This time, I went through my record collection and chose five albums which are underrated in my opinion. I think these albums would have deserved a lot more attention than they have gotten over the years.
1. Kvist - For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike (1996)
I'm usually not a big fan of the second wave of black metal but the Norwegian band Kvist just totally nails it with For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike. I discovered the band in the early 2000 through Black Metal Radio or whatever it was called. The cold and nocturnal atmosphere of the album is so hypnotic it's impossible to describe. I personally love the haunting vocals and how well all the instruments are played. There's something very authentic on most of the nordic black metal albums that can't be replicated; you can hear how the music comes from the land of darkness and winter. Too bad the band broke up after releasing the album.
Favorite track: Ars Manifestia
2. Johnny Dynamite and The Bloodsuckers - Sleeveless (2021)
Oh boy! My best friend played me the track Bats In The Woods in 2022 and their sound blew my mind to million pieces in a heartbeat. I rarely get so hyped up in the blink of an eye. I just ADORE how they sound like everything I love about dreampop, goth rock and post-punk. Sleeveless is an extremely emotional album with stunning guitar melodies, big reverbs and sincere vocals. This album is a hidden gem which definitely needs more attention, so go show them some love!
Favorite track: Bats In The Woods
3. The Depreciation Guild - In Her Gentle Jaws (2007)
If you dig shoegaze and chiptunes, you should definitely check out Depreciation Guild. They combine nostalgic chiptune synths and drums with shoegaze and the combo works like a charm. The delicate vocals float softly above everything like a cherry on top of a Michelin star cake. I love how they have managed to mix heavily distorted sounds with cotton soft elements so naturally.
Favorite track: Butterfly Kisses
4. Blind Mr. Jones - Stereo Musicale (1992)
I have no recollection of how I discovered Blind Mr. Jones but I'm very happy I did. What's special about Stereo Musicale is that they have used flute which makes the album really stand out. The dynamic range of the album is just magnificent, varying from gentle clean guitar picking to absolutely banging peak moments when all the different instruments melt into one beautiful wall of sound. There's also something haunting about the album artwork combined with the music.
Favorite track: Henna & Swayed
5. The Sound - From The Lions Mouth (1981)
From The Lions Mouth is one of the life-changing albums for me. I was 18 when I stumbled upon the album one summer night while exploring the depths of YouTube. Clock was around 3AM and when the first track started, I was already sold. The album is a soul-crushing, deep and emotional post-punk masterpiece - one of the most underrated albums produced in the history of mankind. It's very sad how the singer-guitarist Adrian Borland struggled with mental issues during his life and ended up committing suicide. I still get shivers down my spine every single time I listen to the album.
Favorite track: Fatal Flaw