Editor-In-Chief Dave Campbell's Top 20 Albums of 2021.
December 27, 2021
No. 20:
Band: Antigone's Fate
Album: Fragmente
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Label: Northern Silence Productions
At its core, I suppose you could call this Black Metal, but it so much more.Ruunis an expert composer, as evidenced by the sheer number of layers and instruments he is able to connect together to form a cohesive whole. Never once during the 21-minute middle song here did he lose me. Indeed, he injected me with a new life, with each passing note. Not afraid of taking any chances, he transforms Black Metal to new heights here with"Fragmente,"and other artists in the genre should take note!this is how you compose great music.
No. 19:
Band: As Skies Divide
Album: Declining the Abstract
Genre: Progressive/Djent/Space Metal
Label: Violent Groove Records
LikeMECHINA,the tale here seems space-themed to me. It is a journey to the outer areas of the universe, and one where you might not return from. The transitions in and out of the harsher and more charming passages are done with precision, and emotion. I have no idea how their previous album sounded, but this one is an undeniable winner. 14 tracks are a very ambitious undertaking for a band to make successfully. But you never grow tired of the album along the way. I would say that not only did the band succeed here with this concept album, but they succeeded way above the bar. This is an album to kick back, and just enjoy.
No. 18:
Band: Leprous
Album: Aphelion
Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal
Label: InsideOut Music
I find the offerings on the album to be both unique and diverse, expecting nothing else from these Norwegian Prog masters. Many of the tracks are strange and odd, which again is akin to the band as a whole. There are strong and powerful moments, as well as more frail and calmer ones. But through it all, emotions run high, and you cannot deny the spirit of the band. They put everything into their songwriting, and it is one of their best albums to date.
No. 17:
Band: Wine Guardian
Album: Timescape
Genre: Progressive Metal/Rock
Label: Logic II Logic Records
If you're not careful, this album will sneak up on you. It's chocked full of harmonies and pretty melodies that combine with Progressive leanings, in a way that is so catchy.Lorenzo'svocals are smooth and charming. The band mixes in aggressive sounds with clean melodies that tantalize your senses. LikeRUSH,it's hard to imagine that this full and rich sound comes from just three musicians. I don't even think that the band needs any harsh vocals. Though they are sporadic, they really don't add a lot to the album. That being said, this was an outstanding listening experience that I enjoyed several times before writing the review.
No. 16:
Band: Soen
Album: Imperial
Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal
Label: Silver Lining Records
The oddest part about the album is the fact that at times, you could be listening to something on the radio-it's that catchy. But don't mistake the splendid melodies for Pop music, because it's too heavy at the other end. The transitions from the melodic passages to the heavier ones are nearly seamless. The main focus is on the development of the melodies here, and that is indeed a commitment that is actualized on the album. Normally at this point in a band's career, they are either going backwards or continuing forward. It's obvious thatSOENhave plenty of fire left in their career, because this album left a lasting impression on me.
No. 15:
Band: Interloper
Album: Search Party
Genre: Progressive Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Where has this band been all my life. As a self-proclaimed Progressive Metal head, I am embarrassed to say that this is the first that I have heard of them. As I mentioned above, these guys are the real deal standard in Progressive Metal today. There is something for all fans of Progressive Music here!turn-on-a-dime meter changes, adept and intelligent songwriting, deep, dark passages of hate, and melodies that shimmer with all the gloss of pure gold and gems, found with vibrant colors deep in a river gorge in a parallel universe. What is perhaps most amazing about the album is that the outstanding level of musicianship is very evident, but the band prefers to construct elegant and memorable songs, rather than just wanking all over the canvas, which they clearly could do. Not to mention that each track has its own identity, something that is very hard to accomplish through eleven tracks. This is a contender for Album Of The Year for me, for sure!a straight "ten" across the boards.
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Band: Utopia
Album: Stalker
Genre: Progressive Death Metal
Label: APF Records
I disagree with their basic tenant that we are "poorly evolved primates who are highly individual in their own rights." Indeed, RUSH would do well to remind us that "folks are basically decent!conventional wisdom would say." The fact that the world still moves forward would suggest that most of us have figured that out. Sure, there are many exceptions, but when we focus on them, we lost sight of the bigger picture. But this argument is for another day. I have heard dazzling displays of musicianship before, but combined with the song structures here, this is some of the most unique music I believe I have ever heard. When they slow down to push some melody, some beautiful and wonderous things happen.
