Best Metal 2019

Top 25 (Ranked)

1-10 Reviews

1. Cattle Decapitation – Death Atlas

Cattle Decapitation return with their 7th full length studio album, unveiling to the world, what may be the single most important release of our generation. As the Earth burns, plague descends upon the masses, and species diversity is reduced exponentially, Death Atlas paints a bleak reality in which humankind finally brings the Anthropocene epoch to its tragic end. This is the conclusion to a three part concept focused on the negative impact humanity has had on their ecosystem, and this is every bit the epic finale fans desired. It's a culmination of all their previous albums, and shifts seemlessly between grindcore, brutal death metal, and slam.

2. Abbath - Outstrider

Black Metal ambassadors Abbath once again assault the listener with their frosted blend of Norwegian extreme metal. Featuring all the theatrical sensibility, and catchy riffs one has come to expect from this group, Outstrider is the Black Metal equivalent of hair metal, but with a much more ferocious edge. Every bit as epic as it is brutal.

3. Mayhem – Daemon

The godfathers of "Trve Kvlt" Black Metal, Mayhem return after a long hiatus to once again crawl out from the darkened depths, and weave an atmosphere of "Daemon-ic" terror. Featuring all the expected stylings of a band known for bringing the genre into the mainstream, it's refreshing to find such a familiar sound. Deamon has much higher production value than previous records, but somehow keeps the recorded in a catacomb sound they've come to be known for; a feat only Mayhem can make actually work.

4. Darkthrone – Old Star

Another original contributor of the extreme metal pantheon, Darkthrone make a brutal comeback, but instead of showcasing their old bag of tricks, Old Star livens things up a bit, with an almost Blackened Thrash dynamic. Every bit a headbanger album as it is a dark and grim exploration of occultism and anti-theism, Darkthrone's newest venture is a solid gateway drug for those seeking something a little more on the blackened side.

5. Belzebubs - Pantheon of the Nightside Gods

Speaking of Pantheons, Belzebubs debut album Pantheon of the Nightside Gods is a love letter to many of the other classic bands on this list. Featuring riffs, hooks, and choruses, Belzebubs' unconventional approach to Black Metal has caused a stir in the "trve kvlt" community. Don't believe the negativity, the only people who could hate this album are jaded elitists who simply hate quality song writing, and intuitive production...and maybe cartoons. Every. Single. Track. Could exist as a single, and would fit just as well among the black metal heroes, as they would the extreme metal chart toppers.They have no business being THIS good, but here we are sitting pretty at #5.

6. Sacrilege – The Court of the Insane

Thrash and Heavy Metal veterans Sacrilege are yet another pre-millenial outfit making a return to the charts with the release of The Court of the Insane. Featuring a variety of metal influences, they manage the pacing well; raucous fist pumping head bangers, and driving hard rock jams abide.

7. Wilderun - Veil of Imagination

Boston based "Symphonic/Progressive/Folk-Metal" outfit Wilderun brings a unique approach to folk metal, showcasing their expansive musical influences, and expressing a deeper artistic nature than many may be ready for. With themes of nature, and folklore, Veil of Imagination is an introspective examination of one's self in the universe.

8. Venom Prison – Samsara

If it wasn't clear yet, 2019 was the year of Black Metal. Venom Prison unleash a vitriolic force of feminine rage, and social awareness not usually seen outside the realm of anarchic punk rock, but any dissenters are dared to speak out against this fury. Whether or not you agree with their approach to comparing the female body to a bloody child factory, or assuming that child rearing is a form of enslavement, Samsara is an unrelenting audio assault against the patriarchy.

9. Swallow the Sun - When A Shadow is Forced Into the Light

Poetic from title to composition, Swallow the Sun's - When a Shadow is Forced Into the Light is the type of dreary Melodic Death Doom than fans of emotional gravitas have longed for. Heavy as hell in some sections, Swallow the Sun never sacrifice quality for brutality, nor the other way around.

10. November's Doom – Nephilim Grove

Novembers Doom has a long history of top notch Death Doom releases, and the concept album Nephilim Grove is a narrative woven deeply in the realm of supernatural darkness and death. While rounding out the top 10 list, there are several tracks featured on this record that could easily outshine (shadow?) even the best offering from the rest of the pack. When taken as a complete composition, Nephilim Grove may not be the highest ranking, but it's an absolute favorite.

