Infernal TV’s Favorite Albums of the Decade
The 2010’s provided some solid albums. But let’s skip the intro and go right to it. I’m lazy.
Enslaved – Axioma Ethica Odini (2010)
This was the first Enslaved album I heard some years ago. A very interesting album that introduced me to Enslaved; it’s a unique album, combining the aggression they held during the Frost days with lots of progressive elements.
Favorite song:
“Raidho”
Enslaved — In Times (2015)
I was more impressed with this album than I expected. There are many beautiful and catchy melodies with haunting clean vocals. Of course, each song explodes with intense brutality, paired with harsh vocals and violent compositions.
They also stepped up their lyrical game with this album. Take these lyrics from the song “Building With Fire” as an example:
“Facing fear, facing birth
the emptiness, the void, the dreams unfold
burning shrouds, the air is cold
the memories of time and space unknown
sleeping tight in rising flames
a mind evokes the self returns unhurt
seeing life through the clouds
abandoning the womb, a seed untouched.”
Overall, this whole album is magical. It gives me goosebumps every time I listen.
Favorite songs:
“Building With Fire”
“In Times”
“Daylight”
Entrails – The Tomb Awaits (2011)
When people talk about Swedish death metal, this is the one band that everyone fails to mention. This band combines the quintessential crunchy riffs with deep growls heard in Swedish death metal. But this band offers more. Their songs are catchy, the hooks latch deep into your flesh, and there are some mighty find headbang-worthy riffs in here. I should know — I headbanged like mad when I saw them perform at Hellfest 2016.
Favorite songs:
“Total Death”
“Unleashed Wrath”
“Eaten By the Dead”
“Unspeakable Obscenities”
Between the Buried and Me – Coma Ecliptic (2015)
This was the BTBAM album that went under the radar and it’s totally underrated. This album offers everything. Tommy Giles doodley-doo clean singing that then erupts into heaviness, followed by some jazz guitar thing not used in metal before, and then the orgasmic pinnacle that concludes the whole album.
But seriously. This album shows the more matured progression the band has been following. It also proves the BTBAM camp is never losing ideas, both lyrically and musically.
Favorite songs:
“King Redeem – Queen Serene”
“Rapid Calm”
“Life in Velvet”
Between the Buried and Me – The Parallax II: Future Sequence (2012)
If this album isn’t on your “top albums of the year” list, then you’re wrong. Your whole album is wrong. Go home. You’re drunk.
But now that I’m sitting here, I’m at a loss for words. What do I say? How this was the first BTBAM album to captivate me since Alaska? How every song is absolutely flawless? How, after seven years, this whole album still leaves me in a trance?
Well, I guess that explains it.
Favorite songs:
“Astral Body”
“Lay Your Ghosts to Rest”
“Melting City”
“Silent Flight Parliament”
Obscura – Omnivium (2011)
Cosmogenesis was released in 2009 so it can’t go on this list. Therefore, we bring in the next best album: Omnivium. This album surprised me, but in a good way. I was expecting the inhuman technicality of Cosmogenesis. Instead, I get the inhuman technicality with plenty of melody, progressive parts, clean singing, and nifty acoustic guitar riffs.
This was the last album to feature two of my favorite musicians of all time: guitarist Christian Muenzer and drummer Hannes Grossmann. So this album was kind of a bummer for awhile. But I got over it when Raphael Trujillo and Sebastian Lanser joined Obscura.
Let’s put it this way. When I get a hankering for Obscura, I still turn to this album.
“Ocean Gateways”
“Prismal Dawn”
“Celestial Spheres”
“Velocity”
“A Transcendental Serenade”
“Aevum”
Obscura – Diluvium (2018)
I’ll be honest, I didn’t care for this album at first. Looking back now, I have no idea why. I will say, I find myself listening to only half the album. But that half is godly.
Let’s put it this way. Obscura has experimented a lot. From crazy post-Necrophagist tech death to progressive stuff and to cool melodic Cynic-y parts. But each album dominantly had one aspect over others. This one blends everything in perfectly.
Also, I thought Muenzer had the best solos in tech death. Mr. Trujillo won this match. Bravo!
Favorite songs:
“Diluvium”
“Convergence”
Septicflesh – The Great Mass (2011)
I never thought any Septicflesh album would top Communion. Well, no Septicflesh album can top Communion. But The Great Mass comes close.
In short, this album is a complete masterpiece. You get all of the orchestral elements with brutality. And everything with this album is superb and matured. The Great Mass definitely paved the way to create Septicflesh’s signature sound that will follow them throughout the rest of their discography.
Favorite songs:
“Vampire From Nazareth”
“Therianthropy”
“Pyramid God”
“The Undead Keep Dreaming”
“Apocalypse”
Ghost — Opus Eponymous (2010)
Before Ghost was the major band they are today, I first discovered this album at a festival. This album is a blast from the past; a 70’s-style rock n’ roll album with hints of modern Satanism. Even though the songs are happy, the mood is creepy and the album is weird — something modern Ghost albums have lost.
