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!

****************************************************************

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".

 

****************************************************************

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.

 

 

****************************************************************

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!

****************************************************************

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.

 

****************************************************************

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.

 

 

****************************************************************

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.

 

****************************************************************

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.

 

****************************************************************

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).

 

 

 

 

****************************************************************

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.

 

 

****************************************************************

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

#1 - Top of 2020

Eternal Champion -  Ravening Iron (No Remorse Records)

And the top of the 2020 list is conquered by Eternal Champion who released their 2nd full length album under the title Ravening Iron. This is a worthy sucessor to Armor of Ire which rightfully made it to the Top 3 of 2016 (and the Best of Epic Metal Top). Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band is part of a very promising wave of epic heavy metal bands from the United States, with Visigoth being another great example, that know what Epic Heavy metal is really about. This is also evident from their name, which is a reference to Michael Moorcock's reincarnating hero living in a sword and sorcery multiverse. 

Moving further from the concept, the  album is packed with awesome tracks that ooze EPICNESS while also manage to stick to your mind and can be played on repeat without growing old. This can be heard from the introductory track of the record, "A Face in the Glare" which sets the bar high with its eerie vibe about our hero facing demonic entities (or red demonic eyes) and a very catchy chorus. Speaking of catchy songs with an epic twist, "Ravening Iron" has to be one of the best songs of the band and a highlight of the album which rightfully acts as the titular song. But do not be wary, there are no dull moments in the rest of the album with songs like the super melodic "War at the Edge of the End" and the heavier "Coward's Keep"! The glorious journey into fantasy and swordplay comes to end with the instrumental "The Godblade" that lets you take a breath adding a touch of synth sounds, before jumping into the excellent ""Banners of Arhai" (with some amazingly chilling vocals by the lead singer Jason Tarpey) which kicks off with a ominous oriental riff and showcases how the band is not afraid to delve into the mystic atmosphere of dark magic without sounding corny or dated. Overall, a unique and memorable album that doesn't waste time on pointless ambient tracks or long riffs but blasts its way to the top of 2020 like the warrior blasts his way through his enemies in his quest for glory!

97.5/100

 

Below is the official audio for "Ravening Iron".

#2 - Top of 2020

 Avatar - Hunter Gatherer (Century Media)

On the second place of the best albums of 2020, a very interesting band that never settle and always experiment with their sound leading to intriguing albums (including entries in the 2016 and 2018 Tops). Blasting its way into the top, the album starts with the brutal "Silence in the Age of Apes", an excellent specimen of  Swedish Death Metal with the obligatory melodic guitar riffs and impressive brutal vocals. This is rapidly followed by the equally great and different "Colossus" which has one of the catchiest heavy bass riffs of the year mixing an industrial vibe with clear theatrical vocals showing Johannes Eckerstrom's amazing vocal range. In the "A Secret Door" the balance is shifted towards the more melodic side with no loss on the heavy side that comes together with a memorable whistling sound that introduces and wraps up the song. Other highlights include the  melodic "Child" (with a great guitar solo ending), the groovy "Justice" (which will stick to your mind forever) and the sorrowful acoustic "Gun" with its bleak lyrical themes. After the angry "When All but Force Has Failed", we get the impressive "Wormhole" wrapping up the album with some seriously heavy riffs plummeting into an abysmal wormhole.

Hunter Gatherer is made for Avatar fans, including those who might have felt let down with the previous album, that leaned more on the melodic side. A well structured album with twists and turns that keeps interest high and is packed with tribal riffs, brutal vocals and that touch of threatrics that make Avatar's sound unique.

97.4/100

 

Below are the music videos for "Silence in the Age of Apes", "Colossus" and "A Secret Door"

#3 - Top of 2020

 Ayreon - Transitus (Music Theories Recordings)

We find ourselves in 1884, in a world of inequality and moral decay, with the divide between the rich and the poor along with the various social and racial issues becoming more and more intense. There, Daniel and Abby, two young people from the two opposite ends of this world, fall in love and dream about their life together, until fate intervenes ...

