Best of 2013: 15 - 11

15. Trivium - Vengeance Falls

As strange as it is that a band that feels so "new" (and is comprised of members still a way from hitting 30) can be considered as having a "vintage" period, this is old-school Trivium, but with more proficient musicianship and even better songs. This is the band's "Black Album". It is the sound of a band that has come of age, has absolute confidence in what they are doing and a distinct style of their own. Don't make the mistake of thinking that this means that they have become predictable, however. Yes, the album does has everything any fan of the band could ever want or expect - Matt Heafy's vocals still swing pendulum-like between clean singing and a distinctive roar and the riffs are still razor sharp - but the Trad Metal influences are more pronounced now than ever before, with more than the occasional  nod to the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Metallica. This classic Metal sound blends seamlessly with Trivium's Modern Metal style and has been bolstered by the solid, powerful production work, courtesy of one David Draiman (yes, really).

14. Finntroll - Blodsvept

It's business as (un)usual for Finntroll on album number 6. Once again, categorising this band is either too simple to do them justice or too convoluted to be even worth the time. Essentially, this is Humppa (Finnish Polka) meets Black Metal, but with so many twists and turns that there is never a dull moment. If you are familiar with Finntroll, then you will already know what to expect. If you're not, well the songs are generally delivered at a frantic pace, with tempo changes coming willy-nilly (great term!) and with vocals veering between  "Troll" gang chants and Black Metal rasps. The music is a fast and frantic mix of traditional Scandinavian melodies, Black Metal, "Carnival" keyboards and the aforementioned Polka rhythms. The lyrics are all in Swedish, despite the band being Finnish, as it sounds more "Trollish", apparently. A truly unique band.

13. Bifröst - Tor in Eine Neue Welt

Back again with album number 3, Bifröst's brilliance shows no signs of waning. Simply put, Bifröst are one of the very best Folk Metal bands out there, but, frustratingly, remain relatively unknown. Style-wise, the band is reminiscent of Denmark's Svartsot, but retain a recognisable sound of their own. The lyrics are all in 'sung' in German which only helps to give the overall sound a (lazy stereotype alert!) harsher edge and musically they combine Black Metal, with Folk melodies via classic Metal. If Folk Metal is your bag, you could do a lot worse than these chaps.

12. Newsted - Heavy Metal Music

Best known for his long stint as the bass player in Metallica, Jason Newsted has finally come back to the Metal fold with this absolute beast of an album. It is chugging, mainly mid-paced, straight-forward Metal (as the title might suggest) delivered with vitality, energy and, most importantly, with passion. This is a crushing album with elements of Sabbath, Alice In Chains, Motörhead as well as a healthy dose of Modern Metal aggression. The enthusiasm and love of the genre shines through here as does Jason's voice which falls somewhere between Chuck Billy and Lemmy. There is little in the way of variety on offer here, but with a sound and songs this good, there really doesn't need to be. Although I am loathe to go down the comparison route (as it shouldn't be relevant), it is inevitable that people are going to compare this to his former employers (he was never treated as a member). Well, I am pleased to say that this is better than anything Metallica have released in more than two decades.

11. Polkadot Cadaver - Last Call In Jonestown

Danny Elfman meets Mr. Bungle might be an apt, if trite way to describe the twisted noise made by these sick little puppies. Think Mike Patton's bunch of 'merry' lunatics taking on the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack with SOAD as special guests and you are somewhere close. There is so much more to it than this lazy comparison, though with Jazz, Funk, Metal & Lounge all getting a look in. Judge for yourselves.