THAT DRUMMER GUY'S TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2017 PART IV: 60-41

Hey Everybody! I'm back for round 4 of this musical endeavor known as That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2017. In this particular section we will be hitting past the half way mark of list all the way to number 41 from number 60. Let's find out if any of your new favorite discoveries or your favorite album of the year is in this part of the list.

But before we do, you know what time it is. time to explain to the newcomers what this Top 100 list is all about.

For any first timers to my style of Best of Lists, here is a quick run down (which I'll also be featuring on the other parts of the top 100 and other musical lists as well.)
As with the last few years of this list I made up criteria of what constitutes this list and it is as follows:

1.) A full release
2.) Not a live album, covers album, Best of, or b-sides/rarities album. A complete original studio album (bonus covers or live tracks are A-OK)
3.) Of the Rock/Metal varieties (From Pop Rock, to Death Metal, to Noise can make this list)
4.) I had to have either bought the album or received the album via promo, by the release date of December 8th. IF you release an album after this date, you are just being a jerk to everyone that wants to show you off on their Best Of Lists.
5.) My personal taste

A bit more rambling before the list commences...
I can't state enough how any album featured in the following 100 albums are albums I really, really enjoy. Not a single one of these I consider to be bad or meh or something I feel you shouldn't check out. While many struggle to put together 3 or 5 or 10 of their favorite albums of the year. I struggle to make a top 100 without feeling like I left something awesome out.
And with that, there will no doubt be albums that people will not see in any of the following lists (100 best of, EPs, covers, epics, etc) that people will feel like I am insane for not putting on these lists. Here is why they are not going to be on those lists in order of likelyhood...

1.) As noted above, I didn't get to listen to it enough.
2.) Did not hear it at all.
3.) It's just not my bag, baby.

Here we go, Albums 60-41

60.) SicociS- Requiem Of The World
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Symphonic Metal

The debut album from this Las Vegas Metal band covers so much ground that I simply love. Stellar songwriting, excellent musicianship, and top notch instrumentation. Taking upon so many great Prog, Power and Symphonic influences and fusing it into their own spectacular sound; SicociS is going to continue to take the world by storm one release at a time. IF this is what they got fir their debut album, my jaw is going to drop upon hearing the next album.

59.) Pillorian- Obsidian Arc
FFO- American Folk Metal, Agalloch

Born from the Ashes of Agalloch, Pillorian continues to explore many of the landscapes Agalloch conquered, but with a new sense of direction. There's not really too much I can add to that statement. If you miss the old school Agalloch sound, but want it just different and original enough, check out Pillorian who continues to keep that spirit alive in a brand new animal.

58.) Nocturnal Rites- Phoenix
FFO-  Power Metal

After 9 solid albums, Nocturnal Rites continues their legacy with one of the most stellar Power Metal albums of the year. The siring highs, the melodic lows, the perfect atmosphere and the knowledge of knowing that Swedish Power Metal is alive and well. An absolute masterclass of Power Metal songwriting.

57.) The Faceless- In Becoming a Ghost
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

this album just came out this past Friday (December 1st) had I gotten the album sooner, this would been one of the highest ranked albums of the year, but I sadly just didn't have enough time to digest the album enough to make it higher than this. I also know there is going to be a lot of controversy surrounding this album because of the band...I don't care about that stuff! I care about the quality of the album presented and if the people involved have been good to me and those I know. All I can say in the latter is that Ken Sorceron has always been cool to me, whether we agree or disagree on any subject. And as for the former, I have loved every single album and up to this point, Autotheism was my favorite Faceless album. This album has the absolute possibility of beating that out for me, but not yet as I have had only a few days to digest it. But from what I've gotten over the last few days is a fantastic display of songwriting, technicality, melodic and harmonic overtones and such a great, fresh feel for the band. Feel free to let me know how wrong I am about liking the band and the album; thankfully outside influence like that does not affect this list; so let's move on shall we?

56.) Broken Hope- Mutilated and Assimulated
FFO- Death Metal, The Thing

Do you like brutal Death Metal? Do you like the horror movie, The Thing? Well this album combines the best worlds, a concept album that serves as a great soundtrack to the album as well. Easily the best musicianship and songwriting from the band so far. Top notch production. and just a killer (no pun intended) concept for an album. This is a fun album to enjoy whether you are fan of the band, a horror movie fan, or both. Time to get mutilated and assimilated!

55.) Night Demon- Darkness Remains
FFO- Classic Metal, Speed Metal, Horror

The long awaited sophomore album from Night Demon is upon us. This picks up right where Curse Of The Damned left us; with the Classic and Speed Metal sound we love, but much more in the ideals of lyrics as covers a lot of ground on this album, with songs actually being attached to each other lyrically. We need more albums like this where you can throw this on and just enjoy. Such fantastic stuff.

54.) Ghost Bath- Starmourner
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Blackgaze

the third full release from this Black Metal band expands upon their signature sound with more Post Rock and experimental moments. This is definitely not a band for everyone who enjoys this style of music. The vocals are an absolute love/hate situation and if you hate the style of Black Metal that features more of the Post Rock, Atmospheric and Experimental elements, you are going to have a bad time with this band. For everyone else, Ghost Bath continues to shine through the darkness and create some hauntingly beautiful music. Check it out and see if it's for you!

53.) King Parrot- Ugly Produce
FFO- Grindcore, Thrash Metal, Fun

One of the most fun Metal albums of the year. King Parrot continues on their trek to make metal a little less serious and more about having fun in life. Whether it's the absolutely insane live shows, or just everything they accomplish on record., this Australian band can do no wrong and they prove that so very well with Ugly Produce.