This gothic romance is the  concept of Ayreon's brand new album, with Arjen Lucassen himself stating that "Transitus" was one of his most demanding and time consuming works, absorbing three years of his life! The cast of characters is impressive, with Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder) and Cammie Gilbert (of Oceans Of Slumber) as the main protagonists, along with Dee Snider (as Daniel's father), Paul Manzi (ex-Arena, as Henry, Daniel's brother), Simone Simons (as the Angel of Death) and Michael Mills (The Statue).

In general, Arjen Lucassen's presence is a guarantee of quality, with his latest output being no exception to the rule. Transitus is an album, whose material seems to have been created to function only as a whole, within the broader context of the story told through its lyrics, with actor Tom Baker in the introductory narrative of each "chapter" of the plot.

Nevertheless, the album does require a set of special listening conditions, as it requires undivided attention, but also multiple replays, to fully unfold. Of course, listening to it while reading its lyrics really helps to get into the mood more easily and quickly, something that will clearly be achieved to the fullest extent by flipping through the 28 pages of comic book that comes with it. Despite that there are moments that do stand out, like "Get out! Now!", with the formidable Dee Snider stealing the show and "Dumb Piece of Rock" with the impressive vocal breadth of the amazing Michael Mills.

"Transitus" can only stand out for what it is, being another exceptional albeit slightly different Ayreon album that will satisfy thoroughly those who delve into it to the extent it deserves.

97.4/100

Below are the music videos for "Daniel's Descent into Transitus", "Get out Now" and "Talk of the Town"

#4 - Top of 2020

Pain of Salvation -  Panther (InsideOut Music)

Pain of Salvation have experimented a lot with their sound in the last decade from the melodic Road Salt to the accoustic Falling Home and the proggy In the Passing Light of Day. This journey has made their msuic unique identifiable, not only thanks to Daniel Gildenlow's lead vocals but also in terms of dynamic music shifts and interesting lyrical themes. The album starts on a high note with the personal favourite "Accelerator" which has a harsher sound while also staying on the proggy side with very interesting shifts and an electronic undertone which can be heard throughout the album (and more prominently in "Restless Boy") adding a new intriguing twist to the songs. There are tracks, like the sorrowful "Wait", that are more melodic and add some piano tunes rather than keybords being reminiscent of earlier albums. The title song "Panther" is another highlight as it can be easily heard that the band is not shy with going off known paths without losing their sound. The album wraps up with the amazing "Icon" which perfectly combines the melodic with the electronic elements that could be heard across different songs going over 13 minutes and has the most catchy chorus that you will be humming for a while. This might be the 11th full length album for Pain of Salvation but it sounds like they are going through an ongoing process of evolving and giving us new and intriguing albums for the foreseeable future!

 

96.9/100

Below are the official music videos for "Accelerator" and "Panther".

#5 - Top of 2020

Psychotic Waltz - The God-Shaped Void (Inside Out) 

Since the band  officially announced their reunion and subsequent return to studio, it seemed like an eternity until the release of the new album. So how is the new Psychotic Waltz album? "The God–Shaped Void" is a masterpiece worthy of the name of Psychotic Waltz, on equal footing with its predecessors, but a separate entity and able to stand on its own pedestal as time passes. After all, the band never released the same record twice, so why start now?

The opener "Devils And Angels" has a recognizable role but manages to convincingly introduce the listener to the rich synthetic new world of Psychotic Waltz, while "Stranded" and "Back To Black" are gaining momentum, perhaps the most direct compositions of the album, but without lacking depth and quality. And if in "All The Bad Men" they sound more like the Psychotic Waltz of the late period and warm up old friends, it is the guitar acoustics, the flute and the melodies of "The Fallen" that are a first small culmination, with " While The Spiders Spin " following in its footsteps, emphasising the expressiveness in Graves' interpretations and his dramatic flair.

