Tesseract - Sonder
Sonder marks TesseracT's first consecutive release with the same vocalist, Daniel Tompkins, who first appeared on their debut studio album, One (2011), and later, Polaris (2015). And that's important because Mr. Tompkins performance is jaw dropping. The album opens with the beautiful and captivating "Luminary", great melody over very djent and heavy riffs. "King" is the best and longest track of the album, full of ups and downs. Simply gorgeous. "Orbital" is a short ambient and transitional song, it gives away to, once again, heavy djent driven "Juno". A bass driven verse and captivating melodies. "Beneath My Skin" is a beautiful, slower tempo song with electric elements, it works well. "Mirror Image" is a slow tempo and clean song, I think hear the album looses a bit the punch. But it luckily regains it with "Smile". Sonder closes with the short "The Arrow". My only overall complain about Sonder is that it's the band's shortest studio album at 36 minutes in length. I can't wait for more TesseracT!
Rivers of Nihil - Where Owls Know My Name
This is the third studio effort by the Pennsylvania death metallers following 2015's Monarchy. Withe the new work, Rivers of Nihil continue to perform the technical death metal which they are known for. But they also progress into new frontiers adding elements from jazz (e.g. "The Silent Life"), acoustic (e.g "Subtle Change"), and electronica (e.g. "Terrestria III: Wither). It all results in a progressive death metal with a diverse sound pallet. There's a lot of melody but never let down the heaviness. As one of the jewels of 2018, Where Owls Know My Name is Rivers of Nihil‘s opportunity to shine and bring new fans.
Barren Earth - A Complex Of Cages
Those Finnish who make a unique Death/Doom/Progressive metal, are back after the excellent 2015's On Lonely Towers. Their fourth full length album, A Complex Of Cages was released via Nuclear Blast. Once again the highlights are the versatility and competence of the singer Jón Aldará and the superb song writing. From the get go opener "The Living Fortress" showcases the 70s progressive rock influences which leads to an almost Dream Theater feel during the instrumental intro. Overall Barren Earth is all about a dynamic crushing deathdoom metal full of melancholy and melody. Definitely a contender for album of the year.
Between The Buried And Me - Automata I
Automata I is the first part of a two-piece album released in March and the second, Automata II, was released in July. Part I features 6 songs in 35 minutes, one being a 1 min instrumental. Consequently, albeit as progressive as previous records, it is easier to digest. I am a big fan of the progressive modern metal that BTBAM have been making for the last few albums. Automata I continues the trend of good albums. Originality, exceptional musicianship, thought provoking lyrics, Automata I has it all and it will certainly please the fans while possibly bring new ones.
Amorphis - Queen Of Time
The thirteenth studio album by the Finnish comes on the heels of the highly acclaimed 2015's Under the Red Cloud. An album that landed #6 in that year's list. So the fact that Queen Of Time is threading the same line is certainly good news. Still keeping some of their Death Metal roots in their sound, Amorphis is now a progressive metal act combining melody, aggressiveness, folk elements, clean and death metal vocals. This time they stepped up a notch by including the use of real strings, flutes, orchestral arrangements and even choirs. "Amongst Stars" even features Anneke van Giersbergen. That wouldn't work if the song writing wasn't so good. With two fantastic albums in a row, it will be interesting to see where those Finns go next.
Zeal and Ardor - Stranger Fruit
Zeal & Ardor re-released their 2016 debut, Devil Is Fine, by MKVA records in early 2017. I had this album on my backlog because it was included on many publication's year-end best of lists. I never got to it until I had a chance to see them live during a 2018 festival. In preparation for the show I not only checked the debut but also the new Stranger Fruit. I liked both but after a mesmerizing show, I specially fell in love with the latter. Zeal & Ardor, led by the talented Manuel Gagneux, mixes sounds of negro spirituals with black metal. The result is a very unique record full of energy and emotion. The album features an intimidated number of tracks, 16, but nothing to worry. First they are all around the 3 min mark. Secondly, 4 of them are intros/transitional tracks. The remaining 12 tracks are almost all fantastic and diverse. Different ideas, structures, tempos, vocal changes and choruses make Stranger Fruit not only an original record but also dynamic. While not being an easy one to digest album, if you take the time to appreciate the experimentation, you will find yourself addicted to a catchy, fascinating and daring record.
