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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

#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".

#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".

#23 - Top of 2020

 Ensiferum - Thalassic (Metal Blade)

Three years after their previous effort, and following two regrettably mediocre releases by their standards (One-Man Army and Two Paths), Finnish epic folk metallers Ensiferum returned with a vengeance, releasing Thalassic in 2020. Bringing keyboardist/vocalist Pekka Montin (Judas Avenger) into the fold, the band embraces all aspects of their music in this album, making their intentions known from the epic intro "Seafarer's Rum". "Rum, Women, Victory", leans on the pirate-y side, which is not the bands forte, and is possibly the weakest moment of the whole album. However, it is nothing but epicness from hereon till the end of the album, with the truly epic "Andromeda" and the power metal anthem "The defence of the Sampo". These are followed by the quite heavy "Run from the Crushing Tide" and the Amorphis-leaning folk metal "For Sirens". For the final three songs of the album, "One with the Sea" and "Cold Northland" are true epics and among the best songs of the bands for more than a decade, while "Midsummer Magic", provides a nice folk breather between the two, as to not overwhelm the listener with epic brutality. In conclusion, this is one of the best recent Ensiferum albums and among the best epic folk metal releases in a while. 

94/100

Below is the music video for "Andromeda"

Honourable Mentions - Top of 2020

 Welcome to another list of best albums, counting down the best among 2020 records. Before we get to the meat of the list, we will present some records that came out that while great, didn't quite get there. Without further delay, we are presenting:

2020 HONOURABLE MENTIONS (In no particular order)

Lucifer - Lucifer III (Trooper Entertainment)

 Lucifer, released their 3rd full length album in 2020 and it doesn't lack anything from what makes their sound unique including a retro dark feeling and amazing female vocals which steal the show. The band is not afraid to move between different sounds and styles, from atmospheric tracks like “Leather Demon”, to the more energetic “Flanked by Snakes” and the title-track “Lucifer” without missing out on their doomy beginnings. Worth a listen for those who are into that occult-inspired heavy rock.

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

Merkfolk  - Echo (Independent)

 

Merkfolk is a an interesting folk band from Poland who released their third full length album in 2020. All songs are in the band's native language which fits perfectly with a mixture of flute, fiddle and accordion melodies. The record is pure folk with many tracks having a traditional but yet unique sound like "Dwa wina". A great listen by "the bringer of folk" (as the band's name loosely translates)!

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

Moon Reverie - Moon Reverie (Rockshots Music)

 

Italian Neoclassical Rockers Moon Reverie truly impressed us with their debut outing from Rockshots last year. Their combination of technical musicianship with beautiful vocal lines and lengthy neoclassical instrumental pieces that demonstrate their virtuosity and their passion for music, was enough to stand out from the rest of the releases in their genre this year, exciting everyone regarding possible future music outputs from the band and  showing how a mildly contrived genre can get new ideas and directions from young and energetic artists that pay tribute to its past while shaping its future.

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

Jet Jaguar - Endless Nights (Pride and Joy Music)

Another debut album, this time from Mexican speed/glam metallers Jet Jaguar. A breakout act from Wacken 2017's Open Air Metal Battle, they were able to take full advantage of that fact, by signing to a label (Pride and Joy) that is very good at showcasing new acts in a wider audience, and released a killer debut album, which includes not only hooky songs (such as "Blinding Lights"), but excellent compositions of pure speedy heavy metal! 

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

Magnum - The Serpent Rings (Steamhammer)

 Magnum is one of those bands who still remain "true rockers" and ALWAYS deliver on their releases (making it into a number of our earlier Tops including 2016, Hard Rock Top and 2018). Armed with Bob Catley's unique voice, The Serpent Rings (the 21st full length album by Magnum!!!), has all the great traits of band including catchy tunes that are bound to be instant classics like "Where Are You Eden?" and chorus that are made for sing alongs like "Not Forgiven". Definitely worth a listen while waiting to see them live sometime in the future.

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

Lord Vigo - Danse de Noir (High Roller Records)

In their 4th full length release, German Doomsters completely flipped the script, and presented a record that differs quite considerably from their previous releases, approaching their doom metal through the lens of the Dio-era albums of Black Sabbath and adding a very distinct 80s Neon/Scifi aesthetic to their distinct epic doom sound. Their experiment was successful for the most part and while we may miss the epicness oozing from their previous releases, this is still a great album unveiling a different aspect of the band, showing that the band is way more than a one-trick pony.

