I have no better introduction to my list than this.

10. All That Remains- ‘Fuck Love’

THE MUSIC

All That Remains dropped their heaviest release in nearly a decade with Victims of a New Disease. Sadly, it was the last to feature the metalcore guitar wizard, Oli Herbert. Oli gets a proper send-off as the album is littered with his guitar prowess, this song in particular.

Oh by the way, do not break singer Phil Labonte’s heart! Or do? Because then we get gems like this one. Thanks Phil’s ex-girlfriend!

BEST MOMENT

FUCKKKKKKKKK LOVEEEEEEEEEE!!!! You know…the breakdown part? Yeah, that does it for me.

9. Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway- ‘Dictator’

THE MUSIC

Daron Malakian, formerly of System of a Down, was tired of waiting for all the members of SOAD to come to terms on writing music together again so he did what any man would do- write, produce and record an entire album. The album made my top 10 list for 2018 because it is full of boppers. This track in particular stays stuck in my head with its high punk-metal energy and its great to hear Malakian’s unique singing style again.

BEST MOMENT

Daron Malakian’s knack for crafting a catchy vocal melody is on full display here. I can’t tell you how many times in the day I have sang quietly to myself “your politics will never corrupt me!”

8. Coheed and Cambria- ‘The Dark Sentencer’

THE MUSIC

When I heard this song my jaw dropped. This was easily the best Coheed and Cambria song I had heard since Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow and the first to remind me of “Welcome Home.” The album as a whole was solid but didn’t quite meet all my expectations, however, this song has everything I want in a Coheed tune.

BEST MOMENT

The song tells the tale of the two main characters trying to escape from the prison-planet, known as The Dark Sentencer, in grandiose space-prog-rock-metal fashion. Sign me up captain.

7. Alien Weaponry- ‘Kai Tangata’

THE MUSIC

The guys in Alien Weaponry released their debut album Tu this year. It was a strong effort, showing much promise and setting high expectations for the band’s future. The New Zealanders crafted a song that translates to “eat people” in the Māori language. It refers to the Māori’s ancient tradition of eating the flesh of their enemies after battle in order insult them. I mean, it really doesn’t get more metal than that does it? Corey Taylor, your thoughts?

BEST MOMENT

Me singing the chorus in the shower: “YAH-DEY-DAH. TAY-OOO-DEE-OH-RA-DOH-DAH. BY-TO-ROW-DAH. TUH-DRAW-GO-AAH-BUH-DAY.” That took me longer to type out than writing the entire article and I still messed it up.

6. Vein- ‘Virus://Vibrance’

THE MUSIC

I love the schizophrenic, bipolar nature of this song. Its a all over the place yet tight and confined all at once. The polymetal vibe is strong with these ones as is the frustration they are venting.

BEST MOMENT

I’m a sucker for break downs but I love the jazzy drumming throughout this song.

5. Ghost- ‘Rats’

THE MUSIC

The most catchy song you will ever hear with nods to the Bubonic Plague. I was expecting an A+ album from Ghost this year. Could they live up to all the expectation? I mean, they delivered a solid B+ album that was close to cracking my top 10 albums of 2018. I expect Ghost will continue to conquer the world of mainstream metal until we grow tired of them.

BEST MOMENT

The big sexy drum intro with that classic 80s style guitar sliding into the party is pure heavy metal bliss.

4. Zeal & Ardor- ‘Ship On Fire’

THE MUSIC

Zeal & Ardor had big shoes to fill after the breakout success of Devil Is Fine. They deliver with some of the most eclectic and unique metal music you will hear this year. This track was a standout. The occult, latin chanting combined with the bluesy vocal styling and heavy metal-bluesy guitar is an assault on the senses. I’m not pressing charges.

BEST MOMENT

The Latin vocals are the cherry atop this avant-garde metal masterpiece.

3. Tribulation- ‘Nightbound’

THE MUSIC

Tribulation released quite a doozy with Down Below. The combination of black metal, death metal, goth-rock and traditional metal really works for me. Nightbound offers an epic tale complimented by catchy riffs, bluesy solos and black metal vocals. Yes, I like my coffee with creamer too. No shame here.

BEST MOMENT

That main riff will stay stuck in your head.

2. Rivers of Nihil- ‘The Silent Life’

THE MUSIC

After the psychedelically sentimental opener “Cancer / Moonspeak”, Where Owls Know My Name kicks off with “The Silent Life”, a track that really encapsulates what Rivers of Nihil were striving for on this album. It is simple, yet technical and the lyrics set the stage for the narrative that weaves its way throughout the album. What would happen if you were the only human left on Earth, blessed with immortality, and had to watch its slow decay?

Check out our interview with vocalist-bassist, Adam Biggs, here.

BEST MOMENT

The driving riff complemented by the pounding drums hook you in as Rivers of Nihil introduces more experimental instrumentation throughout the song. A taste of what the rest of the album has to offer.

1. YOB- ‘Beauty in Falling Leaves’

THE MUSIC

Singer-vocalist, Mike Sheidt wrote Our Raw Heart on what was nearly his deathbed. The most emotionally resonant track on this album is “Beauty in Falling Leaves.” It is mournful, yet uplifiting and is hands down the most moving doom metal track ever crafted. In fact, I’d put it up against any song released in 2018 in terms of emotional weight. Sonically, it paints a beautiful picture which you can read more about here.

BEST MOMENT

Mike Sheidt’s vocal performance combined with the instrumentation on this track is otherworldly to the point where it transcends being just a great doom metal song. This is an artistic statement that deserves respect no matter where your music loyalties or preferences lie.

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