The end of the year, a chance where we can all reflect on the past 12 months, and remember all the releases that came out. Some good, some bad, few great. There is a big enough metal culture now in the world that every year it is so easy to fill up a top 10, 20 or 50 list. I never find myself thinking, "I need two more bands that released solid albums so I can add them on my list."
Its always painful whittling down a list of around 100 bangers, to albums that really meant a lot to me. This list does not mean the albums I selected were "The Best", just ones that stuck out to me, and are some personal favorites. Hope you can find some good tunes below, or maybe give a album a second spin if you initially were not impressed. If you like, leave your favorite albums in the comments. I enjoy reading the readers favorites, and also I find myself revisiting bands I had previously written off for whatever reason after hearing a solid recommendation.
10. Necrot – Blood Offerings
2017 has been a heavy death metal year (pun there) and especially in America with some traditional bands dropping releases, as well as some newer ones making a name for themselves. Its good to see so many solid releases happening, it was hard not to just make a death metal list. Glad the sub genre is staying alive, and the more the better. Necrot was chosen here to represent a lot of the more underground death metal that has really stood out to me. The pure groove, memorable riffs, and crunchy tones are what really won it over for me. Temple of Void, Witch Vomit, Undergang, Acephalix, Cannibal Corpse, Excommunion, Dyscarnate, Immolation, Decapitated, Black Dahlia Murder, Dying Fetus, Gorephilia…The list goes on. All amazing death metal albums with their specific take and characteristics which could have just as easily made my list. Be sure to check them out if you already have not. Also, check out the bonus section at the end if you'r a multi media person like myself.
9. Bell Witch – Mirror Reaper
This two man band that released an 84 minute song (broken up into two parts) is more entertaining than I thought it would be. Funeral doom, when done right, it's a magical sub genre, and this album nails it. There is not a moment where I am not engaged, or processing the music that is being performed. It's a long song to be sure, and it's hard to absorbed it all as one piece, but if you are able to, it is truly a gift to experience.
Funeral Doom Friday: BELL WITCH's Mirror Reaper, A Stunning Piece of Dualism
8. Morbid Angel – Kingdoms Disdain
Florida Death metal has been and seems to continue to be the home some of Americas best death metal acts. Morbid Angel has been around the for over 34 years, and is one of the most respected bands in the sub genre. With this newest release, they bring the beauty of technical writing and traditional death metal riffs to a perfect blend. It's incredible that after so long, a band can still seem to be on top of them game. One negative that cannot be ignored is the terrible looking album art work that looks like a Play Station 2 game screen shot. Besides this, excellent metal.
7. Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Finisterre
Modern black metal can be tricky to navigate while trying to find some quality releases. Der Weg Einer Freiheit has not failed me yet, and with their newest release this year, they put the emotional melodic riffs and tones in just the right places. This German band has several other notable records, and continues to deliver memorable release for this sub genre. This album did take some time to open up to me, but in many ways, that works in the albums favor. If you enjoy the sub genre of black metal, this release cannot be missed.
6. Pallbearer– Heartless
This doom rock band has been making quite a name for themselves, and again, I'm not the biggest doom fan, but when hearing a quality release as in Heartless, its impossible to ignore. The hooks are irresistible, and tracks will be stuck in your head for days. The Production is exactly what is needed to highlight the strengths of this band, and there is not a average song on this album. This is a metal band who has don great things, and will hopefully continue to bring us the highest quality of music we are now use to.
5. The Ominous Circle – Appalling Ascension
This album came out early in the year, and set the bar high. If dark, death/black metal from Portugal isn't an excuses enough to give this band a shot, then their shrouds and faceless photos should intrigue you more. This band surprised me in a good way. Never hearing them before, then getting a full length early this year was a treat. The consistently and tone on Appalling Ascension is on point. It's clear the musicians in this band are accomplished and have a strong identity in their work.
4. Obituary – Obituary
Heavy release by a classic band, Obituary's self titled does not disappoint. After 29 years of death metal, they continue to put out solid old school death metal. The repetitive, dark, and Floridian atmosphere makes this release such a strong, timeless, and just grove heavy album. If you enjoy traditional death metal, this should be on your radar and is a must have.
3. Converge – The Dusk in Us
Certainly a highly anticipated album that lived up to expectations. I was impressed with the diverse nature of this album, and the overall style it had. The classic converge sound, but also a lot of melodic and catchy portions that work really well. Over the decades, converge has solidified their sound and progressed well. This is still a very heavy, but with a deeper character to it, that give its the depth lacking in many modern releases.
2. Yelloweyes – Trench Riviera
One of Americas best black metal bands released an incredible album this year. The production is perfect for this sub-genre and the intensity is strong while still allowing the songs to breath and develop. The other all tone is near perfect, and this remains one of the most complete albums of the year in my eyes. Nothing is out of place, and it can be listened to as a track by track album, or as one cohesive body of work.
1. Spirit Adrift – Curse of Conception
While heavy metal and doom are not my most favorite sub genres in metal, this album is monumental. It ties in many historic metal influences while containing a lot of originality as well. The song structures and overall tone of the album mold well, and creates a somber epic feel. I continue to dive back into the album on a weekly basis, and believes it will continue to hold this re-listenable value for years to come.
BONUS: Most metal film of 2017: Brawl in Cell Block 99. If your into old school grind-house films this one is a treat. written and directed by S. Craig Zahler (Who is in several metal bands himself) this film is about a man on a mission, and will do whatever it takes to make sure his family is safe. Excellent fight scenes, and a fresh raw depiction on violence. Zahler's metal bands are not too bad either.