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

Aether Realm - Redneck Vikings from Hell (Napalm Records)

 Aether Realm are one of those releases you hear about randomly and gets you hooked right away. Coming from the US, the band has a melodic death sound with a more "radio-friendly" twist that makes them memorable. The album has a number of great tracks including the super-catchy "Goodbye" and the fanbase-dedicated "TMHC" (standing for the Tiny Metal Hand Crew) making it enjoyable to listen through the album. It is worth having this band in mind as they show some great traits differentiating themselves from the classic melodic death metal sound.

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

Mike LePond's Silent Assassins - Whore of Babylon (Silver Lining Music)

In their third offering, the personal band of Symphony X's bassist continue playing unadulterated pure heavy metal with touches of speed. prog, power and epic metal sprinkled in at different quantities throughout the record. Lepond has developed over these three releases a personal sound and this is even more evident here, where almost any composition could easily be a hit single, with almost no filler chaff mixed in. Among the best tracks of the album are "Ironborn", "Ides of March" and "Dracul's Son", but virtually any song has the potential to grow into a mega-hit. Highly recommended for all metal-heads with an affinity for late 90's power/heavy metal sound!

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

Temperance  - Viridian (Napalm Records)

Italy is known for a breadth of melodic heavy metal bands but not many are as successful in creating memorable and catchy tunes like Temperance. The album is packed with with tracks that stick to your mind and you are bound to listen on repeat with examples like the pumping "I Am the Fire", the melodic "My Demons Can't Sleep" and last but not list the Mission-Impossible2-inspired "Mission Impossible". With the bonus of a blend of great female and male vocals complimenting each other, Viridian makes for an uplifting release worth checking out.

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

Boisson Divine - La Halha  (Brennus Music)

It might have been some time since we last heard from French folk band (previously in the 2013 Top) but they still got this unique sound that fits perfectly with their mixture of French and regional Occitan dialect. Straight from the first track "Lo pèla pòrc" to the memorable "Libertat", the album is packed with traditional sounds (including hurdy gurdy, flabuta, boha and accordion). A very interesting 2020 release from the French folk scene, making us wish there were more bands like them!

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

Greyhawk - Keepers of the Flame (Fighter Records)

 What a debut album! Greyhawk show signs of great things to come in the future with their Keepers of the Flame. Riding on the wave of great heavy metal bands coming out of the US in the past couple of year, Greyhawk sound like a band to keep in mind with great clear vocals which along with heavy metal riffs make for some memorable EPIC tracks like "Frozen Star" and "Keepers of the Flame". Definitely worth a listen for all those true heavy metal fans!

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

The Flower Kings - Islands (Inside Out)

Another year, another great release from Roine Stolt and company this time around, just one short year after the release of the excellent Waiting for Miracles! While not as masterful as its predecessor, Islands manages to be another highly enjoyable release in the long list of beautifully crafted albums by one of the most consistently good prog rock acts out there. Highlights of the record include the single "Broken" and "Tangerine" which interweaves the vocals of Hasse Fröberg with those of Stolt in a truly magical vocal interplay worthy of any previous release of the band!

#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".

#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".

#38 - Top of 2019

Elvenking - Reader of the Runes - Divination (AFM Records)

Italians are well-known for producing an avalanche of amazingly catchy power metal albums, with some bands standing out for knowing the secret combination behind a great folk melodic power album. Elvenking is definitely one of those bands and though they have released some amazing records like the "Two Tragedy Poets (...and a Caravan of Weird Figures)" (2008) as well as the "Secrets of the Magick Grimoire" (see 2017 Top), while experimenting with different sounds, their new album is surely among one of their best. The return to the folk elements that made their sound interesting and distinct can be heard heard from the first notes of the intro song, "Perthro", continuing throughout the album. There is also a fair share of melodic power metal tracks like "Heathen Divine" and "The Misfortune of Virtue", which blend the classic quick-paced heavier tempo with acoustic elements and great violins by Lethien, like for example in "Sic Semper Tyrannis". Of course the album is packed with memorable guitar riffs elevating songs like "Eternal Eleanor" and "Diamonds in the Night" into undisputed folk highlights. But don't worry, if you are looking for a heavier sound with a darker symphonic twist, Elvenking still have some songs for you here, including "Malefica Doctrine" where you can listen to some harsher vocals by Damna blended with choral parts. Although the straightforward power metal "Divination" and the melodic "Silverseal" were used as the promotional tracks  for the album, the most interesting song here is without question the epic "Reader of the Runes - Book I" spanning over 10 minutes and showing that Elvenking still have fresh ideas out of the oven.

