Well I know I said I wouldn’t do it but here goes nothing, I’ll try and keep it short!

For those of you who followed our Album of The Year countdown before Christmas you will have seen both mine and Chris’ choices for our shortlist of Album of The Year, however of course with there being so many releases there were a couple I thought deserved to at the very least be mentioned! So without further ado, listen to me waffle on about twenty of my personal favourites this year!

Obscura – Akroasis 

Following the exit of two solid foundations of the creative process behind the band, many thought Obscura somewhat done for. Proving everyone wrong the band instead unleashed what can be seen as arguably their strongest release to date. Which, despite his dismissal from the band, features the monstrous ten minute closer “Weltsteele“.

Aborted – Retrogore

Stripping back their claws ever so slightly when we spoke to Sven back in 2015 the band revealed they would be concentrating more on atmosphere for their latest release. Of course still being the sonic equivalent of being put in a blender, Aborted do not mess about. However with Retrogore the band have begun to experiment with elements that could truly place them above all others in the death metal arena. Featuring guest appearances from Origin, Revocation and Cattle Decapitation packaged in the theme of retro horror movies, there couldn’t be a more well put together release.

Megadeth – Dystopia

After the unexpected exodus of both Broderick and Drover; the future of Megadeth could have been uncertain. Pooling their creative efforts both Ellefson and Mustaine enlisted the help from hired guns Chris Adler and Kiko Loueirio for the release. Injecting a much needed burst of creativity Dystopia is the most inspired Megadeth have sounded in years. Still running with the idea of technological warfare Mustaine instead brings lyrical material into a frighteningly real setting with some of the best songwriting since their eponymous Rust In Peace.

Amon Amarth – Jomsviking 

Owing to the band’s ever growing popularity, frontman Johan Hegg begun to explore other creative avenues. Working in the medium of film it inspired the singer to begin his own tales. Their debut concept album, the entire mythos of Amon Amarth fit perfectly into the vessel of a concept Album if it was done well… Engaging characters and gripping scenarios Jomsviking is more than just a concept record. With it they have made their well versed Viking mythology come to life. All the while retaining their antigenic prowess with the drinking number “Raise Your Horns” which has already become a firm crowd favourite.

Ignite – A War Against You

As the old adage goes good things come to those who wait. Which to Orange County’s Ignite means about the ten year mark. Having released their previous album Our Darkest Days before the era of Snapchat, the Californian Hardcore heroes have stuck with what they know. Using the hardened Hungarian work ethic Zoli Teglas‘ infectious vocal lines hit home once more with tender accuracy. Based on the struggles of the common man, A War Againsy You might well be divisive yet is simultaneously unifying. A triumph.

Every Time I Die – Low Teens

Tearing a sarcasm lined hole out of the Hardcore scene in 2014, Every Time I Die returned with their vicious From Parts Unknown. Once the dust had settled from their previous release the band set their sights instead to a well rounded approach. Owing to a complication with his child’s birth that resulted in both danger to the unborn child and mother, vocally and lyrically it’s the singer best performance in years. Combining the bands biting sarcasm with a sense of rabid urgency each track reaches through, weaving catchy melodies until it’s hooks cannot leave anymore. A brilliant addition and arguably their best in the later vision of Every Time I Die.

Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool

Going dark on their website, everyone was expecting the news we had all hoped to hear, a new Radiohead record was ready. Going well against the usual record label, Radiohead are an institution in DIY. Proving that bands can self release material, with no warning or promo A Moon Shaped Pool landed out of nowhere. Featuring all the hallmark hat tips of Radiohead a particularly haunting accolade however has to be given to “Daydreaming” a track that instills a sense of Stepford Wife style serenity that owing to Yorke’s jittery delivery makes for a delightfully Lynch-es que set piece.

Architects – All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us

Quite no one would have predicted the year that Architects have had. Releasing their absolutely stunning All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us in May, the group were seemingly unstoppable. Cutting short the festivities, the tragic news of principle song writer and absolutely lovely human Tom Searle had sadly lost his battle to cancer. Immediately halting any touring plans the band had, Architects saw the support from the Metal community come first hand. Culminating in one of the most emotional performances I have ever witnessed at their 5,000 capacity, sold out show at Brixton. If this is where the road ends for Architects then there couldn’t be a better and more poignant legacy for the band to leave behind but if they do carry on, the world is their oyster.

Black Peaks – Statues 

There aren’t many young bands in the music scene who can say that they have supported Deftones at Wembley. Releasing their debut album via the massive Warner label, Black Peaks stunned the world with Statues. A melting pot of Hardcore come indie, come Metal come Post-Rock it’s a fantastic debut. From the Mastodon-esque guitars to the banshee like vocals it’s a front to back kind of listen.