11-25 List

11. Saint Vitus – "Saint Vitus" (Doom)
12. Vale of Pnath – "Accursed" (Technical Death)
13. White Ward – "Love Exchange Failure" (Experimental/Post-Black)
14. Dawn Ray'd – "Behold Sedition Plainsong" (Black)
15. Fit for An Autopsy – "The Sea of Tragic Beasts" (Deathcore)
16. 1349 – "The Infernal Pathway" (Black)
17. Full of Hell – "Weeping Choir" (Noise, Grindcore/Power-Violence, Death)
18. Nailed to Obscurity - "Black Frost" (Melodic Death/Doom)
19. Devourment – "Obscene Majesty" (Slam, Brutal Death)
20. Nile – "Vile Nilotic Rites" (Technical Death)
21. Grief Collector – "From Dissension to Avowal" (Doom)
22. Cellar Darling - "The Spell" (Progressive/Folk)
23. Abigail Williams – "Walk Beyond the Dark" (Atmospheric Black)
24. In Mourning – "Garden of Storms" (Gothic, Death)
25. No One Knows What the Dead Think – "No One Knows What the Dead Think" (Technical Grindcore)

"Best Metal 2019" on Spotify / Best Metal 2019 on Apple Music

Honorable Mentions (Unranked)

· Lethvm – Acedia
· Signs of the Swarm – Vital Depravation
· Batushka – Hospodi
· Shock Narcotic – I've Seen the Future, and It Doesn't Work
· Helevorn - Aamata
· GROUND – Mourn Innocence
· Yatra – Death Ritual
· Le Chants Du Hasard – Livre Second
· Wormwitch – The Heaven That Dwells Within
· Mystifier - Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia

Singles, EPs, & LPs (Ranked)

1. Lorna Shore - "This is Hell" Single, "Darkest Spawn" Single 
2. The Dark Prison Massacre – Overtreated Cause Opposited EP 
3. At the Gates – With the Pantheons Blind EP 
4. Man Made God – Man Made God EP 
5. Signs of the Swarm -  "Malevolent Enslavement" Single, "Crown of Nails" Single 
6. OhCult – Occult EP 
7. Beastmaker – Eye of the Storm EP 
8. To Obey a Tyrant – Conjuring Damnation EP 
9. Within Thy Wounds – Demo  
10. Corpseflesh - "Re-Arranged with a 12-Gauge Shotgun" Single, "Grotesque Inbreds" Single 

Quick Take: Hellboy (2019)

Demons Have Demons Too...

This is a film I desperately want to enjoy, one that hits on all the major plot points, and introduces long time fan favorite characters such as [SPOILERS]. Even David Harbor does a fine job capturing the brooding alcoholic nature of the lead character, and communicating Hellboy's real struggles within himself. For the most part, it is a movie that has all the key elements I could hope for from a Hellboy film, but it’s the added fat, that makes this reboot fall short.

Hellboy (2019) has a hard time maintaining a consistent pacing, or establishing a coherent tone. Drastic shifts in cinematography batter the viewer with jarring transitions, that, when paired with  the blasting hard rock, party anthem soundtrack, feel almost bipolar. Before the viewer can fully appreciate a moment of poignancy, a raucous fight erupts to the tune of 80s hair metal. Not only does it become obnoxious, the tracks they chose aren't even good; they're clearly the bottom of the barrel songs that were the easiest to license.

If only the this reboot hadn't undergone drastic reshoots in retaliation to the negative test screening,  we may actually have gotten a cohesive film. From the color pallet, to the writing, to the music and FX, Hellboy suffers from a mish-mash of ideas, but never fully settles into one. It always just feels rushed and messy.

Final Score: 2.5/5 ⭐

While Hellboy is almost a scene for scene adaptation of The Wild Hunt, it fails to ever become fully realized by being more concerned with fitting "hip" tropes into it's 2 hour run-time, then telling a cohesive story. Easter eggs and fan service abound, but unlike it's predecessor, it never embraces an identity, and will be ultimately forgettable.

New Years Resolutions, or, How to Seize the Day

Start the New Year Out Right, in a Hell Choir!

This update will be a little more free-form, as I am still trying to create a routine, and discipline for consistent Blog updates. I had planned this particular one to be multi-part, one outlining my goals, and future entries updating my progress, but it's best just to dive in headlong.

Sometime near the end of the year 2018, I heard a radio-cast about making every day the best possible day you could, and seizing whatever opportunities came your way. While many aim to improve their minds or bodies (something I really do need to get back on track), I wanted to improve my general nature, and part of that, was pursuing those things that bring me fulfillment. So below is just a short list of some of the ways I have attempted to capture each moment to is fullest.

