I don't always have the time to be able to do single album reviews these days, but when I do, you know that album is going to be a great one.

When you have a band featuring the talents of past and present members of some of the best California metal bands around; you’re bound to expect some killer heavy metal to enjoy. That’s exactly what From Hell brought with their 2014 debut album Ascent from Hell. 6 years have past since this release and band has undergone some changes to become stronger than ever with Rats and Ravens. Building off the first album, Rats and Ravens filters their unique blend of Thrash Metal, Death Metal & even hints of Power Metal at times to make an unholy sound of metal that needs to be represented in 2020.

The artwork on this album is as beautiful as it is haunting setting the tone for what you are about to hear. Rats and Ravens is wonderfully dynamic in sound; from anthemic tunes like They Come at Night to the speedy and blast beat assaults of The Witch to the nearly 7 minute epic closer in Am I Dead, which is bound to be a new fan favorite. The production throughout has a gritty, raw, and sinister tone that perfectly captures the torment you hear in the lyrics. Of course, everyone in the band has their moments to shine with hell driven riffs and solos, blazing fast double bass, and vocals from frontman and guitarist, Sinn, can go from pure King Diamond worship to pure evil growls of the undead.

Overall, Rats and Ravens is a dirty and gritty hell ride that is well worth the price of admission No matter your taste in metal, you are bound to find something to love about From Hell. Check out Rats and Ravens when it comes out (date added here) and hear some of the most horrific and tantalizing metal you’ll hear to start off the 2020s.


From Hell- Rats and Ravens out May 22nd on Scourge Records

- Josh Rundquist (that Drummer Guy)

Hey everybody!

So rather than do another edition of Backwards Marathon this week, I wanted to do something special and talk about  albums that have come out between January and March 2020. The past 3 months have been, to put it lightly, rough? So let's combat that with some killer music that can hopefully give you something to help you through the tough time we are all facing for the foreseeable future (Week, Month, Months, longer?).

Same basic usual as usual. Just studio LPs of original content (a cover or two is fine). This is in alphabetical order rather than ranked because rankings for the best albums of the year will come in December. A playlist featuring a song off each album will be in the Spotify playlist below. Now rad on and enjoy!



Dawn of Solace- Waves
FFO- Melodic Doom, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

This has potential to be the best album of the year for me. It is the perfect blend of doom, rock, metal and atmosphere that can be as haunting as it is beautiful. Tuomas Sukkonen is known best for the Finnish Melodeath band, Wolfheart; but as Wolfheart is getting fast, heavier and more extreme, he wanted to counterbalance that intensity with more melodic music and Dawn of Solace was reborn. Almost all clean vocals through the entire album (90%-10% screams used almost entirely as backups). I needed an album like this in 2020 and you might need this as well. Once listen is all it should take to suck you in and never let go.

Dead End Finland- Inter Vivos
FFO- Modern Metal, Melodic Death Metal

The band's first album in 4 years sees the band incorporating more modern metal flavoring to their melodeath sound and it works seamlessly. With the right mixture, it can combine the best elements of pop and metal and maker something truly unique. That's exactly what is going on here. Every song is as catchy as it is heavy and it's a true sight to behold. This is definitely one to keep your eyes out for towards the end of the year.

Imonolith- State of Being
FFO- Groove Metal, Hard Rock, Metalcore

Take 5 of the best musicians in Canada and have them form a band that doesn't sound much like any of their other bands and forming a sound that is truly their own. Some songs are so catchy they could be on top 40 rock radio, other songs are so heavy that they could fit in on any death metal show. This is truly awesome stuff that fits that void for rockers and metalheads to agree on a band from all sides. This will be one of the best albums of 2020 come the end of the year and if this is merely the debut album from this quintet; everything about this band will only get better and better. Jump on the Imonolith train now before it leaves the station (psst, this just came out today, go check it out).

Intronaut- Fluid Existential Inversions
FFO- Progressive Post Metal

There's a joke you could make that every Intronaut album sounds more and more like a Cloudkicker album with vocals on it. WHile it's not far from the truth; that is also a term of endearment. Since Valley of Smoke, Intronaut has only improved with every subsequent album and their unique blend of atmosphere, progressive riffs, post rock/metal arrangements and of course having Cloudkicker's Ben Sharp actually playing some guitar on this album, shows the band getting stronger and stronger. This is an album from the band I always wanted and I'm so happy we finally got it in 2020.

Kvelertak- Splid
FFO- Black N Roll, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock

What an album to come out on Valentine's Day. This being the band's 4th album since their 2010 debut has only seen the band continue to shine not only musically, but across the world in popularity. Ever since Dave Grohl's ringing endorsement of the band, Kvelertak has been showing the masses what they are capable of and Splid is their best outing yet. Everything you could want in an album from black metal to pop punk to straight up rock and roll is here and then some. This is easily one of the most fun albums you'll hear all year. Go check it out and get a genuine smile on your face in these dark times.

Lost Symphony- Chapter 1
FFO- Instrumental Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Neo-Classical Metal

THis debut release is nothing short of majestic. featuring some of the greatest guitarists in the world being able to show off their skills on the fret-board from Marty Friedman to Bumblefoot to Jeff Loomis to the late Oli Herbert; this album just shreds as much as it feels like it is an electrified version of classical pieces composed centuries ago. This is incredible work and just like the name implies, this is only Chapter 1. There is much more to come and it will be totally worth it.

My Dying Bride- The Ghost of Orion
FFO- Melodic Death/Doom Metal

The legends of death/doom have returned with what may be their saddest release to date. This is a complete tearjerker of an album and that's exactly what makes this album stand out. Their melancholic tones, maudlin lyrics, and somber atmosphere is the perfect example of what this style is capable of accomplishing. This album also happens to be their most mainstream album as well, with predominantly clean vocals; which is a strange turn for the band, but it paid off. if you need an album that matches what many people are feeling right now, put this album on and let the cathartic feelings flow through you.

Psychotic Waltz- The God Shaped Void
FFO- Progressive Metal

The first 2020 promo I received and it's from a band I never imagined would return with new music. Before this, Psychotic Waltz was nearly lost to the ages in the US with their style of prog metal mixed with flute and beautiful songwriting. This return album is what you would want from a band of this caliber and it feels like they picked up right where they left us in 1996. If you want your prog metal not sounding djenty or just like everything else that's out there, check out what is one of the most underrated prog bands to graciously come back into our lives.

Sons of A Wanted Man- Kenoma
FFO- Blackened Post Metal

A band that I discovered only this year and they have become a band that I can't stop listening to over and over again. Hardcore, post metal and black metal making a great sense of how the post black metal genre should sound. Original and awe-inspiring. This is definitely an album that fits the overall vibe of 2020 quite well, just a few seconds of any song off this album should tell you all that you need to know. This is fantastic music.

Thematic- Skyrunner
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal, Post Rock, Cinematic

Best concept album of 2020 so far. This is such an uplifting album and a great message in these hard times. Don't give up, keep trying, and you will make it through. The music is so varied, yet flows together so naturally. The lyrics feel so natural and tells the story perfectly, and the songs are executed to perfection. While this record will go under a lot of people's radars, that needs to be remedied immediately. If you are a prog nerd, a music geek, or just a lover of good cinematic storytelling; Skyrunner has something for you. Simply jaw dropping music.


And there you have it folks, my personal list of the 10 best albums of 2020 in the first quarter. It's hard to believe that April is right around the corner and Qt 2 will begin. While time may feel like it is going way too slow during everything going on right now, remember that time moves by way too fast; don't spend this time miserable. Make the time for what you love, catch flicks at home, don't put off doing that hobby you love anymore, and if you are reading this, I can only imagine you dig metal and rock music, so why not check out these ten albums and see the rabbit hole you crawl into this year.

Until next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Metallica, the band that got me into music, the band that got me into metal, and the band that was the very first I ever got sick of hearing. When I was in 5th grade I discovered Metallica and for the next 3 years I was obsessed with the band, I could name ever single song in track listing order off the top of my head and I made it my duty to be able to play every single song on drums. By 2003, St. Anger came out and it was time for me to discover other forms of music out there, which I did. But I can’t deny that Metallica brought me to the dance, despite going home with pretty much everyone else. Today, since we are all caught up in our own sanitariums at home, why not cover the 10 album discography of the band so far ranked from 10th to 1st and see how much you disagree with me on the biggest metal band the world may ever know.


The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a Spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!



10.) Reload (1997)
Despite what others, including the band, will tell you; this album feels like a 100% b-sides album disguised as a full LP. There are a couple good songs on it that I can still dig, the rest is simply not enjoyable to my ears. They easily could have made this an EP or a 7” single even and had a MUCH stronger release than what was shown here. While the biggest songs of the alternative era of Metallica are here, It’s not their best and yeah...it’s their worst.



9.) Hardwired...To Self Destruct (2016)
I can’t believe this double album is turning 4 years old this year. It does not feel like it should be at all. It still feels like 2 years max. Anyways, in all honesty, I’ve yet to ever give this album a proper spin. There are some cool fast songs shown off, other songs that really give a Load/Reload feel and others that are just...there? Considering this release is actually smaller than Load and it’s put over 2 discs, this is another shining example of less being more (or at least better) taking off at least half of this record would have made this one of the best releases, if not the best album since ...And Justice For All. Otherwise it just feels like an album that is there, nothing really more, nothing really less.


8.) St. Anger (2003)
Much like I hinted at in the beginning, I thank St. Anger for the sole reason that it made me want to check out other music instead of just listening to Metallica all day. This album is where I finally found flaws in music and realized not everything is as it’s cracked up to be. This “Commercial Suicide” album is a hard listen, tone wise. Everything feels off in the production, and it’s not just Lars turning off the snares on his snare drum. Watch Some Kind of Monster, St. Anger is the soundtrack to that film not just because it was being made and the whole premise of the film, but it’s gargled mess of a group of guys that really needed a break from each other taken some time apart and regather themselves to find out who they are. As that didn’t happen, we got this. The songs, when looking back, are not as bad as you remember them to be. Seriously, just listen to the studio DVD that came with the album, it feels like a much more cohesive experience, then again, the band was sober, the band was full, and Bob Rock was on his way out. Still, this is the black eye of the band that left a shiner to this day.


7.) Death Magnetic (2008)
This album is what some consider to be the return album for the band as it was thrashy again, the songs were fast, the snares were turned back on, and the production wasn’t garbage. To me? Songs went on for way too long and went nowhere, there was fast songs, but also slow and medium paced songs; so speed doesn’t mean good. The snare was back on, but it still doesn’t sound good and the production is was too hot. The mix and mastering is clipping in ways that make it so hard to even joy the album if there was things to enjoy. Overall this is the best album in the last 23 years of the band, but what is that really saying?


6.) Metallica (1991)
Yeah this album is where the albums actually start getting good. Overplayed? You bet your sweet bippy! But there is a reason why they are overplayed, when they came out, there are good songs. And the rest of the album has other great songs on it as well. Sure there’s not the speed you know and love of the first 4 albums, but there are songs that are some of the strongest in the band’s catalog that definitely don’t get the love that they deserve. This album remains on Billboards Top 200 for good reason, it is that classic album that paved the way for heavy music to get on mainstream radio and mainstream rock fans to go the other way and discover some heavier metal than they were used to hearing. It was win/win in the music world. You can fault the band for man, MANY things, but not for the black album. It’s earned it’s right as one of the most popular albums ever made.


5.) Kill ‘em All (1983)
Where it all began. Some say it’s the birth of thrash metal (which is actually not true), some say it’s the first true metal album (also not true), but it was the first time that thrash metal started gaining the recognition that it deserved and would continue to receive as the years and decades went forward. The production is raw, yet enjoyable. The speed, the velocity, the lyrics, the imagery, everything was here and then some. While the band did not gain their fame from this album, it was not far away when the band only got better from here.


4.) Load (1996)
Yup, this album is better than 2 of the big 5 Metallica albums to my ears, and you convince me to think differently. I’m not just a metalhead, I’m a music fan, and the songs that are on this album are great songs. You got your fast songs, almost ballads, epics, and left of center songs. Yes this was the album where a lot of people said the band was dead and buried. For me that’s not true (they got killed after this album), but it is the album where taking a chance both worked and hindered the band at the same time. They were making the music they wanted to make and that alienated a lot of hardcore fans, but it also brought in more fans, it’s a catch-22. I will always stick up for Load, I have no reason to say a bad word about it from Ain’t My Bitch To The Outlaw Torn (one of their best epics) this is Metallica as creative as I ever wanted them to get.


3.) ...And Justice For All (1988)
For the longest time this was my favorite Metallic album, over the years that changed. Why? That shouldn’t happen, it’s their proggiest album, it has their longest songs to date, it has the more pure anger and aggression you’ll ever hear from the band. All of that is 100% true, I guess it does come down to the fact that over the years production has started to matter to me when it comes to favorite albums and Justice has no bass. Yeah, it’s that simple. Arguably they didn’t need bass on this album as One launched them onto the radio and being the biggest metal band in the world. From the non-objective side; bass would have filled out these songs so much better and gave them a life that only feels 7 5% there when it could have been 100%. I still enjoy this album and feel it’s essential listening; but not first album essential. It’s a bronze medal.


2.) Master of Puppets (1986)
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT MASTER OF PUPPETS ISN’T YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM FROM METALLICA? IT’S THE GREATEST ALBUM EVER MADE!!!1 Well, it’s not my favorite. It’s a great album. Awesome production, great songwriting, some of their best songs to date are on this seminal album; but it’s just not my favorite. Is it worthy of being called the best metal album of all time? There’s a lot of merit for it of course, and of curse when you add best is just subjective; but yes, it’s worthy of all the praise it will receive till the end of time. It is that good, even with some songs being overplayed on the radio or by guitarists looking for a band to join at Guitar Center.


1.) Ride The Lighting (1984)
Now THIS is what I call Metallica’s finest hour. Everything I loved about Metallica is in this album from songs referencing execution, the plague, and H.P. Lovecraft, to the production being that perfect mix of clean and raw, to the perfect and I mean PERFECT guitar tone to my ears. This had that right timing for the band where they were still hungry for what they wanted to be, having their pure aggression of Kill Em All and before the world would finally recognize them. There was a reason why this was the band’s first big label album. It had so many cylinders firing at all the right times to make this an album where the band could write a ballad like Fade to Black, a biblical song like Creeping Death, and even a label mandated “single” like Escape; and they could do no wrong. This is their finest hour to me and unless they change that on the next album, it always will be.


And there you have it folks, I finally talked about the biggest band in the world. Did I do this one because almost all people in the world with internet connection are stuck at home, on social media and bored and would most likely pay attention to this than any other band I’ll ever cover before or after this? Totally! Will this have more comments than people actually checking out the list and the actual reasons why it’s ranked the way that it is? Of course. Will most people even get to this last paragraph before getting mad at me for my ranking order, especially with not putting Master of Puppets at number 1? Like you have to ask! But hey it’s all fun and these are only my thoughts. Thanks for sticking around and just in case you never checked out Metallica for whatever reason; check out my Spotify playlist for Metallica to see a song off each album and see what’s right for you, if anything.


Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!
- Josh Rundquist )That Drummer Guy)

I will die on this hill; Alice in Chains is NOT a grunge band (unless you only count Layne Staley's YAAARRRLLS which so many bands ripped off, badly). They just got their popularity around the same time as the rest of the bands in that genre were picking up. And they have made 6 killer albums since 1990. So hard to believe that 30 years later, the band is still putting out amazing work and it's a true sight to behold. Today I am going to cover all the ground I can in making a list from number 6 to number 1, ranking every AIC album to date. If you want an introduction on this hard rock/heavy metal/sludge metal band? Well, here's my best shot at doing so for you.


The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a Spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!

6.) Alice in Chains (1995)
Oh I'm sure I'll get crapped on for this, I can sense it already. But here's my reasoning. The last AIC album is where you really feel the cracks in the band...badly. Not at all to say the album is bad, but just listen to the lyrics. Granted, the lyrics have always had some darkness to them, and this isn't even their darkest album. But this album has the kind of lyrics and delivery that says that the band needed at least a break from each other and that sadly happened. The songs that we got during this time are actually some of the most experimental in the band's discography. After the success of the band's previous album and really experimenting with acoustics on their Jar of Flies EP (which may be their best release to date), this album sees the trademark sound left for doomier, symphonic, acoustic, and out there songs. This is also the first time in AIC's career path where the influences of sludge metal and doom metal would come into play on some of the band's lesser known songs off the album. This may actually be the perfect gateway album. If you like the slower, heavier side; keep going forward in their discography. If you like the faster and metallic sound; go backwards in the catalog.

5.) Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)
Talk about a water shed album in the band's career. Many people, to this day, still believe the band should not of carried on without Layne Staley. That he made the band with his vocal delivery. I'm just going to say it right here right now. William Duvall does Staley better than Staley! YOU HEARD ME! I'm not talking about how Layne had that style first and how that came from his tortured soul, that's putting personal matters into it. I'm talking about on ability. You put on any AIC song from the last three albums and tell a passive AIC song that Staley sang this song, 9 out of 10 people would believe you. He's that good. Plus, the band was always Jerry Cantrell's. He made the band what is to this day with his songwriting, tuning, style, and his on vocal delivery. Black Gives Way to Blue proves both of these points perfectly. The songs are just as catchy and as heavy and as emotional as you would hear on any previous album; just updated. This showed that the band was not doing this for the money, but because Alice in Chains still had life that needed to be lived. This is seriously a fantastic album.

4.) Facelift (1990)
It may be strange to see not only the band's most popular album, but also their most "metal" album not in the number 1 spot to a lot of people. There's every reason that it could be as it is filled to the brim with tasty metal riffs, catchy choruses and songs that live on to  this day on top 40 rock radio. Of course Man in the Box is on this album, the band's biggest hit ever and while it may be overplayed by radio and cover bands alike (i know, I had to cover it myself a lot), overplaying of a song does not make it any less good. Of course songs like Love, Hate, Love and We Die Young show the speed differences and songwriting abilities of the band that would come later. Yeah, this album is worthy of all the love it gets to this day, without question.

3.) Rainier Fog (2018)
By far and away the band's heaviest album. This is not rock in the slightest. This is a sludge metal, doom metal album and it's exactly what it needed to be. This is probably the least known AIC album, which is weird to say as it's the band's latest album. I just see no one talk about it. Maybe it was because it was way too heavy for standard rock radio these days, maybe some people just wanted to hear Man in the Box part II; REGARDLESS, this album is for every fan of the band's heavy side and the lyrics, tones, songwriting, and delivery punctuate that to a T. This is amazing stuff that should be forgotten no longer. There is the argument that these are the best written songs of the band's career and I would not dismiss that claim...seriously!

2.) The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)
The strangest title in the band's discography is also the band's best work in the new era (which is now longer than the original era in 2020). This was a perfected version of Black Gives Way to Blue, but also different enough. While there are some more metal songs and hard rock songs on here, the band continues on with their sludgier and doomier sounds. IN all honesty, the song, Phantom Limb may be their best song they've recorded. The title track even makes a lot more sense when you listen to the song and see how it works in context. This is a seriously underrated album but it is one of their best works. Go give this one a shot.

1.) Dirt (1992)
I mean, it is not only AIC's best album, but it's one of the best albums of the 20th century. This had everything you could want in an album of this nature. Heavy, dark, personal, catchy, different, twisted, and at the time a tonal shift from the bands more metallic sound and going into work just before things got doomy. It's not an album to be described with just words; listen to the album, front to back. You'll understand why so many people consider this the best album of the 90s, the best albums in alternative metal, wrongly the best album in grunge, and one of the best albums of all time. Just do it, trust me.



And there you go folks, all 6 albums ranked 6 to 1, showing off all the LPs of Alice in Chains. If you are only somewhat familiar with the band, I hope this gives you enough intrigue to check them out and see if they are you bag. Or just listen to the playlist below and see if you like what you hear.

Until next time, This is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

Death's legacy is one that simply can't be messed with. 7 Albums that spanned so many different fans, bands, metalheads, and what could possible be done with death metal. While the band was only around for 11 years; they are arguably the most important band in all of death metal in terms of originality, style, lyrics, and more. Today I am taking the impossible task of ranking these albums 7 to 1. I will stress right now that I love every single death album and it is rare for me to listen to Death and not go out of my way to listen to the entire discography. While that may sound like a daunting task in and of itself; it's only 5 hours, but a worthy 5 hours. I will also say that there is no wrong order to ranks these albums. We may disagree on the other of 1 or all 7 albums, but that is a great things because that means people are appreciating al 7 albums, as they should be. Is this list I'm about to make final? With Death, that's almost impossible as it changes even for myself, BUT, more often than not, this is the order I will go with. So let's get to it!

The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a Spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!

7.) Spiritual Healing (1990)
Chuck Schuldiner's 3rd album is a great take on religion with it's fantastic album cover and title track. The rest of the album contains that signature death metal sound that you heard on the band's previous two albums, but it was beginning to experiment with it's sound. More proggier moments, more song structure differences, and above all, the music was getting much more technical and melodic. Lyrically, it started focusing more on life and what is going on with it, rather than just horror themes, but that is a great thing to accomplish with spreading your wings and showing all that can be done with a genre. This is a fantastic album that is worthy of it's underrated praise in the midst of all of Death's work.

6.) Individual Thought Patterns (1993)
It really took till the 2011 remix of this album to fully appreciate everything that was going on with Individual Thought Patterns. Much like Metallica's ...And Justice For All, the bass is nearly impossible to hear, the rest of the production feels low as well, but what it lacked behind the board, it made up for in front of it. The band seemed to be in turmoil for a lot of it's years, but that also led to some of the band's work. The Philosopher is a great example of that with the song being a shot at former guitarist, Paul Masvidal; which was also featured on Beavis and Butthead.. But outside of that. This marked the first of two albums drummed by Gene Hoglan. Overall, Individual Thought Patterns was the last album that featured the signature Chuck death growls before switching over to screaming and while the music was becoming more and more intricate and less of the signature death metal sound, it signaled that times had to change for the band and that was sure to come with the band's last two albums.

5.) Human (1991)
Human was the last album of 4 in 5 years (87-91) and the band was going as strong as it possibly could at this time. Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert made their only appearances with the band on this album before forming Cynic. This was also the first album where the technical side of the band really began to flourish and show that the band was much more than a horror themed metal band, but actually a quite intriguing, and intellectual band. Many consider this album to be that perfect blend of technical and death metal, which influenced so many bands to later form the technical death metal genre. It's understandable why as this album is worthy of the praise and love it gets to this very day.

4.) Scream Bloody Gore (1987)
The first Death album, and what some consider to be be one of the first, pure death metal albums. This album is primal, horror inspired from start to finish, and has a sense of originality that was just unheard of at the time. It's just about 38 minutes and every second is filled with that signature sound that so many bands would try to replicate immediately after release. If you want an introduction into everything that would eventually be possible in metal, Scream Bloody Gore not only opened the door to extreme metal, death metal, and of course later technical and progressive death metal; they butchered the door. Go listen and understand why.

3.) Symbolic (1995)
This album is 25 years old this year and nothing makes sense anymore...ANYWAYS... Symbolic is the first album to feature screams instead of growls, which was a huge watershed moment for not only the band, but death metal in general. Chuck's voice became sounding more like a black metal singer and in turned, that led more bands to try the idea of progressive black metal down the road. The core essence of the band is still here, but you can also tell that this was a last album for the band. Chuck even wanted this to be the last Death album as he wanted to set his focus to Control Denied. Many people say this is the band's best album, and I totally understand that notion. It has everything from perfect production, fantastic songwriting, and proficiency and that overall sense that music was really changing in general. If you haven't you may even want to start with Symbolic to see where technical and progressive music fleshed out with death metal seamlessly.  

2.) The Sound of Perseverance (1998)
The final death album, that actually was meant to be the first Control Denied album. This is the most vastly different album in Death's whole catalog and for that reason, it is either widely loved or hated. I am of the former, this album was my introduction to the band thanks to the magnificent drumming of Richard Christy. The album is pretty much a death metal record in vocals only, but of course, this was also of Chuck's latter screaming era vocals. It's over the top technical music performed by some of the best musicians to ever grace the band. The end of the album also features a cover of Judas Priest's Painkiller, which may be the band's most notorious cover. Overall, if you like your death metal on the far extreme end of musical proficiency, you are going to love The Sound of Perseverance, I know I do.

1.) Leprosy (1998)
Funny enough, on the bands opposite end of the spectrum, does lie my favorite Death album. Many people know me as a prog guy who loves music in different time signatures with different genres and instrumentation, but sometimes...sometimes I just want that primal rage to come out and attack. That's what Leprosy accomplished. Taking everything that made Scream Bloody Gore created it and perfected it with better songwriting, better production and the most killer instrumentation of the pure death metal era of the band; this is THE death metal album to me. There's so many great ones, ones that you could say are better than this, bands you could say are better than Death, entire genres that are better than this, but to me; Death's Leprosy stands alone. Death Metal truly made it's mark in 1988, 32 years ago this year...damn I'm going to be 32 this year, let's get to the end of this shall we?


Chuck Schuldiner created not only the death metal sound you know and love, but also helped create what would later become technical death metal, progressive death metal, and to an extent, progressive black metal. Chuck was taken away far too soon in 2001. Thankfully, his memory forever lies on between these 7 albums from Death (and 1 Control Denied album, seriously, go check out The Fragile Art of Existence, it's mindblowing). One of my all time favorite bands can never die. Thank you Chuck and Co past and present for making Death a reality.

Until next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

Well, this is going to be a controversial one isn't it? I feel like no matter how I rank all 13 albums, it will be sure to upset someone as to why I put Album Y over Album X or Album B over Album A; but that is the nature of the beast and hey, it's my list and well, if you've read any of my previous Backwards Marathon entries; you know the rules by now. ANYWAYS; Opeth has never been a band to sit on their laurels. Mikael Akerfeldt and Co. write the music they want to write be it black metal, progressive death metal or 70s inspired psychedelic progressive rock. Honestly...I wouldn't have it any other way. Let's talk about this monolithic Swedish metal band in all it's glory from the number 13th ranked album to number 1!

