My Favorite Albums
Hey all, I’m new here so I figured the best way to introduce myself is to let my musical taste do the talking. I’ve had to make this list three times due to my unfamiliarity with the sites function which was kinda annoying at first but all worth it if you guys enjoy the read. The list is in no particular order but * will indicate that it would be top 10. Oh, and sorry for the excessive use of quotations lol. |
| 1 |  | Slayer
Reign in Blood
I’m not a huge thrash metal fan by any means but I got to respect the influence that this album has had on extreme metal in general. Without a doubt the best thrash metal album I’ve heard, beating classics like Kreator’s “Pleasure to Kill”. Also, one of the few people who prefers “Angel of Death” over “Raining blood”. |
| 2 |  | Lamb of God
Ashes of the Wake
*I got into metal in ninth grade math class. An old buddy from elementary school had a shitty old phone loaded with all kinds of metal songs. I thought the dudes from Slipknot looked badass so I got into a Slipknot phase followed by a metalcore phase. This album is the one that got me passed those phases and into the realm of metal that I still listen to today. For that, this iconic album is so close to my heart, the most sentimental record for me. Still listen to it regularly. A SLIP OF THE TONGUE, A SLIT OF THE THROAT! Randy is the GOAT. |
| 3 |  | Batushka
Litourgiya
*2015: the year Polish black metal captivated metalheads worldwide, myself included. I was hooked on this gem for the longest time. I heard the album a little late and was willing to drop any amount of money for the biggest Batushka bundle but naturally, they were all sold out. Love him or hate him…I hate him, but Bart is an absolute beast vocalist. “Yekteniya IV” is one of my all-time favorite songs. |
| 4 |  | Behemoth
The Satanist
*There was a point in my life when I heard death metal and my 15-year-old self thought “Yuck, ill never listen to that”. Now it is my life haha. This was my first death metal album. I found Behemoth because of my part Polish heritage and I thought Nergals custom armor was badass. The combination of Nergals passionate & visceral vocals with the use of trumpets and other unorthodox sounds in death metal make for a hauntingly atmospheric masterpiece. “The Satanist” is Behemoths strongest showing. “Messe Noire” is another one of my all-time favorites. |
| 5 |  | Crionics
Neuthrone
Along with local doom metal outfit “Woods of Ypres” I regard theses Poles as having one of the most underrated metal albums. To be honest I don’t care for their other work but the tracks on “Neuthrone” are all memorable, and unique. “Humanmeat Cargo” has one of the catchiest and grooviest death metal riffs and is the definite highlight. |
| 6 |  | Mgla
Exercises in Futility
*Is it possible for Mgla to release a bad album? I don’t think so. Especially with the record “Exercises in Futility”, the benchmark of modern black metal. I can definitively say “Exercises in Futility V” is my favorite song of all time. the opening riff is absolutely masterful and crushing. The rest of the song is equally engaging. Furthermore, Darkside is the best drummer in metal, his cymbal work is unparalleled. Don’t believe me? Listen to the song “Residual blight” by mgla’s side project Kriegsmaschine. |
| 7 |  | Dying Fetus
Reign Supreme
*Holy F@#$%&g sh!t. Ever since Trey Williams joined Dying Fetus every album has been stellar. “Reign Supreme being the crowning jewel of their discography. I challenge you to not headbang to literally every song on the album. Especially “in the Trenches”, “Subjected to a Beating”, and the monolithic breakdown at the end of “Devout Atrocity”. John Gallagher is one of the coolest guys in metal. Right up there with Randy Blythe, Chuck Schuldiner, and Francesco Paoli. I even remember recreating the cover art on Microsoft paint for a high school art project haha. |
| 8 |  | Infant Annihilator
The Elysian Grandeval Galèriarch
*If you asked me what is my single favorite album ever, there is a chance I may say the title of this record without the slightest hesitation in my pronounciation. Dickie Allen is hands down the best vocalist in deathcore, and possibly my favorite vocalist outright. I’m also convinced Aaron Kitcher isn’t human. This album ruined my hearing almost as much as it did my moms trust haha. The highlight is everything really including the 15 second guttural in “Blasphemian”. Ended up dropping more than I should’ve on an IA hat that I wear everyday but do I regret it? Nope. |
