My home is atop a crumbling cliff…
Ho ho ho dear readers! The year of our Lord two-thousand and twenty-fifth is upon us, which means we must needs assess the music of the previous year. All told, yours truly spun nearly 100 new records that were released in 2024. I’ll let you figure out how much I slept. Despite my best efforts, I’m still thoroughly addicted to prog. Ok, there’s plenty of other stuff in here, but if I go too long without it I get…thirsty. It truly was an incredible year for so much music, and I had a hard time whittling this list down to just ten. As always, an “hv” in the genre designates growls/screams; tread lightly if those frighten you. There’s plenty of not-metal in the lists below though, so explore to your hearts content. Anyway, here’s the top ten…
OR SO…
These next three records deserve special mention, even if not in the top ten proper.
Wintersun: Time II
(melodic death metal, folk metal, prog metal, hv)
Fields Of Snow (4:05)
The Way Of The Fire (10:08)
One With The Shadows (6:19)
Ominous Clouds (2:22)
Storm (12:15)
Silver Leaves (13:31)
It’s finally here! After a decade the much awaited sequel to the masterful Time I has finally been released. Jokes about Jari being a grifter and studio saunas and all that nonsense aside, we finally have the Wintersun record everyone wanted. Is it any good? Ehhh. I actually think people that are hating on it are just hating on it because of all the drama surrounding it. It was never going to live up to expectations. But, aside from a murky mix (which, wasn’t that the whole point of the crowdfunded studio, to mix it properly?), I actually think much of this is really good. At the end of the day, Jari Mäenpää is still a really good songwriter and his talents are on display here. The talents of the rest of the band are also unquestionably excellent. And, unlike other prog bands, they kept it under 50 minutes! Did it live up to the hype? No. Is it as good as Time I? Also no. But I think there is much to be enjoyed here, and it is a welcome step up from the forgettable The Forest Seasons.
Top Tracks: The Way Of The Fire • One With The Shadows • Silver Leaves
Fellowship: The Skies Above Eternity
(power metal, euro-power)
Hold Up Your Hearts (Again) (4:48)
Victim (5:23)
The Bitter Winds (5:30)
Dawnbreaker (5:18)
Eternity (4:38)
King Of Nothing (4:12)
World End Slowly (4:32)
A New Hope (4:32)
Memories On The Wind (2:00)
They can’t keep getting away with it! They can’t keep getting away with it! Seriously, I’m so upset that I like this as much as I do. Fellowship are really carrying the torch when it comes to cheesy and happy power metal. It’s a good bit of fun, supported by excellent musicianship all around. What makes Fellowship stand out from an otherwise over-saturated and tiresome genre is despite the poppy-ness of their approach, they really let the guitars do the driving (not the synth or orchestral). This gives it a much needed bite to stand above its peers. As before, the melodies and hooks are super memorable, and you’ll be singing along by the end of each song. As the album cover indicates, lightning may have struck twice for this sophomore effort. I don’t think it’s as good as The Saberlight Chronicles, but hot dang it’s really good. Check it out, it’ll make you smile.
Top Tracks: King of Nothing • Victim • World End Slowly
Job for a Cowboy: Moon Healer
(death metal, prog metal, hv)
Beyond the Chemical Doorway (4:10)
Etched in Oblivion (4:14)
Grinding Wheels of Ophanim (5:52)
The Sun Gave Me Ashes so I Sought Out the Moon (4:03)
Into the Crystalline Crypts (4:21)
A Sorrow-Filled Moon (5:37)
The Agony Seeping Storm (4:11)
Honestly this probably would’ve cracked the top ten if I stopped half-way through the year. Truth be told, I don’t come back to the full record that often, even at its runtime under 40 minutes, but when I do I’m reminded why I held it in such high regard early on. As I said previously, the tracks are infectious, aggressive, and easily embed themselves into your memory. It makes for a fun ride every time. Of particular note is the magnificent (albeit wordy) The Sun Gave Me Ashes So I Sought Out the Moon. This track absolutely slaps and I’ve played it more times than I count.
