Last week I posted a run-down of my top 20 albums of 2015, but of course this covered all of the albums I heard during the course of the year, regardless of genre. I thought it would be a good idea to also make two separate lists, one covering just Metal albums and the other covering other genres. I don't know how many people are interested in this idea or how useful it will be, but for the Metal fans among you (and I know there are a few), I give you my top 20 Metal albums of 2015. To make it more helpful, I have indicated the sub-genre in brackets.
20. Melechesh - Enki (Black Metal)
19. 36 Crazyfists - Time And Trauma (Alt. Metal)
18. Magic Circle - Journey Blind (Trad / Doom Metal)
17. W.A.S.P. - Golgotha (Trad Metal)
16. Korpiklaani - Noita (Folk Metal) 15. Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask (Doom Metal) 14. Moonspell - Extinct (Gothic Metal) 13. Vreid - Sólverv (Pagan Black Metal) 12. Arcturus - Arcturian (Avant-Garde Black Metal) 11. Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang (Groove Metal) 10. Parkway Drive - Ire (Metalcore) 9. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within (Gothic Metal) 8. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade (Sludge / Black / Death / Hardcore / Punk) 7. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud (Folk / Pagan Metal) 6. Kampfar - Profan (Pagan Black Metal) 5. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches (Gothic Black Metal) 4. Fear Factory - Genexus (Industrial Metal) 3. Myrkur - M (Black Metal) 2. Slayer - Repentless (Thrash) 1. Iron Maiden - The Book Of Souls (Trad Metal)
For the benefit of those who can't be bothered to read through the write-ups or just don't want to, here's the full top 20 in a simple list format. As there were so many quality releases this year that didn't make the top 20 which I think are worthy of a mention, I am currently compiling a top 50 list. 20. Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask 19. Moonspell - Extinct 18. Vreid - Sólverv 17. Arcturus - Arcturian 16. Therapy? - Disquiet 15. Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang 14. FFS - FFS 13. Parkway Drive - Ire 12. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within 11. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade 10. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud 9. Ugly Kid Joe - Uglier Than They Used Ta Be 8. Kampfar - Profan 7. Clutch - Psychic Warfare 6. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches 5. Fear Factory - Genexus 4. Myrkur - M 3. Slayer - Repentless 2. Marilyn Manson - The Pale Emperor 1. Iron Maiden - The Book Of Souls
You've heard the adage "if it ain't broke(n), don't fix it. Well this can certainly be applied to Fear Factory. Instantly recognisable, the band's distinctive style remains intact and rather than trying to reinvent themselves, they instead opt to continue to tweak and fine-tune their sound to perfection.
4. Myrkur - M
I don't what to say about the brilliant Murkur that hasn't already al been said, but if you've been living under a rock this year then this woman is, to quote Terrorizer magazine, "The future of Black Metal. This sublime debut album effortlessly blends the beauty of Scandinavian Folk Music and the ferocity of Black Metal. Like a siren in Greek mythology , Amalie lures you in with her haunting beautiful "clean" singing voice before tearing your face off with harsh Black Metal vocals which wouldn't have sounded out of place on an early Emperor or Mayhem record. This is a revelation and is without a doubt, the Black Metal album of the year.
3. Slayer - Repentless
Fist off, let me say that I have never been the world's biggest Slayer fan. In fact, I opted not to even bother watching their headline set at Bloodstock a few years back (something I won't be doing next year). The occasional song here and there aside, I haven't really rated them since 1994's "Divine Intervention", so when news reached my ears of a new Slayer album (and the first without founder member and major songwriter, Jeff Hanneman) I wasn't really interested. Curiosity got the better of me though, so I listened to it anyway...and it completely blew me away. Tom sounds refreshed and delivers his vocals with the passion of the early releases, the riffs are fast and furious and most importantly, there are songs here. Memorable songs. Maybe they were out to prove the doubters wrong, that they not only could continue without Jeff, but that they are every bit as relevant as they ever were or maybe the album was a tribute to Jeff? Who knows. All I know is that these veterans have emphatically stamped their mark on the Metal world again, 34 years after their formation.
A word of warning: The video below is not for the faint of heart.
2. Marilyn Manson - The Pale Emperor
Let's face it, Mr Warner hasn't been "dangerous" or even remotely relevant since 2003's "The Golden Age Of Grotesque". He had actually become a sad and pathetic parody of what he once was and following a slew of sub-standard albums and lacklustre live performances, his fans deserted him in droves. Fast forward to the tail-end of 2014 and rumblings began which seemed to herald the return of the once mighty Marilyn Manson and "Third Day Of A Seven Day Binge",the first song to emerge from the upcoming album, "The Pale Emperor" seemed to bear this out. His fans, (including yours truly) however, were a little reluctant at first. Then came the single "Deep Six" and everything fell into place. Yes, this really was the return of the old Manson, just a little older, wiser and a lot less controversial. The Pale Emperor is Marilyn Manson's most fully formed and well-rounded work to date and could surpass Antichrist Superstar to be remembered as the band's masterpiece in years to come.