Blogging 

It may seem silly, blogging about blogging, but being one of those very early millennials, I lived through the boom and rise of social communications networking. One thing I always found fascinating was how people could confidently sit down, and just speak to the world about what was happening in their lives. Sometimes it was for activism, sometimes for entertainment, and sometimes, just to have a chance to speak whats on their minds. Every year, I told myself I'd do it, that I would start a blog, and just share my thoughts. That's where this whole page was conceived. I am a very opinionated person, and have a ridiculously diverse set of interests, and will generally try anything at least once. Going along with that, I tend to also express my response to those experiences, sometimes to the point of obnoxiousness. It was this nature of mine, that caused those in my life to coin the term "Tommentary".  At first it felt jeering, and I allowed it to be a phrase that belittled my opinions, however, I realized, they weren't wrong, that's what Tommentary is,  "Tom-Commentary". After embracing it, I realized that I needed an outlet for this desire to share my thoughts, and so here we are. While I've yet to develop a consistent habit, I am happy that I've been able to organize some of  conceptual fragments into coherent pieces.

Music

One thing I love more than speaking my mind, is music. Anyone who's known me for any prolonged period of time knows how important music has been in my life, and how I always wanted to make my passion into a career. Embarrassingly, I even signed everyone's yearbooks with "Soon to be Famous", that was in 2006 during my Emo band years. Unfortunately, between my lack of natural talent, and fear of failure, I've yet to create for myself many opportunities to really chase this dream, instead, opting to express myself in the shower, or on the freeway. Fortunately, sometimes faith and perseverance have a way of opening up doors for you, even when you aren't looking for one. Video game composer, and genius behind the award winning DOOM (2016) soundtrack Mick Gordon posted at the start of the year, that he was looking for Metal Vocalists who specialized in screaming to submit demos for an open audition for his next project. Describing the "gig" as a never before seen Heavy Metal Hell Choir composed entirely of screams and growls (likely related to the 2019 DOOM: Eternal coming out around May). 

As a Metal fan, and aspiring vocalist, I was ecstatic over the prospect, but immediately seized by fear and doubt, and rightfully so, as I listened to the insane talent that was applying. However, this is where my resolution to pursue all opportunities, even the long shots, came into action. After mulling over the best ways to showcase my vocal range in both singing, screaming...and chanting, this is what I came up with:

Heavy Metal Choir Audition

An acapella demo, that is 100% me, with no effects, or instruments. Yes, it's a little rough and unrefined, but I didn't have the advanced equipment or time that other applicants did. Instead, I utilized my EarBuds, and GarageBand, and just focused on clean takes. For the uninitiated, it may sound cacophonous, but hey, it IS a "Hell Choir", and at least I was able to display my vocal range cohesively. So far I haven't heard back from the company, but I am just happy I took the chance, and went after one of my life long dreams. If I happen to receive the "golden ticket" I'll be sure to update here much faster than my usual posts!

In Closing...

There are plenty of other big changes, ones involving work and family, but I want to give those time to fully develop. I am spending as much precious time just appreciating my wife and kids as I can, and chasing that career in the field of automotive that I've always wanted. An opportunity literally called me on the phone, and I answered, even knowing I had a lot of growth left to do. I suppressed my shakes, wiped the sweat from my brow, and had a great interview. Then I laced up my boots and shadowed a talented Technician friend of mine on the job, and now, more praying. I don't know if I intended this Blog entry to be a mere update, an exercise in writing, or a chance to tell you to chase the big dreams, take risks, and smile in the face of adversity? Well, it's hard to say, but my goal is to always inspire, and leave the world a little better than I found it. 

New Year, A New Best of Metal List!

Best Metal Albums 2018

The Holiday season is always a favorite time of mine, as it's filled with celebration, and new beginnings; but the thing that I look forward to most, is all the year end lists that begin to pure out around December. Every year, I check with my favorite bloggers and review sites to see if their were any new releases I might've missed, and to see what ones we all agreed on. In fact, I love it so much, I spend the majority of the New Year creating a compilation Playlist that outlines the best of the best. This year however, I started a resolution, that I would no longer drool over the works of other's, but instead, toil over my own! So, with no further introduction, I present to you, my top 25 Metal Albums of 2018; here's to another great year of Metal!