At The Gates - To Drink From the Night Itself
After the triumphant 2014's comeback album and my album of that year At War With Reality, the legend At The Gates is back with To Drink From the Night Itself. Right at the gate, the biggest difference between the two album is the production. While the predecessor had a modern and clean production, they went old style now with a more raw production that reminds their early albums pre slaughter. The change of guitar player had also an impact in their sound since Anders Björler was a key song writer. But no need to worry, after the intro song, the title track is an instant classic followed by the amazing "A Stare Bound in Stone". Now there are other great tracks, but the album gets a bit bloated in the middle. With that said the energy and directness of their music is alive and well. Tomas Lindberg’s vocals as amazing as ever. The guitars while still showcasing fantastic riffs have a deeper black metal vibe than previous records. A very good album, but slightly below the predecessor, maybe it's time to take some risks in the next one.
Millennial Reign - The Great Divide
It's the first time I check this band even though they are already on their third album. Rightfully so, their bio states and I agree: "Any fan of Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Judas Priest and Crimson Glory will not be disappointed with this new album. Millennial Reign should be in any collection of melodic or traditional power metal." I would just add that the vocal performance of James Guest reminds me a lot of Eduard Hovinga from Elegy. Millennial Reign makes a well written and executed power metal with high pitched vocals, one guitar and keyboards. Now the keys which are a bit too loud in the mix, are not Stratovarius style, but to create a wall of sound for the guitar and vocals. Power metal albums tend to overstay their welcome, but that's not the case here, The Great Divide clocks perfectly at 47 min. There are a couple of missteps in the middle of the album like "In Your Silence" but the last 4 tracks regain energy and leave you with a good taste.
Gruesome - Twisted Prayers
So many bands copy classic bands and pretend to be original that it's refreshing that Gruesome is explicitly worshiping Death and Chuck Schuldiner while creating new music. Those guys had so much fun doing the Death to All tours that they guitarist/vocalist Matt Harvey and drummer Gus Rios decided to create a band in 2014 and released their full-length Savage Land in 2015. With that said, you know what you are getting here, straight-up 90's death metal fully inspired by Death with a touch of early Slayer. The album is slightly more progressive than the debut (like Spiritual Healing vs. Leprosy) and I must highlight the guitar work. Both the riffs and specially the solos are just fantastic. If they keep going with this inspiration and energy, then please the show must go on.
Kamelot - The Shadow Theory
The Shadow Theory is the twelfth studio album by Kamelot and already the 3rd with Tommy Karevik on vocals. The new album features all the signature elements of Kamelot but that's not necessarily a good thing because risks were not taken. It's a good and fun album, but the feeling of deva-vu is too strong. The excellent production and another great performance from Tommy Karevik help the album. Still I was a bit disappointed.
Primordial - Exile Amongst the Ruins
Irish pagan metallers returned in 2018 with an album that maintained their signature sound: long and epic tracks, fist pumping galloping riffs, Celtic, black, and pagan metal elements, and A.A. Nemtheanga's powerful vocals. Primordial is known as one of those consistent bands, so you shouldn't expect big surprises when comparing to previous releases. However, the band did highlight Exile Amongst the Ruins as "a more raw, old school sounding" record than its predecessor 2014's Where Greater Men Have Fallen. While not a top Primordial album, it is still a good album with some interesting tracks, my favorites being the galloping and fast paced "Nail Their Tongues" and "To Hell or the Hangman", the curved ball "Stolen Years" and "Sunken Lungs" mainly because of the drumming.
Ghost - Prequelle
Prequelle is already the 4th full length album of the rising starts of Ghost. Sayign that it's a divisive record is kind of redundant for such a "love or rate" band. The album is musically more 80s rock/pop oriented than previous records, guitars are also more prominent. It is once again a very well written album, as catchy and memorable as a rock album can be. I really like the first half of it but felt a bit disappointed with the B side. I would in no way give the highest score of the year so far like Rock Hard did, but it’s ok. I guess it’s in everyone’s interest that they become a headliner act and it’s happening. Still the debut is by far my favorite.