Cynic – Carbon Based Anatomy (2011)
Sure, this is an EP. But whatever. It’s going on my list.
As Cynic has progressed, their music became more straightforward and almost catchy. Judging by their last album and the one newest song they released, this EP is the last leg of the ultra jazzy and progressive sound.
First, Sean Malone probably wrote the greatest bass line ever in the “Carbon-Based Anatomy.” The song follows the classic jazz technicality we all know Cynic for, specifically the incredible solo toward the end.
But we also see some of Cynic’s catchy direction in “Box Up My Bones.” It’s a fusion of pop and jazz, with some incredible drumming by no other than drum genius Sean Reinert.
Cynic ditched the death metal thing. You know what? That’s fine. This EP is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorites from their whole discography.
Favorite songs:
“Carbon-Based Anatomy”
“Box Up My Bones”
“Elves Beam Out”
Belphegor – Blood Magick Necromance (2011)
This monster of an album is my favorite from Belphegor. We get some incredible blast beats, thunderous riffing, and a whole album that screams violence. Overall, this album is intense from start to finish.
Favorite songs:
“Rise to Fall and Fall to Rise”
“Blood Magick Necromance”
“Discipline Through Punishment”
Vektor – Outer Isolation (2011)
This super unique Voivod-worship band is grossly underrated. I fell in love with Outer Isolation the first time I heard it. This band combines some inhuman technicality with thrashy aggression and sci-fi weirdness. I dig it.
Favorite song:
“Cosmic Cortex”
Neuraxis – Asylon (2011)
So it’s technically unethical to put this album on my list because my boyfriend played in Neuraxis forever. But this album is eight years old and Neuraxis is on hiatus. And this album is killer. So whatever.
Every Neuraxis album changed and we truly saw the progression with this band with Asylon. They hold the classic technicality with this album but implemented more melody and catchy songwriting. But the whole album was brutal the whole way through. It’s by far my favorite Neuraxis album.
Favorite songs:
“Asylum”
“Savior and Destroyer”
“Sinister”
“Left to Devour”
Dying Fetus – Reign Supreme (2012)
Dying Fetus is like pasta. You can never go wrong with pasta, like Dying Fetus. You’re always in the mood for pasta, as you are for Dying Fetus.
Reign Supreme is another incredible album in their tasty discography. They’re one of the few bands who can make brutal death metal fun. The crazy riffs in songs such as “Invert the Idols” and slammy parts just make me smile.
What I also like about this album compared to previous albums is no two songs sound the same. It’s one of the newer albums that stand out the most in their discography.
Favorite songs:
“Invert the Idols”
“Second Skin”
“Revisionist Past”
“The Blood of Power”
Cattle Decapitation – Monolith of Inhumanity (2012)
Is there a band in existence that sounds like animalistic violence? Well, there’s Cattle Decapitation. And this is probably one of my favorite in their extensive discography.
We see them continuing with the technicality, especially the ridiculously fast and blast beat-filled drumming. The riffs are solid on every album. And of course, Travis Ryan’s growls that sound more like a dying hyena and less like death metal vocals.
Favorite songs:
“The Carbon Stampede”
“A Living, Breathing Piece of Defecating Meat”
“Lifestalker”
“Your Disposal”
“The Monolith”
“Kingdom of Tyrants”
Cannibal Corpse – Torture (2012)
Out of all of the modern Cannibal Corpse albums, Torture is by far my favorite. They still keep their more-brutal-than-you sound but with a lot more technicality. Each song is striking; from the hard-hitting “Sarcophagic Frenzy” to the riff-heavy “The Strangulation Chair.” This is definitely one of my favorite Cannibal albums!
Favorite songs:
“Sarcophagic Frenzy”
“The Strangulation Chair”
“Rabid”
Cattle Decapitation – Anthropocene Extinction (2015)
I remember the first time I listened to the song “Manufactured Extinct.” I was like, WOAH! Okay. This is happening.
What can I say? The blast beats got faster, Travis’ vocals got gurglier (is that a word?), and the riffs got heavier. Is there a better way for Cattle Decapitation to progress?
Favorite songs:
“Manufactured Extinct”
“The Prophets of Loss”
“Circo Inhumanitas”
Goatwhore – Blood for the Master (2012)
Goatwhore has to be one of the most unique metal bands. They have that New Orleans swampy style to their sound but they’re extremely brutal and aggressive. Every Goatwhore album is great. But there’s something about Sammy Duvet’s riffing and Zach Simmons’ drumming that gets me weak.
Favorite songs:
“Beyond the Spell of Discontent”
“An End to Nothing”
Goatwhore — Constricting Rage of the Merciless (2014)
What I really like about this album is how diverse the songs are compared to previous Goatwhore albums. There are more solos intertwined with the sludgy heaviness. There are also some slower and somber parts mixed with faster and aggressive parts. Overall, it’s a really powerful album and I find myself listening to this one a lot.
