Fabio Top 50 Albums of 2015

Here it is! My list of favorite albums of the year. With so many stellar releases in 2015, trying to narrow down a top 20 proved impossible, so I kept 50 again. Feels like every year more good records are out or it is just that every year I expand my horizon of genres and sub-genres. The fact is that I checked more than 140 releases in 2015 and the fifty albums below are simply those which I personally felt to be the most connected to and listened to it more often. And still there were a few more that I enjoyed but didn't make the 50 cut. 

As always, this is a “metal related” list because it does include some non-metal stuff, but obviously the vast majority is heavy. And note that I did not list any EPs, compilations or live albums.

The order is indicative as one release is not definitively better than another (Metal/Music is not a competition), so chill-out. At the end of the day, it's just opinions from a subjective individual.

I really like making those lists even if nobody reads them – it makes me reflect on the year that went buy and revisit the emotions that each of those records brought up.

So here you go...

50.Vanden Plas - Chronicles of the Immortals: Netherworld II

49.Sylosis - Dormant Heart
48.Royal Thunder - Crooked Doors
47.Spock's Beard - The Oblivion Particle
46.Swallow the Sun - Songs From The North I, II, III
45.Myrkur - M
44.Gorod - A Maze Of Recycled Creeds
43.Abhorrent Decimation - Miasmic Mutation
42.Irreversible Mechanism - Infinite Fields
41.Gruesome - Savage Land
40.Stryper  - Fallen
39.W.A.S.P. - Golgotha
38.Queenryche - Condition Hüman
37.Serious Black - As Daylight Breaks
36.Lamb Of God - Sturm Und Drang
35.Enforcer - From Beyond
34.Sorcerer - In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross
33.Riverside - Love, Fear and the Time Machine
32.Kataklysm - Of Ghosts And Gods
31.Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask
30.Byzantine - To Release Is To Resolve
29.Royal Hunt - Devil’s Dozen
28.Armored Saint - Win Hands Down
27.Horrendous - Anareta
26.Blind Guardian - Beyond The Red Mirror

25.Crypt Sermon - Out Of The Garden

I'm not a Doom aficionado but this album is a very high contender for debut of the year. So that tells you how much I dig it. 7 tracks in 43 min of pure Doom overdose - no fillers and not really anything to complain. All songs are great. Full of big riffs and great vocal work, Candlemass style.

24.Tribulation - The Children Of The Night

This is the first time I check this band, yet again from Sweden, and already releasing their third full length studio album. Tribulation has a very distinct sound, I'd call it Black N' Roll. To me it sounds like black metal, but diverse influences like Iron Maiden and The Doors are also present.

23.Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful

Other than a few songs here and there, I haven't been a big fan of the band. But their live DVD with Floor Jansen was really good, so I approached EFMB with open ears. I'm glad I did because this is a great disc. Tuomas Holopainen is a great song writer and can create catchy, melodic and emotional tracks, no doubts about it. But now you add the powerful and versatile voice of Floor to it and you have a perfect mix. The album is a bit too long, but the closing track is such a special one that we let it slide.

22.Kamelot - Haven

This one has grown on me after listening a few times. At first not as memorable as the predecessor but still very good. The formula is the same from previous albums: big choruses, very melodic and catchy. Tommy Karevik delivers again a very solid performance, but he could by now bring some more diversity to his performance and not feel the need to replica Roy's voice/style. My highlights are Citizen Zero, Veil of Elysium and Under Grey Skies (here we do see something different and it went very well).

21.The Black Dahlia Murder - Abysmal

2013's Everblack was my introduction to BDM, I really liked that record. The combination of Trevor Strnad vocals and  Death Metal with Malmsteen-like guitar solos is really appealing. Abysmal sounds pretty much like BDM, but it has a very different feel from the previous records. The opening track "Receipt" is perhaps the closest song to the previous album sound. The album is very direct and fast paced. It's only 38 min with 10 songs, so very short songs. No fillers, pure energy, aggressiveness and great musicianship. Maybe not quite the same level as the predecessor, but still an amazing record.

20.Joe Satriani - Shockwave Supernova

I'm a huge fan since I was a teenager and on his 15th studio album, Satriani found a way to catch my attention again. Sort of concept album focusing into Satriani's more aggressive side without losing the traditional melody. Even if not a groundbreaking record or anything, I listened to it so much that it deserved a spot in my top 20.