Honorable Mentions:
Spock's Beard - Noise Floor
Angra - ØMNI
Yob - Our Raw Heart
Ihsahn - Ámr
Bleed From Within - Era
Parkway Drive - Reverence
Sonder marks TesseracT's first consecutive release with the same vocalist, Daniel Tompkins, who first appeared on their debut studio album, One (2011), and later, Polaris (2015). And that's important because Mr. Tompkins performance is jaw dropping. The album opens with the beautiful and captivating "Luminary", great melody over very djent and heavy riffs. "King" is the best and longest track of the album, full of ups and downs. Simply gorgeous. "Orbital" is a short ambient and transitional song, it gives away to, once again, heavy djent driven "Juno". A bass driven verse and captivating melodies. "Beneath My Skin" is a beautiful, slower tempo song with electric elements, it works well. "Mirror Image" is a slow tempo and clean song, I think hear the album looses a bit the punch. But it luckily regains it with "Smile". Sonder closes with the short "The Arrow". My only overall complain about Sonder is that it's the band's shortest studio album at 36 minutes in length. I can't wait for more TesseracT!
Rivers of Nihil - Where Owls Know My Name
This is the third studio effort by the Pennsylvania death metallers following 2015's Monarchy. Withe the new work, Rivers of Nihil continue to perform the technical death metal which they are known for. But they also progress into new frontiers adding elements from jazz (e.g. "The Silent Life"), acoustic (e.g "Subtle Change"), and electronica (e.g. "Terrestria III: Wither). It all results in a progressive death metal with a diverse sound pallet. There's a lot of melody but never let down the heaviness. As one of the jewels of 2018, Where Owls Know My Name is Rivers of Nihil‘s opportunity to shine and bring new fans.
Barren Earth - A Complex Of Cages
Those Finnish who make a unique Death/Doom/Progressive metal, are back after the excellent 2015's On Lonely Towers. Their fourth full length album, A Complex Of Cages was released via Nuclear Blast. Once again the highlights are the versatility and competence of the singer Jón Aldará and the superb song writing. From the get go opener "The Living Fortress" showcases the 70s progressive rock influences which leads to an almost Dream Theater feel during the instrumental intro. Overall Barren Earth is all about a dynamic crushing deathdoom metal full of melancholy and melody. Definitely a contender for album of the year.
Between The Buried And Me - Automata I
Automata I is the first part of a two-piece album released in March and the second, Automata II, was released in July. Part I features 6 songs in 35 minutes, one being a 1 min instrumental. Consequently, albeit as progressive as previous records, it is easier to digest. I am a big fan of the progressive modern metal that BTBAM have been making for the last few albums. Automata I continues the trend of good albums. Originality, exceptional musicianship, thought provoking lyrics, Automata I has it all and it will certainly please the fans while possibly bring new ones.
Amorphis - Queen Of Time
The thirteenth studio album by the Finnish comes on the heels of the highly acclaimed 2015's Under the Red Cloud. An album that landed #6 in that year's list. So the fact that Queen Of Time is threading the same line is certainly good news. Still keeping some of their Death Metal roots in their sound, Amorphis is now a progressive metal act combining melody, aggressiveness, folk elements, clean and death metal vocals. This time they stepped up a notch by including the use of real strings, flutes, orchestral arrangements and even choirs. "Amongst Stars" even features Anneke van Giersbergen. That wouldn't work if the song writing wasn't so good. With two fantastic albums in a row, it will be interesting to see where those Finns go next.
Zeal and Ardor - Stranger Fruit
Zeal & Ardor re-released their 2016 debut, Devil Is Fine, by MKVA records in early 2017. I had this album on my backlog because it was included on many publication's year-end best of lists. I never got to it until I had a chance to see them live during a 2018 festival. In preparation for the show I not only checked the debut but also the new Stranger Fruit. I liked both but after a mesmerizing show, I specially fell in love with the latter. Zeal & Ardor, led by the talented Manuel Gagneux, mixes sounds of negro spirituals with black metal. The result is a very unique record full of energy and emotion. The album features an intimidated number of tracks, 16, but nothing to worry. First they are all around the 3 min mark. Secondly, 4 of them are intros/transitional tracks. The remaining 12 tracks are almost all fantastic and diverse. Different ideas, structures, tempos, vocal changes and choruses make Stranger Fruit not only an original record but also dynamic. While not being an easy one to digest album, if you take the time to appreciate the experimentation, you will find yourself addicted to a catchy, fascinating and daring record.
