Honourable Mentions - Top of 2021

  Welcome to another list of best albums, counting down the best records of 2021. Just before we get to the top 31 list, we will present some albums that came out that while great, didn't quite make the cut. Without further delay, we are presenting:

 

2021 HONOURABLE MENTIONS (In no particular order)

 

Necromantia - To the depths we descend (The Circle Music)

It's been over a decade since the Greek blackmetallers released their previous album and considering that the band officially split after coming together for this record makes it worthy of listening! A great final chapter filled with awesome heavy riffs and themes which has not anything from the edge that the band is known of. Farewell to Magus Wampyr Daoloth as he descends to the depths!

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Epica - Omega (Nuclear Blast)

Epica is one of those bands that started as a classic symphonic metal band  but slowly evolved with time to have a distinct sound, releasing a couple of interesting albums in latest years including 2014 Top entry and this year's Omega. The blend of Simone Simons' beautiful vocals, harsh vocals, melodic tunes and orchestral score make for a great release with highlights like the "Abyss of Time - Countdown to Singularity".

 

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Orden Ogan - Final Days (AFM Records)

Final Days is a great surprise this year by German power metallers, Orden Ogan, who have evolved from folk to melodic power metal. The record with its sci-fi lyrical themes is very pleasant listen with major replay value thanks to catchy and uplifting tunes overcoming some darker lyrics. Such examples include "In the Dawn of the AI" which has a very memorable chorus made for sing-alongs.

 

 

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Dalriada - Oszelo (H-music)

If you are looking for a pure folk metal album look no further. Dalriada have everything you need from Hungarian poems and tales inspiring their songs to folky guitar/ flute/ bagpipes tunes and finally an amazing blend of male and female vocals. A great release for all the folk fans out there!

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Korpiklaani - Jylha (Nuclear Blast)

 Finland has a breadth of folk metal bands with Korpiklaani being one of the most prominent examples thanks to the contribution of none other than the band's main vocalist Jonne (who has also released personal albums). Jonne might have diverted from the classic Korpiklaani sound adding more of his personal sound to this album and although this might disappoint some hardcore fans it makes for an interesting turn in the band's journey.

 

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Mortal Soil - Mortal Soil (Underground Power Records)

This the first full-length album by Finnish heavy metallers Mortal Soil and it definitely fills the listener with excitement about their future steps in the metal journey. The record is an enjoyable heavy metal blast with great melodic tunes and pure male vocals. A great listen with no dull moments and a definite Ghost-reminiscent vibe that adds to the demonic atmosphere.

 

 

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Evergrey - Escape of the Phoenix (AFM Records)

 

A great album by Evergrey(after the exceptional The Atlantic in 2019), who have also released another album in 2022, signifying a band that still has a lot to give to the genre of melodic (prog) metal.  Tom Englund amazing mellow voice always elevates the songs and makes them memorable.

 

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Significant Point - Into the Storm (Dying Victims Productions)

Significant Point is one of those rare gems coming out of Japan who has a history of symphonic and melodic bands that blasts out all expectation and creates a classic and enjoyable speed album. This is the first full-length record of the band but it sounds like they have found their sound and know how to combine heavy riffs with speed elements while also adding their own touch.

 

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Utmarken - Svåra År (Utmarken)

Utmarken's album makes us wish that there were more folk metal bands who don't hesitate to release their songs in their native language. Although this is quite common in other countries such as Finland, this is less so in Sweden. The sogs in this album (and the previous albums released by the band) prove that this is definitely worth it! Overall, a great blend of metal riffs, lyrics in Swedish and folk sounds (like that of Nyckelharpa).

 

 

 

 

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Sur Austru - Obârșie (Avantgarde Music)

Sur Austru add a twist in the classic black metal sounds with atmospheric folk elements and make for a memorable and unique sound. The folk band from Romania dwel into folklore tales and stories about nature packing it with heavy folk elements from traditional instrumens (such as Bucium, Toaca and flutes). An interesting blend of genres creating a true folk atmosphere.

 

 

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Anneke Van Giersbergen - The Darkest Skies Are the Brightest (Inside Out Music)

It is impossible to not know and love Anneke's unique and beautiful voice that is recognised by a number of diverse projects such as Ayreon, Devin Townsend and The Gathering. She has also made her mark with collaboration including her recent guest in Amorphis' previous album. In her personal album Anneke shows her softer side and shares with us a series of mellow tracks like "I saw a Car" that are great driving companions and can be heard on repeat!