92.8/100

Below is the official music videos for the songs "Silverseal" and "Divination".

#39 - Top of 2019

TrollfesT - Norwegian Fairytales (NoiseArt Records)

TrollfesT (stylised like that) are one of the most unique folk bands out there and yet for a long time they were thought of as a joke. The reason was that the band perceived themselves as such, thus rendering any serious purview of their music moot. And yet, here in their 8th(!) full-length release, the band finally seems to escape their "joke-band" self-imposed label. By no means does that mean that the record is devoid of humour, as these elements are still there, but they are superimposed by great music and a unifying theme on TrollfesT's take on Norwegian Fairytales. Balkan sounds, that were always a part of the band's strange mixture of Northern Folk with influences straight from a Kusturica movie, here have a much more prominent role, with heavy riffing taking a back seat. Additionally, we see tempo changes that were not that common in the previous works of the band, with final track "Nøkken og Fossegrimen spiller opp til midnattstimen " adopting  very nicely juxtaposed mid-tempo melody (with ethereal additional vocals from Mari Müller). Now, arguably the band will not be everyone's cup of tea, as the many shifts and turns of the music combined with the rough vocals Jostein Austvik might dissuade some from listening, but for trve folk metal fans that are into something fresh and not listening to the "tried and true" recycled ideas of many bands, "Norwegian Fairytales" will be ... an experience.

92.7/100

Below are the music videos for "Kjettaren mot strømmen" and "Fjøsnissens fjaseri", the first two tracks of the album - bear in mind it gets weirder further downstream!

#4 - Top of 2018

Orphaned Land - Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs (Century Media)

After a 5 year break following the critically acclaimed "All is One", Orphaned land returned last January with another masterpiece from the land of milk and honey. Coupled with the aforementioned "All is One", the band has veered away from the more prog wanderings of "The Neverending Way of ORwarrioR" and their middle-eastern influences are once again prominent to the compositions presented. However, they wear these older influences on their sleeve and one can hear prog leanings in "Left Behind" and "Chains Fall to Gravity", while "We do not Resist" and "Only the Dead Have Seen the End of the War" bring to mind the very early days of the band while re-enforcing that style through a more diverse approach, Kobi Farhi (vocals)  remains at the top of his game while the rest of the band also delivers on every possible metric. There are a number of notable guests on the album with Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) lending his voice on the power ballad "Like Orpheus" and Thomas Lindberg (At the Gates) joining in for the aforementioned "Only The Dead Have Seen the End of the War". Finally, Steve Hackett (Genesis) joins in for the probably best bit of the album in "Chains Fall to Gravity".  Overall a sensational middle eastern experience, drawing influences from all over the range of previous outings of the band and distilling it into something new and fresh.


97.5/100


Below are the lyric video for "We do not Resist" and the music video for "Like Orpheus".

#12 - Top of 2018

Amorphis - Queen of Time (Nuclear Blast)

On number 12, we have the new album by Amorphis, the Finnish melodic heavy metal band with a long history of amazing albums since the beginning of their career back in the 90's (with one of them previously gracing our Top of 2011). "The Bee" introduces what the band is skilful in, harmonically combining the melodic aspect of Tomi Joutsen's clear and mellow vocals with his heavier growls while the music perfectly follows in line those changes with some memorable guitar riffs. "Message in the Amber" has a more epic twist adding volume to its sound and showcasing amazing songwriting from Esa Holopainen,  while different members of the band contributing to different songs creating an overall unique outcome. "Daughter of Hate" adds a darker note to the record with a heavier sound that blends uniquely with an imposing chorus, saxophone sounds (by Jørgen Munkeby) and spoken words in Finnish (by Pekka Kainulainen), while "The Golden Elk" (with its mixture of violins, guitars and other traditional organs) and "Wrong Direction" (with a stronger keyboard sound) lean on the band's easily trademark melodic sound. The more atmospheric "Heart of the Giant" has a middle-eastern feel to it created using an orchestra and a chorus to expand on the sound in order to compliment the ever shifting vocals. The album is ever-changing with "We Accursed" and "Grain of Sand" being  more classic melodic death songs that are not lacking in twist with the former having a prog-ish mid-song twist full of keyboards and the latter being full of interesting melodic guitar riffs. The most "catchy" and memorable song of the record has to be "Amongst Stars" where we have a guest appearance by Anneke van Giersbergen (from more bands that I can count including The Gathering, Ayreon, Devin Townsend etc.), who blends wonderfully with Joutsen's clear and growl vocals adding an even more melodic touch to the record!
The ambient but pompous "Pyres on the Coast" might be the last track but there are two awesome bonus tracks, the imposing and melancholic "As Mountains Crumble" (constantly moving from acoustic to prog keyboards and epic tunes) and the equally atmospheric "Brother and Sister" for those looking a bit more of the Amorphis!


