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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

#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".

 

#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".

#20 - Top of 2020

Dynazty -  The Dark Delight (AFM)

Dynazty are a power/rock band from Sweden with little claim to fame up to this release. While their previous two albums have been relatively good showing a steady progress, their latest endeavour "The Dark Delight" shifts the tone in a darker, more visceral direction, resulting in their best release so far. It is still full of melodic pop metal with ‘80s glam references, while Nils Molin remains a great singer, with amazing vocals throughout, which elevate the already pretty good compositions.

The first songs are really  good, while "From Sound To Silence" has some more bombastic drums and a chorus that really takes the song to the next level. "The Man And The Elements" has a more eclectic feel, while "The Road To Redemption" is a slower more introspective track. "The Black" is a light piece (probably the only  mediocre composition in "The Dark Delight"). "Heartless Madness" is by far one of the most stand out compositions here, while "Waterfall" is a must for hard rock fans, as is the ballad "Hologram". There are two parts on the album, power metal and hard rock/AOR, which do not necessary blend, but are presented in succession as the bands quickly shifts gears from one track to the next. We were impressed with how good "The Dark Delight" sounds and are looking forward to the next release from Dynazty!

94.25/100

Below is the lyric video for "Heartless Madness"

#25 - Top of 2020

 Falconer - From a Dying Ember (Metal Blade Records)

After a too long hiatus (see Top of 2014), Falconer released their "swan song" record in 2020 while announcing that they will be splitting up permanently after that.  "From a Dying Ember" remains loyal to Falconer's style with great melodic guitar riffs, folk elements dispersed throughout and of course Mathias Blad's unique and theatrical voice that makes each song memorable. The album is full of little gems like the amazing intro "Kings and Queens", the medieval-like "Fool's Crusade" (with a great acapella interlude) which is follow by an equally awesome instrumental "Garnets and a Gilded Rose" and "Bland sump och dy" which is sung in Swedish. There are also some tracks that change the pace, adding a more melodic twist  like the acoustic "Rejoice the Adorned" which is heavily based on piano. Overall the album is a welcome addition to Falconer's interesting journey as a band continuing to explore music without losing their unique sound. Fans can only hope that this split will not be permanent and at some point in the future we will get to hear more music from them!

93.45/100

Below is the official audio for "Kings and Queens".

#31 - Top of 2020

 Manticora - To Live To Kill to Live (ViciSolum Productions) 

We are kicking off the best albums of 2020 with the newest offering from the exquisite Danish prog/power outfit Manticora. Released back in August, this is a follow-up to 2018's "To Kill To Live To Kill". The album is the culmination of the best period of the band, with an abundance of creativity both on a conceptual and an executional level. The album kicks off with the epic Blind-Guardianesque  "Katana - The Moths and the Dragonflies / Katana - Mud". The oriental interlude that follows paves the way for "The Farmer's Tale pt3", which closes out a trilogy of songs from the previous record, adding a more proggy sound bridging into "Slaughter in the Desert Room" which features a much more darker sound, in addition to the vocal contributions of June Dark (Clandestine).  There is a lot to uncover throughout the album with multiple musical styles intermingling with a very fresh-sounding production. Among our personal favourites are the Katana trilogy of songs which rank among the best power/prog songs all decade long and particularly the head-banging finale "Beheaded". Truly a memorable album among one of the oft-overlooked bands of the European power metal circuit!

93/100

Below is the lyric video for "Katana - Death of the Meaning of Life".

#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".

#6 - Top of 2019

 Myrath - Shehili (earMUSIC)

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

96/100

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

#9 - Top of 2019

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

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

95.5/100

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

#24 - Top of 2019

Sabaton - The Great War (Nuclear Blast)

