We are almost at the promise lan...oh wait there's 7 more parts before the finale, but hey Mr. Bon Jovi said himself that we are half way there (well, when you get to the end of this section)! 7 parts in, and after this 7 to go. Let do this thing!

Here's How The Rules Go Down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.

So...Let's get it on!

200.) 30 Seconds to Mars- A Beautiful Lie (2005)
FFO- Space Rock, Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that the first two 30STM albums are two of the finest rock albums of the early 2000s. Everything that came after though.....but hey, let's focus on the good shall we! Wile my heart actually be more in the self titled album, I can't deny that A Beautiful Lie is the better album overall. It's the perfect blend of what made the band stand out on the self titled album and mixing in just enough mainstream appeal to grab everyone else's attention. Obviously The Kill and the title track became radio staples even to this day, but for the older fans, songs like Attack make you so happy to hear that great blend of rock, metal and prog being on an album that garners so much attention. Overall, a fantastic album that made, but also broke(?) the band. Gues that's all personal opinion. But again, the first two albums are brilliant and worthy of your time.

199.) Moron Police- Defenders of The Small Yard (2014)
FFO- Alternative Metal, Progressive Rock, Comedy

The album has a song called T-Bag Your Grandma, and if you didn't already know what that term is, they describe it in the chorus. If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about the band, I'm not sure what else could. This band does not take themselves seriously in the slightest, but actually, they do enough to make seriously killer songs with great production and a vibe that tells you not to take life so seriously. This is a band that Frank Zappa would love if he was around in the 2010s. Get off your high horse and t-bag...I mean check out this band!

198.) Pyramaze- Immortal (2008)
FFO- Symphonic Progressive Power Metal

Matt Barlow has the power to make any band better that he sings in. It seemed almost impossible at the time that Pyramaze could get any better vocally, than Barlow came into the band with Immortal and put those thoughts to bed. Pyramaze itself is a band of wonder that really fills the void in all symphonic, power, and prog metal bands that mixing the genres could feel foolish. So why not make it all as epic as it can possibly be? You get that with every Pyramaze, but I have to give it to Immortal on this one. Though every album is killer, You just can't beat Matt Barlow singing this style...you just can't...

197.) Suspiria- Attitude (2009)
FFO- Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal Bits of Black Metal

Easily the best Suspiria album. It just combined the attitude (no pun intended), power, and songwriting the band has been trying to achieve up to this point and absolutely nailed it. Rising up from it's black metal roots and slowly evolving into what they became. Hell, even Chuck Billy and Shagrath make guest vocal appearances on this album, if that says anything at all. A true gem of an album that you should check out.

196.) Pantera- The Great Southern Trendkill (1996)
FFO- Groove Metal, Thrash Metal

The Penultimate album from this legendary band is the angriest, darkest, and my personal favorite album the band has ever done. This is true emotion on this album and those emotions are anger and sorrow. The band was in turmoil at this point for various reasons, and musically, you can hear it. But I mean that in a great way as when you have nothing left to lose, you show who you really are. TGST is that in a nutshell. PLUS, Floods is one of the greatest songs ever made (and Dimebag's best solo & and riff ever *you know the riff...the ending riff* are in this song). Even if you are not a big Pantera fan or you overlooked this album because Cowboys nor Walk are on it, go back and give this album the proper credit it deserves.

195.) Kalmah- Seventh Swamphany (2013)
FFO- Symphonic Death Metal, Power Metal

Kalmah is an example of why Finland, per capita, is the best country for metal. So many great, legendary bands are from here that really paved the way for what metal can be. Kalmah is an example of such a band, pushing the boundaries of symphonic death metal and power metal to it's extremes. 2013's Seventh Swamphany (as you may have guessed, their 7th album) continues that trek going even further in their sound and just becoming an even great band in the process. A seriously overlooked band in the grand scheme of things, that deserves all the love you can give. This album is a great starting point!

