We’ve reached the end of 2018 and it is time for me to unveil my list of the top 10 metal records of 2018.
Jungle Rot – Jungle Rot
– Jungle Rot’s tenth album encapsulates what we have come to expect from the Wisconsin death metal act. The band’s signature groove seamlessly melds with breakneck thrashing riffs, showing that Dave Matrise and company always have an ace up their collective sleeves.
Behemoth – I Loved You At Your Darkest
– Behemoth’s newest release shows the band pushing its creative boundaries drawing both praise and criticism. It is simplistic yet complex record that opens numerous musical avenues for the band’s future releases.
High On Fire – Electric Messiah
– This high octane tribute to Lemmy is as heavy, gritty and vicious as the late metal legend. A relentless slab of pugnacious punk fused metal that would make Lem proud.
Soulfly – Ritual
– Ritual continues the creative kick Max has enjoyed over the past decade. Ritual is replete with hardcore speed and crushing riffs.
Judas Priest – Firepower
– All hail the Metal Gods as they only improve with age. Firepower contrasts with its predecessor Redeemer of Souls, as it features shorter tracks that aim for the jugular. One listen to the title track reaffirms the band’s greatness.
Krisiun – Scourge of the Enthroned
– A contraption of blast beats, pulverizing guitar riffs and serpentine rhythm changes. Scourge shows the death metal trip firing on all cylinders.
Powerwolf – Sacrament of Sin
– A bombastic release with classical guitars and gothic themes. Sacrament is an underrated record that deserves several listens.
Pig Destroyer – Head Cage
– A distorted, disturbing grindcore release that is as introspective as it is brutal. Head Cage is a fitting album title for a record that is filled with numerous images and sounds.
At The Gates – To Drink From The Night Itself
– The band that launched a thousands melodic death metal acts. This record sounds like the soundtrack of a horde of vampires. An eerie production accentuates the baroque riffs on the record to haunting effect.
Sirenia- Arcane Astral Aeons
– Emanuelle Zoldan’s operatic vocals convey a sense of urgency on tracks like “Love Like Cyanide.” Arcane is an accessible record while still blending several metal sub-genres like goth, power metal and even black metal.