Favorite songs:
“Heaven’s Crumbling Walls of Pity”
“FBS”
Job for a Cowboy – Demomocracy (2012)
Mannn I miss this band. Words can’t express how stoked I was for this album when it came out. At this point, they ditched the deathcore bree bree thing and evolved into a badass death metal band. The technicality also improved with Jon Rice’s inhuman drumming and some crazy riffing by Tony Sanicandro. Overall, this is by far the most brutal album in their discography.
Favorite songs:
“Nourishment Through Bloodshed”
“Tongueless and Bound”
“The Deity Misconception”
Aeon – Aeons Black (2012)
I didn’t think another Aeon album would be as good as Bleeding the False. Well, I was wrong. This whole album slays! This album features chunky riffs, solos that give me chills down my spine, and super heavy parts that are headbang worthy.
Favorite songs:
“Garden of Sin”
“Dead Means Dead”
“Maze of the Damned”
“Die By My Hands”
Carcass – Surgical Steel (2013)
This was my favorite album in 2013. And it’s still one in Carcass’ discography I constantly revisit. It’s the quintessential comeback album; it’s better than anything we could ever anticipate. It combines the aggressive grindcore roots with the melodic elements from Heartwork. There are also some unique elements in this album, such as cool grooves and impressive riffing. Overall, Surgical Steel is as legendary as any of Carcass’ albums.
Favorite songs:
“Cadaver Pouch Conveyor System”
“The Master Butcher’s Apron”
“Noncompliance to Astm F899-12 Standard”
“The Granulating Dark Satanic Mills”
“316l Grade Surgical Steel”
“Mount of Execution”
Exhumed – Necrocracy (2013)
Exhumed has to be one of my favorite death metal bands around. Every single album is so killer. Out of their most recent album, Necrocracy is probably my favorite. The album is still violent and savage but is refined. No matter how long Exhumed’s legacy lasts, they always experiment with different styles and their sound evolves.
Favorite songs:
“Coins Upon the Eyes”
“The Shape of Deaths to Come”
“(So Passes) The Glory of Death”
“The Rotting”
Immolation – Atonement (2017)
I seriously listen to this Immolation album as much as I listen to their older albums. It’s a masterpiece. When you listen to this album, it sounds like the world is shaking. That’s how much power this whole album holds. Immolation just proves that they’re death metal legends with every album.
Favorite songs:
“The Distorting Light”
“Thrown to the Fire”
“Lower”
Deicide – In the Minds of Evil (2013)
People don’t give new Deicide enough credit. The last couple of albums have been amazing, including In the Minds of Evil. The riffing is solid thanks to Jack Owen and Kevin Quirion. Even with the lineup changes, they hold their signature sound and they don’t sell out. The songs on this album especially have a catchy groove to them.
Favorite songs:
“Beyond Salvation”
“Even the Gods Can Bleed”
“Trample the Cross”
“Fallen to Silence”
Deicide – Overtures of Blasphemy (2018)
Aaaaaaand let’s go into an album that literally no one talked about last year. Not sure why hating God and Christianity results in releasing one of the most extreme death metal albums of the decade, but I guess that’s Satan for ya.
Overall, this album is sinister, aggressive, fast, and one of the most brutal Deicicde albums in their discography.
Favorite songs:
“Crawled From the Shadows”
“Crucified Soul of Salvation”
“Consumed By Hatred”
“Destined to Blasphemy”
Montrosity – The Passage of Existence (2018)
Aaaaaaaaaaand another album that was amazing and no one talked about. This was my favorite album of 2018. Y’all are weak.
Monstrosity is one of the most legendary bands to come out of Tampa. And they continued their legacy with Passage of Existence. This album doesn’t compromise their extreme and brutal sound. The whole album is fast and aggressive. I couldn’t be more satisfied.
Favorite songs:
“Cosmic Pandemia”
“Radiated”
“The Proselygeist”
“Eyes Upon the Abyss”
“The Hive”
“Eternal Void”
Nocturnus AD – Paradox (2019)
Very few of these comeback albums show a band’s progression and offers fresh material. Nocturnus AD’s Paradox offers this and more. This is why this album was my favorite of the year. The band has a new lineup, technically a new identity, and yet they stick to their roots. Our favorite sci-fi death metal band is back for the long haul!
Favorite songs:
“Paleolithic”
“The Antechamber”
“Number 9”
At the Gates – At War With Reality (2014)
This was the other comeback I was stoked about. At the Gates is one of the most influential bands. And their comeback album At War With Reality exceeded my expectations. They stayed innovative with unique riffs and solos while following their core sound. I honestly don’t think their newest album is as powerful, but I turn to At War With Reality as much as their classic material.