Top Tracks: The Sun Gave Me Ashes So I Sought Out the Moon • Etched in Oblivion • The Agony Seeping Storm
TOP TEN
10. Azure: Fym
(prog metal, prog rock)
The Azdinist // Den of Dawns (6:03)
Fym (3:20)
Mount, Mettle, and Key (5:19)
Sky Sailing / Beyond the Bloom / Wilt (11:07)
Weight of the Blade (6:22)
Kingdom of Ice and Light (6:40)
The Lavender Fox (4:10)
Agentic State (5:57)
Doppelgänger (3:05)
The Portent (6:24)
Trench of Nalu (16:47)
Moonrise (2:53)
So, I’m not sure what this is, and I really hemmed and hawed about including it. But, after some time, itreally does deserve a spot. It’s…weird, as the album art might indicate. It tells some story about a fantastical world and a magical winged lavender fox and some sort of adventure. Truth be told I can’t follow the story. The vocals are similar to Fellowship, and take some getting used to. Sometimes the high-pitched screams get a tad tiresome, but overall the performance is excellent. The rest of the band has talent in spades, with the drums offering particular showmanship. The album starts off very strong, but loses the plot a tad in the middle before the masterful Trench of Nalu. It scratches that itch I have for weird prog and adds some much needed fun. Because for slots nine to one on this list, fun time is over.
Top Tracks: The Azdinist//Den Of Dawns • Sky Sailing/Beyond The Bloom/Wilt • Trench of Nalu
High again, we’re sky sailing! Winding in turbulence found in friendship!
9. Borknagar: Fall
(prog metal, death metal, hv)
Summits (7:58)
Nordic Anthem (5:14)
Afar (6:54)
Moon (5:51)
Stars Ablaze (8:26)
Unraveling (4:33)
The Wild Lingers (5:34)
Northward (9:54)
“The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” I’m not one to quote Camus but I can’t get this out of my head whilst listening to my favourite track from this phenomenal album. Borknagar have put together something incredible here. It’s some really proggy death metal that wings into a blackened territory often enough to keep things interesting. Vocals are incredible, compositions are complex, and the melodies fantastic. Truly I prefer this to any other genre with a “viking” tag attached. So why Camus? Well, I just smile so much during the “Sisyphus bolder!” shouts on Unraveling. It’s so good I can’t help it. Why am I excited singing about Sisyphus? Oh right…
Top Tracks: Unraveling • Summits • Moon
Let's dance with chaos and never tire: Sisyphus' boulder!
8. Devenial Verdict: Blessing of Despair
(death metal, atmospheric, hv)
I Have Become the Sun (6:44)
Garden of Eyes (4:34)
Moon-Starved (6:32)
Blessing of Despair (6:17)
Shunned Wander (1:19)
The Quietus (3:50)
Solus (5:31)
Counting Silence (6:21)
Cold Lantern (4:39)
A Curse Made Flesh (5:35)
Perhaps the biggest surprise on this list is Blessing of Despair. I knew from the reviews that going in I would like it. I did not know that I would like it this much. The atmospheric tag is really hit or miss, but these guys just nail it and continue to craft introspective and meaningful death metal. It’s engaging in just the right ways to keep the listener on his toes and when the instrumentation is given room to shine, it really does. Thematically, the band says “the album deals with themes of loneliness and depression, a certain hopelessness in the face of an uncaring universe,” but touches on the relief brought by the sun to burn away the sadness of the past. This is so well conveyed in the lyrics and music, and the mark of a great band that they can do both. The riffing is fantastic, as are the solos, and the whole package is nothing sort of extraordinary. Song structure and tone are varied enough to weave you in and out of this atmospheric journey, and the dirge-like nature of the closer marches you to the end.