95.25/100

Below is the official music video for "Among Stars" and the official lyric video for "The Bee".

#25 - Top of 2018

Primordial - Exile Amongst the Ruins (Metal Blade)

The sombre sounds of these proud Irishmen echo once more as if hearing the steps of a Republican dissident heading to the gallows. In their 9th full length, the band continues in the same vein of all their previous releases since 2005's "The Gathering Wilderness". To those unfamiliar with the band, they play a blend of doom/black with mostly clean vocals, incorporating folk and post influences. In "Exile among the ruins", there is a certain tendency to re-approach their black metal legacy, with opener "Nail their Tongues" referencing the Lutheran Reformation, while followup "To Hell or the Hangman" has a more folk/punk aesthetic to it.  The rest of the album balances between an energetic revolutionary release and a solemn acceptance of the dark age we find ourselves in, while packing gigantic riffing and of course the -as always- exceptional vocal performance of   Nemtheanga.  Single "Stolen Years" deserves an extra notion, with a more approachable simpler tune, Nemtheanga's vocals almost unrecognisable, sounding as a bonus song from a Lake of Tears album in the late 90s. Overall, this work is as excellent as its 2 predecessors in this decade, and while not re-inventing the wheel, there are hints in it indicating that the next album from the band might be a very different one!

93.7/100

Below are the music videos for the titular track and "To Hell or the Hangman"

#34 - Top of 2018

Svarta Faran - Chronicles of a War to Come (Independent)

Svartan Faran rise from Bavaria, Germany with their first full-length album that is very promising for their pagan future!
The melodic instrumental "Schatten über Nirthalion" serves as the perfect segway to the epic "Battle of Thyorvîn"sung by warriors as they march to battle. "Malandor" is heavily based on great whistling(!) tunes by Mathias while Met, the lead singer, showcases his vocal range with both his clear vocals and growls throughout the piece."In the Forest" is a broody instrumental that transitions into the darker and heavier "Banshee's Kiss".

"Sohn des Berges" and "Rise of the Fallen" are more of melodic death tunes with folk elements sprinkled throughout. "Tira, Botin des Untergangs", probably the best song of the record, succeeds in blending the brutal and the epic elements, giving the listener the most memorable chorus of the album as well as having a great mid-song interlude.  "Aufbruch der Zwerge" is a more clear-cut folk song blending English with German lyrics and growls with clear male vocals (something that the band dares and succeeds in doing throughout most tracks of the album). "Mistress of the Moon" has an amazing acoustic guitar intro and is dominated by powerful clear vocals while "Tanz der Zwerge" (with its Trollfest-like intro) is an interesting blend of folk whistle melodies and quick-paced guitar/drum tunes closing the album with a blast! A great folk debut and a surefire recommendation for all fans of folk metal.




92.54/100

Below is the link for the official lyric video of "Tira, Botin des Untergangs".

