I've been writing up a "Best of" list annually for almost 30 years now. I used to write a paragraph on each selection, post the list to the old forum, and be guaranteed plenty of discussion for a several weeks as folks explored it. The feedback made it so worth it. However, times have changed and it's time for me to change with it. Social media has created a world of ADHD musical junkies looking for the next squirrel. I'm lucky to see 10 replies now compared to 100+ ten years ago. So the honest truth is it's just not worth the effort to write a novel any longer. It sucks, but it is what it is. Instead of the "detailed why," you will now just get a short comment that may tempt you to click on it. Hopefully, you will find something that actually sparks the magic and you will leave a comment. Finally, keep in mind this is not meant to be a critical analysis and comparison of musical merits. It's simply what I enjoyed the most this year and I give no shits what anyone else thinks.
Also, there were far more than 50 good albums released. So if you don't see your favorite album, don't bitch. It was ranked #51. Without further ado…
50. Grand Magus- Sunraven: Awesome return from the Biker Metal trio. Manly as fuck.
49. Slift- Ilion: I read a review that called it "Cosmic Gumbo." Perfect description. Spacey, psychedelic twists with plenty of modern and weird prog licks wrapped in a thick atmosphere. Not for the vanilla type.
48. Leatherhead- Leatherhead: Overkillian speed metal with a vocalist who raises eyebrows with his Midnightesque mid-range tone and delivery. Don’t over think it, just let it rip.
47. Flotsam & Jetsam- I Am the Weapon: Their recent resurgence continues with another killer set of powerized, thrashy goodness.
46. Witherfall- Sounds of the Forgotten: I swear they have had the worst luck in recent memory with tours or they would have a much bigger impact on the scene. Dark and pissed off riffage with plenty of proggy elements.
45. Daath- The Deceivers: Progressive death metal that focuses more on groove than wanking. If they would vary the tempo a bit more instead of stomping on my neck the entire time, it would rank even higher. Phenomenal riff found here:
44. Joey Frevola- Art Supplies and Pain: Crazy-ass avant-garde prog that is unpredictable from song to song. Mr. Bungle, Diablo Swing Orchestra, Zappa, Toehider, etc should paint you a fucked picture. I thought it was going to be instrumental, but there are plenty of clean vocals that add to the chaos.
43. Albion- Lakesongs of Elbid: Hard to classify this as true folky prog rock even though it leans hard into the Tull elements at time. They throw in just enough heavy guitar moments to raise a metalhead's eyebrows.
42. Kati Rán- SÁLA: Lush, dreamy, and atmospheric neofolk that will put you in a trance.
41. Anciients- Beyond the Reach of the Sun: I'm not sure if progressive sludge metal is accurate, but it captures the feeling it gives me. It's like Mastodon and Opeth had an illegitimate bastard.
40. Turbulence- Binary Dream: They straddle that line between traditional prog metal and the more modern, emotive Leprous/Pain of Salvation style. They don’t re-invent the wheel, but they polish it up for a drive.
39. Crypt Sermon- The Stygian Rose: Punch you in the face doomy classic metal with a vocalist that sounds eerily like the Mountain King at times. Morgana Lefay fans get your ass in here.
38. Zombi- Direct Inject: The prog/synth instrumental duo craft a cosmic soundtrack that follows the Goblin playbook, but adds in tons of atmospheric rock. They had me with the sexy sax.
37. Swallow the Sun- Shining: This one caused a bit of whiplash. Evidently, the band visited a therapist after all these years and came back in a lighter and better mood. Katatonia country.
36. Delta- Gemini: Djenty Haken-lite meets Scardust, complete with similar vocal melodies. Some sweet keyboard shredding on this one.
35. Wolfheart- Draconian Darkness: Melodic death metal with a folk heart. There are a touch more strings on this one than in the past which actually adds a serene contrast to what you expect out of this style.
34. Ethereal- Downfall: Melancholic and melodic stuff with some doom & gloom tacked on. Think along the lines of Green Carnation, Amorphis, and definitely early Evergrey.
33. Charlotte Wessels- Chasing Sunsets: I honestly didn't think Charlotte still had this style in her after the Delain divorce and subsequent Liz Phair indy rock foray. Welcome back!
