Top Metal Releases of 2019

With their strongest line-up in years, Visions of Atlantis delivers a high-octane Symphonic Metal opus with this album.

With Tristania on hibernation, Mariangela Demurtas and company unleash a very unique release that combines tons of elements into a very cohesive and hard rocking package.

Tobias Sammet masterfully creates an exciting world in this very engaging release filled with lush arrangements and tons of guest musicians.

As the most exciting band from Tunisia, Myrath unleashes their crafty Progressive Metal with Middle Eastern influences in “Shehili”.

Aging like a fine wine, Fleshgod Apocalypse continue to unleash some of the most brutal Symphonic Metal in the scene. Perfectly contrasting both styles, “Veleno” is another step up from their previous releases.

Growing into their Progressive/Psychedelic Rock/Metal style, Opeth continues to evolve musically and unleashes some of their craftier songs to date.

Cellar Darling matured quickly with this more Progressive release. Still filled with catchines and playful vocal melodies, this album takes the band a new direction.

Continuing to gather a massive audience, Jinjer unleashed their latest groovy creation and surpassed all expectations with a very impressive release.

Elevating their folky and Progressive sound, Týr shows maturity and their signature expert musicianship in this impressive release.

Timo Tolkki is back with Avalon and yet another brilliant Symphonic Power Metal release filled with mesmerizing guitars and unrivaled vocal guests.

Crafty retro Norwegian Black Metal from a superstar cast delivered one of the best old-school BM releases of 2019.

Alexi Laiho and company returned with a throwback release to their earlier days, mesmerizing listener with neck breaking guitar solos and melodic passages.

Complex, and perfectly layered are the best words to describe Cult of Luna’s latest opus. If you haven’t heard this Swedish outfit before, this is the time to get into their hypnotic music.

Blackgaze experts return with another dreamy entry into their brilliant career. Keeping the harsh vocals and the dreamy vibes, this release is as Alcest as it gets.

Four years in the making, this release shows that Dead to a Dying World is one of the premiere bands in crafting dense and moody atmospheres that are both crushing and disarming.

Creating some of the lushest atmospheric passages of 2019, Finland’s Vorna delivered one hell of a unique sounding release that is full of melody and emotions.

Fen is one of those rare bands that with every release they continue to evolve and set higher quality standards for themselves. In “The Dead Light” the band’s refined Atmospheric Black Metal reaches new heights with additional Progressive elements.

Epic as Fuck… are the best words to describe Sabaton’s latest opus. Everything that a fan of the band could wish for.

These Greek outfit continues to evolve and their sinister sound is more oppressive than ever in “The Heretics”. There is just something magical about the rawness and craftiness of this creepy release.

Truly demoralizing and savage, Polish Arkona delivers one of the most brutal and yet refined releases of 2019. If you like uncompromising Black Metal, look no further.

The Swedish Vikings returned and conquered with their best release to date. Plenty of catchiness and seasoned melodic passages comprise this magical release.