 Just the list, In countdown order; ENJOY!
100.) Black Majesty- Children of the Abyss FFO- Power Metal 99.) Poets Of The Fall- Ultraviolet FFO- Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Symphonic Rock 98.) Shattered Skies- Muted Neon FFO- Modern Progressive Metal 97.) Orange Goblin- The Wolf Bites Back FFO- Stoner Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal 96.) Agrypnie- Grenzgaenger FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal 95.) Skeletonwitch- Devouring Radiant Light FFO- Blackened Atmospheric Thrash Metal 94.) Siege of Power- Warning Blast FFO- Hardcore, Punk, Thrash 93.) Antiverse- Under The Regolith FFO- Thrash Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal 92.) Alkaloid- Liquid Anatomy FFO- Technical Metal, Progressive Metal, Death Metal 91.) Black Fast- Spectre of Ruin FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal Progressive Metal 90.) Entransient- The Weight of Things FFO- Dark Progressive Rock 89.) Primordial- Exile Amongst The Ruins FFO- Celtic Black Metal 88.) Clutch- Book of Bad Decisions FFO- Blues Rock, Stoner Rock, Hard Rock 87.) Unleashed- The Hunt for White Christ FFO- Viking Metal, Death Metal 86.) Howling Sycamore FFO- Technical Death Metal with Clean Vocals 85.) Dire Peril- The Extraterrestrial Compendium FFO- Iced Earth in Space 84.) Freak Kitchen- Confusion to the Enemy FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal 83.) Khemmis- Desolation FFO- Doom Metal, Heavy Metal 82.) Parasite INC- Dead and Alive FFO- Melodic Death Metal 81.) Tribulation- Down Below FFO- Black Metal, Occult Rock, Heavy Metal 80.) Hooded Menace- Ossuarium Silhouettes FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal 79.) Wolvhammer- The Monuments of Ash & Bone FFO- Black Metal, Death Metal, Post Metal 78.) Metal Allegiance- Volume II- Power Drunk Majesty FFO- Heavy Metal of All Styles 77.) Arsis- Visitant FFO- Technical Death Metal 76.) Terrorizer- Caustic Attack FFO- Death-Grind 75.) The Lion's Daughter- Future Cult FFO- Horror, Black Metal, Death Metal, 80s Synths 74.) Angra- Omni FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Groove Metal 73.) The Night Flight Orchestra- Sometimes The World Ain't Enough FFO- 70s-80s Classic Rock 72.) Subsignal- Le Muerta FFO- Progressive Rock 71.) The Absence- A Gift For The Obsessed FFO- American Melodic Death Metal 70.) THEM- Manor of the Se7en Gables FFO- Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal 69.) Ghost- Prequelle FFO- Blue Oyster Cult, Mercyful Fate, Top 40 Rock 68.) Striker- Play To Win FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal 67.) Deicide- Overtures of Blasphemy FFO- Death Metal 66.) Skyharbor- Sunshine Dust FFO- Modern Progressive Metal 65.) Mile Marker Zero- The Fifth Row FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal 64.) Follow The Cipher- S/T FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal 63.) Refuge- Solitary Men FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal 62.) Manticora- To Live to Kill to Live FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Speed Metal 61.) Satan- Cruel Magic FFO- NWOBHM 60.) Aborted- Terrorvision FFO- Brutal Death Metal, Deathgrind, Horror 59.) Vessel of Light- Woodshed FFO- Heavy Metal Occult Rock 58.) Lords of Black- Icons Of The New Days FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal 57.) The Sea Within- S/T FFO- ALL Star Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal 56.) Memoriam- The Silent Vigil FFO- Old School Death Metal 55.) Deceased- Ghostly White FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal 54.) Haken- Vector FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock 53.) Beyond Creation- Algorythm FFO- Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal 52.) Tomb Mold- Manor of Infinite Forms FFO- Death Metal, Dark Souls/Bloodborne 51.) Orphaned Land- Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Folk Metal 50.) Skull Fist- Way of the Road FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal 49.) Against The Grain- Cheated Death FFO- Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll 48.) The Crown- Cobra Speed Venom FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal 47.) Warrel Dane- Shadow Work FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Dark Metal 46,) Alice In Chains- Rainier Fog FFO- Heavy Metal, Sludge Metal 45.) Horrendous- Idol FFO- Old School Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal 44.) The Atlas Moth- Coma Noire FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal 43.) Glass Lungs- Imperenance FFO- Post Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Progressive Rock 42.) Mournful Congregation- The Incubus of Karma FFO- Funeral Doom Metal 41.) Kataklysm- Meditation FFO- Melodic Death Metal 40.) Riverside- Wasteland FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Experimental 39.) In Vain- Currents FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Modern Metal 38.) Light The Torch- Revival FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock 37.) At The Gates- To Drink From The Night Itself FFO- Melodic Death Metal 36.) Gruesome- Twisted Prayers FFO- Death 35.) Amorphis- Queen of Time FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodic Death Metal 34.) Between The Buried And Me- Automata (I & II) FFO- Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal 33.) Corrosion of Conformity- No Cross, No Crown FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Stoner Metal, Hardcore 32.) Obscura- Diluvium FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal 31.) Wolfheart- Constellation of the Black Light FFO- Melodic Death Metal 30.) LIK- Carnage FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal 29.) Harakiri for The Sky- Arson FFO- Blackgaze 28.) The Ocean- Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal 27.) We Sell The Dead- Heaven Doesn't Want You and Hell is Full FFO- Hard Rock, Gothic Rock, Heavy Metal 26.) Slugdge- Esoteric Malacology FFO- Death Metal, Progressive, Technical, Many Other Styles 25.) Lux Terminus- The Courage To Be FFO- Instrumental, Progressive Rock, Fusion 24.) Seventh Wonder- Tiara FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal 23.) Anaal Nathrakh- A New Kind Of Horror FFO- Sounds of the Apocalypse 22.) Journal- Chrysalis Ordalias FFO- Majestic Epic Technical Mathcore 21.) Magic Dance- New Eyes FFO- 80s AOR, Hard Rock 20.) Yob- Our Raw Heart FFO- Doom Metal, Post Metal, Sludge Metal 19.) Cauldron- New Gods FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, 80s Metal 18.) Ihsahn- 'Amr FFO- Ihsahn 17.) In The Woods...- Cease The Day FFO- Progressive Metal, Black Metal 16.) Long Distance Calling- Boundless FFO- Progressive Post Metal 15.) Wills Dissolve- The Heaven's Are Not On Fire... FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal 14.) The Antichrist Imperium- Vol II: Every Tongue Shall Praise Satan FFO- Extreme Metal 13.) The Moor- Jupiter's Immigrants FFO- Dark Progressive Metal 12.) Revocation- The Outer Ones FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal, H.P. Lovecraft 11.) Bloodbath- The Arrow of Satan is Drawn FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal 10.) Oceans of Slumber- The Banished Heart FFO- Progressive Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal 9.) Redemption- Long Night's Journey Into Day FFO- Dark Progressive Metal 8.) Omnium Gatherum- The Burning Cold FFO- Melodic Death Metal 7.) Panopticon- The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I and II) FFO- North American Folk Metal, Black Metal 6.) Head With Wings- From Worry To Shame FFO- Progressive Rock, Post Rock, Alternative Rock 5.) Ghostbound- All is Phantom FFO- Post Metal, Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal 4.) Distorted Harmony- A Way Out FFO- Modern Progressive Metal 3.) Zeal & Ardor- Stranger Fruit FFO- African American Spirituals meets Black Metal, Experimental 2.) Rivers of Nihil- Where Owls Know My Name FFO- Progressive Death Metal 1.) Witherfall- A Prelude To Sorrow FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Dark Metal  Here it is, the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the highest possible ranking this drummer guy can possibly can, The Top 20 Albums of 2018. I've already covered 120 albums up to this point and only 20 more to go with each album proving worthy of being named The Best of 2018. Of course, for one last time, Let's go over the rules before diving head first into 20 of the most positive examples of great music this year.
1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo. 2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it. 3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity. 4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year. 5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on YouTube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about. LET'S FINISH THIS!!! 20.) Yob- Our Raw Heart FFO- Doom Metal, Post Metal, Sludge Metal From being on the brink of your life can come of life's most glorious moments. That is what is shown here. When you may be faced with your own mortality and not knowing what is coming next, you no longer feel the need to hide anything and you can truly be yourself. That is what I hear with this album from Yob. After facing life threatening illness, Mike Scheidt wrote a good portion of this album in the hospital and was, thankfully, able to flesh out the rest of the ideas for the album after getting better. What is left is one of the most emotional pieces of music in this style you will ever hear. The title track hits me so very hard every single time. This is not your typical doomy, stonerish, post sludge metal. It is so much more from the heart and grabs your soul. This is required listening for those that dare to find something emotional in music in 2018. 19.) Cauldron- New Gods FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, 80s Metal This album is the perfect throwback to everything you love about 80s metal, be it the thrash side, the glam side, or the occult side. Cauldron continues to get better and better with every album and this album just slays with it's melodic metal riffs and perfect raw production. Get your leather vest back on, crack open a cold one with the boys, and throw this album on for guaranteed good times. 18.) Ihsahn- 'Amr FFO- Ihsahn I feel like I say this every single time there is a new Ihsahn, but he finds a new way, every single time, to amaze me and repeat myself...this is the most innovative and commercial sounding Ihsahn album to date. Leading you on with the most Emperor sounding song he has written since the band was still actively writing to writing some of the most wicked, nearly pop rock sounding songs you'll hear this year. I wish I had a tenth of Ihsahn's creative prowess so I could just comprehend being this creative with your sound and literally standing by the ideal of creating the music you want to make. Mindblowing from start to finish and you just may agree. 17.) In The Woods...- Cease The Day FFO- Progressive Metal, Black Metal Possibly the last album I heard this year that I fully got to have a full grasp on before making this list and I was completely blown away. This is how you make dark progressive metal with tinges of black metal and a little bit of psychedelic. It helps that the band features members of one of my favorite bands ever, Green Incarnation and has hints of that sound, even with a newer lineup since it began. Had I been able to hear this album more, it would probably be a Top 10- or even Top 5 album of the year for me, but the fact I've had this album about 3 weeks or so and it's blown me away this much to make number 17 out of 140 really says a lot of what this band can do. Check them out and see if they are right for you as well. 16.) Long Distance Calling- Boundless FFO- Progressive Post Metal After writing one of my favorite albums ever, Trips, back in 2016. The band stripped away the vocals, catchy mainstream songs, and guest appearances to make a return to form. This is the first full on Instrumental LP in the band's catalog and it is easily the best instrumental metal album of the year. It combines all of the great soundscapes I love about the band, no matter how mellow, beautiful or heavy the album gets. LDC has been on my radar since 2009's Avoid The Light and it's great to see 9 years later that I am still just as big of a fan as I have ever been. A band that truly makes the music they want to make. Long Distance Calling is...Boundless. 15.) Wills Dissolve- The Heaven's Are Not On Fire... FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal I've been hyping up this band for a little bit now and I simply can't do it enough. This Texas band combines the elements of Swallow The Sun, Novembers Doom, Isis, and Opeth that I've always wanted to hear in a band. They can go from a hauntingly beautiful acoustic driven ballad and quickly change it into a brutalized death metal song and it's entirely seamless. This concept album hits all the right notes that makes the band's original sound stick out amongst so many progressive death metal bands and forms something that is truly memorable. Seriously, check this one out! 14.) The Antichrist Imperium- Vol II: Every Tongue Shall Praise Satan FFO- Extreme Metal It's futile for me to properly categorize this band. To put it one way, take members of Akercocke, The Berzerker, My Dying Bride, and Voices and have them create a Satanic album that lives up to the hype. It hits every style of music you want in heavy music: prog, thrash, black, death, grind, atmospheric, post, you name it, you'll hear it somewhere on this album. But rather than being a hodgepodge of sound; it completely makes sense and brings forth one of the most awe-inspiring albums of the year. Even if the subject matter isn't for you, I highly recommend checking this album out for the songwriting alone. You're jaw will drop to the ground. 13.) The Moor- Jupiter's Immigrants FFO- Dark Progressive Metal One of my favorite discoveries of the year. This band has such a great edge of mixing bands such as Nevermore, Opeth, Early-Mid Era In Flames that makes some of the most intriguing prog music you'll hear in 2018. It's also some of the catchiest you'll hear as well. Try listening to a song like Lead The Difference and tell me that doesn't get stuck in your head in the best way possible. I hope this band continues to flourish as this is how you make dark progressive music. 12.) Revocation- The Outer Ones FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal, H.P. Lovecraft One of the most straightforward albums in the band's career; Revocation doesn't do their genre bending songs like on Chaos Of Forms or exploring extreme diversity. They went ahead and wrote a very technical, but killer Death Metal album that hints at what they are best at and flourishes with their most brutal album to date. Inspired by the work of H.P. Lovecraft; the album explores so many classic horror tales and characters and they wrote the prefect soundtrack to pair with it all. Don't get me wrong, the album still has so many twists and turns that makes the band stand out, but focusing more on death metal this time around was the perfect choice and makes this one of the best death metal albums of the year. 11.) Bloodbath- The Arrow of Satan is Drawn FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal Bloodbath has made another masterpiece of a death metal album. Old Nick has now made is presence even stronger since Grand Morbid Funeral and really brings the power to the band that matches up the intensity and brutality the band has always been known for. Everyone has their favorite era of Bloodbath, but if you ever doubted this era of Bloodbath, you are missing out on the best death metal album of 2018. remedy that now before the arrow of Satan stabs you in the heart. 10.) Oceans of Slumber- The Banished Heart FFO- Progressive Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal The debut album from Oceans of Slumber literally took my breath away. I always wanted to hear a band like this and completely delivered. It was going to be pretty rough to stop that album. Despite some personal setbacks for the bands that could ruin anyone; the band was able to go even darker, even heavier, even doomier, and write one of the darkest albums of 2018 that is completely and utterly heart wrenching. You know things are dark when you gotta add Evergrey's Tom Englund to do guest vocals because the music just isn't dark enough without him. The music is complete and utter perfection, it's a bit slower overall than the debut album, but this album hits you so much harder. An absolute must listen. 9.) Redemption- Long Night's Journey Into Day FFO- Dark Progressive Metal How do you make one of my favorite bands of all time even better? You add one of my favorite singers of all time to the fold. Evergrey's Tom Englund makes his debut in Redemption with this ever growing dark album that perfectly matches his voice and makes the band even stronger (and I never thought that was possible). One complete shocker is that there is actually some Major Key action going on in this album that Tom Englund sings over and it actually sounds....HAPPY! (hell has literally frozen over!) But in all seriousness, this album is complete brilliance and I hope if you give it a spin, you'll agree. 8.) Omnium Gatherum- The Burning Cold FFO- Melodic Death Metal My final point, this year, on how Finnish metal is the best metal overall. With this release, Omnium Gatherum has become my favorite Finnish band. This album contains so much melodic brutality mixed with a beautiful sense of wonder, atmosphere and feel good music. This is the music you put on with you have inner battles that you must defeat. There is also a great sense of 80s metal that happens from time to time that just puts a gigantic smile on your face as you listen. I love this album and is the pure definition of how to make heavy music beautiful. If you are not aware of this band, please check them out immediately...or at least write them down and check them out after you read this list. 7.) Panopticon- The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I and II) FFO- North American Folk Metal, Black Metal Very proud to say that this Minnesota band has released the best double album of 2018. In instances in the past, the band has brilliantly mixed black metal, folk metal, Americana, and bluegrass in a way that just blew my mind when I first discovered the album, Kentucky. Now several albums later; this double album actually separates the two. The first disc is pure post atmospheric black metal with hints at everything else the band is known for and disc two is straight up folk, Americana and bluegrass. So no matter your mood, you'll find something to love here. The band is absolutely at the top of their game and I can't even fathom seeing them slowing down any time soon. Just listen, you'll understand why. 6.) Head With Wings- From Worry To Shame FFO- Progressive Rock, Post Rock, Alternative Rock What a brilliant album! A sad, depressing, heart crushing, yet strangely uplifting, album. Tackling a story and issues that must be heard to truly comprehend, this emotionally driven masterpiece flows through so many dynamics of all shapes and sizes. No matter how indie, heavy, or proggy this album gets, it feels so natural and meaningful. This is not an album that should be heard just off of singles. Listen to this from start to finish, read the lyrics, and invest your time into hearing this soon to be classic album. They are going to skyrocket from here. Just you watch. 5.) Ghostbound- All is Phantom FFO- Post Metal, Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal My favorite discovery of 2018. Be it an accurate description or not, I love describing the band as if Bruce Dickinson formed a band where he showed his love for Anathema, Pelican and Isis. It is a culture shock to the sense if you are not prepared for it, but if you let it sink in, it is an experience you will never forget and it will completely absorb you. This utter masterpiece of an album is an absolute game changer. If the right people hear this, it could change metal going forward. I simply can't get enough, I hope you'll agree. 4.) Distorted Harmony- A Way Out FFO- Modern Progressive Metal The best, straight up, progressive metal album of 2018. This is what every single prog band (new and old) should be striving to achieve in today's world. Even if you play a different style of prog, you need to match something on this album, otherwise there's no point. The choruses are beyond catchy, the riffs are the perfect blend of heavy and memorable, the songs are sheer brilliance. If you want your prog to be heavy, catchy, and to the truest meaning of the word, EPIC; you need Distorted Harmony in your life. These last three albums I have had the hardest time deciding what would be number one. I can make an argument for all three and feel completely justified, but this was the final order I picked and they are seriously the best albums of the years to me. 3.) Zeal & Ardor- Stranger Fruit FFO- African American Spirituals meets Black Metal, Experimental Taking everything I loved about Devil is Fine, but making the production stellar, the instrumentation stronger, the songs more meaningful and the overall presentation of the band. This hits you on so many levels. It's more than just Spirituals and black metal now, it adds so much more atmosphere, experimentation and I date say poppy elements that makes this the most creatively satisfying album of 2018. Whether the intrigue in this band stays or not, I hope the band will continue to strive forward and expand upon their sound even further. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe this band, especially if you have an open mind. 2.) Rivers of Nihil- Where Owls Know My Name FFO- Progressive Death Metal Take everything I said about Distorted Harmony and put it into context of progressive death metal and the same rules apply. This is the new standard of progressive death metal. The creativity, the atmosphere, the instrumentation. They truly made one of the most innovative albums of the year in a way that was hinted at in the past, but now fully is achieved. The clean vocals (guest spots or normal) fit so perfectly), the keyboards, organs, synths, and saxophone that are layered throughout this makes the album flow in a way that would have been lost otherwise. This is an album to behold and need to be regarded as the gold standard of progressive death metal moving forward. 1.) Witherfall- A Prelude To Sorrow FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Dark Metal As I've said with the epics, in reality, there's no other choice for the number one position this year. This album is written about the loss of one of the greatest people I'll ever know, Adam Sagan. This is an album I was, with full transparency, and album I was afraid to listen to because of the subject matter. There is a lot of people that are behind me in my endeavors. So many people who love what I do and want to see me as the biggest voice in music promotion (radio shows, interviews, reviews, etc). But there is not a single person who graced this earth that wanted me to achieve that more than Adam. He thought what I did was not only cool, but one of the most honest ways of caring about music. We've had so many great conversations through text, over the phone and in person. One of the greatest moments of my life was hanging out with Adam and the bands Krisiun and Ex Deo (featuring pretty much all of Kataklysm) eating (what I realize now were after several) marijuana cookies, drinking beer, and air dumming/guitaring to Van Halen's I outside the now defunct Station 4 in St. Paul, MN in their tour bus. I loved Adam as my brother and seeing him battle to his final days was so inspiring yet so painful. One of my biggest regrets was not getting to fully interview Adam while he was here. We wanted to wait till he had a project he really wanted to push and that band was Witherfall. I have no idea what's on the other side. Is there an afterlife? Do we rot in the ground and become one with carbon once again? I'm not the guy to ask, I just go on living my way. But if there is anything out there beyond this life, I hope I am making him proud. As I write this, it passed the two year anniversary of his passing and it is not any easier knowing he's not here. That's what real life friendship is and I hope anyone reading this can have that if they don't already. But let's get back to the music. The music is haunting, dark, heavy, and has some of the greatest vocals tracked to record this millennium. Amongst some killer 10+ minute epics, there are emotional ballads, and fire breather thrashers that take you on a whirlwind of emotions. Think Nevermore, Sanctuary, Iced Earth and Into Eternity and you'll be getting closer to what this band is all about. I can't promise you'll have the same emotional attachment to this album as I do, but I hope you can enjoy even a tenth of what I tried to portray here and see an album that is one of the greatest goodbyes to someone you could ever give. That's it, we're done, we're finished, it's over! That is the top 100 albums of 2018 with 40 honorable mentions covering a good chuck of what was about there in 2018. From the darkest of dark, to the heaviest of heavy, to the proggiest of proggy, to the funnest of fun. I hope you have enjoyed this six-part list and found at least one new album that you can enjoy. I will be doing a wrap up of my life in 2018 coming up sometime soon, but till then, I think I've earned a well deserved break so till next time this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  We have finally made it to the part of the list where the most people start paying attention, the Top 40 Albums of 2018. For the average reviewer, news site, and consumer; 40 albums is a lot of ground to cover and the average consumer feels that anything more than this is worth skipping out on; I hope my lists prove that theory wrong. These next 2 lists just so happen to be the 40 albums I enjoyed most this year. You may love them as much as I do, you may think my musical credibility may need to be reconsidered after looking; that's all on you, the reader! So let's get these pesky rules out of the way and get into some music, eh?