David Bowie – Blackstar

Arguably the fabric that was holding the universe together, David Bowie‘s influence was undeniable. Not genre specific the man’s reach often found its hands clawing at Metal. Releasing Blackstar mere days before his death the record was very much a brilliant work, however once the final piece in the puzzle happened, Bowie’s death, his finest piece was realised. Leaving us in a way only Ziggy Stardust could, even in death there was extravagance, elegance and true art. From the moment I heard the ten minute opener of title track “Blackstar” I was hooked.

Insomnium – Winter’s Gate

Masters of Melodic Death Metal, Finland’s Insomnium though somewhat out of the box with their latest release. Based on the singer’s own novel of the same name the release is a one track, forty minute opus. Featuring beautiful leads showing Insomnium’s genius writing when it comes to a well placed melody. Capturing the listeners attention the forty minute piece flies by and will demand repeat listens, it will be interesting how the material fares live when the band’s head out on tour too!

Testament – The Brotherhood Of The Snake

“True American Hate” was perhaps my favourite standalone track of 2012. Having toured for what seemed like an age, Testament at long last returned with The Brotherhood Of The Snake a fierce release that saw the band firing on all cylinders, cutting down all competition with their absolutely destructive material. The likes of “Stronghold” and the cannabis ode “Canna Business” which features one of my favourite lines are iron clad triumphs that dispel any thoughts of negativity towards Testament.

Animals as Leaders – The Madness Of Many 

After the veritable audio assault course that was The Joy Of Motion, Animals As Leaders decided to tone things down somewhat. Experimenting not only with different rhythmic patterns but different instruments brought forward an altogether different sound. More focused after their crash course with Bulb the material is differential enough to stand out whilst remaining characterised by Animals As Leaders‘ sound.

Kvelertak – Nattesferd

Pioneering a new sound, Kvelertak brought a new sense of self to what could argue was a tired scene. Following up their self titled debut was there misfire Meir, which personally, I found to be a little lacklustre. However the band have clearly learned from their mistakes. Releasing Nattesferd this year the band have capitalised on their most valuable Of weapons, harmonies. Sounding like a Frankenstein version of Thin Lizzy at times, the band are simply genius on the bonkers “Berzerkr” and of course the nostalgia tickling “1985” but most importantly just want to make you get up and rock out!

Avenged Sevenfold – The Stage

Keeping their cards incredibly close to their chest, Avenged Sevenfold were very secretive about their new release. Throwing us all a red herring with the dummy post from Chris Jericho leading people to believe Voltaic Oceans, would be the album’s title instead the band performed on the roof of Capitol Records where their record was launched universally. Despite what financial implications this might have had on the band since, the record itself explores more altruistic matters and sits in the vein of City of Evil rather than the Hetfield worship that was Hail To The King. Pulling off a stunt that big and with product to match is truly an impressive feat and has led this to silently infiltrate my picks.

Black Crown Initiate – Selves We Cannot Forgive

After making waves with their debut The Wreckage Of Stars back in 2014, Black Crown Initiate resolved to once again enter into the studio to bring together a brand new record. In the form of Selves We Cannot Forgive, the band have shown yet another example of their creative intrigue. With more clean vocals making a more permanent residence and even the soft touches of piano on title track “Selves We Cannot Forgive” or the Vai esque clarity in the Proggy “Again” exhibiting not only the band’s musical ability but their interesting and incredibly diverse delivery. Make sure at the very least to give these guys a spin, you’ll not forgive yourself if you don’t!

Periphery – III : Select Difficulty 

Bouncing right back after the creative smorgasbord that was Juggernaut, Periphery once again return. Despite having just written a genius double concept album, it would seem that the band have saved the best for last. Combining elements explored in the songwriting process of Juggernaut along with other arrangements effortlessly gliding throughout the album, We the listener are treated to some of the band’s material in their career, which is saying something. From the Earth quaking “The Price Is Wrong” before melody quickly takes over in “Marigold” or personal favourite, the emotionally charged “Lune” even the trickster lyrics of “Flatline” showcase the band’s genius once again. If the future is headed the way of Modern Metal then the world is in the most capable hands yet. Truly phenomenal.

Dream Theater – The Astonishing 

No doubt one of the most ambitious bands in Prog, the band could well have outdone themselves with their January release this year. A double album rock opera lasting a total of two and a half hours of The Astonishing is absolutely incredible! Creating their own palpable story with immersive characters from the off, Dream Theater have outclassed their peers. But this does lend itself as somewhat of a hinderance to the album. Because of its boasting length, it is the equivalent of a feature length film. Not exactly something you can whack on on the way to work. However, when listened to it in a controlled environment in the right setting and the right mood, The Astonishing is like no other. One of the biggest albums to come out of the last decade, if you get a chance to see it live, do it. Based around the live performance the one off Herculean undertaking only improves the album for you. Atmospheric, emotional and downright bonkers, it’s a demanding listen yet so rewarding if you persevere.