The mid-tempo of "Pull The String" with its heavy riffs and big chorus is addictive, while the equally excellent "Demystified" looks like it came from the informal marriage of Dead Soul Tribe and Psychotic Waltz, with Graves in the spotlight. "Sisters Of The Dawn" could be described as the most prog composition of the album, while the acoustic guitars and the magical melodies of "In The Silence" give an ideal finale, to an album that has a perfect duration (just under an hour) to lead you back to the beginning, so that the listening cycle can be repeated. An all around masterpiece!

96.5/100

Below are the music videos for "While the Spiders Spin" and "All the Bad Men".

#6 - Top of 2020

 Toehider - I like it (Independent)

In a brand new approach to album composing, the twelve tracks on the album were voted on by Toehider's Patreon subscribers, from a collection of songs written and recorded monthly for a period of two years. This results in an album with hardly any fillers, filled to the brim with intense songs, combining multi-layered vocals with brilliant instrumental work.  

Kicking things off with "Go Full Bore",  a thrash metal song about old school driving and video game, the album switches gears to "Wellgivit", run by saw synthesizers and electronic drum beats full of the 80's disco spirit. "Rancorous Heart", deals with the introspection of the artist, combining classic prog influences, while "Moon and Moron", juxtaposes the latter, taking a piss at conspiracy theories. "Concerning Lix & Fairs" is probably the highlight of the album, an epic prog song combining the best elements of Toehider, while  Funk-inspired "Died of Dancing",  and folk ballad "The Guy That No-One Really Knows" are excellent cross-genre examples of what the band can do. Finally "He's There… And Then He Does THAT" is a truly chaotic tune that ONLY this band can produce, while closer "I like it" is more infectious than the omicron variant (I hope this ages well). Another great album in a string of great record by possibly one of the most criminally underrated prog bands of the last decade.

96.25/100

Below is the music video for "Concerning Lix & Fairs"

#7 - Top of 2020

 Arrayan path - The Marble Gates to Apeiron (Pitch black records)   

Moving up through the 2020 Top, we find another band which has repeatedly appeared in our list of 2016, 2018 and the Best of Epic Tops. They are none other than Arrayan Path, the epic power metal band from Cyprus who released their 8th album. The Marble Gates to Apeiron from beginning (with its title track) to end is packed with blasting drum bits, memorable choruses and melodic guitar interludes. Once again, the songs are elevated by the front vocalist, Nicholas Leptos and his one of a kind voice which only seems to get better as time goes by. A personal favourite and highlight of the album is "Metamorphosis", a great example of great musicianship and memorable lyric-writing. The more theatrical and dark "Virus" which is eerily relevant to the past 2 years of the COVID era, the positive "To Live Another Day" with its romantic touch and the amazingly melodic "Mask of Sanity" are also great tracks that provide a interesting change of pace while the perfect ending is given with the even more catchy "A Silent Masquerade" and the epic "Black Sails (The Nemean Ode)" which is impossible to get un-stuck from your mind!

Nemean ode oh Nemean, heeding the beat of a drum

 

95.7/100

Below official music video for "Metamorphosis".

 

#8 - Top of 2020

Sorcerer - Lamenting of the Innocent (Metal Blade Records)

The epic doometallers from Sweden are are no strangers to our annual lists of best albums, previously entering our 2015, 2017 and the Best of Epic Tops. Their 3rd full length album is a worthy follow up to their track record with all the favourite characteristic elements, including memorable heavy doom riffs and amazing mellow and powerful vocals by the one and only Anders Engberg. There is no time wasted and after a short instrumental intro the listener is stuck with the full force of "The Hammer of Witches" which is packed with heavy and at the same time melodic riffs (with an awesome midsong interlude) and perfectly blended with majestic vocals! This is followed by track which gives the title to the album and is one of its highlights "Lamenting of the Innocent" which starts by building an eerie ceremonial mood that encompassed this more toned-down and sorrowful song that spans almost 9 minutes but does not have a dull moment! If you are here for the straightforward tracks the heavy and doomy "Where Spirits Die" and "Age of the Damned" (with one of the catchiest choruses of the year) are just what you are looking for. The menacing chimming bells of the "Condemned" and the verses in latin of the "Dance with the Devil" further enhance the epic doom vibe that permeates all the song. This beast of an album is another release worthy of the Sorcerer record track which despite being short has already developed a unique and memorable identity that keeps evolving with each album becoming even more refined!

