Crazy that this year has come to an end and what a year for metal it was. There were as you’ll see so many great releases that narrowing down to 12 was difficult, especially the last spot which had 4 to 5 albums that I very much wanted on the list but in the end only 1 got that coveted spot.
What made this year interesting as well was that the artists that recorded my top albums from the past two years, Thy Catafalque and Blackbraid released albums this year. Makes for an interesting battle over the top spot. Get in the right mindset with Tribunal’s masterful doom banger, Without Answer
https://youtu.be/Ltg9_5Eiyak?si=rHpfXh3CRw1Hxlqs
The moment we’ve been waiting for, without further adieu, let’s get started
12 Veil of Death, Rapture
Asagraum
Veil of Death, Rapture is a blistering onslaught of black metal fury. With relentless blast beats, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and venomous vocals, the album delivers a relentless and unrelenting sonic assault. Do check out Ignem Purificat Lilitu for a taste of what these women can do.
11 The Abyssal Plain
Dryad
This album blends black metal's chilling atmospheres with dungeon synth’s introspection all at a punk rock speed, creating an immersive sonic experience that transports you to the depths of the abyss.
10 Black Medium Current
Dodheimsgard
A sonic maelstrom that pushes the boundaries of extreme metal. With a fusion of black metal, avant-garde elements, and a dose of psychedelia, it's a mind-bending and exhilarating musical voyage that only Dodheimsgard could take you on.
9 Crepuscule Natura
Uada
Melodic black metalers, Uada, are at it again. This album doesn’t reach the highs of their previous output and their sound is becoming a bit stale, as in you know what you’re going to get when you spin an Uada record.
However, there’s plenty to like on this record.
8 The Tread of Darkness
Ciemra
New artist from Belarus, Ciemra made their mark on the black metal scene this year with this album. It’s brooding, powerful and full of riffs and screeched vocals.
An excellent debut album with plenty of great spots during it’s runtime.
7 Blackbraid II
Blackbraid
Longer runtime, better production and more hype, Blackbraid II didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Don’t get me wrong it’s solid but didn’t have that punch that the first album had.
I’m looking forward to Blackbraid coming back with their next album to see if they can truly capitalize on their potential.