The Pineapple Thief – Your Wilderness 

Being a novice to the sound that Bruce Soord has been cultivating with The Pineapple Thief, when I recieved Your Wilderness I was instantly interested to see what this man had to say. Having the brilliant accolade of having helped produce material along with Steven Wilson he clearly has a good pair of ears. This led me to discover one of my hidden gems of the year. Creating beautiful sound scales that are both minimalist yet exploratory to form a canvas of Progressivee tapestry in the culture of today it makes for a fantastically refreshing experience. Knowing whento dial back, dynamics are paramount in the likes of Your Wilderness. Serving as a means for anticipation, nurturing a serene sound whilst being juxtaposed to the often urgent distortion it makes for a beautiful and unique listen.

Devin Townsend Project – Transcendence 

A man who is no stranger to experimentation, Devin Townsend’s combined discography no doubt gives the amount of members that Megadeth have gone through a run for its money. Manifested in innumerous different ways, from the all out Prog opera of Ziltoid to the refined tranquility of Ghost, Townsend is, for want of a better word., unpredictable. Announcing after his Ziltoidian era was over the man would be taking a break, this, of course was short lived when the man decided to create a new album Transcendence. One of the most collaborative efforts in the man’s catalogue it simply is a front to back extravaganza. Tracks ranging from the slow moving “Stormbending” to the ultra fast “Offer Your Light” and of course the Prog epic’s of “Higher” that sit in between. Transcendence ensures fans that this isn’t the Devin Townsend show and in fact the band are all contributing to the same cause and with the melting pot of all these genius musical minds the band have created their most coherent piece to date. Proving not only his taste for songwriting but his total unique delivery Transcendence is about as close to a compendium of Townsendian wisdom as you’ll get, until his next one no doubt!

Vektor – Terminal Redux

The art of the concept album is returning to the arena of Metal, with artists of all shapes and sizes taking on gargantuan concepts none could be bigger than Vektor’s Terminal Redux. A full blown Sci-Fi epic, the LP is a sprawling universe in itself. Picking and choosing elements from the humble Thrash roots to Black Metal blasts and even on its grand finale, soulful choir. More in the vein of Rush-era style concept it’s a beautiful and incredibly nostalgic throwback to the years of eighties Thrash, all the while a defiant look into the future. Clocking in at 70+ minutes perhaps it’s a statement for Metal fans that we are returning to the state of getting our teeth truly stuck into material. Revealing more with every listen, Vektor’s chrysalis is a slow and pertinent one to make it one of the most ambitious albums of the year.

Whitechapel – Mark Of The Blade

Hard to believe back in 2006, the now enormous Whitechapel had just started out. Taking on leaps and bounds from their debut release, the band have gone from their Deathcore roots into an entirely different affair. The drastic change from their self titled record has gradually been leading to an album the likes of Mark Of The Blade. Experimenting with clean vocals, more mature song structure all executed with pin point accuracy give Whitechapel their edge over contemporary bands.

Textures -Phenotype 

The first in a two part series, Phenotype is a defiant statement that after five years  Textures are well and truly back. Building on from their previous Dualism the band have retained their unique qualities yet with the addition of new guitarist, have included an even broader scope to their sound. Ending with the particularly poignant “Timeless” leaves a lasting effect of philosophical weight on the listener and with their follow up set to be a forty minute one track suite, they’ve got their work cut out for them.

Nails – You Will Never Be One Us

The worlds most angry band. Nails are the definition of vitriolic, unadulterated rage. In a disappearing act the band released their brand new album You Will Never Be One Of Us and immediately went on hiatus, despite having a U.K. mini tour booked. However regardless of their issues, the band are absolutely rock solid. Making their Nuclear Blast debut, the venom that made Abandon All Life so potent is now present more than ever. Clocking in at a whopping 20 Minutes it’s a Grind odyssey. Understanding exactly what is needed to make listener flit from peaceful to rabid in one minute and thirty seconds, Nails will deliver more force than has been perhaps heard this year. Make no mistake this is a band at their heaviest and it’s absolutely brilliant.

Fleshgod Apocalypse –  King

Ah Fleshgod Apocalypse, a band that have had a strange relationship with their counterpart genre. Mish mashing Classical and Death Metal, two genres that are surprisingly similar given their polarising nature, quite simply it’s just not sounded great! Step in Jens Bogren, understanding exactly what kind of mix the band were in need of the man has enabled each instrument to say it’s piece before returning back to its place within the mix. Of course none of this would be possible without the inspired song writing of the band themselves. Yet another concept album, King deals with the idea of a corrupt kingdom with various members of his court representing the negative aspects of society. It’s an absolute Tour de force with particular highlight of “The Vulture Beholds” and sure fire promise to see a lot more of these Italian gents in the future. 

To all of our readers thanks again for coming along on this ride with us. We will see you on the other side! Happy New Year!