Favorite songs:
“At War With Reality”
“City of Mirrors”
Allegaeon – Elements of the Infinite (2014)
Allegaeon is one of the most unique and innovative modern death metal bands. Elements of the Infinite blew me away when it was released. You get plenty of shreddy action with catchy melodic parts. Overall, this album is special and my favorite Allegaeon album.
Favorite songs:
“Threshold of Perception”
“Dyson Sphere”
“Genocide for Praise — Vals for the Vitruvian Man”
Aborted – Necrotic Manifesto (2014)
Aborted is one of my favorite bands ever. I’ve said that in many of my reviews and I will keep saying it. They created their unique horror-inspired brand of death metal. And this didn’t fade with Necrotic Manifesto.
First off, the riffing is at its supreme. This is thanks to Mendel and Danny Tunker’s dual guitar action. And Ken Bedene threw in a few good blast beats. Mixing it all together with Sven de Caluwe’s insane vocals, this album is one of the most legendary in their discography.
Favorite songs:
“The Extirpation Agenda”
“Chronicles of Detruncation”
“Purity of Perversion”
“Of Dead Skin & Decay”
Obituary – Inked in Blood (2014)
Oh Obituary. The legendary groovy camo-clad Tampa death metal band. But Inked in Blood stands out from the rest. This album is faster while they still hold that signature groove. The chunky riffs and vocalist John Tardy’s signature vocals complete this powerful albums.
Favorite songs:
“Centuries of Lies”
“Violence”
“Within a Dying Breed”
“Out of Blood”
Cannabis Corpse – From Wisdom to Baked (2014)
Yo, Cannabis Corpse is pretty much the best modern death metal band. And they’re a parody band, writing songs about weed. And that makes me love this band even more. From Wisdom to Baked is their best release by far. This album packs a heavy hit with solid-written riffs and just enough technicality to grasp hold of any listener.
Favorite songs:
“Baptized in Bud”
“Weedless Ones”
“Individual Pot Patterns”
“Considered Dank”
“Voice of the Bowl”
“THC Crystal Mountain”
“With Their Hash He Will Create”
“From Wisdom to Baked”
Archspire – Lucid Collective (2014)
We thought we saw the most tech death band in the world. And here comes Archspire raising the bar even higher. Hell, even their vocalist is technical AF! But the impressive musicianship is not the only reason why I love Lucid Collective. Overall, the songs are brilliantly written. They’re catchy, the solos and melodies are placed well, and overall this album is extremely brutal. It’s by far my favorite Archspire album!
Favorite songs:
“Fathom Infinite Depth”
“Seven Crowns and the Oblivion Chain”
Fallujah – The Flesh Prevails (2014)
Even at a young point in their career, Fallujah expanded from the ultra-technical sound they had with Harvest Wombs and introduced a more melodic and atmospheric sound. We still here the same technicality with The Flesh Prevails while adding in progressive elements such as beautiful melodies and female clean singing. Overall, this album was a game-changer. No death metal band went the lengths this band went to. Fallujah can be the very band to inspire a new generation of death metal, all thanks to this album.
Favorite songs:
“Levitation”
“Starlit Path”
“Carved From Stone”
Autopsy – Tourniquets, Hacksaws, and Graves (2014)
Autopsy are one of the most legendary death metal bands. Yet every single newer album they release is solid. Tourniquets, Hacksaws, and Graves is my favorite Autopsy album from the decade. It’s super fast and brutal like all Autopsy material but with plenty of catchy hooks. Overall it sounds old school and I love it.
Favorite songs:
“Tourniquets, Hacksaws, and Graves”
“Forever Hungry”
“Parasitic Eye”
Fallujah – The Harvest Wombs (2011)
Remember how I said Fallujah is the band that’s going to lengths no death metal band has gone before? Well, it all started with this album. I remember I was so infatuated with The Harvest Wombs. This album showcases the technicality and musicianship of the band. But they weave in their atmospheric influences so perfectly. This is an album I still regularly listen to and it’s one of my favorite modern death metal albums.
Favorite songs:
“Alpha Incipient”
“Become One”
“The Flame Surreal”
“Enslaved Eternal Phenomenon”
“Hallucination”
Abiotic – Symbiosis (2012)
I have many fond memories of this band and this album. These guys are from Miami and would always play shows in Tampa. I loved them and went to so many of their shows. I just ended up meeting the guys and we all became friends.
Abiotic is beyond the normal technical death metal band. They have so much creativity and innovation in their sound. They’re truly unique. Beyond the amazing musicianship, they’re expert songwriters.
Abiotic briefly broke up but they recently reformed. I’m excited to see what these guys accomplish next.
Favorite songs:
“Vermosapien”
“Hegira”
“The Singe”
“Facades”
“The Graze of Locusts”
Tribulation – Children of the Night (2015)
Tribulation is one of those innovative bands that don’t try too hard. Everything is natural; their music is heavy when it’s supposed to be, progressive when it’s supposed to be, and those offer those perfect hints of melody.