Top Tracks: Moon-Starved • Solus • A Curse Made Flesh
7. Hamferð: Men Guðs hond er sterk
(doom metal, death metal, prog metal, hv)
Ábær (5:49)
Rikin (5:28)
Marrusorg (6:14)
Glæman (5:24)
Í hamferð (4:53)
Fendreygar (5:37)
Hvølja (5:09)
Men Guðs hond er sterk (5:03)
This record is incredible, it truly is. In its doom riffage, it’s absolutely soul-crushing and awe-inspiring. Perhaps this record, because it is in a foreign language, is the best record to encapsulate this year. It tells the story of a tragic whaling accident, but also of the survivors. So whilst listening, I can say I don’t understand anything, but I know it’s bad. But, but, despite all the tragedy and suffering, the title reminds us: “But God’s hand is strong.” I’ve seriously meditated on those words a lot this year. Context from the interview at the end of the record makes it even more beautiful: “Anyone who was there at the scene can clearly see, and must also realize, that there was a miracle of the Lord taking place; a visible miracle of God that this boat could emerge alive but the hand of God is strong. Many times it has been shown to be a big difference between what a man or men set out to do and the result they got from their plan.” Whatever tragedies, whatever sorrows, no matter how little sense it seems to make…God’s hand is strong. A strange message to learn from a doom metal record, but here we are.
Top Tracks: Ábær • Í hamferð • Hvølja
Ein sjónlig Guðs undurgerð, at hesin báturin kundi koma fram við lívinum Men Guðs hond er sterk…
6. Madder Mortem: Old Eyes, New Heart
(prog metal
)
1. Coming from the Dark (4:53)
2. On Guard (3:42)
3. Master Tongue (4:47)
4. The Head That Wears the Crown (4:25)
5. Cold Hard Rain (6:58)
6. Unity (3:50)
7. Towers (4:43)
8. Here and Now (4:29)
9. Things I'll Never Do (6:38)
10. Long Road (3:53)
I love this album more and more with each listen. It’s so dang catchy, and turns down roads you’re not expecting. So many of these choruses I can’t get out of my head. When it’s heavy, it really hits, and when it’s slow and sombre, it tugs on your heart. This is the kind of emotional and inventive prog that I live for, not just pointless showmanship and blazing speed. Like so many others on this list too, it’s got this sadness laced with hope amidst the dark. I absolutely love it. It might be the most accessible record here, perfect for any new listeners. I can’t say that any one performance stands out, but as a band they operate so well as a whole to create this beautiful music.
Top Tracks: The Head That Wears the Crown • Coming from the Dark • Master Tongue
Stop pretending I don′t need you when it's obvious I do, there is nothing I need more right now than you…
5. Sunburst: Manifesto
(prog metal, power-prog)
1. The Flood (7:56)
2. Hollow Lies (5:44)
3. Samaritan (5:54)
4. Perpetual Descent (5:26)
5. Inimicus Intus (6:07)
6. From the Cradle to the Grave (4:55)
7. Manifesto (5:58)
8. Nocturne (7:17)
No need to rehash what has already been said. My excitement for this record has perhaps dwindled a bit, as I remember stating it was album of the year material. It’s not quite that high, but it’s still incredible straight-forward power-prog. Sunburst knew exactly what kind of record they wanted to craft and nailed it in nearly every respect.
Top Tracks: Manifesto • Nocturne • Samaritan
You're my bitter sweet song, my nocturnal grief. I still hear your charming whispers, whispers in the wind…
4. Opeth: The Last Will and Testament
(prog metal, death metal, prog rock, hv)
1. §1 (6:11)
2. §2 (5:40)
3. §3 (5:11)
4. §4 (7:05)
5. §5 (7:35)
6. §6 (6:16)
7. §7 (6:28)
8. A Story Never Told (7:10)
Leave it to Opeth to drop a concept album about the will of a dead man on my birthday. Yay! So much ink has been spilled on the “Oldpeth” vs. “Newpeth” debate, and I’m not here to heap more upon that. I will say this though. Usually, I’m a hater on major stylistic changes (see Def Leppard, Metallica, Genesis, etc.) but Opeth seems to be the exception for me. Perhaps it’s because I adore 70’s prog, but Opeth’s prog-rock phase is not something I hate upon, namely because they continue to be really good songwriters (for the most part) in whatever genre they land. Anyway, this album rips, and not just cause the growls are back. Musically, it really is incredible. The drums swing, the guitars crunch, and the various other instrumentations add just the perfect amount of spice. Oh, and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is here to add some variety as well. I’m in love with the concept, and the track listing simply as paragraphs of the titular will and testament demand it to be listened to as a whole. I was almost upset that the eighth track broke the mold, until it revealed itself as perhaps the best cut on the record. This is the best Opeth record since Pale Communion, nay, probably the best since Ghost Reveries. Is it the best since Blackwater Park? Dare I speak such heresy? It is truly a nigh unparalleled combination of death metal and prog rock sentiments that stacks up against the classic Opeth records.