No. 13:
Band: Sgà ile
Album: Ideals and Morality
Genre: Post-Metal
Label: Avantgarde Music
Tony'suse of melody is somewhat unconventional but every bit as catchy as anything out there. He uses a variety of instruments in many different ways. The really odd part is that after reviewing thousands of albums I am still not sure where this fits in, but that's just my overly obsessive need to categorize everything. It's obviously a very personal album, sounding nothing likeCNOC AN TURSA,where you might know him from. Depressing at times, but energizing at others, it's like a tale of two competing emotions and you are not sure which one came out on top in the end. Not all tales have to be wrapped up neatly, as it's about the journey here, not the destination.
No. 12:
Band: Arcaeon
Album: Cascadence
Genre: Progressive/Technical Death Metal
Label: Independent
ARCAEONhave produced a masterpiece here. They play with the technical abilities of a band likePERIPHERY,but with the melodic sensibilities of a band likeNOVELISTS. Stuart Sarrewas also the right choice for a vocalist. He has an impressive range in both the clean and harsh territories, and really brings a snarl to the music. They move in and out of harsh and melodic passages with ease. Their debut EP was an impressive start!now they finish the job with their debut full-length, and deserve to be spoken among the elite bands in the genre.
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Band: Navian
Album: Cosmos
Genre: Progressive Instrumental Metal
Label: Indie Recordings
Step aside,POLYPHIA, ANIMALS AS LEADERS,andPLINI,becauseNAVIANjust dropped the instrumental bomb of the year. This is the feel-good album I have been waiting for, chocked full of so many memorable and energetic moments, it will beg you to get up off your ass and alter your perspective on the negative side of humanity. It will sharpen your lenses and show you the beauty that was always there, as your eyes have grown weary from years of going through the motions in life!captivating, invigorating, and reawakening the spiritual side of you in every way possible.
No. 10:
Band: Creature
Album: Eloge De L'Ombre
Genre: Progressive Extreme Metal
Label: I, Voidhanger Records
I, Voidhanger have done it again, and found another elusive yet immensely talented artist inCREATURE.This is a very unique album, straddling a few different styles of Metal with both ease and smooth transitions. The composer crafts his songs carefully, not always going for the throat, but also building some great atmospheres. The musicianship is fantastic.Raphaëlreally has a strong ability in many different instruments. I have found that many French composers approach their music in an intelligent manner, and this album is no exception. Comparable toOPETHorGOJIRA,with scarier elements, more likeIGORRR, CREATUREis one of those artists that you should take immediate notice of, and laud him for his creativity.
No. 9:
Band: Iotunn
Album: Access All Worlds
Genre: Progressive Death Metal
Label: Metal Blade Records
These guys are fantastic musicians, and really do a nice job of balancing intelligent songwriting with high levels of musicianship. The level of emotion that they can invoke is impressive. Mostly sad at its core, they blend several genres of music together effortlessly.Jón Aldaráhas quite an impressive and versatile vocal range, and the rest of the band mates are equally as talented. I had to do a double take here that, of course, they were signed to a major record label. Their talent level proves that alone. How these guys only have 5,000 Facebook fans is beyond me. They should be or are about to be blown up with"Access All Worlds,"because it's a game-changing masterpiece for me.
No. 8:
Band: Enshine
Album: Transcendence
Genre: Progressive Death/Doom Metal
Label: Naturmacht Productions
It's been five long years since the men here released an album, and this is exactly what I needed. The EP contains four outstanding songs, crafted by the hands of seasoned and experience songwriters. It will run you through a bevy of different emotions!despair, anger and at times, just a glimmer of hope. The layering here is fantastic, and I am a sucker for their deeply depressive sound. Bravo, fellas, bravo!