194.) Dying Fetus- Wrong One To Fuck With (2017)
FFO- Death Metal, Grindcore, Goregrind

The title alone should let you know how intense of an album this band put out in 2017. Featuring the band's best songwriting, production (that production though...) and musical boundary pushing is something that still amazes me two years later. This is what intense bands inspired by Dying Fetus should strive to achive (but, you know, in their own way). This is a death metal/goregrind, grindcore band that is hard top!

193.) Ramallah- Kill A Celebrity (2005)
FFO- Heavy Hardcore

Man, does this album hold up even more 14 years later than it did in 2005. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, or the world in general this album harbors all the hatred in you have in the world and spells it out right in front of you. From celebrity worship to the state of the world and just life in general; Ramallah just nailed those feeling amongst the heavy hardcore that is backing it up. It's short, sweet and killer. Give it a go!

192.) Iron Maiden- Dance Of Death (2003)
FFO- NWOBHM

Oh boy, I'm waiting for the replies and comments abut this one. My justification? A few things. First it was my first true introduction to the band outside the singles. Second, It's Bruce Dickinson and Co. reforming and getting back to what made them great after first getting back together on Brave New World. This feels like one of the most consistent yet boundary pushing Maiden albums ever. While almost all of the slack on this album goes towards the album cover...if you just listen to the music involved, you'll understand where I am coming from in saying this could be the best Maiden album and it is, for sure, my favorite.

191.) Hypocrisy- The Arrival (2004)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Hypocrisy has never put out a bad album and I don't think Peter Tagtgren is capable of putting out anything other than brilliant. With The Arrival, the world really started to take notice of the band and show off their true brilliance of melodeath songwriting. This is melodeath done right. Plus if you're not sold on the album Dan Swano wrote half of the album lyrically! Ok, not enough?....ALIENS! *there, that should seal the deal*

190.) Eluveitie- Spirit (2006)
FFO- Folk Metal

This is how you make folk metal. While other band try to be more fun with it, or take it into different directions; Eluveitie perfected it on their sophomore album and on their most recent album, Ategnatos, they brought it back to the roots of the band and made you remember what made the first two Eluveitie albums so perfect. Spirit takes the debut album and perfects and tweaks anything that was missing. Such a fantastic mix of folk, black metal, death metal, melody, and traditional songwriting. You truly need to listen!

189.) Junius- The Martyrdom Of A Catastophist (2009)
FFO- Post Metal, Art Rock, Experimental

Seeing this band open for Enslaved and Alcest (yeah, that tour ruled!) was a sight to see. Junius is a band that truly looks at music as an art form and wants to present it in all the ways that it can. While mainly focusing on the darkest aspects and horror of life, the band creates such a surreal atmosphere that can't be topped. As heavy as it gets, as dark as it gets, it never feels too metal or too boundary pushing. It perfectly fits for the mood and this album, in particular is a true, crowning achievement of that. The band can do no wrong.

188.) Protest The Hero- Kezia (2005)
FFO- Mathcore, Progressive Metal

While many, Many, MANY will disagree with me on this one (saying the follow up, Fortress is the band's best album) Kezia is the album for me. It's raw, unadulterated, and fantastic concept album. While, sure, the band perfected it's sound on later albums and you can even say the band gets better from here on out, this album is where it truly began for the band and you see them at their most primal and experimental, trying to find what works and what doesn't. In part of another great Canadian band, there is All Killer, No Filler on Kezia, and it will always be my favorite.

187.) Cattle Decapitation- The Anthropocene Extinction (2015)
FFO- Grindcore, Death Metal, Progressive Metal

Pretty much the exact opposite of the review above, Cattle Decapitation just gets more and more up my alley with every release and the fact that they did add progressive metal elements and clean vocals (strapping young lad style cleans/screams) only makes the band more boundary pushing and what I want out of music like this. As brutal as it absolutely gets, the brief moments of clarity on the album make the album stand out so much more and I can only hope that is even more expanded upon with the next album. For my prog nerd fans, this would be a great introduction into the dark side of metal with the prog elements shown off here, you just may get converted.

