Feature / Music
2011: A Year In Review

January 2, 2012

2011: A Year In Review
2011: A Year In Review

The top five debut releases of 2011

The top five debut releases of 2011

As a disclaimer, this are full length debuts. Yes, these bands may have released EP's, demos etc.... beforehand, but these are the pick of the most interesting and intriguing first full lengths from some outstanding bands. Also, I couldn't fit these into my personal 25. It was a tough decision to cut them out, but they deserve a place somewhere.

1. Deafheaven - Roads to Judah

Bursting onto the scene in a whirl of atmosphere and sorrow, this record is both extremely intense yet still holds onto the pure emotion within.

2. Lightbearer - Lapsus

An incredible concept album regarding the fall of Lucifer. Completely engrossing and genuinely affecting.

3. Ancient VVisdom - A Godlike Inferno

Truly disturbing, and acoustic (yes) occult based rock.

4. Barghest - Barghest

Black metal from members of Baton Rouge sludge masters Thou. Total misanthropy.

5. Soror Dolorosa - Blind Scenes

Forming many moons ago (2001), Soror Dolorosa finally released this record in 2011. Comprising of members of a multitude of influential French black metal bands, this record is pure 80's cold wave goth revival.

Words: Cheryl

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— words by the SPB team • January 2, 2012

2011: A Year In Review
2011: A Year In Review

Pages in this feature

  1. Opening page
  2. The top seven albums we were promised (and didn't get) in 2011
  3. The top five albums from classic rock musicians who have no business releasing more music in 2011
  4. Five awesome 2011 reissues
  5. Ten great (legally) free albums from 2011
  6. Top 5 releases of 2011 that don't really count
  7. The top EPs released in 2011
  8. The top five debut releases of 2011
  9. The top five honourable mentions of 2011
  10. The top five London live shows of 2011
  11. The 20 best hip-hop records of 2011
  12. The top ten progressive albums of 2011
  13. The top five Fest sets we caught and missed in 2011
  14. The top record labels of 2011
  15. The top ten post-rock albums of 2011
  16. Five 2011 records I've slept on so far
  17. Top 10 Splits & Collaborations of 2011
  18. Top 10 Cassettes Releases of 2011
  19. Top 10 Musical Obsessions from 2011
  20. The five most painful musical moments of 2011

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