The Best of Epic Metal 2010-2018 (Part 2)

In the second part, we are counting down the BEST ten albums out of...

THE TOP 21 Epic Metal Albums of 2010-18

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10. Arryan Path- Terra Incognita (Pitch Black Records - 2010)

In number ten of the most epic albums from 2010 onward, we have the excellent 2010 release from Arryan Path, who have since changed their name to Arrayan Path and gone on to release another 4 great albums (you can find the review to their 2016 release here). However, the 2010 album was probably their greatest output to date, featuring anthems like "Molon Lave" and "Minas Tirith" as well as emotional poweful songs along the lines of "Elegy" and "Ishtar". This is truly a stellar epic metal album from the Cypriot band and worthy of being in the collection of every metalhead that enjoys epic anthems with a sprinkle of oriental themes.



93.5/100

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9.  Ensiferum - Unsung Heroes (Spinefarm - 2012)

Ensiferum have been described as "Viking Folk Metal", but that did not stop them from releasing an epic and very emotional album with "Unsung Heroes". You can find the full review here








94/100

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8. Mausoleum Gate - Into a Dark Divinity (Cruz del Sur - 2017)

This is the second album from finnish heavy metal band Mausoleum Gate that while more on the heavy metal side has enough epic moments to warrant inclusion in this list. You can read a more detailed review here

95/100

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7. Doomsword - The Eternal Battle (Dragonheart - 2011)

Italian Epic Metal giants Doomsword released their latest album in 2011 and after a hiatus, their recent appearance in Up the Hammers 2018 and subsequent interviews leaves hope for a new record soon-ish. In the meantime, you can find a review of "The Eternal Battle" here.




95/100

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6. Sorcerer - The Crowning of the Fire King (Metal Blade - 2017)

Sorcerer's second album featuring more epic elements than their more doom-oriented debut gets picked as number 6 on this list. You can find the full review here.








95.3/100

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5. Eternal Champion - Armor of Ire (No Remorse - 2016)

This Moorcockian/Howard hybrid debut took everyone by surprise 2 years ago and remains a great epic metal choice. Read more here.

96/100

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4. Battleroar - Blood of Legends (Cruz Del Sur - 2014)

Having established themselves among the leaders of their scene in Greece, Battlroar returned with their 4th full-length release featuring new vocalist  Gerrit Mutz (Sacred Steel). You can find out more about the album here.

96/100

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3. Sons of Crom - The Black Tower (Nordvis - 2017)

This is a truly epic second album from the Bathoresque  metallers Sons of Crom, rightfully being selected among the top three EPIC albums of the (near) decade. Read more here






97/100

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2. Visigoth - The Revenant King (Metal Blade - 2015)

Rising from Salt Lake City, the Iron Brotherhood of Visigoth forged a perfect debut album in 2015 with an equally amazing follow-up ("Conqueror's Oath") released earlier this year. Read the review for "The Revenant King" here.






98/100

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AND AT NUMBER ONE ....

1. Grand Magus - Hammer of the North (Roadrunner Records- 2010)

Having released 4 albums in this decade, it was difficult to decide which one would be a better fit for this spot. Ultimately, the latest 2 releases ("Triumph and Power", "Sword Songs") were great, but more heavy and less epic, so "Hammer of the North" ultimately triumphed over the equally epic "The Hunt", purely on the number of memorable anthems in it. At least 4 songs from the album are still mainstays in the band's touring setlist while the rest of the album still features great moments. Overall, the album is not just "epic", it is the epitome of modern epic metal music.

100/100

The Best of Epic Metal: 2010-2018 (Part 1)

As the summer came to an end, an extra breath of entertainment from this blog, as we bid it farewell with some of the best albums of the decade so far. We begin with the broadly (and maybe too broadly defined) epic metal genre. For variety, only one album per band was chosen, but if you like something, assume the rest of their catalogue is also worth exploring unless otherwise noted! So without further ado:

THE TOP 21 Epic Metal Albums of 2010-18

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21. Valhalore - Journey Into Eternity (Independent -  2017)

In number 21, as we begin our epic journey, is the debut album (and only release so far) of  the Viking/Epic Australians. It is quite an unexpected offering, especially given the origin of the band, but by Odin they really do sound like the genuine article! A very good release and hopefully there's more to come!