| 9 |  | Ingested
The Architect of Extinction
I showed this to my buddy on the first day I met him, he’s loved Ingested and Slam Worldwide ever since. What’s not to like? These guys have some of the best slams in the business. Just the right amount of bass to rattle your eardrums without affecting the quality of sound. Especially on “The Divine Right of Kings”. Flawlessly produced album. Easily the crown jewel of Ingested’s impressive & diversified discography. |
| 10 |  | Downfall of Nur
Umbras de Barbagia
A solo project from Italo-Argentinian Antonio Sanna, “Umbra’s de Barbagia” is one of the most atmospheric albums you can hear. It will transport you to the mountain highlands of Sardinia where mamuthones with wooden folk masks parade down cobblestone streets strutting dozens of cowbells to scare away malicious spirits. Antonio’s emotional masterpiece blends black metal perfectly with traditional Sardinian folk music. I especially love the addition of the traditional Launeddas instrument. |
| 11 |  | Extermination Dismemberment
Serial Urbicide
What’s the heaviest album ever made? A question that often ponders the minds of many metalheads. Subjective nonetheless but “Serial Urbicide” would like a moment of your time. This album is known for its signature bass explosions. Anything louder and these Belarussian boys would destroy their own equipment. Also, check out their newest single “Omnivore” for potentially the most insane “slam…..?” ever. |
| 12 |  | Signs of the Swarm
The Disfigurement Of Existence
*I haven’t listened to anyone in the last few months as much as I’ve listened to Signs of the Swarm. Despite having only two pieces of discography, this Pittsburgh outfit provides no shortage of bangers. With several songs heavier that the USS Gerald R. Ford, CJ McCreery delivers the best vocal performance in my opinion, and unlike many vocalists, CJ can recreate his vocals naturally outside the studio. For 47 minutes CJ fills your ears with the gnarliest, filthiest, most disgusting gutturals known to man. Especially on “The Failed Breed” and “Descending into Despair”. |
| 13 |  | Burzum
Filosofem
*Yeah, yeah, I know we could do without the repetitive, hypnotic nothingness that encompasses half hour of this album. But the first three songs make up for what…er… Half the album lacks in any sensible content. But with “Filosofem” Varg manages to pioneer atmospheric black metal while still incorporating crushing riffs into “Dunkelheit” and “Beholding the Daughters of the Firmament”. Let’s not forget the opening flat tire riff in “Jesus Dod” that we all love. |
| 14 |  | Inquisition
Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar...
Dagon is a cosmic riff magician with enough wicked riffs to fill a Webster’s dictionary and Inquisition is the most monstrous duo in metal. On their newest album, Dagon ditches the frog vocals (no I’m not hating) and adopts a more 90’s Norwegian vocal sound. Seriously, try not to head bang to “Wings of Anu”. The second-best song is “A Black Aeon Shall Cleanse”. Almost a top 10 album. |
| 15 |  | Cryptopsy
None So Vile
*I know Suffocation, Pyrexia, and Devourment all have a stake in the evolution of brutal death metal. But in 1996 Quebec’s finest, Cryptopsy created the granddaddy of technical brutality. The album has had an immense influence on slam/bdm, and even deathcore. Hell, Slam Worldwide doesn’t exist without “None So Vile” haha. Lord Worm is a legend, but Flo Mounier provides one of the best drumming performances ever (along with Mauro Mercurio on “Hour of Penance” album “The Vile Conception”.). If you listen to Anything heavier than Cannibal Corpse, do yourself a favor and take a pilgrimage to this album. |
| 16 |  | Drudkh
Blood In Our Wells
*The discussion regarding the best Drudkh album often comes down to “Blood in our Wells” and “Autumn Aurora”. But the latter is just folky fun. I digress, “Autumn Aurora” is good in its own right but “Blood in our Wells” is a black metal classic that places you in pre-war Ukraine. Every track is utter perfection and I never get tired of “Solitude”. Show this album to people who think metal is just screaming. |
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