186.) ICS Vortex- Storm Seeker (2011)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Black Metal (without the black metal vocals)

SO far, this is the only solo album from this mastermind to date. And I hope that another solo album comes together at some point because this album is so brilliant and dangerously underrated. I have, for years, been trying to figure out the best way to describe this album and I think I finally got something. If Frank Zappa discovered Emperor's Prometheus album and Opeth's My Arms, Your Hearse album at the same time, and wanting to combine both albums...but make it with his signature quirk. Yeah the album is as abstract and (WTF did i I just read?) as it sounds, but seriously, give it a shot. Absolutely worth it, plus ICS Vortex has one of the best voices in Metal.

185.) Candiria- While They Were Sleeping (2016)
FFO- Math Metal, Progressive Metal, Jazz Metal

This band has had ups and down the world has never seen and in some aspects, should never have to go through. Thankfully, a few years back, the band came back for a brand new album and it is by far the freshest album of this style (if not in the band's history). The music takes their abstract styles of jazz prog and math metal and makes it into purely a sense of controlled chaos that I'm not sure any other band could pull off. I discover more on this album the more I listen to it, and that is truly the sense of a great album in this style. While the intent of this album as to start off a trilogy of albums about the concept going on in said album; I hope it comes to fruition, I NEED this side of Candiria back as often as possible!

184.) maudlin of the Well- Leaving Your Body Map
FFO- Avant Garde, Progressive Metal

To put it as simple as I can (which is hard in this case). If you like Kayo Dot, but want it more focused on prog and metal (most of the time); motW is the band for you. Leaving Your Mody Map might be the heaviest album overall between both bands and it is a completely bonkers albums (so right in line with every album between both bands). Look, my words here can only do so much. It's a very avant garde album and if that's up your alley and you haven't discovered maudlin of the Well yet, you found your new obsession.

183.) Converge- Jane Doe (2001)
FFO- Metalcore, Post Hardcore, Mathcore

Regarded as one of the best albums of it's genre, Jane Doe is the perfect example (lyrically) of your mind being so overwhelmed that it can destroy you and everyone around you (family, friends, relationships, etc). A great statement of mental health, really. Plus the title track is probably the greatest song ever made in metalcore (I'll go on record saying that). This is the definitive Metalcore (in the original sense before New Wave Of American Heavy Metal took over the metalcore genre) album. Listen and find out why!

182.) Exodus- Tempo Of The Damned (2004)
FFO- Thrash Metal

One of the greatest things about Exodus is that no matter what era of Exodus you enjoy, it does not suck! Every single release has it's own flavor, yet sounds exactly like Exodus. Much like potato chips, even if you enjoy different flavors, you still know what you are getting. With Tempo of The Damned, it's the perfect post 9/11 album, talking about tragedies, adversities, and pure hatred that comes from that pain; be it from your country or anywhere in the world. Plus the music is absolutely phenomenal. There's a reason why they play as many songs as they do from this album live. A pure highlight from the band!

181.) Judas Priest- Angel of Retribution (2005)
FFO: Every Era of Judas Priest

I am a defender of (the faith) this album and I will never understand why this album is talked about so little. I mean it's the return of Halford into Priest for crying out loud!!! Angel of Retribution is the definition of a best of album of brand new material. Every era you love from the band at the time (well...sans the Ripper albums) are represented to perfection here and it sounds like Priest at it's absolute freshest in the 21st century. I will forever feel this will be the Priest album, even if I am the only one on this hill, I will die on it!

180.) Last Chance To Reason- Level 2 (2011)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Video Games, Tech Death

LCTR is such an underrated band who released 3 brilliant albums (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3) so far and I'm still hoping for Level 4 to be made. Combining progressive metal attributes over video game soundscapes and throw in some jaw dropping tech death spurts and you got Last Chance To Reason! Level 2 feels like the album that has the most variety in sound. Level 1 is the heaviest, Level 3 is the most accessible, Level 2 combines both in a great way. While Michael Lessard has joined The Contortionist as lead vocalist, and the rest of the band has continued different music paths; if we don't get Level 4; Enjoy this video game band as if it's a demo disc for an unreleased game. SO much to enjoy, yet it leaves you wanting so much more.

