#1 - Top of 2019

 Grand Magus - Wolf God

And in number one, we could have none other than Grand Magus, the heavy metal Swedes who throughout the years have never ceased releasing albums which are instant classics while gradually evolving from their doom/stoner origins to a more and more EPIC sound (check out Top 2012, 2014, 2016 and the Best of Epic metal!!!). In another solid release, the Wolf God starts off with an amazing acoustic track accompanied by a folky cello,  while "Gold and Glory, sets the mood in an album that it gets really hard to pick a favourite song. From heavy and more slow-paced tracks like "To Live and to Die in Solitude" and "Glory to the Brave" to amazingly melodic and catchy songs like "Brother of the Storm" and " Dawn of Fire" the record doesn't slow down with the small exception of  filler track "Spear Thrower", which nevertheless is catchy as fuck. There are also tracks like the "Wolf God" and "He Sent Them All to Hell" that have that extra layer of HEAVINESS that has become a distinct feature of the band that flawlessly fit in creating the most enjoyable  2019 release! As always, the album is made unique and memorable thanks to the awesome JB, who provides both lead vocals and guitars (both on studio and in live shows)! The album and, the band in general, are perfectly summarised  in the final track "Untamed", where we can sing along with JB: 

From the north

Now hear us roar

From the north

Now hear our call 

98.5/100

Below are the official music videos for the songs "Untamed", "Wolf God" and "Brother of the Storm".

#2 - Top of 2019

Devin Townsend -  Empath (Inside Out)

Devin returned in 2019 with a deeply endoscopic release, reconciling a number of different aspects from his career while at the same time adding new elements to his music, rendering Empath an essential part of Devin's music catalogue. Choosing to do the release under his own name (and not under the DTP moniker) clearly allowed more creative freedom to DT, allowing him to collaborate with a different array of musicians than on DTP releases, while at the same time allow him to converse with the audience more intimately than ever before. The album opens with a small interlude breaking into the chaotic madness that is "Genesis" with multiple musical themes and aspects colliding into a maddening fest of prog. This is followed by the anthemic "Spirits Will Collide", a personal favourite of my co-author here at the blog and a great song to listen to live. The albums continues with Evermore, a very "DTP" song and continues with Sprite, mixing fable and prog into a strange amalgam of sounds. "Hear Me", once again treads on familiar DTP grounds before "Why?" gently pushes the viewer out of its comfort zone into an absurdity of emotional resonance. "Borderlands" which follows is an almost perfect song combining different facets of DT while at the same time providing great entertainment and a quite infectious main riff, while the album closes with the multi-part prog labyrinth of Singularity, where at times elements of DT's earlier releases fuse with influences and personal experiences, providing perhaps not the ending of the album we asked for, but definitely the one we deserve. 

Ultimately, this is  great release, albeit one that may be a tad too much to someone not acquainted with DT's music before, but a record that rewards multiple takes, allowing the audience to discover something different every time it's on. 

98/100

Below are the (numerous) music videos from the album.

#3 - Top of 2019

 Darkthrone - Old Star

Darkthrone really outdid themselves this time, that they did. As per their latest recipe, they mixed up equal bits of old metal and aggression and really came up with an excellent package of a release that puts the pedal on the metal and steps on it till there is no tomorrow. In previous albums like The Underground Resistance in 2013 (being a worthy addition to our EPIC Top), they showed some great heavy signs, which are not a surprise to anyone who has had a glimpse at  Fenriz's taste in music, but in 2019 they definitely pooled out their BEST and most EPIC riff, which is none other than the opening riff of the "The Hardship of the Scots! The whole thing really explodes once the first sounds of track are heard, getting better as the song progresses into an excellent mid-track tempo change, making you forget about the more mediocre (!) opening of the album ("I Muffle Your Inner Choir") and wanting to repeat the track until you hate it (a truly impossible possible task). From there onwards, the album keeps raising the stakes with awesome dark and gloomy tracks like the "Old Star" and "Alp Man", with some Candlemass-like vibes that add a doomy element. But do not fear, there are also more solid and classic Darkthrone tracks like "Duke of Gloat" which is a throwback to earlier Norse-forest-dwelling periods of the band and last but not least "The Key Is Inside the Wall" which is another blast from the past but with some awesome heavy riffs to wrap up the album (though you will probably listen to it in repeat-mode). The album's dark mood is summed up by the eerily great cover artwork by Chadwick Saint John which is the perfect fit for one of BEST 2019 releases and at the same time one of Darkthrone's best works!

97.5/100

Below is the music video for the song "The Hardship of the Scots".

#4 -Top of 2019

 Twisted Tower Dire - Wars in the Unknown (No Remorse Records)

It might have been a while since we last heard from the US heavy/power metallers Twisted Tower Dire but they have not lost their magic touch! With Jonny Aune taking over the lead vocals (since the 2011 Make It Dark) the album blasts its way in with "The Thundering" and its uplifting attitude. There are a lot of melodic additions including "True North" and the memorable "Tear You Apart" which are a great change from the more rough/heavy sounds. "Light the Swords on Fire" is without a doubt that one of the album's highlights and the catchiest track that make you think: "what can they do to top this up?", but the you listen to the "And the Sharks Came Then" which has some of the best guitar riffs in the mid-song interlude and you can hear that Twisted Tower Dire know what their doing when it comes to heavy metal! The album is full of surprises with different tones and styles, with examples like "A Howl in the Wind" which slows down the rhythm while succeeding in creating a more epic vibe with its awesome chorus! The final track "These Ghosts Can Never Leave" is the perfect heavy/power ending to a great release worthy of 2019's Top Tier Albums!

