#23 - Top of 2019

Doom's Day - Baphomet (PRC Music)

Blasting their way into both the 2019 Top and the Best Doom Albums of the Decade, are the Canadian doom metallers from Canada, Doom's Day. Their fourth full length album, "Baphomet" is an excellent example of heavy doom spiced with appropriate lyrical themes about demons and witches! The rough & aggressive vocals by lead singer DooM,  add a more edgy and heavy vibe to the tracks, with the best example being without a doubt the awesome "Kill the Priest". The powerful vocals mixing with some amazing guitar work differentiates the band from classic doom metal and making their sound memorable and unique. The title-track "Baphomet" is heavily based on combining these heavy and rhythm guitars with a great melodic guitar solo acting as an ode to Baphomet perfectly leading to the accoustic interlude "Sacrifice"!  But don't be wary, this is the only breath you have time to take. The pace picks up right away with a lot of heavy doom tracks making the album worth a listen and you wishing that it was longer!


94.15/100

Below is the official lyric video for the song "Kill the Priest".

#24 - Top of 2019

Sabaton - The Great War (Nuclear Blast)

Sabaton triumphantly returned once more last year, with their latest studio release being a concept album for World War One. The band has, at times, been vilified by many in the metal community for the poppy and cliche way of songwriting, as well as the upbeat euro-power sound around sensitive real-world subjects. And yet they continue to be an extremely successful band, with their own distinct take on a much maligned genre, combining epic upbeat vocals with engaging historical subjects and, at times, acting as a getaway for many people to educate themselves on the pivotal moments of history. This album does not deviate from the formula, however its narrow focus on a specific time period, allows the band to weave narratives around key moments that left their mark in history, as well as comment on the nature of the great war in general. The album kicks off with "The Future of Warfare" which acts as an intro and a commentary on how the Great War changed perception around war. "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" details the adventures of T.E. Lawrence during the war, while the anthemic (and possibly winner of catchiest song of the year) "82nd All the Way" talks about the heroics of Alvin York. "The Attack of the Dead Men", another excellent track, details the desperate counterattack of Osowiec, under the horrifying effects of Mustard Gas, while "Devil Dogs" details the successful allied offensive at the Battle of Belleau Wood and "Red Baron" is about the infamous German pilot Manfred von Richthofen (Iced Earth have also written a track about him!). The rest of the tracks from the "Great War" to "In Flanders Fields" are more about the horror and effect the war had on the minds of men, as well as presenting a more sombre and downbeat side of the horrors of history compared to the anthem filled first part of the album, with "Fields of Verdun", being the standout track on that part of the album. Overall a great effort from the band, that will be very popular among fans of power metal and historical reminiscence.


94.1/100

Below is the music video for the song "Great War" and the lyric videos for the songs "82nd All the Way" and "Attack of the Dead Men".

#25 - Top of 2019

Isole - Dystopia (Hammerheart Records)

Going to number 25 of the best albums of 2019, we have the seventh outing from Swedish Doomsters Isole, aptly named "Dystopia". Previously featured in the best Doom & Epic albums of the past decade with Dystopia's predecessor The Calm Hunter, their newest effort might be their tightest release yet. Through the past 15 years and 7 albums, Isole have evolved their sound while succeeding in creating an epic atmosphere. Daniel Bryntse's clear and sorrowful vocals play an important role in conjuring the perfect doom feeling throughout the album. The opening track, "Beyond the Horizon" has a memorable chorus both lyrically and melodically, though it doesn't take long for the album to take a heavier turn, with songs like "The Beholder" and its "oriental-like" riffs, the interesting addition of rough brutal vocals blending with the menacing chimes of bells in "You Went Away" or the darker "Galenskapens land" telling the eerie tale of the land of madness in Swedish. In "Dystopia",  dark undertones of  heavy doom guitars dominate all the songs blending with lyrical themes that take the listener on a journey through tales of sorrow and loss!

94.1/100


Below is the official video for "Beyond the Horizon"