Top Tracks: A Story Never Told • §4 • §6
God is watching over you, He will guide the way. He is river of grace through the barren state of our time…
3. In Vain: Solemn
(melodic death metal, prog metal, hv)
1. Shadows Flap Their Black Wings (7:13)
2. To the Gallows (6:37)
3. Season of Unrest (7:38)
4. At the Going Down of the Sun (7:55)
5. Where the Winds Meet (6:06)
6. Beyond the Pale (6:19)
7. Blood Makes the Grass Grow (5:43)
8. Eternal Waves (6:30)
9. Watch for Me on the Mountain (6:56)
This album is an absolute masterpiece. I quipped that In Vain was my new favourite band halfaway through the year because I can’t get enough of this proggy death metal. I’ll just rehash what I said then: Expecting forlorn melodeath, imagine my surprise when I was hit with those fat choruses and, do my ears deceive me, a saxophone! Friggin’ what? Opener Shadows Flap their Black Wings is a banger, and I’ve had the epic and hopeful closer Watch for Me on the Mountain on repeat for days and days. Why is all my favourite music about mountains? It’s a wild ride, but I’m here for it. Just listen to the whole thing, I find a new favourite track every time.
Top Tracks: Watch for Me on the Mountain • Blood Makes the Grass Grow • Shadows Flap Their Black Wings
When the heavens are calling my name: watch for me on the mountain. And until that day let the light be your guide, and follow the path of the righteous
2. Caligula’s Horse: Charcoal Grace
(prog metal, djent)
1. The World Breathes With Me (10:00)
2. Golem (5:20)
3. Charcoal Grace I: Prey (7:48)
4. Charcoal Grace II: A World Without (6:48)
5. Charcoal Grace III: Vigil (3:22)
6. Charcoal Grace IV: Give Me Hell (6:13)
7. Sails (4:31)
8. The Stormchaser (5:57)
9. Mute (12:00)
The first album I reviewed this year, and it almost held the top spot all year long. It is still incredible, and probably my favourite Caligula’s Horse record to date. Australia was dangerously close to claiming the top spot two years in a row with this one! The song construction of the long-form tracks is the best the band has ever done. The title suite is masterfully done, and Mute was the only track to break Seven Spires from sweeping the top five in my Spotify wrapped this year. Indeed that suite may move me even for than Graves from In Contact, and Mute perhaps even more emotional than Dragonfly from Bloom. Given that those are my two favourite songs from my two favourite C-horse album, that this one surpasses both is high praise indeed. Tracks 7 and 8 still fail to wow me, but the rest of the record is so perfectly written I can’t complain. It packs a huge emotional punch, and is truly fitting to begin and end this year.
Top Tracks: Mute • Charcoal Grace I-IV • The World Breathes Me
But who could love me now that I am broken? That I am this? These shards of broken glass, the future in my hands. Who could love me now?
1. Seven Spires: A Fortress Called Home
(symphonic metal, prog metal, death metal, hv)
A Fortress Called Home (1:54)
Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues (7:46)
Almosttown (5:02)
Impossible Tower (6:14)
Love’s Souvenir (6:49)
Architect of Creation (5:32)
Portrait of Us (4:46)
Emerald Necklace (3:49)
Where Sorrows Bear My Name (5:44)
No Place for Us (4:55)
House of Lies (4:43)
The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind (6:50)
I tried my darndest to unseat this from the number one spot in any way possible, but the efforts of Caligula’s Horse and In Vain were…well, in vain. The facts is the facts, this dominated my Spotify wrapped and I cannot get enough of it. I wrote a novel in review of it, so I’ll keep this one brief. This record does so many different things well that it boggles the mind. There is the symphonic bedrock, with the best written orchestral parts from any band this year. But on top of that they give you soaring power metal, blistering death metal, crushing doom metal, ripping black metal, emotional folk metal, dark jazz, and everything in between! The music tells the story almost as much as the lyrics do. This record is rough, and you best be prepared to face some stuff if you want to spin it. This one ripped my heart out, stomped it to pieces, and handed me back the shards saying “you figure this out.” Yet despite the hardship, it offers a yearning hope, something beyond these walls. So I keep returning to this dark fortress of an album, because it’s still home, a home where sorrows bear my name, but where there is a way out of the dark.