The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a Spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!

13.) Heritage (2011)
It is so strange to think that the entire 2010s decade did not feature any screams or growls from Opeth and the start of the new era of the band began with Heritage. The real watershed (yes, pun intended) album from this band came as a shock to a lot of people, but to others, they saw this coming for a long time. It's the beginning of their more 60s-70s psychedelic, progressive rock route. There is still some heavier moments to be had, but there is so much more that reminiscences of bands like Gentle Giant or Camel instead of Edge of Sanity or, let's face it, almost every Opeth album before it. It is still a very enjoyable album if you let go of your notions about the band; and that goes both ways. If you are a prog nerd, ignore the fact the band was a progressive death metal band; if you are a death metal fan, realize this is not your Opeth albums of the past. Go in with a clear conscious and truly appreciate the album for what it is; a great throwback album to the influences Akerfeldt grew up, just more...evil.

12.) Ghost Reveries (2005)
No way you saw this one coming, did you? Hell, the only Opeth shirt I own is the Ghost Reveries one. What a lot of fans consider to be their "break out" album in the United States is the one where even people I knew in real life started figuring out who Opeth was and either dug them, hated them, or thought someone misspelled Otep. But back on point, this is an album that may come off as the last "traditional" sounding Opeth album; the progressive death metal vibes are hear nearly from start to finish. Only two songs; Hours of Wealth & Isolation Years are completely clean sung, which for Opeth, on either side of the equation, is almost unheard of having two clean songs. The album features some of the absolute best production from the band and tracks such as Ghost of Perdition and The Grand Conjuration became some of the best known Opeth songs ever. It is a classic album, it is worthy of all the praise it gets to this day, but for me; I just dig 11 albums more. *shrugs*

11.) In Cauda Venenum (2019)
The latest Opeth album is what the newest era of the band should have started with and there wouldn't have been nearly as much backlash from the old school fans of the band. It's a perfect blend of prog, hard rock, even metal moments, but all as evil, if not their most sinister album to date. One other awesome detail about this album as it is performed entirely in English AND Swedish; a first for the band. Both have their charms to it. The English version is easier to digest for a 'Merican like myself, but the Swedish version sounds much more evil, which I have to believe is the reason why it finally happened after all this time. There is a reason why people say this is the best Opeth album of the prog era. Go find out why for yourself.

10.) Morningrise (1996)
The 2nd and last album to feature black metal vibes to the band; Opeth's sophomore album is one of a sense of where the band was really finding it's footing and knowing where the band would go in the future. It's much proggier than before with a higher prominence of bass. The song structures also started becoming much more of the Opeth reference that a lot of the band's fans love them for. Lest not forget the band's longest song to date, the 20 minute epic, Black Rose Immortal. In retrospect, it makes you wonder what would have happened if the band would have ventured down the black metal route more than death metal on subsequent albums to follow. How differently would the heavier and extreme sides of prog be from what they are now? Well, give Morningrise a shot and be amazed at an album that newer fans of the band may not even realize exists!

9.) Pale Communion (2014)
This album is an apology for Heritage or a complete F U to everyone that hated Heritage; I can't put my finger on it. All I know is that I love it. It doubles downs on the proggy side of the band, but also features a lot of call backs to the band's previous works (especially played on the keys). Of course not screams or growls to be had on this one as a lot of naysayers of the band said would happen. But just look at a song like Eternal Rains Will Come; it absolutely feels like a traditional Opeth song, just proggier and clean sung. If you would have thrown this on Ghost Reveries or Watershed, no one would have been the wiser. This is what I feel is the most forgotten album of the prog era of the band and it shouldn't be. It is a fantastic album and really hearkens so many traits of the band that are that classic sound and just stand out as pure Opeth. Go back and give this album a shot, seriously!

8.) Orchid (1995)
The album that started it all is arguably the LEAST Opeth sounding album. It has the more black metal influence the band ever used, honestly, this is a progressive black metal album. While some of the signature Opeth style riffing comes into play at times, it is much more in the background for a more raw, sinister, tone. It also features a lot more folkish elements than I had remembered previously. and I swear for the life of me, Green Day stole a riff from In the Mist She Was Standing and made the song Holiday. Call me cooky, call me wacky; I hear it every time and the riff is so similar. If Morningrise was the band figuring out what the band wanted to become, Orchid is the band figuring out who they are. It's well worth a listen and for the most evil of you; this may end up as your favorite Opeth album!

7.) Sorceress (2016)
My personal favorite of the prog era Opeth albums. It's their heaviest of all four albums. It has a corrupt, spooky hard rock vibe throughout that is just undeniably awesome. There is arguments to be made that the main riff of the title track is one of the heaviest riffs the band will EVER put out. it's a very dark album and it flows together so very, very well. WHile the album can get complex, it's one of the simplest albums of the band's catalog by design so it can focus on the riffs, lyrics and tone. If you want to be won over by the prog era of the band, this album may seal the deal.

6.) Watershed (2008)
The album title is more than just a subtle nod; this is the final Opeth album of what people thought they knew about the band and they really started to showcase all sides the band was capable of. It can go from one of the most brutal songs the band ever put out in The Lotus Eater to absolutely haunting ballads like Porcelain Heart or Coil. Many diehards will say this is the last great Opeth album; I detest that wholeheartedly as I will say to this day that Opeth have yet to put out a bad album. Watershed is that last glimmering shadow of the bands progressive death metal side as it slowly evaporates into the prog rock era and that is far from a band thing. Never force a band to put out music their heart is not into, it will come off as cheap and unauthentic. It's a last hooray of the band you knew and a quick hello of the band that was to come and for that reason, it still holds up 12 years later in the best way.

5.) Deliverance (2002)
Without question, this is the band at it's absolute heaviest. This is the extreme, progressive death metal pushed to it's absolute limit, while still maintaining that great balance of solace space and haunting quiet moments (nothing ballady, just quieter). Of course prog nerds like myself will say that the ending riff of the title track is one of the greatest riffs in progressive death metal, and yeah...IT IS! There's a reason why even in the prog era of the band that Opeth still play this song, almost always to close out the show. It still holds up 18 years later (I feel so old now). Also, Steven Wilson had his hand in producing this album amongst two others I'll touch on later. Not so much on this album as those two others, you really feel Steven Wilson's influence on the band, but I do feel that Opeth really shined off on Steven Wilson on Deliverance for Porcupine Tree for albums such as In Absentia, Deadwing, and Fear of a Blank Planet (well, to an extent FoaBP). For the heaviest of all Opeth albums, you may as well start here.

4.) Still Life (1999)
For no other reason other than forgetfulness on my end, this is my least listened to Opeth album. I do not understand why as it is a pure masterpiece of an album. In a sense, this may be the 2nd most varied Opeth album right behind Watershed. It is the last album you hear any traces of black metal in the band's sound. Opeth was almost a peak classic Opeth here with it's blend of progressive death metal, folk elements and stunning clean vocals mixed with ferocious growls. it's also the band's 2nd foray into concept albums as is a haunting love story about lust, love, betrayal, anger, revenge and the afterlife. This may be Opeth at peak lyrical form. It turns out, it's not just me as a lot of Opeth fans forget about this album and the real staying power. Some may say it even tops my top choice as the best Opeth single (which is completely warranted, it's that good). Discover this nearly lost gem and all the power it truly holds.

3.) Damnation (2003)
Written at the same time as 2002's Deliverance (just released 6 months as opposed to releasing a double album); Damnation is the band's FIRST clean vocal only album. That's right kids, that didn't start with Heritage, it started here with, at the time, the most experimental album in the band's catalog. It takes many nods to the 60s-70s prog that would be a main focus later. It also sounds a lot like that point in time era Porcupine Tree (and vice versa). The song, Hope Leaves, happens to be one of my all time favorite Opeth songs for good reason. This album is a haunting soundtrack of an album and I dare say, is what made Akerfeldt realize he didn't have to finish Opeth as a death metal band which led to everything that would be to come. Such a great album.

2.) My Arms, Your Hearse (1998)
How is this album 22 years old already? Life goes by way too fast...ANYWHOO! My Arms, Your Hearse is the band's first concept album. In a very cool way of making everything flow together not just conceptually, every song ends with the title of the next track, which is an awesome way to experience the album once you start paying attention to the lyrics. But this album has it all, black metal, death metal, folk metal, progressive metal, progressive rock, a haunting story and just a stellar album of the band's massive catalog. I've seen it reference that people consider this album to be the band's Dark Side of the Moon and in an odd sense, I do hear it. It's the band finally realizing what the band can be and going full throttle into it and every album to follow. While the production is raw by today's standards; it totally fits the vibe of the album and just has a signature stamp that you'll hear going forward. To me, this is almost the band's best work...almost...

1.) Blackwater Park (2001)
You knew it was this one, I mean come on! Blackwater Park has everything you need in an Opeth album musically, lyrically, thematically, with stellar production from Steven Wilson (even his vocals on a few of the songs, most notably, Bleak). When you go back and look at the reception for this album, it's mindblowing, at the time, no one really heard music like this before. like a mix of Edge of Sanity, Porcupine Tree, Camel, and Celtic Frost. To anyone that thinks this album is overrated or bland or boring, either you were never into this style to begin with, you overheard the album so much that it doesn't have an impact on you anymore, or, most likely, you hear this album heralded as the band's best album and you have to be that cool music elitist who takes a long drift from your cigarette as you hear someone talk about it, and talk about how the album is trash and consider people who enjoy this album to be plebs. This is Opeth at it's most Opeth and there is a damn good reason it is regarded by people, like myself, as the best Opeth album made so far...simply, it's because it is the best Opeth album so far.

Look, the entire Opeth catalog will not be everyone's bag. You may just like the classic prog era the band is in now, you may only enjoy the seminal progressive death metal albums, you may be one of those people who stopped listening to Opeth after Dan Swano stopped producing them and only enjoy Orchid and Morningrise. I only ask of one thing, give all the eras of the band a shot, even if it is just the playlist I make below (if the band is even remotely up your alley). You may be surprised by what you actually realize you enjoy from the band, what your favorite band may have been inspired by from Opeth, or hell, even remember why you don't like the band. Just give them a fair, honest shake. You may be glad you did!

Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Baroness, in the last 17 years since it's beginning, has gone through some of the best ups a band could possible achieve and some of the lowest. From Grammy Nominations to life threatening bus crashes; this progressive and sludge metal band has done what some bands will never reach on either end of the spectrum. In between all of that is 6 (or 5 depending on how you look at it) LPs that have all been based around the color spectrum. While that phase of the band is now in the past; It's time we should look at these albums and give them the praise they deserve and rank them in order from 6 (yes, I'm going 6 here, folks) to 1.

The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a Spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!

6.) Green (Yellow & Green) (2012)

The whole reason why there is some debate as to whether the band has put out 5 or 6 albums or this release is actually two EPs put together as an EP. I'm removing the semantics of it all (and just an easier way to cover the color spectrum) by just saying they are two different LPs and carrying on. Let's actually get into Green now, shall we? Green shows the band at it's lightest side to date. While there are songs like Psalms Alive and The Line Between that actually pick up the pace a bit in comparison; the rest of Green is much more focused on showing variation of their traditional sound by adding a bit more folk, country, southern, and atmospheric vibes. It's a chill album that is easy to just kick back, relax, and enjoy. A perfect counterweight to Yellow, yet they blend in together so well. If you're not so much into heavier stuff but wanna give Baroness a shot, this is where you should start. I do love all 6 LPs, but something had to take the bottom rung.

5.) Red Album (2007)

13 years ago this album came out, that blows my mind, that means I graduated 13 years ago...ANYWAYS! Red Album is where most sludge metal and some prog fans discovered the band. This is actually where I first started hearing rumblings of the band's existence. It came out at the right time as well, right when people wanted a heavier version of Clutch or a mellow version of Mastodon; that is Red Record. So many southern grooves, monolithic riffs, poppy but sludgy hooks and just the beginning (in LP form) of where the band was bound to go. Some say this is the heaviest Baroness album, and there's arguments to be made for that. I just happen to know it's a shining example of a band on the rise.

4.) Blue Record (2009)

This was where fans of the band started to realize that the band was doing something quite cool and naming their albums after different colors. Blue Record is definitely the companion album to Red Album. Depending on who you ask THIS is the heaviest album from the band, Much like Red Album, there's arguments to be made with this one as well for that claim. The songs are more filtered and exactly what they need to be. Not afraid of showing more variation of sound, which makes the heavier aspects of the album that much heavier. More people started catching onto the band at this point and the band was continuing to grow and grow. This is such a killer album.

3.) Yellow (Yellow & Green) (2012)

Yellow is the other release to the aforementioned Green release (as you can tell by the title...Yellow & Green...) Not just the longer of the two releases, but much faster, heavier, poppier, and head bobbing music. All three singles from Yellow & Green were all taken from Yellow and yeah, it's easy to understand why. Yellow feels like the natural successor to Blue Record while Green showed off more of the bands experimental and softer side. It's easy to understand why Yellow & Green were released together as they have that perfect ebb and flow counterbalance. While both of these were the last release before the bands horrific bus crash, this was a great watershed moment for the band as to what was to come for their last two albums of the color spectrum.

2.) Gold & Grey (Orange (2019)

The band's latest LP, and the last of the color spectrum run of LPs; Gold & Grey (it's the orange album for the sake of the color spectrum) is one that takes you though the bands most varied music to date. Many short musical interludes, great atmosphere, the mellow songs are tear jerking and the heavy songs make you headbang. It's a perfect album for someone like me. The elephant in the room on this album is the production as it is mixed very hot and for many audiophiles it is unlistenable. If you are like me and just like amazing songs; this will not be a factor for you. Now that nearly a year has past since the release of this album; appreciate it for what it is, a mindblowing album. There's a reason it has a 91% rating on Metacritic.

1.) Purple (2015)

Yes, the first album after their terrifying bus accident, where we were not even sure if the band would continue; the band released their most commercially accessible album and I can't lie; it's my favorite for good reason, it's just that good! It feels like every song was specially crafted to be as musical ear candy as possible. It's the most rock centric album of the band's catalog as well, featuring many nods to bands like Thin Lizzy and Queen, while still being the Baroness you know and love. Though, many of the long time fans of the band started dropping off at this point (isn't always the first album to have mass commercial success that a band can no longer be in your back pocket?), that is completely fine as Baroness finally achieved the success they had always wanted musically and are able to tour and be themselves. Shock Me was nominated for a Grammy for good reason. If you want the absolute best start of where to begin with Baroness; It's Purple.



And there you have it, folks; all 6 LPs in the Baroness discography from 6 to 1. There is not a bad apple in the bunch and every album has a bite of solid, solid goodness. Be it heavier, mellower, commercial or experimental, the band has something for you. Thanks again for reading this list and tune in next Friday for another band retrospective discography.

Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

HIM is arguably the most successful metal band to come out of Finland. With their major exposure in the US thanks to Bam Margera and being celebrated by the chain store, Hot Topic; the band spoke to a generation of people who wanted that right mix of goth, pop, rock, and metal. Did they succeed? For the world’s scope, they certainly did. But what about to my ears? Well explore this with the latest edition of Backwards Marathon covering all 8 of HIM’s studio LPs, which of course, could not be released on a better day...VALENTINE’S DAY to talk about some Love Metal!


The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a Spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!


8.) Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice (2010)
This album was absolutely not recorded with my preferences in mind. While this is Ville Valo’s first album after getting sober; the album has a very diverse and poppy side to them. Kind of like a 80s gothic poppy 2000s album. While this album will hit right at home for some people and I gotta commend Valo for getting sober and making the band last as long as it did after; This is the one album I never go back to. Nothing captured my interest long enough for must spin again qualities. I imagine it could also be a good gateway album for those that aren’t really into rock music to get a first taste of what HIM could do for them.

7.) Tears On Tape (2013)
The band’s final album is one that does not feel like it should have been their swansong, though in a way, it still does. This is everything that the band was known for with a new, final, spin. Some songs are quite doomy, other songs are quite poppy, others are straight ahead rockers, others are haunting ballads. If that doesn’t describe HIM in a nutshell, what does? All in all, it’s the band’s farewell, but it is quite an enjoyable listen and if the band ever comes back down the road...I wouldn’t mind a proper farewell album.


6.) Dark Light (2006)
When I was a junior in high school, this is when all the “cool kids” finally discovered HIM and boy, was Wings of a Butterfly overplayed by everyone I know. Without question this is the most accessible album the band ever put out. And yeah, Wings of a Butterfly ended up being the band’s biggest hit (I THINK?) in the states and it’s actually a shame I didn’t give the rest of an album a chance at the time. I was in the pigheaded mindset still that if WOAB was the single, the album won’t be any better. I was wrong. It’s a very solid poppy goth rock album and yeah, If you want the HIM experience in it’s catchiest form, Dark Light is the album for you.

5.) Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001)
I gotta credit this album in the same way as Dream Theater’s Falling Into Infinity. This was not the vision of the album the band wanted, the writing process was strenuous thanks to the record label and getting a producer that just did not mesh well with the band (though some ideas Valo actually admits benefited the songs); this album was the album that saw the meteoric rise of the band from their previous release...and tried to make it more of a cash cow than authentic. The end result was in the middle with the lyrics and songs still sounding great, but it is definitely a poppy album for the band and they did the best they could under the situation they were in. Absolutely worth a spin as some songs are absolute classics.


4.) Love Metal (2003)
Not just the genre name given to the band throughout the years, but the most organic and authentic HIM album made. After the frustrations of their previous album, The band wanted to go in a more authentic route and spin out tunes of where the band was at the time. You get a very rocky, heavy, and fun album that just sounds like the band is the happiest they were ever at (which is funny considering the lyrics of almost every single HIM song). If you want to see the sides of the band that showcase what the band is all about, both as their signature sound, and sounds you never really here in the band again, check this one out.

3.) Razorblade Romance (2000)
Surprised to see this one at number 1? At one time I would be as well. This was the album that brought me to the goth prom. This is not only the breakout album for the band, but the sound that is the most recognizable for the band (unless Dark Light was your entry way, then that is more of what you are used to). To this day, my favorite HIM song is Right Here In My Arms, I just think it is the perfect “single” song. Heavy, catchy, poppy, haunting, and even has a frigging hand clap section! What’s not to love? This will always have a near and dear spot in my heart as when I checked it out at the time, it was the album I needed...though I couldn’t relate entirely as I never had a girlfriend in high school, so...yeah…ANYWAYS!!!! This is the signature HIM album, go check it out if you wanna know what the hubbub was all about.


2.) Venus Doom (2007)
Boy, did this album come out at another great time in my live. This is the heaviest, angriest, doomiest, and on some days, BEST album HIM ever put out. While this album does suffer the Downward Spiral effect; where this album was made when Valo was essentially in mental hell from mental health issues, relationship issues, and sobriety issues. When you hear the lyrics on this album, you definitely hear it. Seriously, if you love bands like Anathema, My Dying Pride, Woods of Ypres, and yeah let’s face it, Type O Negative; This will become your favorite Him album. Seriously, this is the biggest departure the band ever took and even though the circumstances were horrific; the final product is a masterpiece.


1.) Greatest Love Songs Vol. 666 (1997)
Yeah, this is my favorite era of Him, along with Venus Doom (seriously, these two album could even change places by the time I write this up). This was the raw,k gothic, haunting, sinister, and atmospheric. And the guitar tone...yeah this has one of my favorite guitar tones on an album. I get that the tone won’t be for everyone, but this is how you make a freaking heavy guitar tone work. While some songs on this album were later re-recorded and re-covered on Razorblade Romance; I honestly prefer the original versions of all of those songs (though I will happily enjoy either version). This also features my favorite cover of Blue Oyster Cult’s Don’t Fear The Reaper. I love when a band can take a song and make it their own, in this case, just slowing it down, beefing up the guitar, make it more haunting and BOOM; you got it! While I wouldn’t recommend this as the first album you listen to if you’re not into the heavier side of things, I think this is a great album to experience and maybe even appreciate the most from the band.



And there you have it folks. 8 albums from 1997 through 2013 that showcased to the world what Love Metal is all about. Some bands have tried to duplicate it, it only comes off as imitating it poorly. HIM is that band where some feel embarrassed to like or feel like it’s a guilty please. I for one, am not ashamed to say I love so much of HIM’s catalog and I do not believe in guilty pleasures (if you like something, embrace it). While the band is gone, take the time to revisit the band and see what they were like. Heck, even take the Spotify playlist down below, light some black candles, and have a dark, lustful Valentine’s Day.


Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

I've said it many times in my life and I will continue saying it for as long as I can; dredg is my favorite non metal band of all time. Sure, their can be some heavier tinges to their style (their early day promos giving off major Deftones and Sepultura vibes) but the band is known for their Art Rock, Prog and Pop elements. All the way back from my Mike Portnoy Forum days, a good friend I made from the forum; Angra1, introduced me to the band and once I finally pulled the trigger on seeing the band, I was floored. Every time, minus one, I got the setlist from the show and some autographs and actually hang out with members me. Actually bassist, Drew Roulette, knows me as the guy who wore an Iced Earth shirt to their show as I had just saw Iced Earth a couple days prior to my first dredg show. they are a fun, quirky, and astonishingly breathtaking band that deserves your attention. While the band just has 5 albums so far, and their latest album was 9 freaking years ago; the band is hoping to rectify that soon with a 2020/2021 release) till then, it's about time you got caught up to speed with the bad. Here is my personal ranking of the band's LPs in descending order.

The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


LET'S BEGIN!

5.) Leitmotif (1998)

The band's first LP is a not in any way a shabby album. It's actually a delightful album that showcases where the band would go eventually, but also traces of where the band was before Leitmotif with some heavier moments and particularly on the song Yatahaze, the only use of screams on any dredg LP in a fiery unleashing of lyrics near the end of the track. Basically, If you like the heavier side of the band, or just wanna start from the beginning and work your way forward, Leitmotif is quite possibly the album that may sink you into the band. But prog nerds, don't be scared, the prog, art and experimental moments are here as well and of course is more fleshed out as time rolls on.

4.) Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy (2011)

Boy, oh boy...this sure brought on some controversy didn't it? If you are just hearing about the band for the first time from this list; let me explain. after 3 monumental pieces of progressive rock, hard rock and art rock; dredg decided to take an element of their sound that was always hinted at in their music and make that the focal point of a full album...the electronic sides. Some of the best songs from the band have this element in the songs, but always was sued as a spice, never the main course of the meal. Even hip hop producer, Dan the Automator, produced the album and his influence is on nearly every track. While many fans couldn't have more turned off by this course of action...I actually really enjoy it. *GASP!!!!* Yes, I'm serious. This is not going to be an album everyone enjoys and some people downright hate this album; I find it refreshing and such an easy listen for lonely nights (which I tend to have a lot). the dredg sound is still there and honestly, if the album was presented as dredg + Dan the Automator; I don't think the hate would be as strong. It's a collaboration album and to me at least, it works. If you're not really into prog or hard rock, this might even be the first album you should check out. 9 years have passed, let's be honest, it's a left of center album, but a damn good left of center dredg album.

3.) The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion (2009)

These last three albums can be in any order at any time. They are truly 3 masterpiece albums for 3 different reasons and is arguably one of the strongest 3 album stretches achieved by ANY band (fight me, jerks!) TPTPTD is quite possibly the most straight ahead album in the band's catalog. While there are many quirky moments and quite a number of interludes (not always instrumental interludes mind you), there only enhance the other songs, not hinder the album and nowhere near filler. There are some heavier moments on this album, hard rock moments, one riff that sounds like a complete nod to CKY, and some of the most inspirational lyrics you'll hear in a non religious context (seriously, the band is atheist). If you want that closer to modern hard rock of around a decade ago sound, this should be the album  you hear first.

2.) El Cielo (2002)

The band's 2nd concept album and to many fans (even myself depending on the day) is the band's finest work. It is a concept album about sleep paralysis and the lucid dreaming that can come from it. the songs much the the album we just talked about, does have some interludes, but they are short, sweet, and fill out the concept of the album perfectly. Apparently, if you sync this album up Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind, it syncs up nearly perfectly ala Dark Side of the Moon and The Wizard of Oz or 2112 and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I should try that with all 3 some time). But case in point, if you want to know that dredg is all about, this is THE album...

1.) Catch Without Arms (2005)

...on the other hand; if you want the best SONGS the band has done to this date, this is the album you MUST check out first. Produced by the band and legendary producer, Terry Date; PLUS ex Queensryche guitarist, Chris DeGarmo, helped out on arranging the songs and album. This lead to the band at their most song orientated. No interludes (though short bursts of sound effects and quirky moments at the end of some songs). This, more often than not, is the album I go back to more than any other as it is just that kind of album that feels like a full on sonic concept, but really, it's just an absolutely solid album from start to finish that just feels right every time you put it on. This is also the album that got the band a lot of mainstream attention with the single Bug Eyes, they even got to play on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and got to be apart of the Taste of Chaos tour that happened not long after. This is the album that really shows the other side of what the band is all about.


And there you go folks; all 5 dredg albums to date, ranked from 5 to 1. Like I said, I love this band to death and they are one of the most underrated and underappreciated bands around. When they come back, give their new album the love that it will deserve and thanks again for checking this out. And be sure to check out the Spotify playlist to check a song off each album in descending order to help you get into the band.

Till next week, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

This is one band I was going to get to in Backwards Marathon, but I was really hoping that it was going to be under better circumstances. This past week, we lost original COC drummer, Reed Mullin at just the age of 51. This one really hit me hard as Reed became a good friend of mine ever since I interviewed him for the first time in 2014. Since then we hang out, drank together, shared music and drumming stories, and just enjoyed each other’s company. I unfortunately was not able to see Reed play his last tour in Minneapolis as I was in the hospital at the time. And after seeing the setlist and especially knowing what’s happened now; I wish I could have seen him that last time.