96.2/100

Below are the lyric videos for the songs "True North" and "Light the Swords on Fire".

#5 - Top of 2019

The Lord Weird Slough Feg -  New Organon (Cruz del Sur Music)

Every release from Heavy Metal underground heroes The Lord Weird Slough Feg is a celebration. This could not be more true for New Organon, arriving 5 years after their previous release (the longest the band has gone without new output since their early days).  The course of the band, from 1990 until today, has been lonely but on the other hand their sound hs been a unique old-school heavy metal, thanks to the amazing voice of Mike Scalzi. The restoration of "The Lord Weird" to the band's name signifies a small backtrack to a more heavy and esoteric music, but more hard rocking elements from the latest releases are also evident here, This is a highly addictive release, thanks to the proto-metal infusion with  interesting lyrical themes. Here, the theme of "New Organon" is a  beautifully crafted journey through the history of philosophical thought, ranging from ancient Greece to modernity. Scalzi was always inspired by philosophical quests in his concepts, but he usually clothed them with thinly veiled stories of space pirates. Here, the concepts stand bare and direct, cutting the middle man. The songs themselves, musically range from the more "blues rock feel" of "The Apology" to the metal thrashing of "Uncanny" and 70s rock trippiness of "Coming of Age in the Milky Way". This is an essential release for 2019 and possibly the best work of the band for more than a decade! 

96.2/100

Below is the audio for "Headhunter"

#6 - Top of 2019

 Myrath - Shehili (earMUSIC)

It is true that while their previous album "Legacy" nearly missed our top choices for 2016, we were really looking forward to the next work of Myrath. Tunisia's best-known metal band picks up from where its predecessor left off, this time injecting a greater amount of  straightforward and radio-friendly elements into their music while at the same time (A) honouring their influences (Pain of Salvation, Dream Theater and most importantly Symphony X) and (B) as always incorporating elements of Arabic culture in their music and lyrics. The Tunisians continue diligently in the sound they have chosen and  has now become their trademark: progressive metal full of traditional music from their country, a mix that is even more exciting than the sum of its parts when examined up close. Good examples of the excellent quality of music found in this record are the instant hit "Dance",  the awesome "Wicked Dice", the emotional "Monster In My Closet",  the majestic "No Holding Back",  the oriental proggy journey of "Lili Twil", the sweet melancholy of "Stardust" and the metallic heart of the eponymous track. However, as is almost always the case, it is really worth to listen the album in its entirety to fully appreciate what Myrath did here.  With  flawless production values and a cinematic feel that is rarely felt by contemporary bands, backed by a new company that seems to believe in them and helped put this album in many more people's ears and hearts, the band seem to be on an upward track, with excellent momentum. Now, if you excuse me I am going to press play once more!

96/100

Below are the official music videos for "Dance" and "Not Holding Back"

#7 - Top of 2019

 Atlantean Kodex -The Course of the Empire (Ván Records)

Atlantean Kodex know the secret of Epic Heavy metal and their 3rd full length album adds an EPIC touch to the top and 2019 overall. Their first 2010 release, The Golden Bough, previously seen in the Best of Epic Metal Top, showed that they have the potential for great things from the beginning! The Course of the Empire shines from the amazing intro "The Alpha and the Occident" which transitions into the awesome 9-minute journey that is "People of the Moon", the album is packed with HEAVY guitar riffs, great drumming and interesting clear vocals with a touch of roughness that is exactly what is needed for this epic ride through history! There are different changes across the record between symphonic heaviness (like in "Chariots") and doom gloominess (which can be heard in "A Secret Byzantium") without losing in epicness with some tracks bringing memories of Bathory. When even the shorter transition tracks like the slow-paced "The Innermost Light" and the eerie "Spell of the Western Sea" are that EPIC it is hard to choose a highlight from the album, though the melodic "He Who Walks Behind the Years" with its melancholic vibe would be a worthy candidate. Finally, the massive "The Course of Empire" perfectly compliments the epic intro with its amazing mid-song changes with the 6minute mark being made for sing-alongs! This a solid 1-hour release in the age of barely 40minute heavy metal albums which does not drag out but instead each track adds something different making this worthy of the 6 year wait!

 

95.6/100

Below is the official video for the song "People Of The Moon (Dawn Of Creation)".

#8 - Top of 2019

Rotting Christ - The Heretics (Season of Mist)

Rotting Christ have continued evolving and improving their sound since the beginning of their career, never settling on one style and releasing interesting works like their 2013 release Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού and this year's The Heretics which marks their 13th full length album. Right from the beginning of the album "In the Name of God" sets an awesome heavy and eerie atmosphere exploring the antithesis to a variety of political religious topics. This is a theme that is strongly resonating throughout this record. There are some intriguing guests across different tracks with some examples including Irina Zybina's guest (known from the Russian folk band Грай) in her native Russian in "Ветры злые" and Melechesh Ashmedi's guest in Arabic (known from Melechesh) in "The Voice of the Universe". The band also make some bold moves including the choice to narrate the Orthodox statement of belief over pure black metal sounds in "Πιστεύω" and the adaptation of Poe's "The Raven" as the album's closing track. But do not worry! There are a number of tracks that are oozing the familiar Rotting Christ sound like "Heaven and Hell and Fire" and "Dies Irae" which blend perfectly imposing, heavy and surprisingly catchy sounds. Thanks to Sakis Toli's rough vocals and melodic guitar riffs ("Fire, God and Fear" has by far the best guitar mid-track interlude), with a touch of  orchestral choruses that add to the menacing feeling. Overall, a very strong and unique release showing that Rotting Christ have still a lot to show and never cease to surprise by experimenting with new sounds while maintaining their identity!