19.David Gilmour - Rattle That Lock

This is a beautiful record, from the artwork to the last song. I got the 180g heavyweight vinyl LP that includes 16-page color lyric/photo booklet - outstanding package. And it also sounds amazing! Well crafted and produced the 10 songs run in just 52 minutes. All in all, Rattle That Lock is very different from last year's The Endless River (the final studio album by Pink Floyd). Gilmour's solo album displays a great variability and each song has its own personality. But overall Rattle That Lock has the same feel as Division Bell with hints of old Pink Floyd. Subtle references from Meddle, The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here can be spotted. The glue that puts those largely different songs together is Gilmour's voice (displaying great range) and guitar playing. And both sound amazing throughout the record.

18.Ghost - Meliora

Third time's a charm! After being impressed with their debut and disappointed with the sophomore snooze fest, Ghost delivered an album that works for me. But it took a few times of careful listen for it to grow on me. I was initially disappointed because I expected all songs to be as good as the first two I listened: "From The Pinnacle To The Pit" and "Cirice". Those are my absolute favorites, they are catchy, heavy, full of great riffs. The album opens with the good "Spirit" - what a great intro! The choral with bells and then the riff and the pounding drums: let the mess begin! Then my two favorties follow. The other songs are all good with highlight for "Mummy Dust" and "Absolution". With only 42 minutes and 8 songs (plus two short instrumentals), Meliora was conceptualized as a LP and that's great. No fillers and you can listen to it several times in a row. The album doesn't sound as retro as the previous one, it's heavier while keeping the elements of 70's rock. Ghost offers something different than any other band these days while being original and well-written.

17.Soilwork - The Ride Majestic

Getting through their last album The Living Infinite from 2013 was a bit of a challenge. The double album had 20 songs and 84 min. Still, there were some fantastic songs in there. But now The Ride Majestic, the tenth studio album from the Swedish melodic death metalers, fixed this problem. With "only" 50 min and 11 songs, this record has no fillers. The songs are well written and powerful, but the highlight is the singer Strid and his varied vocal style. He's able to quickly alternate between more guttural growls and higher screams and clean, harmonious vocals. Songs like "Alight in the Aftermath" start almost like a metalcore song, early BMTH style, but soon also goes melodic. Mostly The Ride Majestic is pure Swedish Death metal as it should be.

16.Periphery - Juggernaut: Alpha/Omega

What happens when you put on a blender Meshuggah, Jazz Guitars, Slipknot and melody? Well, that's Periphery's double and conceptual album Juggernaut. But don't get me wrong, the albums are very concise and one song builds on each other. It's actually one album with two parts (Alpha and Omega). I really like the recurring themes and melodies throughout the album.

As previously, the songs mix extreme aggressiveness with melody and catchy choruses. And a bit more accessible than the previous albums. Spencer vocal range and variation of styles is even more impressive than previously heard. The guitar trio led by Mansoor is not only highly technical but also original. This is where djent meets jazz. Loved the guitar solo on "Rainbow Gravity" for example. For the sake of modern metal, I hope Periphery stays on track and continue to grow!.

15.Faith No More - Sol Invictus

This is an outstanding album, it was worth the wait! The title track and first song is a slow intro that is followed by the single "Superhero". Now, I didn't get this song as a single, but in the context of the full album, it works very well. It gives the explosion with melody needed to get the album going with full energy. It also shows that FNM groundbreaking style from the 90s is kept in the new record. Matador is the longest track with 6-min and arguably the best. From The Dead closes the album with a very silly song that only FNM can pull it off.

All in all what I liked the most in this 40-minute killer comeback is how one song flows into the next. At the same time each of them provides a unique experience and uses different but typical FNM elements. Even if not as good as their classic albums, Sol Invictus is not far behind. The only problem is the super high standards that those guys set for themselves.

14.Deafheaven - New Bermuda

I was blown away by 2013’s Sunbather, Deafheaven 2nd album, beautiful black metal.  Two years later and we are presented with New Bermuda, only 5 tracks in 46 minutes. The sound is pretty much Deafheaven, however I’d argue it’s even better. Firstly, the vocals are a bit more clear on the mix and with different effects while maintaining the power and chaos. Secondly some verses are sang in a more traditional black metal fashion and that creates some variability to some songs like "Baby Blue". Thirdly, the beautiful passages are still very much prominent  with slow riffs and guitar arpeggios but I hear more traditional black/thrash riffs being added and working beautifully. As heard in for example "Brought to the Water" or "Come Back" (Slayer in slow-mo?). All in all the 5 songs are really great and despite being long, time flies and you barely notice that the album is back to song #1.