Tribulation is obviously a band with many influences and this album proves it. Also, I pretty much listen to “Holy Libations” daily. That song is near close to a perfect song.
Favorite songs:
“Strange Gateways Beckon”
“The Motherhood of God”
“Strains of Horror”
“Holy Libations”
“Music From the Other”
Cryptopsy – “Book of Suffering Tome I and II”
Honestly, I like both of them. So they’re going on my list.
Starting with “Tome I” (released in 2015), Cryptopsy went back to their Blasphemy Made Flesh and None So Vile roots. The whole EP is filled with superb drumming from Flo Mournier, spastic technicality, and ridiculous bass and riffing. While Matt McGachy is no Lord Worm, his vocals are badass and perfectly compliment Cryptopsy’s legendary sound.
Now onto “Tome II” (2018). They maintained the same classic Cryptopsy sound as “Tome I.” Since these two albums are related, I was hoping they would hold the similar sound. I will say, I’m not as enthralled with “Tome II” but it still deserves a spot on this list.
Favorite songs:
“Framed in Blood”
“Sire of Sin”
Nile – What Should Not Be Unearthed (2015)
Very few legendary death metal bands hold the same vitality that Nile holds today. What Should Not Be Unearthed proves that. While everyone focuses on Nile’s technicality and Egyptian themes, I’ve always loved how solid their songs are. And this album produced seriously bangers — specifically, “Call to Destruction” and “In the Name of Amun.”
Favorite songs:
“Call to Destruction”
“Liber Stellae – Rubaea”
“In the Name of Amun”
“To Walk Forth From the Flames Unscathed”
Swallow the Sun – When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light (2019)
Swallow the Sun is a very bleak band. Their band has lots of melody and clean singing. But somehow, they’re still heavy and creative on top of that. When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light proves that. Every song is written so perfectly and beautifully. This is one of the albums I listened to most this year.
Favorite songs:
“When a Shadow Is Forced Into the Light”
“Firelights”
“Never Left”
Horrendous – The Chills (2012)
A friend of mine recommended Horrendous to me because they have an old school sound. Sure enough, I fell in love with them, specifically the album The Chills. Every song is brutal, features incredible shredding, and overall they just write incredible songs. The vocals even sound old school. I love it.
Favorite songs:
“The Somber (Desolate Winds)”
“Fleshrot”
Christian Muenzner – Both Albums
If you haven’t noticed, good ol’ Chris is one of my favorite guitar players ever. I love both of his solo albums and I listen to both constantly. I’m not sure which one I like better so they’re both going on this list.
When I first listened to Timewarp (2011), I was expecting Necrophagist and Obscura Pt. II. However, I received something more. I realized how truly versatile Christian is as a player.
Every song is technical but still holds so much soul. Every song is insane but also beautiful. Overall, this was the first time we all truly saw Christian let his creativity come to life, delivering a masterpiece.
Could he top this brilliant album? I thought the answer was no — until he emerged with Beyond the Wall of Sleep. Wow. That’s the only thing I can say. First, this album is a lot darker and heavier. Christian uses a lot of old horror novel influences and the whole atmosphere is a little more somber. But his amazing guitar playing is still included.
Too many favorite songs to name. So I’ll just summarize it with these songs:
“Maybe Tomorrow”
“Shadow Over Innsmouth”
“Mountains of Madness”
“Soulmates”
“Dawn of the Shred”
Hate – Auric Gates of Veles (2019)
Hate is probably the heaviest band around now and this is by far their most powerful album. Even though this album is extreme, it’s creative and unique. Hate uses a lot of Slavic themes in their songwriting. This makes their albums less sinister and more unique. Hate has been seriously underrated for years and now they’re finally starting to gain the attention they deserve.
Favorite songs:
“Triskhelion”
“Sovereign Sanctity”
“Generation Sulphur”
Beyond Creation – The Aura (2011)
This is another band where I would love to include all of their albums on this list, but I’m too lazy so I’ll only write about the first album I discovered: The Aura.
I remember showing Beyond Creation to a guy I was dating at the time. I showed him “Omnipresent Perception.” His first reaction was: “wait, is that a bass solo?”
So onto Beyond Creation. They emerged during the middle of the tech death golden years. But their music wasn’t the soulless tech death where the players are just showing off their chops. There’s something more progressive and individual about them. Maybe it’s their songwriting. Maybe it’s their geniusness. Maybe it’s Forest LaPointe’s tasty basslines. Whatever the case, I still go back to this album all the time.
Favorite songs:
“No Request for the Corrupted”
“Omnipresent Perception”
“Le Detenteur”
“The Aura”
“Social Disability”
“The Deported”
Virvum — Illuminance (2016)
Out of all of the tech death bands in existence, this one isn’t receiving the attention they deserve. Illuminance is a work of art. The parts where it’s brutal, it’s a constant rush. The parts that are melodic are beautiful and magical. Virvum has been around for a long time and I can understand why they don’t release albums all the time. When they release an album, they make it count.