179.) Destroyer 666- Wildfire (2016)
FFO- Black 'N Roll, Thrash Metal

D666 is a band of controversy, though I side with the band on almost all of it. From a strictly musical aspect, the band covers so much ground of what I love about this style. It can death, thrash, black, and rock n roll into one evil ball and make that a ball of envy to it's peers. The songwriting on this album can go from fast and mid pace hell to some of the most grandiose epic tracks you could ever have; and that completely showcases Wildfire. Wildfire is filled to the brim with both and just fits that void of anger of the world around us. It's a pure evil joy to listen to.

178.) The Black Dahlia Murder- Everblack (2013)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

This was the right album to come out at the right time for me. It's a culmination of what made TBDM stand out amongst it's peers and to journalists who labeled the band as a metalcore band when they first appeared. Making the melodies even more melodic, making the metal even more metal and just making the band that it could possibly be. Every fan of the band has their favorite album, and while some of my favorite songs from the band are on different albums; but Everblack is the album fro me that I could go back to and put on constant repeat for days on end and ever wanna skip a track even after 20 spins. It's just a masterpiece of an album.

177.) In Vain- Ænigma (2013)
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Progressive Black Metal

In Vain is another dangerously underrated band who has released 4 absolutely solid albums so far in their run. Their 3rd album, Ænigma is a thing of beauty that shows off the bands melodic side to a perfect T, while making the dark side of the band stand out even more in contrast. These are by far some of the best written songs from the band and they have not let up on their songwriting skills since. Every note has a purpose, no matter what direction it goes in, and it's pure bliss to the ears. Give In Vain your love and attention now!

176.) Bend Sinister- Animals (2014)
FFO: Indie Rock, Progressive Rock

Bend Sinister walks that fine line between Indie Rock and Prog Rock that you can't justifiably call them one genre without the other (though if you ask the band, they are not prog in the slightest). Animals is quite possibly the most heavy album in the band's career, both musically and thematically. It was a bit of a risky move for the band putting out their proggiest song (an 8 minute epic) as the opener to the album, followed by more of the band's signature sound, but it absolutely works and makes the band stand out from it's peers. Animals is a thing of beauty no matter how indie, hipster, hardcore or proggy you think you are. Give it a spin and you'll understand why. And remember...When The World, It Brings You Down. Keep Your Head Up High And Your Feet On The Ground!




And there we go folks, 175 albums down! And we are only now halfway through this baffling ordeal list. But no, seriously, writing this up is giving me the joy that I need in life right now and with every person who is checking out the lists and telling me they have made new discoveries thanks to this list, it makes me feel like I have a purpose in continuing to be That Drummer Guy, so thank you so very much for sticking around so far. TUne In Tomorrow for Part Vii- 175-151!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Part 6 of this megalodon of a list is here, which means we are almost half way through the saga. What will be up next? Only time will tell...and that time is now!

Here's How The Rules Go Down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.

So...Let's get it on!

225.) Obsidian Kingdom- A Year With No Summer (2016)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Post Metal, Experimental

Between both LPs from Obsidian Kingdom, you will hear every type of genre of heavy music you could want on an album. With the debut album, 2013's Mantiis, it deeply featured the darkest of the dark sides, with A Year With No Summer, you hear more of the abstract and atmospheric. I would not dare say either album is without the polar opposite in it's sound. In a way, both albums serve in a yin and yang sense with neither the lighter nor heavier sides being completely left out. in the latter's case, the heavier sides a done in the right amount of doses compared to the post feel that transcends the album, and makes the album so much stronger for it. Obsidian Kingdom are a masterclass of how to write what you want to write and not feeling like you have to leave any genre out. If it fits together, do it, and they do it so very, very well. Give either album a shot, but you may want this one first and go backwards.

