7. Behemoth – The Satanist
When I listen to “Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer,” I can’t help but proclaim aloud “Jesus Fucking Christ,” even though that’s likely the last name Nergal wants uttered in his presence. After ten studio albums, Behemoth might have crafted their most epic, satanic sounding album to date. Even the album’s title track and “O Father O Satan O Sun,” arguably some of Behemoth’s more melodic offerings, are evil as fuck. The Satanist is the type of album that hits the spot when you’re in the mood for eerie and extreme black metal, and proves that even after undergoing bone marrow transplant (and a stint as a reality TV coach), Nergal is one of the evilest fuckers in metal today.
Key Track: “Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer”
6. Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown
God damn, Keith Buckley is one hell of a frontman. His vocal range alone makes him a superior singer in the metalcore scene, from his high volume growls to his Dave Grohl-esque croon. And unsurprisingly, Buckley’s voice is perfectly displayed on Every Time I Die’s seventh full-length. But don’t let the vocals distract you from the ferocious guitar riffs and frantic drumming heard throughout From Parts Unknown. If songs like “Decayin’ With The Boys” or “El Dorado” don’t kick you into full throttle, then check your pulse, cause you might be dead.
Key Track: “Decayin’ With The Boys”
5. Biblical – Monsoon Season
If Queens Of The Stone Age took the same acid that Black Sabbath feasted on during its heyday, then you’d get Biblical. Bold statement? Then listen to Monsoon Season and tell me I’m wrong. Hailing from Toronto, Biblical’s debut full-length is a delicate balance of in your face heaviness and psychedelic groove. The album kicks off with the pounding “Second Sight,” but suddenly takes you on the hallucinogenic trip from hell with songs like “Traitors” and “The Quiet Crooks.” Some albums rely on extreme shredding and brutality, but Monsoon Season finds heaviness in gloomy, slow-burning riffs that you don’t have to be a stoner (or even a metal head) to appreciate.
Key Track: “Traitors”