Anywho, Adrienne is the undisputed Queen of Metal now, and I cannot stop listening to this band. I recommend listening to this interview with her and Jack; it helped me understand the record even more and like even the parts that didn’t strike me at first.
Somewhere, there is someone who loves you, before and after they learn what you are…
Top Tracks: Architect of Creation • Love’s Souvenir • Where Sorrows Bear My Name
Song(s) of the Year
Seven Spires: Architect of Creation
Caligula’s Horse: Mute
In Vain: Watch for Me on the Mountain
Job for a Cowboy: The Sun Gave Me Ashes, So I Sought Out the Moon
Madder Mortem: The Head that Wears the Crown
Opeth: A Story Never Told
Borknagar: Unraveling
Carter Vail: Dirt Man
Honourable Mentions
Kalandra: A Frame of Mind (Progressive Rock, Folk) I almost had a crisis when I discovered this, because I fell in love with it, yet knew I had precious little space on my year end list. This is not at all what I expected when I read the progressive tag. It sounds more like a sad Ellie Goulding doing some weird Norwegian folk, and I love every second of it. It’s honestly a welcome break from my usual barrage and it was so fresh and sombre. This is unlike anything else on this list, and really is magical.
Meer: Wheels Within Wheels (Progressive Rock, Pop Rock) Yeah, this is really good stuff. I wish I had discovered it sooner. It’s theatrical and huge and extremely enjoyable. Yeah it’s poppy, but sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered. The singing in particular shines, and I think anyone would find some enjoyment in this record.
DVNE: Voidkind (Progressive Metal, Sludge, hv) I’ll bump up my initial review even a little, this is some really good sludge.
Counting Hours: The Wishing Tomb (Doom Metal, hv) Some of the best doom I’ve heard in a while, and on a constant rotation since midsummer.
Anciients: Beyond the Reach of the Sun (Progressive Metal, Death Metal, hv) Probably could’ve slotted into the top ten if I had discovered it earlier in the year. Absolutely masterful progressive death metal, if a bit overlong and stretched out it a few places.
Big Big Train: The Likes of Us (Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal) Scratching that itch I have for early Genesis, Big Big Train have pressed a remarkable record here. The epic Beneath the Masts is wonderful, and the well-crafted hooks placed throughout make this record a stand-out of modern prog rock.
Frost*: Life In The Wires (Progressive Rock, Progressive metal) Another darling of the folks over at the ProgReport, seasoned stalwarts Frost* have crafted a really interesting concept album here that keeps me hooked. They really can write interesting stuff without resorting to tiresome prog tropes. I’ll keep coming back to this for sure.
Thy Catafalque: XII: A gyönyörū álmok ezután jönnek (Experimental Metal, Avant Garde, hv)- This is some weird stuff but I enjoyed so much of what is offered here. There’s relentlessly punishing bits but there’s also super fun and light folksy tunes that are a delight. There are some really good rhythms here and I was bopping along. What a weird record that I will certainly enjoy for a while.
Really Very Good
Oak, Ash & Thorn: Our Grief is Thus (Melodic Death Metal, hv)- This might have snagged an honourable mention if I had discovered it earlier. It’s really solid and enganging, and you get bonus points for quoting the masterpiece from Genesis that is The Cinema Show in the song Like the Sea I Raged. Good on you Oak, Ash & Thorn.
The Last of Lucy: Godfrom (Tech Death, Progressive Metal, hv)- My favourite (mostly) straight up technical death metal of the year. A really good record in a tight-knit package that is worth repeat listens.
Steve Hackett: The Circus and the Nightwale (Progressive Rock)- Speaking of Genesis, who knew the heart and soul of their glory days was still making good music? There is a ton of good stuff in here for anyone who wants a lighter touch.