95.2/100

 

Below is the official music video for "The Hammer of Witches".

#9 - Top of 2020

Romuvos -  The Baltic Crusade (dangus productions)   

For the fans of pure FOLK metal, 2020 was a great year as these pagans from Lithuania released their 3rd full length album, The Baltic Crusade. Romuvos are an excellent example of a band which knows how to mix  EPIC melodies with strong male vocals and folk sounds including a range of instruments such as flutes, bagpipes, mouth harps and nyckelharpa. Straight from the first song, you know this is going to be a great album as "Saule 1236" hits all the right points with amazing sounds and its lyrics falling within the album concept inspired by historical events entailing the fight of pagans against Christianity which ended with the Christianisation of Lithuania (or Courland as described in the lyrics) in 1387. The chronicle carries on with the more melodic "Memel 1257"  and the battle-anthem ""Skuodas 1259" (a personal favourite and worth checking out for fans of epic sing along choruses) which continue the saga of Romuva in line with the Romuva movement back to Baltic pagan traditions and customs. There are refreshing changes of pace from more mellow folk like "Pokarwis 1261" and a healthy dose of melodic guitars mixed with other instruments in the title song "The Baltic Crusade" that keeps you on your feet waiting for the next track. Overall, this is an album worth checking out both in terms of musicianship as it is packed with epic chants and folk instruments without losing their heavy sound, but also in terms of lyrical themes on the interesting tale of pagans of Romuva that is not well known.

95/100

 

Below is official music video for "Memel 1257".

#10 - Top of 2020

Wytch hazel - iii: pentecost (bad omens records) 

If you are looking for a melodic hard rock album with a feel-good attitude, look no further than the UK and and amazing Wytch Hazel. The previous album (II: Sojourn) was very interesting but they have managed to evolve their sound with their by far best album so far, III: Pentecost. Armed with a new bassist, Andy Shackleton, the band carries on in their exploration of spirituality, battles and truth with their unique style and the mellow voice of Colin Hendra, the lead vocalist, in the frontlines. After warming up to their retro and uplifting sound with the intro song, you get hit with the awesome "Spirit and Fire", which a very memorable chorus and melodic guitar riffs that are impossible to get out your mind, except by hearing the album on repeat! Other memorable tracks include  and the Lucifer-inspired "Archangel" which has an edgy vide reminiscent of the eerie Ghost-vibe of hard rock/heavy tunes and vocals , and "Dry Bones" which has everything from the best guitar intro riffs to high-pitched vocals that will get any listener pumped for more. The album also has different aspects like the acoustic "The Crown" and the instrumental "Sonata" which change the pace at the right moment, just before the more epic and gloomy "Reap the Harvest" which has a more proggy feeling and a great piano intro/ending. Even if you are no fan of the Christian themes and the album won't entice you to go to church, you will 100% appreciate their ability to write great music and want to listen more of their work in the future!

94.95/100

Below is the official music video for "Spirit and Fire".

 

#11 - Top of 2020

 Haken - Virus (Inside Out Music)

Sometimes life plays funny games, like Haken releasing an album entitled "Virus" in the midst of a huge global pandemic,  with the announcement of the release of the album on April Fool's Day making  some believe it was a joke. Well, let me tell you, Virus is anything but. The heavier approach adopted in "Vector" carries on here with low-tuned guitars, with the aggressive riffing in opener "Prosthetic" showing  the intentions of the band. In "Invasion" the characteristic rhythmic tongue-in-cheek returns, with the vocals and the lyrics building in a clever way on the rhythm section. I would be remiss no to mention "Carousel", one of the most interesting tracks on the album that changes faces and keeps you awake, while "The Strain" has a very catchy main musical theme.