224.) My Dying Bride- Feel The Misery (2015)
FFO- Death Metal, Doom Metal

There may not be a single band still active today that better showcases off the genre of death/doom better than My Dying Bride. Every single album that has been released has felt like they rip your heart and emotions right out of your chest and shove them back down your throat. The latest album, Feel The Misery is no exception. Quite possibly the saddest album in the band's discography so far; Feel The Misery showcases even more of the clean vocal approach that makes the band stand out amongst the rest, but is not shy to bring the growls in when called for. Plus the lyrics...if you don't choke up during at least one song on this album, you have never teared up in your life. Case in point, My Dying Bride is arguably THE best band in death/doom. There's no better place to start than the latest album, and go backwards in time.

223.) Horse The Band- A Natural Death (2007)
FFO- Nintendocore

Much like the FFO describes it, this is metalcore with 8-bit Nintendo synths. While this is easily the biggest album from the band, it is easily their best as well. Garnering them attention from around the world and getting on some fantastic tours in the process. Of course the band went on to forge their own path around the globe in great ways, A Natural Death helped pave that wave. If you love the 8-bit sound, or you just like your music a bit on the quirky side, Horse The Band is for you, and you really dig this album.

222.) Threat Signal- Under Reprisal (2005)
FFO- Metalcore, Groove Metal

This band's debut album is one of the finest albums in metalcore and that is undeniable once you hear it. The use of melodic vocals and screams are so seamless amongst the melodic grooves, hooks, and riffs showcased. While the band has yet to hit those top tier popularity levels as some of it's peers; Threat Signal is a band that is worthy of all the love it gets and it came from this top tier album. Give this a shot and see for yourself.

221.) Shadows Fall- The Art Of Balance (2002)
FFO- New Wave Of American Heavy Metal, Metalcore, Groove Metal

I still remember hearing songs off this album for the first time on the 2nd incarnation of Headbanger's Ball and being in awe that a band like this could even be played on tv. Even with how melodic and catchy the singles were off the album, it made no sense to me how a band could be showcasing screaming on tv. That was my line of thinking back in 2003 when I first discovering bands outside of Metallica (hey, we all started somewhere). While the band is gone, the legacy lives on between this and their next album The War Within, which are two biggest achievements for the band. With the former, it showcased a level of intensity that really opened my eyes to heavy music and how it could be so melodic and crushing at the same time. Plus their cover of Pink Floyd's Welcome To The Machine is the stuff of wonders. Go back and check out both albums in question and check out the rest if you enjoy what you hear; but definitely make The Art Of Balance a priority, it helped pave the way for new music that came out 10-15 years after it's release.

220.) Akercocke- Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone (2006)
FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

Music just doesn't get that much more evil than Akercocke. With the band's 4th album, they continued to explore even more of the band's proggier side (even hitting the over 10 minute mark with the epic, Shelter From The Sand). The great and unique blend of black death and prog metal really shines through in all faucets on this album and many consider it their best album to date. While there is a great argument to be made about the band's latest album, 2017's Reminiscence In Extremis; I gotta give it to WTGU/DTGU. This helped pave the way for a new generation to incorporate new styles of music into their satanic metal arsenals and what an amazing job it does of that!

219.) Weezer- The Blue Album (1994)
FFO- Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Power Pop

So...to go in the almost exact opposite direction. Let's cover some Weezer! It's almost cliche to say The Blue Album (yes, I'm calling it The Blue Album) is the best Weezer album (almost as cliche as bigger fans of the band, hipsters, and those that keep getting their hearts broken say Pinkerton is the superior album) For me, this is the perfect Power Pop album from start to finish. Every song is a genuine classic and worthy of all the praise it gets (even if some songs have been more than overplayed). Even if you know the classic songs off this album, go and check out the b-sides/album tracks on this album with songs lie The World Has Turned And Left Me Here or My Name is Jonas. Especially if you are not in the know, these songs will be as infectious to you as Undone or Buddy Holly was to the rest of the world in '94.

