10) Gaerea, Mirage (Season Of Mist) 

Gaerea is one of the few bands that impressed me this year, both live and on record. These Portuguese black metallers have evolved towards extraordinary measures. If you haven’t seen them live, please do that and then buy all of their albums. Mirage is another example of their mastery, perhaps their most vital to date. I’m looking forward to seeing how they can surpass this record of disarray greatness.

Key Track: “Memoir”

09) Goatwhore, Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven (Metal Blade)

Seriously, what a year! Even Goatwhore released an album. Incredible, as always, and not surprising to make it to the list. However, the pandemic may have some factors with a possible delayed release. Regardless, it’s filled with the top three flavors: thrash, black, and death, resulting in a refreshing record with no disappointments landing within the top ten, which was expected. This type of predictability isn’t a bad thing, either! 

Key Track: “Weight of a Soulless Heart”

08) Revocation, Netherheaven (Metal Blade)

Who needs coffee when you can blast Revocation’s Netherheaven in the morning? Wow, this album gets you on the first note of “Diabolical Majesty.” It’s one of the most ferocious records of the year, mixed with hooks and guitar solo surprises from David Davidson. Overall, it’s a step up from 2018’s The Outer Ones.

Key Track: “Diabolical Majesty” & “Re-Crucified” 

07) Amorphis, Halo (Atomic Fire)

While it feels like Halo was released in 2021, here we are. One of the first albums I listened to this year, which says it’s been the most on my listening rotation. You will have to listen to it in physical format to understand why. While it’s not my overall favorite Amorphis record, it’s still incredible and a possible step up from 2018’s Queen of Time, but even that one was amazing. It’s difficult to critique amazing versus amazing, but Amorphis makes it possible!

Key Track: “The Moon”

06) Blind Guardian, The God Machine (Nuclear Blast)

2015’s Beyond The Red Mirror received a lot of criticism. However, I enjoyed it from the first listen. Moving forward seven years later with The God Machine, that instant hook wasn’t there. I had to listen to this record quite a few times to finally embrace its mastery. With that being said, I’m glad I did. It’s a terrific album and an overall return to their heavier fantastical roots!

Key Track: “Deliver Us From Evil”

05) Decapitated, Cancer Culture (Nuclear Blast)

These Polish death metal giants were one of the best live performances I saw at this year’s Hellfest. They blew me away, and so did their new album, Cancer Culture. The meaning behind this record also resonates on personal levels, and I must commend them. It’s what music is all about, right? Through hard times, there’s metal to show we’re not alone. And there’s ruthless death metal to show us where the dark truth lies—lyrically and musically- what a powerful record.  

Key Track: “Just A Cigarette”

04) Star One, Revel In Time (InsideOut)

Star One was supposed to make the top 3, which proves how difficult it was to create this list. Why is there an Arjen Lucassen and Tobias Sammet masterpiece released in the same year? Tough call. Super tough. Revel In Time is the third overall offering from Arjen Lucassen’s Star One; much different than Ayreon but holds similar anticipation. Expectations were high, especially having each song inspired by a different movie. Lucassen is a pure genius and another god in music. A mastermind and Revel In Time is another masterpiece. 

Key Track: “Lost Children of the Universe”

03) Battle Beast, Circus Of Doom (Nuclear Blast)

Noora Louhimo, Noora Louhimo, Noora Louhimo! One magnificent vocalist, and you can hear it on Circus of Doom. Hands down, my all-time favorite Battle Beast record. THEY DID IT! They mastered their sound, bringing one flawless heavy sound. A complete 180 from 2019’s No More Hollywood Endings, one that took countless listens to like it a lot but not love it unconditionally like Circus of Doom.  

Key Track: “Circus of Doom”

02) Avantasia, A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower (Nuclear Blast)

While this isn’t my favorite Avantasia album, it’s a strong record and has become one of my favorite albums of the year. Filled with power, emotion, nostalgia, and something new, Avantasia’s A Paranormal Evening With The Moonflower, is catchy from the get-go. A joyous listen from beginning to end. Tobias Sammet never disappoints. On a personal note, he stands side by side on that ever-so-special Arjen Lucassen level. 

Key Track: “Kill The Pain Away”