88/100

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20. Wizard-  Trail of Death (Massacre Records - 2013)

Next up, Wizard from Germany are a long standing metal band from Germany playing a mix of Manowar and Iced Earth. The band has consistently produced good records for over 20 years and "Trail of Death" is by far their best output of the decade. Their personal style, developed over their career will truly bring joy to old school metallers. 





88.5/100

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19. Heidra - Awaiting Dawn (Mighty Music - 2014)

Again a debut album from a Viking Metal band, albeit here, the genres truly blend into something unique and new.  There are songs with elements from all brands of viking metal ranging from epic/power metal songs to heavier more gritty ones, symphonic elegies and even some doomier passages. An album that could serve as an excellent introduction to the genre as it contains pieces from all its aspects and yet it succeeds in bringing them all cohesively together, while sounding truly epic in the process.

90/100

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18. High Council - Held in Contempt (Via Nocturna - 2018)

One of the newest entries on this list, Held in Contempt is the debut full-length from High Council. The band has been around for almost 15 years, but were able to release their debut album a couple of months ago (as of this writing) and the wait was truly worth it! An epic sound with power/heavy elements, vocals that fit within the context of the epic music and riffing to bang your head.

90.2/100

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17.  Isole - The Calm Hunter (Cyclone Empire - 2014)

Isole have released other exceptional Doom/Epic records before, but to my humble opinion, The Calm Hunter is their best release by far. Here, they grow out of their influences and leave behind their Doomier side in favour of a more epic approach, though there are definitely elements that hint at the origins of the band. There are songs that have a more progressive structure ("My Regret", "Into Oblivion") , while others adopt a more straightforward  doom approach ("Dead to Me"), but overall the album works pretty well and creates a sombre atmosphere that will haunt you every time you have a go at it.  

90.5/100

    

                                        

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16. Sabaton - The Last Stand (Nuclear Blast - 2017)

Probably the most popular among the bands listed, it is true that Sabaton are usually classified as Power metal by most but go ahead and listen to the "Lost Battalion" below and tell me you did not feel an epic aroma (aka mansweat) emanating from every fiber of the track. The rest of the album is pretty much like this, with a personal highlight being "Shiroyama", as each track references famous battles of the past. 





91/100

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15. Below - Upon a pale Horse (Metal Blade - 2017)

A back-breaking masterpiece of the epic/doom sound; check out the full 2017 review here.

92/100

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14. Darkthrone - The Underground Resistance (Peaceville - 2013)

Recent Darkthrone releases had changed their sound into a more heavy/crust kind of music, but nothing prepared their fans for the release of Circle The Wagons and its successor The Underground Resistance that truly belong in the old-school Heavy/Epic genre.
Read the 2013 review here

92.5/100

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13. Revelations - Gatekeeper (2017- Independent)

Another epic doom/epic release that dabbles into the occult but retains a healthy amount of heavy metal epicness. The full review is here.

92.7/100

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12. Sellsword - And Now We Ride (2016 - Independent)

An inspired heavy/epic debut from the lads from Yorkshire, a fresh air of epicness from a scene that usually is more focused on "core" bands. Read the full review here.

92.9/100

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11.  Atlantean Kodex- The Golden Bough (Cruz Del Sur - 2010)

      

 An older choice before breaking into the top 10 albums, Atlantean Codex are a Heavy/Doom band, with more emphasis on their heavy side. Their first album features gargantuan riffing, long epic songs with melodic choral vocals and a tendency to remind the audiences of bands like Manilla Road AND Bathory at the same time! This is truly a great release that hasn't been as popular as it should have been and Atlantean Kodex are a band definitely worthy of the support of heavy metal warriors. The song below ("Temple of Katholic Magick") is indicative of the band and the awe-inspiring epicness of their music.

93/100

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Stay Tuned For Part 2!

