The Metallurgian's Top Albums of 2016

It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. I say this every year, but 2016 was another great year for metal. Between work and family obligations, I haven't written much about music this year, but I've still been listening to lots of metal nonetheless. (Hoping and planning on having the time and energy for posting regularly in the new year.) Here are the records that have stuck with me the most and that I can wholeheartedly recommend:

Free Metals: An Autumn For Crippled Children - portugal EP

The Netherlands' An Autumn For Crippled Children play an interesting mix of Joy Division meets black metal on the two songs that make up the portugal  EP. Listen to first track "portugal," and it will be your instant favorite. Take away the harsh vocals, and you wouldn't even realize that this is metal. "seasons change spirits" is not as immediate as the title track, but by the end of the song, you're going to want to listen again.

The Metallurgian's Top 20 Albums of 2015

2015 was another great year for metal. How could it not be when Iron Maiden put out a new album? (I know, I know:  it could have been trimmed down from a double album to a single one and everyone would have been happy/happier, but these guys have earned the right to do what they want.)  I didn't have a chance to listen to every record that came out (Who does?), and not all of the critically acclaimed ones struck a chord with me. Nonetheless, there was plenty of music that resonated with me, and here are my favorites. These are the ones that were in the heaviest of rotations for me in 2015.

Free Metals: Ellorsith - 1959

In the winter of 1959, nine skiers mysteriously died in the mountains of Russia in what has become known as the Dyatlov Pass incident. Theories abound as to what really happened in those mountains. Was it an avalanche? Paranormal activity? Who knows? Using this tragedy for inspiration, Scotland's Ellorsith mixes death metal with occasional hints of black metal on this five-track EP.

Free Metals: départe - demo [MMXIV]

Post metal with slabs of blackened death make for an interesting debut demo from Australia's départe. On the two tracks that make up demo [MMXIV], this Aussie quintet seamlessly manages to bring a sense of order to the chaos that they stir up over the course of these eighteen minutes.

The Metallurgian's Top 20 Albums of 2014

2014 was a very good year for metal. Probably a great year. Even when some albums leave you a tad to seriously disappointed, there are always records out there just waiting to blow you away. Some are easy to find because people (journalists, bloggers, your friends, etc.) can't stop talking about them, whereas others are left for you to discover if you're willing to dig deep enough. That's how I view this past year. Some of my favorites of 2014 seem to be on everybody's year-end list, while others didn't get anywhere near the attention they deserved.

Year-End Lists: Stereogum's Best Metal Albums

 While I'm finishing up my own list for the best metal albums of the year, let's take a look at what Stereogum came up with.

Their monthly Black Market column makes for a good read and always features at least a few up and comers worth checking out. A list of the 50 best albums feels like a bit much to take in, but it's worth your time. There's some good stuff to be found here.

Year-End Lists: Decibel's Top 40

While I'm still putting the finishing touches on my favorites of 2014, let's take a look at what some others are saying about the year in metal.

Decibel is the only magazine to which I subscribe, and I always look forward to getting the new issue every month. I may not always agree with everything written, but props to Decibel for remaining relevant as a print magazine in this digital age.