1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo. 2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it. 3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity. 4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year. 5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on YouTube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about. Let's Begin The Top 40 Albums of 2018! 40.) Riverside- Wasteland FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Experimental Overcoming pure tragedy to continue as a functioning band is something that can seem impossible. Thankfully, Riverside, overcame the odds and wrote another masterpiece of an album. This album hits you on all levels; heavy, mellow, acoustic, poppy, and grabs you by the soul. While the band may be a bit different now, they are still Riverside and that's all any of us could ever want. 39.) In Vain- Currents FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Modern Metal The band's previous outing, AEnigma is still one of my favorite albums of the last decade and it was going to take a lot to be able to top that. They didn't top it, instead they matched it by going in a different direction. Instead of keeping the music as an epic, atmospheric progressive metal route; they focused much more on writing catchier, heavy modern metal with progressive death metal mixed in. It was a bit of a risky move, but it really paid off as this album has gotten the band more attention than ever before and new fans have 3 other albums to explore. They still sound like In Vain, just more catchier to unknowing listening ears. A great choice and shows that the band can write whatever they want and it will sound awesome. 38.) Light The Torch- Revival FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock I'm just going to straight up say it. With everything that happened with Devil You Know behind the scenes, had they just kept making the same style music, I would have been disappointed. I'm quite thankful to hear this band going more into the heavy rock route rather than trying to make more metalcore. I really enjoyed Devil You Know, but the fact that they went this direction feels so refreshing. Screams are kept to an absolute minimum, double bass is only hinted at and not a focus, and there's not excessive use of brutal breakdowns. It's just solid heavy hard rock and it fits so perfectly well. Nice, short, catchy and memorable. This is an album I've always wanted to hear Howard Jones make and the heavy music world should be thankful. I know I am. 37.) At The Gates- To Drink From The Night Itself FFO- Melodic Death Metal The absolute kings of melodeath return and grace us with another chapter in the world of At The Gates. If you are looking for that signature ATG sound, it's here. If you want them to experiment with the formula, that is also here. It's a great blend of both sides of the band and creates an atmosphere that just simply works. No one can do melodeath like At The Gates...nobody! 36.) Gruesome- Twisted Prayers FFO- Death The band's newest release tackles the inspiration of the band, Death's, Spiritual Healing album and creates their loving tribute of completely original music. Making the production, vibe, tone, and musicianship the band has paid tribute to the band so far; this is another case where the band just knocks it out of the park. Gruesome is easily one of my favorite active death metal bands and this is just another example why. Revisit 1990 28 years later in 2018 with Gruesome's Twisted Prayers! 35.) Amorphis- Queen of Time FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodic Death Metal Amorphis has yet to ever make a bad album, or even a weak album. Queen of Time continues to prove that whether they make a full blown death metal album, a pure prog album (saxophone and all) or a mixture of both; They can nail what ever music they choose to make. This album is the latter, which may be their signature blend. Growls when needed, proggy when called for, and melodic...so melodic, in all the right spots. I've said it a few times now but it bears repeating, Finland makes the best metal music. Amorphis is Example A...for Amorphis. 34.) Between The Buried And Me- Automata (I & II) FFO- Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal Is it two albums? Is it two EPs? Is it an album that was split in two and released a few months apart? I'm going with option three on this one to make it fair to both the EPs list and to any band I would of had to knock off this monumental list of mine. BTBAM made what some call a return to form with Automata. With a new label backing the band in Sumerian; The band has taken what has made them stand out in the past, but also kept their progressive side continue to flourish. Basically, whether you love the death metal or prog side of the band, you'll LOVE Automata as it features both and should make fans on both sides of the fence satisfied. I know I am. 33.) Corrosion of Conformity- No Cross, No Crown FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Stoner Metal, Hardcore Anyone else miss Pepper as much as I have? Don't get me wrong, I love what COC has done since In The Arms of God and it was fantastic to hear their early hardcore roots once again. There is just something about that Pepper Keenan era of COC that just has the tastiest riffs, most killer songwriting and overall coolest vibes of all eras of the band. This album seriously sounds like they haven't missed a step and I am so thankful for that. For the longest time this was my album of the year and I can see how someone would think that I lost love out of it seeing it's at number 33. Nothing could be further from the truth. This deserves all of your love, one listen and you'll understand why. 32.) Obscura- Diluvium FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal The final chapter in the 4 album concept cycle Obscura has created shows the band hinting back at the previous three albums, yet hitting brand new territory at the same time. The music is just as insane as ever with creative songwriting, killer musicianship and the perfect blend of melody and technicality. If you are brand new to the band, this is the album to start with, then go get the previous three albums and discover all the Easter eggs laid out in Diluvium. Such an utterly brilliant album. 31.) Wolfheart- Constellation of the Black Light FFO- Melodic Death Metal Finland...best music country around. Getting past that, Wolfheart returns with their latest heart wrenching, depression filled, melodeath epic and that is what I really needed in 2018. This hits you on all levels of dynamics and emotions and doesn't let go till the bitter end. Finnish melodeath...man what a journey. ALSO, if you watch the video for the single, The Saw, be forewarned, it's literally not for the faint of heart...just trust me... 30.) LIK- Carnage FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal Swedish death metal is just something made of pure glory. While many bands have come and gone or come and stayed; the genre has been transformed in so many ways, there is something about the original sound that is just so perfect in the right mood. That's what LIK brings back to the masses. If you enjoy your OSDM or if you like other bands that pay tribute to it such as Bloodbath; you are doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on this band any longer. Arguably, no one does this better in 2018. 29.) Harakiri for The Sky- Arson FFO- Blackgaze With other bands of the style either breaking up or nearly completely dropping the black metal aspects of the genre, HFTS is my favorite active band in the genre. With such a signature blend of black metal, shoegaze, post rock and pure emotion, the band just does it right and every album seems to get better than the last. There's just something about how the band does this music that just soothes the soul in a way you don't realize until you let it come over you. A masterpiece of a blackgaze album. 28.) The Ocean- Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal The Ocean (Collective) is one of the most underrated bands currently active. One of the most unique sounds in the business with their pulverizing song structures and some of the most hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. This is a band that if you love oceanography or you just beautifully crafted heavy music you won't hear anywhere else, pick this album up immediately. 27.) We Sell The Dead- Heaven Doesn't Want You and Hell is Full FFO- Hard Rock, Gothic Rock, Heavy Metal An All Star band featuring past and present members of In Flames, HIM and Firewind that write music about 1800s European Horror (fiction and non fiction). The songs are so heavy yet so catchy, it should be played regularly on Top 40 radio, in all honesty. Just a completely solid debut album from a band that I hope continues to write albums for decades to come. 26.) Slugdge- Esoteric Malacology FFO- Death Metal, Progressive, Technical, Many Other Styles This band covers the extreme metal genre to an absolute T. While the FFO may make it seem like it's a giant hodgepodge of sounds; It truly all makes sense. It can go from death metal to sludge metal to technical metal to blackened metal on the flip of a switch and it will feel completely logical. This is truly forward thinking music done in the best way possible and I love every second. 25.) Lux Terminus- The Courage To Be FFO- Instrumental, Progressive Rock, Fusion Much like I talked about in my Top 10 Epics of 2018 List, this is a band that created by some absolute masters of music creating music that you can hear both at a Lounge in Vegas or in the pit opening for Animals as Leaders. This album is filled with so much emotion in both the music, the songwriting and the final track, Fly, which features one of the greatest voices in music, Anneke Van Giersbergen. This album is not for everyone reading this list, but I recommend it to ANYONE with an open mind, appreciation for skilled music, or like me, had a really bad go of it this year and need a reason for hope to continue on. The Courage To Be is simply that...the courage to be...YOU. And no one can do that better than you. Easily the most impressive (nearly completely) Instrumental debut album I may ever hear. 24.) Seventh Wonder- Tiara FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal Man, those last 8 years just flew by between albums didn't it? No? I completely agree; it's been such a long wait for this opus, but I'm so thankful we got it. This album is exactly what I was hoping for, heavy, melodic, powerful and moving in all the right spots. If you want to describe progressive power metal to someone who is completely new to the genre, throw on this album and let them enjoy. It's not the most innovative album of the year, but it's not set out to be. It's 100% solid and that's all I wanted. 23.) Anaal Nathrakh- A New Kind Of Horror FFO- Sounds of the Apocalypse AN is that band that is the pure soundtrack to the end of the world. black metal, industrial, grindcore, noise, and oddly some of the most melodic moments you'll ever hear in extreme music. The band continues this trend with seamless evolving with every album and destroys everything in it's path. A worthy investment once you comprehend the band. 22.) Journal- Chrysalis Ordalias FFO- Majestic Epic Technical Mathcore In speaking of 8 year waits between albums, this was an album I simply didn't expect to see and I am so thankful that they returned with complete full force. IF you want music that is complete off the wall in technicality and intensity, Journal provides it to you. If you want some of the most dream filled, majestic melodic riffs on that same album, that's here too. This band is a complete mind screw in the best way possible. Imagine being a gamer that loves hack and slash games, but out of nowhere you start riding a unicorn on rainbow road in Mario Kart before it transforms back into a demon and are about to be slaughtered. All that and more kinda, but ask anyone else who comprehends the music and they'll give you a different answer, describes the band and what an epic journey it truly is once again. 21.) Magic Dance- New Eyes FFO- 80s AOR, Hard Rock If you especially checked out the last two albums on this list, you may just wanna sit down in your favorite chair, put on sunglasses, put on a Maxwell Cassette tape in your 80s Stereo System and be blown away a band that channels their inner Kenny Loggins, Toto, Loverboy and Icon. This band channels the 80s in one of the most original ways I've heard. Yes, there is nostalgia to be found, but there is originality, excelled songwriting, and some of the most upbeat, and beautiful rock music of 2018 also featured on this album. If you are reading this as the list comes out, the album comes out tomorrow. Go and pick it up. Couldn't recommend it more. And there we are kids. 120 albums covered in five lists because I am an absolute psychopath and want to see myself suffer...I also love showing off the best music of the year, every year. The best part is that I still have one list tomorrow. That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums Part VI: The Top 20. - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  To say that I'm getting burnt out is a massive understatement. By the time all is said and done I will have done 191 reviews in the course of a week and a half, but it is an endeavor that I love every single year as I get to show off the positive things in the world, even if some of the music showcased is depressing. With this list, we are passing the half way mark of the Top 100 list and really getting deeper into that good ol' nitty gritty. Let's get to it after a recap of the rules:
1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo. 2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it. 3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity. 4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year. 5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on YouTube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about. And now...albums 60-41! 60.) Aborted- Terrorvision FFO- Brutal Death Metal, Deathgrind, Horror Easily my favorite Aborted album to date. With this album, the band really expanded their horizons in their style by adding so much more melodies, harmonies and layers of atmosphere. It's the most dense album to date in their catalog but that means with every listen, you'll discover something new. A sheer masterpiece of extreme music. 59.) Vessel of Light- Woodshed FFO- Heavy Metal Occult Rock A new formation between members of Hades and Ancient VVisdom leads to a heavy, evil, and such a catchy LP of tunes. This is a collection that just works so perfectly well together with it's shared goal of dark music done in such a catchy way. A complete joy to listen to and worth checking out immediately. 58.) Lords of Black- Icons Of The New Days FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal The third album from this fantastic band brings the band to their most cohesive and catchy collective of songs to date. Combining all of their best and memorable moments but filtering it to make it extra catchy. It's amazing how this band has yet to lose any power in their soul, and this album proves that that fire is staying strong for ages to come. 57.) The Sea Within- S/T FFO- ALL Star Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal Featuring members of Pain of Salvation, The Aristocrats and The Flower Kings, this band represents the best abilities that every member has available and created some of the best, dark, and memorable prog songs of the year. A great example of collecting some of the best musicians in prog and creating something that lives up to the hype. So...so good! 56.) Memoriam- The Silent Vigil FFO- Old School Death Metal The sophomore album from this UK unit continues down the warpath brought on by last year's debut album.Focusing even more of the war and political themes in this ever growing erratic times, this is a perfect soundtrack to the sad state of the world today. To me, it also fills me with hope as others see this as well, and it may lead to better things if it's not too late. If it is too late, may whoever finds this planet after us comprehend this album and see that we tried. Oh yeah, the music is pretty righteous as well! 55.) Deceased- Ghostly White FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal This album started getting some incredible recognition for, sadly, sad reasons as their drummer Dave Castillo passed way shortly before the album's release. That said, he gave one last incredible performance on this album, as well as the rest of the band. Taking the death and thrash metal tropes, but adding such great moments of left of center thinking between main riffs; be it NWOBHM leads, blackened atmospheric overtones, or just showing off that this style can have some progression you hadn't heard before. This album deserves all the recognition it gets and a silver lining in the loss of the band is that it opens the doors to more people discovering how great of a band Deceased truly are. 54.) Haken- Vector FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock Easily the band's heaviest and darkest album to date, and also, the band's shortest. No grandiose epics to display here (besides the band's playing). The band focused more on writing to the point songs this go around and that led to a bit of a watershed moment for the band, some thinking it's their best work and others just not seeing it. As for me, it's not my highest ranking Haken album but I love it and it's the perfect album at the perfect time. And the perfect gateway album to a new fan. 53.) Beyond Creation- Algorythm FFO- Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal A band that continues to let their prog sides shine with every passing album. This is one of the most comprehensible BC albums to date, while still maintaining the technical and brutal moments that has made up the band's signature sound. The musicianship on this album is jaw dropping to say the least and really can inspire you to try harder at your craft, especially if that craft is music. A completely solid album that truly makes you think. 52.) Tomb Mold- Manor of Infinite Forms FFO- Death Metal, Dark Souls/Bloodborne A Canadian band writing about nerd stuff? Where have I heard this before? But in all seriousness, this album absolutely slays (yeah, pun intended). A band that takes the love of the Soulsborne games and makes the perfect metal soundtrack to the series of games, what's not to love? The vocals are that perfect sound of a stone tomb opening and the music hits that evil, horrendous sound that makes playing along with the games work even better (I actually play Bloodborne while listening to Tomb Mold, it seriously works). A killer band that is worthy of your attention. 51.) Orphaned Land- Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Folk Metal I have had this album since October/November of 2017, so this totally still feels like a 2017 album to me and I occasionally forget it came out this year. Though I feel that is a testament to how good this album is that I can consistently listen to it and love what is displayed. Even with all the ebb and flows, ups and downs, positive and negatives this band has gone through; they are going stronger than ever with this album and and it truly shines. A band that just hits all the right spots for what is being performed and continuing that great message that we are all one. How can you not love that? Go check it out if you have nowt done so already. 50.) Skull Fist- Way of the Road FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal Showcasing everything the band is about, but done through a more mainstream and catchy filter. This Canadian metal band keeps the spirit of heavy metal alive with fast riffs, memorable leads, and soaring vocals; but again, this time around it is the catchiest and most radio friendly to date. A band that deserves all the love you can give them and then some. 49.) Against The Grain- Cheated Death FFO- Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll Seeing these guys open up for Night Demon a few years back at a hole in the wall bar in Minneapolis with maybe 20-30 other people was one of my favorite shows I have seen (with the exception of Night Demon getting a 20 minute set due to too many local bands on an already packed touring bill, but that's a different story for a different day) Against The Grain captures that great love of heavy metal with the rock and roll attitude. The easiest comparison is to Motorhead, but there is so much more to that. There is the Lemmy atmosphere, but it's just solid, original and overall fun music, especially live. Go check them out live, buy this album and experience a set of music that you are just not seeing anywhere else in this age in time. 48.) The Crown- Cobra Speed Venom FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal The severe under-appreciation of The Crown here in the states is simply devastating to me. The Crown helped perfect the melodeath sound, and unlike bands who went a different way, kept up their intensity, their thrash roots, and continue to put on some of the best metal music in the world. Also, this is one of the coolest album covers of the year, bar none. If you somehow ever missed out on hearing this band, remedy that now and check out the best thrashy melodeath band around. 47.) Warrel Dane- Shadow Work FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Dark Metal In complete honesty, I was against this album coming out, as I had originally thought it was just unfinished material that shouldn't have seen the light of day after Dane's passing. I was completely wrong. This truly is a completed masterpiece and one of the finest works that Dane's voice ever got to be on. It has that Nevermore intensity, yet shines with his ENTIRE vocal range in check. It still hurts me as a fan that Warrel Dane is gone and though it was quite short, he was one of my favorite interviews I ever got to conduct. I wish he was around to see how much people love this new album. Thankfully, these last words will live on. 46,) Alice In Chains- Rainier Fog FFO- Heavy Metal, Sludge Metal WOW! This is easily the heaviest, thickest and most metal Alice In Chains album ever. While I am a complete unapologetic fan of all AIC albums and love that they have continued on as they have; this album just struck a nerve that I didn't know needed to be hit. I honestly didn't think that the band would be channeling their inner Gojira, Mastodon, and Baroness on this album while keeping their signature sound in tact. An album that really went under the radar but deserves any and all attention it gets. 45.) Horrendous- Idol FFO- Old School Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal This is easily the best and most consistent death metal bands of the decade. This latest release captures more Cynic influenced mixed in with their early Death, Pestilence, and Massacre styled sound. They are the fire that the OSDM scene needs today and no one does it better, especially of the new crop of bands. Go pick this one up! 44.) The Atlas Moth- Coma Noire FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal There is a new fire light under this band and I didn't realize how much the band needed that. There is a complete sense of passion throughout this album that is undeniable. The variations and dynamics make this such a killer album experience that really needs to be heard from start to finish. WHile I do love the band's previous material; this is easily their best album to date and I'm already comping at the bit to hear the next album. 43.) Glass Lungs- Imperenance FFO- Post Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Progressive Rock Despite the completely dark overtones that shadow this album, lyrically, this is one of the most joyous sounding albums on my list this year. When you follow the concept of the album, it's really a tearjerker of an album, but it is one that needs to be talked about. But the music fills me with such hope musically and gives me a great out of body experience that everyone deserves to have at least once in life not caused by hallucinogenic materials. Seriously, give this a spin! 42.) Mournful Congregation- The Incubus of Karma FFO- Funeral Doom Metal There is simply no other band that does funeral doom metal this good. There just isn't! And to continue to drive that point home, Mournful Congregation knocks another album six feet under the grave with a morose, tearful, and spectacular epic masterpiece. If you are not familiar with the style, this album and band are the perfect gateway. Just make sure you are in a good headspace while you listen. This album will bring you down... a lot. But I strongly feel that is a great way and deserving of every listen you give it. 41.) Kataklysm- Meditation FFO- Melodic Death Metal Canada's best melodeath band have returned with their best album since Serenity in Fire. The songs are beyond top notch, the production is the cleanest and most profound and the overall vibe of the album is something I've wanted to hear from the band for so many years. They are at the top of their game and if they keep this up, I know it will only get better. And there it is, folks. Another 20 albums down and another completely solid look at 20 albums that deserve your attention. Join me tomorrow as we hit the top 40 with That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 Part V: 40-21! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  Here we go again kids, We are already (technically) 60 albums down in this Top 100 list (with 40 Honorable mentions) and there is still 80 albums to cover! We hit a lot of ground from Black Metal to Prog Rock to Top 40 music; what do we have in store next? Let's find out!
That said a few notes as I do every year and will be listed again when the full list starts: 1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo. 2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it. 3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity. 4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year. Let albums 80-61 commence! 80.) Hooded Menace- Ossuarium Silhouettes FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal 11 years old and 5 albums down; Hooded Menace returns with another slab of death/doom greatness. The vocal delivery still sends chills down my spine, the production fits so perfectly with the music, and that music...WOW! It's great to hear a band in this style with such originality and dynamics. The band proves once again that Finland has one of the greatest metal scenes in the world, no matter the genre. 79.) Wolvhammer- The Monuments of Ash & Bone FFO- Black Metal, Death Metal, Post Metal Wolvhammer returns with another LP of the dark, dark world we live in. This album is a bit of a watershed album as well, showcasing longer songs, more atmosphere, and a controlled hatred that is really needed in 2018. If you want your sludge and post metal to be blackened and some hints of death metal as well, Wolvhammer is the band for you. 78.) Metal Allegiance- Volume II- Power Drunk Majesty FFO- Heavy Metal of All Styles The all star metal band proves that they are not just a one album pony with a new album that is even more diverse than the debut album. From death metal riffing to mid 90s era Anthrax love, to even some symphonic power metal; the band showcases that all metal has a place in music and it's that open mindedness that keeps me invested. Absolutely solid stuff. 77.) Arsis- Visitant FFO- Technical Death Metal Arsis is one of the best American technical death metal bands around. They know how to show off what every member is capable of; while still maintaining a groove that simply can't be stopped. Heavily inspired by horror movies this go around; and is deemed a successor to the EP A Diamond for Disease; this album is what I feel all tech bands should strive to achieve, not just fret board exercising but stellar music to match it all. 76.) Terrorizer- Caustic Attack FFO- Death-Grind It's the band's best album since their debut album, World Downfall back 30 years ago (coming up in 2019). An absolutely deadly attack of death, grind, thrash, and killer songwriting. When I listen to death-grind, this is what I want, and this album shines through the decay of the style with ease. 75.) The Lion's Daughter- Future Cult FFO- Horror, Black Metal, Death Metal, 80s Synths This album truly has it all and it's done so very well. It can go from a ballistic blackened death metal assault to a synth driven death pop song on the turn of a dime. The album truly feels like it should be the soundtrack to a twisted horror movie and it's just a fantastic listen from start to finish. A well worthy album to enjoy. 74.) Angra- Omni FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Groove Metal Easily one of the best power metal bands to ever exist, Angra returns with their latest concept album that attacks on all fronts. It gets heavy, melodic, mellow, and just an overall sense of power that is so hard to find in other power metal bands with authenticity. Angra does it right every time and they have done it once again with Omni. 73.) The Night Flight Orchestra- Sometimes The World Ain't Enough FFO- 70s-80s Classic Rock It still blows my mind that Speed from Soilwork can cause all the (Natural Born) chaos that he does with Soilwork, but can have a band like The Night Flight Orchestra and show off this whole other side you'd never imagine if you're only a metal fan. Going from synth pop to Wings-inspired pop rock to even funk at times; this band hits that nostalgia itch in the absolute best way possible. I really hope they can play in the states one day, I really wanna hear this band live. 72.) Subsignal- Le Muerta FFO- Progressive Rock Rush meets Porcupine Tree is the best way I can describe this band. It has the technically proficiency of Rush but the dark overtones of Porcupine Tree and just hits that right chord for any prog fan that makes you go "Yeah, this is good stuff!" Such a unique blend and the band does it right with fantastic musicianship and songwriting. For any prog fan not familiar, this may end up being your album of the year. And I truly mean that. 71.) The Absence- A Gift For The Obsessed FFO- American Melodic Death Metal Melodeath, but from right here in the states. After eight years between albums, the band has come back with oddly enough, their catchiest and heaviest album to date. Such melodic twists and turns over some sheer brutality. This truly is an album that is worthy of your time if you want some killer songwriting over top some technical prowess. The band is making a well deserved comeback with this album and I simply can't wait to see where things go next. 70.) THEM- Manor of the Se7en Gables FFO- Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal Let's just address the elephant in the room right off the bat. Yes this band sounds like a pure loving tribute to King Diamond (I mean...the name...come on!), but when you look past the falsettos; there is so much more to it. There is a great sense of power driven riffs, a sonically pleasing presentation, and a cascading evil vibe between this and the previous album, making these two albums fit perfectly in horror driven harmony. In short, if you miss King Diamond making new music (which should hopefully come back in the near future) fill the void of horror conceptual heavy metal with THEM. 69.) Ghost- Prequelle FFO- Blue Oyster Cult, Mercyful Fate, Top 40 Rock Is this the turn in the band's career where they go from an evil metal band to an evil top 40 band? Quite possibly so, though I don't see it as a bad thing. I'd be completely lying if I said I didn't miss the heavier sound of the band; but there's nothing saying that won't come back. It's truly shocking to me how much hate the band gets now from all sides of the fence, then again, that comes with popularity. Some will hate you literally just because you're liked by someone who someone else calls a poser. I constantly hear Nickelback comparisons which baffles me, because I have yet to hear a Nickelback riff in any Ghost song. They are just a great concept band that hits different eras of metal and rock and right now, they are on the rock trek. I can call it right now that with the next album, if they get heavy again, there will be backlash for that as well. There's no winning 100% when you break through that mainstream barrier and become known world wide. You either sink or swim and Ghost is swimming strong. Kudos to them, they earned it. 68.) Striker- Play To Win FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal the third consecutive album from this Canadian band in three years and this album sounds even fresher than the previous two albums. It's amazing how a band can have so much inspiration on demand and continue to make completely solid music. That's what Striker is all about; it's completely solid heavy metal with the speed, power, passion and love that you want in a band like this. Such a great album. 67.) Deicide- Overtures of Blasphemy FFO- Death Metal Boy, did this album get me some metal wide recognition this year. Glen Benton returned with Deicide in 2018 and released my personal favorite album since The Stench of Redemption. The songs are beyond brutal and also so catchy at times with a NWOBHM vibe in some riffs that seems puzzling, but fit so very well. It's just a killer death metal album and from a band like Deicide, I don't need anything else. 66.) Skyharbor- Sunshine Dust FFO- Modern Progressive Metal Skyharbor is a band that truly is a step above the rest of the bands in similar styles. Combining what is done with modern progressive metal but adds an authentic style of atmosphere that makes everything feels so dreamy and vibey. While not getting too mellow or too heavy; Skyharbor just fits that void of right in the middle so no matter how mellow or aggressive you feel, you can throw this album on and feel relaxed. Incredible work. 65.) Mile Marker Zero- The Fifth Row FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal A Perfect Circle by the way of Muse by the way of Rush. The band's first concept album hits right at home thematically and musically. It's super catchy while a great dosage of heaviness and technical proficiency. No matter where you stand in the prog world, you will find something to dig about Mile Marker Zero and they are one of those bands you just want to see explode in popularity. It's bound to happen. 64.) Follow The Cipher- S/T FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal In the simplest of terms, if you are disappointed by the direction Amaranthe is in lately, Follow The Cipher is here to show that original style is still as strong as ever. This debut album is filled with that great modern pop, industrial and catchy feel while mixing heavy and power instrumentation in a way that is pure bliss to listen to. Such a fun album that should feel right at home if you dig modern metal. Absolutely worth checking out. 63.) Refuge- Solitary Men FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal The original lineup of Rage returns as Refuge. Keeping the spirit of the original incarnation alive in 2018. It's fun, heavy, catchy, and makes you realize how influential those initial Rage albums really are. If you love that German speed metal, you need to check out Refuge. 62.) Manticora- To Live to Kill to Live FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Speed Metal What a crazy and unique band. 22 years into the game and they are continuing to become stronger and stronger with every album. Imagine Nevermore, Primal Fear, Pagan's Mind, and Accept forming a band and that sums up Manticora's sound today. This band deserves to be one of the biggest metal bands going today. One listen to this album and you'll understand why. 61.) Satan- Cruel Magic FFO- NWOBHM The legendary UK band returns with their third album since reforming and it's easily the best Satan album to date. It captures what made the band truly stand out in the beginning, but updated just enough to truly be what they want to be. You know you love NWOBHM and you want to hear it authentically done in 2018; Satan is here to fill that void and it's superb! And there we go, kids. 20 more albums down in this gargantuan 100 album list tomorrow, we crack the top 50 with That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 Part IV: 60-41. Be there AND be square! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  I still can't believe it's December already. Minnesota got hit with a few good inches of snow over the last few days, we got 4 weeks and 1 day left of the year, and all the bigger publications decided they were sick of having my lists come out first, so they decided to do their Top 20, 40, 50, and some even took my premise and did a Top 100; but that's none of my business *sips tea*. But all of that said, this is the hardest month of the year for me for many reasons. In an effort to combat that for the last decade of so; I've been compiling my favorite things of each year and every year, the lists, the premise, and the kinds of lists gets bigger and bigger. This year alone I already cover the Top 5 Wrestling Matches of 2018, Top 11 PS4 Games of 2018, Top 10 Epics of 2018, Top 10 Live Albums of 2018, Top 15 EPs of 2018 & Top 40 Honorable Mentions of 2018. Now it's time for the original, where all of this began, where most people know me from, the list where you question my sanity or authenticity from the sheer size of the list, or the one I'm most proud of "The List that makes me lose all my money from album purchases every year" list....THAT DRUMMER GUY'S TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2018.