13.Parkway Drive - Ire

I started digging Parkway Drive based on the last two albums. The fact that they make modern metalcore-ish music combined with more traditional metal elements and great musicianship is what made Parkway Drive stand out. And Ire pushes that direction even further. The new studio album, their 5th , is diverse and “formula-free” and that works very well (at least for open minded people). I love the first half of the album. The two singles are just fantastic:  "Vice Grip" is on the same lines as Atlas, but "Crushed" is a completely different beast. It sounds like Manowar going metalcore, awesome. "Destroyer" , "Dying to Believe", "Fractures" and "Bottom Feeder" are all good and typical Parkway Drive tracks while "Writings on the Wall" (a slow song with piano and whispering voice) and "A Deathless Song" (acoustic guitars and more progressive) show completely different structures and influences. Overall a great album, the guitar work is pretty good and Winston McCall vocals are distinctive and powerful. I really hope Parkway Drive will continue to evolve in this pathway.

12.Enslaved - In Times
Without repeating themselves but keeping their signatures, In Times is another great addition to Enslaved discography. "Only" 6 songs, with the shortest ticking 8:11! Each of those songs is a journey in itself, with ups-and-downs, that makes the album's 54 min fly by. The pathway into progressive metal continues, but with one new element: A subtle and interesting post-metal influence. The clean and growling vocals contrast beautifully over a series of awesome riffs throughout the album. In sum, the Norwegians of Enslaved continue to evolve their magnificent and already proven sound with another masterpiece.

11.Intronaut - The Direction of Last Things

A late entrant on the list and a new band to me. Not surprisingly since it seems that tDoLT is their best album to date. I can see why, the music is genuine and pleasingly unconventional. I was sold with the first and best track, full of riffs, hooks and aggressiveness and most interestingly transitioning into a jazz intermezzo including a fret-less bass solo. Modern progressive beauty with a touch of aggressiveness.

10.Gloryhammer - Space 1992: Rise Of The Chaos Wizards
For historical reasons, Power Metal has always been one of my favorite genres. So it's difficult to find a band or even a new album that stands out. Luckily for me, there are exceptions. Gloryhammer's sophomore album is certainly one of the best power metal albums of 2015. The band formed by Alestorm singer and keyboarder Christopher Bowes features a strong vocal performance by the Swiss Thomas Winkler. Lyrically those Scotchs don't take themselves too seriously, but I wouldn't go as far as calling it a parody band. Make no mistake, musically, Gloryhammer is very serious about their sound and song writing. Their strongest influence is by far Rhapsody (of Fire). The songs are catchy, epic, with big choruses and great musicianship. If you are a power metal fan, don't let the silliness prevent you from listening to great music.

9.Baroness - Purple

The last major release of 2015 made straight to the top 10. But not immediately, Purple grows in stature with every listen.  Baroness has never completely appealed to me. That is, until I heard Purple in its entirety for a few times. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. No low points, very catchy, good vocal performance, great riffs and drumming. The Purple journey goes from hard rockers like "Try To Disappear" and "The Iron Bell" to more epic and emotional tunes like "Chlorine & Wine" and "If I Have To Wake Up (Would You Stop The Rain?)". Maybe it's time to revisit their first two albums, and hope for their future, Orange (?) album.

8.Paradise Lost - The Plague Within
In a list unusually represented by doom bands, how could the genre godfathers be missing? There's something about this record that makes you come back to it constantly and with each time it grows on you. This is a very diverse disc combining different styles that the band has touched over the years. But the common theme is that it's heavy and dark. From the catchy opening riff followed by Nick Holmes throat singing you know you are up for an experience.

7.Slayer - Repentless

A lot has been said about the new Slayer album. It's kind of miracle that the band is still holding it together. The album went straight to top 4 in the US and very high chart positions across Europe. As far as reviews goes, it looks like it's kind of love or hate it. I put it all aside, I bought my vinyl put it on and just enjoyed it. It's pure Slayer. It's fast and fierceless. It features great solos, riffs and awesome performance from both Tom and Paul. It's no Reign in Blood but nothing is. We certainly miss Jeff but it's not like the last two albums were masterpieces. I applaud those guys, specially Kerry King for working so hard to deliver a solid record. I hope they are in the right path and next can be even better, specially if Gary participates fully. In the end despite all this Mexican novel what matters is that I keep coming back to it and enjoying ever spin.