#37 - Top of 2018

Suidacra - Cimbric Yarns (AFM Records)

Suidacra are a long way from their death/death metal days (with some folk influences) as their new full length album "Cimbric Yarns" (their 13th record!!!) is totally immersed in the folk genre with a focus on Celtic mythology and tunes (packed with acoustic guitars, flutes and violins). "Echtra" is an epic instrumental opening which sets the tone with female voice-over (by Tina Stabel) establishing the themes of the record. "Serpentine Origins" is filled with acoustic guitar riffs and mellow female vocals that blend perfectly with male vocals leading to a melodic chorus. In "Ode to Arma", Sebastian Jensen takes over the lead vocal with his deep & rough voice. "A Day and Forever" sounds like a song straight out of Arjen Lucassen's Ayreon with more pronounced folk elements. The instrumental "Black Dawn" is followed by the epic "At Nine Light Night" (which sounds like a song by a band of warriors) and the orchestrated "Shakehenge" (with its great flute tunes) are definitely two of the highlights of the album. The cinematic "Assault on Urlár" and the mellow "Caoine Cruác" are filled with Celtic and epic elements serving perfectly as the final two songs of the album narrating the Celtic tale of Suidacra.



92.4/100

Below is the official music video for "Shakehenge".

#41 - Top of 2018

Grimner - Vanadrottning (Despotz Records)

The 2018 Best Albums countdown kicks of with a great viking folk band which released its third full length album year. Grimner march from Sweden showing us that they can blend clean (Martin The Warrior) and brutal (Ted The Jarl) vocals with folk notes from a range of traditional musical instruments and heavy guitar riffs! "En fallen jätte" and "Fafnersbane" are awesome examples of uplifting folk songs that don't need to be in English to make you wanna sing along. The title song "Vanadrottning" has some amazing guitar riffs that perfectly mix with powerful vocals. "En vilja av järn" showcases the folk elements (by Johan The Blacksmith) and the chorus vocals while "Avundas hennes ungdom" and "Dödens dans" are more classic quick-paced folk songs (with great sing-along points). "Kvällningssång" is a highlight of the album packed with awesome flute melodies that are again mixed with great vocals and is followed by the heavier "Vårt blod, våra liv" which some more epic elements to the record. "Ägers salar" adds a more heavy/symphonic note with melodic guitars and great brutal vocals which is followed by the personal favourite of the record "Sången om grimner" thanks to its even more epic vibe! "Freja vakar" is a great finishing touch  (with catchy guitar riffs) that wraps-up this is engaging folk elegy and kick-starts our 2018 top albums countdown!


91/100

Below is the official music video for the song "En fallen jätte".

#14 - Top of 2017

Alestorm - No grave but the sea (Napalm Records)

2018 gave us another great pirate-themed treasure by the all time favourite privateers, Alestorm! The album starts right away with setting the "join the adventure" vibe with epic sing along "No Grave but the Sea", which also serves as the title song. Of course there are a number of more fun songs like "Mexico" that will make want to set a course for a bar in Mexico and the catchy "Alestorm". "To the End of the World" is a great surprise with a darker but full of epic feeling that goes over 6 minutes (!) and along with the pumped & heavier "Treasure Island" build on what Alestorm have shown us before but also taking it a notch further! Highlights of the records are definitely "Bar ünd Imbiss" with its great storytelling and guitar riffs, the aggressively funny "Fucked with an Anchor" (which is a personal favourite for bad days) and the awesome "Man the Pumps" that is straight-up Alestorm classic! Harsh vocals (with gang shouts and vulgar sing-alongs filled with hilarious swear words) blend with great & fun song-writing, upbeat songs and a range of folky instruments creating a perfect atmosphere for a pillaging voyage! If this doesn't sound fun enough you can check the  bonus track "Pirate Pizza Party" or the extra disc where the vocals have been replaced with dog barks and treat yourself!




94.5/100

Below is official videos for the the songs "Mexico", "Alestorm" and "Fucked With an Anchor".

#29 - Top of 2017

 Dream spirit - General triumphant (Totemism Productions)

梦灵 or Dream Spirit are back with a new album after the intriguing Jiangshan that acted as a personal gateway to the band. Dream Spirit are a very interesting folk metal band from China, mixing traditional folk elements, with local colour and metal elements. There is a trend of bands from the far east that utilise their traditional music and incorporate metal elements to it, like Dream Spirit or Tenggen Cavalry. Despite the fact that the album is sung in Chinese in its entirety, it is a very engaging experience for the western listener as well. From little can be discerned about the songs, their general theme is historical with specific reference to the rich military history of China, with music that matches that feeling impeccably. Highlights of the record are the opener "Go out to Battle" (塞下 ), the epic "Morbid Souls" (伤寒) and the closer "Song of Triumph" (凯歌). You can find the album at the band's bandcamp here, and as a pioneering member of a scene that is on the rise, they are 100% worth it.

