I would say the 90’s are coming back and coming back fast!
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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