Top 25 2018 (Ranked)

1. Amorphis - The Queen of Time 

(Melodic Death/Doom)

Amorphis' 2018 release "Queen of Time" is a departure from the sound that built their core fan base, but one that defines a progression to a more marketable style. Describing something as marketable in the metal scene is generally a condemnation, but in this case, its a testament to how listenable the album really is. Tracks like "The Bee" and "Amongst Stars" could easily find a place amongst heavy metal radio hits; while tracks like "Daughter of Hate", keep things grounded to Amorphis' Doom Metal roots. Drawing from the Finnish folk poem "The Kalevala", Queen of Time weaves a tale of death and rebirth, through soaring rifts, and epic melodies, in a fashion that can be enjoyed by casual listeners and extreme metal fans alike. 

Amorphis - The Bee (Official Lyric Video)

2. Altars of Grief - Iris

(Blackened Funeral-Doom)

"Iris" is only the second full release from Canadian based Doom metal band Altars of Grief, and it has set a pretty high standard for their future albums. Following the story of a father dealing with the illness and eventual death of his daughter in the frozen prairies of Canada, Altars of Grief address the pain of loss, and the struggle of faith in such difficult times. Even amidst the blasting drums, and tormented screams, the poignancy of their storytelling is never lost in the chaos, but instead is communicated in the only way a mourning father could display. Beautiful and vicious, those who can withstand the oppressive weight of this album will be rewarded with one of the best concept albums released in years.

3. Panopticon - The Scars of Man on a Once Nameless Wilderness (I & II)

 (Atmospheric Black Metal + Folk Metal)

Solo-project Panopticon is never one to shy aware from experimentation, and that unique process has never been more on display than with the latest dual release "Scars of Man on a Once Nameless Wilderness pts I & II". Drawing from his usual well of North American folk inspiration, Panopticon captures the essence of man in his role with (and against) nature. The first part being barren and savage, and the second mournful and introspective, there is a great deal of diversity to the two albums, and if someone wasn't in the know, they may not even realize they're listening to the same band. Fitting the themes of each part, album I leans very heavily to Panopticon's usual black metal sound, however, on part II, things shift drastically to folk/country music with only tinges of metal. As jarring as the transition is, it all blends together nicely in a package that can at the very least, be appreciated by any listener.

Panopticon - The Wandering Ghost

4. Ursa - Abyss Between the Stars

(Doom Metal)

"Abyss Between the Stars" is the debut LP from Doom Metal side-project Ursa, featuring members of progressive Doom-ers Cormorant. This album is a sludgy, psychedelic romp through a fantasy realm of wizards, dragons, and magic, as showcased by album opener "Wizard's Path". While many LPs are generally exempt from the core list, this release feels so complete, it more than earns its place at the top. An excellent album for are of D&D, or other works of fantasy fiction!

5. Uada - Cult of a Dying Sun

(Melodic Black Metal)

Fans of haunting atmospheres and dark pagan themes in their Black Metal, will find Uada's "Cult of a Dying Sun" to be the glimmering black gem they've been looking for. Showing a level of polish and refinement not usually found in Black Metal, Uada crafts a bleak and chaotic album, full of shrill riffs, blazing drums, and howling vocals. Equal parts heavy and melodic, it is a beautifully produce piece that will find a long term home amongst many metalheads' collections.

6. Khemmis - Desolation

(Doom Metal)

Continuing the tradition of fantasy inspired Doom Metal, Khemmis once again blends themes of grief and loss, with those of fiction and grim adventure. At any given point, the listener may feel compelled to raise their sword and stand against their foe, or mourn for past transgressions.  Transcending genre tropes, "Desolation' can swing organically between radio friend heavy metal, melodramatic sweeping vocals, or grinding Doom. Its an epic piece that showcases the continued growth of Khemmis as a band.

Khemmis - Bloodletting (Official Visualizer)

7. Darksworn - Human I & Human II: The Ascension

(Melodic Death Metal + Progressive Metal)

Darksworn is the solo effort of Alan Blaidell of Oregon, and for one man, this is a HUGE sound! On "Human", listeners are treated to a precision Death Metal offering that, while not necessarily unique, is an example of the genre done right. Its not until "Human II" that Darksworn's versatility is put on display. Progressive at many spots, "Human II" is often almost electronic or metal-core inspired, but it never strays so far as to not be Death Metal. When taken as two parts of the same release, the vision begins to take it's own shape, and loses the repetitive nature found in most death metal, and is far less exhausting. Sci-fi lyrics, transcedant riffs, and whispered cleans create a spiraling atmosphere that is very palatable. 

