Top 20 Albums of 2015 - Part 3: 10 - 6

10. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud

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.