Påhl Sundström (Klotet)

Kuedo - Severant

An album belonging to the genre we could call “music inspired by the Blade Runner soundtrack”. Simply fantastic melodies and ambiances propelled by an unusually frantic rhythm section makes this the most intriguing and enjoyable release of 2011 for me.

Deerhoof - Deerhoof vs. Evil

Probably the most diverse and worked-through recording by this super group. An album that, in my opinion, grows with each listen.

Advisory Circle - As the crow flies

Any full length released by the Ghost Box label in 2011 would have made my list. Nothing really groundbreaking about this album, just amazingly epic instrumental miniatures with a fun narrative. As usual.

Gösta Berlings Saga - Glue Works

Although this brilliant album sees the band stretching the genre’s formula quite a bit, I can not think of any band that could threaten GBS’s position as the number 1 prog band in Sweden. Or in the world, in fact. I’m so proud to have been a follower of these guys since the demo stage & I wish them all the success they can get.

Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island

I have been a fan of this crazy Canadian since his first full length, and for me all of his albums are such goodie-bags of experimental and unpredictable weirdness. I believe Diaper Island to be darker and a bit more aggressive than his earlier work, without loosing the playful touch.

Housse De Racket - Alesia

Since Chateau Marmont’s album wont be released until next year this will have to do for 2011, regarding French electronic pop. I very much fell in love with this incredibly charming album, which I find to be more intricate and sinister than what the first impression might hint at.

Kebnekajse - Idioten

Swedish prog(g) band fronted by one of the world’s best guitarists if you ask me. This album really surprised me in being so deeply inspired and brooding – not something you take for granted from a band that formed 40 years ago.

Virus - The Agent That Shapes The Desert

I can’t understand why Virus hasn’t gotten wider attention since they are clearly the most original and inventive band springing from Norwegian 90’s black metal. “The Agent that Shapes the Desert” is just a stunningly powerful release that’s quite impossible to pigeonhole.

Disma - Towards the Megalith

Disma aren’t the only ones these days who tries to emulate the genius of death metal masters Incantation, but this album has such great production and odd songwriting that it surely stands out. None of the songs here have characteristic parts like verses, choruses or reappearing hooks, which makes for a surreal and mindcrushing experience when listened to as a whole.

Earth – Angels of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1

I’m one of those who never really appreciated the more ambient releases of this band’s past, but this one, together with their previous album, really hit home for me. Call me a poser if you will.