95.5/100

Below is the official animated video for the song "In the Name of God".

#9 - Top of 2019

Beast in Black - From Hell with Love (Nuclear Blast)

With the second full length release of Beast in Black with Yannis Papadopoulos, they cement their name as one of the hottest names on the European power metal scene. "From Hell With Love" essentially continues on the same vein as its equally good predecessor "Berserker", while at the same time dipping its toes a little bit on new things: Uplifting songs written for party, disco / power / hard rock mixes and the well-known "pop" epic approach, as a cherry on top. The album starts with the ingenious mainstream riff of "Cry Out For A Hero" and a chorus that puts you "in the mood" in the best possible way. Then come the first "disco metal" references with the titular song followed by the "Sweet True Lies" single with clear references to Bon Jovi. The very clever idea to throw the hits one after the other works well here, with the second awesome single "Die By The Blade" in short order. The first ballad  "Oceandeep", is a wonderful elegiac piece sounding like a lost song from one of the best Nightwish albums. This is  followed by back-to-back heavier tracks "Unlimited Sin" and "True Believer", with the former honouring 80s melodic rock bands ad the latter having an extremely infectious synth intro. The ending of the album is as loud as the beginning, with the heavy-as-fuck (pardon the expression) "No Surrender". In conclusion, Beast In Black are able to do what few other bands can: offer a few moments of guilt-free enjoyment to all those who are afraid to say that they hear anything but heavy metal, having  no shortage of talent in composing hits  "the '80s way", long may they continue to do so!

95.5/100

Below are a number of music videos from the new album!

#10 - Top of 2019

Tanith - In Another Time (Metal Blade)

Stylistically, Tanith have the unique ability and flexibility to go through the full cycle of folk, hard rock, classical heavy metal and epic metal without acrobatics, and that in on itself is a great honour. In addition, the individual references, although quite a few, are very harmoniously intertwined, so much so, that the result looks like an exciting fifty-year journey, where the landscape consists of the covers of immersive and excellent records. After all, this is a time when true innovation is considered almost impossible. Thus, the creation of a new blend of familiar materials, where the proportions are just right and the execution is passionate, then the  result is exquisite exactly like the full-length debut of the quartet, "In Another Time". The male and female vocal mix, the two guitars, the warm production, the epic wonderous storytelling along with a mixture of amazing melodies and finally the dominant riffs , are the main ingredients that Tanith's offer, wrapped in the magical artwork of Roger Dean. The album kicks off with the best song of the album "Citadel" with a magical chorus part and a solo directly reminiscent of "Don't Fear The Ripper",  while in "Book Of Changes" some of the finest moments of Budgie are prevalent.  Throughout the record, there are times when the songs speak to your heart, making you feel the music and rendering any further musical "analysis" pretty pointless, given that emotions cannot be truly be put into words.

95.45/100

Below you can hear the official audio for Citadel.

#11 - Top of 2019

Risen Prophecy - Voices from the Dust (Metal on Metal Records)

Risen Prophecy have risen from the English countryside and have mastered an interesting blend between rough heavy metal tunes and true touches of epicness that makes them sound unique and memorable. They have evolved their sound across their three releases while developing their own musical identity. Masterful melodic guitar riffs are blended with rough but at the same time clear vocals by the lead vocalist (Dan Tyrens) who captures the attention with his performance at every track by mixing singing with epic narration. From heavier and slow-paced tracks like the menacing "The Waters" oozing a Manowar-like feeling of grandiosity and "The Ancient Curse" with its EPIC Bathory-like intro to the more quick-paced and theatrical "The Tower in Shinar" with its blasting drumming & guitar interludes, the band keeps surprising the listener without hesitating to shift between styles and speed! The best example of their true heavy metal sound is the memorable "The Eye of Hades" which has an awesome chorus daring to focus primarily on clear vocals. The band has further added a couple of breathers in the form of instrumental interludes which despite being short, succeed in binding together all the tracks from the simple/quick-paced ones to the more grandiose epics, like the incredible magnum opus "Voices from the Dust", which breaks the ten minute mark! Risen Prophecy are one of those bands that are worthy representatives of real heavy metal music that fans  are always on the lookout for!

95.4/100

Below is the audio track for the song "The Eye of Hades".

#12 - Top of 2019

Opeth - In Cauda Venenum (Nuclear Blast)

Once again, Opeth release one of the best albums of the year, this time with a twist, as In Cauda Venenum came in two versions, one in English and an additional one in the band's native Swedish. It has been more than eleven years since the Swedes touched anything related to death metal, a period long enough for them to be able to unfold their talent in a genre very different from where they started in. Opeth records up to "Watershed" worked extremely well, even as  background music. Now, however, the complexity they developed has reached a point where each song requires the audience's full dedication. This is also the case in "In Cauda Venenum", where you have to drop everything you do in order to assimilate its "rich" music. "Progressiveness" has been and still is the driving force in the Opeth engine, the constant on which they build their compositions. Following that train of thought, there was bound to be evolution here from 2016's "Sorceress" and this is achieved by (a) a seamless integration of the Swedish lyrics and (b) a greater emphasis on the melodic side of prog which way more prominent here than on previous endeavours of the band. The tracks presented here draw influences from all major scenes of the prog rock tapestry ranging from folk interludes and Steven Wilson to the grandiose 70s prog epics.