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles: Martyrs at Ephesus (Sacred, Chant, Polyphony)- The better of the two records from them this year, with our patroness St. Cecilia adorning the cover. This was the soundtrack to much of my meditation this year when I needed to block out travel noise.
Judas Priest: Invincible Shield (Heavy Metal)- Yeah, Rob Halford and the boys (well, what’s left of them) are still cranking out bangers. Their live show was an absolute blast, and whilst not to the heights of their glory days, so much of this record is so very good.
Albion: Lakesongs of Elbid (Folk Metal)- Much like Fellowship, this record puts a huge grin on my face. I come back to my favourite tracks often and can’t help but enjoy it. They really know how to get the most out of a melody and hammer it home.
Vitriol: Suffer and Become (Tech Death, hv)- An absolute brutal and punishing barrage of technical death metal that I praised midsummer. It’s unrelenting and will leave you battered.
Fleshgod Apocalypse: Opera (Symphonic Metal, Death Metal, hv)- You know, I’m not sure why I don’t like this more. Their brand of operatic symphonic death metal is right up my alley but despite enjoying the heck out of this it doesn’t want to stick enough to move into the list proper.
Carter Vail: 100 Cowboys (Indie Rock)- When he’s not joking around, he’s actually making pretty catchy tunes. Not exactly a style I listen to a lot, but there was a lot about this I enjoyed. Harder to Kill is a particular standout.
Ironflame: Kingdom Torn Asunder (Power Metal, US Power)- When it comes to genre as oversaturated as power metal, it’s hard for a band to walk the thin line between creative consistency and stale boredom. Ironflame land in the former, whilst so many others this year fell in the latter. This is an Ironflame album all told, and hits all their marks for good power metal.
Mother of Graves: The Periapt of Absence (Doom Metal, Death Metal, hv)- Some very very well crafted death doom that snuck in right at the end of the year. Will be coming back to this to let it breathe some more.
Saxon: Hell, Fire and Damnation (Heavy Metal)- I talked about this earlier, but Saxon continue to carry that NWOBHM banner and not let up.
I AM THE INTIMIDATOR: I AM THE INTIMIDATOR (Heavy Metal)- So much fun in this absolutely ripping record. Look at that album cover and tell me you don’t wanna race with that! CAPS LOCK ON!
Hyloxalus: Make Me the Heart of the Black Hole (Symphonic Metal, Power Metal)-Some fast and relentless metal with a surprise operatic/choral vocals overtop. It gets a little tiresome if I’m being honest, as it offers little variety. That being said, the instrumentation around it does enough to keep one interested throughout and I was really digging it
Hippotraktor: Stasis (Progressive Metal, Djent)- Do you like djent? This album offers up a healthy serving amidst its back heavy track list. I particularly enjoy the title track, as it beats you to death with its riffage so you can be still for a big fat chorus. If you do indeed like technical and well-played djent style prog, then this album will certainly be an enjoyable listen.
From Dying Suns: Calamity (Tech Death, hv)- Album cover of the year maybe, and some very fun tech death, though I perhaps wish it was more fun and goofy based on the PS1 style art.
Leprous: Melodies of Atonement (Progressive Metal)- Leprous brought down the house at ProgPower this year, turning in one of the best sets of the entire weekend! This record is certainly very good if a little one-note throughout.
Wormed: Omegon (Tech Death, hv)- Not my favourite tech death of the year, but certainly an excellent slab of speed and ferocity.
Brothers of Metal: Fimbulvinter (Power Metal, Folk Metal)- My biggest critique of this record is that it’s too long. They could trim some of the fat and have a truly excellent record on their hands. That aside, the good bits of this are really great. It’s dumb cheesy fun with just the right amount of oomph to it.
Unleash the Archers: Phantoma (Power Metal)- UtA actually snuck into the top five on my Spoify wrapped this year, much to my surprise! I did a full review of this that levied a lot of criticisms, but the parts I enjoy I really enjoy, enough to get me to listen to Apex and Abyss over and over again. When they are good, Brittney Slayes and crew are very good.
Worthy Listening
Ariana Grande: Eternal Sunshine (Pop)- Look I’m as surprised as you are, but I genuinely liked this record. we can’t be friends is a banger.