All of that said, here’s the best tribute I could possibly give Reed and all of COC, by ranking every studio LP from the band from my least favorite to my favorite. Some surprises, some not to surprising. Regardless, especially if you are not familiar with Corrosion of Conformity; I hope you enjoy this list and get to check out some new music for your ears. Let’s Fly On!

The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


10.) IX (2014)
I must start off with saying that there is not a COC album I don’t dig, but in a list like this, something has to go last. This was the last album of the trio format that the band had explored since the self titled album and last album before Pepper Keenan rejoined the band full time. There is much to enjoy about this album as it features both the southern grooves and the hardcore punk elements in a great crossover style. I guess if I had to put a reason why it’s at the bottom is because this album really could have benefited from Pepper rejoining at this point. HE just has the perfect voice for that style of the band and it’s missing here. It is still 100% worthy of checking out and enjoying.


9.) Animosity (1985)
The 2nd album from COC is very much still in the hardcore punk style that was created on the band’s debut album. This era of the band is very militant of it’s love from the fanbase or it’s ignored by those that love the later era of the band. I fall in the middle as I love all of their work and throwing on the first two Corrosion of Conformity albums is just so much to listen to and drum along to, in my case. This was right before what was going to change the band coming up on their EP, Technocracy, then completely explored on their third album, but for those hardcore punk and thrash fans, you gotta hear this album if you haven’t already.


8.) Wiseblood (1996)
The second album of the Pepper Keenan led era is one that really showed the band solidifying their roots in the southern rock, southern metal, and groove era and it’s awesome to hear. It feels so natural and the production simply rules. Many fans of this style caught on with the band’s previous album, but this is where the fans stuck around and knew the band was the real deal. If you dig this era or at leas this style, you need to give this one a shot.


7.) Eye for an Eye (1983)
The band’s debut album is one of my favorite hardcore punk and crossover thrash albums. The production is raw, the songs are unrelenting, the style just screams 80s hardcore. While some prefer Animosity as the songs are more polished, I really think the debut album is just something to behold as one of the best of it’s style. If this not your scene, but you’ve always been curious, give this and Animosity a shot and see what you’ve been missing.


6.) Deliverance (1994)
Oh boy, I’m going to get chastised for having this so so aren’t I? Pepper Keenan’s first album on lead vocals is the 2nd album to explore more of southern styles, but first that really solidified the band and really got people’s attention. So much so, it is regularly referred to as their best album. And I totally understand why. It has some of their best songs, the production is top notch, and just hearing Pepper sing is just a glorious thing to enjoy. I absolutely recommend this album as a great starting point for the band and something to really enjoy, it may end up being your favorite from the band as well.


5.) Corrosion of Conformity (2012)
The band’s first album in 7 years showed a shake up of the band. Pepper was out, and the band was back to being Woody, Mike and Reed as a trio. This is a COC crossover thrash/Hardcore Punk album in 2012 and it’s as awesome as it sounds. The sound is just updated enough, the production is VASTLY better but the spirit is completely there and it’s a sight to behold. I actually saw the band during the tour for this album and it was awesome seeing them at The Triple Rock in Minneapolis and with 399 other people just getting to experience a reprisal of everything I missed not being alive in the early to mid 80s and seeing what that hardcore punk scene was really about. This album is the best representation of that and you should give it as spin and see if it is for you.


4.) Blind (1991)
Blind is a watershed album for the band. The very first album to explore the southern sounds of the band, but it also goes in to the more heavy metal direction that would stay with the band from this point forward. This is also the only album to feature Karl Agell on vocals, which really makes this album feel like a one off. For that reason, it is such a unique experience. Mixing just the right amounts of punk, metal and southern grooves. It feels like a blend of Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies and 38. Special. It’s a great album that deserves the praise that it gets.


3.) In The Arms of God (2005)
This was the album that brought me to the dance and depending on how the future goes (at least up to date anyways) this is the only COC album without Reed Mullin on drums. On this album they got NOLA Jazz and fusion drummer Stanton Moore to play drums on the album. This is by far the heaviest album in the band’s catalog and the album that brought me to the dance. This was Corrosion of Conformity at it’s most metal and it’s a great experience for that. The songs are so catchy and heavy, the production is loud but perfect for the style, and Pepper just shines with his vocals. This is such a great album and if you are a metalhead, you may wanna start with this album first or even one other album I’ll bring up later.


2.) America’s Volume Dealer (2000)
This album continues to win me over every single time I listen to it. Without question, this is the most diverse album in the band’s catalog. It has some of the heaviest guitar tones of it’s style on this record, it has some of the band’s lightest songs, and some of the most radio friendly songs as well. Everything you could possibly want in a COC album is showcased in some way on this album and for someone like me, that’s exactly what I want in an album. Never too much of one thing and everything flows together. I never see this album talked about a lot, or really even at all, but there is a reason why so many songs were always showcased from this album in the Pepper eras of COC. You should find out too.


1.) No Cross No Crown (2018)
This was the revival album of Corrosion of Conformity. This is the album that people have been craving for 13 years since In The Arms of God. When Pepper Keenan rejoined COC and the band announced they were going to be writing a new album, everyone knew the band was back with a vengeance and yeah...this album SLAYS! It’s crushing, it’s heavy, it’s COC at it’s highest potential and the album just shines for that reason. Some wil say that the use of instrumental interludes (4 in total) makes the album exceed it’s welcome and it goes on too long, ignore those people, those interludes feel so natural and really make the album flow together from one song to the next. This was the first album since America’s Volume Dealer (2000) to have the classic lineup together and sadly, after 18 years, that will be the last album of that lineup. Check out Reed’s last drumming on this record and just hear how happy the band is to be back together and just rage together once again, it truly is their finest work (at least to date).



And there we have it folks, all 10 Corrosion Of Conformity LPs counted down to the very best. COC is a treasure that should never be forgotten and these 10 albums are perfect examples of why. Be sure to check out their EPs and live albums as well, as everything is absolutely worth checking out, but for this I hope I did the band and Reed proud by showing off the band in the best light I can. And if you are only reading this on social media. be sure to click the link and check out the curated playlist I made featuring a track off every album ranked.



Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!
- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Welp, I didn’t wait long to to cover the band that helped inspired the name of this series. Between the Buried and Me is actually one of the most varied bands in the 21st century in prog. Of course, following what was said about the 2007 album, Colors, they are Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal. I still think that is a natural fit for the band as they can go from deathcore to Queen to Dream Theater to Mr. Bungle like it is nothing. Over the course of the band’s history they have released 9 proper studio LPs, a covers album, and a “mini” album that might actually be their best work (too bad I can’t include it on this list, but that’s the way it goes.) Let’s go over these 9 proper studio albums and rank them from the bottom to the top!


The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!




9.) Between The Buried And Me (2002)

The album that started it all. While this album absolutely has hints at what the band would become down the line; the self titled album showcases a lot of brutality that you will just not hear on any other release. Really showing off the deathcore elements with breakdowns, some absolutely ruthless vocals (both highs and lows) and that great feeling of a band that is throwing everything they can into an album and knowing exactly where to go from there on out. This is BTBAM at it’s more primal and it’s a great listen for that reason.


8.) The Parallax II: Future Sequence (2012)

The endind of the long running sub-story that had been running through the band’s discography since 2003’s The Silent Circus finally gets it’s full fledged and climactic ending. Upon repeated listens, I gotta give this album more credit than I have in the past. The songs are absolutely solid, the production is stellar and this is a great conclusion to this on running story. It will just help tremendously if you check out The Hypersleep Dialogues (like mentioned earlier, this may be my favorite work from the band) first to get more of a grasp of the story, and check out the connected songs made previously. Even then, don’t expect to understand the story on your first listen. It’ll take a while.


7.) Automata I (2018)

Is this a gray area? Sure. You can either look at Automata I & II as one album, two separate albums or even two EPs that form one album. For the benefit of less confusion I’m taking it as two different albums. They are listed as I and II so there! Anyways...The beginning of the Automata story is another concept album which BTBAM have been masters at since they began doing concept albums. It’s a very intriguing story and musically it goes through many different twists and turns (even more so on Automata II). If you dig the shorter songs of BTBAM, this may be a great starting point for you as it shows where the band is at now, but also gives you the full point of the songs as well.


6.) Coma Ecliptic (2015)

Oh boy...here we go… So this was a polarizing album, eh? It’s amazing in hindsight why it is polarizing because musically, this is a pure BTBAM album. The proggyness is shining through more than ever, sure, but that doesn’t detract from the music at all (at least in my prog sighted mind anyways). The problem comes down to (for most people) the vocals. For typical prog fans, this will be the album for you to check out first as it has longer songs, very proggy moments and the most clean vocals you will find on any BTBAM album. For long time fans of the band, that can be a bad thing as they missed the screams that either took over or were at least complimented by the clean vocals to make a great contrast. Vocals aside, this is another fantastic concept album that really grabs you and takes you on a great, dreamy, adventure. It may be the red-headed step child to a lot of fans, but whether you are a long time fan of the band, just getting into the band, or just skipped on this album for whatever reason; go give this one a shot. It’s worth it.


5.) Automata II (2018)

THIS is where the fun is at! If you dug Automata I but felt like something was missing, this is the album to go check out next. The progressive death metal epics are all on this 2nd half of Automata. While Automata I does end with the 10 minute epic, Blot, that was just a taste of things to come with the final 4 songs shown off here. If this is the direction that the band goes in going forward, I will be very, VERY happy with what’s coming next.


4.) The Silent Circus (2003)

I honestly had this in 2nd place for quite a bit, that’s how varied my list order can get at times. This was the album that brought me to the dance. This took the ideas that were shown off on the self titled album but brought them into full light. Almost all of the tropes that you know and love from the band are shown off in some way on The Silent Circus, just in smaller doses. The songs still have brutal riffs and are a main showcase, but the prog elements are sneaking their way in throughout the album and they really make it stand out. This also features the first time that clean vocals became a main part of the band rather than just a spice in the recipe. If you need any proof of where the band was going to go in the future, just listen to the song Mordecai; Still one of my all time favorite BTBAM songs, that second half is pure unadulterated beauty.


3.) Alaska (2005)

It’s amazing to think that The Silent Circus and Colors were only 4 years apart and in between was the perfect bridge of an album called Alaska. For prog nerds like myself, this was what got everyone’s attention (though as stated earlier, The Silent Circus is what brought me into town). The prog is becoming more of a focus for the band while the deathcore is all but gone. They are a progressive death metal band at this point, just quite a brutal one. Much like The Silent Circus prior, this is just a stunning display for musicianship with even better production and songwriting. And like Mordecai for myself on The Silent Circus, prog fans dropped their jaws the first time they heard Selkies: The Endless Obsession. The second half of this song is pure beauty with one of the best solos of the band’s career to date. Alaska has become a lost gem in the grand scheme of things, but it is an album of wonder that needs to be remembered.


2.) The Great Misdirect (2009)

Actually one of only 3 albums to NOT be a concept album, which is odd to think about if you are not a prog fan. After the Success of Colors, the band wanted to show off they were more than capable of telling multiple stories in their music and hence, The Great Misdirect. This album is filled to the brim with stunning songwriting, mindblowing production (especially with the 2019 remix/remaster) and some of most creative ideas to ever be shown off on a BTBAM album. And of course, how could you not love a 17 minute epic like Swim to the Moon, I mean SERIOUSLY! If you want to enjoy a BTBAM filled with prog but don’t wanna have to keep up with a long running story to enjoy it, check this one out.


1.) Colors (2007)

How could it have been anything other than Colors? I mean really? This is the seminal BTBAM and one of the seminal progressive death metal albums. I still like to think of this album as one song, despite being cut up into 8 tracks for easier listening. This also marked one of my favorite shows ever, seeing BTBAM perform Colors in it’s entirety shortly after the album came out in 2007 at The Triple Rock in Minnesota. Myself and 399 other people just raging to this masterpiece of a song. In the beginning of this, I mentioned how BTBAM is referred to as Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal; Colors was the album where that all started. The prog is in full form, the death metal sides shine through and there are so many nods to other styles that fit seamlessly. BE it going from typical BTBAM fanfare to Mr Bungle style riffs to a drunken country line-dancing party, it’s all here and then some. Colors was a once in a lifetime album and even if the band doesn’t achieve this popularity again, they will of had this under their belt and it blows my mind this was already 13 years ago…




And there you have it folks, all 9 of Between The Buried And Me’s original studio LPs ranked from the bottom to the top. I’m sure our lists will differ in some way and I would love to hear your list as well. Let me know. And if you are new to the band, make sure to check out the Spotify playlist I made below checking off a song off each album in order lineup that just may get you into the band.


Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!
- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Agalloch is always perfect this time of year in the northern hemisphere. It’s cold, dark, haunting, and really gives you a lot of time to reflect on things. Even if you enjoy the holiday season, most people are sick of the snow after new years comes and goes and there is the potential to deal with 3-4 more months of snow in the forecasts. While Agalloch is not just a winter seasonal band; they are a band that is synonymous with the season with some of their best material. Agalloch can be enjoyed any time of year as they are a very pagan/nature inspired band that really appreciates the earth, the moon and the stars. In this edition of Backwards Marathon, I wanna go over the 5 full LPs form the band and rank them from least favorite to most favorite to give you an idea of what this band is all about, especially if you are a newcomer to this Blackened, Folkish, Pagan Post Rock band that has influences so many bands since it’s inception and will continue to do so after their demise in 2016. While is a band where there is no wrong answer as to what is best or worst; I love the idea of talking about these albums and spreading the word of the music they left us.




The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


5.) The Serpent & The Sphere (2014)
I normally see this one listed as the worst work from the band, though I’m torn on that statement. It’s not one of the legacy albums that put their name into the history books, but it does have fantastic songs from beginning to end and the greatest production they ever had the fortune to use. Rather than nature as the biggest inspiration, the songs are much more focused on the stars and the dialog that it can bring to the world. The music has more hints of their black metal side while keeping the rest in check. I’d say as a final album from a band, it feels like a letdown because it would have been great to see one big finale to this entity known as Agalloch and really have stamp down their legacy, but as the final album we received; I think it’s a great gateway for newcomers to the band that love the more sinister and black metal styles of music. It fits quite well.

4.) Pale Folklore (1999)
In all honesty, it’s a complete toss up between this and next album to be talked about as to their ranking order for me. Sometimes Pale Folklore is better to me, sometimes it’s vice versa. But this debut LP is something of haunting wonder. The production has that great balance between clean and raw. The clean tones on this album simply gives you chills every time you hear them, and you really hear the band get a footing of what they want to accomplish. While you don’t hear so much of the doom style going forward; you do hear the beginnings of the post rock elements that will fill the band’s sound till the very end. This has that great black metal vibe as well in it’s guitar tones and structure that really makes this an album that truly stands on it’s own. A fantastic album that I simply can’t believe turns 21 this year (it can finally buy tobacco and beer now).

3.) Ashes Against The Grain (2006)
4 years after what might be considered their masterwork; Agalloch, instead of just recreating the same album twice, created an album that just makes my jaw drop every time I hear it. Between phenomenal production, hauntingly beautiful song structures and instrumentation, and of course some of the best songs of the band’s discography; Ashes Against the Grain is an album that is a standard definition of what Agalloch is about in all facets. Everything that you loved about the band before and everything you will love with the 2 albums to follow it is shown off here in strides. Plus, how great of an opener is Limbs...SERIOUSLY? This is Agalloch at their most...Agalloch!

2.) Marrow of the Spirit (2011)
As you may have realized by this point, Agalloch took their time when it came to writing and recording. It wasn’t just between day jobs and other projects; it was because they wanted to create the best music they possibly could and didn’t want to release anything until it was what they wanted the world to hear. It has been stated by John Haughm that the band’s previous album, Ashes Against the Grain was “Too Polished” and “The worst album” in the band’s catalog (I couldn’t disagree with what more); the band went for almost the entirely opposite direction for Marrow of the Spirit. Instead of clean and polished production, they went as raw as they could while still being audible. Instead of making the songs clean and pretty, the songs have the darkest and most black metal elements the band ever had in one album. And by gum, they knocked it out of the park. While this was my introduction into the band, don’t mistake that for blind love of the band; this album is one of the best albums of the 2010s and I can’t think of much that can possibly rival it. It has the dark, sinister, scary moments that the band can hone in on and make it work miraculously. Even the very post rock sounding Ghost of Midwinter Fires has is great example of the band in their most winter inspired both instrumentally and lyrically. The heaviest Agalloch album bar none.

1.) The Mantle (2006)
Honestly, how could it be ANYTHING other than The Mantle? It is the perfect album from start to finish. Every single note matters, every single word is haunting, the music is something of pure wonder, it is the perfect representation of the band’s winter vibes...seriously, every time it snows here, I think of this album. The production is the perfect blend between clear and raw really giving you chills you may never feel outside of listening to this album. Another thing that really sets this album apart from others is the use of sound clips and actually making the album half instrumental. Agalloch knows when to add lyrics to a song and when not to add lyrics. A song such as The Hawthorne Passage has just as much emotional power as a song like You Were But A Ghost In My Arms. Basically, if you are reading this as it is posted, this is the perfect album to listen to this time of year. And if you live in the Midwest; a big ol snowstorm is coming for us today and if this isn’t your soundtrack to the blizzard, you’re doing life wrong.


And there you go (Pale Folklore)s my ranking of the 5 Agalloch LPs from 5 to 1. If you are new to the band I hope that this list helps you discover your new obsession. If you are new to the band, feel free to tell me how wrong I am with this ranking. And of course check my Spotify playlist with a 5 track sampler of Agalloch with a track off each album talked about above. Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying...SEE YA!



- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Mastodon has been pulverizing most listener’s ears since their 2002 album, Remission and what a debut album they unleashed upon the world. 7 albums later, the band is currently thinking about writing the next album (maybe for the 2020/2021 release?). In the span of these 8 albums the band has gone through some wild twists and turns musically, absolutely deserving of their description that has been bestowed upon them; The Pink Floyd of Progressive Metal/Sludge Metal. But what’s my take on these 8 albums from one of my favorite bands? Well let me tell you in the latest rendition of Backwards Marathon.


The Rules

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!



8.) Call of the Mastodon (2006...or 2001, depending on how you look at it.)
The band does refer to this collection of Lifesblood and Slick Leg EPs as the first Mastodon album, and that’s good enough for me to call it an album as well (Just go with it, it’s more Mastodon, there’s no room to complain here). This shows the earlierst indications of what the band would eventually become. At their absolute most primal and raw, the band really shows off more of the extreme, hardcore, and near death metal sides that you do not really see going forward. Amongst the chaos is the aforementioned moments of prog, sludge and rock moments that would really transform later on. PF course there is the argument of two EPs combined is an album and while I love this very much; for the sake of argument, let’s just keep this at last place so the rest of the catalog can be judged fairly. I really just wanted to give this a shoutout as it is very much deserving of the love it can get.


7.) Once More ‘Round The Sun (2014)
The 2nd album after the 4 album element concept was over saw the band hitting more radio rock friendly moments than ever before. Some absolutely shining moments of guitar solos, Brann Dailor’s soaring vocals and tight songwriting. This is a bit of a polarizing album as many say that this album does not have a lot of life to it and feels more bland than anything. Others feel it is their best album to date. I see both sides of the argument and honestly, when it comes to Mastodon, I don’t think there is a wrong ranking order for anyone. All that said, there had to be a last place album somewhere (if we are not counting Call of the Mastodon), so in this case it is OMRTS.


6.) Blood Mountain (2006)
An absolutely controversial pick to have at 6th place. I can already feel the hate coming towards me. I think a lot of the love for this album came about as Blood Mountain was the first album that introduced many people to Mastodon for the first time. And there is some absolutely brilliant songs on this album. I honestly feel This Mortal Soil does not get enough love from the fanbase or anyone else I know (one of my favorite mastodon songs (honestly). And I will say there is nothing really wrong with this album at all and it’s a great representation of the Earth segment of the 4 Album Element Concept. But much like OMRTS before it on this list; 6th place had to go to some album and that’s where we are here.


5.) Leviathan (2004)
Now we are really getting into the albums that I love without questions and made it so absolutely hard to pick an order that I felt confident enough to share with the world. The Water segment of the 4 Album Element Concept is the story of Moby Dick and what a soundtrack to the novel it is! You really hear the tension, the madness, and the compelling story told throughout and it totally grasps you in a way that you have to hear it throughout the end. Plus, it’s always great to hear Neil Fallon of Clutch actually use his growl/heavy voice which has been all but abandoned in Clutch for over 2 decades now (man, I miss that voice!) Plus the final Instrumental track, Joseph Merrick, is such a great unrelated to the concept, track showcasing the fascination of The Elephant Man. Just a classic album and should be heard in English classrooms across the world when they read Moby Dick… I’m Just Saying…


4.) Crack The Skye (2009)
How hard was it to make this list. I’ll put it this way, this used to be my favorite Mastodon for the longest time. The only time to date I have been able to see Mastodon live was seeing the original run of Crack The Skye live and what an absolutely amazing experience it was. It was the second time I saw an album live in it’s entirety and I couldn’t think of a better album at the time. Even up to a couple years ago, I didn’t think this album could be topped; but as life goes, tastes change, people change, bands change. To represent the Air section of the 4 Album Element Concept; The concept is loosely based on Brann Dailor’s sister’s story of suicide and then transformed into a full blown mystical journey. I’ve heard this album referred to as Mastodon’s version of Dark Side of The Moon and it totally makes sense and I dare say, I agree. It has this great atmospheric feel in every track that makes you feel like you are floating in space, no matter how heavy the music can get. The band really showed their prog roots on this album the most they ever have to date. Iof they ever go down this route again, I will not be disappointed.


3.) Remission (2002)
From album that I listened to the least to album that I can’t get enough of; Remission is the debut album (give or take our talk about Call of the Mastodon earlier) from Mastodon and it is pure chaos. Even when things get more mellow, you can feel the tension of the raw aggression that this band is truly capable of. Even with their slight tinges of rock, prog, and even rockabilly guitar leads (Seriously, how great is Crusher Destroyer as an opening track?). The band was brought to the masses of metal in 2002 and for many, this is the best album they will ever put out with the Fire segment of the 4 Album Element Concept. I totally get why, but for me, I have two others I dig more.


2.) The Hunter (2011)
The first album to not be a concept album from the band (once again, give or take Call of the Mastodon). The band showcases almost every style y ou love from the band previously, and so much more. You can have a song like Blasteroid that is just bonkers, to Stargasm which is just a great midtempo, almost ballad, to Creature Lives which may be the greatest achievement the band has laid to record so far (such a beautiful song). Basically, if you want an introduction to Mastdon, the Hunter is the perfect starter album and go decide where you want to go from there. Perfect from start to finish.


1.) Emperor of Sand (2018)
In speaking of perfection, Emperor of Sand is exactly that in all it’s glory. Returning to their concept roots, Emperor of Sand is a concept loosely based on mortality and never truly knowing how long we have on this plain of existence. When you realize that, the lyrics throughout song like Roots Remain becomes so much more haunting. Musically, it’s another album where the music goes everywhere. Show Yourself is the poppiest/Top 40 sounding song in the band’s discography. Other songs like Andromeda show off the bands pure aggression once again, while other songs give off a great flare of Crack The Skye, but rather than being in space, you are in the desert. I know for many it’s hard to fathom how a band’s latest album can be their best work to date, but I follow that up with one question...HAVE YOU HEARD THIS THING???


And there you go folks, another take on Backwards Marathon is over and out. Thank you for checking this out and make sure to check out the Spotify playlist I provided below to check out Mastodon if you are brand new to the band.

Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Hey Everybody! welcome to the inaugural edition of Backwards Marathon; my weekly retrospective taking a look at music discographies and ranking them least favorite to favorite. I've wanted to do this for quite a while. some of my good friends have done similar in the past, most notably CoverKiller Nation with his Rank 'Em All series and my friend Will at 14:59 studios previously doing a similar thing in written form. Mine will also be written. For the first run of this; I had to choose one of my favorite artists of all time, Devin Townsend. His solo work is some of my favorite music that has been laid down in the last 20+ years. I wanted to focus on everything that his official name in the title of the albums; so no Strapping Young Lad in this trek, though they will come in the future, I promise you that. There is one example in this list that doesn't "officially" have his named attached to the artist name, but it is still listed as a solo album. rather than fight semantics, I'll just go with it. 19 LPs to go through from Punky Bruster: Cooked on Phonics to Empath. Let's get into it....right after the ground rules.

1.) No EPs, cover albums, live albums, b-side albums, or best of/greatest hits collections. Just original studio LPs. Albums that have a cover or two on it are just fine.

2.) This is just my opinions on the albums in question. No outside influences other than my own and is far from a definitive world ranking. If you have a different ranking, AWESOME! Keep that up!

3.) The reason for doing this to help people get into a band/artist/etc and give ideas of what to expect if they decide to dive into the work.

4.) This is ranked from least favorite to favorite (countdown/TRL style). I will give a few words about every album as we go down the list.

5.) There will be a spotify playlist (where applicable) to go along with the list with a song off each album so you can get another idea of what to expect. The songs will either be my favorite song off the album or one that represents the album the best in my eyes. (if you are reading this on social media, click the official link to get the playlist)

6.) Have fun and spread the word....SPREAD IT!


Let's Begin!


19.) Devlab (2004)
This is not an album for the faint of heart, or even a love of song structure. A completely ambient, noise, drone album. If you love your music experimental or you were a big fan of Merzbow or Mike Patton's Adult Theme for Voices, this will be up your alley.