8. Thou - Magus

(Sludge/Drone/Doom Metal)

Thou's prolific career spans an enormous number of collaborations and singles, and several top rated full albums, yet they still manage find areas to improve and refine their sound. "Magus" to many, may become the defining album of their career (so far), and there's plenty of shining examples to be found throughout the release. In particular, the single "The Changeling Prince" is a diverse and emotive example of what Blackened Doom can achieve when not constrained by traditional genre sensibilities. An album that's as easy to jam to, as it is to zone out and chill with.

Thou - The Changeling Prince (Official Video)

9. A Forest of Stars - Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes*

(Psychedelic Blackened Doom)

While not reflected in it's position on this list, A Forest of Stars' "Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes" is, for me, *Album of the Year! Featuring some of the most poetic writing of any album listed here, and probably the most unique vocal leads in the industry, A Forest of Stars pushes the limit of Black Metal, while almost achieving a Spoken Word appeal. Doubling down on front man Mister Curse's unique sound was absolutely the right choice, leaving as much chaos as astonishment in it's wake. If you are seeking an avante-garde approach to Black Metal that doesn't resemble anything else in the genre, this is a must hear album. 

A Forest of Stars - Precipice Pirouette

10. Craft - White Noise and Black Metal

(Black Metal)

Craft's album "White Noise and Black Metal" deserves a spot in every Top 10 list that appears for 2018, not just for its refinement of the Black Metal formula, but mainly for it's ability to make Black Metal approachable to the casual listener. "White Noise and Black Metal" is one of the best Black Metal productions you'll hear, and for that reason, it should become a fantastic entry point for anyone trying to get into extreme metal devoid of the basement recording sound usually found in genre. Don't be fooled by the quality, this is still every bit the biting Swedish frost you'd expect from Craft. 

11. Sigh - Heir to Despair

(Avante-Garde Black Metal)

Sigh - Alethia

12. Ihsahn - Amr

(Progressive Black Metal)

Ihsahn - Lend Me the Eyes of the Millennia

13. Panegyrist - Hierurgy

(Avante-Garde Black Metal)

Panegyist - Ophidian Crucifix

14. Svavelvinter - Morkrets Tid

(Melodic Blackened Death Metal)

Svavelvinter - Vanderland

15. Skeletonwitch - Devouring Radiant Light

(Melodic Death Metal + Thrash Metal)

Skeletonwitch - Fen of Shadows

16. Sulphur Aeon - the Scythe of Cosmic Chaos

(Death Metal)

Sulphur Aeon - The Scythe of Cosmic Chaos (Official Full Album)

17. River of Nihil - Where Owls Know My Name

(Progressive Metal + Technical Death Metal)

Rivers of Nihil - The Silent Life

18. The Ocean - Phanerozoic I: Paleozoic

(Progressive/Atmospheric Sludge Metal + Post-Hardcore)

The Ocean - Cambrian II: Eternal Recurrence

19. Dire Peril - The Extraterrestial Compendium

(Power Metal + Thrash Metal)

Dire Peril - Blood in the Ice (Official Music Video)

20. Judicator - The Last Emporer

(Power Metal)

Judicator - King of Rome (Official Music Video)

21. Immortal - Northern Chaos Gods

(Black Metal)

Immortal - Northern Chaos Gods

22. A Sound of Thunder - It was Metal

(Power Metal + Heavy Metal)

A Sound of Thunder - It Was Metal

23. Eternal Candle - The Carved Karma

(Progressive Death/Doom Metal)

Eternal Candle - A Path to Infinity

24. Slugdge - Esoteric Malacology

(Blackened Death Metal + Sludge Metal)

Slugdge - Putrid Fairytale

25. Unreqvited - Stars Wept to the Sea

(Depressive Black Metal + Post-Rock)

Unreqvited - Stardust

Honorable Mentions:

• Void Ritual - A New Ritual
• Horehound - Holocene
• Mournful Congregation - The Incubus of Karma
• Oubliette - The Passage
• Oceans of Grief - Nightfall's Lament
• Horrendous - Idol
• Augury - Illusive Golden Age
• Imperialist - Cipher
• Extremity - Coffin Birth
• Doomed - 6 Anti-Odes to Life

EPs/LPs

• Space Ghoul - Space Ghoul
• Horna - Kuolleiden Kuu
• Aerith - Aerith
• Mortiferum - Altar of Decay
• Haunt - Luminous Eyes

And there it is folks, the 2018 Best of Metal List! As you can see, Black Metal and Doom Metal had a year, and really began to blend over into other sub-genres. This isn't to say Death Metal, Thrash, and Power Metal didn't have some great releases too, but it does show the sheer strength of composition for the releases that made the ranks. Can 2019 continue this positive trend for Metal? Or will things begin to fall off?