Sungazer: Against the Fall of Night (Jazz Fusion)- I’m a big Adam Neely fan, and this album is a pretty good cut from his band. Really inventive and complex stuff, just not always the sound I’m looking for.
Riot V: Mean Streets (Heavy Metal, Speed Metal)- It’s hard for this iteration of Riot to really miss it seems. This album checks all the boxes you’d expect from them, and is a fast fun ride.
Show n Tell: The Ritual Has Begun (Heavy Metal, Speed Metal)- A very retro feel from this rip-roaring record. Let’s Rip, and TEAAAARRRR!
Scanner: The Cosmic Race (Power Metal)- Good power metal if a bit inconsistent. The vocals bring it down a tad.
Jacob Collier: Djesse Vol 4 (Jazz-pop)- Didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I don’t return to it a lot, but it’s definitely quality work if not my normal genre.
Traveler: Prequel to Madness (Speed Metal)- Some solid rip-roaring speed metal.
Accept: Humanoid (Heavy Metal, Speed Metal)- Accept is towing that consistent line, and putting out solid hard hitting power metal.
Attacker: The God Particle (Heavy Metal, Speed Metal)- A solid entry from a revival of an old veteran band.
Firewind: Stand United (Power Metal)- Firewind ain’t what they used to be, but they never really make a bad record. Oddly enough, the cover of Talking in Your Sleep is my favourite track here.
Thornbridge: Daydream Illusion (Symphonic Metal, Power Metal)- Decent run of the mill power metal if you like the genre.
Stygian Crown: Funeral for a King (Doom Metal)- Some solid doom metal brought down by a vocalist constantly off-key. But the riffage is just good enough to keep it from being too bad.
Ember Belladona: The Grove (Folk Metal)- Did a full review of this way back in January. I still like it, and hope we get more from this project.
Dark Oath: Ages of Man (Melodic Death Metal, hv)- Haven’t returned to this much since the middle of the year, but a solid concept album
Dark Tranquility: Endtime Signals (Melodic Death Metal, hv)- Solid stuff from these legends of the genre. They put on a stellar set when I saw them this year.
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles: In Memory of Sister Wilhelmina at Ephesus (Sacred, Chant, Polyphony)- The lesser of the two put out by these amazing sisters this year. Any album of theirs is worth a meditative listen.
Mago de Oz: Alicia en el Metalverso (Hard Rock, Heavy Metal)- A good bit of fun in Spanish. I was hoping this would be a concept record.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Flight b741 (Rock)- The output of these guys is insane. Their monster of prog metal hit # 9 on my list last year, and this, whilst very different, is still a lot of fun and quality catchy songwriting.
Tom Cardy: The Dancefloor At The End Of The Universe (Indie Pop)- It’s goofy internet songs, what did you expect haha?
Rob Scallon: Crowded Rooms (Rock, Alternative)- Though not as good as the Sungazer record, everyone’s favourite youtube guitarist put out an odd blend of midwest emo and heavy metal that is surprisingly catchy in parts, if a bit inconsitent.
Galneryus: THE STARS WILL LIGHT THE WAY (Power Metal, Euro Power)- If you’re a Galneryus fan, you won’t find anything new or exciting here. Like so many bands this year, they’re kind of painting by numbers at this point. But Syu and crew are so dang talented that even on cruise control they’re still worth a spin for some solid euro-power.
The Voidz: Like All Before You (Rock, New Wave)
Dream Evil: Metal Gods (Power Metal)- I saw these guys put on a pretty killer set back in September, and a handful of songs were from this record. They rocked! Still a far cry from the Gus G days, but a decent record all told.
Dawnwalker: The Unknowing (Progressive Metal)- I really wanted to like this more than I did, but alas it didn’t grab ahold of me as it did others. It’s good, but not rising to that excellence I desire out of prog concept records.