32. Sangre De Muerdago and Judasz & Nahimana- A Ilusão da Quietude: A collection of live collaborations over the past few years of mind-blowing neofolk with an emphasis on the folk by far. It's "Game of Thrones" level of intense with numerous traditional instruments. There are some added keys for atmosphere and effect that work wonderfully. A MUST for folk fans.
31. Judas Priest- Invincible Shield: If I have to explain, you are reading the wrong list.
30. Ihsahn- Ihsahn: The emperor comes out a bit more moody this time around, but still fierce as fuck. This one slides along side "The Adversary" in his catalog.
29. Kissin' Dynamite- Back with a Bang!: The best & most consistent arena rock band on the planet currently. It's the good Bon Jovi stuff.
28. Sgàile - Transverse the Bealach: Progressive & haunting post metal from a multi-instrumentalist out of Scotland (aka one man band). The thick atmosphere and bits of Celtic add to an already impressive outing.
27. Louise Patricia Crane- Netherworld: At last, we have found a true worthy successor to Kate Bush. You simply cannot pin her eclectic style down as she floats from medieval to blues to anything else she desires and never looks back.
26. Leprous- Melodies of Atonement: Bit of a headscratcher at times. There are more pop-like melodies throughout in comparison to previous releases, but also moments of the earlier aggression as well. Einar's range and delivery still transcends.
25. Aquilus- Bellum II: Symphonic black metal mixed with classical music. There are genuine passages of orchestral music, not orchestrated music from the computer. Ballet for demons.
24. Whom Gods Destroy- Insanium: This one seemed to blow in and out just as quickly and I don’t know why. Dino, Derek, Bumblefoot, and a world class rhythm section. Great vocals and a shit ton of wanking. That's the prog metal way.
23. Innerwish - Ash of Eternal Flame: Finally! Heavy as hell Euro power with balls is back out in the sunlight. I've missed you dearly as I just don’t dance with unicorns around the campfire or fluff fairies in my old age.
22. Devin Townsend- Powernerd: I'm still digesting this one as the title track put me in the Ziltoid mindset and then Devin turns around and goes reflective, grateful, and positive as well. Beautiful track here:
21. Vola- Friend of a Phantom: Their win streak continues as they push to bring in a more mainstream metal crowd. No rules melodic, modern prog.
20. Opeth- The Last Will and Testament: "And lo, the heavens parted and the growls returned. Thus, the crowd rejoiced. Yet, others still bitched as this is the way." - Kvlt 3:16
19. Myrath- Karma: They may have lightened up on the prog metal, but the middle Eastern melodic rock still works for me.
18. Jupiter Fungus- Garden Electric: Recent release that is setting the old dude prog rock world on fire with good reason. Flutes, keys, long songs, Camel & Tull influence, etc. I haven't seen Ken Golden this excited since he qualified for Medicare.
17. Sunburst- Manifesto: Yes, the Conception comparisons are inevitable. However, the band is definitely pushing more of their own sound onto the table.
16. Caligula's Horse- Charcoal: While the surface may reflect shiny melodic prog, there is a really deep conscious on this record if you dig a bit deeper below the hook and chorus.
15. Weather Systems- Ocean Without A Shore: Even B grade Anathema is a cut above most. There is some vintage heartbreak magic on here that would have been elevated even further with the sorely missed Vincent and Lee.
14. In Vain- Solemn: Melodic death metal with interwoven clean vocals and hooks galore. However, they do not abandon the ferocity nor technicality that is their hallmark. In fact, they expanded on it into new proggy territory.
13. Azure- Fym: The most awesomely dorky album released this year. Think 2112 level of serious absurdity meets Twilight Force camp with this concept album. It's a prog romp with melodies and pomp.
12. Orden Ogan- The Order of Fear: This type of multi-layered hook and big ass epic chorus power is a fading memory kept alive by them and Blind Guardian. Seeb & company deserve every bit of the buzz they have created.
11. Striker- Ultrapower: The most fun album this year for me. Slick as a baby's greased ass nod to the classic era of 80's rock/metal. Props for the "Miami Vice" vibes.
10. Triton Project- Messenger's Quest: The most true 90's style melodic prog metal release this year. Plus, it has a 20+ minute epic that automatically makes it top 10.