That said a few notes as I do every year and will be listed again when the full list starts: 1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo. 2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it. 3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity. 4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year. So, with all that said, lets get right into it with THAT DRUMMER GUY'S TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2018 PART II: 100-81 100.) Black Majesty- Children of the Abyss FFO- Power Metal What feels like one of Australia's best kept secrets; Black Majesty returns with some of the most bombastic power metal of 2018. 7 albums in, and the band has yet to lose any intensity, fire or passion; which is such a remarkable thing to see. If you want some incredibly written power metal, Black Majesty is the band for you. 99.) Poets Of The Fall- Ultraviolet FFO- Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Symphonic Rock It's not just melodeath that Finland continues to do right; it's just rock in general. With one of, if not the darkest album in their catalog; PotF shows off some fantastically well made rock that is catchy as all get go, yet well written. It's the kind of earworms that you want stuck in your head. The band is actually making their US debut at ProgPower USA 2019 next year, which if they catch on enough, could lead to more shows in the US. This is the kind of band to keep on the lookout for; it's well worth the effort. 98.) Shattered Skies- Muted Neon FFO- Modern Progressive Metal Shattered Skies is one of the greatest bands going from the Irish metal scene. Despite having some setbacks along the way; the band has been forging ahead since 2011 and now with their latest release, it feels like the most authentic release to date; really carving their own sound and showcasing everyone's talents in the band. Well crafted songs, catchy & heavy, and and overall sense that if this is the direction modern progressive metal is going in; we are going to be just fine. 97.) Orange Goblin- The Wolf Bites Back FFO- Stoner Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal Orange Goblin deserves to be one of the best known bands in the genre. A band that fully makes the music they want to me and does it with such great creativity and inspiration. They have no problem writing faster songs, slower songs, heavy songs, mellow songs; what ever is called for, they make it happen. The newest album continues that tradition, but they also made an album that feels like it would sound perfect in a live setting, which I do hope to see the band live again some day. Just a great solid, fun, album. 96.) Agrypnie- Grenzgaenger FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal If I had the chance to be able to hear this album more, it would be so much higher on this list. Discovering this band with their previous album, this album expands that ever growing sound with that gut wrenching feeling of hopelessness, but with a great atmosphere and intensity that other bands can't even come close to replicating. If you want your death metal more proggy, blackened, and atmospheric; check these guys out immediately! 95.) Skeletonwitch- Devouring Radiant Light FFO- Blackened Atmospheric Thrash Metal Boy, talk about a watershed album, eh? You have two camps going on in the world right now; those that feel like the band should have broken up after Chance Garnette left the band and those that feel the band is as strong as, if not stronger, than ever. I am of the latter camp. To match the new chapter of the band, instead of just focusing on fast, thrashy, fun music; the band has taken more of the atmospheric black metal approach to their sound. I feel like it actually makes the band stand out more. It still has the Skeletonwitch charm to it, just in a new style and it's a welcomed change. I seriously can't wait to see what they do next. 94.) Siege of Power- Warning Blast FFO- Hardcore, Punk, Thrash What happens when you take some of the most legendary names in European metal, get them together and have them start a new band? You get a new band where they simply write what they want to write, do what they want to do, and make the music they want to make. This is an album that hits all the marks that is needed. If you love the bands that are attached to this (Asphyx, Autopsy, Hail of Bullets) you'll hear traces of those bands, but this is something completely of their own accord, and that's why I dig it. A short, sweet, brutal assault. 93.) Antiverse- Under The Regolith FFO- Thrash Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal An absolutely solid band from Minneapolis, this band's second LP is a completely focused sonic assault to the senses. Fast, catchy, heavy and great lyrical themes. For those not familiar; think Revocation as a skeleton of an idea, but making it completely their own. A completely solid record from start to finish and well worth checking out. 92.) Alkaloid- Liquid Anatomy FFO- Technical Metal, Progressive Metal, Death Metal The second release from this amazing lineup features the band becoming even more of their own sound yet wearing their influences on their sleeve. The music is even more insane, the songwriting feels even more strategic, and the musicianship is unparalleled. One other point is that clean vocals are much more featured than on the debut, which is a great thing to see and makes the band stick out even more. Just an overall stellar album. 91.) Black Fast- Spectre of Ruin FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal Progressive Metal This band's third album is one of haunting wonder, breakneck riffs, and some of the most memorable riffs of this style I've heard in such a long time. Completely making the music they want to make, Black Fast showcases their immense strengths in songwriting, talent, excelled musicianship and a raw production that gives everything just a tad more of an evil feeling. This band deserves all the love they can get. 90.) Entransient- The Weight of Things FFO- Dark Progressive Rock Basically, if you love bands such as Porcupine Tree, Katatonia, Karnivool, and Hurt; you need to check out Entransient. The band's latest album shows the band expanding into even greater territory with variations on tempo, instrumentation, and overall themes. The songs are catchy, the style is heavy, proggy, and dark; and the overall vibe of this band just really hits home. Keep your eyes on these guys and see what they can do next...of course check out this album as well. 89.) Primordial- Exile Amongst The Ruins FFO- Celtic Black Metal Primordial can do no wrong and even nine albums into the band's career, the band still feels like they continue to progress their sound creating their best work. With even more emphasis on longer songs, ever growing ebb and flow in the riffs, and the signature Primordial sound they are known for; this is simply not an album to be ignored. This hits that Celtic black metal itch so very, very well. 88.) Clutch- Book of Bad Decisions FFO- Blues Rock, Stoner Rock, Hard Rock Clutch makes another solid Clutch album, who would have guessed? But seriously, it is so rare to find Clutch making an album that is anything but solid. Showcasing all the sides of the band you have come to know and love, this hits home on so many levels both lyrically and musically. IN short, if you already like Clutch, you should be checking this one out immediately. IF you're not familiar, this may be a great new introduction for you. 87.) Unleashed- The Hunt for White Christ FFO- Viking Metal, Death Metal We are just under a month from this band celebrating it's 30th active year as a band. You'd think after all this time they would be slowing down, making lame music, and ready to hang it up. One listen to this album proves all of those things wrong. They music is so intense with sheer passion behind every song. Continuing on in the written saga of the warriors of Odalheim and Midgard; this 4th album shows the story go even farther along all while maintaining that Unleashed sound that fits so perfectly well behind it all. An absolutely solid album. 86.) Howling Sycamore FFO- Technical Death Metal with Clean Vocals The FFO covers this quite nicely. If you dig bands such as Obscura, Gorguts, Pestilence, but want to hear clean vocals like bands like Charred Walls of the Damned, this is for you. The music is absolutely insane, the vocals soar and howl (ok, pun intended). It is so refreshing to hear a different context to this style and it completely fits. Granted it may take some time if you are a purist, but if you have an open mind, it's well worth the journey. 85.) Dire Peril- The Extraterrestrial Compendium FFO- Iced Earth in Space Another one where the FFO covers it quite nicely. If you love the musical style and vocal delivery of Iced Earth, but want your songs about Sci-Fi and outer space; you need Dire Peril in your life. The choruses are majestic and make you want to sing along. The musicianship is beyond tight, and the whole band in general is something that needs to be loved and celebrated. Jaw droppingly fantastic work. 84.) Freak Kitchen- Confusion to the Enemy FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal Another album that discovered way too late this year and sadly couldn't put it up higher because of it. While being one of the most creative prog bands in general; Freak Kitchen returns after four years with their signature blend of insane guitar styles, beyond catchy riffs and choruses, and production that fits so perfectly for what is being played. A sheer joy to listen to and you just may agree. 83.) Khemmis- Desolation FFO- Doom Metal, Heavy Metal If they can keep this up, they will be come the American version of Candlemass. This album is just so hooky, catchy, and mesmerizing. The vocals fit so perfectly and sound so distinct. This band just simply improves with every release and this is easily their best work to date. I know they will only get better and better and Desolation proves it. 82.) Parasite INC- Dead and Alive FFO- Melodic Death Metal Such a refreshing and modern take on melodeath that has been needed for quite some time. A band that can take more industrial and keyboard driven vibes, but do something that seems impossible with some bands...never lose intensity. Simply put, this is melodeath in 2018 done right and there is almost better example of bands taking a new approach and making it work. Well Done! 81.) Tribulation- Down Below FFO- Black Metal, Occult Rock, Heavy Metal Easily the band's best album to date. The band showcases the signature sound they have been known for, but expands upon it more so by being even catchier, the songs being transcribed to an even greater epic feel, and the band is simply tighter than ever before. If you want your black metal with a kick of rock and roll; Tribulation does it better than anyone else. And there we go, folks. the first 20 albums in this unstoppable avalanche known That Drummer Guy's Top 100 of 2018. 20 completely solid albums that deserve your love and who knows; one of them could be your favorite album of the year. Tune into tomorrow for Part III 80-61!  I can't believe it's that time of year again. I've never had a year fly by so fast in my life. Usually every year feels like it's drags on and on and on, but this year has brought on many changes for me and everything past by so fast and it's already the holiday season and I awaken my fingers for the massive undertaking that is The Top 100 Albums of The Year. This year has has some absolutely phenomenal albums of all styles that deserve your love and attention.
Before continuing on, look again at the meme attached to this list. It's important. During this epic journey, I will be covering 140 different albums that came out in 2018. There is not a single album mentioned that I don't enjoy. Nothing here in my eyes sucks or doesn't deserve promotion. My duty every year is to cover as much ground as I possibly can so YOU...YES, YOU!!! can discover some new music. Your favorite album of this year could be my favorite as well. It could be number 26 or 53 or 79 or 100 or in the honorable mentions. You won't know unless you check them out and if an album is of interest to you, you give it a shot. I'm just the messenger bringing you the details. That said a few notes as I do every year and will be listed again when the full list starts: 1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo. 2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it. 3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity. 4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year. 5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on youtube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about. Now...let's show off these Honorable Mentions! Behemoth- I Loved You at Your Darkest FFO- Blackened Death Metal The band continues to grow with every passing year and every year Nergal continues on proves that it is possible to survives life's worst moments. This new album is a natural successor to their previous album, The Satanist. It's shorter, it's more orchestral, and features an evil children's choir. The band continues to flourish musically and to rousing ovation. Despite any feeling you may have about Nergal or the band in general, you gotta admire that someone can get back into their passion after battling and successfully defeating cancer. Brimstone Coven- What Was and What Shall Be FFO- Occult Rock One of the best and underrated bands in occult rock, Brimstone Coven returns with new evil tales that are catchy, hooky, and memorable. If you want that evil classic rock sound and the evil imagery to back it up like your grandparents warned you about back in the day. This is the band for you. Circuitry- Untouched By Human Hands FFO- Modern Progressive Metal It's always great when a band can come out and take a new spin on an ever expanding genre. Circuitry takes the ideals of Modern Progressive Metal and makes the brutal breakdowns more brutal, the experimental moments more experimental, and the hooky riffs even more memorable. It's just a really fun listen for those that want more from your Periphery, TesseracT, Animals As Leaders type bands. Coffinrot- Retribution Divine FFO- Old School Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash Twin Cities born Coffinrot released their debut album this year and it is a fantastic throwback to classic Death Metal, Black Metal and Thrash. It's a unique take on it as well, carving their own path of the past. If you are in need some new underground extreme metal, check out Coffinrot! Coheed And Cambria- The Unheavenly Creatures FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal Coheed is back and heavier than ever. This whole album feels like the heavy prog album I always wanted from them. Of course the signature C&C pop influences still shine through, but it's great to hear them actually embrace their progressive metal influences shine. If I had more time with this album it'd probably be in the Top 100 list. It's also a return to The Armory Wars story, which I've noticed is quite the divisive decision for the fanbase. I just know I love what's going on with this album and hope they keep up this intensity. Culak- Without A Purpose FFO- Blackgaze A mix of Deftones, Devin Townsend, and Deafheaven. It's a fantastic mix that showcases what can still be done in the Blackgaze genre and it's stellar songwriting. I will say that the cymbal production is a bit peaky (meaning that it crackles) but if you get past that, there is great songs to behold. Solid stuff! Cult Leader- A Patient Man FFO- Chaotic Hardcore, Crust Punk, Proggy Moments The latest album from Cult Leader continues to get more brutal, yet more intriguing. The songs feel tighter, the production is stronger, and the band is just at the top of their game. It captures so much of what I love with experimenting with genres and you just may enjoy it as well. Exmortus- The Sound Of Steel FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal A different, but natural progression for Exmortus. With the band basically coming back from the brink of collapse to to reform with a new lineup, The songs focus more on the strengths of the new lineup and keep everything you love about the band in check. It's more of a straightforward album than previous album, but that just means it's the perfect album to start with if you are new to the band. Grave Digger- The Living Dead FFO- Heavy Metal One of the best bands to ever come from Germany has returned with a brand new album that is such a great, horror influenced tour of where Grave Digger is in 2018. It's heavy, it's actually quite poppy, and just an overall fun listen. That's all I ever want out of a Grave Digger album. Hate Eternal- Upon Desolate Sands FFO- Technical Death Metal Hate Eternal arrive back after three years with another onslaught of death metal brutality but this time, they have the legendary Hannes Grossmann on drums. Everything feels tighter than ever with the band's sheer sonic assault. Everything you love about the band is here in strides to progress to being even better than ever. Hate Eternal is so consistent that they can never let you down; if you know the formula, they will deliver! Hatesphere- Reduced To Flesh FFO- Thrash Metal, Death Metal This Danish band is already on their tenth album! I still remember when 2004's Ballet of The Brute came out and loving their unique blend of thrash and melodeath hitting me so hard. Over the years, the band has become more and more thrashy and that is definitely not a bad thing. The songs hit you hard, the songwriting feels very inspired, and the passion of the band is still felt throughout the entire album. Considering the band celebrated 20 years this year; they have earned the right to do as they please, and they are doing it well. Helion Prime- Terror Of The Cybernetic Space Monster FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Sci-fi This album is filled to the brim with Sci-Fi goodness with a prog power mix of Primal Fear, Sonata Arctica, and oddly enough, Tool. It's a very cool mix and really makes the band stand out in the world of power metal. This album is meant to be a great time and that's exactly what you get here. Henry Derek Elis- The Devil Is My Friend FFO- Tom Waits, Dax Riggs, Outlaw Country, Satanic Folk One of my favorite albums that I wish I could have checked out just a tad bit more. I know it would have made the Top 100 list had I just had more time. This album is a loving tribute to folk and country of the past, while giving it the spooky, evil, and satanic imagery that really feels appropriate for a lot of olden day country and folk. If your not familiar with Elis; He is the lead singer of the bands Act of Defiance and Thrown Into Exile. SO it was quite shocking to hear this take on what he can do in a completely different style. It works so perfectly and is easily one of the most evil albums of the year, in the best way possible. Hyvmine- Earthquake FFO- Modern Progressive Metal I know what I said in the EPs list about having this go along with their Fight or Flight EP, but this album is too good not to talk about (and in keeping up with my rules I'm giving it an Honorable Mention list, had the EP not come out this year, this would be a top 10 album. HEY...MY RULES!) Anyways, this band's debut album is such a great display of what Modern Progressive Metal could be with nods to King's X, Dream Theater, Periphery, and mixing them into a catchy, heavy, proggy and fantastic listening experience. This band is going to get huge in time and by the time of the next album, you'll be seeing them everywhere. Imperial Triumphant- Vile Luxary FFO- American Blackjazz Nick Cave meets Blackjazz era Shining (NOR) meets Deathspell Omega. AN absolute mindbender of a musical listening experience and not for the faint of heart. This will be an album that you can understand the power of and love it, or you will think it's absolute noise. I've yet to see a "meh, they are ok" quote about them. Purely love or hate. I am in the love category. And this album deserve all the attention it can get. It's pure chaos, but it entirely makes sense if you can comprehend it. Johnny Gioeli- One Voice FFO- AOR, Hard Rock This album would 100% be in my Top 100 list if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't come out for another week and I just simply have enough time to really digest it enough to fairly call this a Top 100 album. This album is the feel good album I really needed in my life and came into my inbox at the right time. Sometimes you just need an album that is just rockin' enough but with such a great positive message. As you can tell from my lists, I do love a lot of dark and depressing music, but for the sake of having a clear conscious; you need some happy music that makes you feel like you can accomplish something in life. That's what this album does for me and hey, it might for you too. Kalmah- Palo FFO- Melodic Death Metal One of the most underrated bands in melodeath. Their impeccable songwriting skills of melodeath, thrash and hints of power metal make them stand out in ways that should make them one of the biggest bands in the business. But for the diehards like myself and others; Palo is just the latest reason why Kalmah is worthy of any praise they get. If you dig melodeath and never heard Kalmah, you are doing yourself a disservice by skipping out in these guys. Remedy that now and check this album out. Letters From The Colony- Vignette FFO- Modern Progressive Metal One of, if not the very first album I received for 2018 promos. This debut album showcases this Swedish band showcases a mix between Meshuggah, BTBAM, and Gojira done in a way that is so pleasing to the senses. Without question, this album chugs, but in the case of this album, it is a complete and utter benefit. and when it doesn't chug, the music stands out so much more. A complete heavy delight to listen to. Lithium Dawn- Gravity Waves FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock A heavy blend of Porcupine Tree, Opeth, and Tool, sees this prog outfit exploring what can be done in the atmospheric world of progressive music. Their latest album combines their greatest attributes and continues to make their own signature sound of heavy, proggy, atmospheric, rock, and metal. Another great band to explore if you are not familiar already. MaYaN- Dhyana FFO- Symphonic Death Metal The third album from this Dutch powerhouse shows the band maturing and exploring more of what's possible in symphonic death metal. With lyrics that are personal and positively inspiring than the previous two album. Th music matches the powerful positive message shown throughout. It's an odd thing to think about considering how heavy this music can get, but it completely makes sense as you listen and you should listen. Epica's Mark Jansen can do no wrong. Monstrosity- The Passage of Existence FFO- Death Metal One of the more underground, but one of the most important Florida death metal bands returns after quite an extensive hiatus to release some of their best music to date. Covering the spread of death metal from the most brutal to the most thrashy to the most thought provoking and a production that should be a bar that other death metal bands strive for. a stellar album. Nightmarer- Cacophony of Terror FFO- Extreme Metal Absolutely living up to the band's namesake and album namesake; This band and this album is filled with terror, dread and nightmares. The music is beyond intense and gives you such dark imagery that plays in your mind as you listen. If you want a more palatable version of a band like Portal, but just as intense, check out Nightmarer. It's extreme done right. Opus of a Machine- Stray Fire FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock It's really great to hear a modern prog band that isn't focused on the most dropped tuning and brutal breakdowns matched with odd time signatures. Sometimes you just need something that strays (no pun intended) from the norm. That's what this band is. A mix of Opeth, Haken, and Oceansize takes the alternative route to prog rock and prog metal and makes it completely their won and it works so wonderfully well. Outer Heaven- Realms of Eternal Decay FFO- Death Metal Old school death metal with some of the most absolutely ferocious vocals