Album of the Month 2019

 Here we go with some normal metal blog shit!

 I'll give you my picks for the best metal albums from each month of 2019. I'm not pretentious so I don't expect everyone to take my opinion as gospel. Nor will I use this as some kind of platform to show off how deep my metal knowledge is. This will not be an in depth breakdown of every album either. Just listen to them and decide for yourself.

 That said check out my favorite albums from each month this year.

Playlist - Album of the Month 2019



 January

 Born of Osiris - The simulation

 How could you possibly pass on this majestically crafted symphonic prog djented melodeathcore offering? Ok. You're right. That may be a bit much. But it isn't inaccurate.

 Eleven days into the new year Born of Osiris dropped 25 minutes of face slapping heavy metal on us. It lives up to everything we have come to expect of the band. Well written, composed and produced. It's what they do and it's what I love about the album. The symphonic elements are perfectly blended. Just like the transitions between tempo and time.

 There is something in this album for everyone. So go give it a spin.




 February

 Beast in Black - From Hell With Love

 While I will admit Beast in Black is nothing exceptional, they are fun. Strong songwriting and a willingness to do some pretty weird stuff makes for an entertaining experience.

 I don't think From Hell With Love is as strong as Berserker. But Beast in Black has now firmly rooted themselves into the power metal scene with a strong sophomore effort.

Plus this album helps diversify my selections a bit.




 March

 Queensryche - The Verdict

 It's fucking Queensryche. That should be all I need to say.

 Ok but really this is their best work since Empire. As in 29 years. As in MTV still played music.

 I have to admit I didn't give Condition Human a proper listen so maybe I'm wrong and that album is better. Shit. What if it is? I'll be back in roughly an hour.

 Also no! I do not miss Geoff Tate.




 April

 Eluveitie - Ategnatos

 Eluveitie isn't your father's folk metal. While most folk metal bands tend to be a bit soft and sometimes gimmicky, Eluveitie is anything but.

 Ategnatos is continuing that tradition. Brutally heavy riffs are perfectly matched with beautifully placed Celtics instruments. The album piles on to an already impressive discography. Let's be honest. Eluveitie is one of the best bands going right now.

 Give it a listen. If you disagree you're wrong. But hey. You're entitled to your opinion.

 May

 Amon Amarth - Berserker

 Amon Amarth isn't particularly diverse. In fact a lot of their songs sound the same if you aren't paying close attention. That doesn't change the fact that they are perfect at what they do.

 Berserker is another stellar offering from the Swedes. Tracks like Sheild Wall and Fafners Gold add a little depth to the album. Crack the Sky is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. But maybe that's because Spotify never passes up any opportunity I give it to play the song.

 June

 Hate - Auric Gates of Veles

 Honestly June was a bit of a barren wasteland for me. There wasn't a whole lot that caught my attention. Please feel free to let me know what I missed.

 That's possibly what made this album stand out so much. It's a perfect example of what happens when you blacken your death metal. It's way better than broiled.

 This album showcases all the best parts of black metal while still fitting neatly into the melo death sub genre. It's a pleasant listen. Sure to get you headbanging.




 July

 Thy Art is Murder - Human Target

 These Aussies know their shit! I have never been disappointed in any of their work. No different here.

 This album will punish you front to back. There is nothing thing exceptionally special about it. It's just good old fashioned deathcore. Is that a thing? It is now.

 If you are a death metal / deathcore fan this is a must listen. Trust me you won't regret it.

 Now buckle up because it may be one long breakdown from here on out. BREEEEEEEEE

 August

 Shadow of Intent - Melancholy

 In a month that gave is new Slipknot, Tool, Carnifex, Killswitch Engage and Norma Jean, this album easily stood out among the mosh pit.

 Shadow of Intent have taken a huge leap forward. No longer focused on music about Halo, rather writing an epic concept album about descending into hell. This is decidedly more metal.

 This masterfully written and beautifully compiled album leaves no room for complaint. There isn't a single moment that isn't absolute perfection. A noticeable high point for me is the acoustic fade out during Chthonic Odyssey, the acoustic guitar fade out, just to come back in a simple but well punctuated blast, is pure magic.

 This album has almost all of the elements I love about metal. And the vocal range is absolutely insane. So go love it with me.

 September

 Infant Annihilator - The Battle of Yaldabaoth

 You just have to hear those drums! Fast doesn't begin to explain it.

 Drummers bias aside this is another super solid deathcore album. Besides the drumming the rest of the band is excellent as well. The vocals absolutely rip. I mean of course they do. It's Infant Annihilator!

 I'm not really sure where Yaldabaoth is or what the battle is all about. But that doesn't matter. Wait. Maybe it's your brain. The sonic assault this bruising album lays on your ear holes could easily be mistaken for battle.

 Oh. And they throw shade at awful rap videos in the video for Three Bastards. So that's fun.




 October

 Fit For An Autopsy - The Sea of Tragic Beasts

 Honestly it would be easier to just say read the August review. But that's lazy. So just do that.

 Seriously though this is another banger album by another underappreciated deathcore band.

 FFAA pushes boundaries with this beast. You see what I did there? It's punishing, melodic, and masterfully written. While every song rips your face in two there are a couple standouts that show how diverse of a talent set these guys have.

 Your Pain Is Mine and Mirrors hit the emotions hard. It's not just lyrical content. The melodies tug at the heart. But do not be dismayed. They still punch you in the teeth.

 I'll throw out a little look ahead. FFAA and Shadow of Intent are in a dead heat for album of the year. The rest of the pack isn't even close.

November

Cattle Decapitation - Death Atlas

 I tried really hard not to just give the month to Cattle Decap. But here we have a strong contender for album of the year.

 Cattle Decapitation never dissapoints. Death Atlas takes things to a whole new level however. The range was of vocals in the album are both impressive and engaging. It adds depth to an album that is already full of depth musically.

 The theme of the album is one I think most of us can get behind as well. Simply put the human race is fucking trash. This isn't an uncommon theme in metal. But broaching a topic like global warming in deathcore isn't exactly common. It is amazing to have a band like Cattle Decap addressing important social issues.

 I consider this album a masterpiece. Taking it's rightful place next to the albums that have made 2019 one of the best years in metal in a long time.



December

Officium Triste - The Death of Gaia

 This is not the most complex album and the production isn't great. But there is something about death doom that hits me in the right spot. The slow, melodic music and low growls put me in a trance of sorts. It's music that helps you concentrate on a task or fall asleep. Hopefully not both at the same time.

 December was a pretty bland month for rock and metal in my opinion. It made it easy for this album to stand out. That said it could have been a strong contender in a number of other months this year.

 Go give it a spin and decide for yourself.