10) Taake,Et Hav av Avstand (Dark Essence Records)

While we may never see this band live in America again, they still can give us some great new black metal to devour. Their daunting Norwegian-style black metal tunes have always had a forceful impact on those who listen. Ring leader, composer, and vocalist Hoest once again has brought some new evil musical tactics into the spotlight on this most recent album, Et Hav av Avstand. The vocals are pristine, dark, harsh artistry that is uniquely Hoest. Staying classic Taake, through and through, no one can deny this latest album’s true, longingly devilish power.
Key Track: Utarmede Gruver

09) Katatonia, Sky Void Of Stars (Napalm)

Katatonia has a very distinct sound that is like no other, and they have carried this through all of their twelve studio albums despite their sub-genre switch-ups and explorations. For those who are expecting that death metal vibe to carry through to the new album “Sky Void Of Stars,” you will be setting yourself up for disappointment, but there is certainly value in this latest approach. This new album definitely still bleeds out that Katatonia signature sound throughout.
Key Track: Absconder (Bonus Track)

08) Marduk, Momento Mori (Century Media)

Memento Mori is Marduk’s fifteenth studio album, which encapsulates the raw and unrelenting intensity that has become synonymous with Marduk’s sound. The album showcases their signature blend of aggressive guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and chilling vocals, evoking a sense of darkness and despair. This album hits in all the right places and is a strong gateway to the promising future of this Swedish band.
Key Track: Year Of The Maggot

07) Blackbraid, Blackbraid II (Independent)

As a fresh new black metal band that has come out of the wilderness like a deer in headlights, mastermind solo artist Sgah’gahsowáh (Jon Krieger) has brought his Native American culture into his music in the best way. This second edition album Blackbraid II is everything fans of the genre hope it to be, plus the nature themes add so much more peaceful vibes to the heavy as fuck tunes. Black metal is all about filling ourselves up with deep rooted heavy emotions, and vomiting them out onto the world in a take no prisoners kind of way. From an audience standpoint point, it resonates in your gut. The release is powerful and freeing. The end result is calmness. Blackbraid II captures all of this emotional roller coaster ride very intelligently and with fierce execution.
Key Track: Sadness And The Passage Of Time And Memory