04) Primordial, How It Ends (Metal Blade)

Primordial’s How It Ends would be at the third spot, and Ne Obliviscaris would take number four. But the decision was eventually made. How It Ends captured me after the very first listen. Not all albums do that, but this one did. It sucked me in and was my main driving music for a bit. There’s a lot of emotion behind this record and a bleak reality. Let’s face it: with the toxicity of social media, faux friendships, the rise of AI, the political divide, multiple wars happening, and now UAPs mentioned in mainstream news, it makes you think, is this “How It Ends?”

Key Track: “How It Ends,” “Victory Has 1000 Fathers, Defeat Is an Orphan”

03) Ne Obliviscaris, Exul (Season Of Mist)

It’s been a lengthy six years since the Australian progressive metal outfit released 2017’s Urn, a record I considered perfect. Now, we witness the aftermath of a prolonged journey during a pandemic, marked by numerous delays, particularly given Australia’s stringent enforcement measures at the time. It presented one challenge after another to complete this record. Just as things were finally falling into place, drummer Daniel Presland parted ways with the group in 2022. Right at the moment when they could embark on a tour to support the record, harsh vocalist Xenoyr had to step aside from their European and North American trek due to personal reasons.Now, one might question the relevance of these challenges to the music. For me, it holds significant weight. After encountering numerous setbacks and complications both pre and post the record’s completion, what we get doesn’t feel like their strongest album. The question arises: how can you top a perfect record? Perhaps it’s an insurmountable task. However, Urn set a high bar, and my expectations were elevated. Regardless, it remains a robust record, securing the third spot. Yet, I believe they have more to offer. I sincerely hope that whatever is transpiring behind the scenes gets resolved.

Key Tracks: “Equus”

02) Insomnium, Anno 1696 (Century Media) // Songs Of The Dusk EP // “Insomnium Gatherum” bonus: Omnium Gatherum, Slasher EP (Century Media)

I’m excited to share the full ensemble that is Insomnium, with the added bonus of an extension from Insomnium Gatherum. I have yet to come across an album from these Finnish melodic death metal giants that is anything less than exceptional. From one writer to another, Niilo Sevänen has seamlessly merged two worlds into one, transforming his book into the fantastic record, Anno 1696. Musically, it’s nearly flawless from beginning to end. The EP, Songs of the Dusk, is an extension of this record that I felt compelled to place together. I distinctly remember when the song was released; it was a pleasant surprise and would have been a great fit with the original release. As for Omnium Gatherum’s Slasher, I consider it more of an honorable mention. However, I thought it would be fun to include it here, especially as a prelude to their upcoming North American Tour next spring. 

Key Tracks: “White Christ,” “Godforsaken,” “Song of the Dusk,” “Maniac”