On the 13th album of Opeth, their new identity seems to be clearly defined; complex parts are combined to create something much more approachable. The vocals have points made to be sung-along. The success of the band here is managing to make more mature, more complete compositions while maintaining the style they like to play in their current phase.

95.1/100

Below is the official Music Video for "Universal Truth".

#13 - Top of of 2019

Stormburner - Shadow Rising (Pure Steel Records)

Blasting their way into the 2019 Top Albums, Stormburner with their first full length album, Shadow Rising have all the elements of a great heavy metal band in the making, even at this early stage of the band's journey. From the pumping "We Burn" to the grandiose "Ode to War", all the tracks are epic and oozing with heavy metal essence thanks to some amazing guitar work (by both rhythm and lead guitarists), fast drumming and Micke Stark's vocals who masterfully changes from mid-range to high-pitched screams adding to that HEAVY feeling! The Swedes are masters of catchy heavy metal with some of the album's highlights being the melodic titular song "Shadow Rising" , the heavier "Demon Fire" which is written for sing-alongs and the personal favourites "Ragnarök" and "Rune of the dead" which are packed with some Manowar-like epic-level vocals and riffs. Overall, an extremely enjoyable record with great replay value that is the perfect everyday dose of real heavy metal.

95.05/100

Below is the official music video for the song "Demon Fire".

#14 - Top of 2019

Monasterium - Church of Bones (Nine Records)

Now that we are slowly moving into autumn, Monasterium's second full length album fits with the weather and the mood due to its gloomy doom sound. The Polish epic doometallers who also graced our 2010s Top Doom Metal albums are back having stepped up from their debut album and they do not shy away with the first track "Church of Bones" showcasing that they know how to play traditional doom metal with a touch of Messiah-era Candlemass thanks to the lead singer's (Michał Strzeleck) clear and theatrical/operatic vocals! The doomy awesomeness is continued throughout the record with high pitched vocals and memorable guitar riffs in the imposing "La Danse Macabre" and an amazingly catchy chorus in the melodic "Liber Loagaet". But do not fear! The second part of the album does not lose momentum and is equally heavy and epic both lyrically and musically with the most shining example of an instant classic doom metal song being "The Order of the Dragon" which is another EPIC highlight of the album for all band members (though the lead singer tends to outshine them following in the steps of Messiah Marcolin).  Wrapping up the album, "The Last Templar" with its narration around the Crusades (and the struggle between Grand Master of the Knights Templar Jacques De Molay and King Philip IV) is last but not least as it is packed with amazing riffs, a catchy sing-along chorus leaving the listener wondering when they are planning to release their next album! Overall, Monasterium succeed in mixing the classy epic doom sounds which create an eerie atmosphere with interesting lyrical themes including stories about the knights templar, magic and ancient Greece, differentiating themselves from stock Candlemass-copy bands and leaving their epic/heavy mark in the doom scene!


94.85/100

Below is the official lyric video for the song "The Last Templar".

#15 - Top of 2019

Eclipse - Paradigm (Frontiers)

Eclipse are a pretty well-known hard rock/AOR act from Sweden that has been consistently releasing pretty interesting albums within the genre during the last couple of decades but always seemed to fall a touch short of a genuine mainstream breakthrough. This may or may not be the case for paradigm, but the album is one of the sweetest surprises of 2019! The band here really outdid themselves, delivering multiple anthemic hard rock songs ("The Masquerade", "Viva la Victoria", "Never Gonna Be Like You" , "Mary Leigh") poised to be airplay sweethearts while at the same time keeping the quality of song-writing as high as it's ever been in their career. A real feat and a must listen for any and all rock fans.

94.85/100

Below are the music videos for "The Masquerade" and "Viva la Victoria"

#16 - Top of 2019

Mileth - Catro Pregarias no Albor da Lua Morta (Soundage Productions)

Mileth with their first full-length album are a breath of fresh air for the folk scene which can sometimes sound like any celtic album of the past decade. Packed with pagan folk sounds (including bouzouki, whistle and mouth harp) mixed with metal tunes, each song adds a unique aspect to the album. One of the most memorable tracks is "De Bruma e Salitre" which has a visually stunning & unique music video to complete the Galician magic. "Esperta, Letárxica e Erma Fraga" which is introduced by an invocation & a high pitched yell is the perfect example of how rhythmic metal tunes & rough vocals can blend naturally with a range of voices, choruses and folk harmonies, and is so exciting that definitely needs a follow-up instrumental "Ela, Que Camiña Sobre as Raíces do Frío Inferno" to calm the spirits and act as a transition to the second heavier part of the album! If you are looking for a different type of folk band which incorporates metal elements in a fresh way, this is an album you should listen to and a band all pagan folk fans should keep an eye on!


94.8/100

Below is the official music video for the song "De Bruma E Salitre".