At The Gates - To Drink From the Night Itself
After the triumphant 2014's comeback album and my album of that year At War With Reality, the legend At The Gates is back with To Drink From the Night Itself. Right at the gate, the biggest difference between the two album is the production. While the predecessor had a modern and clean production, they went old style now with a more raw production that reminds their early albums pre slaughter. The change of guitar player had also an impact in their sound since Anders Björler was a key song writer. But no need to worry, after the intro song, the title track is an instant classic followed by the amazing "A Stare Bound in Stone". Now there are other great tracks, but the album gets a bit bloated in the middle. With that said the energy and directness of their music is alive and well. Tomas Lindberg’s vocals as amazing as ever. The guitars while still showcasing fantastic riffs have a deeper black metal vibe than previous records. A very good album, but slightly below the predecessor, maybe it's time to take some risks in the next one.
It's the first time I check this band even though they are already on their third album. Rightfully so, their bio states and I agree: "Any fan of Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Judas Priest and Crimson Glory will not be disappointed with this new album. Millennial Reign should be in any collection of melodic or traditional power metal." I would just add that the vocal performance of James Guest reminds me a lot of Eduard Hovinga from Elegy. Millennial Reign makes a well written and executed power metal with high pitched vocals, one guitar and keyboards. Now the keys which are a bit too loud in the mix, are not Stratovarius style, but to create a wall of sound for the guitar and vocals. Power metal albums tend to overstay their welcome, but that's not the case here, The Great Divide clocks perfectly at 47 min. There are a couple of missteps in the middle of the album like "In Your Silence" but the last 4 tracks regain energy and leave you with a good taste.
Gruesome - Twisted Prayers
So many bands copy classic bands and pretend to be original that it's refreshing that Gruesome is explicitly worshiping Death and Chuck Schuldiner while creating new music. Those guys had so much fun doing the Death to All tours that they guitarist/vocalist Matt Harvey and drummer Gus Rios decided to create a band in 2014 and released their full-length Savage Land in 2015. With that said, you know what you are getting here, straight-up 90's death metal fully inspired by Death with a touch of early Slayer. The album is slightly more progressive than the debut (like Spiritual Healing vs. Leprosy) and I must highlight the guitar work. Both the riffs and specially the solos are just fantastic. If they keep going with this inspiration and energy, then please the show must go on.
Kamelot - The Shadow Theory
The Shadow Theory is the twelfth studio album by Kamelot and already the 3rd with Tommy Karevik on vocals. The new album features all the signature elements of Kamelot but that's not necessarily a good thing because risks were not taken. It's a good and fun album, but the feeling of deva-vu is too strong. The excellent production and another great performance from Tommy Karevik help the album. Still I was a bit disappointed.
Primordial - Exile Amongst the Ruins
Irish pagan metallers returned in 2018 with an album that maintained their signature sound: long and epic tracks, fist pumping galloping riffs, Celtic, black, and pagan metal elements, and A.A. Nemtheanga's powerful vocals. Primordial is known as one of those consistent bands, so you shouldn't expect big surprises when comparing to previous releases. However, the band did highlight Exile Amongst the Ruins as "a more raw, old school sounding" record than its predecessor 2014's Where Greater Men Have Fallen. While not a top Primordial album, it is still a good album with some interesting tracks, my favorites being the galloping and fast paced "Nail Their Tongues" and "To Hell or the Hangman", the curved ball "Stolen Years" and "Sunken Lungs" mainly because of the drumming.
Ghost - Prequelle
Prequelle is already the 4th full length album of the rising starts of Ghost. Sayign that it's a divisive record is kind of redundant for such a "love or rate" band. The album is musically more 80s rock/pop oriented than previous records, guitars are also more prominent. It is once again a very well written album, as catchy and memorable as a rock album can be. I really like the first half of it but felt a bit disappointed with the B side. I would in no way give the highest score of the year so far like Rock Hard did, but it’s ok. I guess it’s in everyone’s interest that they become a headliner act and it’s happening. Still the debut is by far my favorite.
Honorable Mentions:
Spock's Beard - Noise Floor
Angra - ØMNI
Yob - Our Raw Heart
Ihsahn - Ámr
Bleed From Within - Era
Parkway Drive - Reverence