#1 - Top of 2017

Ayreon - The Source (Mascot Label Group)

And finally for the best album of 2017, the new epic adventure of Ayreon in "The Source"! Having somewhat left their main space-sci-fi story-line in the "Theory of Everything" album, instead presenting a more down to earth concept there, here the space epic element returns in full force. The story-line starts at the distant past in planet Alpha and acts, in essence, a prequel to the main Ayreon story so far. The cast comprises of ten influential individuals of the planet: the Historian  (James LaBrie from Dream Theater), the President (Russen Allen from Symphony X & Adrenaline Mob), the Opposition Leader (Tommy Karevik from Kamelot & Seventh Wonder), the Chemist (Tommy Giles Rogers from Between the Buried and Me), the Counsellor (Simone Simons from Epica),   the Prophet (Nils K Rue from Pagan's Mind), the Captain (Tobias Sammet from Edguy & Avantasia), the Astronomer (Hansi Kursch from Blind Guardian), the Diplomat (Michael Eriksen from Circus Maximus) , the Biologist (Floor Jansen from Nightwish)   and their faithful android TH-1 (Mike Mills from Toehider), along with a cameo vocal appearance from Zaher Zorgati (Myrath) and guest solos from Paul Gilbert  (Mr Big) and Guthrie Govan (ex-Asia).

The (double) album starts with "The Day that the World Breaks Down" a bombastic epic song introducing the main cast. "Everybody Dies" and "Run Apocalypse Run" are another two bombastic and heavy songs fro the first album, while "The Star of Sirrah" is a truly space opera epic and "All that was" is a renaissance folk hymn. In the second album, the protagonists leave to find a new planet after the old one is destroyed and find themselves in Planet Y where they adapt to living beneath the waves of the oceanic planet. Highlights from this album include the dynamic opener "Aquatic Race", the heavy/operatic "Deathcry of a race", the quietly solemn "The Source Will Flow" as well as the final trilogy of songs ("Journey to Forever", "The Human Compulsion", "March of  the Machines") which pave the way back to the original story. A true masterpiece, in a continuous streak of excellent albums from Arjen Lucassen and without a doubt the best and highest recommended release of 2017.

100/100

Below are the lyric videos for "The Day that the World breaks down", "Everybody Dies", "Run Apocalypse Run" and the music video for "The Source Will Flow".

 

#2 - Top of 2017

Toehider - Good (Bird's Robe Records)

One step before the best album of 2017,  "Good" by Toehider s good evidence that you can have good prog music in 2017 (i) without sounding retro, (ii) while having fun making it and (iii) by further evolving from previous material. The album kicks off with the short interlude musings of the acoustic title track ("Good")  and then the second track "(funnythings)" a speedy chaotic track which sets the pace for the album. The next track draws from more commercial sources and it ("The Conversation is over") successfully combines catchy pop with grandiose elements and an infectious tune to boot. "Millions of Musketeers" again is more proggy with a more complex structure with riffing almost reminiscent of progressive metal! The prog metal feeling continues to be featured heavily in the epic "How do Ghosts work?" which combines personal experiences, nonsensical ponderings and excellent riffing with almost a hint of the Devin Townsend Project in terms of musical flow.  "DAN vs EGG" is a "joke" song which acts as an acoustic interluding after the beating from the two previous tracks and acts as a segway to the proggy semi-acoustic  "I've Been So Happy Living Down Here in the Water". The album closes out unconventionally (as if Toehider would have it any other way) with "It's so Fikkis!" blending prog rock and AOR and even latin hints and closes out another fucking great release by the band. Hats off!


98/100

Below are the music videos for "This Conversation is over", "How do Ghosts work?" and the "unofficial video" for "DAN vs EGG".

#3 - Top of 2017

Need - Hegaiamas: A Song for Freedom (Ikaros Records)