Additionally the five-parter "Messiah Complex" continues the saga of the Cockroach King, which began back in "The Mountain". Without a shred of doubt, Haken have managed to create their own unique sound, and it seems that in their last three works have gradually moved on the heavier end of the spectrum of what they play, without losing their identity. "Virus" is like the last step of a well-designed path. What the next step will be is certainly uncertain but at the same time interesting. We will definitely be there to see it anyway!

94.85/100

Below are the music videos for "Invasion" and "Prosthetic"

#12 - Top of 2020

 Hexecutor - Beyond any human concept Of knowledge... (dying victims prodcuctions)

Hexecutor are one of those rare gems someone can find when looking for new releases in that they play true heavy metal without hesitating to have a rough sound. After a couple of hearings, their songs grow on the listener mainly due to some amazing melodic guitar riffs that can be heard in across all tracks and fit perfectly with the blackened vocals. For those reluctant to overlook the first shock from Jey Deflagratör's intense vocals (and subtle French accent), do not be quick to judge and remember that unique sounds might turn out to be a band's strong point. In their second full length album, named Beyond Any Human Concept of Knowledge..., is packed with heaviness and a strong touch of epicness that peaks with the phenomenal "Tiger of the Seven Seas" and the equally amazing "Belzebuth's Apocryphal Mark", with both going just over 7 minutes of  metal awesomeness! That doesn't mean that the rest of the album is lacking in those elements as the band mixes together thrash, speed and heavy metal tunes, like the shorter but impactful "Danse Macabre", creating an interesting blend of Bathory-like sounds with more virtuosic Fenriz-like guitars. Overall, a great surprise but definitely worthy entry in 2020's top that adds a haunting twist in the heavy metal scene for brave travellers of the seven seas!

94.75/100

Below is the lyric video for "Tiger of the Seven Seas"

 

#13 - Top of 2020

Mekong Delta -  Tales of a Future Past (Butler Records)

The dark Lovecraftian magic of Mekong Delta returns to our bewitchment for a 12th time, in perhaps their most prog-metal infused record yet. Drawing on the style they have created with their latest few albums, Mekong Delta once again produce a great album. The speed is lower this time round, using the patterns they have established throughout their work, creating asymmetrical dark music pieces, with the basslines of their leader Ralph Hubert, featured prominently in the mix. Martin LeMar is by far the most controlled singer to ever have graced the band combining an excellent tone and attitude with a loud and clear voice  "Mental Entropy",  "A Colony of Liar Men", "Mindeater" and "When All Hope is Gone" have certainly a place among to the best compositions by Mekong Delta. The latter, reaching almost  the ten minutes mark will impress the listener with changes in style and a very rich orchestration.  Tales of A Future Past is  a "must" album for all the band's friends and at the same time an excellent and relatively accessible occasion to introduce someone to the mysterious music world of Mr. Hubert and his companions.

94.7/100

Below is the audio track for "A Colony of Liar Men"

#14 - Top of 2020

 Fish -Weltschmerz (7Hz Productions)

Exactly 31 years after leaving Marillion, Fish delivers to us his final musical output. A heavy and difficult decision, an album  full of ominous twists and turns, taking a journey of almost five years to make. Struck by the loss of his father and his mother's dementia, along with health problems, Fish was in trouble with delivering his final piece of music. However, he is used to putting himself in a difficult position. Fish's sensors have been confirmed countless times, and his penetrating observation of modern day targeted this German word that eventually christened the album, a word meaning "global pain", truly prophetic, as it was recorded before the age of  Covid-19, which provided the meaning of the title with an additional semantic weight. Th album is undoubtedly a collection of dark subjects, as the "global pain" in its name demands. "Waverley Steps" investigates suicide, the story of a common human personal disaster that leaves a lonely and impoverished man in a tender winter moment, and "C Song" is written from the standpoint of a man diagnosed with cancer. "Little Man What Now" is inspired by the novel of the same name by German author Hans Fallada, which describes a young couple struggling to survive the financial crisis of the 1930s, with a clear link to the present situation. "Man With a Stick", follows the "stick" in various forms, whether it is a symbol of strength in the course of life and ends up quite the opposite at the end of the road. While, "The Rose of Damascus". is a  15 minute epic about a refugee from Syria, while "Garden of memory" speaks about dementia and its impact on human relationships through the story of a couple. The curtain falls with the titular song, a clear call for resistance to the filth around us, to change things in this world of reckless grabbing. The Scottish warrior with the grey beard always knew that his only weapons were his words. The goal was to write an album that would make the listener wonder "What happens Next". The bard has left the building, indicating it is time for actions and not words...