9. Vanden Plas- The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things: A new album from the boys is like comfort food on a cold and rainy day. You know exactly what you are getting, it fills you up with content, leaving a satisfied smile on your face. Love the soaring choruses.
8. Borknagar- Fall: A dark, slow burn that builds in intensity as it goes. It's brooding prog metal without being slow or doomy. They truly capture that Nordic winter atmosphere on this one.
7. Blood Incantation- Absolute Elsewhere: Even though I generally ignore bands with unreadable logos, the hype was too loud. Scorching & spacey death metal with interludes of delicate prog rock. I don't buy into the evil Pink Floyd moments comparison, but you still get the idea of where this one goes. All hail another 20 minute epic track too.
6. Iotunn- Kinship: More spacey prog, but this time, it is more of a combo of Amorphis, Opeth, Insomnium, and Barren Earth (inevitable sound with the same vocalist). Those requiring lots of clean vocals can climb on board.
5. Nestor- Teenage Rebel: The 80's called and I fucking answered! This is not some tongue and cheek homage to the era, but seriously old-fuck authentic music that was somehow transported to the current era. I love the Journey vibes ("Last to Know") along with the soundtrack style. AOR album of the year thanks to one of the best vocal performances of the year as well.
4. Cemetery Skyline- In Darkness: The return of 90's gothic metal kicked down the door this year. Seriously, that intro riff alone for the title track was worth the price of admission and forced me to bring them to Atlanta next year.
3. Evergrey- Theories of Emptiness: It's tough to remain unbiased when your favorite band and good friend releases a new album. But fuck what folks think. It's that good.
2. DGM- Endless: Who had DGM incorporating Kansas influences into their signature style on their bingo card this year? Me neither. *This* is how you change things up without fucking things up. This is their 12th release and their best yet. How often can you say that about a long-running band?
Note: If you are a pure metalhead, stop reading. The list is over. For everyone else….
1. John Anderson & the Band Geeks-True: Nostalgia, I bow to you as an old Yes fanboy this year. This is the best Yes music I have heard in 25 years easily. For those unaware, The Band Geeks were a Yes tribute band that Jon connected with for a tour and the rest is magic. They truly bring back the aura and vibe of the originators, right down to Squire and Wakeman tones. Jon's vocals at the age of 80 are still worthy of his legacy, despite a tad loss in power. This isn't just the prog rock album of the year, but the album of the year.
Incredible song proving exactly what I just typed:
Also, there were far more than 50 good albums released. So if you don't see your favorite album, don't bitch. It was ranked #51. Without further ado…
50. Grand Magus- Sunraven: Awesome return from the Biker Metal trio. Manly as fuck.
49. Slift- Ilion: I read a review that called it "Cosmic Gumbo." Perfect description. Spacey, psychedelic twists with plenty of modern and weird prog licks wrapped in a thick atmosphere. Not for the vanilla type.
48. Leatherhead- Leatherhead: Overkillian speed metal with a vocalist who raises eyebrows with his Midnightesque mid-range tone and delivery. Don’t over think it, just let it rip.
47. Flotsam & Jetsam- I Am the Weapon: Their recent resurgence continues with another killer set of powerized, thrashy goodness.
46. Witherfall- Sounds of the Forgotten: I swear they have had the worst luck in recent memory with tours or they would have a much bigger impact on the scene. Dark and pissed off riffage with plenty of proggy elements.
45. Daath- The Deceivers: Progressive death metal that focuses more on groove than wanking. If they would vary the tempo a bit more instead of stomping on my neck the entire time, it would rank even higher. Phenomenal riff found here:
44. Joey Frevola- Art Supplies and Pain: Crazy-ass avant-garde prog that is unpredictable from song to song. Mr. Bungle, Diablo Swing Orchestra, Zappa, Toehider, etc should paint you a fucked picture. I thought it was going to be instrumental, but there are plenty of clean vocals that add to the chaos.
43. Albion- Lakesongs of Elbid: Hard to classify this as true folky prog rock even though it leans hard into the Tull elements at time. They throw in just enough heavy guitar moments to raise a metalhead's eyebrows.
