13 – Genocide Pact – Genocide Pact
[Relapse Records]
Unfortunately, this album was released towards the end of the year. Otherwise, it would probably be in my Top 10. Nevertheless, Genocide Pact deliver a pretty good Death Metal album. If you like slow and grinding sound, you will get your money’s worth here.
[Review]
12 – Hulder – Godslastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry
[Iron Bonehead Productions]
I didn’t even know Hulder before 2021. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this strong debut album. Black Metal mixed with pagan elements, which sounds anything but boring to me. Refreshing and yet brutal. You definitely feel transported back to the Middle Ages.
[Review]
11 – God’s Hate – God’s Hate
[Closed Casket Activities]
What happens when you put a professional wrestler and the Young brothers into a band? God’s Hate! The new record sounds even harder than Chops by Kenta Kobashi in his best days. Grab a steel chair and smash it over someone’s head.
10 – Darkthrone – Eternal Hails
[Peaceville Records]
Darkthrone don’t give a fuck. Fenriz and Nocturno Culto do what they want to do. No gimmicks, no trends, just music. Go for a walk through the forest and listen to this album. That’s it. That’s all you need to know.
9 – Dead Heat – World At War
[Triple B Records]
We all miss Power Trip. If you are looking for good Crossover Thrash, you should definitely listen to this. D.R.I and Suicidal Tendencies paired with “In your face” mosh parts. Put on your dancing shoes and tear up your room.
8 – Portrayal of Guilt – We Are Always Alone
[Closed Casket Activities]
The perfect soundtrack for the current pandemic. It’s cold and gloomy. As if you were looking directly into an abyss. Very rarely has an album given me such feelings. I honestly don’t know in which genre Portrayal of Guilt can be classified. It doesn’t matter. Hardcore, Black Metal, Sludge or Punk. You will feel misserable while this album is playing. Have fun.
[Review]
7 – Tyler, the Creator – Call Me If You Get Lost
[Columbia Records]
After “Flower Boy” and “Igor”, here comes the next big hit from Tyler, the Creator. Should you listen to this album even if you are only into Metal? Definitely! Should you listen to more Tyler, the Creator in general? Definitely! Is Tyler, the Creator one of the most gifted musicians of the present time? Definitely! Now get off your ass and listen to “Call Me If You Get Lost”!
6 – Mortiferum – Preserved in Torment
[Profound Lore Records]
Mortiferum are the next big thing for me when it comes to Death Metal. “Preserved in Torment” is just their second album and this one definitely takes no prisoners. You will hardly find a more brutal sound, just disgusting. Like being stuck in a swamp and slowly sinking. If you don’t like this album, I’m afraid we can’t be friends.
5 – Turnstile – Glow On
[Roadrunner Records]
Summer, Sun & Turnstile. Probably the perfect album for warmer days. “Glow Up” provides a good mood and lots of positive energy. Here and there Turnstile are crossing the borders of Hardcore, which creates a refreshing and honest sound. With “Glow Up” the guys seem to have arrived in mainstream heaven.
Rightly so.
4 – Spectral Wound – A Diabolic Thirst
[Profound Lore Records]
With “A Diabolic Thirst” the Canadians succeed in releasing an album that could have come straight from the 90s. Mayhem and Darkthrone couldn’t do it better. Total fucking annihilation!
[Review]
3 – Der Weg einer Freiheit – Noktrvn
[Season of Mist]
Chopin and Black Metal? I say yes! Der Weg einer Freiheit just cannot release a bad album. Noktrvn shines with a perfect production, brilliant song writing and a lot of clever ideas. Rarely has an album touched me so emotionally. Especially “Haven” makes you shed a tear or two.
2 – Frontierer – Oxidized
[Self-Released]
My brain is still melting when I listen to “Oxidized”. Chaos and dissonance will hunt you in your dreams. This album is not an easy ride. It’s challenging and might give you headaches. I love it.
1 – Frozen Soul – Crypt of Ice
[Century Media Records]
By far my album of the year. This is exactly how Old School Death Metal should sound. Bolt Thrower paired with a Blizzard probably describe the sound of Frozen Soul best.
If Disney still needs inspiration for the next “Frozen” movie, here you go.
Stay cold!
[Review]
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