Celtefog – Outlands
Returning after 2016’s brilliant full length Sounds of the Olden Days Greek pagan black metal project Celtefog delivers gold once again with another fantastic long player, Outlands. Merging the triumphant pomp of Hellenic black metal with the ethereal, atmospheric stylings of the pagan black metal scene, Celtefog delivers an immersive release that any fan of atmospheric or pagan black metal would not want to miss. Finely crafted atmospherics, raging tremolo riffing, and an uncanny ability to transport the listener to another age and place, Outlands will likely be regarded a genre classic before long.
Cattle Decapitation – Death Atlas
This album is the pinnacle of this band’s evolution thus far. Cattle Decapitation continue to build their sound upon their past two triumphant albums and the result is jaw dropping. There is even more variety in Death Atlas than ever before, as the band jumps from technical outbursts of staggering death grind to atmospheric cascades of black metal influenced passages. Top it all with a breathtaking performance by the multifaceted vocals of Travis Ryan and you get Death Atlas, not just the album of the month but one of the most important albums of 2019 in general.
Blood Incantation – Hidden History Of The Human Race
Blood Incantation’s second album, Hidden History of the Human Race, arrived with a massive amount of hype in death metal circles. So much so, in fact, that I feared it would be a disappointment. Hidden History of the Human Race is far from a disappointment however, and can proudly stand by the band’s debut album, Starspawn, which is already hailed as a modern-day classic of OSDM. Hidden History of the Human Race has everything Blood Incantation did so well on their first album-gut-churning rhythmic pieces, technical flourishes that simultaneously expand and melt the mind, proggy moments that hint at hidden depths revealed by multiple listens, and superb musicianship. There’s even a guest appearance by Antti Bowman, which is fitting considering how big of an influence Demilich is on Blood Incantation. Hidden History of the Human Race cements Blood Incantation’s reputation as one of the best modern OSDM bands and is sure to garner a lot of attention on year-end lists.
Wilderun – Veil Of Imagination
Eclectic, refined and perfected to the smallest details, Veil of Imagination is the near perfect third record from Boston’s progressive metal wizards Wilderun. An all-encompassing journey for both mind and soul, this is some of the best that the prog genre can offer. The band’s unending arsenal of ideas will delight you with intense and intricate riffs and solos, sublime orchestral arrangements and diverse expressive vocal lines, all morphing into the ideal cocktail for the prog snob inside of you (you know he’s in there). The songs come in all shapes and sizes from 10+ minute long epics to short beautiful interludes, keeping a diverse yet cohesive flow to the music, not once becoming stale or straining. To top it all, the mixing work by Dan Swano and flawless mastering by none other than Jens Bogren gives the album that clean crisp sound that all of us progheads deeply crave.
Thunder & Lightning – Demonicorn
There are bands, where one wonders how they managed to get a record deal and then there are others, where one wonders why they do not. In the case of Thunder and Lightning there are only two options. Either labels are absolutely tonedeaf or the band chooses to be independent and hopefully the latter is the case.
Power metal with some forays into thrash metal territory is the game for the quintet and their fifth album “Demonicorn” once again shows the quality of this band. Contrary to their last album, which had a good bit of variety to it, Demonicorn is a tour de force highlighting the heavier side of the band, which thankfully does not harm the impact of the album. That being said, it is not a one-note album, as, for example, “Demmin” proves, slower and darker, or “God For a Day, which is the least heavy song on here. On the flipside “Salt to the Wounds” is one of the thrashiest cuts to date.
Overall the Berliners manage the tightrope walk between the heavy guitars and rhythms on one side and their memorable choruses on the other, where Norman Dittmar’s vocals come in quite handy. While not the most technically accomplished singer, he injects heart and soul and also has a very distinctive voice, which helps the band stand further apart from the rest.
A definitive contender for year-end lists!
Ex Libris – Ann Chapter 3: Anne Frank
Dutch progressive symphonic metal masters Ex Libris finally revealed the last Chapter of the Ann trilogy and along with it, released the full album. Chapter 3 tells the story of Anne Frank and brings together different elements that could be found on the first two Chapters whilst still sounding different and unique. As always, the production is impeccable and the sound is specifically designed to reflect the time and place of the story. This one is definitely the heaviest, most progressive and technical of the three Chapters, containing absolutely blistering guitar and keyboard solos, and a blast beat. But it also has some of the softest and most emotional moments. And of course, Dianne van Giersbergen’s vocal delivery is guaranteed to give you goosebumps and get you all teary-eyed! Ex Libris sounds as epic and dramatic as always but every time in a different form, and this one isn’t only a fabulous piece of music in itself, but a great way to wrap up the entire trilogy! Absolutely genius!
The Dark Element – Songs The Night Sings
Anette Olzon and Jani Liimatainen have returned with the second installment of their melodic metal project, The Dark Element. While the core electronic sound remains, Songs the Night Sings brings a better, beefier, more bombastic mix than its predecessor and features a wider array of symphonic elements. Heavier guitars and a more tied-together tracklist also aid in this boosted richness, as well as builds a better sense of band identity. Complete with dynamic songs, driving riffs, and unforgettable melodies, this one of the best melodic metal albums of the year!
Great Master – Skull & Bones: Tales From Over The Seas
With the release of their fourth full-length, the Italian power metallers of Great Master have achieved what Running Wild wish they did! Skull & Bones: Tales From Over The Seas is a nautical romp through adventurous waters on a ship made from 100% solid melodic power metal. Though it takes a while to get fully ignited, the pay-off is worthwhile and it provides us with some of the best choruses of 2019. “War” is one of the best songs of the year, no doubt, and the likes of “Skeleton Island” and “Long John Silver” ensure fans of the genre are greatly satisfied whilst being true to their piratical theme.