18.) The Hummer (2006)
The other full on ambient album from Townsend, but done in the exact opposite way. Rather than being influenced by drugs and alcohol and seeing what could be made in an album; The Hummer is actually designed to help the listener sleep...no that is the intent of the album. It still is ambient album that will feature a lot of the noise ideas from Devlab, but it's designed for relaxation, meditation and sleep. A noble idea for an album but if you are looking for something that is going to get you hooked into Townsend with his musical capabilities; both these albums in question are not the right starter albums, but are both worthy of a listen. It might even be your bag.

17.) Ghost (Devin Townsend Project) (2011)
This is the closest album to date that has the Ghost vibe mentioned above, but done in a musical way. The album is just layered in relaxation with beautiful instrumentation, soundscape songwriting and majestic vocals. It goes all over the board musically as well, from more folky/country to post rocky stuff and yet it is very much a Devin Townsend album. Quite easily the most beautiful Hevy Devy album to date.

16.) Synchestra (Devin Townsend Band) (2006)
The second and final album under the DTB moniker showed how much stronger the band had become. Where Accelerated Evolution truly felt like a Townsend solo album; Synchestra felt more like a band album. The songs are varied from gorgeous songs, to heavy songs to absolutely silly songs (Vampolka as the prime example). This was the last album before Devin's break from making music (thankfully not for long) but it officially put to rest both the Devin Townsend Band and Strapping Young Lad. It really feels like an end of an era album in hindsight.

15.) Physicist (2000)
Way back when I first discovered SYL and Hevy Devy in general, I heard this album described as a Strapping Young Lad album with Spice Girls lyrics. As silly as it sounds, that is the perfect way to describe this album. For one, it features the lineup of SYL at the time and the lyrics are generally more upbeat than you heard from any of his other albums to that point. The songs are so much fun to listen to, but one downside for many listeners is the production as it is mixed very raw and muddy. I look at it as a sign of that time and give the album it's own flavoring, but it will not be for everyone. If you are SYL fan but never ventured into the solo work of Devin, this is a good spot to start.

14.) Infinity (1998)
The first album to be officially declared a Devin Townsend album (the previous two albums will be coming up in the list later) This album takes more of the pop metal elements (Truth, Christeen) that was featured on Ocean Machine but more of the left of center turns that you would hear in SYL or in his later works (Ants. Noisy Pink Bubbles). This is a great example of what Devin was capable of outside of SYL and really is an album that shows a lot of what was to come down the road.

13.) Ziltoid The Omniscient (2009)
The first Devin Townsend album that was entirely by the man himself; the only exception is some help from Frederik Thordendal of Meshuggah who helped with some drum programming using the now infamous Drumkit From Hell drum software. This concept album about a coffee drinking, guitar playing alien nerd trying to take over the omniverse was a rousing sensation when released as it was what a long time fans wanted to hear from Townsend for such a long time. While the production is a buit more raw than what you normally hear in a Hevy Devy album; it really adds to the atmosphere of the story being told and you are off for an amazing adventure that will leave you banging your head, trying to comprehend the riffs you just heard, and make you have a ton of giggles. It's really the album that showcased who Devin was 11 years ago (Seriously? 11 years ago???!)

12.) Transcendence (Devin Townsend Project) (2016)
Easily the best produced album of Devin's career. Everything is crisp and clear and it just feels like you are in a sonic adventure of sound. This was sadly the final album for the Devin Townsend Project and it's a shame as it really felt like the band was truly starting to sound like a band on this album (sound familiar?). This also lead to Devin taking a quick break to recharge his batteries and get ready to take on his next musical endeavors (also sound familiar?). It's a shame that this album wasn't as well regarded in hindsight now as other albums as it deserves to be with some of the best work every musician in the band has done and killer songs to boot. And again, that production is primo! An excellent album.

11.) Punky Bruster: Cooked On Phonics (1996)
The concept album of a Polish Death Metal band becoming a Punk band in one night and becoming a universal sensation is one that leads to a lot of laughs and rather ironically, some of the best punk songs I've ever heard. This also has the honor of being Devin's first solo album (while his name was not attached to any of his solo work till Infinity). It's a short, sweet, fun, album that holds up to this day. Go check it out.

10.) Dark Matters (Devin Townsend Project) (2014)
While Z2 can be considered a double album along with Sky Blue as they were recorded and released together. I consider them two different albums as they are not connected in any other way. Dark Matters is a soft reboot of the Ziltoid The Omniscient story but done with vastly superior productions, awesome guest voices, and the whole Devin Townsend Project backing Devin rather than how it was originally done in 2009. In hindsight, many people prefer the original ZTO to this album, but I prefer Dark Matters. The songs are fantastic, the musicianship is stellar, and hearing the current AEW World Champion, Chris Jericho as Captain Spectacular just brings the wrestling mark in me so much joy. Give this underrated album the love it deserves.

9.) Sky Blue (Devin Townsend Project) (2014)
The album that went along side Dark Matters for Z2 was a full on DTP album with no connecting songs to Dark Matters story and just a collection of fantastic songs. Again, criminally, this album didn't get the love it deserved in hindsight and I can totally understand how a lot of people feel like Devin and co were burnt out musically at this point. I guess I can just look past that and love this album for the great mix of pop, metal, prog and electronica shown throughout. Seriously, the fact that the title track was not a top 40 hit on the Billboard 200 is an absolute crying shame as it rivals ANY pop song that came out in the 2010s. This along with Addicted were the closest things to Pop Metal albums that Devin has done to date and either of them could have been on the radio. If only life would have been different...

8.) Ki (Devin Townsend Project) (2009)
The first album of the original planned idea for the DTP before it turned into a full fledged band. This album is a somber, haunting and beautiful that has many hints of blues, country, atmospheric and rock elements. When it gets heavy, it feels ferocious (thank you, dynamics!). It's an absolutely dreamy album and just hits you in all the right spots. This is not a metal album, but it's one of the heaviest albums in Devin's career for so many reasons.

*Look, I didn't add Casualties of Cool on here as I consider that to be a completely different band than any of his other work and is a duo band with Che Aimee Dorval. And anywhere you look, this is considered a debut album, so I'm respecting that decision. If you wanna be a stickler and say 'NO, THIS IS A DEVIN TOWNSEND SOLO ALBUM!!!" fine, this is where I would place COC, if it counted.*

7.) Empath (2018)
The return fully solo album from Devin Townsend since 2009's Ziltoid The Omniscient. Empath is the most Devin Townsend album ever made. It goes from SYL riffs to Caribbean overtones and steel drums to absolutely gorgeous rock monuments and all the wackiness you expect from the mad metal scientist at this stage. I had the unfortunate timing to be in the hospital and being forced from being able to check out this album till a month after the album came out (2019 was a terrible year on my end and I do not want a repeat). But had I been able to give this album the proper love that I have for every single Devin release to date, this would be much higher on the list as it deserves. Basically, this is THE starter album for newcomers. Every single thing you want to find in his music is in here at some point. Hey, even NIckelback's Chad Kroger is apart of a choir that sings over blast beats on this album. What more could you possibly want?

6.) Deconstruction (Devin Townsend Project) (2011)
This is the arguably the heaviest album Devin has ever put out, INCLUDING SYL (YOU HEARD ME!!!). This album is absolutely ferocious, bombastic and destroys the listener in so many ways. The story of someone trying to find the meaning of life and then finds it (no spoilers here, listen to the album); Deconstruction takes everything you love about the heavy side of Hevy Devy and pushes it to it's absolute extremes. It also has the added benefit of having some of the greatest voices in metal on this album from Opeth, to BTBAM to Novembers Doom to NIghtwish. Considering how many layers are packed into this album, this is the magnum opus of Devin's career so far. So much substance on one album doesn't seem possible, but it's here. Every extreme is hear for your ears and you may even call it musical masturbation theatrics. In this case, it's an absolutely mighty thing!

5.) Addicted (Devin Townsend Project) (2009)
Of all 4 of the original DTP albums, this is the one that closest represents what the band would become when it became a full fledged band. Featuring many of the same lineup. This is essentially a Modern Progressive Pop Metal Album. In a sense, if Devin stuck to making Ocean Machine style music, this would be the modern equivilent. So catchy, so heavy, so cathartic, and such a fantastic album from start to finish. This truly is one of the best albums of the 21st century so far and for damn good reason. One listen and you'll get it.

4.) Epicloud (Devin Townsend) (2012)
What may be considered to be the finest non-SYL Devin Townsend album, and for good reason. This is the first album after the DTP became a full fledged band and what a magnificent album it truly is. Some of the catchiest, poppiest, heaviest, and most frigging beautiful moments of Devin's career are featured here. It's gorgeous on so many ways and is one of my favorite albums of the 2010s decade for good reason. If you want to know what the non-extreme Hevy Devy is all about and see that the maniacal frontman of Strapping Young Lad has a pop side you'd never guess could come to fruition could be; yeah, this is the album you need to hear.

3.) Terria (2001)
The last solo titled album til 2009's Ziltoid the Omniscient. This was for YEARS my favorite album of all time and I still consider it one of the best ways you could ever spend 72 minutes of your time. This album is a love letter to Canada along with being an introspection album of a man in his late 20s about to enter his 30s (yeah, this registered for my highly). It's a magnificent display of melodic atmospheric progressive metal with some of the best heavy songs and ballads Devin has layered to record. Even with ALL of that said, I don't consider this a starter album. Get familiar with Devin's solo work and down the line check out Terria, you'll be able to appreciate it so much more.

2.) Accelerated Evolution (Devin Townsend Band) (2003)
It wasn't till I hit 30 years old where I realized that when I picked up Terria and Accelerated Evolution (my first non-SYL albums) that Accelerated Evolution was the superior album in so many ways. While this album is one of the most atmospheric albums in the Hevy Devy discography, you won't find any extreme fretboard work or blast beats or insane musical time changes. This is an album that is 100% about the songs and making them as perfect as possible. Nothing really goes above mid-tempo on this album (well, in comparison to his other works), There are so many heartwrenching ballads on this album with some of the best emotional screams you will ever hear in songs like Deadhead and Storm. It is an album that is the perfect yin to Strapping Young Lad's Self Titled album (aka, Chickenfeather)'s yang (both released in the same year). An album that is essential to check out.

1.) Ocean Machine (Ocean Machine: Biomech) (1997)
If it wasn't for Green Incarnation's Light of Day, Day of Darkness (the greatest 60 minute song ever); this would be considered my favorite album of all time. It took me a long time to realize that. It was always an album that was at least in my top 3-5 in Dev's discography, but sometimes it didn't click with me the way I wanted. That wasn't until the last few years where I realized how much this (technically 2nd) solo album from Devin Townsend was one of the best albums of the 90s. Whether you want straight up pop rock like Life, a heavy rocker like Regulator, a monster epic like Bastard (my favorite Devin Townsend song), or what a lot of bands stole and made Post Rock/Post Metal out of with The Death of Music; This album truly has it all for the prog nerds (like myself) of the world. Basically, if you wanna hear the pinnacle work of Devin Townsend's early work (and arguably overall), check out Ocean Machine. You'll be glad you did.


And there you go folks. All 19 albums ranked from least favorite to favorite in my humblest of opinions. I thank you for checking this out and hope you stick around every Friday for a new feature of a band or artist';s catalog. Make sure to check out the curated Spotify playlist below (of if you're reading this on social media, click the link and scroll to the bottom) to check out a track from each album listed in the order above.

Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

As the title implies, these are the last lists I'll be doing in 2019. Some of these I said would come in 2020, then I thought to myself, screw it. If I just do the lists, and that's it, I don't need to go into detail about every single thing. I did nearly 600 reviews this year, I'm just going to do some lists and rest.

Everything will be presented with the title and whether it is in ranked order or alphabetical order. No exceptions! Very, very straightforward.

Anyways, here's my last lists and probably last That Drummer Guy Post of 2019 (besides promoting next week's show)...ENJOY!


Top 20 Albums of the 2010s (Alphabetical Order)

Agalloch- Marrow Of The Spirit
Astronoid- Air
Avantasia- Ghostlights
Baroness- Purple
Black Crown Initiate- The Wreckage of Stars
Clutch- Earth Rocker
Devin Townsend Project- Epicloud
Ihsahn- After
Killswitch Engage- Disarm The Descent
Long Distance Calling- TRIPS
Mastodon- Emperor of Sand
Moron Police- A Boat on the Sea
Nevermore- The Obsidian Conspiracy
Nightingale- Retribution
Soilwork- Verkligheten
Swallow The Sun- Songs from the North (I, II, III)
Triptykon- Melana Chasmata
Witherfall- A Prelude to Sorrow
Witherscape- The Northern Sanctuary
Woods of Ypres- Woods V: Grey Skies & Electric Light

Top 10 PS4 Games 0f 2019 (Ranked Order)

Bloodstained- Ritual of the Night
Borderlands 3
The Outer Worlds
Judgment
Days Gone
Trover Saves The Universe
Horizon Chase Turbo
Rage 2
Crash Team Racing
Death Stranding (not far enough into it to truly give it a fair ranking)
(Many more PS4 games I own from this year I haven’t played yet)


Top 10 Games of the 2010s: (Alphabetical Order)

Batman: Arkham Asylum
Borderlands 2
Dead Cells
Doom (2016)
God of War (2018)
Grand Theft Auto V
Howllow Knight
The Last of Us
Red Dead Redemption II
Yakuza 0


Top 10 Movies of 2019 (Ranked Order)

Joker
Us
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Avengers- Endgame
A Beautiful Place in the Neighborhood
Captain Marvel
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Ma
Pokemon- Detective Pikachu
Star Wars Episode XI: Rise Of The Skywalker


Top Movies of the Decade
I just don't have it in me to do a list right now, sorry


Top 5 PPVs of 2019 (Ranked Order)

AEW: All Out
AEW: Double or Nothing
Wrestlekingdom 13
NXT UK Takerover: Cardiff
NXT Takeover: Phoenix


Best 10 Singles Wrestlers of 2019: (Alphabetical Order)

Adam Cole
Aleister Black
Cody
Darby Allin
Joey Janela
Kazuchika Okada
Keith Lee
Kenny Omega
MJF
Will Ospreay


Top 5 Tag Teams in 2019

Best Friends
Lucha Bros
Private Party
Undisputed Era
Young Bucks


Top 3 Matches in 2019 (Ranked Order)

Cody vs Dustin Rhodes- AEW: Double Or Nothing 2019
WALTER vs Tyler Bate- NXT UK Takerover: Cardiff
Joey Janela vs Jimmy Havoc vs Darby Allin- AEW All Out



TV Shows in 2019:
Too crappy of a year on my end to check out anything new besides the show Undone, which is perfection (though I really don’t like it got a 2nd season pickup. Would have been so much more effective to leave it at the cliffhanger it had for an amazing 1 season tv show). Otherwise all the usual suspects. Wrestling, Simpsons, Bobs Burgers, South Park, and Rick and Morty.

TV Shows of the Decade (Ranked Order)
Bojack Horseman
Rick and Morty
The Punisher
Preacher
Undone
> Everything else I watched that premiered between 2010 and 2019

And there we go, everything in entertainment on my end either in 2019 or the 2010s in general. I hope you enjoyed this and wanna see everything that is to come in 2020 and beyond. Till next Decade, this is That Drummer Guy saying..SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

As I begin writing this up, it's 12:12am on Christmas Day 2019. On so many occasions I never thought I would live to see this day for various reasons. But here I am. As of a week from now it will be 202, I can't see the last week being any more eventful than anything else that has happened this year, so why not get this overly drawn out speech out of the way to purge myself to get ready for for the 3rd decade of the 21st century?

2019 was without a doubt, the single worst year of my life. I have had worse things happen in other years, but nothing that came even close to the hell that was the last year of the 2010s. In the beginning of the year I was on the verge of ending everything once again. It was so bad that the cops were actually called on me to see if I was ok. I was completely honest and my life has only gotten worse since that day. Just a few days after the cops came, I got sick. Really, Really sick. 6 years ago sick when I was in the hospital off and on for 8 months sick. I had to go to the ER and find out what was going on, I felt like I was going to die. Turns out I was close to it.

I was experiencing Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Which basically means my blood sugar was way too high and was on the verge of death. So I spent 13 days in the hospital. In all honesty, I don't remember a lot of it as a good portion of that time I was in the ICU. When I finally got a real bed, more horror came my way. When the nurse wanted to look at my feet for any wounds, they found the gaping wound in my foot that I was scared to mention to anyone that I had for too many years. It was caused when I was working at Electronics at a big box retailer and I was instructed to wear a particular type of shoe that my feet did not feel comfortable to wear. I walked too much, big ol calluses and blood blisters came from it and one day years later, it popped and the wound never recovered. My left foot had it as well but it recovered though I do get an occasional callus in the same spot as my right foot had. One look from the doctor and yeah, my big right toe had to be amputated. It was why I was afraid to say anything to any doctor as I was trying to avoid the inevitable. Couple days later and I had the operation. While it actually turned out it could have been worse, only half of it is gone (basically the whole toenail region is gone). It's a weird feeling, I still occasionally get phantom pain there and it's the oddest feeling.

While I was in the hospital, I had some of the worst sleep of my life. Anyone who has had an extended stay in the hospital can tell you that. Nothing like getting checked on every couple hours and getting blood tests or getting a new IV or just making sure that you are still alive. I also had a revolving door of doctors, physicians, and others come in through the different rooms I stayed in (4 in total). Everything from Doctors telling me that I was going to die soon unless I changed my ways to mental health specialists checking to see if I needed to go to the mental health hospital afterwards to spiritual advisors who actually gave great advise about breathing techniques that I am trying to implement to this day. And for the first time in 10 years, I saw my oldest sister out of nowhere. She came to see how I was doing and we had a couple really good talks that day. The single best moment of the hospital stay was a therapy dog came to visit me near the tail end of the stay and it brought me to tears. Just seeing such a little pup wanting to be near by me and letting me per her was spectacular. It really made me miss all my pets that I had over the years, it's so sad to see them all gone now, but that few minutes made up for almost the entire hospital stay.

After I finally got out of the hospital, I was advised to not be able to walk for almost 2 months, which crushed me. Hell, the first 2 weeks or so, I couldn't even get into my own bed as it would cause too much pressure on my stitches and it could pop. So I slept on my couch and I gotta tell you; you don't appreciate having a 55" 4K UHD TV until you are in the hospital nearly for 2 weeks straight. Being able to see things vividly, being able to play my games again and just being able to watch channels and stream things that I couldn't at the hospital was a great way to be able to recover.

I wasn't able to start walking on my own till mid April and even then, I still needed a giant boot on my foot until the scar was healed.But it was great being able to get back to work as I missed it so very, very much. I missed out on a lot. Be it promos that I couldn't give enough attention to unbelievable shows that I had to miss out on as I physically couldn't get there or sometimes even get in the venue; even then, if I could sit or stand all that time. But as soon as I was able to start working on That Drummer Guy again, doing interviews, and recording the show; I couldn't have been happier as it brings me the most joy in life. That joy didn't last long though...

May 17th, my brother died from a combination of kidney failure, high blood pressure, untreated diabetes, being a massive smoker and drinker, and all of his other major organs failing in one day. For anyone that knows me; this was a day that will forever live with me for the rest of my life. I still don't know how to handle it. For the average person, you'd think "of course it will be rough, but he's your brother, he loved you and he wants you to move on." the last word my brother said to me were over the phone and verbatim were "I hope you die, you need to kill yourself, and when you do, I will go to your funeral, and piss on your face and laugh because you are a fucking loser and everyone hates you. Kill yourself." Normally I don't like swearing in these posts, but that was the last words he spoke to me that I heard live. The final words I ever heard him say were in a voicemail a week and a half before he died after he spent the time to call me several times in a row and I hit ignore every time as I know he was doing his usual pattern of pretending to be someone else, I call him out on it, he tells me how worthless I am and tries to get me to kill myself as it will be funny and he will be happier without me around. Those words? "FUUUUUUUCK YOUUUUUUUU". He said it in a quiet yelling voice as if he was in his Kidney dialysis as he thought to call me and get me to end it all. Who would of thought I wouldn't have wanted to answer the phone knowing what was going to happen as it's happened more than enough times?

The night he died, I met up with my oldest sister and her then girlfriend to see my brother still laying there, with his fiancee and her family in the hospital room. My parents were nowhere to be found and didn't bother showing up till the funeral. Seriously, why would I go see my brother with everything he had some to me in the past 30 and 3/4ths years, all the abuse of almost every kind, every single word, ever hit, every lie, every drama story, everything he did to me; why would I dare to go see him with all of this? Well, I was asked to go. As my sister and I were on good terms again and I wanted to be there for her. That's the only reason I wanted to be there for moral support as everyone else was hurting. That's been my role in my life, I either was a venting post, a peacemaker, or the guy people came to for moral support. While it may be looked at as a doormat, and for a lot of people that is all I ever will be, I helped people feel better. If that is my role, I'll wear it. Anyways; My sister said her final words to my brother's body and I let her have them. I know that he was her favorite brother for so many unsung reasons. They thought so much alike, and honestly to a fault as they both really had a stubborn attitude that when they fought, it was vicious, all the way to the end. My sister and I got along in the enjoyment of music and gaming, so I got that going for me, which is nice.

When It was my turn to say my last words to him, so much anger was built up inside me that I just felt like I was going to burst, but amazingly, I held my composure as well as I could have. If there is anything beyond this life, I hope he heard it. I let him know how much he hurt me over 3 decades and he ruined my life to the extent that I may never recover. But I also thanked him because if it wasn't for him, I may not have had the integrity to start my life out of my hometown, start That Drummer Guy and try to do something with my life. My last words to his body were the same words that he left for me. With a middle finger to his face I said "Fuck You!" and left and outside of seeing his head occasionally at the wake/funeral; I never saw him again. *Those are my last curse words, I promise*

You'd sure think that would be the end of it, wouldn't you? NOPE! As I walked out of the room, for about a half hour I found out some of the most horrendous things that have happened in my family that they either caused or had happened to them. I could not have been more hurt by every passing word that was being said. Think of some of the worst things someone can do outside of murder; It was probably covered in this conversation (or one that came a couple months later that killed me in a 2 hour phone call from his ex fiancee). My life has never really been the same. For them, they were talking about it as they were just catching up on what's been happening and sharing horror stories. For me, I was completely appalled as I heard NONE of these stories and it messed me up to the point where my body finally said, Yup, I need therapy again as I can't process any of this on my own. I will not speak of what these horror stories are as they are not my stories to tell; I'll just say that what happened was unforgivable and to the party/parties responsible for the actions; I never wanna see again in my entire life. And I really, really hope I never do.

So taking all of that into consideration, things got better from July(?) out besides the depression episodes I deal with on an almost daily basis. As of this month, I am back in therapy and my next session is in 6 days. I am also seeing a psychiatrist in February to see what I can do as far as medication as I have tried several different medications and none of them have a lasting affect. Let's hope for the best.

A sad side affect from getting myself together is that my weight ballooned since leaving the hospital. I am actually the heaviest I have ever been. 4-5 of my medications can cause weight gain and...it really did. I won't say the weight, but I'll say I'm between 2x-3x shirts again, it actually hurts wearing a belt around my pants and just seeing myself without a shirt on is....I don't understand how anyone could possibly find me attractive. So why am I not working out or even going on walks to shed the weight? Well, my right toe being the biggest issue. Back in August, my scar from the amputation opened back up and since then, I have been scared beyond belief. But today, I get to counteract that, as I now have an exercise bike. As soon as it is setup, I will be working out every single day that I can as it puts zero pressure on my toe and I can get my body moving every day without jerks at the gym or passers by giving me a sarcastic thumbs up as if to say "good job, fat boy. You're trying to live longer." Another reason why I hate being alone, but also feel better being by myself.

And let's get to that last bit of sad stuff for the year...my crippling suicidal depression. Yeah, it's as bad as it has ever been and it hurts so much. Some days I sleep 18 hours days as I simply don't have the will to get out of bed. Even two days ago, I slept as long as I could as I just did not want to face the day. I pretty much took all of December off to work on myself and in some aspects I have and others, the depression keeps me from being able to do anything, even doing the work that I love, being That Drummer Guy. One of the hardest aspects of working from home is that you are alone so often. It sounds appealing when you work in customer service of any kind, not having to deal with others, but when you only have yourself, after a while, it gets to you and it can bring you down so very, very hard. With therapy I am hoping to be able to get the depression out of my mind or at least tolerable, get my anxiety under control and realize the past can control my future anymore, and the biggest one for me is the trauma that caused all of this. From the two therapy sessions I've had, Trauma seems to be the biggest issue going on with me and it's horrendous. PTSD is not just for soldiers, folks. It can happen with any traumatic event and it can hinder you for the rest of your life. But again, I really hope moving forward I can control all of this and find some joy in the new decade.

And let's get into that, the joy of 2019. there has been a lot of good as well. I've done 86 interviews (only one written interview), I've hit 652 interviews overall, I've hit well over 3K likes and followers on Facebook, at 680 subscribers on YouTube (320 away from being able to make money on the platform again) and my show is FINALLY on Spotify amongst the other big podcast stations. It feels so nice being able to upload more than 2 shows at a time now and I was able to start doing that on episode 350, which that alone, I am at 355 episodes of my show now, which is mindblowing to think about. And I wouldn't be here doing what I do without the likes of you reading, listening, checking out, or just supporting my work in any way. Sincerely, thank you.