#17 - Top of 2019

Enforcer - Zenith (Nuclear Blast)

This is perhaps the most controversial pick for our list, as it was lauded by fans of the band for "selling out" and for "hitting rock bottom". However, to our humble opinion neither could be further from the truth; it simply is a statement from the band that they want to diversify and change into a different kind of monster. Not better or worse, simply...different.
To better explain what occurred here, a track by track mini-dissection of the record is warranted; "Die for the Devil" is an AOR  anthem type of song, featuring callbacks to Motley Cure and Def Leppard. "Zenith of the black sun" is a slower heavy metal track, which is not too removed from similar work of the band in the past. "Searching for you" is more or less what fans were expecting and they are getting that too here, albeit in smaller doses.  "Regrets" is a power ballad, another experiment of the band, the reason most people attacked the record and well, truth be told it is a weak composition. "The End of the Universe" is where things start to come into focus; a epic anthem with a bass line eerie reminiscent of "For Whom the Bell Tolls", followed by the slightly cheesy but enjoyable "Sail On". "One Thousand Years of Darkness" is an AOR/neoclassical blend from an alternate timeline of one of the early Malmsteen releases (probably released a little time after Trilogy). "Thunder and Hell" goes full speed-metal mode, galloping through the mosh-pits of the world. Forever We Worship the Dark emanates a somewhat brooding mood, mixing equal parts of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest into a melancholic heavy metal song that paves the way for "Ode to Death" with the grandiose intro, the galloping riff, the screams of Eric Adams, even the proper solos in guitars and bass to qualify as an honorary Manowar release!
In conclusion, the album is a pastiche of a multitude of very different aspects of metal and rock music into a record that is way more than a sum of its parts and if given the opportunity, will appeal to heavy metal fans around the world. On my end, I can't wait to see the band every time I spin "Zenith" and I think that is saying something.





94.7/100

Below are the music videos for "Die for the Devil" and "Regrets".

#18 - Top of 2019

The Neal Morse Band - The Great Adventure (Radiant Records)

It seems that Neal Morse has found the fountain of limitless inspiration on feel good prog and keeps making his way into our Top of 2015 and 2016 without even getting started on his other work and side projects like Flying Colors and Transatlantic!! This album is the follow-up to the 2016 concept album "The Similitude of a Dream", and the band's third full length album. The album is split into two CDs that correspond with two Acts and five Chapters of the concept moving between different lyrical themes and musical vibes, never losing that amazing positivity that everyone needs! Though each track adds a unique element, there is no doubt that the most catchy track with a strong reply value (with an awesome chorus for sing-alongs!!!) is "Welcome To The World", a musical contrast between the lyrical and musical tone that showcases the band's ability to work together as well as, how their voices blend perfectly! The band knows this well and we get to hear the chorus lines in other songs like pipe-organ-packed "To the River" which wraps up Chapter two of Act I bringing back the theme of "The Similitude of a Dream" in a guitar solo and the groovier "Welcome To The World 2". Chapter 3 is darker with tracks like "Venture in Black" and more intense vocals by the amazing Mike Portnoy briefly taking over from the newcomer Bill Hubauer, and it closes with serene ringing of a church bell. But there is more to come in Act II and chapters 4 & 5 which open with the orchestral epic "Overture 2" and close on a positive note with the Yes-inspired "A Love That Never Dies" (with the customary lead vocals by Eric Gillette), while we get to listen to how the story, narrated by Neal Morse, and "The Dream Continues".
The Great Adventure is a dose of positivity desperately needed and a cohesive prog album showing that Neal Morse and his band of amazing musicians know how to blend classic prog elements into something new and memorable.


94.55/100

Below is the official video for the title-song "The Great Adventure" and the official lyric video for "Welcome to the World".

#19 - Top of 2019

Borknagar - True North (Century Media Records)

Despite the title, cover and premise, misleading the hapless listener for a probable regression to black metal paths,  for  Borknagar,  north and has been transformed here into a more philosophical place with appearances deceptive of its true nature. The meaning of the above phrase is not immediately apparent as "The Fire Burns" is more along the lines of a "typical" song of  the band with progressive and Viking black metal alternations, heralding the return of ICS Vortex to the band. However all that changes as soon as track #2 ("Up North") starts. I think that what one can hear in this track is how the future of the band looks like: Guitars that have a reason to exist,  riffs that sound aggressive without being too extreme, a belief that old-school aesthetics can be aggressive but also thought provoking and deep. Of course, Vortex's vocals are in the spotlight, a driving force throughout the disc, almost  reminiscent, through the scattered rhythmic alternations, of Arcturus. Borknagar, once more, manage to release another album with a multitude of great songs. The concept of the album is quite  cohesive, culminating in the nine-minute nautical epic "Tidal", which acts as a mirror and a finale at the same time. "True North" is an endoscopic, almost solemn in its way, album - a result of true artistic collaboration among its creators.

94.35/100

Below are the music videos for "Up North" and "Voices".

#20 - Top of 2019

The Flower Kings - Waiting for Miracles (Inside Out)

Another year, another excellent release from prog masters The Flower Kings. After Roine Stolt's "almost" personal album in 2018, he decided to return to a more collective take and reactive the full band, releasing a new album, called "Waiting For Miracles ". Here we find the "permanent" lineup of Hasse Froberg (vocals) and Jonas Reingold (bass), but not Tomas Bodin (keyboards) who has been newly replaced by Zach Kammins, along with Mirko DeMaio  on drums.
There are few musical differences  with its predecessors as is always the case with The Flower Kings. Even more so when the band leader himself mentions that he wanted to write a "pure prog rock" album, according to the teachings of Floyd, King Crimson and Yes. Thus, "Waiting For Miracles", is treading on familiar ground and does not disappoint.  There is a good, healthy amount of a traditional prog here, with many layers of keyboards, unconventional measures and extensive guitar solos, sometimes having a more symphonic and sometimes a more pop approach, but always remaining top quality. Among tracks found here, the 10 minute "Vertigo" with its  beautiful vocal melodies, "Ascending To The Stars" which is straight from a sci-fi soundtrack, the instrumental "The Rebel Circus" and the magical "Sleep With The Enemy" truly stand out. Overall the truth is that with "Waiting For Miracles" nothing changes radically either for the band or for its fans. It's not the best work of The Flower Kings, but it continues to be remarkably above almost anything else out this year and can serve as a starting point for exploring the wonderful musical world they have created over the years.


