2018 Favorites
My top ten favorite albums of the year as of today. The albums are ordered by release date. |
| 1 |  | Black Label Society
Grimmest Hits
Another solid album from Zakk Wylde and company, no surprises but that’s not expected from BLS
4/5 |
| 2 |  | Of Mice and Men
Defy
The band shows that they can pull of a solid release without Austin Carlile. There’s a ton of songs on here that have been on repeat all year.
4/5 |
| 3 |  | Judas Priest
Firepower
Priest came back this year with their strongest release since Painkiller. Lots of classic Priest moments here, with some modern elements as well.
4.5/5 |
| 4 |  | Rivers of Nihil
Where Owls Know My Name
Beautiful and Brutal. That’s what this album is all about, mixing some fantastic Death Metal with excellent Jazz inspired passages.
5/5 |
| 5 |  | Light the Torch
Revival
The band’s first album under the new name sees a slight change in direction. This was not a misstep however as Howard Jones shines in both clean and screamed vocals.
4/5 |
| 6 |  | Breaking Benjamin
Ember
The band doesn’t break the mold here, but they continue to execute their style extremely well with some of the best vocals Ben Burnley has ever put to track.
4.5/5 |
| 7 |  | Parkway Drive
Reverence
Parkway Drive chose a new stylistic approach for this release and it certainly worked. The album definitely has shades of Metallica’s Black Album with Maiden and Priest influences being felt as well.
4/5 |
| 8 |  | At the Gates
To Drink from the Night Itself
At the Gates continue to prove their worth after their long hiatus. The riffs and melodies really steal the show here, and the vocals are nice as well.
4.5/5 |
| 9 |  | Obscura
Diluvium
Musicianship. That’s the word that sums up this album. Every member of the band contributes and no instrument overshadows another.
5/5 |
| 10 |  | Soulfly
Ritual
Max Cavalera and company seem rejuvenated on this release. There’s an urgency behind the vocals, the riffs are solid, and the rhythm section keeps the tribal elements alive. There’s a neat instrumental track as well.
4.5/5 |
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