Favorite songs:
“Illuminance”
“II: A Final Warming Shine (Ascension and Trespassing)”
Necromancing the Stone — Jewel of the Vile (2016)
What do you get when a bunch of extreme metal musicians play heavy metal? You get Necromancing the Stone. This band is somewhat of a supergroup, with members of Arsis, The Absence, Black Dahlia Murder, and Venom. This is one of the few “supergroups” where you can’t compare each member to their previous work. Necromancing the Stone stands on its own.
In addition, each member puts in 150%. The songwriting is amazing, each song is heavy, and everyone shines. Vocalist “Big” John Williams is also one of my favorite aspects of this band. His voice is just beautiful.
All I hope is that this band releases another album eventually.
Favorite songs:
“The Old One”
“Honor Thy Prophet”
The Oath — The Oath (2014)
If you combine Motorhead with a woman’s beautiful voice, you’ll get The Oath. They’re a hard hitting heavy metal band, fronted by one of the favorite singers, Johanna Sadonis. You can tell this troupe took influence from 70’s and 80’s hard rock bands with occult, black metal-esque lyricism.
Unfortunately, The Oath disbanded after this album. But they still leave behind this masterpiece I still listen to constantly.
Favorite songs:
“All Shall Die”
“Leaving Together”
Lucifer — Lucifer I (2015)
Speaking of Johanna Sadonis, she formed the band Lucifer. After the demise of The Oath, she immediately formed this powerhouse band. Different musicians came and went. Now, she has the band with her husband Nicke Andersson (Entombed, Imperial State Electric), as well as guitarists Linus Björklund and Martin Nordin.
Compared to The Oath, Lucifer is more haunting. They hold the classic 70’s rock sound of Blue Oyster Cult and Deep Purple, but with more of a somber atmosphere. Mixed in with the talent of all members and great songwriting, Lucifer will surely reign.
Favorite songs:
“Izrael”
“Sabbath”
“Morning Star”
Cephalic Carnage – Mislead by Certainty (2010)
Cephalic Carnage is one of those rare bands that has technical songs but are still able to be goofy without taking away from their musicianship.
Mislead by Certainty is the only they released this decade but it’s by far my favorite in their discography. Every song is different; from the technical “Incorrigible Flame” to the powerful “Cordyceps Humanis” to squishing noodles (or something like that) in “P.G.A.D.”
Why this band hasn’t a released a new album since 2010, I don’t know. I know the members are in other bands (bassist Nick Schendzielos is in Havok, etc.) but they’re still active and post on their Facebook page. I saw them perform at Full Terror Assault in 2016. Hopefully, they can deliver a new album soon.
Favorite songs:
“The Incorrigible Flame”
“Cordyceps Humanis”
“Raped By an Orb”
“Dimensional Modulation Transmography”
“Ohrwurm”
“When I Arrive”
“Repangea”
Enforcer – Diamonds (2010)
I have to say it: I love Enforcer. So much. And Diamonds is my favorite album by them. Enforcer goes to lengths no other heavy metal band reaches. They include so many music styles in their music, even including disco. Their music isn’t rough or aggressive, rather it’s fun and catchy. This is definitely an album I turn on when I’m in a good mood and I just want to jam.
Every song is impressive, such as the singalong “Midnight Vice,” the fun “Katana,” the thrashy “Nightmares,” and “Walk With Me,” their ode to the show “Twin Peaks.”
Enforcer are the gods of modern heavy and speed metal. And they will continue to hold that title if they keep releasing solid albums (and I’m sure they will).
Favorite songs:
“Midnight Vice”
“Katana”
“Nightmares”
Enforcer – From Beyond (2015)
This is actually the first Enforcer album I’ve heard. I stumbled upon this band while writing for another website. The bands they had up for review I wasn’t interested in. Enforcer was on that list and I had never heard of them. So I took that album anyway. That album was From Beyond and I was beyond impressed when I first listened to it.
I had never heard heavy metal performed that perfectly by a modern band. Many bands in the genre sound too modern, too thrashy or melodic, overproduced, etc. Enforcer has a deeper edge of classic in them. But unlike other modern heavy metal bands, Enforcer blends the aggressive and fast influences with catchy hooks and even some ballad-y parts.
After discovering this album, I looked into their older albums, falling in love with Diamonds. But From Beyond is an album I listen to regularly.
Favorite songs:
“Below the Slumber”
“Hungry They Will Come”
“Mask of Red Death”
Equipoise – Demiurgus (2019)
This album was second on my “favorite albums of 2019” list. No modern band, let alone no debut album, has impressed me more than Equipoise’s.