42. Kati Rán- SÁLA: Lush, dreamy, and atmospheric neofolk that will put you in a trance.
41. Anciients- Beyond the Reach of the Sun: I'm not sure if progressive sludge metal is accurate, but it captures the feeling it gives me. It's like Mastodon and Opeth had an illegitimate bastard.
40. Turbulence- Binary Dream: They straddle that line between traditional prog metal and the more modern, emotive Leprous/Pain of Salvation style. They don’t re-invent the wheel, but they polish it up for a drive.
39. Crypt Sermon- The Stygian Rose: Punch you in the face doomy classic metal with a vocalist that sounds eerily like the Mountain King at times. Morgana Lefay fans get your ass in here.
38. Zombi- Direct Inject: The prog/synth instrumental duo craft a cosmic soundtrack that follows the Goblin playbook, but adds in tons of atmospheric rock. They had me with the sexy sax.
37. Swallow the Sun- Shining: This one caused a bit of whiplash. Evidently, the band visited a therapist after all these years and came back in a lighter and better mood. Katatonia country.
36. Delta- Gemini: Djenty Haken-lite meets Scardust, complete with similar vocal melodies. Some sweet keyboard shredding on this one.
35. Wolfheart- Draconian Darkness: Melodic death metal with a folk heart. There are a touch more strings on this one than in the past which actually adds a serene contrast to what you expect out of this style.
34. Ethereal- Downfall: Melancholic and melodic stuff with some doom & gloom tacked on. Think along the lines of Green Carnation, Amorphis, and definitely early Evergrey.
33. Charlotte Wessels- Chasing Sunsets: I honestly didn't think Charlotte still had this style in her after the Delain divorce and subsequent Liz Phair indy rock foray. Welcome back!
32. Sangre De Muerdago and Judasz & Nahimana- A Ilusão da Quietude: A collection of live collaborations over the past few years of mind-blowing neofolk with an emphasis on the folk by far. It's "Game of Thrones" level of intense with numerous traditional instruments. There are some added keys for atmosphere and effect that work wonderfully. A MUST for folk fans.
31. Judas Priest- Invincible Shield: If I have to explain, you are reading the wrong list.
30. Ihsahn- Ihsahn: The emperor comes out a bit more moody this time around, but still fierce as fuck. This one slides along side "The Adversary" in his catalog.
29. Kissin' Dynamite- Back with a Bang!: The best & most consistent arena rock band on the planet currently. It's the good Bon Jovi stuff.
28. Sgàile - Transverse the Bealach: Progressive & haunting post metal from a multi-instrumentalist out of Scotland (aka one man band). The thick atmosphere and bits of Celtic add to an already impressive outing.
27. Louise Patricia Crane- Netherworld: At last, we have found a true worthy successor to Kate Bush. You simply cannot pin her eclectic style down as she floats from medieval to blues to anything else she desires and never looks back.
26. Leprous- Melodies of Atonement: Bit of a headscratcher at times. There are more pop-like melodies throughout in comparison to previous releases, but also moments of the earlier aggression as well. Einar's range and delivery still transcends.
25. Aquilus- Bellum II: Symphonic black metal mixed with classical music. There are genuine passages of orchestral music, not orchestrated music from the computer. Ballet for demons.
24. Whom Gods Destroy- Insanium: This one seemed to blow in and out just as quickly and I don’t know why. Dino, Derek, Bumblefoot, and a world class rhythm section. Great vocals and a shit ton of wanking. That's the prog metal way.
23. Innerwish - Ash of Eternal Flame: Finally! Heavy as hell Euro power with balls is back out in the sunlight. I've missed you dearly as I just don’t dance with unicorns around the campfire or fluff fairies in my old age.
22. Devin Townsend- Powernerd: I'm still digesting this one as the title track put me in the Ziltoid mindset and then Devin turns around and goes reflective, grateful, and positive as well. Beautiful track here:
21. Vola- Friend of a Phantom: Their win streak continues as they push to bring in a more mainstream metal crowd. No rules melodic, modern prog.