I've heard in my years of enjoying metal. Seriously every word sounds like a dragon breathing fire at you and it's magnificent. It's a short, sweet, and brutal take on Death Metal and exactly what we need. Pig Destroyer- Head Cage FFO- Pig Destroyer It's almost futile to put labels on these guys other than extreme. They can be grindcore, doom metal, noise, hardcore or punk at the drop of a hat and it will all make sense in context. Continuing to keep making the music they want to make, Pig Destroyer has no intentions of backing down and continuing to show why they are such an intense experience both live and on record. Poem- Unique FFO- Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, Alternative Unique, not just a great phrase to describe Poem, but a great album. Mixing flavors from bands like Katatonia and Paradise Lost but adding hard rock tinges from bands like, I dare say, Alter Bridge. It is such an intriguing mix that I keep going back to and I had I not discovered it so late, it would be in my Top 100. If you want your music dark but catchy, this is a band you need to know about. Powerwolf- The Sacrament of Sin FFO- Power Metal, Symphonic Metal Another complete love or hate band. Powerwolf knows exactly what they are making dark and gothic inspired power metal with symphonic overtones and songs that are meant to be fun and sung at the top of your lungs. This latest album continues that trend wholeheartedly. whether it is at full speed or a dirge paced ballad, they cover it all and make it such a fun experience. Completely and utterly solid. QFT- Live In Space FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Outer Space Literally named after Quantum Field Theory, this debut album showcases Linnea Vikstrom spreading her wings from Therion and fronting her own band and talking about what is beyond Earth; all while making it a great album in the process. I'm pretty such this album will help you pass Advanced Physics in college if you are stuck in a bind, haha. But seriously, this is just a great, fun record and if you appreciate the field of science, you'll appreciate it even more. Realm of Wolves- Oblivion FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal If Blackgaze is too happy sounding for you, but you like the atmospheric overtones, Realm of Wolves is the band for you. Keeping that evil, haunting black metal tinge, while appreciating soundscapes in the process; this album covers so much ground in this style that needs to be heard in 2018. A jaw dropping experience. Septic Tank- Rotting Civilization FFO- Punk, Hardcore, Metal Do you miss Lee Dorian singing faster songs? I think we all do, and it sounds so great hearing him sing over these songs filled with social depravity that is toxic to today's world (which is accurately portrayed by the album cover). Simply, if you want a short, sweet, and rotting punk album; this is for you. Set and Setting- Tabula Rasa FFO- Instrumental Metal, Post Metal AN absolutely solid release from this band that continues to expand upon what is possible in the instrumental post metal realm. more ambience, more evil riffs, and some of the best songwriting done in this style. While instrumental music is a hard sell for some people, I highly advise giving this band a shot. It's well worth the shot. Sinsaenum- Repulsion for Humanity FFO- Blackened Death Metal The long awaited sophomore album from the powerhouse group featuring past and present members of Slipknot, Dragonforce and Mayhem (no, you didn't read that wrong). The songs are even more diverse, more brutal, more evil and so great to hear done this well. A fantastic album that proves that humanity sucks, but it's done in such a great way that you don't mind as you listen...but maybe try to better yourself after listening to it. Soulfly- Ritual FFO- Thrash Metal, Groove Metal, Death Metal Death metal Max Cavalera is the best Max Cavalera, even if it's diverse death metal. Hearing the intensity Max and Co. bring on this album is so great to hear and it's so great to hear that revitalized intensity flourish throughout this album, no matter what tangent it follows. Plus it has a song about Hellraiser, so yeah, automatically a great album! Spock's Beard- Noise Floor FFO- Progressive Rock The catchiest, poppiest and easy going Spock's Beard album to date. It is such a strange thing to comprehend, but I really think it works. Sure, it's not for everyone and for some, it's not even for long time fans. But if you look at it as it's own entity, it perfectly makes sense with where the band is at in 2018 and I'd rather have an authentic look at the band than forcing a prog induced album they didn't want to make. Right place, right time, right album. Ted Poley- Modern Art FFO- Rock of All Styles I may dare say that Ted Poley has put out some of my favorite songs and albums over the last few years by simply being himself. While other bands of the 1980s make rehashed albums with no authenticity or becoming just a soft rock band; Poley makes rock of all styles, it gets heavy, it gets poppy, it gets emotional, and it's 100% authentic as it's what he wants to do. And what a welcome change that is to hear in today's age. If you're expecting Danger Danger songs or something, you'll be disappointed. If you are looking for a new adventure of what is possible in rock in 2018, check this one out! TesseracT- Sonder FFO- Modern Progressive Metal This album really.....REALLY needed to happen. I thoroughly enjoy the band and the first two albums I feel are spectacular pieces of work, but it started becoming quite...well...stale after a bit. Thankfully Sonder freshens things up again and is not just songs that in the same tempo and rhythm patterns. It's diverse, its ever growing and exactly what the band needed. I am so thankful for that. Therion- Beloved Antichrist FFO- Symphonic Metal To be 6 years between albums and come back with a 46 track, 3 disc, metal opera; to say that is ambitious is a gigantic understatement. To put it simply, if you enjoy Therion, no matter what era of the band, you will find something to love in this triple album. It's a massive undertaking clocking in at around 3 hours total. Even if you listen to it in small doses, it's well worth the investment in time. Tremonti- A Dying Machine FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal It's insane to think about how consistently solid Tremonti is with his solo albums. Every single album is filled with metal, rock, emotion, and completely personally driven in a way that's hard to find in other bands that can be considered radio friendly. It's such a welcome change and it's great to hear another album that is stellar from start to finish from Tremonti. Twitching Tongues- Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred FFO- Hardcore, Metalcore Another short, sweet and beautifully chaotic trip in the world of Twitching Tongues. No matter the speed, no matter the content, no matter the message; this album slays on all levels and makes you hate the world around you, but also try to make it better. That's the sign of a great album! 22- You are Creating FFO- Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock Feeling like a mix between Muse, Mew, Minus The Bear, and Oceansize; 22 returns with a double album based on limbs, with both sides giving very distinct styles and attributes. This is an ambitious album that really showed off what was possible with proper creativity and poise. It can be quirky, it can be thought provoking, it can just be great music. What ever your take away from this album, you can't deny the catchiness and power that can come from this outfit. And there we go. 40 Fantastic Albums from to18 (That Just Happened to Be Honorable Mentions). This was the most work I've put into a list in just one sitting and it feels great to show off 40 albums that just may be worth your time checking out. Starting Monday, the monolith, the megalodon, the mammoth, the "I Can't Believe You Have That Mush Time To Listen To Music" list begins with That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 with Part II: 100-81! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  Shorter albums and EPs are actually a great marketing strategy in 2018. Release a handful of songs, and do it more often to keep peoples attention (pretty much the opposite of my last list). Some bands have some great material they want out there either starting out or just between full albums as well. These fifteen EPs covers a great amount of ground in the rock and metal fields. Let's see if these short tastes of bands pique your interest enough to give them a full change.
15.) Depths of Hatred- Bloodguilt FFO- Technical Death Metal, Deathcore A rather shocking discovery for me filled with brutal intensity and melodic songwriting paired in perfect fury. It's great to hear music this technical and heavy with melody and harmony behind it, making it stand out from the crowd. For fans of Cryptopsy, Arsis, and Misery Index. You will be sure to enjoy this EP in all it's glory. 14.) Progenie Terrestre Pura- Starcross FFO- Industrial Black Metal, Post Black Metal A mindblowing combination of genres that work so well together. Imagine the band Mechina, but more blackened instead of death metal driven. Just a fantastic listen through space and time, as beautiful as it is terrifying. A perfect band to expand your musical horizons. 13.) Witch Casket- Punishment Blackened Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal Should note that this band also released another EP this year, Hatred Index, which is equally fantastic, but I picked this one as it is newer and, I feel a bit more of what the band is truly capable of. A fantastic blend of chaos, evil, metal, and outrageously good songwriting. The songs are straight to the point and filled with the melodic brutality we all need sometimes. If you want some melodic brutality as stated a sentence ago, check this one out. 12.) Ostraca- Enemy FFO- Shoegaze, Hardcore, Screamo Such a crazy combination of music that truly works. If you want a crazy mashup of Deftones, Converge, The Smiths and AFI, this is it. It gets super down trotted and at the turn of a time goes into the chaotic hardcore you never see coming and then super melancholic . A great combination and a band to look out for. 11.) Marxthrone- A Blaze in the Western Sky FFO- Black Metal, Socialism The only reason this isn't up higher is because of how recent this released. I still can't really tell if this is taking the piss out of the world right now, a knock at a band like Neckbeard Deathcamp, or a black metal band that really thinks Democratic Socialism works. Regardless, this EP is filled with such great nods to classic 80s and 90s Black Metal while forging their own path with their (parody or not) message. Politics aside the music is great and worth checking out for that alone. 10.) Goliathan- Albion FFO- Instrumental Blackened Post Rock What a great release from Metal Assault Records. This band releasing this EP showcases everything the band is capable of, with evil sounding riffs, tons of atmosphere and songs that keep you interested from beginning to end. I can't give it a better description than that, they are very much worth your time. 9.) Conception- My Dark Symphony FFO- Symphonic Metal, Progressive Metal Roy Kahn has returned with Conception and the world of music is better for it. These tracks are so perfect for Kahn's amazing voice, maintaining the fantastic songwriting of Kamelot, but instead of power metal, going prog instead. The songs are super catchy and filled with dark joy, I expected nothing less and leave every listen of the EP completely satisfied. 8.) Fractal Cypher- Prelude to an Impending Outcome FFO- Modern Progressive Metal This EP is sheer brilliance from beginning to end. Combining so many great elements of melody, harmony, technical ability, and vocal delivery makes this a band you simply need to check out if you are a prog fan of any kind. You will find something to enjoy here, guaranteed. 7.) Neckbeard Deathcamp- White Nationalism is For Basement Dwelling Losers FFO- Grindcore, Crust Punk, Anti- Trump If you haven't gathered from this point, I do enjoy me some left wing views and left wing extreme music. Neckbeard Deathcamp has been making the rounds as of late for their name and lyrical content (I wonder why...?) but they also match their controversial lyrical content with fantastically made extreme music. Is it a novelty? time will tell. Till then I love what I hear and I really hope even better things are to come. 6.) Dead Now- Dead Now FFO- Early Day Torche The FFO pretty much sums it up. While being different enough to stand out, Dead Now covers the sludgy, poppy, doomy, dreamy styles that early day Torche albums cover so very well. Don't get me wrong they are their own band, but it is so great to hear this style of music again in my ears. A sheer delight to the senses. 5.) Tzimani- Tzimani FFO: Classic Metal, Speed Metal One of the best bands to come out of the San Diego area and another great signing by Metal Assault Management. These tracks fill you with that 70s-80s Heavy Metal you love and need in your life, but it's updated just enough to give their own flavoring. What makes this even better is that this band is two brothers, Eddie and Sebastian Vazquez. It's great to see family that gets together for the power of metal. They are going to go far if they are capable of this so early in their career. 4.) Candlemass- House of Doom FFO- Doom Metal The absolute masters of doom are back with their latest EP. AN interesting note is that vocalist, Mats Levin soon left the band after the release of this EP and returning, original, vocalist Johan Langqvist is back. It'll be interesting to see where the band goes from here. But before that, this EP is filled with the great, doomy, Candlemass you know and love. Catchy, doomy, heavy, and just plain...CANDLEMASS! 3.) Destroyer 666: Call of The Wild FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal Easily my favorite band of the genre, D666 returns with new tracks that fill the evil sense of dread and hopelessness, but in the most catchy of ways. Memorable riffs, superb vocal delivery, and stunning songwriting. They just do it right every single time and this proves it once again. Can't wait for the next LP. 2.) Hyvmine- Fight Or Flight FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock If it wasn't for my one release per band, per year, limits I put on myself, their debut album, Earthquake would be very high up on my Top 100 List coming next week, but as this is newer, and I really feel this EP shows off what the band is evolving into, I went with this one instead as it is three absolutely solid, catchy, and some of the best written songs I've heard from a brand new band. Imagine King's X with Dream Theater inspiration mixed with Modern Metal and poppy sensibilities. This band has it all. Go check out both Earthquake and Fight or Flight. 1.) Threads of Fate- A Funeral for the Virtuous FFO- Symphonic Metal, Black Metal, Progressive Metal Another one of my favorite discoveries of the year. This band captures the dark, haunting and necro-beautiful landscape that has been missing for quite a while with new talent. Imagine Kamelot, Dimmu Borgir, and Evergrey started a band; if you are someone like me, you instantly see the appeal. This entire EP is jaw dropping from start to finish and hits every single mark that I wanted check for a band like this. I couldn't suggest more that you check this out and bask in it's glory. And there we go. The top 15 EPs of 2018. We finally did it folks, we covered so much ground between all these lists and I can just kick back, relax, and be gaming till 2019. Oh....wait...did I forget to do something? Oh right, I still have my Top 100 Albums of 2018 coming up next week. That will be a massive challenge but well worth it. Narrowing it down to 100 is a challenge for someone like me, but I can.....wait...what? Before that I gotta do some Honorable Mentions? That will help ease the pain of showing off some great albums that didn't make the Top 100, name 5-10 more shouldn't hur....huh? Oh come on....40 HONORABLE MENTIONS?!?!?! Well kids, looks like my job is far from over. See you tomorrow for That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 Part I: 40 Honorable Mentions - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  Simply put, this is a list of the best songs that are over 10 minutes long. This is something generally for the prog fans or the doom metal fans or the stoner fans to enjoy. If you like your songs short, poppy, and easy to make love to; this is not the list for you (unless your into that, then *HIGH FIVE*) Let's get right into it!
10.) Mike LePond's Silent Assassins- Pawn and Prophecy- Pawn and Prophecy Time: 21:38 FFO: Progressive Metal, Power Metal Legendary bassist of Symphony X, Mike LePond has made a remarkable name fro himself outside of SX not only guesting on some great albums from great bands and playing live shows with great artists outside of SX; but he has a killer band known as Silent Assassins, where he gets to show off more of his Power, Prog, Classical, and Metal influences. This 21+ minute epic title track showcases so much of what he and the rest of the band (including some great guest spots) Everything from what you'd love to hear in Symphony X to brutal metal moments to pure orchestrated epicness to the middle section that's....well I'm not ruining it for you, I'll just say it'll make you smile. This song is such a great thing of beauty and worthy of a listen. 9.) Hands of Despair- Body And Souls- Well of the Disquieted Time: 16:00 FFO: Progressive Black Metal This sixteen minute epic from this fantastic Canadian band take you on a musical journey of the deepest reaches of your black soul and sends it to hell. The melodies and harmonies used amongst the evil riffs and haunting vocals are matched up so perfectly. The song also features some amazing guest spots throughout that if you know your Canadian Metal, you'll pick up on immediately. Such a fantastic band and album with this Epic as a real highlight. It's required listening if this intriguing to you in any way. 8.) Mournful Congregation- Picture Of The Devouring Gloom Devouring The Spheres Of Being- The Incubus of Karma Time: 22:05 FFO- Funeral Doom Metal Mournful Congregation may be my favorite funeral doom metal band and if you need a reason why; I have a little over 22 minute reason why right here. This song will literally eat your soul, joy, and happiness away in the best way possible. It is slow, brooding, moody, and darker than you could anticipate. Of course that is what any funeral doom metal band should hope to achieve. If this something you could even manage comprehending, you need to check it out. Just please make sure that you are in the right state of mind to do so. It's that dark...just trust me.... 7.) Redemption- Long Night's Journey Into Day- Long Night's Journey Into Day Time: 10:31 FFO- Dark Progressive Metal I have so much more to say about this band when the Best Albums of 2018 lists start flowing, but I'll try to keep this short. Tom Englund is one of my favorite singers of all time. Redemption is a band that means so near and dear to me; seeing that these two hiveminds are now together as one for Redemption makes me so happy and this 10 minute plus epic is a prime example why exploring so much of what dark progressive Metal can and should be. If for any reason you checked out Redemption in the past and were not interested before, just give this song a chance and see if it changes your mind. 6.) Wolfheart- Everlasting Fall- Constellation of the Black Light Time: 10:25 FFO- Melodic Death Metal It goes without saying that Finland has the best bands for Melodeath. It's not even up for debate. Per capita, there is no one stronger. And Wolfheart continues to prove that statement right and Everlasting Fall is a prime epic to prove it so. Starting off slow, heavy, symphonic, it builds and builds and buulds into absolute melodic chaos. The whole album is stellar, but this song is simply magic. Listen and understand why. 5.) Wills Dissolve- On This Cold November Night- The Heavens Are Not On Fire Time: 11:41 FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal, Doom This band is one of my favorite discoveries of 2018 and this song brilliantly shows off why that is so. Conveying inspiration from bands like Isis, Novembers Doom, Swallow The Sun and Opeth, this whole album is filled to the brim with melancholic masterpieces. This song in particular is a great starting point as to understanding what this band has in store for you. 4.) Lux Terminus- The Courage To Be- The Courage To Be Time: 20:57 FFO- Progressive Rock, Fusion, Instrumental This band is a hard sell for the brutal, angsty kid in all of us. But for those that just want to kick back, relax and hear three beyond excelled master musicians writing music that is not only complex, but perfectly inspired and written with songwriting in mind (rather than just chops); Lux Terminus may just do it for you. The title track in particular, captures some of the greatest emotions on the album from beautiful to heavy to mindblowing. Knowing the backstory and concept of the album, the title track really makes you appreciate live and all it has to share with us. I'm glad I stuck around and live in an era where this just released. 3.) Panopticon- Snow Burdened Branches- The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I and II) Time: 11:24 FFO- North American Folk Metal (Black Metal, Folk, Americana) This band is one of, if not my favorite Black Metal band going. This double album is actually a bit different as the Black Metal and Folk/Americana sides are actually separated by disc. This song still features some of the folkish elements I love, but really showcases the power of the nature inspired band and really, how really messed up the world so far; BUT, it gives you hope that we can change it for the better. This is required listening for any heavy music fan. 2.) Yob- Our Raw Heart- Our Raw Heart Time: 14:24 FFO- Doom Metal, Post Metal Another album I have to much to say about, but that will come in time. For the title track it grabs your heart and doesn't let go. Mike's Scheidt's vocals on this song are so powerful and sorrow filled. The song maintains the same slower tempo throughout but it matches the tone of the song and album perfectly. Knowing the back story of what Scheidt has gone through in recent times, it'll be hard not to tear up during this song, I know I did. Absolute power driven doom metal 1.) Witherfall- Vintage- A Prelude To Sorrow Time: 11:06 FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal It really couldn't have been any other song this year, expect the other epic off this album, but I kept this to one band each. Simply put this album is something I'll be talking about more soon, but the this epic is about the moment of the band losing one of my best friends in the world, Adam Sagan, and drinking the sorrows away. There's so much more that could be said and will be said, but for just this song, it's so powerful, moving and brilliantly written, it's the best Witherfall song to date; after checking it out, I hope you agree. Alright kids, that is ten absolutely stellar epic songs from 2018. Some fast, some slow, some heavy, some beautiful, some all of those things. While we live in a world where everyone's attention spans are shortening, I hope you can strive to fight that and give at least one of these songs a try if it's something of interest. These ten songs alone are over 2 and a half hours, which is about 5-6 pop albums, put your mind and ears to good use! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  It's quite hard to talk about live albums in 2018. As fantastic as they are to hear bands and artists in that live setting in a recorded form; it has somewhat been ruined by live phone bootlegs with horrendous sound quality and so shaky it's hard to watch. BUT, thankfully, there are musicians who make live albums and make them matter with top notch sound quality and now even 4K quality visuals to make you wonder if getting beer spilled on you by a drunkard during your favorite song is worth it anymore. These are just ten fine examples of that. In the interest of fairness, this is in alphabetical order.