94.65/100

Below are the music videos for "Weltschmerz" and "The Party's over"

#15 - Top of 2020

 Neal Morse - Sola Gratia (InsideOut Music)

Does Neal Morse ever get time to sleep with all these projects he is involved in? It seems that when you are passionate about your work and find inspiration in your day-to-day life, you use every day to the fullest. Not to be confused with The Neal Morse Band or his involvement with Flying Colors (new release in 2019) or Transatlantic (new release in 2021!), in the 11th album under just his personal name Neal Morse, we can see Morse's his ongoing exploration of religion and spirituality as he presents the story of the apostle Paul, from his persecution of Christians to his conversion. Morse has the support of his The Neal Morse Band members who give the project that extra progginess you might be looking for as the album is packed with amazing prog instrumentals like "Overtune" and "The March of the Pharisees", as well as catchy tracks like "In the Name of the Lord" (with great interludes) which mask the dark themes they discuss, like the stoning of Saint Stephen being discussed in the majestic "Seemingly Sincere" (reaching over 9 minutes). There is also a great sing-along track "Building a Wall" which has a more classic hard rock sound (and a touch of Pink Floyd's themes on the significance of building walls to separate people in history). Wrapping up with the more mellow "Now I Can See/The Great Commission",  Sola Gratia is nothing less than expected from Morse's musicianship which is perfectly supported by his smooth & clear vocals. If you are reluctant to check this out due to its religious themes, you are probably missing out on an awesome concept prog rock album that has all the great elements of classic Prog!

94.6/100

Below are the official music videos  for "In the Name of the Lord" and "Seemingly Sincere".

#16 - Top of 2020

My Dying Bride -  The Ghost of Orion (Nuclear Blast)

People say that Black is typically not a colour. It is the complete absence of colour, the antithesis of light, that is, darkness. My Dying Bride exemplify that saying, going strong for thirty years with ideas born out of these dark moments, distilling them into songs and trying to exorcise the darkness by evoking it.

With their latest album "The Ghost of Orion", the band once more provides us with an excellent example of how sombre doom metal should be played with lyrics that provoke the darkest corners of our soul and music tailor-made to accompany said lyrics. The story behind the creation of this album makes its artistic content even stronger, as the daughter of singer Aaron Stainthorpe was battling cancer at a very young age during the recording of the record, making the content of the album have an extra emotional resonance to people who have faced up against this relentless disease. "Tired of tears", the second track of the album relates this story in a very personal way and, along with opener "Your broken Shore", are among the most beautiful songs the band has ever composed. Among other great compositions are the melodic "To Outlive The Gods", the collaborative effort with folk-metallers Wardruna "Solace", along with the epics "The Long Black Land" and the haunting "The Ghost of Orion".  The album closes out with "The Old Earth", more reminiscent of earlier eras of the band, with brutal vocals from Aaron having a more central role, juxtaposing with the mellow intro. One of the best albums of the band and a release worth having for all fans of great doom metal music. It is worth noting that the band also released an EP in 2020, which relies on their more gothic character which, while not reaching the levels of "The Ghost of Orion", is  a very nice companion piece to this album.

