7) Inter Arma, Paradise Gallows (Relapse Records)
There were way too many to decide in the extreme, black, experimental, post categories. For a long time, I debated and kept changing this to either the return of In The Woods with Pure (Debemur Morti Productions) or Anaal Nathrakh’s The Whole of the Law (Metal Blade). However, it was the atmospheric journey that Inter Arma’s Paradise Gallows gave me along with the doom and blackened undertones. You get lost in the abyss with the extreme and experimental excellence that required more than one listen to fully grasp its greatness.
Album Highlights: “Transfiguration,” “Primordial Wound,” “The Paradise Gallows”
6) Be’lakor, Vessels (Napalm)
There was no debate; I knew from the first listen that Be’lakor’s Vessels would make my top picks. Vessels drew me in from the first song “Luma,” and I listened to this album probably the most this year. Each track continued to amaze me with its ever-changing melodies and extended instrumental breakdowns.
Album Highlights: “An Ember’s Arc,” “Roots to Sever,” “Whelm”
5) Epica – The Holographic Principle (Nuclear Blast)
Here is where the list gets rather personal, and I will start with my obsessively devoted love for Epica. The Holographic Principle is considered as the bigger sister of 2014’s The Quantum Enigma with the continuation of bold orchestral arrangements. Mark Jansen, one of the leading writers for The Holographic Principle has made this a science fiction journey as he brought movies such as the Terminator back to life with symphonic metal excellence.
Album Highlights: “Universal Death Squad,” “Beyond the Matrix,” “Ascension – Dream State Armageddon”
4) Insomnium, Winter’s Gate (Century Media)
There is no question that this album holds bitter genius for over forty minutes within one song. It brought you a truculent winter and hopelessness as you get lost in the merciless journey that was based on Niilo Sevänen’s short story, “Winter’s Gate.” I love long tracks, especially when done right similar to Gorguts’ Pleiades Dust. Insomnium continues to literally “WOW” me as I have never been disappointed in them, ever.
Album Highlights: “Winter’s Gate”