Accept- Symphonic Terror- Live At Wacken 2017 FFO- Classic Metal, Symphonic Metal In what was at the time a once in a lifetime opportunity; Accept played the 2017 edition of Wacken separated into three smaller sets. A set of newer Accept songs, a set of classic orchestrations, and a set of classic Accept songs with the full blown orchestra. The clarity on this album is top notch and it makes you wish you could have been there to see it all. Thankfully with this Blu Ray/CD set, you can relive it any time you want. For the classic metalheads, classical fans and those that are both, it's a must have. Alice Cooper- A Paranormal Evening at the Olympia Paris FFO- Classic Rock, Heavy Metal Alice Cooper still puts on one of the greatest rock shows in 2018 with this release showcasing the classic Alice Cooper songs you know and love, and the newer songs that have become live staples. The band is top notch, the song selection is perfect, and the sound quality is just fantastic. Is it the best live Cooper album? Who's to say. But it is definitely worth a listen. Amon Amarth- The Pursuit of Vikings- Live at Summer Breeze FFO- Viking Metal, Melodic Death Metal Easily the most consistent metal band of recent memory, Amon Amarth returns before their next album to release this astonishing live spectacle. This showcases both of their live sets at Summer Breeze 2017 plus a nearly two hour documentary! A sheer delight for the vikings in all of us and well worth checking out. Anneke van Giersbergen- Symphonized FFO- Atmospheric Rock, Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal The second release on this list to feature a symphony; Anneke van Giersbergen (one of the greatest voices in music, PERIOD!) graces our ears once again with a 25 year retrospective of her career; back by Residentie Orkest The Hague conducted by Arjan Tien. Everything from The Gathering to VUUR is covered here in mindblowing Symphonic arrangements. Much like mentioned with Accept earlier, wherer you are an Anneke fan, a symphonic fan or both; this has MUST HAVE written all over it! Ayreon- Ayreon Universe FFO- Progressive Metal, Arjen Anthony Lucassen Another showing by Anneke on this list, who would have guessed, haha. In something as a nearly career long fan I never would have expected; Ayreon FINALLY played live and we have been blessed to have this been recorded for all of us to enjoy. A great career retrospective featuring some of the best Ayreon songs (and those that fit best in a live setting). It was amazing enough to get The Live Equation, which any of us would have guessed was a one time live deal, but now getting to hear classic Ayreon songs done by some of the greatest voices and musicians in the business? It's too good to be true, but thankfully, it is true and I couldn't be happier. Devin Townsend Project- Ocean Machine- Live at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv FFO- Progressive Metal, Hevy Devy In what will most likely be the final release under the DTP moniker, the band performed in 2017 for two sets to be recorded. One set of classic songs by request, the other performing what may be the most celebrated Devin Townsend album, Ocean Machine with...you guessed it...A SYMPHONY! It's almost as if Symphonies and Metal work seamlessly together...But this release has everything I could possibly want form a Hevy Devy live album and the more I hear it, the more it just feels like the perfect send off to this band. I've seen this band 8 times total and I am fortunate for every opportunity. Now it's time to see what Devin and Co. do in their respective endeavors. Fates Warning- Live Over Europe FFO- Progressive Metal You guessed it! Fates Warning toured Europe touring behind what is quite possibly their best album, Theories of Flight. Considering it has been nearly two decades since the last FW live album, this was a very welcome thing to see. Mainly focusing on Material not heard on the first FW album, the band proves that they are at the absolute top of their game and I simply can't wait for the next album. That fire is burning bright for the band and this live release proves it. Haken- L-1ve FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Rock Haken is one of the most celebrated modern prog bands with good reason. They can do everything from the classic prog rock of yesteryear, get down tuned and brutally heavy when needed, or sound as poppy as any 80s pop song; it's up to them. This first live album from the band showcases all 4 albums up to that time with some of their best songs from every album. Haken are an incredible experience live and this live release shows you why. Opeth- Garden Of The Titans (Opeth Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre) FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Progressive Death Metal Say what you want about Opeth in 2018, but they still put on a killer show and this live release showcases everything they are capable of today. Whether it's classics like Demon of the Fall or new live staples like Sorceress; The band has done no wrong to me yet and I don't see that ever changing. IF they can keep up this live quality; their studio quality will match that on the next album, I can feel it. Steven Wilson- Home Invasion: In Concert At The Royal Albert Hall FFO- Progressive Rock, Crying Steven Wilson live...if you've never experienced it, you haven't experienced a true emotion in a concert setting. Home Invasion brilliantly showcases that in all facets. Not only featuring work from ALL of his solo , he has also graced us all by incorporating Porcupine Tree songs into the set, which is what every fan wants if the band is not getting back together. Though I didn't get to experience this tour live, I still choke up hearing some of these songs live; what a great feeling that is when music can move you that much. A true prog live release that is worthy of your time. And there we go, folks! 10 live albums of 2018 that showcase very unique styles ranging from symphonic to Melodeath to just solid live shows. It also kind of shows that 2018 was a big year for Prog live albums, which is never a bad thing to me. Prog fans love setting up their home theaters and enjoying some great live music from home, this more than fills that need. Hopefully it will for you as well. - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  As you may have seen from my previous list, as shocking as it sounds, I do have ventures outside of music. Along with wrestling, gaming was a huge part of my childhood and unlike wrestling, it always stuck with me to this day. in 2018 you have 4 main options for gaming, PC, PS4, XB1, and Nintendo Switch. I am of the PS4 camp, converting from the Xbox 360 a few years back. Once again, like my previous list, I am not the biggest gamer in the world. As long as the game works, is of my interest and give me a fun experience, that's all I need. Frame Rates, refresh speeds, resolutions, etc are important things, but not enough to turn me off as long as I can sit down and enjoy it. The only downside I find to games is microtransactions...those can suck it!
That said, I am checking off every 2018 game I bought this year. No qualifications for being on this list as this is all 11 ranked from least favorite to favorite and quick thoughts about each one. So if you are a beginner to intermediate gamer like I am, I hope you enjoy this and maybe even find a new game to play. I apologize for only focusing on PS4 games, but that's just what I play. 11.) Jurassic World Evolution FFO- City Building Simulators, Sim City, The Sims Another game I really wanted to like and if I had a better grasp of these types of games, I'd be all over this. It's Sim City but based in the world of Jurassic World. Having not played a Sims type game in probably two decades, I found the game to be more aggravating than anything. Every time I got a little closer to getting it, I realized that I didn't get it. If go back to it and try again I may dig it more, but that's something time will tell. Also, Jeff Goldblum...He clearly did this for the paycheck and you can definitely hear it as it sounds so uninspired, which is heartbreaking. But anyways, if you dig city building simulation, you will love this, otherwise...you will not. 10.) Earthfall FFO- First Person Shooters, Multiplayer This game was 100% made to be played with friends or online play in mind. Which is probably why I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped. You don't need to play online for this as you have computer teammates, but it feels hollow. It follows the Left 4 Dead format with maps based on different stories and no real campaigns, but instead of zombies, it's aliens. Not a bad game by any means, but if you are a single player gamer like myself; there's better games to play to fill that void of the FPS single player games. 9.) Anamorphine FFO- Walking Simulators, A look at Mental Health I picked this one up the day it came out squarely on the premise of this being a very short game that is a true look at Depression from the outside and the inside...and it truly is. It's a heartbreaking game that looks at person who suffers a tragedy that leads to the deep well of depression that I know all to well myself. It shows it from the sufferer and their partner and how it affects both parties. If you're anything like me, you'll cry by the end and it's a well deserved cry. The biggest reasons why it's this low is because A.) You can complete it in under two hours. B.) When I played it, it had some major glitches to it, game breaking ones in fact, but they have been patched out and its a much better experience now. and C.) It's a walking Simulator. All you do is move around and see what's around you. There's no button commands, you don't pick anything up, there's no quests. You life this life as it's spirals downwards. I love it, but it's a hard sell for those looking for more than that in a game. If you wanna see how Depression really works, I highly recommend this game. 8.) Far Cry 5 FFO: First Person Shooter, Action/Adventure The first Far Cry game to focus on the United States as a map. The game was heavily controversial all the way up to it's release due to the political climate that is hinted at in the game (but not really a focus as much as talked about). It looks, feels, acts and plays like a Far Cry game, but just different enough to make it worth it. A fun/dark story, a gigantic map to discover with tons of secrets, and at least to me, a worthwhile endeavor. You can get the game pretty cheap now so it's well worth the experience. 7.) Vampyr FFO: RPG, Horror, A Question of Morals and Ethics Set in 1800s England, you play as a doctor, coming home from war, but falls victim to a vampire. Throughout the game, you continue on with your doctoral duties deciding who lives and who dies, all while finding out how you became this way and potentially end it. It's a great game with RPG mechanics and a great morality and ethical gut check seeing if you can live life without hurting others or if the temptation is too great. The weakest part is qithout question, the controls and gameplay, but everything else makes up for it and if you are a seasoned gamer, you can adapt very quickly. A fun, worthwhile time for the macabre in all of us. 6.) Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life FFO- Brawlers, Soap Opera Drama, the Best in Japanese Quirks If you've never invested time in the Yakuza series, you are doing yourself a gigantic disservice. This series has everything you could want from a Sega licensed game from constantly fighting battles, a gut wrenching story, almost every single type of gaming style, and the wackiness that comes with modern Japanese culture. Yakuza 6 is the final chapter in the story of Kazuma Kiyru. It is HIGHLY recommended to try out Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 (I still need the latter) before playing this game to get a better grasp on the stoyr. Though there is a recap section in the beginning. But again, even if the story isn't for you, there is baseball simulation, side quests finding stray cats, internet sex chatrooms, and the ability to play actual Sega games from yesteryear in the Sega Arcades. THere's even a mini game story arc featuring professional wrestlers from New Japan Pro Wrestling. It is one of the most hard hitting, yet, off the wall franchises you can possibly play, and worth every single second. 5.) Detroit: Become Human FFO- Interactive Movies The FFO section is exactly what this is; an interactive movie that YOU make the decisions for and forge your path. The game takes place in Detroit in a fictionalized 2038 where you play 3 different Androids of different walks of life and explore there stories and how the world is in 2038. This is an emotionally driven game that can test your limits of morality and ethics and doesn't give you much time to decide on particular moments. You gotta constantly pay attention or you may end up on a path of this story you do not want to take. If you only play this once you can finish it in 1-3 days depending on your gaming schedule, and it's broken up into several chapters. It really hits home for me and it may for you as well. 4.) Marvel's Spider-Man FFO: Open World, Action-Adventure, Superheroes This game...this game. This game has no right being as good as it is, given the past of Spider-Man games, but it is easily not only the best Spider-Man game, but may rival the Batman Arkham Saga as best Superhero game and the potential to be the best Franchise Superhero game (you know as least 2-3 more sequels are coming, it's guaranteed). The web-slinging in this game is so satisfiying and exploring Manhattan as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is worth the price of admission alone. The story, which is an original take on Spider-Man shows off Peter Parker 8 years after dawning the costume and is thankfully NOT an origin story. You jump right in as Spidey and and a grand ol' time. Until the DLC, this is one of the only games I have ever been able to beat 100% and grab every trophy. I will eventually get the DLC for it and get things back on the right track (thankfully, I still have the platinum trophy for my efforts). You see everywhere how this game is getting rave reviews, this game couldn't possibly be more deserving. It's pure fun! 3.) Hollow Knight FFO- Side Scrollers, 2D Platformers, Creepy but Cute Imagery, Dark Souls One of my favorite games I'll probably never get to beat as it is ridiculously hard. The game takes inspiration from the Dark Souls & Bloodbourne games as far as difficulty, but re-imagines it as a side scroller 2D adventure playing as an unnamed hero who wanders it's world, digging deeper and deeper discovering other bug/insect like creatures it must defeat or befriend to survive. With it being bugs and insects it can turn people off, but the graphic style really makes the protagonist quite the cute little thing, along with many other creatures in the game, but to flip the coin, there is many grotesque things as well, but more cartoony and fun. I have gotten respectfully far in the game, but with it's sheer difficulty I am not sure I'll ever be able to finish the game. I will continue to try. It's an easy game to grasp comprehension of but it takes a master gamer to perfect. All that said, I love this game and it goes for 15 bucks for a normal price. I am over 80 hours into the game and have not completed it and I still loe playing it. That's a worthy investment. *NOTE: I am aware this game originally came out in 2017 on other platforms, but it was released for PS4 in 2018, so I'm counting it* 2.) God Of War FFO: Action Adventure, RPG, Nordic Folklore If you have played any of the original God Of War games before this soft reboot, only keep the story in mind as everything else has changed and easily, for the better. Rather than Greek Mythology, this follows Nordic Mythology as Kratos discovers he has a BOY (sorry, I mean, son) and goes on an adventure that brings them closer together, while nearly getting killed every step of the way. The graphics in this game are impeccable. The story is heart wrenching, intriguing, and mesmerizing. The controls and gameplay are some of the most satisfying you'll ever find in a game to this point (especially when throwing your axe...PERFECTION!!!). This game is what I always hoped I would enjoy in the GOW series and I simply can't wait to see how this story continues on in the future. 1.) Red Dead Redemption 2 FFO- Grand Theft Auto, Except the Auto is a Horse If no one else can sell you on this game yet, I guess I'll give it a shot. If you enjoy the gameplay, the open worlds, the stories, and the atmosphere that Rockstar games have done in the past, this is the game for you. Despite the misleading title, this is actually a prequel to the events of the original Red Dead Redemption. Following the story of a brand new character not even hinted at in the original game, you follow a dramatically bigger story of how this all began in a drastically bigger world, so much more to do, jaw dropping graphics, and that Rockstar attitude they are famous for. Obviously I am making this before I had a change to play Red Dead Online (which I can do now as I finally upgraded to 2005 and got a PS Plus Subscription), I am purely basing this off the single player game which is worth every single cent you spend on the game. It just has such a stellar story, sooooo many secrets to find, side quests that fill you with such intrigue, and the overall best presentation I have ever seen in a video game to date. If this and anything else about this game you have heard didn't sell you on it, nothing will. And there we go, folks, my 2018 Game Purchases for PS4 in 2018 ranked in order or greatness. So many absolute winners and so many great reasons why I am so happy with my PS4 and maybe even I helped you out in picking up a game. Needless to say, gaming is becoming more and more fun as the years go on. I can't wait to see what I explore in 2019. - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy  Those that saw my previous list of the best matches of 2017, you may be surprised that the list is half as long and isn’t just a love letter to WWE. To be blunt, WWE (Raw and Smackdown) have really let me known every since the Royal Rumble and it feels like every month is getting harder and harder to watch due to bad storytelling, roughly half the roster now being on the injuured list, repeat after repeat after repeat after repeat matches and feuds and of course the whole Saudi Arabia thing that has made me almost stop watching entirely (mainly keeping up as I still have favorite wrestlers that are there and they are not the ones responsible. I’m smart enough to realize that). But also since last year, my love for NXT has grown exponentially and I have been able to REALLY discover wrestling outside of the WWE moniker. While there are sooooo many promotions I can’t follow, haven;t had the chance to follow, and simply don’t know about; I have been able to enjoy more from promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring Of Honor and more. And with the heavily rumored talks of the wrestling stable The Elite potentially starting their own promotion in 2019/2020 to possibly rival the WWE (or at least give them reason to believe they are not the only horse in town anymore in the states); it’s an exciting time to be a wrestling fan...if you know where to look for it.
Granted, I am not the biggest wrestling fan in the world anymore, my knowledge of wrestling up to 2001 means that I have 2002-2016 wrestling that I’ve missed out on experiencing first hand. The following 5 matches is not the most comprehensive list in the world, nor will I treat it as such. I treat this as a music fan that got back into the love of wrestling and enjoys it for what is, while still being a complete smark about it. But here is my top 5 matches of 2018 and 5 excellent reasons for non wrestling fans to give pro wrestling a(nother) shot. 5.) Hangman Page vs Joey Janela (Chicago Street Fight)- All In Right up till the time I originally stopped watching wrestling, I LOVED hardcore matches and that only grew as I got older. I loved the table crashes, chairshots, the blood, the chaos of it all. Now a days I am a bit more sensitive to it all, especially after I got the internet and found out about Japanese Death Matches and especially considering the horrific events that happened in 2007 that lead to the WWE being more mindful more of concussions and affects to the brain (come on, you know what I’m talking about, just google it if you really don’t know), it’s really hard to look back at some matches of the past, especially unprotected chair shots. All that said, when I first heard of this match, I was curious as I love Hangman Page, but knew literally nothing of Joey Janela, so I had zero insight as to what they had in store. Simply put these guys absolutely delivered. Some spots made my jaw drop wondering how they did not die (specially Janela), the use of tables, ladders, chairs and a literal Cracker Barrel just had everything I loved about hardcore wrestling back when I was a kid, but updated so it was a little safer, yet, even more INSANE. Plus the events that happened after the match featuring Famous Dick Wrestler, Joey Ryan just added all the comedy aspects that I miss about old school WWF wrestling, as immature as one could see it. Just a perfect hardcore match that’s not too extreme but brutal as you can get at the same time. 4.) Kazichika Okada vs Marty Scurll- All In What else can I possibly say about All In? As a whole it’s the best PPV to this date! This match was an absolute highlight of that. Much like the match coming up after this; this match focuses on two villains that came together for this PPV, but not for a title, not for brand supremacy, not even for a title shot; but simply because these two are two of the best in the buesiness at what they do. Okada representing Japan and the Villain Marty Scurll representing the UK (and The Elite) in the longest match of All In. What made this match work so well was not just the chemistry between the two; but it was a match where you thought you knew who was going to win from the beginning, but as the match went on, you began to really question it and think “WOW, IS HE GOING TO WIN?” That’s great storytelling in wrestling when you are genuinely wondering what will happen. This nearly 30 minute match will keep you on the edge of your seat and for good reason. A sheer David vs Goliath match that will keep you guessing till the very end. 3.) Tomasso Ciamp vs Velveteen Dream (NXT Championship)- NXT Takeover: WarGames II My favorite One on One match under the WWE moniker. Who would have thought as a kid who stopped watching when he was 11 would get back into it in 2017 and discover that wrestling as DRAMATICALLY improved in all facets. A brilliant match between two egomaniacs (both heel and babyface….that’s bad guy and good guy for the non wrestling fans out there). Both men are LOVED by the crowd but get the exact reactions they deserve. Ciampa being one of, if not the greatest heel of all time, the crowd despising him, his infatuation of never losing the title, undeniably fantastic promo work and a master of the ring and what a bad guy should be. The Dream starting off as the eccentric megalomaniac bad guy, turned into one of the most loved baby faces in NXT history...all while still pretty much being exactly the same. To make it simple, he is the 2018 version of WWF legend, Goldust, but updated for the time and no focus on sexuality (unless you look for it...perv!) The battle between these two seemed like it was going to be a good match, but not the best of the night, and it did start that way; but the longer it went, the better it became. Every near fall had you gasping when the opponent kicked out before 3. The high spots from Dream were insane, the tactics by Ciampa were so methodical and brilliant. Easily some of the best chemistry I’ve ever seen between two guys in the ring. It’s a shame we’ll never get a match like this in the WWE, but thankfully for fans like myself, NXT exists and only gets better as time moves on. 2.) Adam Cole v Ricochet v Lars Sullivan v Killian Dain v Velveteen Dream v EC3 (North American Title Ladder Match)- NXT Takeover: New Orleans My favorite match under the WWE moniker. This match has everything you could possibly ask for. Hardcore spots, high flying, infinite tension, and 6 of the best NXT superstars (past and present) at the time. You got the smarmy villain that’s a mix of Shawn Michaels and Triple H (Cole), The master of the fly flying spots (Ricochet), The monster brute (Sullivan), The loveable brute (Dain), The flamboyant egomaniac (Dream), and the Cocky rich kid who just came to town (EC3). Outside of supernatural powers ala The Undertaker or the bloody brutality you find in CZW or Japanese death matches; it’s so hard to be disappointed in this match. When it was live, you had no idea who was going to win and if you were a fan of NXT; you would have been happy to see that belt on any of the six. The outcome was exactly how it should have been (which won’t be spoiled here) and 4 of the guys men in this match have had great success after this match (the other two; Dain and EC3 have so much untapped potential that hasn’t hit this year yet, mainly due to booking and over saturation of great talent). There’s so much good to say about this match. Just go watch it and see why wrestling as as good as it has ever been. 1.) Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Okada (2 Out Of 3 Falls)- Dominion 2018 This is simply the greatest match I have ever seen. The 4th One on One encounter between these two legends of the business gave us a 65 minute epic that pulled at your heart and soul with every passing minute. Not to mention that this was a 2 out of 3 falls match, which just built the tension even more. The near falls, the repeated finishers, the endurance, and most importantly, the story being told in the ring is simply astounding. Omega is arguably the moved wrestler of today. His love of video games, the most brilliant acting seen in wrestling, an absolute seller of any match he is in, the best promos in the game, and such a loveable personality; the man has it all. Okada is the definition of Japanese wrestling. His persona, his skillset, his (at the time) no nonsense mentality, and absolute sheer brilliance in the ring. Every single time between these four matches, these two have been in the ring, has been masterclasses on wrestling with every match being better than the last. Whenever anyone says that wrestling was only good in the late 90s during the WWF’s Attitude era; make them watch this match and this should easily change their minds. Two of the absolute best wrestlers not under the WWE moniker, it’s not even up for discussion. And there you have it. My top 5 matches of 2018. I again apologize for no Main Roster WWE making the list, but, if you’ve seen the quality this year; there have been some good to great matches, but absolutely nothing I would go back to. The fact I have been watching about the first half hour of Raw before shutting it off due to sheer boredom pretty much says it all. Coming back into wrestling last year; that’s a heartbreaking statement. BUT thankfully things like NXT, NJPW, ROH, what ever The Elite do in 2019, etc prove that there is quality wrestling out there, just like quality music in 2018. You just gotta look for it. - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)  Where would Metal be without Unleashed? It feels like there would be an empty void left by a band that has inspired countless Pagan, Viking, and Death Metal bands. Thankfully, Unleashed is going stronger than ever nearly 30 years into the band's career. I recently, I got the opportunity to ask Unleashed Mastermind Johnny Hedlund a few questions about everything going on with Unleashed, including the brand new album, The Hunt For White Christ, available October 26th through Napalm Records. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! October 26th brings us the 13th album from Unleashed The Hunt for White Christ. How does it feel to be able to have this album coming out in just a couple weeks? It feels amazing! We worked on it for around two years so it is safe to say that we are looking forward to hear what people think of it. We are also preparing which songs to be on the live set list and it will have an affect also which songs people like the most. The Hunt for White Christ continues on as the 4th album to follow the story of the World of Odalheim that you have penned yourself. How does it feel to be able to show off both sides of your creative mind by showing off this saga in musical form? Very good indeed. Since the book never got finished I figured it might make sense to do the chapters into songs so to speak. And why not, much of the story line is inspired by stuff written on many Unleashed albums anyway. For those that may not be familiar, where does The Hunt For White Christ fall in line with the story? The story of Odalheim is about the Midgard Warriors and their fight against the main enemy “White Christ”. The last album “Dawn of the Nine” ended with the song where the Midgard Warriors led by the son of Thor returns to Folkland shores after a successful quest to take back Svithiod and the Nordic region from White Christs rule of terror. Now, as this happens, a few scattered surviving armies of White Christ took the opportunity to attack villages on the South. These villages were naturally inhabited mostly with unarmed women, children and old people. Needless to say they were slaughtered, dismembered, raped and ultimately burned. When the Midgard Warriors arrive at the village it is all too late. This exact moment is what you see in the cover art work. The Midgard Warriors realizes that something must be done, and quickly. If White Christ can do this…what will happen next? They raise the runic letter G over the village for Blot to the dead and for victory in the coming war. And as a symbol of the ultimate act of man – to give without expecting something in return. The Midgard Warriors stand ready to give their life for family and kin. And so the hunt begins,,,The Hunt For White Christ. Lead Us Into War was chosen as the first single off the album and is an absolutely perfect opener of the album. Is that why it was chosen as the first single? Not really. The first song was chosen because it had to be that song to start the next events in the story line. But ok, we could off course have chosen another song for the first single release. But it had to be this one as no one to start the album. Without question, the album cover for The Hunt for White Christ may be my favorite Unleashed album cover ever. The more I look at it, I see all the little nuances and beautiful landscapes shown off, How much time and effort was made to create this cover? Oh I am not sure how much time the artist (Pär Olofsson) actually used to put it together. It took me a pretty long time though figuring out which sequence of the story line that should be on the album cover though. But I agree, it might be our best looking one so far. How much of The Hunt For White Christ will be represented in upcoming live shows? I am not sure yet. But a few songs for sure will be in there. The trick is to play as many as possible but on the other hand after 13 records, well, we have some shit to choose from I guess. Pretty hard to make everyone happy though haha. Not just a new album to be able to promote, but with 2019 also comes with the 30th Anniversary of Unleashed. How does it feel to be able to have Unleashed, arguably, at it’s strongest point 30 years into your career? Well thank you very much for those words on the band. I’d say it really feels great. It is no small thing to be a recording and live playing artist for this long. I think most musicians feel the same closing in on 30 years in the music industry. You really have to keep shit together in order to continue with some dignity and quality. And there is much more where all this came from. In some fantastic news for Americans like myself, you are coming back for Maryland Deathfest in 2019. What’s it like to be able to come back and play for the American fans once again? Amazing to say the least! And we are very much looking forward to it. We always have a blast playing in the US. What should people expect from Unleashed as you celebrate 30 years as a band? We have a few surprises in the pipe so to speak but we are talking about them right now so I really can’t give out any real info yet. Sorry about that. But it will be some nice things happening. When you’re not focused on music, how do you like to spend your time? I spend much of my free time with my eight year old son. We do all kinds of things together. Watch soccer games, play ice hockey and soccer, bicycle, skiing, listen to metal (off course), go to festivals and well, all the things I possibly can do together with him. There is nothing better in this world as I see it. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a long time fan of your work in all forms it was an honor to be able to ask you some questions about everything you have going on right now. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet? OK thanks for this interview! Hope to see you next time in the US! Hail Odin! Unleashed- The Hunt For White Christ available October 26th through Napalm Records  Anaal Nathrakh has been storming through the gates of Extreme Metal since 1999. With every album gradually becoming bigger, grander, and more vile than the last, the band returned in 2018 to unleash their 10th album, A New Kind Of Horror through Metal Blade Records. I recently got to ask V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (vocals) a few questions about what is going on in the world of Anaal Nathrakh right now. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! It’s a great honor to be able to help promote you guys once again and to talk about a fantastic new album. Thank you for the support. A New Kind of Horror comes out September 28th through Metal Blade, how does it feel to have this 3rd album through Metal Blade coming out? It’s a good feeling. We’ve been looking forward to it coming out for what seems like a long time – we handed it over to the label quite a while back, but the release dates, schedules, blah blah blah – it’s exiting that it’s finally come out. We’re proud of it, and now it can finally spread its wings. As described in the press release, this album is absolutely not a happy album and is easily one of the most intense albums you’ve released to date. Was that the approach going into this album, or did it come out this way naturally? It came out naturally. That’s just the way we work – we do everything mostly by instinct. We have an idea, an atmosphere, a feeling in our heads, and making an album is a matter of translating that into music in the most direct way possible. Basically it’s not so much about writing music, it’s about letting it out, pouring out the thing in our heads. I think if we went into it saying ‘ok, this has to be intense’ or whatever then it could come out forced. But we don’t plan in that kind of way. We think ‘ok, this is going to be Anaal Nathrakh’ and then follow where that leads us. I genuinely love the progression of the band over the years and hearing what’s happening with A New Kind of Horror takes all of my favorite elements of the band but somehow makes it even catchier, yet more chaotic and intense than ever before. With this style of songwriting, how do you know what direction you want the song to go in musically or thematically? Thanks, I’m glad to hear you thought so. We don’t know what direction we want to go in until we do it. We have ideas, little things we want to include and sometimes there’ll be a rough sense of how we want a song to feel. And there’ll be a general atmosphere we have in mind for an album. But those are just signposts, and once we’ve started, the most important thing is then that the song should feel right as a whole. So what you start out to do can end up some way from what you in fact do. But that’s fine, and writing in an unconstrained way gives more room for the kind of innovative little things that keep music fresh, I think. Mick can write precise things perfectly easily, of course. But for Anaal Nathrakh, we follow where the music leads. Lyrically, this is easily one of the most thought provoking albums I’ve heard in this current political climate. No matter where you stand, it’s the kind of lyrics to make you stand back and think about things. How do you feel about the political climate today? Do you see things getting better any time soon? I’m glad you thought so – the intention is for people to think for themselves about the ideas that run through the album, not to take our thoughts and simply adopt or ignore them. I think we’re in pretty tortured times, politically speaking. One of my favourite journalists is a film maker called Adam Curtis. I haven’t seen all that much of his stuff, but what I have seen has a brilliant way of joining the dots of history. And I think we need perspectives like his to understand the royal clusterfuck that the world is threatening to turn into. There are deep seated reasons going back decades for the way things are today, but at the same time there are currents in society which often get in the way of understanding that. Certain narratives become dominant, and crowd out any other way of understanding what’s going on. That’s part of the thinking behind this album’s parallels between war a century ago and today – no other phenomenon showcases the exclusive concentration around one narrative as much as war does. Anything other than dogged, bloody minded adherence to the official line is considered treasonous. No regard for the fact that the other side are doing exactly the same, and always think they’re exactly as justified and fighting to protect and survive just as much. It’s something that really comes out in the work of the artists from WW1 – contrast the ever-more complex and abstract images produced by those on the Allied side with the work of someone like Otto Dix. There’s more common humanity and horror expressed than the narratives at the time could have ever allowed. And the same kind of thing persists today – my own country is currently embroiled in terribly ugly political divisions, and again we’ve heard calls on the fringe right for more patriotism – by which they mean ‘agree with my side and come to see the other side as enemies of the country’ – even though those not on the fringe right are still just as concerned with the national interest. Create a dominant narrative of being embattled – not arriving at an understanding with friends who seek to cooperate, but being forced to stand strong against enemies who seek to undermine. That’s just one tiny example from close to home. In general, I think the whole climate is increasingly fucked up – not just here, but in many other places, too. And no, I don’t think things will get better. Brandan Schieppati was able to contribute some vocals to one of my favorite songs on the album, Vi Coactus. What was it like to add his vocals onto this song? It was good fun. Brandan and Mick have been good friends for years, and it was great to be able to get Brandan on the album. He seemed to really like the stuff, and had a laugh recording, so it was good all round. And it came out well, I think. His style compliments what I was doing, and but it’s also subtly different and adds an extra flavour. Forward! Was released as the first single - How was that decided as the first single? We picked it ourselves, because we love the song and because it’s something a bit different. It’s an out and out head banger, and that might sound strange for us, but if you get the feeling in it and maybe catch some of the lyrics you’ll realize it’s absolutely Anaal Nathrakh at heart. So it’s a cool, possibly slightly unexpected but nonetheless powerful song, and that seemed like a good thing to introduce the album with. There’s plenty of other atmospheres on the album and it’s not like we’ve completely changed musical direction, Forward! is just one facet of a complicated whole. And it’s been quite successful as far as we can tell - the teaser video Metal Blade put on youtube has quite a lot of hits, as does the track on Spotify. Is there any other single been determined yet from the album, or is that still to be decided? Yeah, not long back we released a full video for Obscene as Cancer. That was a great thing to do - the film makers knocked it out of the park and delivered something which is a perfect distillation of and complement to the song. The song is particularly important in the context of the album because it’s the one based on a Wilfred Owen poem from World War 1, which is one of the motifs of the album as a whole. It’s not like a history concept album, and part of the point of reflecting on WW1 is to see parallels with the world today, but that poem in its own right is one of the most profoundly affecting pieces of writing I’ve ever come across. So to have the song and video we made under the influence of that poem as one of the ‘singles’ released in the run-up to the album coming out made perfect sense. 2019 will be 20 years since the start of Anaal Nathrakh. How does it feel to be able to say the band has lasted for two decades now? Yeah, strangely enough I was thinking not long back about when I went on tour with Benediction, and took the first Anaal Nathrakh demo that we’d just recorded with me. I didn’t realize it was twenty years ago, and it doesn’t seem like that long even now I’m aware. The thing is, although it sounds like a big deal, and I can see why people might think it meant something, it doesn’t matter to us. We don’t really care that we’ve been doing this for a week, a year, a decade. We’re interested in what we’re doing, not where we’ve been. To a certain extent we’ll occasionally pause and think ‘not bad for a couple of kids messing about in the front room of a house that hadn’t been tidied up since the 50’s’. But we’re not particularly sentimental, and we have no sense whatsoever of resting on our laurels. We’re not comfortable self-satisfied prats, we’re hungry kids who feel driven forwards. Still. What is next for Anaal Nathrakh? We have a number of shows lined up, and we’ve been working on loads more shows that we can’t announce yet. So we’re going to be pretty busy. Beyond that, who knows? Aside from lining up live shows, we’ve never been ones for planning all that much, so we’ll see what happens! What is next for you outside of Anaal Nathrakh? Two main things. I also sing for Benediction, and we’re working towards recording the first new Benediction album for ten years in the next few months. We’re not sure of dates etc yet, but it’s finally happening and it’s exciting to be in that position after so long. The new material is sounding really strong, and we’ll have a brand new track on a compilation CD that Nuclear Blast are putting out soon. And alongside that I’m coming towards the end of a project I’ve been working on for what seems like forever. It’s a big body of work, and I’ve spent virtually the whole time for about 5 or 6 years with it in the back of my mind even when I’m not consciously working on it. But if things go according to plan, I’ll be finishing that off in the new year. So within the next twelve months or so I should be done with one of the things that has contextualized my life for a long time. That’ll be a very strange feeling. Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a long time fan of the band, I simply love the direction you guys go on every album and it’s amazing to hear where you are in 2018. Before we are done is there anything else you would like to mention that I hadn’t brought up yet? Thanks a lot. Anaal Nathrakh- A New Kind of Horror available NOW through Metal Blade Records  S.K.o.R. is a band hailing from Stockholm Sweden bringing back sense of Hard Rock from yesteryear, but not afraid to be themselves in 2018. With unique visuals, diverse lyrical content and an overall fun vibe; S.K.o.R. released their latest album Rubus Tellus September 14th through GMR Music. I had the opportunity to ask frontman Emil Gammeltoft a few questions about everything you need to know about this band. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! It’s my pleasure. For anyone that may not be familiar, describe S.K.o.R. S.K.o.R. is a band from Stockholm Sweden and play hard rock with I guess a bit of a modern touch. Energy-wise on a top level, some classic rock elements, some punk elements and my voice on top of that going mostly all the way up there. September 14th brought on the release of the new album, Rubus Tellus. How does it feel to have this album for nearly a month now? What has been the reaction to the album so far? Already around 20 ,000 streams and that is not bad for a newcomer to the scene I guess (?) and reviews is starting to get in and they seem to be very positive. We just got one in from Sweden Rock Magazine and that was a great one. People seems to like it and seems to appreciate we actually want to break new ground and have success with it! What was the songwriting process like for Rubus Tellus? It’s usually a melody that comes from any of the band members and if it is to everybody’s liking a song is created. So for the new album it was like this and it was important that all in the band had their input to the songwriting. I personally love the fact that the album is so diverse in it’s sound. Being able to get some great hard rocking songs to cool acoustic tunes, all while feeling like it makes sense. Was that the intention of the album or did come out that way naturally? Thank you very much! A good song is a good song never mind the musical genre but I think we have created a sound of our own and I guess my vocals makes it a red-line too to the whole concept of our sound. Bubbleman was chosen as a single for the album, which is a great representation of what the album has to offer while not giving everything away. Is that why it was chosen as a single? Our record label GMR Music felt that Bubbleman was the right choice for first single and a video was created also that you all can find on youtube. I think they saw the potential as it is kind of repetitive on the chorus and that the song represents the band in a way even if it’s far from the only single that have potential on this album! With that, Bubbleman is shown off tremendously well as the album cover to Rubus Tellus. Where did the idea come from to use this as the album cover? Bubbleman has now been developed to be S.K.o.R.s mascot so it felt right to put it on the front cover! Bubbleman will always be in the band concept from now on! The lyrical content has a lot of great directions to it, from fun to hard hitting. How was the lyrical process for this album? I try to be diverse in the lyric department, nevertheless serious stuff like in the song “Hell To Pay” to environmental issues of what we are doing to our earth on “Armageddon”. But also fun stuff like “Karate Girl” and wicked stuff as in the song “Seagull”. The whole spectre I would say is in content on this album. With the band starting in 2006 and with it being almost 2019 already, how do you feel the band has progressed in that time? S.K.o.R. started out as a folk rock band in 2006 and a completely other direction. That was the aim then and some EP:s and one full length album was done in that vein, but I got to the point where a need to rock hard felt right so we changed direction in 2015. So you can say a completely other sound and direction has been taken and now people is starting to wake up, so I guess this is what we should do and are best at! What was it like to be able to get out there and start promoting this album live when the album came out? We have just started actually. We are out this autumn in Scandinavia and hope to do a tour in the beginning of 2019 also in other countries! But it feels good and the songs and performance is getting the thumbs up! With that, what should people expect from a S.K.O.R. live show? Expect an energetic live show in high tempo and of course Bubbleman on stage! What is next for S.K.O.R.? Getting out to as many as possible both online and live. Choosing next single for a video and also start the songwriting process for the next album! What do you like to do when you are not focused on music? As most these days we who creates music can not live on music so we all have day jobs to get the economy together. Apart from that I guess we are all just ordinary people with those ordinary needs and don’t say no to feel good and live life! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. Rubus Tellus is a fun, 14 track adventure of hard rock that is so much fun to listen to from start to finish and it was great to be able to talk to you about it. Before we are done is there anything else you would like to mention that I hadn’t brought up yet? Thank you very much for your fine words! The band is very much alive and creative and look forward to have contact with all rock fans who likes us via our websites, so please go in and say hi on our facebook (www.facebook/SomeKindofRubus) or our official site www.skorsaljes.se or our Instagram: s.k.o.r.sweden We look forward to keep in touch and a splendid and fruitful 2019!  Korpiklaani has been filling the Folk Metal world is drinking, dancing, and fun filled songs for 10 albums now. Never set on making the same album twice, the band got back into the studio to release their newest album, Kulkija, coming out September 7th through Nuclear Blast Records. The album is filled with a sense of travel and adventure that really fits the band perfectly. Recently, I got to ask guitarist Cane (Kalle Savijarvi) a few questions about everything going on in the world of Korpiklaani. ENJOY!
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview! Thank you for having me! Kulkija is coming out September 7th through Nuclear Blast. How does it feel to have this album coming out in just a couple weeks? The wait has been long. We finished the recordings already in December last year. Now when the album is finally going to be released it feels very relieving. Four singles are out already from the record and the feedback has been positive. You can imagine how excited we are about album being out at last. How did the songwriting process begin for Kulkija? It never stopped after “Noita”. First ideas for “Kulkija” were there written before the last album came out. Again Jonne wrote the most of the music, but also Sami did two songs and Tuomas and Jarkko both one. Lyrics were mostly written by Tuomas Keskimäki. Poet who has been writing texts for our previous albums also. Sami did all the folk arrangements ready before the recordings, so this time we didn’t need to work on those in the studio anymore like before. In general the process went as usual, demos were made by one and then together see if something needs to be changed. Kulkijais about a Wanderer’s journey on the road and seeing where life will take him. Where did the idea come from to a full album based on this concept? First of all, this is not a concept album even if one would like to think so. All the songs were written separately, only when all the material we had was put together, we noticed that there was that kind of traveler theme going through the songs. It wasn’t intentional, but our life as touring musicians is not that far from wanderers life, if you want to see it that way. What I really love about this album is everyone in this band feels perfectly showcased throughout. From solos and leads to the overall production, everyone stand out and fits together perfectly. Which I imagine will make the songs sound even more incredible live. Was this the intention of this album or did that happen naturally? It’s nice that you say that, because it was one of the main things we focused on this album. We wanted the overall sound to be more like our live sound. Have enough space for vocals and folk instruments, which are leading the most of the time. Also not to pack the songs with too much stuff and avoid compressing songs too much to maintain the natural feeling. To make all these changes, we had to try a different producer than on the previous albums. Janne Saksa was a perfect choice for that job. It was really easy to work with him right from the start. He knew exactly what we were looking for. There has been 3 great songs released as single so far. How did you decide what songs off this massive 14 track, 71 minute epic, album to be released as singles? “Kotikonnut” was the first one because the summer had just started and the song has has a very summerish atmosphere in it. “Harmaja” then again differs enough from the other material, so we wanted to show that side of the band too. That has a great video also, when the previous one had only lyric video. The other real video we made, was for “Henkselipoika”, the third single. That is a really “good mood” song, which was perfect choice after the darker and slower “Harmaja”. Video worked out well also. It has beautiful views of the Finnish nature and being funny at the same time. It’s hard to believe that Kulkija is already the 10th album from Korpiklaani. How does it feel on your end to have this be the 10th album from the band? When making an album it really doesn’t matter if it is fourth or tenth. But of course it’s nice to think that we’ve been able to do all that in 15 years. It’s funny how time flies when you’re having a good time! Coming this Fall, you will be hitting North America once again and bringing Arkona with you. How does it feel to be hitting North America and being able to promote this album? What should people except from this upcoming tour? This tour is something we’ve been waiting for three years. Finally it’s happening and the whole band is excited about it. We are going to play a lot of songs from the new album, but not to forget the older classics. It’s going awesome again. Those people who were there last time knows it. If you like drinking, dancing, having fun and things like that, come to our show and you won’t regret! What is planned for Korpiklaani in 2019? Shows, gigs, concerts and more shows! Now it’s time to tour around the world again, when the new album is out. Starting with European tour in February. With being such a leader in the Folk Metal world, how do you feel about the current state of Folk Metal today? It’s live and kicking. Korpiklaani is doing better than ever. I think that tells something about the state of Folk Metal. When you get free time away from Korpiklaani, what do you like to do in your free time? Well, I don’t like it but, count days to get back on the road with the band. Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this interview. Being a long time fan of the band it was a sheer honor to be able to talk talk to you about everything going on in the world of Korpiklaani. Before we are done is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet? Thank you! Besides the new album, remember to check out our first live CD/DVD “Live at Masters of Rock” which came out in the end of last year! See you in November!  Hey Everybody!
I never thought I would get to be able to say this, but I am officially 30 years old as of today (August 19th). The last 30 years has been filled with tremendous highs and some devastating lows. Sadly, due to mental struggles in my life including Major Depression, High Anxiety, Mental Trauma, etc, I am not really able to appreciate the highs as much as I should have, but looking back, I have a lot to be grateful for, especially career wise: I have done 528 interviews (but at least a couple dozen that won't get to see the light of day) in the last 7 years. The radio show is currently at 294 episodes (including the one that comes out later today/tonight), I have made countless friends and acquaintances over the years, some still around, some that sadly left, some that just parted ways for various reasons. 30 is a strange, strange number for me. In all transparency, 30 was a year I was choosing to to make it to. Especially over the last few years I had made a goal to myself not to start the next decade of my life letting my mental issues get the better of me and had I not been successful I was going to make another shot at my life. I have spent 18 years of my life now in mental hell all stemming from problems that started the day before my 12th birthday and spanning till now. But as you can guess by reading this, I'm still here. SO did I cure my mental problems? Not by a long shot! I am still a mental wreck for most of day and night. I find complete solace in the work I do with interviews, reviews, radio show, etc; but the rest of my life I still try to figure out what to do to find true, long lasting happiness. There's many ways to go about this: doing what you love, seeking solace in others, seeking professional help, medications, give in to life altering vices, suicide, etc. As you can tell not all answers are good ones, and sans the vices, I have attempted all of those, with varying results. I actually have attempted suicide 6 times. 5 times I was stopped, the other time was new years eve 2013 into 2014 and I grabbed my roommate's gun at the time, pulled the trigger and realized there was no bullet in the gun. I'm not proud of any of those moments, but I am proud that none of them altered my life in a botched fashion, nor actually got the job done. While I still struggle every single day of my life, I can't get better if I stop living. There is no clear cut answer for anyone. The human mind is such an intangible thing despite being one of the biggest reasons we are around. And with that every mind reacts differently. For example, as I'm writing this up, I'm in a sad state, but a thankful state. When I am hitting a real hard wave of depression, I can't comprehend anything; there is no light at the end of the depression tunnel, there's no ropr to climb out of the whole, there is just darkness, sadness, isolation, etc. FOr me, I just keep trying to move forward by looking for things to keep me going. One area is that there is always new music to promote and bands to care about. So I always look for new music and try to promote the bands I care about as much as possible. If you look back at my very first interview on here with Morgan Lander of Kittie then you look at my latest interview with Mike Portnoy; you see a DRAMATIC difference. Not just in sound quality and production, but the confidence in myself. I went from a kid who was beyond scared to talk to anyone, let alone an active and famous musician; to being able to have amazing conversations with my biggest heroes as if they have been my friends for years. How did that happen? It literally came from a sheer passion for what I do and the perseverance to get better every time. Growing up, I didn't start having conversations till I was 4. It was never because I couldn't talk and unlike what I was tested for a lot at the time, I am not autistic. I was actually scared to talk. As I learned as I got older, I was not in the best environment for a healthy mind. I grew up in a cracking family that shattered in 2000 and never recovered. I was consistently told that my opinions do not matter, keep my problems to myself, and being told I was of no use to anyone. When you are taught that from a very young age, it's hard to break that mold and you start to believe it yourself until your mind reaches a point that you can't comprehend any other kind of thinking....unless you try to better yourself. I was a really good student in school until Fall 2000, then my grades started slipping. I was actually in a program that my school had called Gifted and Talented, where I was able to do extra projects, get my work shown off to visitors, and get my name recommended to outside activities for the intended purposes of getting scholarships to college and other extra curricular activities. then Fall 2000 came around and my mind was completely and utterly lost. I was getting sad all the time and my family did not care, I didn't have friends anymore, I just kept to myself as much as I could as I felt I was the only person left I didn't disappoint. This of course, as eluded to earlier, lead to 6 suicide attempts from 12 years old to 28 years old (if you gathered, it's been about 2 years since my last attempt). The saddest part of a good chunk of my suicide attempts; when I was stopped, it was never for the typical reasons not to do it. It was for reasons such as "We will look like terrible parents if you kill yourself." "What about going to hell?" and "You better finish the job if you try that again because you won't want me to find you after..." As you can tell, not good reasons to stay alive. Actually in recent times, my brother has called me quite a few times to try to get me to kill myself. Calling through various numbers, making fake accounts online, faking who he is, and all other sorts of issues that just seems so vile. After all this time, I still have no idea why he continues to do this. He's recently done this as of this year, but that time did not lead me to try number 7, THANKFULLY! To a lot of people reading this you could think I could reach out to other people for help. When I was a kid I was told from everyone I knew not to and when I did try to make new friends, it ended disastrously. If you ever talk to me or have talked to me outside of an interview, I am an absolute wreck when trying to talk to people. Granted I am better than where I used to be, but I still have the hardest time being the first person to reach out. No matter the reassurance, I get scared to the point of breaking down if I have to start a conversation (outside of interviews). It's a constant fear of feeling like I am bothering people and ruining their days by trying to talk to them. Rational or Irrational, it's still something that hits me every single day. But despite all of these mental, psychological, sociological and just plain absurd issues; I still keep trying as much as I can. As you may have gathered, music is my calling in life. Even if it's not playing, I get to talk music almost every single day with amazing people and to me, that's just as rewarding. For anyone struggling that's reading this, you gotta find that for yourself as well. What's the thing(s) that keep you going? Do you have passions in your life? What are they? How often to you get to follow those passions? Is it a hobby, an interest, or a full on career? Does your life hinder on your passions? There's so many things that go into it. For me it's music and gaming that brings so much joy to my life. As of recent times I got back into enjoying pro wrestling as that was something I loved as a kid until my mental issues started entering my life and I forgot about it. While they are not substitutes for the struggles in my life, they are things that keep me around and keep that drive of life going for me. Even if it's just one thing in life for you, even if you can't do it every day, find that passion for you, find a way to get to live it somehow, some way, don't lose out on why you love the things you do and remember the joy they bring you when you get feeling as low as I do. As for other aspects of my life, I am still keeping strong with That Drummer Guy, I have no intentions of stopping as long as I still have a voice and/or a way to get my views out there. Whether I become the biggest names in heavy music media or I don't progress any further than I am right now, I love the road I'm on and there's no exit ramp I am ever going to look for. As for playing music, I do have my band, Systemic Collapse. Back in the beginning of the year we recorded some instrumental demos. Maybe they'll see the light of day, maybe not. Anyone whose seen my track record knows that even with playing for 21 years now, I still have yet to have a record to call my own. If this one ends up happening, awesome, if not, I still have That Drummer Guy which has become one of, if not my biggest passion in life. I never thought I'd say that as someone who would play my drums every single day, constantly trying to find a band that could last and show off what we could do. Maybe one day? Maybe not? Let's find out! But getting back to why I'm writing this up. I still can't believe I'm here at 30. WIth full intentions of not being here at 30, I am here, I still have the drive of wanting to be alive (though I will admit, there is a lot of twists, turns, roundabouts, reroutes, etc) and I am writing this out for all of you to see. Whether you suffer from mental issues life myself, whether you just enjoy what I do, whether we've been friends for years or hours, whether you stumbled across me by accident, noticed it's my birthday and say I wrote up a saga of an essay; regardless of it all, I'm here I plan to stay here, I hope you plan to stay here as long as you can as well. Just remember that you life can never get better if you cut it short! But as for now, thanks for reading. It's my birthday, time to get some sleep, wake up, see what the day has in store for me, get disappointed by 2018 Summerslam and begin my first week of work in my 30s as That Drummer Guy! In any capacity, I hope you stick around for the ride! - Josh Rundquist 
The world of Metal can be an interesting place. If you really want to, you can cover so much ground for anything you enjoy. That's exactly what Parker Yowell does. Be it behind the kit with his bands, filling in for a band in the studio or live, or doing work behind the board in the studio, Yowell can do it all and so much more. With that, his new band Seas of Malice, captures a sound of brutality, yet covers so much musical ground that you don't hear in a lot of other bands today. I recently got to ask Yowell a few questions about everything he has going on.