20. Opeth- The Last Will and Testament: "And lo, the heavens parted and the growls returned. Thus, the crowd rejoiced. Yet, others still bitched as this is the way." - Kvlt 3:16
19. Myrath- Karma: They may have lightened up on the prog metal, but the middle Eastern melodic rock still works for me.
18. Jupiter Fungus- Garden Electric: Recent release that is setting the old dude prog rock world on fire with good reason. Flutes, keys, long songs, Camel & Tull influence, etc. I haven't seen Ken Golden this excited since he qualified for Medicare.
17. Sunburst- Manifesto: Yes, the Conception comparisons are inevitable. However, the band is definitely pushing more of their own sound onto the table.
16. Caligula's Horse- Charcoal: While the surface may reflect shiny melodic prog, there is a really deep conscious on this record if you dig a bit deeper below the hook and chorus.
15. Weather Systems- Ocean Without A Shore: Even B grade Anathema is a cut above most. There is some vintage heartbreak magic on here that would have been elevated even further with the sorely missed Vincent and Lee.
14. In Vain- Solemn: Melodic death metal with interwoven clean vocals and hooks galore. However, they do not abandon the ferocity nor technicality that is their hallmark. In fact, they expanded on it into new proggy territory.
13. Azure- Fym: The most awesomely dorky album released this year. Think 2112 level of serious absurdity meets Twilight Force camp with this concept album. It's a prog romp with melodies and pomp.
12. Orden Ogan- The Order of Fear: This type of multi-layered hook and big ass epic chorus power is a fading memory kept alive by them and Blind Guardian. Seeb & company deserve every bit of the buzz they have created.
11. Striker- Ultrapower: The most fun album this year for me. Slick as a baby's greased ass nod to the classic era of 80's rock/metal. Props for the "Miami Vice" vibes.
10. Triton Project- Messenger's Quest: The most true 90's style melodic prog metal release this year. Plus, it has a 20+ minute epic that automatically makes it top 10.
9. Vanden Plas- The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things: A new album from the boys is like comfort food on a cold and rainy day. You know exactly what you are getting, it fills you up with content, leaving a satisfied smile on your face. Love the soaring choruses.
8. Borknagar- Fall: A dark, slow burn that builds in intensity as it goes. It's brooding prog metal without being slow or doomy. They truly capture that Nordic winter atmosphere on this one.
7. Blood Incantation- Absolute Elsewhere: Even though I generally ignore bands with unreadable logos, the hype was too loud. Scorching & spacey death metal with interludes of delicate prog rock. I don't buy into the evil Pink Floyd moments comparison, but you still get the idea of where this one goes. All hail another 20 minute epic track too.
6. Iotunn- Kinship: More spacey prog, but this time, it is more of a combo of Amorphis, Opeth, Insomnium, and Barren Earth (inevitable sound with the same vocalist). Those requiring lots of clean vocals can climb on board.
5. Nestor- Teenage Rebel: The 80's called and I fucking answered! This is not some tongue and cheek homage to the era, but seriously old-fuck authentic music that was somehow transported to the current era. I love the Journey vibes ("Last to Know") along with the soundtrack style. AOR album of the year thanks to one of the best vocal performances of the year as well.
4. Cemetery Skyline- In Darkness: The return of 90's gothic metal kicked down the door this year. Seriously, that intro riff alone for the title track was worth the price of admission and forced me to bring them to Atlanta next year.
3. Evergrey- Theories of Emptiness: It's tough to remain unbiased when your favorite band and good friend releases a new album. But fuck what folks think. It's that good.
2. DGM- Endless: Who had DGM incorporating Kansas influences into their signature style on their bingo card this year? Me neither. *This* is how you change things up without fucking things up. This is their 12th release and their best yet. How often can you say that about a long-running band?
Note: If you are a pure metalhead, stop reading. The list is over. For everyone else….
1. John Anderson & the Band Geeks-True: Nostalgia, I bow to you as an old Yes fanboy this year. This is the best Yes music I have heard in 25 years easily. For those unaware, The Band Geeks were a Yes tribute band that Jon connected with for a tour and the rest is magic. They truly bring back the aura and vibe of the originators, right down to Squire and Wakeman tones. Jon's vocals at the age of 80 are still worthy of his legacy, despite a tad loss in power. This isn't just the prog rock album of the year, but the album of the year.
Incredible song proving exactly what I just typed:
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