94.3/100

Below is the official audio for "Miracles in America".

#21 - Top of 2019

Finsterforst - Zerfall (Napalm Records)

The German folkers are back with their fifth album, Zerfall, and it sounds like they have refined their epic folk sound even further in this new endeavour. The record blasts its way with "Wut" which is an amazing example of how the mix of folk and black elements should sound like an epic German warrior song. All tracks overflow with melodic guitar riffs and orchestral elements that add to the the grandiose feeling while balancing the blackened rough vocals with imposing male choirs. Finsterforst have evolved their sound since their first albums making it sound bigger and more distinct. Even if the language might put some people off, the song-writing is so good that the listener might forget that the songs are not in English. The title song "Zerfall" which is the album's shortest track at 8 minutes (!!!) perfectly summarises the band's epic sound being heavily based on the awesome guitar riffs (mainly heavy electric but with a touch of acoustic) and a memorable chorus which makes it by far the most radio friendly track. But do not be tricked! The band also gives us the unique "Ecce Homo" which is a 36 minute theme that has everything Finsterforst are good at while succeeding in making it even better by making it flow like one track and not a pastiche of different melodic pieces pasted together. A fitting EPIC way to close this EPIC entry in the 2019 top!


94.25/100

Below is the music video for the song "Zerfall".

#22 - Top of 2019

Merlin - The Mortal (The Company)

Further down, in number 22 of the best albums of 2019, we nominate "The Mortal", the 5th(!) full length release from Kansas Doom Metal act "Merlin".  Having not heard Merlin before last year's "The Wizard", which barely missed the top albums of 2018, I was blown away by these two albums which truly blend equal parts of Doom, space rock and stoner metal to craft a magical blend guiding the hapless listener to new dimensions of horror and wonder, while vocalist Jordan Knorr is exactly what the doctor ordered for those hot summer nights! Highlights of the latest record include the heavy "Mind Flayer", the trippy "Ashen Lake", as well as the  labyrinthine mysteries of "Metamorphosis", but if you like what you're hearing also check out 2018's "The Wizard". Highly recommended for space wizards and space lizards!


94.2/100

Below is the lyric video for "Mind Flayer".

#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"

#26 - Top of 2019

Axxios - Beneath the Blood Red Sky (Independent)

It is indeed rare to meet new bands that have something new to offer to traditional heavy metal forms. Especially when a new band attempts to blend genres it is often the norm that the end result sounds more as a vomit-inducing thought experiment and less like real music. However Axxios in their debut release offer a blend of traditional/power metal with black metal that transcends the boundaries of thought experiment and goes into the territory of pioneering new ground for metal while at the same time churning out some unforgettable music! The band members are not well-known musicians with decades of experience but young upstarts with their eyes burning aiming to set ablaze current music trends! Dan Baggarly (vocals) does an excellent job of balancing melodic elegies with guttural growls, while Dave Matthews and TJ Fernandez (guitars) provide back-up with a never-ending stream of killer riffing. This is a unique hidden gem among last year's releases!



94/100

Below is the audio track for "Conquests of the Insatiable".  If you enjoy the band, consider supporting them in their Bandcamp page!

#27 - Top of 2019

Leverage - Determinus (Frontiers Records)

After a ten year break since the release their last album, Leverage are back demonstrating once again that Finnish bands really do know the secrets of creating memorable melodic heavy metal albums. Armed with an amazing new lead vocalist, Kimmo Blom, and a new guitarist, Mikko Salovaara, the band doesn't hesitate to shift between different musical sound with 70s-like opener titled "Burn Love Burn", a surprisingly catchy chorus into the more folky "Wind of Morrigan", which is also one of the most distinguished songs from the album and into the heavier "Tiger" which is dominated by Kimmo's high pitched vocals and a Rammstein-reminiscent vibe. These changes help the band maintain momentum having the listener wondering what twist wilbe coming next. The heavy metalled "Afterworld's Disciple", with a Dio/Heaven and Hell vibe mixed with a  power metal chorus, and the made-for-sing-alongs "Hand of God" with its acoustic guitar interlude are also quite unique tracks, demonstrating a huge array of diversity in the band's sound which is what makes this album a good release and a noteworthy entry in our top list!

93.9/100

Below is the music video for the song "Wind of Morrigan".