The 2010s has been an absolute roller coaster for me. Most of my 20s were in this decade. I had so many bands that were created and imploded, so many times I thought I was on the verge of making it in a band to just have it fall downhill, I moved out from my hometown (which would have killed me had I not moved), I moved to Minnesota, I made so many great friends, I had so many great friends that left this mortal coil or just wanted nothing to do with me anymore. I went from being nearly blind as a bat to being able to see again. I spent almost a year in the hospital between hospital visits this decade. I lost family both physically and emotionally. I have discovered so many great tv shows, movies, video games. I went from having a big box tv that helped mess up my vision to now having a gigantic 4K tv to call my own. I got back into wrestling after not watching since 2001. I created That Drummer Guy in 2011 and 2020 will be my 9th year and going strong. As previously mentioned I have done over 650 interviews in 8 and a half years. I have received countless promos, I discovered so many bands that have impacted my life, I have covered so many shows from doing interviews and pit photos. I have been on so many tour buses and partying (only drinking on my end). I went from only being able to do interviews at shows to being able to have my own office setup and being able to talk to anyone who has an internet connection or a phone number. I've been cited on sites such as Blabbermouth, Metal Injection, Metalsucks, Brave Words, Ultimate Guitar, and other sites countless times. I'm cited on Wikipedia for an interview I did with All That Remains. I've broken so many stories that I can't believe I get to say I help break to the world. I did ALL of that as a one man operation. Of course I had help along the way with radio stations, personalities, those in the radio business, the ever long Press Agents that I love for digging my work enough to ever grant me any interview ever. To every single one of you reading this and giving the littlest bit of a care about what I do. I can't say it enough, thank you so very, VERY much! I would not be here without your support and realizing what I do is not in vain. I can't wait to see what 2020 has in store for me.

Oh, and I finally first got laid in this decade. GO ME!

As for the aforementioned 2020 (yes I know some people don't consider 2020 the start of a new decade and 2021 is the real start of the decade, I disagree. The 3rd number from the left changes, that's a new decade to me) I have some plans for things in the That Drummer Guy Universe.

First with That Drummer Guy itself. The show is going on as normal. 2 hours of the best in heavy music today, with interviews as they are available or the week they have a new album to promote. I am hoping to break the 100 count of interviews next year as this is the first year in quite a while that I missed out on it for so many reasons listed above. But I am also planning a couple new things you may get your attention.

I wanna start doing a Song Of The Day collection that I will make posts about here and on social media. Post the song, say a few words about it, and put it into a Spotify playlist that will have 366 songs on it (Don't forget, 2020 is a leap year). It can be a brand new song, it can be an underrated classic, it can be a huge hit of yesteryear, it can be a band I simply want to show off in some way shape or form. I really like the idea of doing that.

Oo Fridays, I wanna start doing a band retrospective of 52 bands and covering their discography to date, then ranking said discography from favorite to least favorite. Obviously I am going to cover artists that have a realistic number of albums I can cover without losing my mind. Buckethead and Frank Zappa are examples of musicians I simply can't cover like that without making it years' worth of time, if at all.

The last Friday of every month, I wanna cover the month's best albums. I tried doing that this year, but starting it February that opportunity got taken away from me. So this coming year, let's try it again. 10 Albums, alphabetical order, a few words on each album just like my best of reviews. Don't get worried, these are not replacing the Best Of lists or even a true representation of what will be on those lists, as new albums always come out and I may discover something after the fact, or I simply don't enjoy an album as much anymore (happens to all of us.)

As far as non-That Drummer Guy stuff goes:

Something Gives has been heartbreaking to make this year, It's taken a lot out of me. The original idea was to get musicians, fans and those in the music business to talk about mental health struggles and how they get through. It turned into my hell of a year (with one exception). I really hope I can bring that original idea back to form in 2020. If anyone reading this is interested in talking about their mental health struggles, let me know if you're up to talk about it on the show and try to help ourselves and others struggling.

Such Good $#!+, I dropped the ball on it. I had the idea for such a long time and I tried to implement it this year and only was able to make a few episodes (to very little fanfare) I also wanna get back to this in some way, shape or form. I may reformat the show. I had friend in the past wanna do a kind of podcast or even just do brief segments on it for crossovers. MAYBE? that will happen again in 2020. I really want it to as I love covering wrestling, gaming, movies, tv, etc. If it happens, It won't be a weekly thing. It may end up being monthly and doing a recap of the past month and stuff to look forward to. If you were looking for my lists of the best of games, movies, etc. That'll come in January. I need time to go over everything. I hope you understand.

One last idea I wanted to make happen is the audio (or video) documentary of That Drummer Guy. Since I was in high school (when I was originally called That Drummer Guy in my cover band days), I wanted to do a Behind The Music style parody of myself and my rise to the top. My cousin, Ben and I came up with the idea in school and I just thought it would be amazing to do. Hell, even if it turns out to be a non-fictionalized documentary of myself, I'd love to make that happen. If it ever comes to fruition, I wanna premiere it August 2nd, 2021; the 10th Anniversary of my very first time being on air. I wanna get all my friends involved in that. Musician friends, social media friends, even those I've never talked to once. I'd love to do a 1-2 hour documentary. If you were up for being involved in the next year; let me know. Let's make this thing happen and celebrate 10 years of That Drummer Guy!

Alright, that is more than enough words. I'm pretty sure I've written more than a novel's worth of words here and I wanna enjoy this last week of the decade. If you made it though this epic saga, you're an amazing human being and you deserve a medal of some kind. BUt seriously, thanks again for all of the love and support this year, this decade and the continuing support going into 2020 and beyond. Have a great rest of the holidays and until 2020 this is That Drummer Guy Saying, SEE YA!


- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

100.) Odd Logic- Last Watch of the Nightingale
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

99.) Car Bomb- Mordial
FFO- Mathcore, Experimental, Progressive Metal

98.) Freedom Call- M.E.T.A.L.
FFO- Power Metal, Fun

97.) Kadavar- For The Dead Travel Fast
FFO- Occult Rock, Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock

96.) Ringworm- Death Becomes My Voice
FFO- Hardcore, Crossover Thrash

95.) Despised Icon- Purgatory
FFO- Deathcore, Death Metal

94.) Turilli/ Lione Rhapsody- Zero Gravity (Rebirth and Evolution)
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Neoclassical Metal, Modern Metal

93.) Lord- Fallen Idols
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

92.) Aenimus- Dreamcatcher
FFO- Extreme Progressive Metal

91.) Nile- Vile Nilotic Rites
FFO- Brutal Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

90.) Destruction- Born To Perish
FFO- Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

89.) Afterhand- Escaping Misfortune
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

88.) Rotting Christ- The Heretics
FFO- Experimental Black Metal, Melodic Black Metal

87.) Ardours- Last Place On Earth
FFO- Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal

86.) Plague of Stars- Daedalus
FFO- Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal, Black Metal

85.) Abrahma- In Time for the Last Rays of Light
FFO- Post Metal, Doom Metal

84.) Drifting Sun- Planet Junkie
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

83.) Aspherium- The Embers of Eternity
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore, Progressive Metal

82.) Une Misere- Sermon
FFO- Blackened Hardcore

81.) Puppy- The Goat
FFO- Alternative Metal, Occult Rock

80.) Angel Witch- Angel of Light
FFO- NWOBHM

79.) Leprous- Pitfalls
FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock

78.) Hyvmine- Retaliation
FFO- Groove Metal, Progressive Metal, Hard Rock

77.) Entombed A.D.- Bowels of Earth
FFO- Swedish Death Metal

76.) Forever Still- Breathe in Colours
FFO- Melodic Metal, Alternative Metal

75.) Silvertomb- Edge of Existence
FFO- Gothic Rock, Hard Rock, Doom Metal

74.) Crazy Lixx- Forever Wild
FFO- Glam Metal, Hard Rock

73.) Thy Art Is Murder- Human Target
FFO- Deathcore

72.) Chrome Waves- A Grief Observed
FFO- Post Black Metal

71.) Misery Index- Rituals of Power
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore

70.) Exhorder- Mourn The Southern Skies
FFO- Groove Metal, Thrash Metal

69.) Blind Guardian Twilight Orchestra- Legacy of the Dark Lands
FFO- Orchestral

68.) Vitriol- To Bathe from the Throat of Cowardice
FFO- Death Metal

67.) Nott- The Great Furnace
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Progressive Metal

66.) Gygax- High Fantasy
FFO- Heavy Metal, hard Rock, D&D

65.) Eluveitie- Ategnatos
FFO- Folk Metal

64.) Gloryhammer- Legends from Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex
FFO- Come On, You Know Who This Is For

63.) Ashbringer- Absolution
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Folk Metal

62.) Dream Theater- Distance Over Time
FFO- Progressive Metal

61.) Opeth- In Cauda Venenum
FFO- Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic

60.) Vintersea- Illuminated
FFO- Progressive Black Metal, Extreme Metal

59.) Destrage- The Chosen One
FFO- Progressive Metal, Avant Garde Metal

58.) Hope Drone- Void Lustre
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Black Metal

57.) Blood Incantation- Hidden History Of The Human Race
FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

56.) Together to the Stars- An Oblivion Above
FFO- Blackgaze, Post Hardcore

55.) Alcest- Spiritual Instinct
FFO- Blackgaze

54.) The Ferrymen- A New Evil
FFO- All Star Power Metal

53.) Cult Of Luna- A Dawn To Fear
FFO- Post Metal, Sludge Metal, Progressive Metal

52.) Nailed To Obscurity- Black Frost
FFO- Doom Metal, Melodic Death Metal

51.) Memoriam- Requiem For Mankind
FFO- Death Metal

50.) Periphery- Periphery IV: HAIL STAN!
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

49.) Downfall Of Gaia- Downfall of Radical Finitude
FFO- Blackgaze, Crust Punk, Sludge Metal

48.) Avatarium- The Fire I Long For
FFO- Doom Metal

47.) Pensees Nocturnes- Grand Guignol Orchestra
FFO- Avant Garde Metal; Carnival Music You Will Be Killed To In A Horror Movie

46.) Abigail Williams- Walk Beyond The Dark
FFO- Abigail WIlliams

45.) Finsterforst- Zerfall
FFO- Black Metal, Folk Metal, Melodic Metal

44.) A Pale Horse Named Death- When The World Becomes Undone
FFO- Gothic Metal, Doom Metal

43.) Pounder- Uncivilized
FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal

42.) Liv Sin- Burning Sermons
FFO- Heavy Metal, Dark Metal, Melodic Death Metal

41.) Saor- Forgotten Paths
FFO- Celtic Folk, Black Metal

40.) Within Temptation- Resist
FFO- Modern Metal, Symphonic Metal

39.) Lunar- Ediolon
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Progressive Rock

38.) Toothgrinder- I AM
FFO- Modern Metal, Progressive Metal, Post Hardcore

37.) Evergrey- The Atlantic
FFO- Progressive Power Metal, Dark Metal

36.) Moon Tooth- Crux
FFO- Progressive Metal, Hard Rock

35.) Bleak Flesh- ...And Save Us From Silence
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Symphonic Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

34.) Equilibrium- Renegades
FFO- Epic Folk Metal

33.) Torche- Admission
FFO- Torche

32.) Ray Alder- What The Water Wants
FFO- Progressive Metal

31.) Twin Temple- Bring You Their Signature Sound...Satanic Doo-Wop
FFO- Satanic Doo-Wop

30.) Pulchra Morte- Divina Autem Et Aniles
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal, Black Metal

29.) Skyblood- Skyblood
FFO- Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Doom Metal

28.) Gatecreeper- Deserted
FFO- Death Metal, Old School Death Metal

27.) Borknagar- True North
FFO- Progressive Metal, Folk Metal, Black Metal

26.) Arch/Matheos- Winter Ethereal
FFO- Progressive Metal

25.) Swallow The Sun- When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal, Gothic Metal, Post Metal

24.) Strigoi- Abandon All Faith
FFO- Doom Metal, Gothic Metal, Death Metal, Crust Punk, Black Metal, Industrial

23.) Candlemass- The Door To Doom
FFO- Doom Metal

22.) The Dark Element- Songs The Night Sings
FFO- Modern Metal, Symphonic Metal, Power Metal

21.) Avantasia- Moonglow
FFO- All Star Power Metal

20.) Possessed- Revelations of Oblivion
FFO- Death Metal

19.) Our Destiny- Awakening
FFO- Melodic Progressive Rock

18.) Cattle Decapitation- Death Atlas
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Deathgrind, Technical Death Metal

17.) Killswitch Engage- Atonement
FFO- Metalcore

16.) Exhumed- Horror
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore

15.) Crypt Sermon- The Ruins Of Fading Light
FFO- Epic Doom Metal

14.) Insomnium- Heart Like A Grave
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

13.) Rage Of Light- Imploder
FFO- Modern Metal, Electronic Groove Metal, Melodic Death Metal

12.) Lindemann- F&M: Frau Und Mann
FFO- Industrial Metal

11.) Devin Townsend- Empath
FFO- Devin Townsend

10- the Offering- Home
FFO- Power Metal, Nu Metal, Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Almost Any type Of Metal

9.) Cyrha- No Halos In Hell
FFO- Modern Metal, Melodic Metal, Hard Rock

8.) Novembers Doom- Nephilim Grove
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal, Progressive Metal

7.) Numenorean- Adore
FFO- Blackgaze

6.) Baroness- Gold & Grey
FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Hard Rock

5.) Bloody Hammers- The Summoning
FFO- Gothic Metal, Hard Rock, Post Punk, Doom Metal

4.) Fleshgod Apocalypse- Veleno
FFO- Symphonic Death Metal

3.) Astronoid- Astronoid
FFO- Post Rock, Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, Dream Pop

2.) Soilwork- Verklighten
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal

1.) Moron Police- A Boat On The Sea
FFO- Progressive Rock, Pop Rock, Electronic Rock

This was without a doubt, the absolute hardest year I've had to deal with making a top 20. Nothing else comes close. I say that as every single album in this top 20 has a strong argument to be number one and even as I write this part up now, I have no idea what is going to be number 1. I've remade, then remade, then remade again, then remade after that, and so on and so on and so on every single day for the last week. Rughly 10-20 times a day I come over to the computer and reorder my top 20 trying to make it into an order that I feel comfortable saying is correct. Now what ever I pute here 20-1 will be my final order, but just know that these 20 albums are all worthy of the title Album Of The Year. So Let's Finish This!


Let's go over the ground rules:

1.) This is my own personal top 100 list, that is made in 6 parts. Parts II-VI is the Top 100 and Part I is the Honorable Mentions. Check back every day for a new part till all six are available.
2.) This is done 20 albums per part, in countdown order (100-1).
3.) As mentioned, this is my own list. I am not paid, asked, or sponsored by any band, label, etc.My choices are mine and mine alone.
4.) 2019 has been an incredibly horrible year for my personal life and I have not been able to cover nearly as much music as I had hoped. There is many albums that I really dug that I had to cut from the list do to not being able to hear it enough, giving it enough time or simply it wasn't my bag...baby.
5.) CHECK OUT EVERY PART OF THIS LIST!!! My favorite one may be yours as well. Your favorite album may be number 17 or 34 or 89 or even an honorable mention. You simply don't know if you skip any part. The numbers don't matter; a good album is a good album. All of these are good albums.
6.) All 100 albums of the list will be made into a Spotify list (or at least as many that are on Spotify), where I'll pick a track from each album and show it off countdown style. Check back every day for the playlist to updated till the list is complete.
7.) The whole purpose of list is to not only show off my favorite albums of the year, but to try to get every person who reads this recommendations for new music to check out. My goal is to have everyone make one new discovery they dig. If you do, spread the joy!


20.) Possessed- Revelations of Oblivion
FFO- Death Metal

An album that I never thought I would hear from a band I never imagined would put out a new album. Not only did they put out a new album after 33 years, they put out their best album ever! This album is what I love about death metal to a T. It's nice and thrashy, it's not straight up growls (actually the vocals take on a Chuck Billy style death metal approach where everything is audible and clear), it's musical and filled with hooks. It's just a perfect death metal record that can make the elitists, purists, noobies, and ones that dabble in death metal from time to time agree that Possessed just blew the roof off what is possible in 2019 just by being themselves. BRAVO!

19.) Our Destiny- Awakening
FFO- Melodic Progressive Rock

This is the antidepressant I needed more than anything in 2019. For anyone that knows me and even those that don't; I've been suffering from Suicidal Depression, High Anxiety, PTSD, and Trauma for almost 19 years now and even as of October I took a 9th attempt at my life. This album and it's co-creator, Vikram Shankar helped me get to a place just from listen to this album and talking about our depression struggles to make me realize that life needs to be lived and I am now in therapy trying to get me life on track. As far as the album, this album is the definition of gorgeous. It's uplifting, crystal clear production, and utterly soothing. Life is not just about the dark, depressive, negative sides. Those are real things and real emotions, but so are the positive, uplifting and loving things that want to keep us around. This album is a way of telling you to love yourself, love those that care about, and to do what you can to get to a place to find peace in life. While I am struggling myself to find that peace, and album like this let's me know I'm not alone and as long as I'm here, I cans till try. Whether you are struggling or not, give this album a shot. It's by far the lightest thing on this entire list, but that's exactly what makes it stand out from the crowd.

18.) Cattle Decapitation- Death Atlas
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Deathgrind, Technical Death Metal

From an album about finding inner peace to an album that says "Save the world or we are all going to die!", I guess you can say I have an eclectic musical taste. Cattle Decapitation's latest album is easily my favorite thing they have done. Sure, the fanbase is getting more and more divided as the band isn't just making grindgore/Deathgrind records anymore; they are making more technical and progressive elements to their  sound and I think it's the best decision they ever could have made. This album is the most ambitious when it comes to that as there is more than ever on the record, including the title track which clocks in at over 9 ,minutes. Whether you want your deathgrind to sound something different or you want your progressive and technical death metal to sound as brutal as possible, go pick up this album.

17.) Killswitch Engage- Atonement
FFO- Metalcore

Killswitch is back with their third album since frontman Jesse Leech rejoined the band. This sees the band at arguably their most mainstream since Killswitch Engage (KSE 2009 or KSE II depending on how you look at it), but it also sees the band be much more diverse and show off some of their heaviest material and most different material. The fact that Chuck Billy and even Howard Jones make vocal appearances on this album is jaw dropping. What hits me most about this album is the lyrical content. So many of the songs on this album are about self discovery and trying to get yourself to find inner peace and getting the help you need to get there. As you read 2 albums agao, I need that in my life and hearing an album like this is helping me even more in getting me to that position of transition. This album is a metalcore self help album and in 2019, I think we can ALL benefit from that.

16.) Exhumed- Horror
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore

While the band's previous album was a concept album that almost bordered on progressive death metal; the band decided to go in the total opposite direction with Horror. 15 songs, 26 minutes long (one song being only 8 seconds long) and just pure horror inspired deathgrind that people know and love from the band. It's great to see that Matt Harvey can have something like Exhumed come out with a new album and also have his Heavy Metal/Speed Metal band, Pounder, release an album as well. Simply put. This is a fast, brutal, horrific and fun album; come join in the blood spilled fun!

15.) Crypt Sermon- The Ruins Of Fading Light
FFO- Epic Doom Metal

When it comes to straight up doom metal, not death doom, not stoner doom, not sludgy doom; but straight up epic doom metal, NOTHING comes close to the latest release from Crypt Sermon. These guys have released a sophomore album that rivals bands that have been playing for decades in similar styles and buries them deep in the ground. This is what doom should be like in 2019. 10 tracks, 55 minutes and every song is just as epic if not more so than the last. The raw but stellar production gives you just enough of an evil feel but able to hear everything that's going on. The insane vocals fit the band so perfectly, and the music...like I said this is pure DOOM. I can't say enough good things about this album, just go check it out for yourself and thank me later.

14.) Insomnium- Heart Like A Grave
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Much like I pointed out at the beginning of this last part of the list, this album was number 1 for me at one point in time for 2019. That's how hard of a decision it was to put this top 20 together, but I digress. Just when you think that Insomnium can't get any stronger, they do. This is the darkest, yet most melodic album they have put out to date. It's a very dark melodic but it grips you so hard and it feels like it brings you to the depths of the grave (I do mean that in the best way possible). This album is just what you would want from the band, but done to it's absolute finest. Melodeath simply does not get much better than this. Though I must say, if you dig the music hear, but find it to depressing, make sure to go out and check out Markus Vanhala's other band, Omnium Gatherum. They are in similar vein as Insomnium, but the lyrics are way more on the positive and uplifting side. Hey, give both a shot!

13.) Rage Of Light- Imploder
FFO- Modern Metal, Electronic Groove Metal, Melodic Death Metal

Trance, modern metal and death metal combined into a fusion of one of the best new bands. The debut album from this collective is impeccable. Much like I talked about with The Dark Element; any band who has done something in the modern metal vibe since Amaranthe's 2nd album has done it WAY better than Amaranthe. This is the most perfect example of 2019. The songs are ultra catchy, the msuic can be so simple and so complex at the same time, the vocals are just insanely awesome and to end the album is a flawless new rendition of Amon Amarth's Twilight of the Thunder God. This is just a must have for those metalheads that want some great pop and dance influenced music and vice versa.

12.) Lindemann- F&M: Frau Und Mann
FFO- Industrial Metal

Rammstein meets Pain.Till Lindemann and Peter Tagtgren's 2nd album feels like a completely different trip than their debut album. The biggest reason for that may be because the first album was entirely in English and this album is entirely in German. It really feels like a more metal and progressive Rammstein album or an even more industrial Pain album that was made in German. This really does take the best of both bands and puts it in this album. Till and Peter have perfect musical chemistry and their music videos are hysterical. If you are fan of either musician or if this sounds intriguing to you in the slightest, I highly recommend that you give this a shot.

11.) Devin Townsend- Empath
FFO- Devin Townsend

Who saw this coming? Number 11? That's the way the bones rolled this time around. I will say right off the bat this was sadly another victim to me not being able to hear the album nearly as much as I've wanted to. When I was out of commission when this album came out, I simply couldn't hear it. Then getting bombared with promos and interviews after I got back into the swing of things made things even worse on me. Empath just sadly fell viuctim to circumstance on my end. But let's actually talk about the album now. Empath is the most Devin Townsend thing Devin Townsend has ever done. After deciding to go completely solo and only hiring guest or session musicians going forward; Devin took it upon himself to lay out all of his ideas on the table and make an album out of it.You are guaranteed never to find another album (to date) that has Chad Kroger singing over blast beats...yeah, that's how crazy this album truly is. The album goes from off the all ridiculous to soothing like you're relaxing on the beach to pure chaos to questioning what you are listening to all in one sitting (hell, sometimes in the same song). IF you really want to know what Hevy Devy is all about in one album (maybe not cohesively, but indeed everything he can do) Empath is the album you have been looking for.

10- the Offering- Home
FFO- Power Metal, Nu Metal, Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Almost Any type Of Metal

This debut album is what dreams are made of. A band that can have Slipknot type riffs over Primal Fear style vocals with Mr. Bungle-esque music changes and Dream Theater style precision. It is as crazy it sounds but with one key difference, it's all cohesive. It doesn't sound like it should be on paper, but in execution, it's perfection. The fact this is just their debut album shows that this band has all the promise in the world and the band's stock is only going to rise. While the band could be going in so many directions in the future, Home shows all of what the band is capable of in 2019 and when the next album comes, it's going to break the band into the masses. Check them out now and be chomping at the bit like I am, waiting for the new album. This is seriously some of the most mindblowing music of the year.

9.) Cyrha- No Halos In Hell
FFO- Modern Metal, Melodic Metal, Hard Rock

The sophomore album from this all star metal band is the band finally finding the sound they were destined to have and it fits the band perfectly. Everything from the production to the songwriting to the performances are just done in a way that makes you pay attention and want to hear the album from start to finish. For better or worse, while not the whole inspiration for the song, I am a part (even just a small part) of the inspiration for the song Battle From Within, which is an emotionally wrecking song that deals with the struggles of mental health and that makes me feel so happy and sad at the same time. But being honest and open about my mental health struggles has helped many people I know personally and others I'll never know and for that, it brings a smile to my face. The rest of the album is just hit after hit after hit and I can't wait to finally be able to see Cyhra one day to hear these songs live. This is the kind of music that should be on mainstream radio, there's no reason it should be left off. I guess I'll have to do my part and play them on my show as often as I can fit them in.

8.) Novembers Doom- Nephilim Grove
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal, Progressive Metal

Over the last few albums, Novembers Doom has really toned down on the death metal aspects and added more of the darker, doomy, proggy elements to the forefront. While the death Metal elements are still present and absolutely astounding, I really appreciate that the band has no problem showing off the different sides of the band and will go heavier or doomier or proggier depending on what the music calls for. This album may also feature the most clean vocals on a Novembers Doom album (though I could be wrong on that, don't hold me to it!). This really showcases the musical strengths of the band. And of course what would a Novembers Doom album be without the legendary Dan Swano adding this production touches with mixing and mastering. this feels like the perfect album at the perfect for the band. Be it the heavy opener, the epic title track or the sorrow filled What We Become; This has everything I love about the band in one collective. The band only gets better and better, Nephilim Grove is all the proof you need.

7.) Numenorean- Adore
FFO- Blackgaze

The sophomore album from this fantastic Canadian post black metal band is the perfect post black metal album. The right uses of segue way track/Instrumental, absolutely tremendous epic tracks, the perfect balance between black metal, post rock and shoegaze; If there is a fault to this album, I have yet to find it. Anytime I need a pick me up at night, I put on this album and it instantly boosts my spirits. Weird to think that in an album like this, right? Take the title track as the perfect example. When you read and hear the lyrics you think it is such a depressing song and feel;ing as low as you possibly can, then you get to the end of the song and you hear this burst of power that says you won't be destroyed this time. Sure, the very end of the song has a more somber turn; but that is life in a nutshell. There are positives, there are negatives you will have ups, you will have downs. the album truly feels like the emotions you have after the end of a relationship and it hits you HARD. But it's the kind of hit you need to take to appreciate what's in front of you. This is just a phenomenal album and I highly suggest you give this album a proper listen. You are in for quite the shock.

