Ghost Cult begins our “2021 End of Year Guest Post Extravaganza” with a slew of posts from bands, industry, PR pros, and more! We’ll be sharing lists, memories, and other shenanigans from our favorite bands, partners, music industry peers, and other folks we respect across the globe. In this edition, All of Gramma Vedetta shares their Top Five albums of 2021. They are releasing a new album in 2022! Woooo! Check them out here: https://grammavedetta.bandcamp.com
Hi, It’s the Vedetta speaking. The year is drawing to a close and many things have happened behind the blinds. You know: we recorded an album and found a new drummer. So we decided to pick our top 5 favorite albums from each of us, to give you an idea of how different and contrasting our musical tastes are and maybe to help you to add new items in your collections. I’m sure you’ll find it quite interesting.
Dan (Guitar and Vocals)
IKITAN – Darvaza Y Birnicle
https://taxidriverstore.bandcamp.com/album/darvaza-y-brinicle
I listened to this album before the release date and I was like: Woooooah. This second release of Ikitan it’s exactly what I like the most in music: dirty basslines, big riffs everywhere, odd time signatures, guitar landscapes and the production that keeps the sound as natural as it can be. Add on top of that the fact that they are one of the most lovable people I ever knew.
Motorpsycho – Kingdom of Oblivion
I saw them for the first time in 2010 at Desert Fest in Berlin. But I didn’t pay too much attention. The year 2021 was the year of the revelation: after the first single of the new album I had to listen to their whole discography from the very beginning. I love how they evolved and changed their sounds, it reminds me of the evolution of GV.
Old school progressive rock with a modern flavorus.
Aliceissleeping – Completely Fine
https://aliceissleeping.bandcamp.com/album/completely-fine
I know it’s terrible that I’m putting this on the list but hey, this is my other band, I’ve produced this album, played the guitar and released it on Vinyl (first in my life) via Mandrone Records (first release of this label). So I’m proud to talk about it.
The band is an alternative / heavy / gothic rock lead by bass player / singer Alice. You’ll find some early Queen / Rush influences too. Have a listen.
Death Ingloria – Death Ingloria II: Death By Admin
https://deathingloria.bandcamp.com/album/death-ingloria-ii-death-by-admin-mini-album-and-comic
I love when artists go beyond the music and their creative proposal is not limited to music. I’m also a sci-fi addict and a geek, so I found myself at home in the Death Ingloria universe.
Melodic, heavy, optimal production and incredible vocal skills from the mastermind of all the operation.
postcards from new zealand – city island
https://postcardsfromnewzealand.bandcamp.com/album/we-watched-them-devour-vol-3-city-islands
I’m not ashamed to include another Mandrone Records release on this list. The city island album is a mix of noise, progr, ambient and drone and the first time I put it on I imagined a place I used to go to as a teen.
Imagine a coastal landscape dominated by an agglomeration of heavy metal factories where everything is colored in gray and blue: mechanical sounds of distant machines colliding with the organic sound of large waves coming from the sea.
A fight is taking place as electric guitars and drums play the sound of war.
Marco Basetta (Bass)
Jinjer – Wallflowers
Jinjer it’s one of my favourite bands and they are bringing something unique into the metal scene.
First of October – Gotta Record Everything Good
1st of October is a one day band and I love the concept of creating an album in 12h.
Tash Sultana – Terra Firma
Tash Sultana with Marc Rebillet are defo my 2 favourite loop station player.
Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight
Foo Fighters keep releasing great stuff, nothing more to say.
Virtual Riot – Simulation
I like the composition part of virtual riot tracks especially in creating great drops
Paul (Drum)
Tiger Cub – As Blue As Indigo
https://tigercubtigercub.bandcamp.com/album/as-blue-as-indigo
Saw these guys opening up for Royal Blood this year in Hastings and although their sound was a bit poor their performance sparked an interest . This album is excellent with some heavy riffs and a weighty rhythm section nailing down the foundations for some excellent guitar and vocal delivery on top.
Metallica – Black Album 30th Anniversary:
I know, I know, BUT this is an amazing collection of film and music covering the 3 year cycle of The Black Album. I first saw Metallica in 92 on this tour tour, that changed my life for ever. Say what you like about Lars BUT he is responsible for so much, in a great way and to believe it’s 30 years old is a bit shocking!!!
Prince – Welcome To America:
I’m a massive Prince fan and although this album is not up there with the great ones (there was the purple patch) it’s still a strong album recorded in 2010 but only just released. A truly amazing musician with the most outrageous ability on the guitar with such tone.
Mannequin Pussy – Perfect
https://mannequinpussy.bandcamp.com/album/perfect
This one popped up in my playlist and I just really enjoyed the songs and energy on the album/EP.
Royal Blood: Typhoons
I’ve enjoyed Royal Blood since their first release, this album has some BIG tracks on it with their sound evolving but at its core its still the two of them creating some infectious pounding grooves.