Equipoise is somewhat of a supergroup. Formed by guitarist Nick Padovani, the band features vocalist Stevie Boiser (Inferi, ex-Vale of Pnath), guitarist Sanjay Kumar (Wormhole), guitarist Phil Tougas (First Fragment), bassist Hugo Doyon-Karout (Beyond Creation), drummer Chason Westmoreland (Burning the Masses, ex-Oceano, ex-Hate Eternal), and pianist Jimmy Pitts (The Fractured Dimension).
Okay, I listed these artists for promotional sake. But do I care? No. Why? Because this album is amazing, regardless of who is in the band.
Unlike many modern tech death bands, this album is just enjoyable. You go into an insane song such as “Sovereign Sacrifices” and enter a flamenco-inspired intro “Alchemic Web of Deceit.” This album is dynamic, progressive, creative, and addictive. Overall, Padovani created more than a supergroup — he created a band that’s on its way to becoming legendary. We’re only witnessing Equipoise at the beginning.
“Sovereign Sacrifices”
“Alchemic Web of Deceit”
“Sigil Insidious”
“Cast Into Exile”
The Absence – A Gift for the Obsessed (2018)
The Absence are hometown heroes. Being a 20-something year old death metal fan in Tampa, it’s weird because all of the legendary death metal bands formed before I was born. But I clearly remember The Absence. They got big when I was in high school and I grew up with albums such as Riders of the Plague.
This band isn’t as active as they were. It’s no wonder why — every member is doing super important shit. Death metal power duo/bromancers Jeramie Kling and Taylor Nordberg are in like a million bands together (both just joined Massacre), guitarist Joey Conception is a virtuoso and has played with legendary bands such as Arch Enemy, and bassist Mike Leon is in Soulfly.
But they still find time to create incredible albums and tour a little bit. I fell in love with 2018’s A Gift for the Obsessed. They stick to the classic aesthetic of Riders with catchy melody and that quintessential Tampa brutal sound.
The band also endured lineup changes. But this is by far the most solid lineup they’ve had. The addition of Nordberg and Conception offers the perfect guitar performance, while the rest of the band fulfills The Absence’s trademark sound, complete with Jamie Stewart’s distinguishable vocals.
Overall, the band evolved into something better without straying too far from their sound. That’s the perfect new-album-formula, if you ask me.
Favorite songs:
“A Gift for the Obsessed”
“Misery Trophies”
“The Alpha Illusion”
First Fragment — Dasein (2016)
I discovered this band randomly. A little after Forest LaPointe left Beyond Creation, I was curious to see what he was up to. So a simple Google search brought me to First Fragment.
Well, this band and whole albums kicks ass. Not sure how else to put it. The noodly guitars are superb, I can hear death metal as well as neo-classical influences, unbelievably inhuman drumming, and overall this is tech death done right.
Just watch, this band will become notorious. They’re already on that route.
Favorite songs:
“Le Serment de Tsion”
“L’entite”
“Emergence”
“Archetype”
Terrorizer — Caustic Attack (2018)
I was seriously anticipating this album. I love Terrorizer’s lineup with Lee Harrison on guitar, Sam Molina on vocals and bass, and of course Pete the Feet on drums. Caustic Attack deserves as much praise as World Downfall. You still get all of the wonderful grindy influences but this album perfectly meshes in the Florida death metal sound. The production also has more clarity but is still raw. Overall, this album proves Terrorizer’s legacy will never falter.
Favorite songs:
“Turbulence”
“Conflict and Despair”
“Devastate”
“Sharp Knives”
Red Fang — Murder the Mountains (2011)
I did press for a tour Red Fang was on with Corrosion of Conformity. I was familiar with Red Fang but not that familiar with Red Fang. I was more stoked about Corrosion. However, I walked away from the show liking Red Fang’s set more and I bought a copy of Murder the Mountains.
Red Fang has that unique sound that’s ugly and sludgey but they somehow manage to include addictive melodies. Look at the songs “Malverde” and “Wires.” “Malverde” is so raw but “Wires” is catchy. Yet, they work. That and I love the duo vocals. I’ve always loved bands with more than one vocalist, not sure why. Probably because it keeps things different, which is definitely the case with this album.
Overall, this album encompasses expert songwriting and is just a jammer. That, and the dudes in this band are super nice and hilarious. I interviewed them last year. Always down to support good people with instruments.
Favorite songs:
“Malverde”
“Wires”
“Dirt Wizard”
“The Undertow”
“Human Herd”
Hannes Grossmann – The Crypts of Sleep (2016)
Is Hannes Grossmann: A. an inhuman drummer or B. an inhumman drummer plus musical genius? If you answered B, you’re correct! The percussion virtuoso has many solo albums under his belt, but this one has to be my favorite.
Overall, this album sounds dark. It’s unlike any of the millions of bands Hannes is/has been in.
