Wow! What a year!

I know a lot of people had a pretty bad 2012 but for me, it was definitely a landmark year. After over 10 years of working on this project, I finally released my debut album, put together the best live band I could ever ask for (Thanks Charlie and Kris!), finally had some merch printed up and played some of the funnest shows I’ve ever played while meeting an incredible number of amazing people and bands.  My favorite part about all of this is that it’s just the tip of the proverbial “iceberg”. Shows are already being booked, new merch is designed (I just need the initial capital) and new music is being recorded so 2013 is looking to be a fuller, more realized version of 2012 for Transdusk. 

So now here we are, December 31st 2012 (US Eastern time) and looking back I can honestly say I’ve never felt this accomplished on New Year’s Ever ever. There is still a long, long way to go (as there will always be, but that’s what makes life fun, don’t you agree?) but I’m at a point where the momentum is being built and I’m actually able to overcome issues I never thought I’d be able to, most notably my depression. With this in mind I humbly look forward to 2013 and the possibilities that lie within. 

I feel I should mention here that New Year’s Eve has always been one of my favorite holidays. As a secular holiday where the main theme is change, I can’t help but be drawn to it. Solve et coagula after all.

A happy and healthy new year to all of you and may 2013 be prosperous for all of you!

Be well, my friends,

T.S. Moth

Welcome, my friends, to my top 10 list containing my favorite albums to be released this past year. I never do text posts so why am I doing this? I love listing things, I love music and thus I love listing music related things. Also, I’ve tried to make this list an annual thing for years now but have only remembered once maybe twice, but here’s to changing that!

1. Treponem Pal - Survival Sounds

For those unaware, Treponem Pal is my favorite band and have been since a little after their last album, Weird Machine, came out in 2008. One of the things that makes me love them so much is how they’re able to change with every album while keeping what makes them, them and Survival Sounds happily continues that. With production that’s more full and crisp than Weird Machine, they’ve taken the heart they worked with on that album and expanded in almost every conceivable way. There’s almost a playful vibe to the songwriting which is quite infectious.

2. Deftones- Koi No Yokan

Simply put, this album just doesn’t let up! From start to finish it’s all soaring choruses and glorious riffs. To top it all off it contains what is probably Chino’s best vocal performance to date. All these elements come together in an incredibly harmonious manner that is absolutely beautiful.

3. Meshuggah - Koloss

This album in one word: crushing. I’ve come across few albums that sonically embody their name as effectively as Koloss does. It comes in slowly and ominously then proceeds to conduct various forms of dynamic chaos for about another 40 minutes before your left your jaw agape while it slowly lumbers off during “The Last Vigil”.

4. Killing Joke - MMXII

Killing Joke has always been an incredible band without compare in my eyes. Not only is MMXII up there with the best of Killing Joke’s releases, but it may be the perfect release for this year. My favorite part is that even though there is obviously a timely theme to the album, I don’t see it being in danger of feeling dated anytime in the foreseeable future.

5. Lacuna Coil - Dark Adrenaline

Dark Adrenaline has restored my faith in Lacuna Coil. Their 2006 album, Karmacode, is one of my favorite albums of all time and I have to say I was more than a bit disappointed with the follow-up, Shallow Life. It just seemed strange to go from such a lush, epic album to one that seemed comparatively flat, not just musically but lyrically as well. As I see it, this is the album that should have followed Karmacode. Dark Adrenaline contains everything that made me love LC in the first place: lush production, thoughtful lyrics and a clear respect for the songwriting process as a whole.

6. Black Light Burns  - The Moment You Realize You’re Going To Fall

I don’t even know where to start with this. Lyrically, texturally, and in terms of flow, The Moment You Realize You’re Going to Fall is brilliant. It’s pretty much the distillation of everything that has influenced me as a songwriter when it comes to Wes Borland. Not only that, but the focus on the rhythm section within the songs is awe-inspiring. A truly creative endeavor from a uniquely creative individual.

7. mangadrive- Mechafetish

I’ve never had an instrumental album in my top 10 till now. Not that I don’t love instrumental albums, it’s just I haven’t had one grab me this much until Mechafetish. Bee Teknofiend (the manchine who is mangadrive) is a gamer from what I’ve come to understand and it shows in the music. So many elements that make my favorite soundtracks to the videogames of the 8 and 16-bit era are here. Ultra-catchy leads, an awesome choice in patches and excellent pacing make for one hell of an album.

8. Pretty Addicted - Filth

This is what industrialized dance needs. All of it. Soulful vocals and well crafted songs with genuine attitude. There’s a sense of vitality and fun in this album that I wish I saw more of. Hell, I’m envious of it! If there were ever an heir apparent to the throne that Lords Of Acid built, it is they. The best part is the anticipation about where they will take this next! 

9. Prong - Carved Into Stone

If it isn’t already apparent, this has been a landmark year for bands/artists that have influenced me. Prong has been one of the biggest influences on me in relation to my approach to writing riffs and Carved Into Stone is a true return to form. Not to say that Power of the Damager wasn’t a great album, but Carved Into Stone has the feel that originally got me into Prong.

10. The Ludovico Technique - Some Things Are Beyond Therapy

I was a big fan of The Ludovico Technique’s debut EP and as such I was definitely looking forward to their full length debut. Some Things Are Beyond Therapy does not disappoint one bit. A highly satisfying and dynamic record with probably my favorite drum sounds on an album this year.