Carlos's Almostopster: Cold Chisel -East

by Carlos on Sun, Jun 16, 2024

Of course it has to be an Aussie band

Cold Chisel - East  Like many of us, I’ve gone for a nostalgic pick. Here in Australia, Cold Chisel holds a place beyond merely being a popular band; cultural icons would be more accurate. They have at least two songs that could arguably be considered national treasures. If put to a referendum, I’d bet we could replace our boring-as-bat-shit national anthem with their song “Flame Trees”.  While “East” doesn’t feature any of those iconic national treasure songs, it’s my favourite of theirs and it’d be pretty uncontroversial to call it their best.

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Aker's Almostopster: dälek - From Filthy Tongue of Gods and Griots

by Aker on Mon, Jun 10, 2024

This entry is going to be self-indulgent, winding, maybe a bit whiny, but also - I hope - sincere: sorry. - Aker

In a dazed panic, cock-eyed and drooling, Tarb came to me with a desperate plea that I write my almostopster piece a few weeks early. Being a consummate professional, I obliged. Becoming quickly less professional, I forgot to reply to Tarb’s clingy requests in the days following. Feeling intense sympathy for the malnourished goat leader, I confirmed my position on the afternoon of Thursday 6th June. He asked if I was ready.

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ScoopMeister's Almostopster: Allegaeon - Elements of the Infinite

by ScoopMeister on Mon, Jun 3, 2024

It would have been weird if we didn't have some tech death

Despite both having their fair share of excellent albums, melodic and technical death metal aren’t easy subgenres to do well, with attempts at both often getting stuck in bland mediocrity and failing to really stand out from a packed crowd. Combining the two is, in theory, even harder, with the need to find the balance between virtuosity and memorability being paramount. Enter my almostopster pick: 2014’s Elements of the Infinite by Allegaeon.

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Vimes's Almost (or future) topster: Messa - Feast for Water

by Vimes on Mon, May 27, 2024

Vimes almost understood the assignment

I’ve been thinking about revisiting my reliquary list for a while now, so when my almostopter turn came, it gave me a chance to check out the runners-up. Man, was making my pick hard! “Should I go with my whimsical side and subject the vortex to Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band or fly them to Dundee with Gloryhammer?” The temptation was strong, but I had better contenders. I will not spoil the possible nominees to “Vimes’ Topster 2024” and go straight to the point, instead.

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