The results are in for the Fourtheye Readers Best Albums of 2015 poll! This year it is a genuine Top 10 as there were no ties to deal with. The winner probably won’t surprise anyone, but there are a few surprises further down in the list.
Thanks to all of those who contributed – I counted 644 unique votes this time around, and a list of all albums with two or more votes can be found in the forum. For those interested in my top 10 – stay tuned, as I’ll probably get around to posting it tomorrow!
Let’s get into it, starting with the most popular album for 2015…
1. Puscifer – Money $hot
Well, I doubt this will come as a real shock to many, as Puscifer, like them or not are fronted by the singer of the band we’re all here to talk about. Money $hot had double the number of votes than the album in the number 2 position. I considered making it ineligible for the poll, but decided against it, since in my opinion at least it is a decent album, though one I don’t think will make my top 10. Those who would rather see this rule out, could perhaps take some solace in the fact that Steven Wilson’s album would have finished tenth had I done so.
2. Faith No More – Sol Invictus
Comeback albums have been popular of late, and this year we heard a couple of rippers. The best of which would appear to be Faith No More‘s Sol Invictus. Released independently on Mike Patton’s Ipecac Recordings, the band seem to be a model of how bands should go about reforming after a lengthy break. And they still kick arse live as well!
3. Failure – The Heart is a Monster
Also on the comeback trail are California Alt-Rock band Failure. Seemingly more popular now than they were back in the 90s, they released the album The Heart is a Monster which sits right up with the best in their back catalog.
4. Ghost – Meliora
Ghost have dropped the BC from their name, and changed their singer, but their scary rock styling still remain a hit with Fourtheye readers. Personally I can’t say I’m a fan at all, but it least they aren’t Slipknot!
5. Elder – Lore
Elder are a band that have come out of no where for many, and have released on of the best prog/stoner/doom metal albums in years. If you haven’t checked this one out yet, then make sure you do!
6. Deafheaven – New Bermuda
Deafheaven seem to be a divisive band these days – some people love them. Others blame them for all the misdeeds hipsters have bestowed upon the world. Personally, I think they’re pretty good, and New Bermuda is almost certainly better than Sunbather.
7. Intronaut – The Direction of Last Things
Intronaut are a favorite of Tool fans, especially since Justin has appeared with them on several occasions. The Direction of Last Things is one of their best and heaviest works yet, and well worth a spot on any top 10.
8. Baroness – Purple
After a horrific bus accident, it’s inspiring to see a band rebuild themselves, crowd fund their own album, and then blow away their fans with some great music.
9. Chelsea Wolfe – Abyss
Chelsea Wolfe‘s haunting voice, combined with a doomy brand of acoustic rock have made this a favorite on the Fourtheye forums for a while now. It’s great to see it earn a spot on our top 10 list!
10. Bjork – Vulnicura
An elder stateswoman of the alternative scene released another standout album in 2015. Bjork’s albums are never boring and almost always worth a listen, as you’re likely to hear something you’ve never heard before…