1. Iron Maiden
There was only one real choice for album of the year, despite strong challenges from the artists above. Iron Maiden released their first album in 5 years and the 16th in their long and (mostly) illustrious career. Never a band to play it safe, that they would opt to release such an ambitious album, a double-album no less, after existing as a recording artist for 35 years just emphasises that there is no compromise with Iron Maiden, and specifically, main man Steve Harris. This is a band that have always done things on their own terms. Of course, we should have known that such a move was never going to be a gamble for Maiden and that the album was going to be a success was all but assured. Everything you want from a Maiden album is here and even epic album closer "Empire Of The Clouds" which clocks in at 18:03 (and which features Bruce Dickinson on piano) is never boring. Iron Maiden are not going to be around forever and if "The Book Souls" turns out to be their final album, they will have gone out on top of their game.
Finnish legends, Amorphis have released their strongest album in years and possibly the best since current singer, Tomi Joutsen joined the band a decade ago. The band's unique and trippy take on Folk (tinged) Metal is still as distinctive as ever, as is Tomi's diverse vocal range with his Gothic Metal style clean voice contrasting sublimely with the throaty roar of his harsh vocals. There really is no other band out there like Amorphis and their sound continues to evolve and grow, 25 years after their inception. "Under The Red Cloud" is yet another triumph.
9. Ugly Kid Joe - Uglier Than They Used Ta Be
The latest in the seemingly never ending list of "comeback" bands, UKJ are back with their new album, the brilliantly titled "Uglier Than They Used Ta Be". Where this band are a more interesting prospect than many of their peers, however, is that they are better, much better, than they were back in the day. Although the "distinctive" artwork might be instantly familiar to those who remember them from the first time around, anyone expecting "Everything About You" or suchlike is going to be suprised / amazed. "Uglier..." is a powerful Grunge-fuelled hard rock powerhouse of an album that should impress even the harshest of critics. The band has never sounded so good. Welcome back, guys!
8. Kampfar - Profan
It's not often you come across a band who not only get better and better with age, but who have seemingly not yet peaked. Last year's "Djevelmakt" was a stunning example of just how much Black Metal still has to offer, but "Profan" is even better. Yes, not only are Kampfar hitting their stride now, after two decades, but they have also released an album for two consecutive years, with the latest being the band's best to date. "Profan" finds these ferocious Norwegians on fine form and not only are Kampfar easily the best Pagan Black Metal band out there right now, but they are definite contenders for THE best Black Metal band. They really are that good.
7. Clutch - Psychic Warfare
Clutch do what they do and if you're already familiar with them, you know what to expect from the new album. "Psychic Warfare" is a raucous blues rock explosion of unstoppable, pure rock fury. Very possibly the most consistently brilliant rock band on the planet, they are certainly one of the best. 'Nuff said.
6. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches
Much maligned British Gothic Black Metallers, Cradle Of Filth have, like many others on my list this year, come storming back with their finest work in a long time. COF haven't sounded this vital since "Cruelty And The Beast" which was released a shocking 17 years ago. Dani's voice sounds as good as it ever did as he screeches and roars his way through the duration of "Hammer...", sounding especially vicious on tracks such as "Vampyre At My Side" and "Yours Immortally". Musically, the arrangements are as complex and tight as anything the band has put its name to. Let's be honest though, you either like COF or you don't and "Hammer Of The Witches" won't change your opinion either way.
With all the hype surrounding Episode VII this year, it seems rather fitting that Lamb Of God would unleash their 7th album in 2015 and that like its visual counterpart, "VII: Sturm Und Drang" would see the and return to their best form in quite some time. As uncompromising as ever. this is the true definition of Groove Metal and the bar has been raised....again!
14. FFS - Self-titled
The only non-Metal album in my top 20 comes courtesy of a collaboration between Indie rockers, Franz Ferdinand and Art-Pop Legends, Sparks and the result is every bit as eclectic and brilliant as you might imagine. The lyrics are irreverant, cynical and achingly clever and musically FFS sound like, well Sparks meets Franz Ferdinand. If you need to buy just one "Pop" album this year, then it should be this one. Truly masterful.
13. Parkway Drive - Ire
Australia's Parkway Drive have been doing the rounds for over a decade now and are finally starting to get noticed in the Northern hemisphere. I first heard them 5 years ago at which point I tipped them for future greatness (just saying), and in a similar way to bands like AX7 and Audrey Horne, the band has gone through something of a metamorphosis. Although not as drastic a style shift as the aforementioned bands, "Ire" marks a noticeable step away from the Metalcore of old and the result is a much more mature and varied Hardcore-tinged Metal album (yes, there is a difference). The band are still raging against the machine and the lyrics are still about fighting the system and self-empowerment, but this time around they are armed with some seriously memorable tunes that will stick in your head. "Ire" should be the album to propel the band into the Metal "mainstream". This is their time.
12. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within
Paradise Lost have long since left behind their dalliances with New Wave and Goth Rock and are back doing what they do best, which is a distinctive take on Doom / Gothic Metal which has been often imitated, but never bettered. New album, "The Plague Within" finds the band sounding heavier than they have in many, many years. The signs that this was coming were clear to see, with guitarist Gregor forming the crushingly heavy Vallenfyre and vocalist Nick joining the ranks of Swedish Death Metal legends, Bloodbath. Of course this return to the heaviness of their early records has been backed up as always, by the stellar songwriting that has always helped Paradise Lost to stand out from their peers. The Plague Within is the culmination of a 10 year journey, started in 2005 on the self-titled album which brought back the band's unique and easily recognisable guitar sound which had been in the wilderness since the late 1990s.
11. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade
Russia's Morokh are somewhat reminiscent of Norway's Kvelertak and this of course makes them a hard band to pin down sonically. With a sound that takes in Punk, Thrash, Hardcore, Sludge, Black Metal and more. "The Unholy Masquerade" is a full-on stormer from start to finish and at 32 minutes in duration, it makes its point in no uncertain terms.That this superb album is the band's debut is nothing short of a triumph. I just hope they can follow up such a promising start when it comes time to record album number 2. For now though, this will do nicely.
Listen to and buy it here for just $7 - you won't be disappointed.
It's (already) that time of year again where I arrogantly tell you which are MY favourite albums of the past 12 months. In my defence though, I have tried to get you bastards involved, but never get any kind of feedback. With that in mind, I give to you part one of my top 20 list of 2015, a year which has been dominated by the "old guard", frankly. Yes, there have been a lot of good records from newer acts, but for the most part this has been a year where the veterans have reaffirmed their position and have resolutely thrown down the (studded) gauntlet.
20. Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask
2013's self-titled debut album from Swedes, Avatarium - the brainchild of Doom Metal legend, Leif Edling of Candlemass fame - was a decent enough, if not world-shattering release, but the follow-up, "The Girl..." is truly spectacular. There are still elements of Leif's "other" band, but this time around the music ebbs and flows in all manner of interesting directions, largely thanks to the phenomenal and distinctive pipes of the wonderful Jennie-Anne Smith. She may be a newcomer to the Metal world, but with a voice like this, she is sure to be spoken of in terms of hushed reverence in years to come.
19. Moonspell - Extinct
Portuguese Goth Metallers, Moonspell have opted not to reinvent the wheel on their 11th album, instead focusing their energy on perfecting their marriage of Extreme Metal and Gothic Metal. The vocals on Extinct veer between harsh growls and a Nick Holmes style clean croon and the songs are atmospheric and melodic, yet retaining just enough of the heaviness of yore to keep older fans happy. This could well be the perfect Gothic Metal album (sorry Paradise Lost).
18. Vreid - Sólverv
There is more than the occasional nod to the sadly-defunct Windir (from the ashes pf which Vreid were formed), to be found on the band's 7th album, Sólverv and it finds them on a career-best form. There is a real movement of quality Pagan Black Metal in Norway right now and along with Kampfar, Vreid are leading the charge,
17. Arcturus - Arcturian
Spaced out Norwegian Avant-Garde Progressive Metallers, Arcturus are back with their first studio album in 10 years (a new Kovenant album next.maybe?) and it is every bit as good as its predecessor. Arcturian is a strange beast (even by Arcturus' lofty standards) and it twists, turns and develops with every listen. It seems as if the band has pushed it's sound forward yet managed to remain comfortably familiar at the same time. It is instantly clear that the songs on Arcturian have been written and composed with the keyboard as the lead instrument and this, along with ICS Vortex' distinctive voice has been the thing that has always set Arcturus aside from the crowd.
16. Therapy? - Disquiet
There was a lot of hype surrounding this album in the weeks leading up to its release, with many who had heard it (and I presume many who hadn't) proclaiming it to be Troublegum II. Obviously it was never going to live up to such hype and I don't think it needs to try. Troublegum is a true classic, but it is also 2 decades old and is a product of the Alt Rock explosion of the early - mid 90's. No, what Disquiet is, is a band releasing their finest work in many years (possibly since the aforementioned record) and a band who have never really received the recognition they deserved. As always, it is the strength of the songs that stands out here and trust me, they'll be stuck in your head for weeks. Disquiet IS a fantastic album in its own right. Just forget all the silly Troublegum comparisons and enjoy it for what it is...a damn good Rock album from one of the finest bands to have ever come out of the UK.
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