6.) Baroness- Gold & Grey
FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Hard Rock

The final "Color" album from this incredible band sure leaves you on a fantastically high note. While many have said the production of this album is not good, I've actually been able to adapt my ears to not care about how the music is presented to me, but rather what is being presented to me. That is the perfect way to go into this album. This album shows every side of the band at their strongest points and added so many more styles along with it. For example, even if it is just a few bars (8-16 depending on how you count the song), you hear blast beats, which is something you'd think is impossible in this style, but it's done.No matter how mellow, bright, heavy, somber this album gets, Baroness has a way to pull all of your emotions and really makes you pay attention. While I can't personally decide between this or Purple as the best Baroness album, I am confident in saying this is one of the best albums of the year.

5.) Bloody Hammers- The Summoning
FFO- Gothic Metal, Hard Rock, Post Punk, Doom Metal

The best Bloody Hammers album, bar none! This is the Bloody Hammers album I have been hoping for since the incarnation of the band. While I love every album of the past; I am so happy to hear this heavy, gothic and atmospheric side of the band. Every song is as catchy as the last, no matter how fast or slow it goes. the track From Beyond The Grave might be my favorite song of the year (though that's still pending). This is just that great horror inspired metal and rock album that you didn't realize you needed till you heard it yourself and what an absolute blast of an album it is. I can't fathom why you wouldn't love this album, that's how confident I am in this one.

4.) Fleshgod Apocalypse- Veleno
FFO- Symphonic Death Metal

In speaking of best; This is unquestionably the best Fleshgod Apocalypse album, it may be the best symphonic death metal album ever made. Every single track no matter if it is an interlude or the longest track on the album serves an amazing purpose and the band is without question the best they have ever been. With Francesco Paoli back from being the drummer of the band to being not only the frontman and guitarist of the band, but the main contributor to the band; The band just has this amazingly consistent and coherent vibe that you just didn't realize till you heard this album. There are moments on this alb um that actually make me weap to this day just from how beautiful it is. The chorus of Sugar is a great example of that. It's so strange to think about that, but it's true. This is a full on masterpiece of an album and you simply won't find better.

3.) Astronoid- Astronoid
FFO- Post Rock, Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, Dream Pop

This album is a thing of wonder. Their debut album, Air, was one of the most jaw droppingly beautiful albums I've ever heard. So how was the band ever going to top that. Well, they found a way. Making the most consistent songs of the band's history so far. Even with some songs not getting into heavy territory, it simply doesn't matter as the songs has such ethereal atmospheric beauty to them. The only bummer side (for me anyways) is the lack of blast beats on this album, as I found them to be one of the things that made Air stand out the most in their sound, but the more I think about, they aren't needed. This is just utterly beautiful music. If you want a band that sounds like Strapping Young Lad, Mew, and Porcupine Tree at the same time, you found your new favorite band.

2.) Soilwork- Verklighten
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal

I did a full write up on this album back in January, but I have no qualms talking about this again. Of the new chapter of Soilwork, this is easily their best album yet. The proggy parts are proggier, the heavier parts got more extreme, the poppy moments are even catchier, and Speed's vocals are quite possible the best that he has ever recorded. The song Needles & Kin stand out as quite possibly my song of the year (along with the aforementioned From Beyond The Grave talked about earlier). This song in particular is what I love about the band in 2019. It simply has it all and so much more. This is my favorite metal album of the year and for very good reason. Even with coming out in January, I checked out98 other albums and 20 honorable mentions that I feel couldn't top this album. But I did find one...I did find one...

1.) Moron Police- A Boat On The Sea
FFO- Progressive Rock, Pop Rock, Electronic Rock

I've love the band's previous two albums a lot. Such quirky fun metal albums about T-bagging Your Grandma; but had you told me that the Morn Police was going to put out what is simply one of the greatest albums not only of 2019, but of the 21st century, I would have never believed you. A Boat on the Sea sees the band shift away from their fun, quirky metal side to more of the progressive and pop rock styling. It's this odd combination of prog, pop, fusion, electronic, anime theme songs inspiration (?), and synthwave to make an album that is so ridiculously catchy, beautiful, fun, and some of the most bonkers time signatures and riffs you may ever hear in these styles. Though on the outside, it feels like a fun album...it's actually quite a dark, serious album as it deals a lot with the repercussions of war and what is happening in the state of the world today. It almost feels like a paradox, but the more you listen to the album, the more everything starts to make sense and you see how everything can be connected, not just lyrically (though it's not a concept album) but thematically and musically as you hear nods to songs from earlier on the album later in the album. What may be another selling point on the album is that it's under 33 minutes and it feels like it goes by even faster, so it has instant replay value. For a guy like me, it really takes a lot for mew not to have some kind of metal album at number 1 of my lists as I cover so much of it and I love so much of it. So it really has to take a stupendous album that's not a metal album to make it to number. that's what Moron Police has done in strides and again I say this without hyperbole; this is one of the best albums of the 21 century so far. Who would of thought that about a band who wrote about t-bagging your grandma just one album prior?


And there you have it folks, all 100 of my top albums of 2019 sign, sealed, and delivered. This seriously took so much out of me to accomplish and make this list as perfect as I could not just for myself, but for all of you. This was one of the best years in music that I have been around to help support and I am so happy I get to be myself and cover so much music, get so much love from the band, and actually have a voice people care about to spread the word. Make sure to check out the Spotify Sampler I made featuring a track from every band on this megalodon of a list amd go discover new music!

Until next decade, this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

We have finally reached the top 40. It's been a radical ride so far going over 60 albums in the top 100 and 20 honorable mentions so far. After today, we will hit the top of the mountain with the top 20. But till then, we gotta check out the albums that deserve just as much love and hopefully you feel the same way. Let's get to the rules.

Let's go over the ground rules:

1.) This is my own personal top 100 list, that is made in 6 parts. Parts II-VI is the Top 100 and Part I is the Honorable Mentions. Check back every day for a new part till all six are available.
2.) This is done 20 albums per part, in countdown order (100-1).
3.) As mentioned, this is my own list. I am not paid, asked, or sponsored by any band, label, etc.My choices are mine and mine alone.
4.) 2019 has been an incredibly horrible year for my personal life and I have not been able to cover nearly as much music as I had hoped. There is many albums that I really dug that I had to cut from the list do to not being able to hear it enough, giving it enough time or simply it wasn't my bag...baby.
5.) CHECK OUT EVERY PART OF THIS LIST!!! My favorite one may be yours as well. Your favorite album may be number 17 or 34 or 89 or even an honorable mention. You simply don't know if you skip any part. The numbers don't matter; a good album is a good album. All of these are good albums.
6.) All 100 albums of the list will be made into a Spotify list (or at least as many that are on Spotify), where I'll pick a track from each album and show it off countdown style. Check back every day for the playlist to updated till the list is complete.
7.) The whole purpose of list is to not only show off my favorite albums of the year, but to try to get every person who reads this recommendations for new music to check out. My goal is to have everyone make one new discovery they dig. If you do, spread the joy!

40.) Within Temptation- Resist
FFO- Modern Metal, Symphonic Metal

Talking about genre shifting....WOW! Within Temptation really took a different turn this year, but at the same time they didn't. For anyone who has been paying attention to their last few albums, you could see this coming, but maybe just not to this extent. On my first listen, I was so lost and confused but then I gave it a real fair shot and I am so glad I did. Behind what feels like a turn against the fanbase they have made, all they did was update their sound. The symphonics are pushed to the side, sure, but they are still there in different ways. But the songs are just as catchy and memorable. This was the change the band needed to survive and I'm very thankful they did.

39.) Lunar- Ediolon
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Progressive Rock

The latest addition to the top 100 but it was worth the wait. The sophomore album from this Cali band is showing the band expanding their horizons in sound. The heavy parts are heavier, the lighter parts are even lighter and the proggier parts are even more insanely proggy *plus on the song, Surrender, there is a very cool nod to the final lasting riff in Opeth's Deliverance to close out the track...don't think I didn't catch that!* With all of the guest appearances, fantastic production and just masterful songwriting, this is one of the strongest prog albums you will hear all year. Trust me!

38.) Toothgrinder- I AM
FFO- Modern Metal, Progressive Metal, Post Hardcore

The ever-evolving band Toothgrinder comes back with their 3rd LP and the band has found a mint mixture between their past, present, and future. While there are some bonkers riffs and transitions on this album, they are few and far between while more modern metal and post hardcore elements really shine here. If they are not on top 40 rock radio (I have no idea, I don't keep tabs on FM), they really should be. This is perfect for the radio and the band still gets to be themselves. Along with writing some of the most personal and hard hitting lyrics the band has ever done. Don't be scared off by the name if you are more of a rock fan; this will be your kind of heavy. And for the metalheads, sometimes you need something different and Toothgrinder provides that perfectly.

37.) Evergrey- The Atlantic
FFO- Progressive Power Metal, Dark Metal

The 3rd and final album in the ocean/water trilogy the band has been working on for years now; the band has provided some of their best work ever. The songs hit you hard, the lyrics are so relateable and depressing/uplifting (depending on how you take it), and the band is just playing at the top of their game. I'm convinced that Evergrey can never write a band album and The Atlantic continues to prove that change is true progression and we all need that in life. What a fantastic album.

36.) Moon Tooth- Crux
FFO- Progressive Metal, Hard Rock

One of my favorite discoveries this year. Crux is an album that just captures everything I love about 21st century progressive metal and just adds the right amount of hard rock tendencies and makes it such a pure delight to listen to. Imagine a love child of Mastodon, Dillinger Escape Plan, Rush, and Judas Priest and you will start to see what the band is all about. Beyond catchy hooks, stellar production, and off the wall technical proficiency. This is one of the most fun albums you will hear in 2019 and in the end, that is what music should be about; ENJOYMENT! I'll be shocked if Moon Tooth doesn't put a smile on your face after one listen.

35.) Bleak Flesh- ...And Save Us From Silence
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Symphonic Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

Hearing this album for the first time just put my jaw to the floor in utter amazement. The songwriting and musicianship on this album is as mindblowing as it gets. While it has been 5 years since the band's first LP, the band has gotten stronger and stronger. Also getting the magnificent and blast beat extraordinaire, Marco Pitruzzella on drums is the icing on powerhouse of a cake. If you really need an explanation of this band; Imagine a Chilean version of Fleshgod Apocalypse with more synths and you are getting closer to what this band is all about. One of the more underground bands on my top 30 but you really need to go check this out, pronto!

34.) Equilibrium- Renegades
FFO- Epic Folk Metal

I don't even know a better way to describe this band. The elements of folk metal are there, but the epic metal vibes throughout this album is truly something to behold. Genre shifts are all over this album and the entire just sounds like one hell of a fun party. It really feels like the band focused on trying to have a fun time and write fun music this go around and it truly worked out to the band's benefit. Catchy, danceable, fantastic production. If you check this out, you'll be in for a great time!

33.) Torche- Admission
FFO- Torche

I can't put a label on these guys, it just feels useless. They can combine pop, rock, sludge, metal and doom into one giant cauldron and make some of the most captivating music you can hear. With Admission, there is a bit of everything going on; which is my favorite kind of Torche album. There are some pop riddled tracks, there are insanely heavy doom/stoner tracks, there's a few metal, nearly thrash tracks. It's what I love about the band in a single album and it just may be up your alley as well.

32.) Ray Alder- What The Water Wants
FFO- Progressive Metal

The very first solo album from the legendary voice of Fates Warning and it completely shines. Making an album with all themes dealing with water in some way is quite intriguing. The album gets heavy, mellow, poppy, even funky at times. THis is exactly what I was hoping for in a solo album. It's not just a bunch of Fates Warning b-sides. these are truly independent songs for this album and it fits together and lead you down the river into the delta of prog metal you know and love. A sheer delight of an album.

31.) Twin Temple- Bring You Their Signature Sound...Satanic Doo-Wop
FFO- Satanic Doo-Wop

As pointed out by the band, why does Satanic music always have to be associated with rock and metal? Take a trip back to the 50s and imagine a world where someone dared to confessed their love for the devil and bring it in the classic genre at the time, Doo-Wop. The production has the perfect 50s feel and every song is not just perfect for the style, but the vocals are so haunting and hypnotizing. It's a gorgeous album and I really hope Twin Temple keeps the Satanic love in Doo-Wop going for years upon years to come.

30.) Pulchra Morte- Divina Autem Et Aniles
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal, Black Metal

The debut album from this absolutely killer band is something that truly deserves any recognition it gets. The lineup for this band is insane and it totally makes the mood of the songs presented and the production style. Raw but clear, heavy but not brutal, crushing yet enjoyable. This is how you are able to take a love of death, doom, hints of black and other flavorings and make for an amazing debut album that has me chomping at the bit for the sophomore album. Seriously, give this one the shot it deserves.

29.) Skyblood- Skyblood
FFO- Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Doom Metal

What do you do when Candlemass reunites with their original singer? Well you make one of the finest solo albums of 2019 of course! This album is jaw dropping to say the least. Mats Leven showcases everything he is best at and so much more. No matter the tempo, no matter the style, no matter the vocal range; Skyblood has it all and it's just a brilliant album from start to finish. If you love anything that Leven has ever been a part of; you will find something to love about Skyblood. This is phenomenal work.

28.) Gatecreeper- Deserted
FFO- Death Metal, Old School Death Metal

Sometimes you want death metal that is not at 300bpm and layered in gravity blasts. Sometimes you just want a death metal album that is chunky, powerful, devastating and a soundtrack to your headbanging and circle pits. Gatecreeper provides that for you and it is masterfully done. The band is continuing to improve with every release and there is a reason they are so talked about; they are just that good. If you dig those classic death metal grooves, here it updated by Gatecreeper and enjoy what you will hear.

27.) Borknagar- True North
FFO- Progressive Metal, Folk Metal, Black Metal

This is a new chapter of the band without vocalist Vintersorg. The band continues on what they did with their previous album, but ups the prog game this time around. There isn't nearly as many screams on this album (though they are still there, don't fret). This feels like the perfect starter album for someone who loves prog and wants to explore the black metal side of music but doesn't want to dive head first and needs to be eased into it. Let ICS Vortex and Lazare's vocals soothe you as you travel up north through the barrens of the mountains and let the music take you away to that far off land you always wanted to explore. This album is perfection, without a single doubt.

26.) Arch/Matheos- Winter Ethereal
FFO- Progressive Metal

It kills me not to have this album in the top 20 as I was convinced that this may be the best album of the year. John Arch and Jim Matheos have a musical chemistry that is something to truly cherish. Throughout this entire album you truly hear that this album was meant to be a Arch/Matheos album instead of Fates Warning B-sides and the album is infinitely benefited from that fact. This is what progressive metal should strive to achieve in today's age. There's not much more I can say, this is a miraculous album.

25.) Swallow The Sun- When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal, Gothic Metal, Post Metal

I will say, straight up, that Songs From The North I, II, III will be nearly impossible to top. Not just by the band themselves, but by any band in similar veins. That triple album is a thing of wonder that is pure, unadulterated, haunting beauty. This album though...it's as close as one can get. Taking all of the best elements of that release, adding a bit more diversity in the songs themselves, and fine tuning the production and you have a brilliant album that screams in pain, calls you in with it's cleans and the music you grab you and bring you into the grave. Literally...ugh sorry for the pun...swallow you whole. STS is simply fantastic music, check out this latest album and understand why.

24.) Strigoi- Abandon All Faith
FFO- Doom Metal, Gothic Metal, Death Metal, Crust Punk, Black Metal, Industrial

When Vallenfyre was disbanded, I was crushed as I loved all three albums. But earlier this year when I found out that the remains of the band are forming a new entity that literally means vampire in Greek; you immediately got my attention. Taking the Doom and death metal sides of Vallenfyre and adding bits of crust punk, industrial and even hints of black metal for good measure; and you have one of the most intriguing debut albums of 2019. Don't sleep on this album, it is one of the best outing of the year and should listen for yourself.

23.) Candlemass- The Door To Doom
FFO- Doom Metal

When I heard original Candlemass vocalist, Johan Langquist was returning to the band, I got very, very nervous. For One I love what Mats Leven did in the band and he is a magnificent vocalist, but Langquist was the original singer of the band, but hasn't been with the band in 32 years (that's a year longer than I've been alive!). THANKFULLY when this album was released, not only were my fears to put to bed, I realized that this is the best Candlemass album since...ever! The production is the finest on any Candlemass album, the vocals are so powerful, and the music is just the perfect doom that you expect from the band, but done even better. It's not often when a band that has been around this long is continuing to put out their finest work, but that';s what Candlemass is doing and I simply can't wait to see what's next.

22.) The Dark Element- Songs The Night Sings
FFO- Modern Metal, Symphonic Metal, Power Metal

I've said it before and I'll pretty much say it until proven otherwise. every band that does female fronted modern metal since the first two Amaranthe albums have done it better than Amaranthe. The Dark Element is a perfect example. The sophomore album from this band is the band at it's best. Taking what worked so well with the debut, but expanding the sound, more creativity and diversity, and just letting that musical chemistry flow is what makes this album flow. A completely solid album from start to finish and easily one of the best modern metal albums of the year.

21.) Avantasia- Moonglow
FFO- All Star Power Metal

Another album that completely shocks me to not crack the top 20, but it is so. Honestly, the previous album, Ghostlights has become one of my favorite albums of all time, I just thought there was no way they could top it. But as learned, they didn't try to top it, they tried to be Avantasia and what's what works on this album. Bringing back legendary vocalists that have been apart of the band for years and bringing in some brand new vocalists making their debut for Avantasia, this album is more of a moodier album and has more of a focus on storytelling than the music itself. Sure, there are a couple faster tracks that feel perfect, but the album is a bit more mid tempo and mellow in comparison to Ghostlights and honestly, that is the way it should have went. The story is fantastic and of course Avantasia can do no wrong. If you missed out on this album for any reason, you should go check it out immediately!


Alrighty folks, there is 80 of my top 100 albums done in 5 parts. Tomorrow brings the final chapter; Part IV: The Top 20.

SEE YOU THEN!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Hey everybody! If you are reading this the day I post it, it's Wednesday, first full week of December. As of yesterday the Sony PlayStation is 25 years old and at the end of this list we will be at the top 40 albums of the year. Doing this list every year is tremendously hard work, but if it means that anyone checking out these 6 parts of this list get to check out new bands, new music and see that rock and metal are thriving as good if not better than ever; I'm doing my job. Let's get to it!

Let's go over the ground rules:

1.) This is my own personal top 100 list, that is made in 6 parts. Parts II-VI is the Top 100 and Part I is the Honorable Mentions. Check back every day for a new part till all six are available.
2.) This is done 20 albums per part, in countdown order (100-1).
3.) As mentioned, this is my own list. I am not paid, asked, or sponsored by any band, label, etc.My choices are mine and mine alone.
4.) 2019 has been an incredibly horrible year for my personal life and I have not been able to cover nearly as much music as I had hoped. There is many albums that I really dug that I had to cut from the list do to not being able to hear it enough, giving it enough time or simply it wasn't my bag...baby.
5.) CHECK OUT EVERY PART OF THIS LIST!!! My favorite one may be yours as well. Your favorite album may be number 17 or 34 or 89 or even an honorable mention. You simply don't know if you skip any part. The numbers don't matter; a good album is a good album. All of these are good albums.
6.) All 100 albums of the list will be made into a Spotify list (or at least as many that are on Spotify), where I'll pick a track from each album and show it off countdown style. Check back every day for the playlist to updated till the list is complete.
7.) The whole purpose of list is to not only show off my favorite albums of the year, but to try to get every person who reads this recommendations for new music to check out. My goal is to have everyone make one new discovery they dig. If you do, spread the joy!


60.) Vintersea- Illuminated
FFO- Progressive Black Metal, Extreme Metal

In simplest, but not the perfect terms; If you want an American, female fronted Ne Oblivscaris style band, this is the band for you. Just discovering this band a few short months ago, I am at a gasp at how much I love this album and sad that I wasn't able to give it more spins this year than I really should have. This covers so much ground that I love with articulate musicianship, fantastic production, and brilliant songwriting that just crushes when it needs to and is some of the most beautiful music you will hear in extreme metal in 2019. All you got to do is spin it for yourself and see what you've been missing.

59.) Destrage- The Chosen One
FFO- Progressive Metal, Avant Garde Metal

Sadly due to medical issues that plagued me for a few months this year, I completely missed this album. Completely! Honestly, I didn't even hear it until last week, that's how my 2019 has been! But anyways, Destrage's 5th LP outing is a mix of their most mainstream sounding material and some of their wackiest songwriting to date (in the best way possible). The lyrics feel a bit more personal and straight forward than in the past, but doesn't lose that quirkiness that makes the band truly stand out. If you want a progressive metal band that truly progresses as a band, check this album out!

58.) Hope Drone- Void Lustre
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Black Metal

The sophomore album from this Australian band is truly something to behold. Rather than making everything more polished, the most crisp and clear production, maybe even making songs more mainstream; The band got grittier, the band rawer, the band got noisier; and it completely works. Only one track under the 10 minute mark and the longest song capping off at 17 minutes; the band has truly found their niche and it is something that just pulls you in and does not let go. If you want some amazingly written atmospheric post black metal, Hope Drone covers your needs and more.

57.) Blood Incantation- Hidden History Of The Human Race
FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

Blood Incantation is becoming one of the underground's most talked about bands, and for good reason. Even with this being the sophomore album from this fantastic band, the band has experienced so much growth within themselves and have really expanded what the band can be. WIth thought provoking lyrics, jaw dropping musicianship and the 17 minute epic final track too long to list the name of as it will take up the rest of the list; this band is carrying on what bands like Death, Cynic and Gorguts laid out before them. I can't wait to see what's next.

56.) Together to the Stars- An Oblivion Above
FFO- Blackgaze, Post Hardcore

I can't say enough good things about this band. This debut album is what so many bands strive to be and never achieve. A brilliant mix of blackgaze and post hardcore with some emo thrown in for good measure; TttS is showcasing what will be an incredible journey as a band with their haunting and poignant lyrics and atmosphere.This is what I want out this style to a T. I can't recommend this band enough, go check them out.

55.) Alcest- Spiritual Instinct
FFO- Blackgaze

I couldn't be happier that Neige went back on his word about not making blackgaze music anymore and only working on post rock. Alcest is at their best when they are able to combine both into the mystical world that Alcest has created and so many others try to duplicate. The debut album for Nuclear Blast is the band at it's best without losing their touch. fans like myself couldn't be happier about that. Check out the band that helped start the blackgaze movement right here.

54.) The Ferrymen- A New Evil
FFO- All Star Power Metal

Ronnie Romero, Magnus Karlsson, Mike Terrana...Seriously what else do you need? The 2nd album from this powerhouse of a band takes what they accomplished on the debut album and perfected it tenfold. All three men are absolutely stellar on this album and the songs are absolute top notch. This is my kind of power metal when I'm not looking for the over the top cheesy power meta. This is power, heartfelt, and beyond killer. go pick this up!

53.) Cult Of Luna- A Dawn To Fear
FFO- Post Metal, Sludge Metal, Progressive Metal

Cult Of Luna can do no wrong and A Dawn To Fear continues to show you why. Taking all of the best elements of their sound and continuing to evolve it musically and writing some of the most hard hitting lyrics in the band's history, this is a recipe for perfection. It's heavy, thought provoking, and takes you on a musical journey that has so many twists and turns. Cult of Luna is a masterclass of songwriting. Go find out why.

52.) Nailed To Obscurity- Black Frost
FFO- Doom Metal, Melodic Death Metal

4 albums in and 14 years since it's inception; Nailed To Obscurity has found a way to make even darker, even scarier, and even more haunting music than ever before. Black Frost (one of the best album titles of 2019) is a band that can take those styles that were done with Opeth, early day Katatonia and My Dying Bride and make it into their own and it's stellar work. Nailed To Obscurity deserves you love, go listen.

51.) Memoriam- Requiem For Mankind
FFO- Death Metal

The 3rd album in 3 years from this all star, powerhouse of a death metal band shows the band at their absolute best. The lyrics are divisive (and perfect for that), The production is raw and dirty, and the songs are exactly what they need to be. This is such a solid death metal album from start to finish and it's all I could ever want out of the band, maybe you will feel the same way.

50.) Periphery- Periphery IV: HAIL STAN!
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

Periphery lost me for a few years. Pretty much after the Clear EP, It just didn't have my attention anymore, maybe I just grew out of my enjoyment for the band? Well I am happy to report that the band is back in full form and who knew it would take the band getting out of a label contract and being able to write what they want to write? This album seriously feels like the band is at their peak freshness and that is going to last for such a long time. Every song is different from the next. The Djent sounds are merely an afterthought at this point (nothing you don't hear out of 7-8 strings nowadays anyways). I mean when you can write a 16 minute progressive masterpiece about a stoner fighting aliens in outer space like in the opening track, Reptile; you know that the band has abandoned trying to be anything but themselves and I couldn't be happier. If you fell off the Periphery boat like I did, maybe it's time you jumped back in just as I have.

49.) Downfall Of Gaia- Downfall of Radical Finitude
FFO- Blackgaze, Crust Punk, Sludge Metal

When you talk about mixing genres together and creating music that is so abstract but makes total sense, that is Downfall of Gaia. Taking what has become blackgaze and adding sludge metal and crust punk elements to really make everything stand out is such a killer idea that I wish it had been done so long ago. The fact the band is not afraid to add solos into this music as well is such a rousing display of musicianship that bands don't seem to want to do anymore (but it needed depending on the band). The band's 5th album is a perfect soundtrack to where the band is now and it's awesome from start to finish. Don't leave this band in the dust, go check them out!

48.) Avatarium- The Fire I Long For
FFO- Doom Metal

The band's 4th album is what I've always wanted to hear from the band. It is diverse, it's the strongest material to date, and the production is so pounding and perfect. The use of the keys, synths, and organs throughout really make this album stand out amongst other doom metal bands of today. This is a perfect doom album and it only gets better on repeat listens. It'll just take one listen to understand why.