#28 - Top of 2019

Church of the Cosmic Skull - Everybody's Going to Die (Septaphonic Records)

Members of the Cosmic Family rejoice! The brothers and sisters from the Church of the Cosmic Skull are back with another full-length album (following an amazing 2018 release) and a renewed invitation to believe in magic and join the family of the Church. Despite the ominous album title "Everybody's Going to Die" succeeds in mixing darker lyrical themes with 70's feel good tunes and a few bluesy twists (such as "The Hunt"). Throughout the album Bill Fisher's mellow vocals blend perfectly with the church-like choirs creating a unique atmosphere. Following the path to the Cosmic Compound above the clouds the listener comes across different musical styles, such as the country-themed "Do What You Want (With Love In Your Heart)" that adds a theatrical piano-based touch and quicker riffs as well as the groovy "Into the Skull" describing the journey from the real world through the Gate under the sound of heavier guitar riffs. Church of the Cosmic Skull might be wondering "Dont' You Believe In Magic" but the 100% succeed in teleporting the listener "Living In a Bubble" to experience a mystical journey away from the deserted real world and glimpse into the 7 Objects through tele-vision...


93.85/100

Below is the music video for the song "Sorcery & Sabotage".

#29 - Top of 2019

Rival Sons - Feral Roots (Atlantic Records)

Rival Sons are one of the greatest "real" rock bands of our time and last year they returned with one of the best and possibly more complete records of their entire backlog: "Feral Roots". A great album combining soul melodies with pure rock and roll aggression, containing no fewer than four compositions that are already considered classics: "Look Away" talks about empathy with a magnificent bridge which complements the dreamy intro, "Feral Roots" with emotional vocals reminiscent of the great Demis Roussos, "All Directions" with its retro vibe and finally the great "Shooting Stars" combining a full emotional explosion with the great vocal companionship of the the Nashville Urban Choir. These deeply emotional experiences are accompanied by wild rocking tracks like "Do Your Worst", "Back In The Woods" and the sexy "Sugar on the Bone" that taken into context create a complete record for all fans of rock music (and to be fair all music, in general).




93.8/100

Below are the music videos for "Do  your Worst" and "Sugar on the Bone".

#30 - Top of 2019

Bloodbound - Rise of the Dragon Empire (AFM Records)

Just as we reach the top 30, we find the Swedish power-metallers, Bloodbound, with their 8th full length album, a worthy follow-up to their 2017 release, War of Dragons. Kicking off with the uplifting and melodic "Rise of the Dragon Empire" which sets the tone of epic storytelling about dragon battles, the album promises an amazing journey with catchy tunes and interesting choruses with songs like "Slayer of Kings" begging for a sing-along! Although Patrick J Selleby's vocals are distinctive and powerful, what elevates the songs is definitely the way his vocals are blended with manly sing-along choruses adding a more imposing element to the songs. The record is quite diverse changing pacing between quick-paced Sabaton-like tunes such as "Giants of Heaven" to the Hammerfall-like "A Blessing in Sorcery" and Edguy/Avantasia-reminiscent tunes as heard in "Skyriders and Stormbringer", never failing to amaze and always delivering awesome melodies and fantastic lyrical tales. Just in case you had any doubts about them being influenced by George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, you can check out "Blackwater Bay" and "Balerion" which are direct references to RRR Martin's Westeros mythos. It sounds like Bloodbound have found the secret recipe in successfully mixing all the awesome cheesy elements of power metal with tales about dragonwars!


93.7/100

Below is the music video for the song "Rise of the Dragon Empire".

#31 - Top of 2019

Gloryhammer - Legends from Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex (Napalm Records)

Gloryhammer are back from the legendary plains of Scotland with their third full length album, a worthy continuation of their chaotic intergalactic saga (for the previous chapter see their Top 2015 entry). Between the catchy choruses of "The Siege of Dunkeld (In Hoots We Trust)", the imposing Rhapsody-like "The Land of Unicorns" and the keyboard-based "Power of the Laser Dragon Fire" reminiscent of Stratovarius, Angus McFife XIII, Crown Prince of Fife acts as a narrator of epic tales comprising the fictional history of Scotland! Of course, the album is also packed with memorable tracks like "Gloryhammer"which describes the Heavy Metal Darklord Crasher wielding history of the band and the quick-paced tongue-twister "Hootsforce" describing the fight for Fife! The closing track, "The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny" is by far the more theatrical and symphonic song of this album spanning over 12 minutes and blending electronic with orchestral elements while providing a fitting closure to the interdimensional struggles of the brave prince of Fife against  Zargothrax, leaving us to wonder where will the next chapter to this story find Angus McFife and Gloryhammer?

93.6/100

Below is the music video for the song "Hootsforce".

#32 - Top of 2019

Howling Sycamore - Seven Pathways to Annihilation (Prosthetic Records)

Howling Sycamore are in a way, an underground super group with members from Ephel Duath, Watchtower and Necrophagist joining forces back in 2018 in order to add their unique voice to the modern scene of extreme progressive music. With a heavy backlog on their backs - mainly Grossmann and McMaster - from their tenures at Necrophagist, Obscura  and Watchtower respectively but also with the valuable contribution of Davide Tiso from the Italian avant-garde band, Ephel Duath, the band released in quick succession two excellent albums, the self-titled debut in 2018 and their sophomore effort "Seven Paths to Annihilation" in 2019.
Here, the band impresses newcomers by combining extreme guitar and drum elements  with theatrical/over-the-top vocals by McMaster,  creating an "uncomfortable" and at the same time hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Tiso, as the band's mastermind, develops the sound he started with Ephel Duath, softening several of the elements from Howling Sycamore's debut, which contributes to the better overall tightness of this record compared to its predecessor. There are no "radio hits" to be found here, as the album is quite "cerebral", requiring concentration from its audience to perceive the multi-layered compositions presented here. This is a labour of love from these musicians, attempting (and many times succeeding) at pushing the boundaries of prog music and showing how to intergrate new elements in it, keeping it  fresh and interesting for the challenges of the future!


