Best of 2013: 20 -16

20. Clutch - Earth Rocker

What do I really need to say about the mighty Clutch? This is Clutch doing what they do best - Southern Stoner Boogie Punk Rock? I really don't know how to explain this band to the uninitiated other than by saying that they are just full-on rock bastards! This is timeless, classic rock music with monster grooves and Neil Fallon's unique, occasionally bluesy / occasionally guttural vocal delivery. You can clearly hear that the band is made up of members who are clearly comfortable with themselves, each other and their music. Confident, stomping and filled with that special groove that Clutch has in spades, this is among the band's best releases and certainly the best since Blast Tyrant.

19.  Alter Bridge - Fortress 

A sign of the end of days or merely a changing of the guard? It speaks volumes about how this band has grown and developed that this album has made my top 20 where Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains did not. This is a hard rock album for the ages - heavier than they ever been before and bolstered by the ever-growing confidence of vocalist Myles Kennedy who has one of the very best rock voices in the world today. There isn't a weak moment to be found here. A true rock classic.

18. Månegarm - Legions Of The North

The Swedish Folk Metal legends return with their first album in 4 years and this time with a more stripped-down sound, due in part to the departure of long-time violinist Janne during the recording process. Where the album certainly lacks the distinct sound of the violin, it compensates with a more focused, punchy approach to the songs. In places it is noticeably more Viking Metal than the Death/Black Metal of the band's early material - on "Sons Of War" for example - which will help make the band more accessible to a whole "Legion" of potential new fans, but fear not, there are enough heavier moments to please long-time devotees too.

17. Sepultura - The Mediator Between Head And Hands Must Be The Heart

Sepultura return with their strongest release since Derrick joined the ranks back in 1997 and if there is any justice in the world, this should silence the naysayers once and for all. The tone is set from the get-go, with the thrashing "Trauma Of War". This is a band which clearly still enjoys challenging it's listeners and have done so yet again by delivering an album that is anything but instant. This is a Thrash album at heart, but one which is shrouded with a pervading sense of bleakness throughout. Thought-provoking and dynamic, this is undoubtedly one of the best albums released this year and deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence as the likes of Arise. Yes, it really is that good. Listen without prejudice.

16. James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance

Although he is best known as the vocalist for the Prog Metal powerhouse Dream Theater, James has also released a number of albums as a solo artist. This, his latest, is a melodic, catchy little beast, chock-full of songs which will get stuck in your head for days. Forget what you think you know about Mr LaBrie and leave your angry metal head at the door. With lyrics ranging from positive to soul-searching and to occasionally trite, this album will have you singing along and smiling like a fool. Lovely stuff!