Sabaton triumphantly returned once more last year, with their latest studio release being a concept album for World War One. The band has, at times, been vilified by many in the metal community for the poppy and cliche way of songwriting, as well as the upbeat euro-power sound around sensitive real-world subjects. And yet they continue to be an extremely successful band, with their own distinct take on a much maligned genre, combining epic upbeat vocals with engaging historical subjects and, at times, acting as a getaway for many people to educate themselves on the pivotal moments of history. This album does not deviate from the formula, however its narrow focus on a specific time period, allows the band to weave narratives around key moments that left their mark in history, as well as comment on the nature of the great war in general. The album kicks off with "The Future of Warfare" which acts as an intro and a commentary on how the Great War changed perception around war. "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" details the adventures of T.E. Lawrence during the war, while the anthemic (and possibly winner of catchiest song of the year) "82nd All the Way" talks about the heroics of Alvin York. "The Attack of the Dead Men", another excellent track, details the desperate counterattack of Osowiec, under the horrifying effects of Mustard Gas, while "Devil Dogs" details the successful allied offensive at the Battle of Belleau Wood and "Red Baron" is about the infamous German pilot Manfred von Richthofen (Iced Earth have also written a track about him!). The rest of the tracks from the "Great War" to "In Flanders Fields" are more about the horror and effect the war had on the minds of men, as well as presenting a more sombre and downbeat side of the horrors of history compared to the anthem filled first part of the album, with "Fields of Verdun", being the standout track on that part of the album. Overall a great effort from the band, that will be very popular among fans of power metal and historical reminiscence.


94.1/100

Below is the music video for the song "Great War" and the lyric videos for the songs "82nd All the Way" and "Attack of the Dead Men".

#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".

#30 - Top of 2019

Bloodbound - Rise of the Dragon Empire (AFM Records)

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


93.7/100

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

#31 - Top of 2019

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

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

93.6/100

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

#35 - Top of 2019

Avantasia - Moonglow (Nuclear Blast)

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


93.3/100

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

#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".

# 6 - Top of 2018

Powerwolf - Sacrament of Sin (Napalm Records)

What can be said about the German power metallers other than they know the secret formula behind making a symphonic power metal catchy and epic at the same time while also being able to expand on their horror themes! Powerwolf are definitely among the top choices for fans of that genre. "Sacrament of Sin" is their seventh full length album continuing a streak of excellent releases (with 2015's Blessed and Posessed being almost as good).

The album is full with blasting epic tunes, with examples like the galloping "Fire & Forgive" that showcase Attila Dorn's imposing vocals, the amazing supporting choirs and booming drums by Roel Van Helden. There are also more theatrical songs that are based on dramatic keyboards like "Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend" which was created for sing-alongs live shows and blends perfectly with the equally pompous "Killers with the Cross" and its VERY catchy chorus, ominous vocals and melodic guitar interlude. "Incense and Iron" is the highlight of the album and one of the best songs of Powewolf so far as it combines all the elements that make the band's song recognisable and memorable including quick-paced tunes, bagpipes, a heavy male chorus and a horror lyrical theme that bring an epic feeling to this ode to holy war! While the dramatic piano-based power ballad "Where the Wild Wolves Have Gone" lets the listener catch a breath by slowing down the pacing, the impressive "Stossgebet" ups the heaviness by succeeding in combining latin and german. The title-song "The Sacrament of Sin" takes a turn towards more classic German power metal puick-paced riffs without losing anything from the characteristic Powerwolf extravagant feeling present in other songs like "Nightside of Siberia". "Venom of Venus" is another personal favourite as it focus on Attila's amazingly clear and heavy vocals and melodic guitar riffs with the addition of some eerie sounds! Finally the imposing church-organ intro and the simple but still effective chorus of "Nighttime Rebel" along with the choir heavy "Fist by Fist (Sacralize or Strike)" create the perfect ending for an incredible release by Powewolf!







96.65/100


Below are the official lyric video for "Incense & Iron" and the official music videos for "Fire & Forgive", "Killers With the Cross" and "Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend".

#14 - Top of 2018

Judicator - The Last Emperor (Independent)

Judicator ascend to 14 of the 2018 Top Albums with their fourth full-length release The Last Emperor. The US-based power metallers are reminiscent of Blind Guardian but succeed in adding their own twist by weaving an interesting quick-paced record that never lets the listener lose interest. Starting with the titular song "The Last Emperor" and its melodic guitar intro, the epic atmosphere is set as if told by warriors amidst a battle. "Take Up Your Cross" has a galloping drum bit (by Jordan Ecless) supporting it throughout the song blending perfectly with the sing-along chorus and strong clear vocals by John Yelland (giving off Hansi vibes)! The heaviness and volume are levelled up with "Raining Gold" which is also full of amazing guitar riffs (and an awesome mid-song guitar interlude blended with sword crossing sounds). "The Queen of All Cities" is one of the album highlights with more theatrical vocals, acoustic guitar interludes (that wonderfully connect different parts of the song) and great songwriting spanning over nine minutes of melodic epicness. And then during the song "Spiritual Treason", the perfect guest appearance is made by none other than Hansi Kürsch (of Blind Guardian) which is the ultimate counter-part for Yelland's vocals thus gracing us with an awesomely melodic power metal song with a chorus that will stick to your mind (like a classic Blind Guardian song)! "Antioch" is another personal favourite starting with an acoustic intro before blasting into galloping riffs and clear high pitched vocals. Wrapping up the record, "Nothing But Blood" is an instant classic power metal song with great electric guitar tunes while "It Falls to Jerusalem" has a more melodic vibe allowing for the focus on the storytelling by both amazing clear and group vocals! The power-metal epicness is flawlessly depicted by the cover artwork (Marc Whisnant) which wraps everything together for an excellent release!


