1. Opeth – In Cauda Venenum
There was no doubt when I heard this that it was going to be my top album of 2019. Complex, simple and beautiful, the Swedes 13th observation was a release that drew universal praise. Not something that has happened for a while. The masterstroke was releasing the album in Swedish, allowing most fans to soak up the delights of the musical constructions without deciphering the lyrics. It was only after repeated plays that I moved to the English version. The band proved they could cut it in the live arena too, with a masterful headline set at Damnation. A deserved Number One.
2. Wheel – Moving Backwards
When Matt pointed me to this album, I had no idea how deep it would take me. The English/Finnish quartet’s debut has enthralled me throughout the year. Two live shows at Bloodstock and Damnation confirmed their quality and their headline tour in February cannot come quickly enough.
3. Krysthla – Worldwide Negative
Whilst their first two albums were bruising beasts, Worldwide Negative saw the Northampton outfit really come of age. Utilising Neil Hudson’s clean vocals as a foil for Ade Mayes gruff roar was inspired, the playing tight and on point and the songs memorable. I can hum Zero Sum Game for fun. Their Saturday set at Bloodstock made me feel proud, and there is no greater feeling that a heart swell to really in kick the emotions. Simply crushing.
4. Rotting Christ – The Heretics
One of my most played albums of the year, the Greeks roared back with an album that put the disappointment of Rituals firmly behind them. Punishing, accessible and always superb, this was the year that Rotting Christ really kicked through the door to the masses. 2020 could be massive.
5. Insomnium – Heart Like A Grave
This album simply took my breath away. The Finns equalled their superb Winter’s Gate and Shadows of the Dying Sun with another beautiful melancholic melodic death metal album. Elements of doom, death metal, orchestral pieces and oodles of melody combined to make this an emotional rollercoaster of an album.
6. Lionize – Panic Attack
I love this band. Their funk-soaked rock never fails to make me smile, move and smile some more. The band’s first outing on their own label was brave and crammed full of the type of song that they do so well. Few albums open with the strength of The Lonliest Whale, one of the tunes of the year. Lionize, I just love ‘em.
7. Memoriam – Requiem for Mankind
Whilst I gave their second album a 9/10, in hindsight The Silent Vigil sounds a bit rushed. Not so album number three from the Midland death metal titans. There isn’t a bad song on this release, and at times it absolutely crushes. Shell Shock, Undefeated and the socially aware Austerity Kills proved that underneath that brutal exterior pumps a heart of genuine goodness. This was a killer release.
8. Overkill – The Wings of War
Their 19th full length release and the New Jersey thrash veterans showed how to do it again. Another vicious thrashing monster, The Wings of War maintained the rich vein of form that has seen them produce quality after quality for the past decade. Savage thrash at its best. Overkill proved once more that they are the masters of their art.
9. Phil Campbell – Old Lions Still Roar
Many years in the planning, The Motörhead guitarist finally found time to squeeze out this gem of an album. Crammed full of quality guests, Old Lions Still Roar was surprisingly well-balanced, from the tear-jerking Rocking Chair through to the metal ripping These Old Boots with Dee Snider. Campbell’s guitar playing was sublime throughout, and having Steve Vai assist you to close your album is about all you need.
10. Sacred Reich – Awakening
23 years we waited for this. And it was worth every one of them. A short, eight track release, Phil Rind and the boys blasted through their latest album with the power of Dave McClain back in the engine room. Wiley Arnett’s guitar playing is gritty and uncomplicated, whilst Rind’s vocals are better than they were in 1991. Quality over quantity, and another band whose live performance made me lose my breath on more than one occasion.
11. Entombed AD – Bowels of Earth
Earthy and brutal, Entombed AD returned with their third album and possibly the best they have released for many years. Uncompromising old school death metal, that HM-2 sound and a slab of solid quality songs made Bowels of Earth essential listening
12. Hawkwind – All Aboard the Skylark
Celebrating their 50th anniversary one could have forgiven Dave Brock and co for taking it easy but oh no. All Aboard the Skylark is one of the band’s best releases and a big improvement on Into the Woods. Tracks such as Flesh Fondue saw the space rockers let rip whilst the variety on the album was a vast as ever. Last Man on Earth was just stunning, and the songs translated beautifully into their live sets in Cardiff and London.
13. Diamond Head – Coffin Train
Possibly the best album Diamond Head have released since Borrowed Time, there were some powerful heavy metal songs on this album which was on repeat throughout the year. The title track is majestic, The Sleeper a smouldering beast whilst Until we Burn was one of the best metal songs of the year. Plenty of life in the band yet.
14. Lord Dying – Mysterium Tremendum
I’d enjoyed the American’s 2015 album Poisoned Altars but the third album by the Portland outfit shifted gear massively. Full of sludgy guitar riffs, Envy the End and Severed Forever became anthems. Even the Ed gave this album a 10, something he rarely does. Simply massive.
15. Candlemass – The Door to Doom
Released in late February, the doom-fathers latest release finally saw Johan Längquist join the band as a permanent addition. For me, the voice of Candlemass, this album demonstrated exactly why this band are so revered in the metal world. Full of spine crushing riffs, but underwritten by Lief Edling’s ear for melody, Candlemass really need to get over here so I can worship at the altar of doom again.
16. Lion Shepherd – III
I’ve been a fan of the Poles ever since discovering them supporting Riverside a few years ago. Their third album was a joyous bounty of variety with enough hard rocking to keep my metal side on board, but it was the world music which the band have embraced which really captured my vote.
17. Fen – The Dark Light
Released on 6th December, The Dark Light nearly didn’t make it into the top 20 but so enchanted was I with the new direction and the delicious post-black metal style that one listen propelled Fen into the hit parade.
18. Avatarium – The Fire I Long For
Avatarium improve with every album and number four from the Swedes was their best yet. Jennie-Anne Smith’s vocals are superb, Marcus Jiddell’s guitar playing fantastic and the songs range from delicate to face melting.
19. Deadwood Lake – Immortalised in Death
It was between this and Swallow the Sun, but I plumped for the Devonians. The second album from Bruce Powell and his band demonstrated a maturity in their song writing and playing which made this album one that hit repeat an awful lot.
20. Damim – A Fine Game of Nil
There were many other albums that could have made the top 20 but London’s Blackened thrash from Nathaniel Underwood and colleagues roared in thanks to a fine slab of existential dread and doom. 42 minutes of ferocity, jagged riffing and pummelling social observations. A Fine Game of Nil was fine indeed.
Worst 5 albums
1. Thor – Hammer of Justice
2. Emerald Sabbath – Ninth Star
3. Infinity – Awakening
4. Gatekeeper – Grey Maiden
5. Edge of Paradise – Universe
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