Crypt Sermon: The Stygian Rose (Doom Metal)- Maybe the hottest take on this entire list, as this is cracking the top ten on many lists, but it’s middle of the road for me. There is much better doom to be had this year, and much better doom on earlier Crypt Sermon records. (Some revision here, and it moved up to Worthy Listening)
Mediocre at Best
The Vigil Project: Way of the Star (Contemporary Christian)- I get that this is supposed to be meditative, so expecting it to be super engaging and inventive would perhaps be missing the point. However, there’s a fine line between meditative and boring. You gotta stay awake to meditate! I’m not saying this is bad, per se, but ultimately it’s tropey and unmemorable.
Sonata Arctica: Clear Cold Beyond (Symphonic Metal, Power Metal)- As I said before, I was never one to fawn over Sonata Arctica, and this record proves that whilst having some good moments, they’re really just not for me.
Hammerfall: Avenge the Fallen (Power Metal, Heavy Metal)- Hammerfall have fallen into the boring and stale catergory. This is a Hammerfall album all right, but nothing about it is exceptional or exciting.
Greyhawk: Thunderhawk (Hard Rock, Heavy Metal)- I appreciate the attempt at a little throwback, but so much mid-paced rock/metal makes for a boring record. Good stuff here and there, but ultimately only ok.
Elvellon: Ascending in Synergy (Power Metal)- Overbearing orchestrations and lackluster guitars. Meh, still better than the new Nightwish.
Nightwish: Yesterwynde (Symphonic Metal, Power Metal)- Oh high Nightwish! We were just talking about you! Look you clearly have talent, as this record shows, but write something interesting with it. This is like an AI spit out a generic Nightwish record. Bleh.
Assemble the Chariots: Unyielding Night (Symphonic Metal, Death Metal, hv)- The cheesy narration ruins what could be an otherwise decent record.
Distorted Reflection: Doom Rules Eternally (Doom Metal)- Indeed doom does rule, but it seems Counting Hours and Hamferd have the throne, not whatever this is.
OU: II: Frailty (Progressive Metal)- Look I get it, but I don’t get it. Not gonna fault anyone for liking this, but the claims of masterpiece are laughable.
Evergrey: Theories of Emptiness (Progressive Metal)- Emptiness indeed. Some good musicianship in here but not good songwriting.
Triton Project: Messenger's Quest (Power Metal)- Pretty generic and lacking anything by way of composition to make it worthwhile.
Jordan Rudess: Permission to Fly (Progressive Metal, Prog rock)- Look Jordan Rudess is a masterful keys player but was there any need for this? It’s just boring wankery that lacks the wow factor that his best moments with Dream Theater have. Hmm, sounds like modern Dream Theater I guess…
Bound for the Bin
Inter Arma: New Haven (Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, hv)- Perhaps the worst sound mixing I’ve heard all year. How does the final cut sound this horrible?
Bruce Dickinson: The Mandrake Project (Heavy Metal)- Time to take a page from Nicko and retire Bruce. No one will blame you for it. But I will blame you for putting out this trash.
My Dying Bride: A Mortal Binding (Doom Metal)- As said before, I’m sure some people like this. Those people would be wrong.
Tyr: Battle Ballads (Folk Metal)- A shadow of Tyr’s former glory, completely flat and not worth my time.
Whom Gods Destroy: Insanium (Progressive Metal)- Pointless wankery in this ego-collab that received way too much praise.
Eternal Storm: A Giant Bound to Fall (Melodic Death Metal, hv)- Overlong and ultimately boring death metal that could have been great.
Bleachers: Bleachers (Indie Rock)- This is not my thing, though I suppose I could see why some might like this…if you like to be bored.
Legendarium: For Eternal Glory (Melodic Death Metal, hv)- I had high hopes for this, but the vocals are atrocious and the music is not nearly interesting enough to make up for it. Sad.
Nemedian Chronicles: The Savage Sword (Power Metal)- Not sure why this is getting so much praise, seems to be pretty boring mid-paced metal with cheesy intros and voice-overs that make it uncompelling.
JUDAH and the Lion: The Process (Folk)- I don’t get it, and I’m bored and exhausted by the end.
Taylor Swift: THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT (Pop)- Not trying to hate on Tay-tay on purpose, but I suppose I’m living in the past in hoping for a new 1989 and not whatever unimaginative stuff this is.
Dragonforce: Warp Speed Warriors (Power Metal)- This is bad and you should feel bad for making it.