47.) Pensees Nocturnes- Grand Guignol Orchestra
FFO- Avant Garde Metal; Carnival Music You Will Be Killed To In A Horror Movie

Don't just take the album cover's word for it. One taste of this album and you'll hear the description. This sounds like the literal carnival from hell and if you enter you will be brutally tortured and mutilated within it's confines. This is a literal definition of avant garde music, you do not see where the music will lead you at all and the twists and turns will lead to your doom. If you are the adventurous type, why not give this a shot and throw it on at parties; it will guarantee to have everyone talking about you later.

46.) Abigail Williams- Walk Beyond The Dark
FFO- Abigail WIlliams

This album is essentially a tribute to every AW album that came before it with all new material. Whether you like the atmospheric, black metal, or even the metalcore side of the band; there is a song here for you. It almost feels like a farewell album of sorts. I really hope not as I have always dug the band and always will, but let's just hope that this is the closing of one chapter of the band before it goes into it's next era. Stellar, stellar work.

45.) Finsterforst- Zerfall
FFO- Black Metal, Folk Metal, Melodic Metal

5 albums in and the band has created their masterpiece (at least up till now). Zerfall takes the most epic parts of melodic, black and folk metal and combined it into some of the best songs  you'll hear this year and with it's 36 minute long epic, Ecce Homo, closing out the album; you are guaranteed for a trip that you will get from no other album this year. Come find out what this band is all about.

44.) A Pale Horse Named Death- When The World Becomes Undone
FFO- Gothic Metal, Doom Metal

This album speaks to me in a way that no other album has in 2019. This album literally feels like someone that is falling under the weight of depression and the world around them and that is exactly how I feel every single day. With catchy hooks, fantastic songwriting, the most heartfelt lyrics, I could hear right now and that feeling that I am not alone in this world with how I fell; this album is a perfect, dark antidepressant that fellow people like myself need. It helps on some of my darkest days, it may for you too.

43.) Pounder- Uncivilized
FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal

If you thought Matt Harvey could only do grindcore and death metal, you are sorely mistaken. The debut album from LP shows Harvey letting his heavy metal colors fly with his insatiable guitar riffs and uniquely perfect vocal delivery. This is what a lot of revival metal bands have been trying to do for years and it's quite clear that other bands have truly fallen short upon hearing Uncivilized for the first time. This feels like it was made right in the heart of the 80s metal movement and it gives bands like Overkill, Death Angel, and Testament a run for their money. I can't recommend this band enough.

42.) Liv Sin- Burning Sermons
FFO- Heavy Metal, Dark Metal, Melodic Death Metal

The sophomore album from former Sister Sin vocalist, Liv Jagrell shows her love of heavy metal become even stronger. The songs are so much heavier and catchier, the riffs seriously rival those done in bands like Arch Enemy or In Flames' best years. And Jagrell's top notch vocals and horror inspired lyrics really make this album one of the albums that ironically, shine brightest this year. If you missed out on this albu,, go remedy that now.

41.) Saor- Forgotten Paths
FFO- Celtic Folk, Black Metal

Saor's 4th album is without question, their best album to date. The perfect blend of Celtic folk and black metal is at it's purest form. Along with the band's best production to date, stellar songwriting and even a guest appearance from Alcest's Neige on the title track. If this is intriguing to you in any way. I implore you to check this out and see what can happen when a band takes two genres that feel so strange on paper together, feel so right when it's performed.


And there we go folks, we are officially 60 albums down in the top 100 and only 40 more albums to go. Haven't seen your favorite album yet? Have you made any new discoveries yet? Can you see what the number 1 album will be from a mile away? Let's get some of those answers tomorrow with Part V: 40-21

See Ya!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

As hard as it is to believe, we are at the half way mark of this list when we get to the end today. But till then, we got another 20 albums that deserve any and all listening ears and hopefully you will agree. Let's not waste too much time and get into the list rules shall we?

Let's go over the ground rules:

1.) This is my own personal top 100 list, that is made in 6 parts. Parts II-VI is the Top 100 and Part I is the Honorable Mentions. Check back every day for a new part till all six are available.
2.) This is done 20 albums per part, in countdown order (100-1).
3.) As mentioned, this is my own list. I am not paid, asked, or sponsored by any band, label, etc.My choices are mine and mine alone.
4.) 2019 has been an incredibly horrible year for my personal life and I have not been able to cover nearly as much music as I had hoped. There is many albums that I really dug that I had to cut from the list do to not being able to hear it enough, giving it enough time or simply it wasn't my bag...baby.
5.) CHECK OUT EVERY PART OF THIS LIST!!! My favorite one may be yours as well. Your favorite album may be number 17 or 34 or 89 or even an honorable mention. You simply don't know if you skip any part. The numbers don't matter; a good album is a good album. All of these are good albums.
6.) All 100 albums of the list will be made into a Spotify list (or at least as many that are on Spotify), where I'll pick a track from each album and show it off countdown style. Check back every day for the playlist to updated till the list is complete.
7.) The whole purpose of list is to not only show off my favorite albums of the year, but to try to get every person who reads this recommendations for new music to check out. My goal is to have everyone make one new discovery they dig. If you do, spread the joy!


80.) Angel Witch- Angel of Light
FFO- NWOBHM

It is so great to see Angel Witch still in prime form in 2019 and Angel of Light is prime example of that fact. With their signature blend of riffs, catchy choruses,a and pure NWOBHM vibes, this is a perfect representation of what can happen when you stick to your guns and just want to make the best music you possibly can. Seriously, throw on your denim vest, grab some PBRs and throw this one on for a raging good time.

79.) Leprous- Pitfalls
FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock

Well, Leprous has never been known for making the same album twice, but I'm not sure who was expecting an album like this from the band ever. For some this will turn you off the band completely, for others, this is exactly what you wanted from the band. Unless you are brand new to the band, I can't imagine that you were just feeling meh on the album. But anyways, the production is crisp and clear, the vocal melodies are so intoxicating, and seeing the music being explored to intently. It really feels like an antidepressant album in the best way. With more listens this would be way higher and it will get there in time. It is indeed worthy of you checking it out and seeing if it for you.

78.) Hyvmine- Retaliation
FFO- Groove Metal, Progressive Metal, Hard Rock

I didn't get this album until recently as I apparently don't have their press contact info anymore...but that's besides the point. Last year's debut LP and EP are masterful works and seeing the band back again for their sophomore album is a fantastic listen. The songs are even catchier, the tones are even heavier and the musicianship is only getting stronger and stronger. That great blend of prog, groove and modern metal really makes this band stand out and they will only get better as time goes on. I only wish i had heard this sooner.

77.) Entombed A.D.- Bowels of Earth
FFO- Swedish Death Metal

While the band has been split in two, Entombed A.D.'s side of Entombed have returned in 2019 for an excellent display of death metal. fast, heavy, brooding and just what you want from some of the pioneers of one of the strongest genres in death metal. Pure gem of an album and exactly what you need in 2019 if you're into death metal.

76.) Forever Still- Breathe in Colours
FFO- Melodic Metal, Alternative Metal

THis band's sophomore album showcases the band becoming even stronger in their sound. A wonderful mix of melodic metal, alternative metal, and dark overtones makes this album stand out and phenomenal vocals from soaring cleans to haunting raspy lows. This is what you wish you were hearing on top 40 radio and once you listen to the band you'll understand why. This is phenomenal work.

75.) Silvertomb- Edge of Existence
FFO- Gothic Rock, Hard Rock, Doom Metal

The debut album from Silvertomb shows all the members of the band branching out from their former bands and showing sides you'd never expect. While the album does get heavy and brooding, there are these melodic riffs and styles that really stand out and makes the music speak for itself. Once you give it a spin, I think you'll understand better. this is an underrated album that should be on your radar.

74.) Crazy Lixx- Forever Wild
FFO- Glam Metal, Hard Rock

What a perfect throwback to the best music parts of the 80s glam scene. Crazy Lixx has been making fantastic music since 2002 and 17 years later, it's like they just started with their enthusiasm, inspired riffs and just a fun atmosphere that is missing in rock music today. Sometimes going back is truly going forward and that's what Crazy Lixx brings to the table. Go check this one out!

73.) Thy Art Is Murder- Human Target
FFO- Deathcore

If I am going to check out a deathcore band, it better be in this style. Substance over style. TAIM is much more than just breakdowns and pits; While both of those are there in spades, the music actually stands out no matter how blistering fast or deceivingly slow it gets. This is for the heavy fan that wants it all in deathcore from the lyrics to riffs to great production and what you know will be a killer show when you hear these songs live. Even for my non deathcore fans *or at least the people who read these lists every year* go give this a shot, you may be happily surprised.

72.) Chrome Waves- A Grief Observed
FFO- Post Black Metal

For as long as I've been a fan of this band, it blows my mind that this is only their debut LP that has been released this year. The post balck metal band shows off their signature blend of atmospheric black metal, post rock, and a heart ripping lyrical presence that makes this band one that brings you to the bowels of the grave, but it returns you feeling less alone. This is what I want from my post black metal and Chrome Waves pioneered it before it became cool with their 2012 EP, go find out what you've been missing all this time.

71.) Misery Index- Rituals of Power
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore

This was my favorite deathgrind album of the year for quite some time, and for good reason. This is the most inspired I've ever heard the band been ever. The production really shows off the brutality so well. The songwriting is also at levels that other bands can only aspire to obtain one day. This is THE Misery Index album from the band so far and if you missed it, remedy that now.

70.) Exhorder- Mourn The Southern Skies
FFO- Groove Metal, Thrash Metal

This is an album I never thought I'd get to talk about as I never thought the band would return to make a new album. I am so happy to have been wrong. Mourn The Southern Skies sounds like the band never left, yet it feels like all of the time they took recharged their batteries to become a new entity. WHile yes, it has their signature southern metal style all over this album, it's updated and just different enough to make this album you always wanted from the band and we are so honored to have it here for your enjoyment. If you want to know where southern groove metal came from, check out Exhorder.

69.) Blind Guardian Twilight Orchestra- Legacy of the Dark Lands
FFO- Orchestral

If you go into this album thinking it is going to be a full on Blind Guardian power metal album, you will be disappointed. If you go into this thinking it's just an orchestral album with Hansi on vocals, you will also be disappointed album. While you do not hear the electric guitar, bass and double bass drums you know in the band, this is a full on Blind Guardian album with the power of the Twilight Orchestra backing the band musically to tell an amazing story that brings you back to days such as NIghtfall in Middle Earth. It's not traditional metal nor is it what you will expect to hear at your local symphony orchestra; It's Bl;ind Guardian at arguably their best. Just let the music flow and enjoy.

68.) Vitriol- To Bathe from the Throat of Cowardice
FFO- Death Metal

No nonsense death metal. This debut album from this Portland band is the perfect showcase of amazing talent and amazing restraint. While everyone in the band is capable of so much on their respective instruments, they only show it off in doses and let the songs speak for themselves. This is a 44 minute attack of the sense that brings you back to when death metal can be brutal yet musical and not over the top wanking. Vitriol is going to destroy everything in it's path. Just you wait!

67.) Nott- The Great Furnace
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Progressive Metal

Another debut album featuring the same vocalist of Chrome Waves featured earlier. Nott is an Atmospheric Black Metal band that pushes the boundaries of their sound, it gets proggy, it gets avant garde, it gets folky at times. There are no boundaries that are left unturned here. A fantastic display of what creative minds can do when they make the music they want to make. Nott is going to continue making big waves in the future and I can't wait to see what's next.

66.) Gygax- High Fantasy
FFO- Heavy Metal, hard Rock, D&D

The band's 3rd album since 2019 is another fantastic display of what a table top game can truly inspire. While the band is not breaking new ground or reinventing the wheel; that was never their intention. They are writing what fits the band, fits the style and making sure every song is as solid as the next. That's all you need in Gygax and they bring it to us in spades. Go check this out and see what you roll!

65.) Eluveitie- Ategnatos
FFO- Folk Metal

As much as I've loved the band over the last decade; the band is FINALLY back to their roots of the first two albums and it is amazing to hear that. This album rivals my love of their debut album Spirit as their best album to date. In a lot of ways, the band is back to that spirit but with updated production and even more killer songwriting. This is what I've missed about Eluveitie and I am so happy to see it come back home. The band will only get better from here on out.

64.) Gloryhammer- Legends from Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex
FFO- Come On, You Know Who This Is For

As mentioned on my Top Epics of 2019 list. Gloryhammer is THE power metal band. While Dragonforce and Twilight Force come close, no one envisions the absolute power and glory that the genre is defined by than Gloryhammer. While this album is simply a solid Gloryhammer album, it doesn't need to be anything else. It's fun, catchy, doesn't take itself seriously at all, and just makes you smile when you hear it. That's what I go to power metal for and as long as they keep this up, I'll never be dissatisfied.

63.) Ashbringer- Absolution
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Folk Metal

There sure is a lot of Minnesota bands on my list this year for someone who is accused of not caring about Minnesota bands by a particular scene, but I'll digress. Ashbringer's 3rd album shows the band at their most diverse. Showing off more of their post rock, folk, and acoustic elements that really give the band a fantastic touch. It's almost feels like a Minnesota version of Agalloch. I am also so happy to see the band got signed to Prosthetic Records as they are a band that truly deserved to be able to get out their and show the world their style of atmospheric black metal. I've loved Ashbringer since they started and I know as long as they keep at it, they will only get bigger and stronger from here on out. Go! Go listen to them now!

62.) Dream Theater- Distance Over Time
FFO- Progressive Metal

Yeah, who saw this coming? I know I didn't. There is so much I could say about this that I even maybe should say, but I will say this. It's the band's best album in the Post-Portnoy era. It's actually the first album to be under an hour since Images in Words in 1992. The songs are concise, as long as they need to be. The tones are magnificent, the production is quite clear this go around, and the band seems to be in a great headspace. For personal reasons, this came out at a time I simply couldn't devote to listening to it as much as others did and in my line of work, I lost track of it over time. Far from a bad or even a mediocre album. It's a solid DT album and may even win over those that gave up on the band long ago. Let's see if it does.

61.) Opeth- In Cauda Venenum
FFO- Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic

Another band in the prog world that bands jumped ship from nearly a decade ago (where does the time go?) Opeth returned for their 4th album since dropping the death metal elements of the band to be a proggy, psychedelic, nearly fusion type band. Many say they lost their intensity over the years and that is simply not true. This album sees the band at their absolute darkest possibly ever (just read the lyrics). And the band also is showcasing if not their heaviest material in this new era, it's quite close. The music is also the most inspired since Blackwater Park, which I think truly says a lot. It's also really cool that there are two versions of this album; one sung in English one sung in Swedish (a first for the band). It's great to see that after all this time, the band continues to push the boundaries of what their sound can be. Will this win back the growling fans, of course not, but at this point, they don't need to. They get to be themselves and that is truly for the best.




And there you go folks! Another 20 albums down and only 3 parts left of this monolith of a list. Come back tomorrow for Part IV: 60-41

SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Hey Everybody! It's That Drummer Guy here back with my yearly tradition of showing off the top 100 albums of the year. I simply can't believe that not only the year is almost up, but the DECADE is almost over as well. 2020 will be 9 years since I started as That Drummer Guy and I have been thankful to be able to check out, discover, and promote so many good bands and albums in that time. So let's kick off the end of the decade right with Part II of this gigantic list. For anyone confused, the Honorable Mentions (20 albums in total) are part one and can be checked out here.

Let's go over the ground rules:

1.) This is my own personal top 100 list, that is made in 6 parts. Parts II-VI is the Top 100 and Part I is the Honorable Mentions. Check back every day for a new part till all six are available.
2.) This is done 20 albums per part, in countdown order (100-1).
3.) As mentioned, this is my own list. I am not paid, asked, or sponsored by any band, label, etc.My choices are mine and mine alone.
4.) 2019 has been an incredibly horrible year for my personal life and I have not been able to cover nearly as much music as I had hoped. There is many albums that I really dug that I had to cut from the list do to not being able to hear it enough, giving it enough time or simply it wasn't my bag...baby.
5.) CHECK OUT EVERY PART OF THIS LIST!!! My favorite one may be yours as well. Your favorite album may be number 17 or 34 or 89 or even an honorable mention. You simply don't know if you skip any part. The numbers don't matter; a good album is a good album. All of these are good albums.
6.) All 100 albums of the list will be made into a Spotify list (or at least as many that are on Spotify), where I'll pick a track from each album and show it off countdown style. Check back every day for the playlist to updated till the list is complete.
7.) The whole purpose of list is to not only show off my favorite albums of the year, but to try to get every person who reads this recommendations for new music to check out. My goal is to have everyone make one new discovery they dig. If you do, spread the joy!

Now let's do this thing!

100.) Odd Logic- Last Watch of the Nightingale
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

Odd Logic's new album is a tad bit more on the darker side compared to their previous material, but it strongly benefits the band. From catchy hooks, amazing twists and turns and undeniable songwriting; Odd Logic is an underground prog band that deserves your love and attention. If you want a mix of Dream Theater, Riverside, Opeth, and Porcupine Tree; this is the band for you.

99.) Car Bomb- Mordial
FFO- Mathcore, Experimental, Progressive Metal

Car Bomb's 4th album is one that features some of it's catchiest moments ever, while showing off some of the most experimental and left of center genre shifts you may hear all year. It bone crushingly heavy, with crystal clear production and off the charts musicianship. If you want your music unconventional, Car Bomb is your gateway into what's possible in to heavy side of unconventional and Mordial is your welcome pamphlet.

98.) Freedom Call- M.E.T.A.L.
FFO- Power Metal, Fun

Gloryhammer or Rage are the only other power metal band's that come close to rivaling Freedom Call for the amount of fun you can have listening to an album and seeing a band live. The latest album from this longstanding German band has some of their most fun moments matching with their most sing along worthy choruses and the undeniable mention that metal is for everyone. Elitists can go away, Freedom Call is here to stay!

97.) Kadavar- For The Dead Travel Fast
FFO- Occult Rock, Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock

Kadavar's latest album shows the band returning to it's horror roots with not only their lyrics, production, and writing style; but the band literally took their album cover picture right in front of Dracula's castle! The band still continues to show off their diversity and each song is a great horror story in and of itself. For the uninitiated; if you want Ghost without the theatrics, Kadavar should be your new favorite band.

96.) Ringworm- Death Becomes My Voice
FFO- Hardcore, Crossover Thrash

There is not many vocalists that can match even a tenth of the anger, power and intensity that Human Furnace shows off on every single album. The latest release from Ringworm shows the band becoming even more intense yet with some of the musical moments and killer solos of the band's career. This is simply how you make some of the most intense music you can ever hear. Check out Ringworm!

95.) Despised Icon- Purgatory
FFO- Deathcore, Death Metal

Easily the band's best work to date; Purgatory show's the band show off more of their diversity while never losing what made the band stand out in the first place. The riffs and breakdowns are some of the best in this style all year. This is the return of the band that no one knew they needed. If this is how brutal the album sounds, the live shows will be absolutely insane!

94.) Turilli/ Lione Rhapsody- Zero Gravity (Rebirth and Evolution)
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Neoclassical Metal, Modern Metal

WHile there have been so many renditions of Rhapsody that it can be very hard to keep track; Turilli and Lione have rejoined forces for their version of the band and created a new chapter of the band's legacy. WHile still keeping tinges of their original sound; the band added a sense of modern metal, synths, and shorter songs that really make the band appeal not only to a potential new fanbase, but appealing to the band themselves instead of making the same music over and over again. This is one of the most refreshing Rhapsody albums ever and you really need to give it a spin.

93.) Lord- Fallen Idols
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

Lord's 6th album shows the band with blistering riffs, soaring vocals, and some of the catchiest choruses in power metal this year. This Australian band has only gotten stronger over the years and 16 years in, the band has no signs of slowing down or writing stale songs. Watch as this band continues to rise and rise with fantastic albums.

92.) Aenimus- Dreamcatcher
FFO- Extreme Progressive Metal

Taking the works of Stephen King and making songs surrounding some of the band's favorite novels; Aenimus continues to grow and grow with each subsequent album and Dreamcatcher is undoubtedly their best work to date. The unique sense of atmosphere really add to the band sound of heavy breakdowns, insane riff changes and crisp production style. Whether you like horror, extreme music or both, do yourself a favor and pick up Dreamcatcher!

91.) Nile- Vile Nilotic Rites
FFO- Brutal Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

Gotta be completely and utterly honest here, I never thought I'd enjoy a Nile album again. The last several albums haven't really been my bag sansa a few songs here and there. That completely changed here with Vile Nilotic Rites. The band has evolved and become the strongest they have been since possibly the beginning of the band.  Inspired songs, not just brutal for the sake of being brutal, every note matter. Nile is back in top form and you left the river, it's time to get back in and see where the band is at now.

90.) Destruction- Born To Perish
FFO- Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

There's not much to say about this legendary German thrash band that hasn't been said over the year. THis band is one of the most underrated bands in all of thrash and every album they release is a pure gem. Born to Perish is no different. A perfect thrash album from start to finish from one of the best bands in thrash. What else could you possibly as for?

89.) Afterhand- Escaping Misfortune
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

Afterhand is a prog band from Salt Lake City and they have come in like a firestorm with Escaping Misfortune. The band's debut album is such a unique blend of prog styles that really makes the band stand out. Sing along choruses, heavy riffs, great production, and excelled musicianship and songwriting; Afterhand has what it takes to become one of the standout bands of the next decade. Check them out now before the explode to the masses.

88.) Rotting Christ- The Heretics
FFO- Experimental Black Metal, Melodic Black Metal

Simply put, this is the best Rotting Christ album ever. This is what I've always wanted from the band. Their awesome black metal styling but diverse, captivating and the absolutely perfect closing track with The Raven. While the name will scare away many (possibly that's the point) I highly suggest going into this album with no reservations, let this album play and see what you enjoy. No preconceived notions and see that names are not all a band has going for it; it's the music.

87.) Ardours- Last Place On Earth
FFO- Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal

Had I been able to check out this album more, this could have easily been in my top 20 of the year; it's that good. Some of the most inspired songs of the year combining such a great gothic atmosphere with alternative metal and hints of 80s power choruses. Imagine  mid era Anathema mixed with Coheed and Cambria and hints of Eurythmics. Just because it's low on this list doesn't mean it's not one of the best albums of the year. Seriously, give this one a go, It's more than worth it.

86.) Plague of Stars- Daedalus
FFO- Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal, Black Metal

There's many more genres I could throw into that FFO section as well, but that gives a good stance of what Plague of Stars has to offer. With some jaw dropping vocals, mindblowing songwriting, and the perfect raw, dark, and haunting production; Plague of Stars is one of the....ugh, sorry for the pun...shining stars of the Minnesota Metal scene. Give them a shot and understand why genre labels only can define so much of a band's sound.

85.) Abrahma- In Time for the Last Rays of Light
FFO- Post Metal, Doom Metal

A discovery I made earlier this year that has be constantly going back to it is Abrahma's 3rd album and there's good reason for it. It's not that often where you hear a band that is classified in the doom, post metal, stoner rock genres that really stands out unless they innovate something first. With Abrahma, they definitely do that and then some with excelled vocals, fantastic songwriting, and brilliant musicianship. Think of a French version of Pallbearer, but give it it's own spins and you have this band. Seriously don't sleep on these guys, this is amazing work.

84.) Drifting Sun- Planet Junkie
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

This studio band is some of the best prog bands releasing an album in 2019. not being shackled by having to play live or touring or worrying if something will translate live; Drifting Sun literally just focuses on making the best songs possible. Their styles of early prog mixed with enough modern styles and catchy flair makes this band stand out in the sea of prog bands that you see how other bands get lost in the shuffle. If you want some forward thinking prog this year, check out Drifting Sun.

83.) Aspherium- The Embers of Eternity
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore, Progressive Metal

You don't often hear about Norwegian melodeath the way you hear about Swedish melodeath; but it's there and it is ferocious. This band's third album is with melodeath riffs and sensibility, metalcore tendencies, and progressive changes and time lengths. This band truly shows what a band is capable of by being themselves and writing the best music they can. A band you may miss, but you must remedy that now.

82.) Une Misere- Sermon
FFO- Blackened Hardcore

The debut album from this brilliant Icelandic band is one that you need to experience. Throwing away any need to stay true to one main style; The band has such a unique blend of black metal and hardcore and mathcore that it's just an apocalyptic mix of breakdowns and black metal tremolos and blasts. This is a band that will take the world by storm in the next decade, just you wait and see.

81.) Puppy- The Goat
FFO- Alternative Metal, Occult Rock

As I mentioned in my best EPs of the year list; Puppy is like King's X making occult rock; though on The Goat, the band added much more to their sound from that EP (or did they strip down for iii to sound more KX?) with more abstract sounds, catchy hook after catchy hook and a band that should be on the top of the rock rocks right now. In a perfect world they would be there touring stadiums. Maybe one day. But till then, check out the band's debut LP (4th release overall) and see what this band is all about before the masses discover the band.



And there we go folks, 20 albums down, 80 to go. I hope you enjoyed tis list and come back tomorrow for Part III: 80-61. See Ya!


- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Alright everyone, it's time, it's time. It's Vader ti....wait wrong area of entertainment. We're back here again for another year of great music that you either missed out on, haven't heard yet, are your favorites, or think completely suck. 2019 has had a lot of great things happen musically and I got 100 albums to show you next week, but until then, I got 20 that didn't make the cut. I can pretty much say for all of these, it either comes down to I didn't have enough time to hear these to rank them higher, I heard them too late to fairly put them on the list, or simply found other albums I dug more. 2019 has been a really rough year on my end and I sadly have not been able to cover as much as I have wanted to. With that in mind I only have 20 honorable mentions this year. Though to make up for that, I have a special list coming at the end of the year that just may be up your alley if you dig 2010s music. I simply can't stress this enough, especially if you are new...I don't think these albums suck. I dig all of them and that's why I am taking the time to write these up for you as one of these could be your Album of the Year. All 120 in these lists are worthy of my time and they be worthy of yours, don't let the ranking numbers fool you, a good album is a good album.

