1) AT THE GATES – “TO DRINK FROM THE NIGHT ITSELF”
In my humble opinion the best album I’ve heard of 2018 so far, and a step even above their last album. The Swedish metal God’s have returned with an absolutely bludgeoning album. Not to be missed or dismissed this year for those of extreme metal!
2) WILL HAVEN – “MUERTE”
These noise metal veterans from Sacramento, CA have completely impressed in this new album and really shown some versatility and an ability to continue doing what they do best, while also modernizing their sound a bit and absolutely slaughtering your ears.
3) Audrey Horne – “Blackout”
Sweden = Metal, right? Wrong. And right. I’m not entirely sure, but this band is entirely too tight and entirely too entertaining to ignore. If you dig metal and killer 80’s hard rock, this band is for you, and don’t miss out on them! One of my favorite albums of 2018 because I can jam it over and over again and enjoy it every time!
4) Orphaned Land – “Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs”
Being a big power metal fan and black thrash fan, I couldn’t get enough of this one. It has just about everything both genre’s love. The only reason it’s falling lower on the list is because I feel the album lacks the ability to be able consistently keep my attention, but still a phenominal metal album.
5) The Sword – “Used Future”
The band that never ceases to brutally kill album after album, but I think they’ve finally got to the point where they’ve perfected what they do, and this album is non stop doom!