First, let’s talk about Hannes’ drum performance. He has some of the best chops in the business, and this album proves it. His drumming is complex but not overly showy. His drum parts are well-written and showcase his skill without going overboard.
Now let’s talk about why I really love Hannes’ solo material: his compositions get you in the feels. Let’s take the last song, “Anima Inferna” as an example. The song starts off with some Danny Tunker guitar goodness that gets you right in the feels. And then the song explodes in a flawless combination of guitars, drums, and Morean vocals.
Overall, Hannes is able to combine his drumming skill and composition geniusness to release some of the best material in modern metal. This album is proof.
Favorite songs:
“Silence Speaks”
“Gravity Waves”
“Anima Inferna”
Soreption — Deterioration of Minds (2010)
Soreption is one of those bands that everyone knows but this band is still not as big as they should be. Shame. The first album I heard from them is Deterioration of Minds. I was obsessed with it when I first heard it. This is a tech death album that’s, well, technical. But the technicality doesn’t take away from each song. Each song is different and sticks with you in its own unique way. Overall, this is a powerful debut album and now I love Soreption because of it.
Favorite songs:
“The Hypocrite, Undying”
“…To Dim the Aching”
Holy shit. I finished this list. Time for 2020. I need a drink.
Rotting Christ – Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy (2013)
The album title translates to “do what thou wilt.” So is this the Greek way of saying “I do what I want?”
Anyway, this is probably my favorite modern release from Rotting Christ. I remember when I first saw them live and they pretty much played this whole album live. You could feel the intensity and energy throughout the venue.
This album has a unique atmospheric element not really heard in previous Rotting Christ albums. This album also holds incredible power; no matter how many times I listen to it, I still feel chills. Unfortunately, I haven’t cared for Rotting Christ’s albums after this. But I do listen to this album a lot.
Favorite songs:
“In Yumen-Xibalba”
“P’unchaw Kachun/Tuta Kachun”
“Gilgames”
Gorguts – “Pleiades’ Dust” (2018)
This is technically an EP, consisting of one song that’s 33 minutes long. I’m a huge Gorguts fan. But everything after Obscura I’m kinda eh about. While I do like Colored Sands, I don’t like it enough to include on my list.
But “Pleiades’ Dust” is different. Overall, it’s a masterpiece. They further progressed on Colored Sands ideas but made them Obscura-era weird. It amazes me how Gorguts can still enter new musical landscapes and challenge their sound almost three decades into their legacy. This is ultimately why “Pleiades’ Dust” is on this list.
The EP has one song so I won’t include a “favorite song” section.
Judas Priest – Firepower (2018)
Overall, this album is powerful. The songwriting is still creative. Rob Halford still sounds amazing. It sounds like classic Priest but it’s so much more. The album is very modern, with incredible production and clarity. Overall, this is the Priest album we’ve all been waiting for.
Favorite songs:
“Lightning Strike”
“Never the Heroes”
“Children of the Sun”
“Rising From Ruins”
“Lone Wolf”
Gruesome —Savage Land (2014)
Ideally, I would say their whole discography. But in the five or so years this band has been in existence, they released like a thousand albums and EPs. So I’m only going to focus on the album that got me into Gruesome: Savage Land.
If you’ve been following me and/or Infernal TV long enough, you probably know I’m obsessed with Death. So I discovered Gruesome because my editor for another website sent me an album from this band “Gruesome.” I asked him what it was and he just said, “you’ll like it.”
Sure enough, a Death-inspired supergroup? Down.
This album holds the Leprosy sound, which is one of my favorite Death albums. It sounds super old school but Gruesome also holds their unique sound. Every song is fast, forceful, and brutal, with beautifully crafted solos. Just like Death.
Favorite song:
“Trapped in Hell”
Alkaloid – Both Albums
I can’t decide which album should go on this list, so they’re both showing up.
Let’s start with The Malkuth Grimoire (2015). While this album isn’t a “tech death” album, every musician shines. You can definitely hear Christian Muenzner’s and Danny Tunker’s genius soloing throughout the album as well as Hannes Grossmann’s ridiculously amazing drumming. Morean also proves his insane vocal abilities; you hear his unique clean vocals with his beastly growls. You can hear this in songs such as “Cthulu” and “Dyson Sphere IV: Sol Omega.”
Honestly, out of the two, their newest album Liquid Anatomy (2018) is my favorite. Every single song is solid. I mean, have you heard “As Decreed By Laws Unwritten?” It’s the godliest heaviest song ever. Alkaloid introduced their unique sound with The Malkuth Grimoire, and they perfected it with Liquid Anatomy.
Overall, Alkaloid introduced a unique breed of progressive death metal. Someone on YouTube described their sound as a mix between Yes and Gorguts. I agree.
There are too many “favorite songs” to name, so I will stick to these:
“Carbon Phases”
“Cthulu”
“Kernel Panic
“As Decreed By Laws Unwritten”
“Interstellar Boredom”