94.5/100

Below is the music video for the song "To outlive the Gods"

#17 - Top of 2020

Armored Saint -  Punching the Sky (Metal Blade)

Sometimes silence is golden. There is very little one can add about Armored Saint and their history, with the band probably receiving less attention than they deserved, while at the same time defining the sound of late 80s and early 90s American heavy metal. Their latest output "Punching the Sky" comes after 5 years from their previous album "Win Hands Down". There are no "surprises" in this release, staying true to its sound as it started in the 80's and evolved little by little through subsequent releases. This means that they continue to create classic melodic heavy metal, which,  freshness and dynamism, clearly benefiting from John Bush's output during his long Anthrax years. The most important difference is that the band has a more intense hard rock approach to its compositions, compared to their 80s roots, offering some songs such as "Lone Wolf" which clearly fall within the bounds of that genre. The album is hands and shoulders (no pun intended) above releases of washed-out idols of older times and show how a band can evolve while at the same time retaining its essence, what truly makes it stand out.

94.5/100

Below is the music video for "Standing in the Shoulders of Giants"

 

#18 - Top of 2020

 Marko Hietala Pyre of Black Heart (Nuclear Blast Records)

Marko Hietala might have become known by joining Nightwish as a bassist and providing some rougher vocals as a support vocalist but he has a very unique mellow but at the same time edgy voice that has led him to get involved in a range of very diverse projects including his own heavy band Tarot for which he is a lead singer, providing supporting vocal for Amorphis but let's not forget his perfect "casting" by Arjen Lucassen for his Theory of Everything progressive metal album (Top 2013) as the vengeful rival. Although he recently announced that he will be stepping down from his role with Nightwish, it doesn't seem he is ready to stop making music as it can be seen from his diverse outputs which include his new solo project. Although the aim was to release his debut as half English, half Finnish the decision was made to first release the album Mustan Sydämen Rovio in 2019 in Finnish with the English version being released in 2020 so this is technically a double entry. Both version are great and enjoyable with Hietala being equally confident in signing and writing lyrics in both languages, though the uniquely-sounding Finnish language adds a folky feeling in every track. The album has been years in the making and presents some more personal themes, including his father's alcoholism which affected him deeply, that would not fit with his other projects and can be heard in tracks like "The Voice of My Father" or "Isäni ääni"" . All tracks have interesting melodies with the catchy "Stones", the more sorrowful "For You" (which has an Ayreon vibe) and the electronic keyboard-based "Star, Sand and Shadow" while the album could be best described as hard rock/prog. Overall, a unique entry that is elevated by Hietala's amazing voice and his great lyrical themes that clearly show he was truly passionate about this album!

 

94.5/100

 Below is official music video for "Stones".

#19 - Top of 2020

Brothers of Metal - Emblas Saga (AFM Records)

Brothers of Metal have definitely grown a lot since their first album, Prophecy of Ragnarök, which showed some interesting elements that have leveled up in the Emblas Saga. Straight from the great intro about the well-known trickster god, "Brood of the Trickster" to the melodic "Powersnake" (talking about Jörmungandr) and the more brooding but mellow "Hel" (telling the story of the queen of the Underground) the band retells the epic Scandinavian sagas under their own heavy/power sounds and great song writing. The combination of female vocals by Ylva Eriksson, rough & clean male vocals by Joakim Lindback and Mats Nilsson and of course epic choruses with strong male vocals elevate all tracks and make them memorable! The list of tracks that are sing-along worthy is long as they achieve a great balance between the catchy Van Canto-like rhythm and one-of-a-kind Sabaton-reminiscent epicness adding their own touch. The most memorable tracks are the uplifting "Chain Breaker",  the heavier "Njord" and the 100% feel-good "One" which show two different aspects of the band's sound! Brothers of Metal do not only excel in heavy riffs but also in more melodic slow-paced songs like "Weaver of Fate" and the Enya-turns-heavy title song "Emblas Saga" which change the album's pace midway preparing the listener for a second and equally awesome dose of power metal epicness! The band goes the extra mile and puts a lot of effort in the presentation of their songs through imaginative, funny and in theme music videos which fit perfectly with the mood and makes you wanna join them for some beer/wine/ale to sing along together!

 

94.45/100

Below are the official music videos for "Njord", "One" and "Chain Breaker".