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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

#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".

#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"

 

#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"

 

#26 - Top of 2020

 Traveler - Termination Shock (Gates of Hell Records)

Less than a year  passed since the debut of Traveler, a very interesting album, among the highest rated classic metal releases of 2019. Today, having raised the bar, "Termination Shock" seems to be directly stylistically related to their debut, as the similarities of their covers leave no room for doubt. Musically the evolution of the band has been rapid, with a shift to more complex structures, a cleaner, clearer and more balanced production and the compositions while losing some of the edge of its predecessor become more interesting and timeless. The greatest comparative advantage of the new album lies in the clearly upgraded, more mature and controlled performances of Jean Pierre Abboud, the best so far in his career, which stand on the front line of "Termination Shock", along with the exemplary, well-groomed guitars by Ries and Schadlich. Ultimately,  only time will reveal if the new material becomes popular (as their predecessor), however I am looking forward to see where the band goes next!

93.33/100

Below is the official audio for the titular track

#27 - Top of 2020

Ironsword -  Servants of Steel (Alma Mater Records)

Portugal's truest band of brothers returns after a 5-year gap. The band had its start back in 1995 and have had a very sporadic output since then. Most original members  beyond singer/guitarist Tann have departed, while he continues his solitary treck into the hidden crevices of true epic metal (Think Manilla Road meets Visigoth). "Servants Of Steel" is an album that can be easily dismissed as "simplistic" but at the same time it is a truly rich and majestic in its straightforwardness. For it is not the complexity of the compositions that makes this album interesting, but the fact that in its simplicity, barbarism, grandeur and a feeling of Robert E Howard at its best, gush forth.  There are no excess interludes here, only heavy metal cut and sewn from the flesh of the enemies to be performed live as the earth is trembling. Tan's voice is a  classic case of  love or hate - his voice is a perfect fit for the genre, but non-fans would easily dismiss it. However Ironsword are like that; with uncompromising heavy metal anthems like "Rogues In The House" or "In The Coils Of Set", baptised in a personal sound. They are  unwavering in what they do as they continue their solitary journey; their manner makes sure that only those worthy of the blessing of Crom will follow!

93.25/100

Below is the lyric video for the song "In the Coils of Set"

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.

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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)!

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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.

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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! 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

#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".

#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"

#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".

#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".

#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".

#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".

#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".

#37 - Top of 2019

Sanhedrin - The Poisoner (Cruz del Sur Music)

Sanhedrin have released their second full-length album in 2019 and succeed in showing how female vocals can truly elevate a traditional heavy metal record. Straight from the first track, "Meditation (All My Gods Are Gone)", you can hear the awesomely galloping guitars by Jeremy Sosville which fit perfectly with the rough but crystal clear vocals of lead singer Erica Stolz. There are also some tracks like "For the Wicked" that are more quick-paced & heavily drum-based adding a more gritty & old-school sound. However, the songs that will get you hooked from the first to the last riff are definitely the groovy "Wind on the Storm" and the catchy "Saints and Sinners"! "In from the Outside" is a worthy epic closer (clocking at about 7 minutes) that wraps up the album with some great Maiden-like tunes and craftsmanship. Overall, "The Poisoner" combines old-school sounds with a unique voice, with the band creating their own unique soundscape and overcoming its (also very interesting) predecessor, A Funeral for the World. A great and unique record that combines the old and the new, setting a  new benchmark by which  new "old school" heavy metal releases should be judged!

92.9/100

Below is the audio for the song "Meditation (All My Gods Are Gone)".

#41 - Top of 2019

Riot City - Burn the Night (No Remorse)

Better late than never and we kick off the top albums of 2019 with a real treat, as we welcome the debut of Canadian Heavy Metallers Riot City.  It has been said that you should not judge a book by its cover. But when the cover could be an alternative  for "Screaming For Vengeance" then maybe the ol' proverb has found its true exception! Riot City hail from Calgary, Canada and are a 4 member band first formed around 2011, apparently to become the best US power/speed band in the world. "Burn the Night" is only 37 minutes long and is made up of pure fresh heavy metal elegy.  The disc is always heard in one take and the hand rarely stays away from just pressing the repeat button. The eight tracks of "Burn The Night" are really one of a kind. There are no fillers here. Only killers. There are no favourites, for in times when the majority of releases have only one to two decent tracks, here we are talking about an album full of great REAL heavy metal songs. Can anyone listen to "Warrior Of Time" or "In the Dark" and not be on board immediately? No fokin way. Riot City takes all this stuff we love in our music and brings it to 2019. They are not retro, but at the same time do not rely on "modernisms" to sell their music. Simply put: "Burn The Night" is not just an album you need to listen to sooner rather than later, but an album that in a few years time will be recognised as a true classic of its kind.

92.5/100

Below is the lyric video for heavy metal hymn "In the Dark".