92.25/100

Below is the live video for the song "Go out to Battle".

#32 - Top of 2017

Aeternam - Ruins of Empires (Independent)

There have been many worthy bands with oriental influences that have drawn attention to their excellent craftmanship in the last 15 years. Among the most prominent are the brutal pioneers of the scene, Orphaned Land and the more radio-friendly Myrath. Aeternam are clearly more at home with the former, rather than the latter, releasing their 3rd full length album, feature a healthy mix of oriental sound and melodic death metal in equal doses. Ruins of Empires is their first album in 5 years and is an impressive return for the band, a few months before Orphaned Land also releasing their new record "Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs". Ruins of Empires kicks off with the melodic "Damascus Gate", before shifting gears with "Paropamisadae" unleashing a death metal fury. "Sun Shield" leans on a more symphonic death metal side, eschewing the oriental elements and alternates between symphonic clean passages and thrashing death metal. "Keeper of Shangri-La" is a beautifully crafted acoustic breather, with influences ranging from European to far-eastern folk music and symphonic elements mixed throughout. "Fallen is the Simulacrum of Bel" kicks off with a choral part eerily reminiscent of Therion and influences to Swedish symphonic giants are evident throughout the track's guitar lines, truly a great song. "Colossus" blends the metalcore influences of the band with symphonic elements and intricate riffing. The follow-up "Nightfall on Numidia", brings back the oriental elements, and acts as a relaxing oriental break, with additional female vocals provided by Hind Fazazi of Manahil.  The following "Praetor of Mercury" switches again to melodic death metal, with clear influences from Septic Flesh . The closer Zadyin Arga, attempts to unify the elements present across the record, featuring everything from typical death metal breakdowns, oriental vocal lines, symphonic keys, infectious melodies and cool solos, bringing the album to a glorious end. Check the album out and support the band at their Bandcamp page here.

92/100

Below is the music video for the opener "Damascus Gate".

#33 - Top of 2017

Elvenking - Secrets of the Magic Grimoire (AFM Records)

Secrets of the Magic Grimoire is a record that brings back the melodic power metal elements that Elvenking are amazing at! The clear vocals by Damna and the hyped guitars riffs by Aydan & Rafahel showcase all the great elements of Italian folk cheesiness that were significantly less prominent in its predecessor, "The Pagan Manifesto". "Invoking the Woodland Spirit"is an excellent example of this return to form, with great orchestration and a very catchy chorus that doesn't overshadow the melodic guitars. This is a very strong album with highlights including the catchy "The One We Shall Follow" and the majestic "A Grain of Truth" with its great keyboard and unique vocals (both growls and clean vocals with some female guest vocals adding to the song), while "The Horned Ghost and the Sorcerer" and "The Wolves Will Be Howling Your Name" (with its great riffs!) are two amazing folk/epic entries reminiscent of previous awesome albums by Elvenking. "The Voynich Manuscript" and "A Cloak of Dusk" are also honourable mentions of folk greatness, with the latter melodically wrapping up a great (Italian) folk record!


92/100

Below is the official video clip for the song "Invoking the Woodland Spirit" and the lyric video for the song "Draugen's Malestorm".

#34 - Top of 2017

Wintersun - The forest seasons (Nuclear Blast)

Wintersun, the melodic death band led by Jari Mäenpää (known from Ensiferum) are back with a great melodic concept album, following the amazing "Time I". The four songs of the record, drawing inspiration from Vivaldi's four seasons, change their tone and imagery according to the depicted season and its weather. The first song "Awaken from the Dark Slumber (Spring)" is a great starting point for the album with great orchestration and brutal vocals without missing on the clean vocals and epicness. "The Forest that Weeps (Summer)" is based on amazing guitar riffs, starting soft before going to the heavy side, with the help of an impressive instrumental section. "Eternal Darkness (Autumn)" starts with the sound of a storm brewing in the background before going into full growls and intense drumming. The record wraps up with "Loneliness (Winter)", combining a more lyrical approach with a sorrowful chorus, appropriate for the representing season. Overall, a great example of melodic death metal record with an underlying  conceptual theme, showing that even though Wintersun started as a side project it still graced us with another engaging and thought-provoking release!

92/100


Below is the official lyric videos for the 4 seasons.