The Best Albums of 2019
Another year has passed! 2019 was a great year and a great year for metal. There were so many new albums that came out, both by classic artists and newer artists. It was difficult creating a list of only 10 albums. So here is my list for 2019!
10. Enforcer — Zenith
Enforcer never fails to release a powerful album. There’s no exception with their new album Zenith. This is an album I like even more with each listen. It’s not as strong as some of their older albums, such as Diamonds. But it’s solid enough to include on this list.
Favorite songs:
“Searching for You”
“Regrets”
Buy Zenith:
9. Vale of Pnath – “Accursed”
Technically, this is an EP. But whatever. It’s still going on my list.
Vale of Pnath is one of those tech death bands that don’t get enough credit. Their newest release Accursed is one of the most solid releases of the genre. They also played a great set while they were on the Devastation On the Nation tour.
Favorite songs:
“Accursed” (title track)
“Spectre of Bone”
Buy “Accursed:”
8. Allegaeon — Apoptosis
Allegaeon is by far one of the most unique extreme metal bands around today. And they get better with each release. Apoptosis is one of the best in their discography. You get the perfect blend of brutality and beautiful melodies, with plenty of classical influence and lovely clean singing.
Favorite songs:
“Interphase//Meiosis”
“Extremophiles (A)”
“Stellar Tidal Disruption”
“Apoptosis” (title track)
Buy Apoptosis:
7. Gatecreeper — Deserted
I’ve always had mixed feelings about Gatecreeper. They have an old-school sound to them. But their previous release was also kind of…boring. They definitely enhanced the intensity with Deserted. The songwriting improved tremendously, no two songs sound the same, and there are plenty of sick parts throughout the whole album.
Favorite songs:
“From the Ashes”
“Sweltering Madness”
“Absence of Light”
Buy Deserted:
6. Hate — Auric Gates of Veles
Honestly, this is my favorite Hate album. You can feel every song gripping you tightly. The whole album just gives you chills. Each song is so brutal but sticks in your head. And watching these guys perform this material on the Devastation On the Nation tour helped me appreciation this album so much more.
Favorite songs:
“Triskhelion”
“Sovereign Sanctity”
“Generation Sulphur”
Buy Auric Gates of Veles:
5. Inferi — The End of an Era: Rebirth
This album is technically a re-recorded, remixed and re-mastered version of the original End of an Era. But Inferi did such a solid job with this rebirth, it deserves a place on this list. Everything about this album and Inferi evolved. And Stevie Boiser’s vocals just make it even better.
Favorite songs:
“A New Breed of Savior”
“Sentenced to Eternal Life”
“The War Machine Embodiment”
“The Warrior’s Infinite Opus”
Buy The End of an Era: Rebirth
4. Hannes Grossman — Apophenia
Hannes is one of the best drummers around. But his solo material proves he’s also an amazing songwriter and producer. Apophenia is one of the best in his discography. Also featured on this solo album is Danny Tunker (guitar), Linus Klausenitzer (bass), and Morean (vocals). Christian Muenzer (guitar) contributed to two solos and Jeff Loomis and Marty Friedman also played guest solos.
Favorite songs:
“Deep”
“The War On Intelligence”
“Dianetics Declined”
“The Flying Pizza Conundrum”
Buy Apophenia:
3. Swallow the Sun — When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light
I didn’t get into this band until very recently. Their music is beautiful but also very bleak and aggressive. This is why Swallow the Sun stands out. This is an extremely powerful new album and it’s one of the ones from this year I listen to the most.
Favorite songs:
“When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light” (title track)
“Firelights”
“Never Left”
Buy When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light:
2. Equipoise — Demiurgus
This is probably the best new band to come out. Their debut album, Demiurgus, is nothing short of amazing. You have everything a tech death fan could want: inhuman musicianship, brutal and fast songs, mixed with progressive elements and weaving in other genres. This band is kind of a supergroup but they’re defining their own sound, aside from their band members. I seriously hope this band blows up. They deserve it.
Favorite songs:
“Sovereign Sacrifices”
“Alchemic Web of Deceit”
“Sigil Insidious”
“Walking Divinity”
“Cast Into Exile”
Buy Demiurgus:
1. Nocturnus AD – Paradox
When classic metal bands release a new album after several years, you hope it’s as good as their classic material. Nocturnus AD’s Paradox does just that. It follows the same style as classic albums such as The Key. However, Nocturnus AD evolved into their strongest lineup to date.
Favorite songs:
“Paleolithic”
“The Antechamber”
“Number 9”
Buy Paradox:
Honorable mentions:
Masvidal — Mythical (https://masvidal.bandcamp.com/album/mythical)
Fallujah — Undying Light (https://www.nuclearblast.com/en/music/band/discography/details/5715564.3730921.undying-light.html)
Blood Incantation — Hidden History of the Human Race (https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hidden-history-of-the-human-race)
Exhumed — Horror (http://relapse.com/exhumed-horror/)
Hideous Divinity — Simulacrum (https://everlastingspew.com/hideous-divinity/5585-hideous-divinity-simulacrum-digipakcd.html)
Insomnium — Heart Like a Grave (https://centurymedia.store/product/Y4CDCE273/insomnium-heart-like-a-grave-limited-deluxe-2cd-artbook)
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