52.) Inanimate Existence
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

Quite possibly the best sleeper album of the year! While there has been some controversy that THANKFULLY seems to have gone away, I hope it can bring people back into what this album has to offer...some of the most expertly crafted Progressive Death Metal in YEARS! Lyrically, sonicly, songwriting, musicianship, tone; this album has it all.Go buy this album and discover one of Metal's best kept secrets, this band is going to continue to flourish.

51.) Apocalypse Orchestra- The End Is Nigh
FFO- Folk Metal, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal

This band takes the idea of Folk Metal and breathes it new life. Much an unholy mix of Bathory, Candlemass and traditional folk, this debut album really gives you a completely haunting adventure of the senses. You're not going to hear any of the stereotypical folk metal cliches on this one; it is a complete revision of what is possible in the genre. Don't just take my word for it, go check them out. They deserve all the love they can get!

50.) The Ongoing Concept- Places
FFO- Protest The Hero, The Chariot

What a great entry to start off the 2nd half of this gigantic list. The Ongoing Concept is easily one of my favorite discoveries of the year. This band is incapable of writing the same song twice. Taking so many styles and blending them all in away that fits so perfectly, this band is continuing to blow people's minds from their originality and for lack of a better term...concept. Go give their album and spin and be prepared for what they have in store.

49.) Grave Digger- Healed By Metal
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

If you are familiar with Grave Digger, I don't need to explain this album to you. It's fun, catchy, heavy, and such an absolute pleasure to listen to from start to finish. A perfect fit with the rest of their catalog, but completely stands on it's own merit. I love this band, I love this album. That's all you need.

48.) The Black Dahlia Murder- Nightbringers
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash Metal

What can I say about this band that I or everyone else hasn't said over the course of their legacy? They improve on every album. Every single album gets tighter and fresher and has riffs and moments that will make your jaw drop to the ground. If you arern't on TBDM Hype-train yet, this album, despite my efforts, will not sway you, but for those keen on giving it a try, you'll see why is is the best TBDM album to date!

47.) Integrity- Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume
FFO- Metalcore, Hardcore, Punk, Evil

It blows my mind how this band finds a way to continuously improve with every album. This concept album drags you to the pits of hell and leaves you there to die. Through rip-roaring riffs, metallic chaos, and such evil overtones; Integrity is just like fine wine, only gets better with age. Come see why Integrity is at the top of their game!

46.) Dying Fetus- Wrong One To Fuck With
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore

Possibly my favorite album title of 2017, Dying Fetus took everything that makes their signature sound so pleasing and builds on it with the absolute best production of their career mixed with the best songs of their catalog to date. While this is not the album for people who don't enjoy the Brutal Death Metal, Grindcore, and Slam Metal that is associated their style, for those with an open ear, they will find something to absolutely enjoy on this album. Absolutely top notch work!

45.) Paradise Lost- Medusa
FFO- Gothic Metal, Doom Metal

The band's previous album is easily my favorite PL album to date. Medusa took all of the heaviest moments of that album and showcased the dark, brooding, evil, and evil moments that long times have wanted for years. Almost every song has the classic Paradise Lost sound, but still a completely new experience. If you want your Paradise Lost with no hope in sight, this is the album for you.

44.) Bison You Are Not The Ocean You Are The Patient
FFO- Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal

One of Vancouver's best kept secrets, Bison (Formerly Bison B.C.) has returned to bring you to the pits of despair in the most beautiful of ways. If you enjoy what bands such as The Ocean bring you as far as Prog, Sludge, and Doom, Bison will become your new favorite band. The album can hit home with so many people lyrically and its equally matched with it's tone in production and songwriting. I can't love this album enough and you should love it as well.

43.) Art Of Anarchy- The Madness
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

I never thought I would utter these words...this is the best thing Scott Stapp has ever done in his career. As if this supergroup of musicians wasn't already on course for greatness and sadly, heartache, the band kept both of those things going with the addition of Scott Stapp. Almost rightfully so, there was a lot of skeptics of the news, but I for one wanted to hear the album as Bumblefoot has yet to let me down when he has his full hands on a project. From the opening seconds of the album, I knew everyone involved made the right choice. You would never expect to hear Stapp sing over Thrash riffs, but in 2017, now you can. Everyone on this album shines and the whole album is fantastic from start to finish. I can't wait to see where the band goes from here and huge Kudos to Scott Stapp for pulling out quite possibly the best vocal work of his career.

42.) With The Dead- Love From With The Dead
FFO Doom Metal, Sludge Metal

THE HEAVIEST ALBUM OF 2017, IF NOT THE CENTURY SO FAR! That's all you need to know. Another sentence after this one will not give this album justice; just check it out!

41.) Exhumed- Death Revenge
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore

Exhumed's Magnum Opus. The band's first ever concept album is based on true life crimes in Scotland that was almost tailor made for the band. Every single thing I love about this band is showcased in one way or the other on this album. The blast beats, the vocals, the melodic riffs, the lyrics, EVERYTHING! Exhumed, while having a great fan base, isn't anywhere near as big as it should be. Maybe this quick review will help bring those numbers up as this is a masterpiece of death. Don't just take my word for it, spin it, spin it again, and then another time for good measure.

Alright folks, there's album 60-41. Next up we begin the journey that is known as the Top 40 albums of the year. Hold on tight, we are far from finished!