#10 Necrot - Lifeless Birth
New school death metal masters Necrot did not disappoint once again, making our AOTY lists every year they’ve released a record! Favorite track: Cut the Cord
#9 Wormwitch - Wormwitch
With blades meticulously honed and tempered under the light of a feral Canadian moon, Wormwitch emerges once more to offer their fourth full length record. Simply self-titled, ‘Wormwitch’ is a statement of a band coming into its own - a celebration of devilish speed, searing melody and diabolical intensity. Favorite track: Fugitive Serpent
#8 Oxygen Destroyer - Guardian Of The Universe
A perfect blend of old-school death metal and kaiju-inspired mayhem, packed with powerful riffs & relentless drumming, ‘Guardian Of The Universe’ has it all! Favorite track: Eradicating The Symbiotic Hive Mind Entity From Beyond The Void
#7 Worm Shepherd - Hunger
Worm Shepherd’s third LP ‘Hunger’ is by all standards their most flawless and conceptual album yet. Top-notch blacked deathcore! Favorite track: Hunger
#6 Opeth - The Last Will and Testament
Opeth’s new concept album ‘The Last Will and Testament’ delves into a haunting post-World War I narrative. Critics have lauded the album for its intricate compositions and dynamic arrangements. For us it was our favorite GImme Metal Vinyl Club pick of the year! Favorite track: #3
#5 Judas Priest - Invincible Shield
Judas Priest's ‘Invincible Shield’ with the perfect blend of classic heavy metal sound & modern production is a testament to the band's enduring legacy in the genre. Classic Priest unstoppable energy - what more can we wish for. Favorite track: Panic Attack
#4 Suicidal Angels - Profane Prayer
Suicidal Angels have been around for over 20 years, releasing 8 records and going through a multitude of line-up changes, with vocalist Nick Melissourgos being the only constant member. Maybe that’s what keeps them sounding so fresh with every new record including their latest offering ‘Profane Prayer’. You could even argue that this offering is their best sounding, best produced and best written record yet. Favorite track: The Return of the Reaper
#3 Blood Incantation - Absolute Elsewhere
‘Absolute Elsewhere’ has been widely praised for its innovative blend of death & prog metal. The album has two longer songs, each over 20 minutes long, with intense metal riffs blending perfectly with the surrounding psychedelic elements. It perfectly showcases Blood Incantation's commitment to pushing the limits of metal. ‘Absolute Elsewhere’ has been critically acclaimed as a breakthrough achievement in the genre & takes the second place in our list. We still can't get enough! Favorite track: The Stargate
#2 Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project
A mesmerizing blend of storytelling and sonic ingenuity, Bruce Dickinson's ‘The Mandrake Project’ has reinvented the concept album. With extensive musical arrangements, the foundations of dynamic heavy metal and Dickinson's powerful vocals, the album is intense and emotional. Favorite track: Rain on the Graves
#1 Gatecreeper - Dark Superstition
Gatecreeper's ‘Dark Superstition’ solidified their status as modern death metal titans and the top spot in our AOTY list. The album is a brutal exploration of brutality and atmosphere. Relentless mix of riffs. Bone-shaking groove and an intensely haunting melody Its raw emotion and precision strike the perfect balance between old-school death metal nostalgia and innovative songwriting. Favorite track: Masterpiece of Chaos
Honorable mentions:
Kontact - Full Contact
Pallbearer - Mind Burns Alive
Body Count - Merciless
The Black Dahlia Murder - Servitude
High on Fire - Cometh the Storm