6.Amorphis - Under the Red Cloud

Full disclosure: I've seen Amorphis live and listened to some old stuff, but I had never been into them. While reading reviews of Under the Red Cloud, I got very curious. It's indeed a very unique band with a distinguished sound. I didn't get it at first but something kept me going back to it, possibly songs like "Bad Blood". But before I knew it, I was in love with the whole album! Tomi Joutsen voice makes the difference. While he's clean vocal is beautiful, his harsh screams are very deep, similar to Amon Amarth's  Johan Hegg. It's an outstanding contrast. Musically, Under the Red Cloud displays several facets of the band: Death, Gothic and Folk Metal all mixed and intertwined in an elegant and convincing way while maintaining a consistent feel. The guitar work is also fantastic with some great and unique riffs that work in perfect harmony with the keyboards. A fantastic record!

5.Cattle Decapitation - The Anthropocene Extinction
Many extreme metal albums albeit good can suffer from lack of variation. The Anthropocene Extinction doesn't have this problem and hence the key reason why is so damn good. This album is an epic take of Death Metal/Grindcore full of brutality while also melodic at times. Musically, it ticks like a clock with great musicianship. The vocals are fantastic: Going from very low and slow death growls to high pitch black metal screens with everything in between. It's hard to believe that this is the work of just one singer, Travis Ryan. My favorite song is the opener and single "Manufactured Extinct", a show opener, that contains all the elements that will surface the rest of the record. But don't get me wrong, all the other songs are also great and in no moment Cattle drops the ball. 

4.Symphony X - Underworld

I followed those guys since the early days. If you don't know them yet, first where have you been? So think of mixing Rush, Metallica and Malmsteen and you have an idea.

Overall the musicianship of all members is suburb. The guitar riffs and solos from Michael Romeo are just mesmerizing, And Russel Allen's vocal is as powerful as always but even more versatile, reaching high and low notes as I have never heard. With just above 1hr of music, this masterpiece flows very nicely and the time flies by. The first album since 2011's Iconoclast, Underworld is a fantastic journey through Symphony X's sound over the years (I'd have suggested a self-titled album). Each song has its own character but one flows into the other perfectly therefore creating a magical experience.

3.Between The Buried And Me - Coma Ecliptic

I became a fan of BTBAM in 2012 while getting ready for the release of The Parallax II: Future Sequence. I was sold when I listened to "White Walls" from the magnificent Colors album from 2007 and started to dig their whole discography. Now after 3 years they are back with the concept album Coma Ecliptic. While the elements from previous records are the same, the emphasis is different. Melody and clean vocals gained more focus while the death metal growling is less prominent. The influences of Queen and Pink Floyd are more accentuated., e.g. "Dim Ignition" reminding of "On the Run". Also modern progressive influence from Dream Theater is seen particularly in "Turn on the Darkness". But that it's not to say that heaviness isn't there, it's part of a very dynamic album that uses several elements from acoustic guitars, keyboards, clean singing, death metal passages and tons of heavy riffs. It's all there in a great modern musical journey, a masterpiece of progressive metal.

2.Iron Maiden - The Book of Souls

The long wait since 2010's The Final Frontier is finally over and the world's biggest metal band is back in triumphant form. Iron Maiden's sixteenth studio album and first studio double album is an audacious project. While not perfect, The Book of Souls is full of excitement, new ideas and classic Maiden elements. Their longest album to date, with a total length of 92 minutes, flies by under soaring vocals, amazing guitar work and vigorous galloping bass lines. For a minimal difference, this was not number 1, and during most of the year it was. 

1.Steven Wilson - Hand. Cannot. Erase.

SW delivers an album that is emotional, dark and musically brilliant with highlight to the fantastic guitars and keyboard. HCE is an absolute masterpiece of modern progressive music.

Highly original and building on SW's style, but with "in your face" influences from  Simon & Garfunkel and late Beatles to Pink Floyd, Genesis, Steve Morse and Led Zeppelin. This musical journey is addictive! Once you start playing the album you want to enjoy the experience from start to finish while entering a sea of emotions with up-and-downs. It's not only album of the year but certainly will be one of the top of the decade. Kudos!

Honorable  Mentions:

Ensiferum - One Man Army
Danko Jones - Fire Music
Barren Earth - On Lonely Towers
Stratovarius - Eternal
Thy Art is Murder - Holy War
Neal Morse - The Grand Experiment
Angra - Secret Garden
The Agonist - Eye of Providence

Biggest Disappointments:
Circle II Circle
Def Leppard
Devil You Know
Helloween
Trivium

Best Shows:
Parkway Drive - GMM 2015
Kamelot - 013, Tilburg
Steven Wilson - Trix, Antwerp

Worst Show:
Sonata Arctica - GMM 2015