Since the homies over at MetalSucks and Hipsters Out Of Metal! are so fond of doing these types of things, I figured I'd follow suit (read as: rip off their idea) and give you guys a quick Top 5 list of my personal favorites so far this year. With 2009 almost one-third over, it's time to round up the usual suspects and cast judgement on some fucking art. With such a huge onslaught of new material popping up, I thought it would be best to kill three birds with one stone here.
These are my picks (so far) for the best new releases in film, music, and literature in 2009.
-BEST DEATH METAL ALBUM OF 2009
AUTOPSY - Severed Survival Reissue
Originally released in April 1989, this reissue from Peaceville Records commemorates the 20th anniversary of this epic doom/sludge/death album from San Francisco's own Autopsy. Severed Survival stands head and shoulders above the rest of 2009's Death Metal contenders, leaving a wake of sad posers in its path. Brutal and crushing in every way, I foresee a very promising future for this awesome band('s reissue series).
Contains a second disc of additional material not found on the original release. Skip this stuff.
Please note that two of the guys from Autopsy are rocking Autopsy shirts in this photo. Not cool for poser-Metal bands, perfectly acceptable for Autopsy.
-BEST THRASH METAL ALBUM OF 2009
LAWNMOWER DETH - The Incomplete Discography Of The Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns (1990-1993)
With the "retro-thrash" movement in full bloom, there's never been a better crop of albums to choose from for the "Best Thrash Album of 2009" category. I've chosen the new Lawnmower Deth compilation entitled The Incomplete Discography of the Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns, released by some record label a month or two ago. Containing three entire albums, Oh Crikey... It's Lawnmower Deth, The Return of the Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns, and Billy, in ADDITION to the Kids In America single, this collection is a wonderful documentation of Deth at their finest, parody songs and all. Quite simply, Lawnmower Deth rules, and if you don't believe me check out this brand new disc for proof.
I think what really sets Lawnmower Deth apart from the rest of the "retro-thrash" pack is that they actually aren't "retro-thrash" at all. They sound just like a retro-thrash band, but they were playing this style all the way back in the early 90's, AFTER it had stopped being cool to play low-brow Thrash Metal but WAY BEFORE it had become cool to play "retro" low-brow Thrash Metal. A truly pioneering release for 2009.
-BEST HORROR FILM OF 2009
SLAUGHTER HIGH Re-release
Finally, the classic party/splatter flick from Vestron Video sees a proper DVD release, thanks to the good folks at Lionsgate Films. Originally released in 1986 and also known as April Fool's Day, this DVD is actually being released TODAY! Due to my connections with inside sources (as well as an extensive Vestron VHS tape collection), I've already seen it, and I can tell you it is BY FAR the best horror release of 2009.
At least until Lionsgate upons up the Vestron vaults again.
Trailer:
-BEST SCI-FI/FANTASY FILM OF 2009
HIGHLANDER Director's Cut Re-release
Ever since the release of the Director's Cut of Highlander was announced several months ago, the sci-fi/fantasy world has been rabid with anticipation. Well, it's finally here, and it DOES NOT disappoint! This is the same Highlander we came to know and love way back in 1986, but with several formerly-deleted scenes intact! Packaged with an audio commentary and a bunch of bonus materials (again, completely skippable), this version (brought to us by Lionsgate, once again) is far superior to the 10th Anniversary Director's Cut released back in 2000 (do the math - ???). Again, we are introduced to The Kurgan, Connor MacCloud, and the rest of the gang, and again, they bring the awesome fantasy/sci-fi action, just as we remembered. This is a tale epic in both scope and ambition, and I can hardly wait to see what its sequels (or re-releases of its sequels, rather) may bring.
2009 is shaping up to be a truly amazing year for fantasy films!
Trailer:
-BEST BOOK OF 2009
H.P. Lovecraft, The Call of Cthulhu (electronic edition from MobileReference.com)
Books are a tough category. It seems like really epic stuff like The Hyperion Cantos or A Song of Ice And Fire only come along every decade or so, so I went out on a limb and picked and "electronic" book, H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu, released earlier this year by MobileReference. Lovecraft doesn't disappoint, staying true to the vision he had for this story all the way back in 1926. Cthulhu, Yog-Sogoth, and all the wacky Other Gods are back again, dishing out the chaotic, otherworldly evil in this dramatic re-imagining. Kudos to Lovecraft for keeping it real, long after his own death!
All in all, it's been a great year for all kinds of media so far. Many more re-releases, reissues, and "director's cuts" will surely hit the shelves throughout the remainder of 2009, but rest assured. Illogical Contraption will be keeping a vigilant watch, keeping you informed on what's NEW, what's HOT, and what's FRESH!
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