As these are the honorable mentions, I am doing these 20 in alphabetical order, but numbered on the side, in case you get lost on where an album you're interested is located. The Top 100 will be in countdown order. Let's Begin!



1.) Allegaeon- Apoptosis
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Metal

Back with their signature belnd of tech, prog and melodeath comes the brand new album from Allegaeon. Musically, this is a grand step up from their previous album, Proponent of Sentience, which made the top 100 in 2016. The band feels even tighter, the songs feel stronger, and the overall vibe has this great sense of structure and wonder that makes a fan of almost any style of metal take notice and enjoy. Plus if you are big on science, science fiction, & philosophy; this is the band for you! GO check them out!

2.) The Aristocrats- You Know What...?
FFO- Instrumental Progressive Rock

Sadly this and one other album are the only instrumental albums I have in contention for the best albums this year. It is not for a lack of albums, but a lack of time on my end to hear them. This is an album that deserves all the attention it can get. The band's 4th album shows the band at their most diverse, creative, and tightest. Between these three monsters of their crafts; there is no shortage of jaw dropping moments and moments that will tug on your heart and really make you think.You know what? If you dig 3 musical virtuosos creating instrumental music together; go check this album out immediately!

3.) Boris- Love & Evol
FFO- Doom Metal, Post Rock, Drone

I'm actually shocked to see Boris just in the honorable mentions this  year, but that's just how it rolls sometimes. With the diverse catalog Boris has, you never know what a new album will bring. With Love & Evol, You hear the band bring back many of it's doom metal and drone sides that many long time fans crave. The release is separated into two discs (yet each album is roughly a half hour) both showcase the darker side of the band compared to their lighter side shown on 2017's Dear. If you dig the band's earlier works, this will be right up your alley.

4.) Cellar Darling- The Spell
FFO- Progressive Folk Metal

Ever notice when a band says they are going to release a heavier album and it ends up sounding very light, fluffy and mainstream? That's not what happened here. The band's sophomore album takes a much darker and sinister turn. The songs are still catchy as all get go, but the whole vibe of the album really feels like this is what the band has been trying to achieve. I only wish I had been able to take more time to appreciate it as it is more than worthy of all the praise it has recieved.

5.) Edenbridge- Dynamind
FFO- Symphonic Power Metal, Progressive Metal

One of the most consistently great bands of their style, Edenbridge has released another album that is perfect for long time fans and those that are just getting acquainted with the band. Catchy, heavy in the right moments, epic as it can get; Dynamind has all the flavors that brings in the symphonic power metal masses and it's just another fantastically solid album.

6.) Falaise- A Place I Don't Belong To
FFO- Depressive Blackgaze

Falaise's 3rd album is such a beautiful and depressing album at the same time. the production is just clean/raw enough to make you feel the emotion in the lyrics. The songs themselves are wonderfully crafted and the lyrics are so bittersweet and relateable. While the vocals will not be for everyone, I highly advise anyone that digs blackgaze to give this album a shot it is an album you simply do not want to miss.

7.) Frantic Amber- Bellatrix
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

This international sensation is back with their sophomore album and they have returned with some of the most ferocious songs you'll hear all year. With a concept celebrating great women of history and war; Bellatrix represents each woman talked about perfectly in the metal sense and really gives you a very cool look of history while you try not to snap your neck headbanging, easily a band and album that deserves your ears.

8.) Kayo Dot- Blasphemy
FFO- Kayo Dot

You simply won't hear the same style of Kayo Dot album done twice. the band is incapable of it. with Blasphemy, they take on more of their avant garde stylings, but combine it with synth heavy moments, post rock inklings, and just that overall sense that Toby Driver and Co have release another fantastic Kayo Dot album. Again it's hard to describe the band with words, you simply must check it out and see if it's for you. If not, they may released an album that is totally for  you.

9.) Mgla- Age of Excuse
FFO- Black Metal

Mgla's 4th album is the first to come out in four years and they have been missed. I sadly did not have the time to be able to give this album the ranking it deserves (which is much higher), but this album is a perfect black metal album. 42 Minutes, covering the gambit of black metal, making some of the most cohesive music this year; yeah, this album rules. Honestly, you're missing out if you dig Black Metal and never heard of Mgla.

10.) The Mute Gods- Atheists & Believers
FFO- Depressing Progressive Rock

Another album that breaks me to put in the honorable mentions list and not in the top 100, but it is because I just was not able to give this album the spins it deserves. The band continues to grow more cynical with each album, and rightfully so. The lyrics are so dreadful, but honest in today's world. Plus the music perfectly captures that prog rock sound, and just upbeat and catchy enough to feel like a paradox with the lyrical content. The Mute Gods are such a fantastic band and you really should give this new album a shot.

11.) Myrath- Shehili
FFO- Middle Eastern Progressive Metal

Myrath is a band that's incapable of putting out a bad album. With Shehili, the band has it's best production to date, soaring vocals, and that ever flavorful Middle Eastern/folk vibe that makes the songs truly stand out and grab your attention. Myrath deserve to be one of the biggest prog bands in the world, go check them out and help them get to the top.

12.) Oceanwake- Light Flashing in Mute Scenery
FFO- Doom Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal

Another band releasing their 4th outing, Oceanwake brings some of the most somber sounding death/doom metal to 2019. Bordering on straight up funeral doom metal, Oceanwake have that keen sense of dread, somber tones, and moody vibes that truly make the band one of the most powerful in it's style. An overlooked band by some, but one that should be no longer. I mean it, this is some amazing work!

13.) Rise Twain- Rise Twain
FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock, Indie Rock

Rise Twain released their self titled debut this year and it's not being talked about enough. With such a unique sense of musical chemistry, the band has written some of the most ear catching and attention grabbing prog rock of the year. It won't be  up everyone's stream, but for that's that enjoy it, you will have found a new favorite band and they are worthy of that attention you give.

14.) Satan Takes A Holiday- A New Sensation
FFO- Alternative Rock, Indie Rock

Proving once again that Sweden is not all ABBA and melodic death metal; Satan Takes A Holiday brings on one of their most electric outing's in the band's career. Such a fun, catchy album that really gives off great vibes that you want to hear on top 40 radio, but is currently lacking. A New Sensation is literally that; it feels like a new yet familiar take on the band with the band improving and writing their best material to date. An album and band that should not be overlooked.

15.) The Three Tremors- The Three Tremors
FFO- Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Thrash Metal

Ripper Owens, Sean Peck, and The Tyrant on one album, singing together showing off their amazing pipes over some perfectly tracked and mood setting evil sounding heavy metal. What more could you possibly ask for? This is a power metal, heavy metal and thrash metal treat and this album helps you savor the flavor. THis is what a group of well known singers making an album should sound like and I'm grateful this happened. Can't wait to see what's next.

16.) Varaha- A Passage For Lost Years
FFO- Post Metal, Gothic Metal, Doom Metal

The debut release from Varaha has that perfect blend of gothic, doom and post metal that many bands try to achieve but never grasp. Combining elements of early day Anathema, Paradise Lost and Opeth into one hauntingly perfect album is no easy feat, but it's done here in strides. I wish I h ad more time wit this one, but you should not overlook it if you want something on the heartbreaking, relateable yet uplifting side.

17.) Vaura- Sables
FFO- Gothic Rock, Post Punk, Avant Garde

I can't beleive that it's been 6 years since the band's last album. That may explain why I was so late to this party. Every album Vaura releases feels like such a different adventure and on Sables, it really feels like the band took their nods to post punk and updated enough with a modern sound and layered it in this goth rock tinge that makes it such a unique experience. Quite unconventional, but that's what makes it so intriguing and enjoyable. 

18.) Witchden- Deus Nihil
FFO- Sludge Metal, Black Metal

YOu didn't know you wanted a band that combined elements of Celtic Frost, Bathory, The Melvins, and Weedeater...did you? That's what this MInnesota band brings to the table with their unique blend of sludgy black metal that just hits home with all of the bases covered. A great raw production that is clear and presentable amongst it's rich heavy tones and atmosphere. WItchden is one of the best bands going in Minnesota, time you find out why.

19.) Yurei- Saudade
FFO- Instrumental Modern Metal

One of the most mindblowing instrumental debuts I've ever heard. Combining a love of video game soundtracks, modern metal, and some of the most insane guitar playing you'll see this side of Guthrie Govan or Tosin Abasi. The album itself feels like a video game, going through every level and fighting your way through with a killer soundtrack backing you. THis is how you make music with no vocals. Memorable, catchy, monumental and leave you wanting more.

20.) The 69 Eyes- West End
FFO- Gothic Rock, Glam Metal

This band has been going strong for 30 years and the band has no sign of slowing down. West End provides some of the heaviest, catchiest and darkest songs the band has ever created. The song 27 and Done is the perfect example of all three. Finland has provided some of the best bands to ever exist in rock and metal and The 69 Eyes goes underappreciated. That needs to change, Check out West End and see what you've been missing.



And there we go folks, My 20 honorable mentions for 2019. HOpefully you found something to enjoy here. If not, Don't Fret. My Top 100 Albums of 2019 starts on Monday with Part II: 100-81. See you then!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

2019 has become a year where more and more EPs are being made as albums are not on everyone's radar anymore. Covers are a great treat to close out or be fully recognized on a release. Live Albums are becoming more and more extinct but sometimes hearing a live album is just an incredible thing to hear. In this hodgepodge of lists, I will be covering all three. WHile these are nowhere near as extensive as the Top 100 List coming up next week, this is a nice treat for those that want different experiences.

As with the previous list, these are just my personal rankings in countdown order. Nothing personal at all and I have missed out on so many releases for reasons out of my control, but hopefully you will find something to enjoy. Let's Do It!



BEST EPs OF 2019

Honorable Mention 2: Arsis Thesis- Pangaea
FFO- Sludge Metal, Stoner Metal, Fuzz Rock, Hardcore

This 5 track debut release (released on April 20th no less...you know...4/20) is a great beginning for this band. It's raw feel mixed in with chaotic vibes, stoner doom goodness and original takes on this style really makes this album a joy to listen to. Never dull and doesn't overstay it's welcome. A fleshed out raw stoner release from a band that is sure to be doing great things in the future.

Honorable Mention 1: Vader- Thy Messenger
FFO- Death Metal

Vader is one of the most consistent death metal bands around. Their take on death metal mixed with thrash and undeniable hooks is what has kep the band rolling all these years. The band's latest 4 track release is a short, sweet, brutal showcase of where the band is at in 2019 and doesn't disappoint in the slightest. If you love Vader, this will keep you satisfied till the next monster of an album is released.

5.) Municipal Waste- The Last Rager
FFO- Crossover Thrash Metal

Municipal Waste, there's no one that does this style with more justice that wasn't part of the original wave of crossover thrash. The Last Rager is 4 tracks, barely over 10 minutes and it feels like a full release. All sides of the band are shown here between all 4 songs and it makes me want more. A definitive fun release.

4.) The Contortionist- Our Bones
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Alternative Rock

The Contortionist is definitely showing what it means to evolve as a band. From proggy deathcore roots, to some of the most calming and chill progressive metal you'll ever hear. Between three new songs and a cover I'll talk about in the next list; The Contortionist continues to push the boundaries of what the band is capable of achieving. I can only imagine how much the band will flourish on their next LP.

3.) Puppy- iii
FFO- Hard Rock, Alternative Metal, Occult Rock

This band has completely and utterly taken me by surprise and I love it. I actually checked out this EP before checking out their debut album and my jaw dropped to the grown. Imagine King's X doing occult rock. That is this EP and works so perfectly. Seriously I haven't heard a band do KX worship this well and it works magnificently. OF course there are other tinges to the band and this EP, but if you love that KX sound or you want something different, check out Puppy.

2.) Witherfall- Vintage
FFO- Dark Progressive Metal, Power Metal

I am being a stickler here and only not putting this at number 1 because the titl;e track is from 2018 (and I can't just put them at number 1 for everything despite me really, really wanting to.). The short story is original drummer (and one of my dearest friends) Adam Sagan passed away almost 3 years ago now and the band wrote their sophomore album, A Prelude to Sorrow, as a tribute album to Adam and you absolutely hear all of the pain, anger, and full on emotion on this album if you've experienced a hard loss. Vintage EP is the title track from the album, plus a couple covers, acoustic medley of Vintage and a couple new renditions of songs on the debut album; this is jam packed EP and you absolutely get your money's worth. Hopefully you will agree.

1.) Clemens Wijers- Parasite Twin
FFO- Avant Garde, Industrial, Symphonic

Wijers is best known for his work with Carach Angren and it's so fantastic what he can do on the side. Be it doing symphonic work with other bands or working on his own material he can just capture everything that needs to be done. Parasite Twin is a perfect, twisted, fun look at what is capable outside of Symphonic Black Metal. The title track is a humorous take on the movie Basket Case yet other tracks go into darker territory and feels just perfect. If Carach Angren is not your bag, but you like the ideals and imagery; maybe give Wijers' solo work a shot. It may be perfect for you!



BEST COVERS OF 2019

Honorable Mention 2: Dragonforce- My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion cover)

In fairness, I do love this cover and it totally fits an album titled Extreme Power Metal, but it's not my favorite Dragonforce cover (that goes to Death's Evil Dead). If you want what you would imagine Dragonforce covering Celine Dion would sound like, this is exactly it. a fun 3 and a half minute cheesy goodness cover.

Honorable Mention 1: Wednesday 13- Animal (Fuck Like A Beast) (W.A.S.P. cover)

Anyone who covers W.A.S.P. in 2019 gets an A in my book. When you cover their best song, that makes things even better. Funny enough not having the industrial or horror aspects in this cover at all; it feels like a mostly straight ahead cover with just enough double bass fun and raspier vocals to make this a signature W13 song in live shows (I Hope). All in all, this cover rules!

5.) Rage Of Light- Twilight Of The Thunder God (Amon Amarth cover)

The song that introduced the majority of the metal world to Amon Amarth has been covered by some great bands. Most famously by Swedish band Sabaton. This cover features the song with much more symphonic, synth heavy, and some of the most ferocious female vocals you will hear in 2019. If you want a different take on this song to make it just a tad poppier, this is right up your alley.

4.) The Contortionist- 1979 (Smashing Pumpkins cover)

The band that wrote Exoplanet, nearly a decade later, records a Smashing Pumpkins that is not only better than the original, but sounds like it was recorded by an entirely different band. I love that The Contortionist has no limits to what they can record and making a flawless cover of this classic song with zero tinges of metal or prog and just playing for the song is just fantastic to listen to. A sheer delight on a killer EP from one of the best proggy bands around.

3.) Chrome Waves- Something In The Way (Nirvana Cover)

Not being a Nirvana fan (sorry, I'm just not), this was the one song I did truly appreciate from the band., It felt so different than what the band was known for and became known for later. Chrome Waves took this dark closer of a song and made it into one of the darkest covers of the year. besides some cymbal flourishes, there is no percussion, just synths, strings, guitar and haunting vocals. I love when a band can take a dark song and make it even dark and Chrome Waves nailed it. Seriously, check this one out!

2.) Mastodon- Stairway To Heaven (Led Zepplin cover)

Tragedy can sometimes bring a band to write their best work; or in this case, show off one of the great covers you will ever hear. A nearly flawless note for note remake of one of the most famous rock songs ever made. Vocals by Brann Dailor (seriously, how much better has Mastodon improved since he became one of the lead singers of the band?) have such a great haunting vibe and absolutely matches the reason this cover exists. Saying goodbye to long time manager Nick John; this is such a beautiful way to say farewell. It is hard press to find a cover with more passion and heart behind it than this one...

1.) Witherfall- I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty cover)

...yet there is one cover I found. Yes, Witherfall has a way to make me tear up when they record something in the memory of Adam Sagan. This cover, while not only a rousing acoustic version of the song; it sings perfectly to Adam's spirit as this was his mentality his entire life. I never met anyone that had a passion for life more than Adam. This views on life his positive energy, his love of wanting to see everyone around him succeed;p it can't be replicated. When it came to his Lymphoma; this was his attitude, he wasn't going to leave this mortal coil without a fight and he was never going to back down. This rendition of the song is perfection and if only Adam could have heard it. What a great way to show his mentality and show haunting of a song a Tom Petty song can truly be.



BEST LIVE ALBUMS OF 2019

5.) Nightwish- Decades: Live In Buenos Aires

Floor Jansen is covering 3 eras of one of the most legendary symphonic bands in history with Decades. 21 songs that sound pitch perfect, no matter the era. The band is absolutely on fire and the crowd is in love with the band this night. If you want that full blown Nightwish live experience, this is a release you must have.

4.) Tribulation- Alive & Dead at Sodra Teatern

Playing all of the band's latest album, Down Below, and a full set of Best Of songs; Tribulation brings their flavor of blackened gothic metal in their first live release in the best way possible. Recorded in an old gothic theater really capture the band at their best and the performance in both sets is exactly what you would wish to hear. Tribulation simply rules and Alive & Dead proves what the band is capable of. I can't wait to see what's next.

3.) Entombed- Clandestine Live

The legends of Swedish death metal have returned to the live stage and in 2016 they did their most ambitious show. Playing a full set of their album Clandestine, with the Malmo Symphony Orchestra, then a set playing Clandestine just as Entombed and the killer track, Left Hand Path to close things out. This live release is of the 2nd set (though both sets are available on DVD). Hearing the classic album from start to finish brings you back to those early days of death metal and how  band that captured that sound still remains just as relevant and reliable after all these years. Seriously, check this out.

2.) Zeal & Ardor- Live In London

This band has taken the world by storm in the last few years and I hope that start continues to rise further and further. rather than a new album for 3 years in a row, the band released a live release that features basically both LPs and a couple other tunes to make a showcase of what African spirituals, black metal, and avant garde music can truly achieve. As great as the albums are, Live In London hears the band in their truest form. If you are not familiar with the band, I highly recommend checking this out first and get this ritual of a show a shot. It's more than worth it.

1.) Helloween- United Live In Madrid

What can be said about this live release that would truly capture it? It's Helloween in it's greatest form, featuring all three singers of the band singing together on stage. If you are not familiar with power metal and the true...power...it can have, this is a release you truly need to experience. Every Helloween song you could want is featured here and done to perfection; it feels like you are actually at the show. A truly remarkable show shown off here and is worthy of all the attention it can get.



And there you have it folks, 19 reviews in the worlds of cover songs, EPs, and live releases. Tune in next time for the start of That Drummer Guy's Top 100 albums of 2019 Part I: Honorable Mentions.


- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

2019...I can't believe that it is almost gone already. This year has been a complete and utter whirlwind for my personal life and work life. To focus on the latter, there has been so much good music to come out this year. I certainly can';t cover it all, but I like to think that I can cover a good chunk of the rock and metal worlds with my 2019 Best Of Lists. So why not start it off in an epic way with...the top 10 epics of the year?

So how I am going about this (if you're new) is that I am going in countdown order from 10 to 1 with what are my personal favorite songs over the 10 minute song length. No suites or multiple tracks on an album; one pure song over the ten minute mark. Let's crack on!


Honorable Mention:
Tool- 7empest- Fear Inoculum (15:44)
FFO: Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal

This epic was the shining light on an album that I feel was perfectly described in an interview I did earlier this year "The album feels like walking in the desert for an hour and a half". It truly does, some people will dig that, others will not. 7empest is the final "song" on the album and it is the song where all the riffs are hidden, the most most interesting rhythm section moments and MJK arguably does his best vocal work ever. Was the rest of the album worth the wait? Not for me, but the wait was worth it for this song alone. The nearly 16 minute song could (maybe should?) have been released on it's own and people would call it the greatest thing Tool has ever done. I still think it is. I will be shocked if they ever top 7empest for the rest of the band's career.

10.) Gloryhammer- The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny- Legends from Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex (12:34)
FFO- Power Metal, Epic Metal

WHile not breaking any new ground in the slightest, Gloryhammer doesn't need to do that anymore. If you familiar with the band at all, you know their over the top power metal stylings is not for the faint of heart, you either get it or you despise it. I love it and the band does not to change. The final track on this album is the perfect combination of everything the band is known for with a great story in the lyrics and just everything you love about the band. The perfect power metal/fun/cheesy blend you can't get enough of.

9.) Drifting Sun- Everlasting Creed- Planet Junkie (10:09)
FFO- Progressive Rock

With a pure love of progressive rock and metal before it's time; Drifting Sun was able to capture so much of what really makes prog rock work in a slightly over the 10 minute mark (just BARELY made the list criteria). The song is a whirlwind of keys, 70s inspired sounds, modern prog tinges, and amazing guest vocal work from Joshua Corum of Head With Wings. If you like your prog with natural twists and turns; I can't recommend this band enough and Everlasting Creed will be the song to suck you into the band.

8.) Together To The Stars- Apathy- An Oblivion Above (11:51)
FFO- Blackgaze, Post Hardcore

When you think of Stockholm, Sweden, you're first thought is of the Swedish melodeath scene created in the 90s. That is not all that has evolved there and Together To The Stars proves that. With the band's debut album, they have perfectly melded blackgaze and post hardcore into an emotional impasse that really grabs you. The nearly 12 minute epic shows this off in strides, never feeling meandering or boring and a constant ebb and flow that just makes you happy that you stayed for the ride.

7.) Cult of Luna- The Fall- A Dawn To Fear (13:13)
FFO- Post Metal

Cult of Luna made arguably their best work at the time with their previous album with Julie Christmas. So how was the band ever going to top that? By being themselves and letting the music go where it needed to go. That's what happens with this album and with The Fall, it showcases what the band is about in 2019. The combination of heavy, melodic, slow, somber, and brilliant songwriting take this track to where it needed to go. Truly a post metal masterpiece of an epic.

6.) Blood Incantation- Awakening From the Dream of Existence to the Multidimensional Nature of Our Reality (Mirror of the Soul)- Hidden History of the Human Race- (18:02)
FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal

It's not too often that you hear a death metal band outside of Gorguts attempt to do epic length songs. Usually it's as fast, heavy, and brutal in as short of time it needs to take. While the rest of the album (all 3 other track), follows closer to that rhetoric, the epic song with an absurdly long title track,  shows what can be done in a true epic length death metal song. The brutality is there, but so are atmospheric tinges and mindblowing riffs and songwriting that make this adventure of a song something you want to experience again and again. There is a reason Blood Incantation is starting to get the attention they deserve, why don't you find out for yourself what all the hubbub is about.

5.) Panopticon- The Crescendo of Dusk- The Crescendo of Dusk (13:53)
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, North American Folk Metal

While Panoptiocon has stripped a lot of the folk, bluegrass and Americana sounds from their black metal sides (those sides are still there, but in their own songs) The Crescendo of Dusk feels like a track that really captures the dark aspects of what the band was originally known for with more ominous keys and synths. The power of this band is fully in tact and I don't think the other sides of the band have been put to rest, but it is great seeing the band showcasing that they are an atmospheric black metal band first and foremost. Give this a shot.

4.) Periphery- Reptile- Periphery IV: HAIL STAN! (16:44)
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

Simply put this is the best Periphery song of the band's best album since PII. After losing the shackles of being on a label and creating their own, the band was free to make the music they wanted to make. What's a better way to do that then putting out a nearly 17 minute track as the opener for your brand new album? Everything I personally love about the band is in this song. What people referred to as Djent in the past is all but a spice in the flavoring of the band now. It is much more about writing the songs they want to make, no matter how abstract of left of center it becomes and the band benefits from that so much more. This opening track gives you a great taste of whats to come on the rest of the album (much shorter songs for the rest), but this has the potential to be the best Periphery song to date and it is more than worthy of that title.

3.) Devin Townsend- Singularity- Empath (22:33)
FFO- Devin Townsend

Hevy Devy has gone through so many changes and metamorphoses in his life. Empath is the beginning of that next chapter. No longer wanting to be in a "band" but being able to do anything he literally wants to write, Townsend decided to write nearly everything he possibly could with Empath. the closing track, Singularity is a great culmination of that fact. Starting off so pretty for so long, then becomes a tad bit strange and eerie, then becoming a full blown cyclone of progressive destruction. Going from hitting insane BPMs to moments that remind you of The Great Masturbator off the album Deconstruction. This album hits so many strange and exotic territories. It's just fantastic hearing Devin be happy making music again and you hear that so much in this 22 and a half minute epic.

2.) the Offering- Home- Home (14:42)
FFO- Extreme Metal

I don't think there is a fair way to describe this band or this epic to give it full context.  The transitions of sound going from a nu metal riff into power metal going into death metal going into progressive metal and so much more I am leaving out. It sounds like a complete hodgepodge but it is a perfect hodgepodge of sound. The title epic track shows off the band is capable of and so much more. It's such a trip listening to this album. There may be parts you don't enjoy if you only stick to one genre or two, the parts that you do enjoy makes up for everything! the Offering has the makings to be a trendsetter for what is coming next in metal and I can't wait to see what's next.

1.) Finsterforst- Ecco Homo- Zerfall (36:29)
FFO- Folk Metal, Pagan Metal

This absolute monster of an epic is exactly what more bands need to strive for in their music. Literally a song that is longer than so many studio albums in the world; Finsterforst made a true epic story in this 36 and a half minute track that is an incredible rush to hear. The melodies, harmonies, songwriting, tones, and especially the production on this track makes Finsterforst stand out in the sea of folk and pagan metal bands in the world. If you are up for the journey of Ecco Homo, I can't recommend this track enough, it's more than worth the ride.



Alright Kids, there's are first list for That Drummer Guy's Best of 2019. Go check out some brand new epics, bands and tune in next time to see what list comes next!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)