05) Mastodon, Hushed and Grim (Reprise)
We are down to the top five albums of 2021 and landing at #5 is Mastodon’s Hushed and Grim. This transcendent album swarms with emotion and will swallow you whole with stowed sentiment. Mastodon are masters of creating a wall of sound that can take you out of your own reality and submerge you in their narrative. As per usual, Mastodon took the next step as a band and encompassed their ever evolving sound. To see how far they’ve come from Remission is a sight to behold.
Key Track: “Skeleton of Splendor”
04) Light The Torch, You Will Be the Death of Me (Nuclear Blast)
You Will Be the Death of Me is the sophomore record under the Light The Torch moniker and is arguably their best record to date, including their previous Devil You Know material with The Beauty of Destruction and They Bleed Red. This album takes a turn from its predecessor as it grasps dark themes, both lyrically and musically. Frontman Howard Jones’ overall performance is perfect, and whether he’s screaming or singing, it evokes emotion. This album reaffirms why he is one of the best vocalists in the metal community today. Read my full review here!
Key Track: “Wilting In The Light”
03) Unto Others, Strength (Roadrunner)
Strength might be the best surprise of 2021. I had no prior knowledge of the band or of their sound but upon my first listen, I was hooked. The 80’s throwback infused with the thrash of Metallica, the attitude of the Misfits, and groove of Type O Negative worked simultaneously to keep me enthralled. Every track is catchy but different by incorporating a modern twist. The production is top notch but not overly produced as we tend to see with most modern metal bands. The drums sound flashy and full, creating that arena rock sound that resonates stadiums. If not for their forced name change (Idle Hands) and the pandemic, Unto Others would have been one of the most talked about bands this year. Read our Strength Headbangers Brawl here!
Key Track: “Heroin”
02) DVNE – Etemen Ænka (Metal Blade)
Shout out to Metal Blade Records for signing one of the most talented bands, DVNE. Etemen Ænka is probably one of the best progressive albums I’ve heard in a long time. The mastermind and frontman Victor Vicart takes you on an hour journey to riff city and stops along the way at Progressive Mountain, Melody Boulevard, and Sludge Alley. Jokes aside, the myriad of memorable and infectious riffs are outstanding and refreshing. The layering of the album is something to be discussed as it perfectly projects what is needed for the song rather than muddying the waters. The blend of synths, keys, guitars and vocals are all integrated so well it never takes you out of the moment during this cosmic science fiction outing. I now sit here eagerly waiting for the follow up to Etemen Ænka.
Key Track: “Court of the Matriarch”