And for the very first time, I will be premiering a BRAND NEW SINGLE. The second Single from Seas of Malice, Our Own Eradication, which will be available at the very end of the interview. ENJOY! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. No problem, man. Thanks for having me! For those that may be familiar, tell us about your background as a musician up to this point? So, I've been touring for about four years both in bands and crewing. I've played for Jungle Rot and worked as a tech for Suffocation, Kataklysm, Carach Angren and Dying Fetus. For a number of years I took drum lessons from Kevin Talley, and he actually got me my first tour when I teched for him when he was in Suffocation. Currently I'm in the bands Seas of Malice, Skin the Lamb and Serpents Whisper. The first time that I saw you play was playing with Jungle Rot a few years back, opening for Dying Fetus. Knowing your capable skills, what’s it like for you to be able to either fill in or guest spot for bands behind the kit? Is every situation different or do you got things down to a science on how to learn songs quickly enough to make the show the best you can get it? Sick! That was my first show in my home city! It was rad to shred it up in Minneapolis! Every situation is for sure different, but typically I like to keep things as consistent night to night as possible. That means click tracks, reference tracks and sometimes (I stole this from Kevin Talley) reference notes of the song structure. It also depends on the band. Jungle Rot was a much more straight forward death metal band so learning the songs was fairly easy. It also meant I could have much more fun live and put on a show. When a band has insane tempo and time changes you have to concentrate much more live and it can limit your ability to get into the performance. Seas is going to be a fairly complicated band in terms of our live production, however it will mean that our performance will be as flawless as possible. We want to be able to bring a level of intensity to the fans that will get them hooked on our live shows. Among all of the cool stuff you’ve been able to do up to this point, you started yet another new band, Seas of Malice. How did this band come together? I had met our keyboardist Katie when she was on tour, and we wanted to start (what at the time was) a side project. I wrote a few songs and I could tell we'd need a fairly dynamic vocalist. I had played in a band with (frontman) Kyle Carpenter a few years ago and got in touch with him to see if he'd be interested. He threw down some vocals on what eventually would be “Up To My Neck” and we went from there. I had about three songs but they all turned out really great so we decided to just tackle a full length record instead of starting out with an EP. We were originally going to release a few songs online but it became pretty apparent that we had something pretty sick so we decided to devote our time to this as a full time band, not just a studio project. For anyone yet to check out Seas of Malice, how would you describe the band? This is probably the hardest question to answer. We have elements of a lot of different subgenres of metal. We've got some death metal, thrash, deathcore, black metal and even slam. So if I had to pick, I'd say we're just a metal band. The best thing I've heard someone say is that we sound “new, fresh, and heavy.” Since I'm the primary writer in the band, the danger of that is all the songs sounding similar. I tried very hard to make sure that each song was unique and had it's own feel to it. I also didn't want to sound like we were trying to copy our favorite bands. What is the full lineup of Seas of Malice; both in studio and going forward? In the studio, I write and record all the guitars, bass and drums. Live I'll be playing drums, however. Kyle does all the vocals and Katie does the keyboards and orchestrations. Live, Jeff Golden (ex-Crowbar) will be our bassist and we're currently auditioning full time live guitarists. The first single released is Up To My Neck, featuring CJ McMahon of Thy Art Is Murder. How did you get him involved in this song, and how was this song chosen as the first single? I was talking with Kyle about if we could get a guest vocalist on the album, who would we want to work with? Being massive Thy Art is Murder fans, we both thought of CJ but we also knew that was fairly unlikely to happen. Shortly after, I wound up crewing for Dying Fetus on a co headlining tour with Thy Art is Murder. I became friends the Thy Art guys pretty quickly and asked CJ if he'd be interested in doing a guest spot on this record. We actually went over the lyrics together, some of the structure and all that. It was pretty surreal to have a writing session with one of my favorite vocalists. He ended up recording when the tour wrapped up and did an incredible job. We wanted this song to be the single before CJ was even involved. We feel it's a pretty good representation of what we do. It's got fast parts, a slamming break and killer keyboard elements as well. Once CJ said he was down to work with us we knew that this was the song we wanted to do with him. What will be the next single released from Seas of Malice? The next single is called “Our Own Eradication.” I think people will dig it, although it's definitely different than “Up To My Neck.” After that people will have to wait to hear the album. I wouldn't say this is a concept record, but I will say that it has much more of an effect when you listen to it from start to finish. And we definitely finish it on a strong note. Did you change your drum setup at all for Seas of Malice compared to other bands you are in? I did! And I will be changing it again before you guys see us live! Haha. So, for Jungle Rot I used pretty much a 6 piece kit. Two kicks, three toms (10 inch, 12 inch, 16 inch) and a snare. For Seas I added a third rack tom (8 inch) because the music is a lot faster and has busier drum parts. Believe it or not I actually down sized the Seas kit from what I used to record the next record for my other band, Skin the Lamb. That session I had two floor toms, one on each side, double ride and pretty much anything else I could think of. I needed to have some extra layers on that album. Hopefully that will be released next year. With Seas of Malice, you actually do way more than just play the drums. What is like for you to have such control creative input in a band with such talent all around? There's good and bad with that. The good part is I don't have anyone going “man, I don't really like that riff,” or “I think this part should go this way.” Not to say that I don't value my bandmate's input or ideas, but we pretty much just write our own parts and give each other some feedback. None of us play each others instruments so we trust everyone to come up with their own parts. The down side to being the only instrumental writer in the band is if I get stuck on a part, there's no one to bail me out. I don't have another guitar player to go “I have this riff and it would fit perfectly here.” If I get stuck in a musical maze, I've gotta figure my own way out of it. It's funny because when you're the only writer, sometimes you write a song and you know it's awesome, and other times you kind of go “so...what do you guys think of this?” Both happened on this record. I was really stoked on Eradication, but the first song on the record I was on the fence completely. I sent it to Kyle and he sent it back with vocals and it completely changed my mind. From there Katie laid down her keyboards, and it gave it another layer that made the song so much darker than it was before. It's one of my favorite songs on the album now. When you do so much in a band besides play drums, are you more perceptive to how everything should sound or do you let things happen more naturally? I think that's definitely accurate. I pretty much have an idea of what parts I want in the forefront of the mix, what parts should be layers and what the overall mix should be. I think a lot of times guys know what they want their parts to be, but overall they sort of leave it up to the engineer. Since I'm the guitar player, drummer, and handle all the pre production, I have a pretty good idea of where I want the song to go as a whole. As I'm sure our engineer, Joe Cincotta, would tell you, I have some fairly specific ideas about the mix haha. I actually do a rough demo mix as a kind of reference so he knows “keys should be more present here, this guitar line should go this way” and so on. He's doing a great job on these songs, and they're turning out exactly how I had envisioned them. Because I do play multiple things in the band, I think that when I write a song I not only know how I want to instruments to fit together, but I actually can put them together. A lot of times you'll see a guitarist tell their drummer “go like this...” and they'll try and sing some drum beat, and the drummer is like “what?” Because I'm both people in this scenario I think it's easier for me to know the map of the song from start to finish. With that, what would you say is the biggest thing(s) you’ve learned about being in a band outside of just being able to play? I think the biggest thing I've learned is how to be professional. Being in a band and playing music is fun and everything, but if it's your job you need to handle yourself as a professional. I think because my first tour was with Suffocation and Kataklysm, I learned right away a lot of tour etiquette, tricks and tips and just how to survive on the road. Every tour you learn things, though. I think a big thing is learn from other people. I've gotten to tour with some very experienced bands and I've basically picked their brains for tour tips. After this coming release, what is next for the band? Tour! We're going to be looking to get out on the road next year. We want to be out there a lot, and are already looking at some possible tours and bands we'd fit in well with on a package. What’s coming up with you besides Seas of Malice? Apart from studio work, I'm still working on the full length Skin the Lamb record. We're currently looking for a label to release the next album. I'm also hoping to be able to finish up the Serpents Whisper record next year. Outside of playing music yourself, you also do a lot of incredible work behind the board. How did you get interested in doing engineering/production work? Thanks man! I didn't even know bands could self produce when I was first getting into music. The first time I even heard the term was when I was watching the Killswitch Engage DVD and saw Adam D in the booth recording them. It was kind of a revelation to me that a band member could also be involved in the overall production of the record. I was really interested in how involved he was with the band, and once I started forming bands myself I looked into recording and the production side of things as well. Some guys like to just play their parts and leave, but I like to be more involved in the whole process. I kind of felt like being able to edit your music and work on it was important if you want to have a product go the way you want. I have edited every release I've been a part of so far. If I can have my sessions clean, then the engineer can save time editing and just focus on tones for the album. This way I think the record is going to be more along the lines of what I want it to sound like when I begin writing. I also will help bands edit because sometimes you hear a band you know is good but they don't have good recordings. It honestly doesn't matter how good your band is if your demo sounds like garbage. Having a professional product is part of being a professional band. What do you like to do when you’re not focused on music? Not much! Haha. Other than decompressing I'm a total MMA nerd. Chances are if there's a UFC or Bellator event going on, I'm watching. A lot of fighters are into metal as well which is pretty cool. It's always rad to talk to a fighter you're a fan of and have them tell you that they're a fan of your music. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. You have accomplished a lot of incredible things in this field we call Metal and I can’t wait to see how Seas of Malice takes off and explodes all over the world. Before we are done is there anything else you would like to mention that I hadn’t brought up yet? Thanks so much for having me, man! I just want to thank all the companies who have endorsed me throughout the last few years. MEE Audio, who makes great in ear monitors which my whole band relies on. Axis pedals, which I've been playing since I was 15 years old. I never imagined myself being an Axis artist so that was a dream come true the day I got the green light from them. Scorpion drum sticks make durable stuff. I go through sticks like a wood chipper. Pretty awesome I have my own sticks through them! Long story short, Mike who was filling in for Thy Art on that tour gave me the nickname “Parkolepsy” because every time I would take a nap in the green room, one of the Thy Art guys was inevitably always there to take a picture of me sleeping. I think Lee was the first one to take a selfie with me while I was crashed out haha. Marshy even started the hashtag #ParkerYowellSleeping. Anyway, the nickname stuck and now it's on my drum sticks and my in ear monitors haha. I also want to thank Dean Markley! I've played the Blue Steel strings for a long time so for them to endorse me meant a lot, especially because I'm primarily a drummer. But I've used their strings on the Skin the Lamb releases and the upcoming Seas release. Last but not least I want to thank anyone who's ever bought a CD, shirt, or supported me in any way. People always say “without the fans we wouldn't be here” but it's totally true. PREMIERE: SEAS OF MALICE- OUR OWN ERDICATION:  Everyone has their own views on what makes good Black Metal. Some say it was to be raw and evil, some say its about the tremolo picking and blast beats, some think you can make Black Metal any way you want it to be. Harakiri For The Sky proves that last theory correct with their signature blend of Post Black Metal. Back in February, their 4th album, Arson was released to critical acclaim. Back then (though updated now to make the interview make sense) I was able to ask the mastermind of Harakiri For The Sky, M.S. some questions about everything going on with the band. He recently got back to me and I can now call this my 500th interview to date. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! February 16th brought on the release of Arson. How does it feel to have this album out now? What was the songwriting process for Arson? Actually the whole process was really smooth, we handled it as before, hence me recording the music and providing it to JJ to create the lyrics, then recording those. Only difference was that our friend Krimh (Septic Flesh, ex-Decapitated) played the studio drums for us and gave the whole album a fresher sound with the way he plays drums, that was a great experience for us. He was in Austria that time and after sending him the pre-production he had some time to practice the drumtracks and refined them a bit. Was great to record with him, he is an energetic drummer and it was very good for the whole album sound. What led to Arson being chosen as the title of the album? The album deals a lot with closure of past events in our lives, finding a point to leave it behind…metaphorically spoken setting it all on fire. Also it can be seen as a critic on how our society develops, how shallow it gets and that its unhealthy how selfish people have become and how this is harming the way we treat each other. There are many way to interpret the title but best is just to listen, read the lyrics and make your own opinion. With the amount of positive reception for 2016’s III: Trauma, did you feel any kind of pressure (good or bad) when writing for Arson? There is always pressure but the important part is not to give in. Otherwise you would get influenced to change your unfiltered ideas to stuff that might sell better or sounds more like the previous release or whatever. Most important is to make honest music that comes from the heart and not to do something just to be successful. Having been a fan since the first album, I really love what you guys are able to accomplish as far as the songwriting and lyrical concepts. How have you feel the band has progressed since 2011? I think there is always a natural progress. Or lets call it change better. We got older too, we have different things that influence us, different things that are on our minds and that we have to deal with. Probably the same with everyone. Every Harakiri For The Sky album has it’s own very distinct sound to it. How would you describe Arson in an overall sense? I'd describe it as very organic but also quite aggressive. its overall a bit faster and harder but still with its very melancholic and melodic side. it was always important for us to combine those two features…might say a lot about our characters. With that, I really notice from a songwriting perspective that there is much more use of Melodies, Harmonies, and diversity on Arson. Was this an intentional thing, or did that just happen naturally? That's all natural, i guess maybe i write more mature songs now with the melodies embedded a bit better, but its hard to evaluate that myself to be honest. Tomb Omnia and You Are The Scars were chosen to represent the album before it’s release. What led to these 2 songs being chosen to showcase the album? Both of us got to choose one song, simple as that…wasnt easy though i have to admit. What do you like to do when you are not focused on Harakiri For The Sky? I love to travel, that's incredibly freeing and relaxing for me to also see other places and getting to know other cultures. Also with touring a lot its important to not forget about social contacts at home…besides that there is always music, that's an everyday thing in our lives anyhow. Has there been any 2018 albums that you have enjoyed so far? I can say in 2018 i especially enjoy the new Sworn (black metal from Norway) album as well as the new A Perfect Circle album. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a fan since the beginning, it’s awesome to see how far the band has come in a relative short time and I can say that Arson may be my favorite album from the band to date. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to say that I haven’t mentioned yet? Thanks a lot for the interview again, sorry for the severe delay with the interview…has been a bit of a rough patch lately personally. Cheers! Harakiri For The Sky- Arson is available NOW through APO Records  Tommy Karevik has had a busy life as of late. Between fronting one of the biggest Power Metal bands in the world, Kamelot, fronting one of the best Progressive Metal bands, Seventh Wonder, and many cool guest spots; Karevik has really been able to show off everything he is capable of with his voice. A while back, I got to send Karevik a few questions about everything he has going on lately. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! TK: No, Thank you =) First things first. The brand new Kamelot album, The Shadow Theory, came out April 6th through Napalm Records. How does it feel to have your 3rd album with Kamelot out? TK: It feels great. We are all very happy with the album and the general direction the band is moving in right now. Needless to say the sound has evolved in comparison to the the old Kamelot records which is only natural because times evolve and people as well. But the cool thing is that we managed to keep that Kamelot trademark sound through it all, the instant recognition factor when putting on a song.. Yup this is Kamelot! How did the songwriting process begin for The Shadow Theory? TK: The same as always actually. Thomas and Oliver got together to work on ideas a couple of times to hammer out the basis of the musical framework. I was then working on song ideas with Oliver over skype mostly. I spent the majority of the time writing with Sascha in Wolfsburg though, writing music, melodies, arrangements and lyrics as well as recording the final product. What is the story behind The Shadow Theory lyrically? TK: It is a loose concept based around the theories of Carl Jung´s “The shadow aspect” where everyone has a shadow and the less we embody it the darker it gets. We use that as a platform to tell a story of a dystopic world where most of the worlds money is in the hands of only a handful of people. These people rule the world behind closed doors and make us believe that they want us to believe, making us think we are making decisions based on what we need or want. There are 3 main elements to the story. The Shadow Empire being the top layers with all the power. The Shadow Key being the growing resistance of enlightened and free thinking people. Connecting the shadow key back to psychological aspect of the overall theme we also want to convey the message that only you possess the key to your own happiness and self growth. No one else can do that for you. It will require work but you can do it. The 3rd one is The Shadow Wall and that is the smoke screen they put in front of our eyes to distract us in favor of their hidden agenda… Social media, commercials, religion and war. I noticed throughout the album, Kamelot has really spread their wings, musically, and a lot of diversity is going on throughout. Was this a conscious decision or did that happen naturally? TK: I think it just happened naturally. I mean we always try to have diversity in every album. There has to be a certain flow and pacing for the fans that wants to enjoy the album from start to finish. We still write for people to be able to listen like that and we take pride in that. As of the time of writing this, Ravenlight is the sole single for the album so far. How was Ravenlight chosen to represent the album as a single? TK: Well knowing what the first 2 real video songs would be we felt that ”Ravenlight” would be a great instant gratification track in terms of having all these elements that a Kamelot song should contain. It is a pretty direct song with a great message that you can instantly hear is us=) Now that you’re 3 albums deep into Kamelot, how did you approach your work on this album? TK: Every new album is always a great challenge. The more music you write, the harder you have to work to not repeat yourself. It can be daunting at times but the feeling of finding solutions that is something new and fresh and that hasn´t been written before but that still sounds like you, is just fantastic. Of course writing is also more relaxed though after 3 albums in terms of feeling comfortable with the band and the fans. I know that I have their support and that feels great. This time around I just sat down and started writing and basically didnt stand up before it was done. It was very condensed and intense in the end. The album not only features your amazing vocals, but also features Lauren Hart and Jennifer Haben doing guest vocals. How did they come aboard for The Shadow Theory? TK: Thank you! Lauren Hart was recommended to us by my girlfriend Kobra Paige. She joined us for a show in California where we opened up for Iron Maiden and did a great job. She is a screamer and when there was a few parts on the album that called for that style she was asked and happily accepted. Jennifer is the singer of ”Beyond the Black” and has been working with Sascha a lot in the past. He knew she was a great person and easy to work with in the studio so she is singing a duet with me on the ballad ”In Twilight Hours”. I really like that song and her voice fits perfectly. Earlier this year, Kamelot hit North America with Battle Beast and Delain. How did it feel to be back on the road to promote the new album? TK: It was a great tour. Our biggest and best North American tour to date and that was awesome to see. NA is growing to be a real main market contender for Kamelot. It was a great package with bands that delivered a killer show night after night for month straight… Very consistent tour and great people. With playing song from both your era and previous work; what are your favorite songs to sing live (from before your time, and what you’ve recorded)? TK: From the older songs I would say ”The Human Stain” is a favorite. I think it is just a beautiful song with fantastic lyrics and a highly relatable topic. When it comes to my own songs it is more difficult ha ha… The energy with songs like ”Sacrimony”, ”Liar Liar” and ”Insomnia” never fails though and those are songs that people know word by word so it´s very rewarding to play live. What is next for Kamelot? TK: We got kind of a busy festival summer ahead of us followed by a European tour in the fall where we will also record a live DVD in Tilburg Holland. After that we have a Japan/Australia tour planned so some exciting times for sure! Any updates in the world of Seventh Wonder? TK: The new concept album ”Tiara” will finally hit the streets in October this year. It will feel very nice after such a long time to give something back to the fans. We are very proud of the album and we are looking forward to be able to play some shows on it come release date! There are some things brewing as we speak =) Last year, you lent your voice to the amazing project, Ayreon for the album, The Source. What was it like to lend your voice once again to Arjen’s masterpiece songwriting? TK: Yeah Arjen asked me again and I totally didn't expect that since I was on the previous album, so yeah I was surprised. I had a lot on my plate at the time but I made it happen anyway for Arjen because I love that guy and I really wanted to do it. Arjen typically sends me guide vocals of melodies he wrote and I adapt them to my style of singing and make adaptations. It´s fun and very different to all my other bands where I write my own melodies and lyrics from scratch. Was their any albums in 2017 that you enjoyed? TK: Actually 2017 was such a crazy year in terms of being totally buried in work so I don´t even remember most of it… Let alone did I have time to listen to a lot of music unfortunately. Whenever there was time to wind down I would typically turn to music completely different from metal or rock. I listen to a lot of Swedish singer song writer music and my favourite is Lars Winnerbäck. There is nothing like listening to beautiful lyrics in your own language I find. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a long time fan of ALL of your work, it was a complete honor to be able to ask you some questions about everything you have going on and promoting the brand new album from Kamelot; which I very much enjoy. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet? TK: Thank you for those kind words and thanks a lot for your support! Also a big thank you to all of the readers out there! Hopefully I will see you all somewhere down the road! Kamelot- The Shadow Theory is out NOW through Napalm Records. Seventh Wonder- Tiara is out October 12th through Frontiers Music.  Some bands were just born to play fun music. That's what Kissin' Dynamite is all about. Over the span of their 5 previous album, the band has showcased all of what they are about in Hard Rock, Glam, and Heavy Metal, with the upcoming release of their 6th album and first album through Metal Blade Records, Ecstasy, I got the opportunity to ask Andi Schnitzer (drummer) of KIssin' Dynamite a few questions about everything you need to know about the band in 2018. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! Ecstasy is coming out July 6th through Metal Blade Records. How does it feel to have this album coming out in just a couple weeks? It's always a very exciting time when a new studio album is gonna be released, but this time it's something even more special for us, because it's the first album with the passionate new team we built around us, consisting of Metal Blade for the world and Sony Columbia for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. So we're curious of what's going to happen. How did the writing process begin for this 6th album from Kissin’ Dynamite? It was in summer 2017 after the the Generation Goodbye Tour. Our first plan was to release the next album not until 2019, so we actually didn't have any pressure. And this is always the best state of mind you can have to write songs. So Hannes and me started writing, just for the sake of writing songs. We had a really good flow and after a few weeks we already had almost the base of entire album. So, after all we decided that we could release the album already in 2018. Like this we stick to our 2-year groove that we have since 2008. Anyhow, it seems to be a good rhythm for us. I really love the diversity of the album. There is some heavy hitting moments not just musically, but emotionally as well well just stellar songwriting and musicality. Was that the focus of writing these songs on this album or did these songs come together naturally? Thank you very much. I think it's always important that things grow naturally. We've always decided after how we felt at the time. This time, we just knew, that we wanted to go kind of back to the roots, after we had made some experiments musically as well as in therms of lyrics on the last two albums. So this time, it was all about more simplicity without being trivial, no compromises. And of course, we always care about being focused for writing catchy songs. How was the recording process this time around? Any major changes, mishaps or funny moments of note? It may sound boring, but: actually no changes. You know, over the years we developed a nice and smooth way to write and produce together that just works for us. And probably we keep on refining it as we get more and more experienced, but I guess we won't chance the base of it anymore. And in terms of funny stuff...believe me, I could go on forever with telling you tour stories, but when we're in the studio, we're focused and serious in order to have the best possible result. But when the touring starts again, it's always the best moment, because then the beast gets unleashed. Ask me again after the Ecstasy Tour ;) With that, Ecstasy is your first album to come out through Metal Blade Records. How does it feel to have this album come out through such a legendary label? As I said before, it's very exciting time for both the band and the people from the label. For us, it's really cool to be with Metal Blade, because they're rooted in Germany AND Los Angeles. And due to the fact that we've still never been to the States, I guess these are really good requirements therefore. The title track and I’ve Got The Fire were chosen as singles for the album. How did it come about choosing those 2 songs to showcase the album? I think, I've got the fire was predesignated to be the first big bang after the longer break we had before. It's a hymn-like, good vibe stadium rock track which is also the perfect opener for the album. And lyrically, it fit's perfectly fitting to the band name. So it just makes sense. Ecstasy, we chose as the second single firstly because of the outstanding featuring performance of Anna Brunner from Exit Eden on this track and secondly because it captures the basic vibe of the album very good, which is: having a good time and looking on the sunny side of life. Coming up later this year, you’ll be opening for the legendary Powerwolf throughout Europe. How does it feel to be on such a great tour package like that? It definitely will be the highlight of the year. We've met those guys several times before on some festivals and I can say, they're really lovely and funny guys. I'm sure, it's gonna be a blast. And of course, they're quite big, so we will get the opportunity to play in front of a hell of a lot of people in whole Europe, which is great. For anyone going to check you out for the first time on this tour, what should people expect from a Kissin’ Dynamite show? You know, I've never seen a KD show myself, because anyhow I always was very busy at the time :) But I guess, you can expect a very explosive and powerful show, also visually. We're not the kind of band who is standing around and is only playing their instruments. I promise, there's a lot happening on stage! What do you like to do when you’re not focused on Kissin Dynamite? Currently, I actually don't know because at the time it's all about Kissin' Dynamite every day. But when I've got the time, I really love to live my life in the name of permanent vacation, so I just lay in the sun, go out for a motorcycle ride or in winter I really love to go into the sauna or skiing. I need those relaxing things as a compensation to the roller-coaster ride of playing in a rock band. What are you currently listening to? I really like Ghost. After a long time, it's finally a new band with no hyper modernized sound, but still having that x factor that separates them from the rest. For the first time, I saw them as a support for Iron Maiden a few years ago and thought: Oh my, just another masked band. But after a while, I noticed that they're something special. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a long time fan of the band, it was awesome to see everything going on in the world of Kissin’ Dynamite and taking about what will be one of my favorite albums of 2018, Ecstasy. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet? Thank you for this Interview and the compliments. We're really thankful of whats going on at the time and can't wait to unleash the beast again. Hope to see you all on the road, rock n roll! ;) Kissin' Dynamite- Ecstasy is out July 6th through Metal Blade Records  I've said it before, I'll say it a million times. Canada produces some of the best Metal bands on the planet. Any style you can think of is represented in a brilliant way all over. With that, a band from the Edmonton Alberta Canada area is finally releasing their first EP, The Existential Reversal, June 15th. I had the opportunity to ask this band some questions about their unique blend of Thrash and Metalcore. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! June 15th brings the release of your brand new EP, The Existential Reversal. How does it feel to finally get this out? We’re really excited to finally release these tracks to our fans. We’ve spent a lot of time developing our sound over the past couple years and it is fully represented with this EP. It feels good to release some fresh content. How did The Existential Reversal become the title of this EP? It definitely took a bit of time to land on a solid name, but half way through the recording process, it just sort of hit us. The EP has a very dark tone to it and conveys themes of the unwilling inevitability of death and the idea of having your life ripped away before you are ready - The Existential Reversal. What was the songwriting process for this EP? For this EP Marshall, one of our guitarists, laid the majority of the ground work on guitar and then him and our other guitarist Rob hashed out the finer details, including harmonies and layers to give the tunes that crunchy yet smooth sound. Drum patterns and bass lines were developed during jam sessions. Once a song was put together, our vocalist Brett would write lyrics and vocal patterns and then we would all collaborate in jam to ensure we developed the best song possible. We felt these songs fit really well together as a three track EP. I really dig the artwork for this EP. How did the artwork come together for this release? We’re big fans of quality artwork. We love complex and intricate designs both for our merch and EPs. We work primarily with two artists for the majority of our artwork; this particular design being developed by Headsplit Design out of France. We feel that it’s the perfect representation of the thematic undertones of time and death, using subtle details throughout the design. All three songs fit so perfectly together showing off what you guys are capable of in 2018. How do you feel about the progression of the band up to this date? We’ve been pushing each other to really up our musical game. We started off as more of a straight ahead thrash metal band with hints of metalcore, but with our current line up we’re not overly concerned with traditional sub genres. We write songs using several different influences and go with what sounds best to us - whatever we think is going to make people say “Fuck Yeah Tyrant!” is what we want to put out. We are excited about the unique sound we’ve created and look forward to defining it further. Where do you see Tyrant going from here musically? We want to continue writing music that satisfies us as a band while building off the sound we’ve created on The Existential Reversal. As previously mentioned, we don’t want to limit ourselves to any sub genres as we write new music. We are looking to actively experiment with new ideas and influences to further develop the Tyrant sound. What is next for Tyrant? We want to keep our foot on the gas. Now that we’ve released some new material, our goal for the rest of the year is to continue playing shows around Western Canada and put together a national tour. We’ve been keeping our eye on some overseas opportunities, which is something we really want to push for next year. We’re also in the process of writing a full length record as well as re-recording our old demo Limitations with it’s current live sound. We want to ensure that we can provide our fans with a solid stream of quality content to keep up the momentum. What should people expect from a Tyrant live set? People should get ready for some serious energy. We’ve been gaining a reputation in Western Canada for having a chaotic and energetic live performance while upholding our music standards to the fullest. We constantly work on our live performance and feel that it is a big part of our identity as a band. Whether it’s shredding on stage, selling merch, or having a beer in the parking lot, we love playing shows and meeting new fans. What is the Metal seen like in the Edmonton area compared to the rest of Canada? For a long time Edmonton’s Metal scene was a top contender in Canada, representing a variety of metal and hardcore bands. Sadly the music scene has taken quite a hit in the past few years with a large number of venue closures - even the venue where we shot the live part of our music video for Spoils Of Decimation burned down about two weeks after the shoot. The city can’t seem to catch a break lately, but Edmonton is resilient and has great people working in the scene. We are hopeful and excited to see it prosper once again. What do you like to do when you’re not focused on Tyrant? As a band, we like to hang out together and crush Pina Coladas, put on records, and play board games. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. I absolutely love The Existential Reversal and I can’t wait to see what you guys embark upon next. Before we are done is there anything else you would like to mention that I hadn’t brought up yet? Well first off, thank you for the interview and we’re glad you dig the EP! And secondly, as a general PSA: support your local music scene because no one wants that shit to wither away! Tyrant- The Existential Reversal is out June 15th! facebook.com/tyrantcanada  Brooklyn NY has had some fantastic bands over the years of all styles of music. It's awesome to see now that more of the Atmospheric, Indie, & Post Rock styles are getting represented in this amazing new band called Glass Lungs. On the verge of their debut album, Impermanence, coming out June 29th, I had the please of asking Glass Lungs' Andy Amato (Drums) a few questions about everything you need to know about this band. ENJOY! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! For those that may not be familiar, describe Glass Lungs. Glass Lungs is a band with passion bursting from the seams. Each note is written and played with purpose, each cymbal and drum hit with deliberate dynamic and rhythm, and each word sung with conviction, sincerity and meaning. There is no lack of beauty and ambience with each song yet there is grit and aggression that will move you and leave you wanting more. Taking influences from our surrounding areas in Brooklyn and NYC, there is a toughness yet elegance that blends the two in a way the listener wouldn’t predict nor think it could make sense but does. It’s an experience that will grab you. Come along for the ride. June 29th brings forth the debut album from Glass Lungs, Impermanence. How does it feel having your debut album finally coming out? It has been a long road with still so much to accomplish but having the release date right around the corner is a relief. It will be 10 months since we got into VuDu Studios with Frank Mitaritonna to record this album and I couldn’t be more proud of how it came out. With that, how was Impermanence chosen as the album title? It’s tragic how so many school shootings, mass killings and senseless terror happens in our world now but still nothing shakes you to the core like the loss of a loved one. Death around you is jarring and can really affect you but when you can no longer lean on your best friend, hear “I love you” from a parent, hug your sibling or spend time with anyone that means something special to you, it leaves you sincerely with a piece inside missing forever. If you allow that moment to sink in, you can see just how precious each breath you take is, each moment we can enjoy time with someone meaningful to you is and puts a real, beautiful perspective on our lives. Our existence is so short in the grand scheme of things. Life is fragile and unpredictable. This album touches on these subjects of loss and a longing for more. Chad, our vocalist, had someone very near and dear to him pass away and he was able to use this album as a platform to work out his feelings on the matter. It means a lot to me as I have lost someone that meant so much to me recently and I believe it’s something we can all relate to. It is how we deal with it that makes the difference. Spin after spin, I am constantly picking up new layers in your sound. A great sense of atmosphere mixed in with brilliant songwriting and musicianship. Was this the original intent for the band’s sound, or did it come about this way naturally? We all, with the exception of Chad, come from the hardcore/metal scene so this band was something very new and exciting for us to dive into. There are still heavy elements to this album, (i.e. I snuck in a blast beat in “Firewalker (Chapter 2)”, but we got lost in experimenting with different sounds that felt almost celestial at times and made you really feel something to the core of you. I think this line-up is very special in that we all are striving for something deeper and more unique. We are on the same page and aren’t afraid to try new things. Sometimes it’s just in letting things ring out and letting the pieces fall where they may that produce the most memorable and soaring parts in our songs. Overall it’s been a very natural process and we are exciting to continue to progress and mature as a band. When did you realize the band was going in the right direction musically? The band was going in the right direction the moment the demo of the song “Acquiesce” was born, which is one of the first songs written prior to me joining the band and is what made me want to be a part of Glass Lungs in the first place. From The Wayside is a great example of what you guys can do as a band. Capturing what the album is about, but leaving you wanting more. Is that why it was chosen as a single? “From The Wayside” was the choice for the first single because we felt it had the right elements of catchiness lyrically and moved well musically. A lot of the songs are a bit more progressive on the album and this one felt more straight-forward and the right song for listeners to get a first taste of the album. What is next for Glass Lungs? What is next for Glass Lungs is touring. We have been tackling Brooklyn and NYC for some time and will continue to do so but now we are looking to branch out and hit more than the New York metropolitan market. It’s something we are anxious for and look forward to bringing this new album to as many places as we can! What should people expect from a Glass Lungs live show? People should expect to feel something at our live show. Expect to feel energy and the moments that leave you deep in thought. Our live set is very intense. It’s dark, driving and leaves space at the right time so things don’t get monotonous and boring. Come ready to sing along and enjoy a real experience with us. What are you currently listening to? I am a die-hard Misery Signals fan so I’m always rocking that band but I cannot get enough of movie scores. Sometimes vocals/lyrics block the moments I can do my own thinking instead of someone telling me how they feel or what to feel. Having moments of introspection while listening to Alexandre Desplat or letting John Williams take my mind to the lands of Hook, Jurassic Park and Star Wars, Danny Elfman to Gotham (Tim Burton’s Batman) and Edward Scissorhands to name a few, are some of my favorite moments of my day. What do you like to do when you’re not focused on Glass Lungs? When I’m not focused on practicing the drums and trying to progress the band I write poetry, I’m writing a screen play and I am currently developing another podcast endeavor after being a host of a successful show a couple years ago. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a new fan of the band it was great being able to ask you a few questions and learn more about what Glass Lungs is all about. Before we wrap things up, is there anything else you would like to mention that I hadn’t brought up yet? I think it’s important to note that the best part of being in a band is friendship. The memories you make on tour, writing, recording and all things band related, brings you close together and makes you family. Some of the closet people in my life are old band mates and current ones. Fans come and go but it’s the band, the family that matters most. Lastly, we aren’t a religious band by any means, on the contrary actually at times but we feel there is more to life than your phone, Instagram or the newest Netflix show out. Ok Netflix gets a pass but people matter. Art matters. Go out and touch somebody. I don’t care if you feel you are the toughest dude in the room, you have the desire in you to be loved, and to feel important and special to someone. Express yourself and let go of the notion of being “Too cool”. Write some shit on paper and see how it goes. Find yourself, and your voice. Music, and art in general saves lives. It has saved mine. Glass Lungs- Impermanence is out June 29th! facebook.com/glasslungs  TNT is back in full recording force after 8 years with their latest album, XIII which is out NOW through Frontiers Music. I recently got to ask founding member of TNT Ronni Le Tekro, about everything going on with TNT in 2018. CHeck out the quick interview down below. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! June 8th brings in the release of TNT’s 13th album, appropriately entitled XIII. How does it feel to finally have this album out? It feels good to have the album out.It was quite a journey making it. It think it carries a message of Hope With 8 years between albums, how did you approach the songwriting for XIII? The songwriting on this album was a bit different from the other albums. 2 of the songs were written by Tony Harnell and Me,4 of them were cowritten with Ledfoot(Tim Scott O`Connell) and Tony. The rest was shaped around my ideas and Tim`s great lyrics.We wanted a diverse album like Queen Of course in those 8 years, there has been lineup changes in the band. How did it feel getting this incarnation of the TNT lineup for this album? It feels good.We rehearse and are constantly looking for creative moments.As well as keeping the legacy while building momentum. Did you change anything in the studio this time Around? As far your guitar setup or any additional changes? There are no changes in the studio except new 32 ch UA Apollo soundcards. The rest of the guitar setup is identical with 1982.Marshalls :-) How hard was it deciding what songs would be released as singles before the release of XIII? The label decided the first single,luckily....cause the band,being in it,is blind and def:-) XIII is being released on your new label home, Frontiers Music. How does it feel working with Frontiers? Frontiers are doing a very good job for the band and seems geniously interested in good rock What is next for TNT? Next for TNT is release of new video `NOT FEELING ANYTHING` as well as live shows beginning June 22nd What should people expect from a TNT show in 2018? You can expect all the classics from 82 and on as well as 4 songs from the new album XIII Also in 2018 brings the 36th anniversary of TNT. How does it feel to have the band push forward for nearly 4 decades now? You know,we feel like aristocracy although we don`t have economic features. We are proud of the fact that we could release albums for 36 years,more importantly that past and present members have good health is more important than success. What do you currently listen to? I currently listen to CITY BOY, JOE WASH and DAVID SYLVIAN Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. With a great new album, a rejuvination in the band, and a great future to look forwartd to, I wish you and the rest of TNT nothing but the best. Before we wrap things up, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet? Thank you for showing true interest in our music. TNT is a band people can`t write off yet. In constant change and development. We hope our fans join us for the last years of this journey without preconceived opinions. All the Best TNT- XIII is out NOW through Frontiers Music  It's not very often that a band can come back from the dead and become stronger than ever before. Velvet Viper proves that it can be done. After commencing the band in 1993, 24 years later, in 2017, Jutta Weinhold came back around to the idea of making Velvet Viper a force that needs to be heard in Metal once again. With that comes the latest album, Respice Finem which is out through GMR Music. I recently got to ask Jutta a few questions about everything going on in the world of Velvet Viper. ENJOY!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! For those that may be new to the band. How did this band come to be and what brought the band back in 2017? I founded Velvet Viper after my old band ZED YAGO broke apart in 1990. We released two albums but the music industry underwent big changes in the grunge era of the early nineties. The split of ZED YAGO was a heavy blow for me and I for many years I stayed away from dramatic metal. Around 2010 I began playing the old songs again with the JUTTA WEINHOLD BAND and after some time I felt the need to write a new album. 2018 brings the return album of Velvet Viper, Respice Finem. How does it feel to have a new Velvet Viper out this year after all this time? It is such a great and fresh feeling to go on stage with completely new songs, but it was a long way until we could finally release the album. Bubi the Schmied, the original drummer of ZED YAGO, who had also played on the second VELVET VIPER album “4th Quest for Fantasy”, passed away this January and now we have a brand new line up with extremely talented musicians to support me. With so much time between incarnations of the band, there’s a lot of influences that can take place. When bringing back the band, what did you want Velvet Viper to accomplish musically? I wrote the songs with our guitarist Holger Marx, who is in the band since 2015 and we had the intention to continue the musical journey of ZED YAGO and the old VELVET VIPER albums. The foundation for all the songs is my lyrical concept with elements of fantasy, myths and folklore. This evokes a certain atmosphere for my vocal lines and I think this leads to a certain style of music which is recognizable. When did you start to feel like Velvet Viper was finally getting into the right direction in it’s new formation? Was there a particular song, or riff or moment that grabbed your attention? I had ideas for new songs going around in my head for quite some time and when we finally decided to do it, it felt instantly right. Our producer Kai Hansen kicked straightened some elements in the songs that were a little too far away from classic heavy metal, but in general the final versions are still pretty close to the original ideas. I think I knew it would be really good when I heard Michael Ehrés drum tracks. What went into the writing process of Respice Finem? I had a lot of lyrics on a big pile with ideas for melodies and song structures at home and I sat together with Holger, our guitarist, who had a lot of riffs and ideas for solos and so on, and then we started making demos (still with Bubi on the drums). Kai joined us in the rehearsing room to arrange the songs and then we had the final concepts for recording. Explanation: „Respice Finem“ Quidquid Agis Prudenter Agas et Respice Finem Whatever You Do, Do It Wisely and Consider the End Was immer du tust, tue es klug und bedenke das Ende. How did you approach your work on the songs and lyrical content on Respice Finem? It always starts with lyrics about a certain topic like Lohengrin or some experiences of Zed Yago, the flying durchman’s daughter I invented. This sets the tone of the song and leads to all the other things that make up a song. On Respice Finem, you got the legendary Kai Hansen to produce the album, what was it like to work with him? Oh, he is such a great guy and he knows so much about heavy metal songwriting and choirs and all of that and also found Corvin Bahn for us, an exceptional keyboard player whose contribution to the final album cannot be overstated. Kai also was involved in the mix, which was done by Eike Freese. Kai is a real Master of Confusion (that is a song title from his last Gamma Ray album) when it comes to being somewhere right on time, but he is a genius when he sits down and starts to work. How does it feel to be able to get back on stage as Velvet Viper and play new and classic songs for a new audience? I just love it, the new songs combine so well with the old ones and it is such a great feeling to play some of the songs from the 80s at the end of the show with my new guys. I hope we can do more shows in the future. What is next for Velvet Viper? We are working hard to become established again as a real entertaining live band. We will play some festivals and more club shows this year and if all goes well, we would like to do another album with the line up that is playing together live so well. How do you feel the Metal scene has changed since the original incarnation of Velvet Viper wrapped up in 1993? For the Better? The Worse? It is definitively different today. There are so many bands and you can look at free videos on Youtube and everywhere. Even the larger bands don’t sell that many albums any more and have to play lots of shows to make a living of it. Somehow music has lost its value because you can get it for free everywhere. But on the other hand people still come to live shows and listen intensely to music and the metal fans are really loyal even when you take a 25-year break. With that, is there any more modern bands that you enjoy? I am afraid I really live in the past in this respect; a lot of newer bands I hear have a great sound but no real songs and ideas. So far I have not discovered a new Ronnie James Dio or Bruce Dickinson. What do you like to do when you are not focused on music? That is really not very often the case. We have three cats at home and I like to do a brisk walk every morning. But mostly it is music in one form or another that occupies my mind. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. I thoroughly enjoy what you have created with Respice Finem and I really hope this interview will inspire any and all people interested to check it out as well. Before we done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet? Thank you for doing this interview. Dear metal heads out there, go and watch your favorite band live on stage. That is the real deal! Rock 'n roll is bigger than all of us CAUSE THIS SONG IS NEVER ENDING All the best from Jutta of VELVET VIPER Velvet Viper: Respice Finem is available through GMR Music |
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December 2018
AuthorThat Drummer Guy: Radio DJ, Interviewer, Reviewer, overall...an OK guy. Categories
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