After graduating from Drexel's Entertainment and Arts Management program, Graham Noël worked at The Trocadero, the Mann Center, and the Prince Theater before landing his current position as a talent buyer for Ardmore Music Hall, MilkBoy Philly, and 118 North. By night he plays bass in the progressive black metal band Botis.

To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar (2015)

With help from a legendary cast of musicians across R&B, Funk, and Soul, TPAB showcases a deeply emotional story of personal transformation. The music on its surface was satisfying enough to make it one of my favorites, but only after listening to hours of analysis from the podcast “Dissect” did I fully appreciate the massive scope and importance of this record.

Sacred White Noise - Thantifaxath (2014)

Thantifaxath's debut full-length is a deeply unsettling nightmare akin to the most maddening of psychological horror movies. The band's unique mastery of dissonance and chromaticism is the perfect conduit to their oppressively bleak aesthetic. This under-appreciated record should be an essential listening for any fan of heavy music.

Pink Lemonade - Closure in Moscow (2014)

While most concept albums can take way too long to sink in, this psychedelic progressive rock opus that tells the tale of a fool seeking the fast track to enlightenment was gripping upon very first listen. In no time, I found myself incessantly belting out falsetto hooks about the ritualistic upload of consciousness to a universal supercomputer. While the story is over the top, it is not outshined by the impeccable performances and composition. It's a truly addictive listen.

Patagonian Rats - Tera Melos (2010)

This album was my personal gateway into the world of quirky angular rock more commonly referred to as math rock. In awe of the band's techniques, rhythms, and tones I had not heard previously, I dove headfirst into similar artists without ever finding a record that scratched the same itch as this one. It's still in heavy rotation after 9+ years.

Colored Sands - Gorguts (2013)

Colored Sands is a masterful display of heaviness and instrumental sorcery. The addition of Colin Marston and Kevin Hufnagel, both from instrumental oddballs Dysrhythmia, helped push the already legendary band into undiscovered territory. The end result is a spectacularly satisfying album that will continue to be appreciated for decades to come.

Honorable mentions:

Choose Your Weapon - Haitus Kiayote

Option Paralysis - The Dillinger Escape Plan

Feast of Love - Pity Sex

Black Messiah - D'Angelo & The Vanguard

All We Love We Leave Behind - Converge

Graham Noël's Top 5 Albums of the Decade