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Band: If Nothing Is
Album: If Nothing Is
Genre: Progressive Extreme Metal
Label: Dark Essence Records
Every now and again, a band will enter your life and say, "you REALLY need to hear this." CueIF NOTHING IS,in their freshly pressed, brightly colored and sharp dressed suits with rips and rotting flesh underneath. This album is unlike anything else you have heard this year, that is for sure. The musicianship of the band is incredible, as is their sense of putting together seemingly disconnected parts into a cohesive whole. If 2021 was an album, this would be it in a nutshell!the combination of so many various styles of music into something that actually makes sense. Wondrous, cathartic, and transformative, this album might leave you speechless.
No. 6:
Band: Dessiderium
Album: Aria
Genre: Progressive Extreme Metal
Label: The Artisan Era
Every once in a while, and Extreme Metal album will cross my desk and blow me away. What a unique and robust sense of songwriting that is presented here. One thing that sets the artist apart from his peers in the genre is his attention to melody!something that often gets lost in Extreme music. The darker and more weighted side of the album is as fervent as anything out there, but the melodies spring to life around every corner, and are intertwined with the punishing elements like they belong together. Though the songs are very long, they do not drag out at all. This is indeed a masterpiece in every sense of that word.
No. 5:
Band: Teramaze
Album: Sorella Minore
Genre: Progressive Metal
Label: Dean Wells Music
Though only containing four songs, the album as a whole tells a sad story with eloquent and dramatic passion. The lyrics are reflected so well in the music, that you feel swept away into another world that you might not ever come back from, and you come to the realization that you don't even care."Between These Shadows"closes the journey, culminating the tale with a burning vehemence that might not ever be distinguished. ThoughTERAMAZEreally needs no introduction, they have set the bar so high for 2021 that no one else might reach it.
No. 4:
Band: Creye
Album: II
Genre: AOR
Label: Frontiers Music
CREYErepresents all that is golden and undying in the AOR genre today. Sure, it's a familiar genre, if you have been around along as long as this old guy, but how they manage to breathe new life into the music is near breathtaking. Opulent melodies abound, with well-placed backing layers that create something grandiose that will stay with you until the end of your days. It's not just about nostalgia of the great bands of the 1980's!CREYEpave their own path and in their own way. I've heard a lot of buzz about the new album, and it's all true. They deserve all the praise a band can possibly have.
No. 3:
Band: Vola
Album: Witness
Genre: Progressive Metal/Djent
Label: Mascot Label Group
Balance. Temperance. Beauty. Beastly. These are but a few words that come to mind after listening to"Witness."This album did not disappoint. If anything, and it's hard to say this, it exceeded my expectations. The nine songs are quite different but with a common theme of that perfect harmony between portly, weighted guitars and whimsical, calming vocals and keys that just make me want more. But, I am reminded that nine songs are that magical sweet spot where the band doesn't try a few more tracks that come off as just a bit too much. It's only May, but I will be hard pressed to come across a better album this year from a and who is hitting their stride on all cylinders.
No. 2:
Band: Omnium Gatherum
Album: Origins
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Century Media Records
This is truly a magical album. Even after 25 years in the business and presenting their ninth full-length album, this band is still hungry, and still chasing after that proverbial golden key that is perhaps hanging just out of reach. But a funny thing happens after taking in all ten tracks!you realize they have already attained everything that they deserve in the industry (though not commercial success, but that is not why they make music) and"Origin"stands as a statement of their love for life, their love of music, and their love of the never-ending adoration of their fans. Is there another band who has this much fun making music this great?
No. 1:
Band: Sleep Token
Album: This Place Will Become Your Tomb
Genre: Progressive/Melodic/Contemporary
Label: Spinefarm Records
Life is indeed "like a box ofSLEEP TOKEN!you never know what you are going to get." These words are staggering, and prophetic. The album is full of diverse offerings that truly defy genre labels, in every sense of that phrase. It's clear that the vision the composer(s) have for the band is crystal clear for them, but perhaps not so much for the listener. Herein lies their well-guarded secret. Their music is very personal, and that shines through brighter on this album than on"Sundowning,"which still had many memorable moments on it.Vessel'slyrics come from multiple places it seems!from hurt, from loss, from love (forlorn or realized), even from the sad state of humanity. You either know and love this band, or you are a sheep!forever slave to the grind of the Metal music industry. Awaken. Divert. Relinquish. Worship.
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