Over the course of 2017 — since they released their best-of-the-year album Forever in January — Code Orange went from buzz band to Grammy contenders, with a Revolver mag cover story and cosigns from a who’s who of heavy music in between. How has the journey changed drummer and bandleader Jamie Morgan?
“I’m the exact same motherfucker — I’m just finally getting some goddamn validation,” he says. “I said it in January last year, January this year, and I called our old record I Am King. I still believe. … I really feel like this is the beginning, the start of a whole new era for us. Up until this point it’s all been training camp — 10 years of training camp.” He laughs.
Considering what a momentous 12 months it has been for Code Orange, we asked Morgan to give us his picks for 2017’s finest musical offerings.
Godflesh – ‘Post-Self’
This might be my favorite one — it could be the best record they ever made. It takes me to an alternate universe.
Nine Inch Nails – ‘Add Violence’
Might be my favorite since Fragile or Downward Spiral. So sick. Has a little bit of attitude.
Full of Hell/The Body – ‘Ascending a Mountain of Heavy Light’
Sicko record, but in a scientifically murderous way.
Cavalera Conspiracy – ‘Psychosis’
It’s just straight Sepultura, almost as good as the classic era. Arthur Rizk did the production and it’s a totally new band.
Dying Fetus – ‘Wrong One to Fuck With’
Great record, and we’ve been seeing it live every night on tour. It just makes you want to kill.
Show Me the Body – “K-9”
That single is so wild.
All Out War – ‘Give Us Extinction’
Goes really really hard.
Trail of Lies – ‘God of Rage’
Really great hardcore band.
Vince Staples – ‘Big Fish Theory’
Brock Hampton – ‘Saturation’
Injury Reserve – ‘Drive It Like It’s Stolen’
THINGS JAMI MORGAN IS LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2018:
Twitching Tongues – new LP
Harm’s Way – new LP
Vein – new LP
Turnstile – new LP
Winning that Grammy