93.5/100


Below is the official audio track for "Mastering Fire"

#33 - Top of 2019

Candlemass - The Door to Doom (Napalm Records)

Between disbanding back in 2012, regrouping and releasing 2 great EPs with singer Mats Leven, and finally reuniting with original singer Johan Längquist, a lot has happened to Candlemass between releasing the great "Psalms for the Dead" and the newest "The Door to Doom". News of reuniting with the voice behind the original versions of "Solitude" and "Under the Oak" brought a great amount of anticipation for a new record with the reunited line-up. So how does the Door of Doom fare against the back-log of the band? Overall the album is great. The band is in form and Leif is pounding the audience with riffs like there is no tomorrow. Tracks like "Astrolus", "Black Trinity" and "The House of Doom" are truly worthy of the Candlemass Hall of Fame and are sure to be valued additions in Doom Metal Playlists for years to come. Through this the bands succeeds in reaffirming their return and initialise potentially a new phase of their career (akin to 2007's "King of the Grey Islands").
 

93.4/100

Below is the music video for "Astorolus - The Great Octopus"

#34 - Top of 2019

Battle Beast - No More Hollywood Endings (Nuclear Blast Records)

Battle Beast have always been a band that has tried to evolve and reinvent themselves and their music with each record. With the departure of Anton Kabanen, the band had to evolve, adopting more pop elements in their previous album, while maintaining their signature style. Here, with "No More Hollywood Endings", the band take it one step further, almost completely abandoning their power metal character and essentially creating an album that seems like the demented lovechild of ABBA, Nightwish and Bon Jovi. But is that necessarily a bad think dear reader? The answer really depends from your perspective; if you were a die-hard fan of the band for its infectious pop-metal silliness, then this may come as a big disappointment. However those willing to embrace the new Beast will find a trove of excellent songs here, even if it's no longer in the same vein with what they would expect from Noora and company. "No more Hollywood Endings" and "Eden" are truly memorable Finish Sympho tracks, "Unfairy tales" is an excellent 80s power ballad, "Endless Summer" is a very tasty pop marshmallow, "The Hero" grooves hard, while  "The Golden Horde" is a god-honest metal bashing among the fluff surrounding it. 
Overall, this a very good and different output opening new avenues for the band, showing how a pop metal band can transition to something different while maintaining very high standards of quality.

93.3/100

Below is the music video for the titular track and "Eden"

#35 - Top of 2019

Avantasia - Moonglow (Nuclear Blast)

2019 was a great year for Tobias Sammet, releasing another great chapter that can be proudly added to the journey of his symphonic power metal project, Avantasia. Tobias has been busy collaborating with a range of bands from different genres and making some interesting guest appearances in the recent Ayreon (2017) and Magnum (2018) albums! Ghostlights (the previous Avantasia record) might have been a bit more unmemorable, though still enjoyable, addition as it was released closer to the last Edguy album (that made it to the 2014 Top), but in Moonglow you can listen to the amazing elements that made earlier Avantasia instantly recognisable and memorable! The album is packed with great star-power including Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), Geoff Tate (ex-Queensryche), Bob Catley, Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Jorn Lande, making the songs a great remix of some of the most talented singers out there! The album has some nice simply structured songs, like the melodic "Monglow" which is definitely aiming for a wider crowd but the highlights of the album are without a doubt songs where Sammet takes some risk by interchanging between musical and lyrical themes as well as masterfully combining numerous guest singers whose voices beautifully complement each other. Such an example is amazing "The Raven Child" which spans over 11 minutes and gives us some of the most memorable moments of the record featuring an awesome mix of Kürsch and Lande's voices! Another great moment is "Invincible" where Tate shines with his mellow voice in this piano-based melancholic composition that inevitably has a Queensryche-like vibe to it and acts in juxtaposition to the quick-paced "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" spearheaded by Jorn Lande. A definite improvement over the latest Avantasia albums and another glorious chapter in the European power metal mythos
 


93.3/100

Below are the official lyric video for the the song "The Raven Child" and the official music video for "Moonglow".

#36 - Top of 2019

Arch/Matheos - Winter Ethereal (Metal Blade)

Former Fates Warning band-mates John Arch and Jim Matheos, after the triumphant 2011 debut of their collaborative project, returned last year with an excellent successor, "Winter Ethereal" Once more, the music here is complex and heavy at the same time, with the warmth of Arch's voice complimenting the superb riffing of Matheos. By combining themes of old Fates Warning with fresher music elements and making riffing more direct to its predecessor, they achieve to sound more apart from the latest incarnation of Fates Warning than their previous effort. And while this may alienate some of the more prog-affiliated listeners, fans of the more metallic side of the band will surely rejoice. Despite the ease with which this album flows, it explores a ton of different places. The album kicks off with‘Vermilion Moons’ which evokes a darker and sombre mood, however there are multiple moods expressed throughout the record, as we are treated to power metal energy levels (the epic "Wrath of the universe" and the dynamic"Straight and narrow"), introspection ("Tethered") and even philosophical bouts ("Kinded Spirits"). Throughout the journey that is Winter Etheral, there are heavy metal riffing aplenty and labyrinthine structures coupled with superb musicianship. In conclusion, Arch / Matheos have once been able to produce an exceptional album of contemporary progressive metal music without sounding derivative or repetitive.


93.1/100


Below are the music videos for "Straight and Narrow" and "Tethered"