Dissection - Reinkaos (2006)

 

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Sweden

I need to start by saying that I can't believe it's been ten years since this album was released. I still vividly remember all the hype leading up to it like it was yesterday. Those were my formative metal days, and it's because of all the attention this album was getting that I ever even decided to check out Dissection. Now, The Somberlain and Storm the Light's Bane are definitely better than this, but I've been jamming this a lot again recently, and it's still undeniably an excellent record. A straight-up melodeath album with plenty of Maiden-esque harmonies and Gothenburg styled riffs, this is a simpler, more streamlined approach from a band that used to create quite complex music. Jon still sounds great and overall, this album is definitely worth your time. Tohu Tehom Theli Than Leviathan Tanin'iver Taninsam!

Fleeting Joys - Despondent Transponder (2006)

Genre: Shoegaze
Country: United States

This band doesn't hide the fact that they really enjoy listening to My Bloody Valentine's Loveless and it's probably one of the few albums that can do the sound justice. The male/female vocal dynamic with poppy melodies is present and the guitar tone is lush as you would expect from the genre. Nothing ever comes across as difficult to listen to nor does it cross any boundaries for the genre but it's good for what it is, MBV worship aside.

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Kacica - Kacica (2006)

Genre: Dream Pop, Post Rock
Country: Japan

I think the biggest appeal for this band would be the fact that their vocalist sounds a lot like Bjork. Like the vocalist here goes for the long sprawling kind of vocals as if she's moving her body slowly to the music which I think perfectly goes well with the vibes this album. The instrumentation isn't too dramatic or complex; rather they're just simple to match the relaxed and dazed nature of dream pop. The combination of the Bjork-esque vocals and the relaxed nature of the instruments brings a very entrancing nature to just vibe with. Nothing to really think too hard about.

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Guitar - Tokyo (2006)

Genre: Dream Pop, Folk
Country: Germany

Terrible name aside, Guitar mixes a dream pop aesthetic utilizing spacey vocals on a few tracks with Japanese folk giving it a relaxing atmosphere. Those who really enjoy Japanese cultural music will appreciate this and anyone else looking for something to chill out to will also appreciate it.

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