Top 5 Albums That Are Perfect For The Summertime

Hi fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

With one of the hottest times of the year right around the corner, our thoughts turn to parties, barbeques, convention, surf, and other sunny activities. For a good chuck of us, music is often an accompanying element to everything I just mentioned, but some of us might be confused as to which records must be played. Well, I’m here to help! Deviating slightly from my previous 2 Top 5 albums lists, I’m dedicating 5 CDs to a specific season rather than a specific month, and I must confess it was something of a challenge. Thinking of 5 albums that fit the summer was hard, but eventually I came through. So, ladies & gentlemen, here are 5 albums that are perfect for the summertime. Enjoy!

5) Devin Townsend - Ocean Machine: Biomech (Track)

I just took a look at this album at the beginning of this month, so I won’t repeat much (You can read the review here). The one thing I mentioned in that review was that Ocean Machine brought the ocean & the shore to the listener, and that’s really what this record is. This is the kind of album you listen to on a long trip to the beach, with the windows down, a nice breeze caressing your skin as you go down the road, and a ethereal feeling that comes out of nowhere. I can’t say anything else, other than for all of you to give Ocean Machine a try.

4) Eisbrecher - Sturmfahrt (Track)

Version 1

Version 2

I said this back in my “Top 5 Albums That Are Perfect For December” post back in 2015, and I’ll say it again here: you could practically put just about any Eisbrecher record on any list, and it would work. Case in point is last year’s sailing infused Sturmfahrt, or stormy voyage as it’s translation from German. Much like Devin Townsend’s Ocean Machine, Eisbrecher mix highly emotional songs with a watery background. In Sturmfahrt’s case, the background in question is a journey through a brutal storm. A tsunami, a hurricane, you name it. You and the crew on this album are in it for the long haul, and this release acts as a perfect counterbalance to the sweltering heat of the summer. Definitely one to look out for!

3) Turmion Kätilöt - Dance Panique (Track)

If there’s one thing that some of us do during the summer, it’s dancing. Whether in a club or bar, or at a barbeque, some of us are grooving & moving. In this case, Turmion Kätilöt’s 2017 release Dance Panique is an album to look out for. Though returning to their heavier Industrial Metal roots, little bits of that dance spice they added in 2013 still wafts around in the music. Given that the name of the record has the word dance in it, it’s not exactly surprising. With all of that said, Dance Panique has some of the best beats, rhythms, and vibes that only Finland’s best can provide. So the next time a party needs a little musical kick, locate this album if you can.

2) Pretty Maids - Future World (Track)

If there’s one thing that surprising about the summer to me, it would be how optimistic it is. The sun shines longer than normal, the heat can get us to move around, and there’s just something happy about warmer days. If I had to think of an album that matches up with cheery vibes of the summer, I’d have to say it would be Pretty Maids’s second release, Future World. Don’t let the name of the band fool you, cause these are ready to get down with some of the sickest Hard Rock/Heavy Metal beats in the history of the genre. Ironically, there’s almost a Power Metal vibe & feel on Future World, despite the fact that they never (As far as I know) used that style in their music Future World is pretty reflective of life as well, but I won’t say anymore......apart from that fact that all of you should be trying this album out.

1) Accept - Restless And Wild (Track)

And so this list is concluded with a classic release from a classic band. Since 1979, the legendary Accept has release numerous iconic albums, many of which still hold up strong to this day. Case in point is the early 80s classic Restless And Wild, and with a name like that, how can this not be a summertime album? Fast As A Shark, the title track, and even the last song Princess Of The Dawn just feel appropriate for the season. If you don’t listen to Restless And Wild during this time of year that’s no big deal, but if you do, then there’s a kind of magic that happens when you do. What else can I say, other than to buy this album if you see it.

So these were what I consider to be the 5 albums that are perfect for the summer. Each record embodies at least one thing with this time of the year, and even if you don’t listen to these releases during this season, they’re still great anywhere else. Well, with the last post of May done, the next music festival here on the Heavy Metal Otaku blog is just around the corner, and trust me when I say that things are about to get a little.......industrial around here. See you soon!




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If you’d like to see my previous 2 Top 5 albums lists, click on the links below.

Top 5 Albums That Are Perfect For December

Top 5 Albums That Are Perfect For October