95.1/100

Below is the official music video for the "King of Rome".

#17 - Top of 2018

Heavy Generation - The Spirit Lives On (SlipTrick Records)

Fans of Italian heavy metal unite! Heavy Generation gallop from Lombardy with their first album to bring us the Heavy Metal we deserve. "Born to Rock" blasts its way through getting you pumped for what will follow, which is "Fire Steel Metal", one the heaviest and cheesiest tracks of the year with an amazingly catchy chorus along the suitably over-the-top vocals by Ivan Giannini and an awesome guitar interlude by Fabio Cavestro (don't miss out the equally over-the-top video clip)! "No Control" is a more classic speedy heavy metal song with a short musical interlude packed in just over 3 minutes. "Blood and Sand" adds a more epic twist to the album singing about "immortal glory" while "Heavy Generation" picks up the pace giving us a great sing-along chorus. "Path of Denial" is the surprise of the record as it starts on with a more brooding attitude and lyrical theme but turns out into an epic chorus that should be heard in the highest volume possible as Ivan's high pitched vocals will make you wanna sing along! Speaking of epic, "My Spirit Lives On" has an amazing intro perfectly combined with a groovier chorus. Fear not, there are more heavy tracks left, including the personal favourite "Odin" which starts with a foreboding and epic voice-over that is followed by some great heavy metal drums by Marco Stefani! The album wraps up with the Manowar-esque "March Until the Grave" (with its awesomely epic interlude & "warrior's" narration) and the heavier drum-based "No More Mercy" that finishes with a blasting guitar solo and a thunder! "The Spirit Lives On" is a promising first release by Heavy Generation that will leave you pumped for their next heavy metal album!



94.8/100

Below are the official music videos for "Path of Denial" and "Fire Steel Metal".

#24 - Top of 2018

Seventh Wonder - Tiara (Frontiers)

Seventh Wonder were among the best prog metal hopes of the late 2000s, with their latest album "The Great Escape" receiving rave reviews from progsters and metal-heads alike.  Between then and now, the band's singer Tommy Karevik joined power/sympho metallers Kamelot, inescapably putting the future of Seventh Wonder in question. However, the band return last year after 9 years of silence with Tiara. Here, the band continues to  blend their brand of melodic prog sound with more AOR-friendly passages and power metal pinches, creating a worthy successor to "The Great Escape", which while not on equal footing, is still an excellent record for power/prog fans. Highlights of the album include "Dream Machines", "Exhale" and beautiful "Against the Grain". This record truly caught everyone by surprise showing that the band is still alive and kicking! Now all we can do is await their return to guide us to new power-prog adventures!



93.8/100


Below is the music video for "Tiara's Song"

#26 - Top of 2018

Refuge - Solitary Men (Frontiers Records)

Rage have always been a household name in European power/heavy metal circles, powered by the uber-manly vocals of Peter "Peavy" Wagner. Refuge are essentially a reunion of the classic 88-93 lineup of the band, whose magnum opus "The Missing Link" included of the most beloved songs of the band, such as "Firestorm" & "Refuge". This reunited line-up of  Peavy (bass/vocals)with Chris Efthimiadis (Drums) and Manni Schmidt (guitars), revives the craftsmanship of the old days of the band,  that some of the contemporary releases of Rage seem to eschew in favour of a more modern sound. Some real gems of the record include , but are not limited to the power anthem "The Man in the Ivory Tower",  the creeping power of catchy Savantage-esque "Living on the Edge of Time", the straightforward power of "We Owe A Life to Death" and the defiant closer "Hell Freeze Over".  This is one of the best releases of Peavy this side of 2010 and definitely a fitting (parallel?) continuation to the legacy of Rage!





93.5/100

Below is the music video for "The Man In the Ivory Tower"