After the truly seminal "Orvam" (2014), which cemented Need as one of the best progressive metal acts in Greece and at the same time one of the rising stars of the genre in Europe, the band returned in 2017 with "Hegaiamas: A Song for Freedom", an album that not only reaffirmed their quality and inspiration, but at the same time progressed their music, further differentiating their personal identity from their influences and created a technically and musically excellent progressive metal album that acts as a culmination of all their efforts to date. The album opener, "Rememory" makes the intentions of the band known, with melodic riffing and vocal lines echoing the best moments of  Fates Warning, while the atmospheric interlude in the beginning acts as the start of a circle that will close only when the final note of the album is heard. "Alltribe" flows effortlessly from "Rememory" and is in the same melodic vein with  both songs acting as the opening act of the album. "Therianthrope" begins with more heavy riffing and follows more heavy prog forms from its predecessors with riffing influences from Dream Theater (Train of Thought era) and more harsh vocal lines inter-playing with traditional power-prog lyricism."Riverthane"' also follows with heavy riffing along the veins of its predecessor with its melodic lines hinting traces of oriental elements and the Pantera-like riffs  providing the necessary force to power through. The quiet interlude near the 5 minute mark of the song hints at the Nevermore influences of the band , filtered through their personal sound. "Tilikum" starts softly with the riffing building into a slower and more menacing song. There is an underlying darkness which is overlaid beautifully by the female vocalist, which along the different male vocal lines gives the song an ensemble feel. "IOTA" starts as a spoken piece with an argument between a male and a female voice with a soft piano piece behind them. This acts as a prologue and segway into the grandiose closer "Hegaiamas" with the word "Freedom" from the previous piece acting as the catalyst. The titular closer clocks at 22 minutes long and showcases the ability of the band to write a true prog metal epic with a main riff inspired by traditional Greek music forms and elements from all the aspects of the band intermarried beautifully. The haunting last few minutes of the song return to the beginning of the album bringing this progressive metal masterpiece to its end!

97.1/100

Below are the official videos for "Riverthane", "IOTA" and "Rememory"

#4 - Top of 2017

Crystal Viper - Queen of the Witches (AFM Records)

Crystal Viper blast their way into the top 5 of 2017 with the powerful vocals and guitars by the amazing Marta Gabriel, one of the best female vocalists in a metal band right now! Straight from the start "The Witch Is Back" showcases strong and impressive vocals along with heavy riffs (Andy Waves) and drum beats (Golem) with the pace being picked up in the "I Fear No Evil" (with an  epic closing riff). The heavier (Manowar-reminiscent) "When the Sun Goes Down"is a highlight and personal favourite which is followed by the melodic "Trapped Behind" an interesting ballad that acts as a transition to the galloping "Do or Die" (with guest guitars from Ross The Boss) and "Burn My Fire Burn" which are tailor-made for sing along in live concerts! "We Will Make It Last Forever" (with guest vocals by Steve Bettney from Saracen) is another amazing power ballad that acts as an emotional interlude before the striking "Rise of the Witch Queen" that perfectly closes the record and concludes for now the adventures of the queen of the witches who "rises from the fire" to "rule forevermore"!
The great Grim Reaper cover "See You in Hell" and the awesome album cover art by Andreas Marschall, who has worked with many metal bands including Blind Guardian and Grave Digger are the finishing touches to one of the best records in Crystal Viper back catalogue and a worthy number 4 for 2017!
 

97/100

Below are the music videos for the songs "The Witch Is Back" and "When the Sun Goes Down".

#5 - Top of 2017

Pain of Salvation - In the Passing light of day (Inside Out)

After a long hiatus, which saw the release of one Cover album, a serious operation that lead singer Daniel Gildenlow had to undergo, and changes to all members but Daniel and Leo (drums), Pain of Salvation are back with their 9th full length album after 6 years with (almost) no new material. And as always, the band delivers in spades!
Based on the experiences of Daniel's hospitalisation and his  long & hard road to recovery, the album sees the band return to its progressive metal roots, leaving the more acoustic side of the two equally great "Road Salt" albums somewhat aside and focus on its "harsher" side, bringing back memories of the excellent 2004 "Remedy Lane" album. The first track of the new endeavour "On a Tuesday", mixes the harder sound of the past with the warm colours of the band's recent endeavours in  a very organic way, which coupled with the personal tone of the lyrics marks a very dynamic return for the band. Things go even harder in"Tongue of God" where the coupling of voices between Daniel and Ragnar Zolberg creates a very dynamic and bombastic combination. "Meaningless" is a  very catchy song and is obviously put here to act as a connection between old and new fandom. "Silent Gold" is a more quiet piece and bridges the album, while at the same time providing the necessary breather. "Full Throat Tribe" is another great progressive metal track with excellent guitar lines.  The rest of the album flows within the narrative of reconciliation between the different eras of P.o.S: with the highlights being the proggy "Reasons"  and the epic & heartfelt"If this is the End". A return to form for the band, promising new and exciting explorations of prog space in the years to come.


