Awards 2017

3 reviewers shared their picks for 2017.

← 2016 2018 →

Alex

Top Albums

1.
9834
1.
9834
2.
9777
2.
9777
3.
Batushka - Liturgy
3.
Batushka - Liturgy
4.
9813
4.
9813
5.
9688
5.
9688
6.
9801
6.
9801
7.
9773
7.
9773
8.
9707
8.
9707
9.
9741
9.
9741
10.
9817
10.
9817
11.
9732
11.
9732
12.
9769
12.
9769
13.
9783
13.
9783
14.
9808
14.
9808
15.
9705
15.
9705

Surprises of the Year

1.
9730
1.
9730
2.
9784
2.
9784
3.
9642
3.
9642
4.
9719
4.
9719
5.
5.
9828

Disappointments

1.
9770
1.
9770
2.
9732
2.
9732
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.

Joke of the Year

1.
9790
1.
9790
2.
9723
2.
9723
3.
9641
3.
9641
4.
4.
5.
5.

Words / Final Thoughts

Goat

Top Albums

1.
1.
1.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to play it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
1.
9651 — This fascinated and obsessed me too much not to place it this highly. Metal that is at once creepy, sinister, gothic and compelling, this gets under your skin like an infection and stays there.
2.
2.
2.
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
2.
9732 — Experimental black metal at its atmospheric best, and nearly number one...
3.
3.
3.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
3.
9660 — The actual best death metal album of the year. Eternally underrated, Immolation are gods of the genre.
4.
4.
4.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
4.
9823 — The second-best death metal album of the year, the veterans showing they still have what it takes.
5.
5.
5.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
5.
9772 — Good enough to rate this highly, Schaffer and co proved they still had it after a previous disappointing outing. Clear the way, indeed.
6.
6.
6.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
6.
9791 — Goth metal heroes prove their worth, yet again. This band are in what is possibly the greatest run of their career.
7.
7.
7.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
7.
9802 — I kept coming back to this, a tremendously fun listen.
8.
8.
8.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
8.
9649 — Prog heroes return with a terrific concept album.
9.
9.
9.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
9.
9736 — The Italian space program continues to bear fascinating results.
10.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
10.
9700 — Not the best from this project, but a delightful reminder of how good it can be.
11.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
11.
9672 — Four great black metal bands, pushing the boundaries and delighting the listener. What more could you ask.
12.
12.
9811 — A great comeback from a band I feared were lost.
12.
9811 — A great comeback from a band I feared were lost.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
12.
9835 — Britain's finest Satanic gentlemen are back, albeit changed in image. Thankfully their music is still terrific.
13.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
13.
9717 — Synth pop has never sounded so good.
14.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
14.
9693 — Surprisingly excellent prog, I hope the boys keep this project moving.
15.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.
15.
9690 — Doom done right.

Surprises of the Year

1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. Finally, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. Finally, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. Finally, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. Finally, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
1.
Trivium - The Sin & The Sentence — I think this band has finally made an album I unreservedly love. At last, the hype is real.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
2.
9833 — Not quite the hallowed fusion of jazz and metal that the prophets promised, but a damn good exploration of territory in the rarely travelled terrain between the two.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.

Disappointments

1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
1.
Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard — Surprisingly pedestrian from a band that should sound like Lucifer's brain on huge amounts of dope. Awful cover art, too.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
2.
9637 — Supergroups are rarely this disappointing.
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
3.
9741 — This band continues to be less than half as interesting as everyone keeps telling me! Maybe it's me?
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
4.
9799 — New York's finest drop the ball. Not bad, but not up to their standard.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.

Joke of the Year

Words / Final Thoughts

0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times! It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect – and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, not least from the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Ex Eye, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Akercocke, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists... I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect – and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, not least from the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Ex Eye, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Akercocke, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect – and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, not least from the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Ex Eye, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Akercocke, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect – and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, not least from the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea Wolfe, I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect – and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea Wolfe I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
0
— 1111
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect – and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea Wolfe I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect -- and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea Wolfe I promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP – Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect -- and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea WolfeI promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP -- Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect -- and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea WolfeI promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP -- Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect -- and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea WolfeI promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP -- Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru
0
— Yet another year in which music helped keep me sane, despite my near-abandonment of it at times. It’s a completely unfickle lover, always there when you need it with not a word of complaint for your neglect -- and neglect I did, failing to review many excellent albums, including but not limited to the following bands: Body Count, Incantation, The Obsessed, Pyrrhon, Goatwhore, With the Dead, Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Krallice, Subterranean Masquerade, Enslaved, Almanac, Execration, Godflesh, Anubis Gate, Leprous, Byzantine, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cannibal Corpse, Fleshkiller, Taake, Scour, Argus, Sorceror, Iron Monkey, 36 Crazyfists, Big Big Train, Chelsea WolfeI promise to do better next year (and maybe write up some of these, if I find the necessary moments of calm in this ever-chaotic thing called life to do so). RIP -- Warrel Dane, Martin E Ain, Chris Cornell, Negru

Andy

Top Albums

1.
9666
1.
9666
2.
9690
2.
9690
3.
9776
3.
9776
4.
9756
4.
9756
5.
9674
5.
9674
6.
9810
6.
9810
7.
9785
7.
9785
8.
9650
8.
9650
9.
9770
9.
9770
10.
9822
10.
9822
11.
9805
11.
9805
12.
9832
12.
9832
13.
9797
13.
9797
14.
9747
14.
9747
15.
9774
15.
9774

Surprises of the Year

1.
9826
1.
9826
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2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.

Disappointments

1.
9778
1.
9778
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2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.

Joke of the Year

Words / Final Thoughts

0
0
— 2017 was a strange year, to put it mildly. Accordingly, I ended up hearing some strange but very good metal. In addition to Pallbearer, which seemingly continues from strength to strength without going mainstream or abandoning their roots in doom metal, you'll also see some little-known Bandcamp releases at the top of my list. Black metal has long produced high-quality projects out of its originators' spare bedrooms, and now we're seeing traditional heavy metal is starting to produce the same. Those guys are to be congratulated in producing some great music on a shoestring, seemingly just for the love of the sound, and I strongly urge you all to check it out. Not that we're not getting good quality out of some veterans. Fen's black metal improves with every album, Australia's Ne Obliviscaris delighted prog/metal/violin mashup fans with another fantastic album, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of heart I could hear in Excalion's Dream Alive. Lastly, I strongly urge all of our readership to make going to more metal shows a New Year's resolution. I love the albums I review, but checking out the band live is a different, more personal experience. I saw Manilla Road, Asphyx, and a number of others this year and some of those moments were unforgettable. So support the bands that come through or play in your town, buy their T-shirt if you've got the dough, and enjoy the energy of a live show first-hand -- watching one on YouTube doesn't compare at all. We at Metal Reviews are glad to continue to present our reviews of metal for you, our readers, and want to wish all of you a wonderful and metal-filled 2018!