15 dopest black rock songs of 2017

We’re not going to lead with the declaration that the Trump presidency is good for music that most punk rock year-end lists are going with, because honestly we’d take “not nazis” in exchange for a year of listening exclusively to Raffi, but here we are.

Nevertheless, 2017’s been a year of legends mounting implausible comebacks and newcomers changing the face of music, resulting in some of the dopest punk, metal, and hardcore to ever tear our speaker cones. From Algiers to Living Colour, Burn to Nekra, here are some of our favorites.

1. Algiers – “The Underside of Power”

The title track to Algiers’ The Underside of Power widens the lens out from the mostly descending political rollercoaster of 2017 to remind us that it’s always been this way. Adding Motown soul to their already impossible sonic palette, Algiers summon their biggest hooks to indict oppressive power structures throughout history. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and Algiers absolutely kills it.

2. Burn – “Dead Identity”

The triumphant return of hardcore legends Burn was one of the highest points of 2017. After nearly 30 years as a band, the punk pioneers finally released a debut full length album, and against all odds it was worth the wait. Chaka Malik and Gavin Van Vlack have never sounded better than on the album highlight “Dead Identity.” Let’s just hope we get a followup before another 30 years.

3. Ecca Vandal – “Price of Living (ft. Dennis Lyxzén, Jason Aalon Butler)”

Ecca Vandal’s “Price of Living” violates our informal policy of songs not appearing on multiple lists by being that fucking good. Featuring Dennis Lyxzen of the Refused and Jason Aalon Butler of letlive., “Price of Living” is the kind of genre mashing punk rock that all three made their names on. If they don’t form a band for real, 2017 was all for nothing. Taking aim at systemic abuse in refugee camps and detention centers, militarized aid workers, and an economic system built on white supremacy, the song is a knife to the system.

4. Junior Astronomers – “Pyramid Party”

Having a shitty day? Listen to Junior Astronomers with headphones. Having a fucking outstanding day? Listen to Junior Astronomers loudly on speakers. Body Language is the only album you need to get those feels. And goddamn it, “Pyramid Party.” Fucking “Pyramid Party.”

5. Nova Twins – “Mood Swings”

With their latest EP, the feminist grime punk duo Nova Twins leave no question: they are the most exciting band on the planet right now. If “Mood Swings” doesn’t get your blood moving, you might be dead already. At any rate, it’s too late to help you.

6. Loud Boyz – “Party in the USA”

Whatever other bullshit happens there, Washington, DC remains the hardcore capital of the world thanks to bands like Loud Boyz. Their Party in the USA EP is the kind of fierce social criticism over blistering riffs that make the scene’s heart beat.

7. Ho99o9 – “City Rejects”

Ho99o9 has always flirted with the line between hip-hop and hardcore, and on “City Rejects” they finally cross the line. And it is fucking glorious. United States of Horror is one of the best punk records of the year, anchored by a fury and a passion most bands can only pretend to. “All we want is justice, anarchy, and peace.”

8. Project Black Pantera – “O Último Homem Em Pé”

Brazial metal trio Project Black Pantera have established themselves over their three short years as arguably one of the best metal bands on the planet. With a stripped down sound and take-no-prisoners fury, “O Último Homem Em Pé,” shows why. Prove us wrong.

9. Oceano – “Human Harvest”

On their apocalyptic concept album Revelation, deathcore quartet Oceano match their ambition with some of their most focused songwriting of their career. “Human Harvest” uses Adam Warren’s bone shattering vocals to tell the story of ancient aliens judging humanity for our failures. It’s larger than life in the ways that only deathcore can be.

10. Nekra – “Expatriate”

Nekra’s Demo 2017 is the kind of stripped down lofi punk that sparks revolutions. Describing their songs as inspired by “Gringos, people sucking the life out of you, Terry Richardson… you, know the usual stuff that brings a brown girl down,” the feminist hardcore quartet takes no prisoners on “Expatriate.”

11. Louder Than Quiet – “Ain’t Nobody (ft. Alesia Williams)”

If the idea of a post-hardcore cover of Chaka Khan’s classic “Ain’t Nobody” doesn’t sound like one of the best songs of the year, then you haven’t been paying attention to Louder Than Quiet. Bringing in frontman Urico’s mother in for a guest vocal, the melodic death metal collective delivers a song that completely re-imagines the original without losing an ounce of what made Chaka Khan a legend. Who would have thought that “Ain’t Nobody” just needed some death growls and time signature changes? Now we know.

12. Zeal & Ardor – “Devil is Fine”

For a project that started as a joke, Zeal & Ardor’s Devil Is Fine packs one hell of a punch. The title track imagines a Satanic spiritual mixed with tinges of black metal and it all adds up to far more than the sum of its parts.

13. André Cymone – “Black Man In America”

Since his 2014 return with The Stone, André Cymone’s been on a hot streak, as if determined to make up for lost time. The former Prince collaborator’s latest 1969 was a clear-eyed look back at another moment in American history when a constant state of crisis gave birth to a feeling that change was possible. That complex mix of defiance, hope, and frustration flows through the album, reigniting Cymone with passion and creativity. It’s no surprise that the record’s strongest message is tied to its strongest riff. “Black Man In America” is an indictment, placed in the context of songs that at times could be confused for nostalgia.

14. Unlocking The Truth – “My Chains”

While longtime fans of the young metal trio may be thrown by the band’s foray into industrial, the truth is the shift gives them not just a great song, but arguably the best song of their career. Whether it’s an experimentation or a signal of a new direction for the band, “My Chains” is dope.

15. Living Colour – “Come On”

Speaking of metal bands getting their industrial on, the venerable icons in Living Colour upgrade their Stain-era palette to include glitch edits and stutters, delivering their best song in years. “Come On” showcases the inimitable chemistry that’s made Living Colour legends. When Glover and Reid are on, they’re unstoppable.