96/100


Below are the music videos for "Meaningless" and "Reasons".

#6 - Top of 2017

Sons of Crom - The Black Tower (Nordvis)

The black tower is an amazing epic heavy metal album brought to us by the extraordinary duo Iiro Sarkki (in vocals and drums) and Janne Posti (in vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards), who go by the name "Sons of Crom". The record is split into two sections with 4 songs each, and although it goes only slightly over 40 minutes, it is filled with memorable and extremely diverse tracks! "Steps of Doom" is a very interesting intro song which sounds like it is taken from a fantasy movie or game and sets an epic tone for an adventure. "In Fire Reborn" is another epic song with some intense vocal lines that blend seamlessly with imposing choral parts.  The riff-based "Fall of Pandemonium" (with its awesome guitar and violin melodic lines) and the melodic "Legacy" (with a great accoustic guitar background blending with some stunning and powerful vocals) finish off the first half of the album. The second part is equally epic with the Bathoresque  "Black Wings Up High", the galloping "Summoning the Starborn" which picks-up the rhythm without losing in terms of heaviness and the amazing "Viimeinen Laki", which is the only track in Finnish, but evokes an emotional response regardless of the understanding of the lyrics! "Rebirth of the Sun" is a great instrumental tune that is filled with sorrowful violin tunes and closes a very interesting and unique (for today's standards) release. And to paraphrase a black-haired bare-chested fellow "By this axe they rule"!

95.8/100

Below is the audio track for the song "Black Wings Up High".

#7 - Top of 2017

Sorcerer - The Crowning of the Fire King (Metal Blade Records)

Sweden has given us another epic heavy metal album with Sorcerer releasing their second full-length album "The Crowning of the Fire King". "Sirens" is an amazing melodic but at the same time heavy-riffed track that serves as the perfect opening for the record.
The "Ship of Doom" is full of melodic guitar riffs by Kristian Niemann and Peter Hallgren. "Abandoned By the Gods" clearly showcases the awesome vocal capabilities of the lead singer Anders Engberg, who has an epic feel reminiscent of Dio and fits the heavy doom melodies. Highlights of the album and personal favourites are "The Devil's Incubus" with an epic and pompous chorus that definitely sticks to memory and the title-song "The Crowning of the Fire King" with its layers of eerie melodies! "Nattvaka" is an excellent mellow interlude, "Crimson Cross" definitely has a Candlemass vibe and "Unbearable Sorrow" (the longest track-spanning at almost 10 minutes) with the bass feeling like a ten ton hammer landing on your face. If you haven't had enough, there are two bonus tracks "Disciples of the Dark" and "Bringer of Misery" which act as the proverbial doom cherries on top of a hell of an album!


95.5/100

Below is the music video for the song "Sirens" and the lyric video for "The Devil's Incubus".

#8 - Top of 2017

Kaipa - Children of the Sounds (Century Media)

Kaipa are back after the excellent release of 2014's "Sattyg" and grace us with another treatise on how to combine  music craftmanship of the highest callibre with beautiful content, dressed in the colors of spring!  Starter "Children of the Sounds" is a classic Kaipa song drawing influences from their earlier periods along with some early "Flower Kings" vibe. "On the Edge of New Horizons" is the true masterpiece of the album and where the brilliance of the band truly shines. It keeps the listener on edge through many shifts and turns accompanied by  novel vocal lines, folk elements and instrumental orgies and a dramatic ending. Here one should note that the top-notch rhythm section of the band (Jonas Reingold and Morgan Agren) that acts as the glue that keeps it all together. Like a Serpentine is a more "earthy" piece, opening slow and building its pace more steadily. "The Shadowy Sunlight" mixes folk and eerie elements impecably and uses the vocals of Aleena Gibson to build an atmosphere around the piece that is not what one might expect from Kaipa, but a transedent experience nevertheless. The closer of the (almost) 1 hour album comes with "What's Behind the Fields", that is influenced more than anything else by rock legends Uriah Heep, once more bringing their influences to their own style and creating a song that along with "On the Edge of Horizons" will surely be included in the "Best of"album when the band retires.

95.4/100

Below are the lyric videos for "Children of the Sounds" and "What's behind the fields"