218.) Lamb Of God- As The Palaces Burn (2003)
FFO- New Wave of American Heavy Metal, Groove Metal

Even though Devin Townsend (who produced this album) refers to the overall sound of this album as "a bag of ass" (due to production struggles and various other reasons), I absolutely love the raw authentic feel of this album from start to finish. Every track has it own unique crushing sound that pulls you in and makes you understand why the NWOAHM became so popular in the mid 00s. While so many others will say the follow up, Ashes Of The Wake is the better album, I disagree. THIS is how I love my Lamb of God! And hye, if you've never checked out this album or band, you just might as well!

217.) Terror Syndrome- Terror Syndrome (2008)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Groove Metal, Death Metal

It's only been in recent times where I've given up hope on ever hoping for a follow up to this album, so with that, I'm able to appreciate this album even more. Starting from the conception of former Devin Townsend Band/Devin Townsend Project drummer, Ryan Van Poederooyen; Terror Syndrome was meant to show off the heavier side of RVP's listening and playing habits. For that, it absolutely delivers. Whether you want full on aggression, progressive thrash goodness, or instrumental wackiness; it's all here and then some! While this album is definitely far under the radar that even some of the biggest Hevy Devy fan may not even be aware of this album's existence (especially funny given that everyone that is on this album, sans Denton Bramley, was IN the Devin Townsend band around the time) This is an underrated gem that deserves to be heard and loved in every way, shape and form. A stellar metal album.

216.) Mono- Hymn To The Immortal WInd (2009)
FFO- Post Rock

Quite possibly one of the top 3 greatest post rock albums ever recorded, Hymn To The Immortal Wind is a sheer masterpiece of songwriting and how the post rock genre works in the grand scheme of music. The art of taking songs and slowly but surely building them into some of the most bombastic sounds on record is what makes the genre so powerful and it's rare to find a band or an album who does that better than Mono's Hymn To The Immortal Wind. Reading this description doesn't give it justice. Just listen...and experience....

215.) Sevendust- Seasons (2003)
FFO- Alternative Metal, Groove Metal

Between Seasons and Animosity, this showcases Sevendust's range of diversity in their unique, heavy sound. It is rare to find that can throw in THIS much groove into heavy songs and make them so undeniably catchy. Seasons for me is the best thing they have put onto record with it's haunting ballads, mainstream accessibility and overall crushing prowess. Like I said, there's not many who can conceive how to pull this off, let alone doing it. Sevendust is a pure gem of popular heavy music.

214.) Iron Thrones- The Wretched Sun (2010)
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal

This might be cheating again as it is technically an EP, but it's over 41 minutes long. There's 2 full LPs from bands that you could fit in this time frame. But I digress. Iron Thrones released a killer LP and EP in the mid 00s that have gone so SEVERELY under the radar that I'm glad to give them even the slightest bit of recognition. The Wretched Sun is the last release of this amazing band and it's a progressive post metal masterpiece. No matter the track length, each song feels so natural and fresh in it's sound, it's haunting production fills the unsettling void and the sheer songwriting ability that this band had is something that bands of any style need to find and help forge their own path in music. Thankfully, the sound of the band is somewhat in check with bands like Wolvhammer and in the latest album from Skeletonwitch (funny enough, Adam Clemans of Iron Thrones now fronts both bands), but Iron Thrones will always be in a class of their own in my eyes and one that lives on in two releases.

213.) World Under Blood- Tactical (2011)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Brutal death metal meets CKY? This is what genre bending was meant for! Deron Miller shows up on this list once again for this dangerously underrated band World Under Blood. When I listen to death metal, especially the more brutal it gets with constant blasts and just growls, I miss the melodic sides that you hear in melodeath (hell, that's why the genre got invented in the first place!) but I never before (or since heard a band take Miller's signature guitar style (and vocal approach) and put it to death metal. It's a sheer sight to behold and every track is simply mindblowing. If only all melodeath bands could pull this off. I would give anything for a sophomore album from WUB, maybe it'll happen in time, but in the meantime, we got Tactical. If that's all we get, they may go down as the best death metal band with only one release to their name.

212.) The Ocean- Pelagial (2013)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Post Metal, Doom Metal

It's amazing that this concept has never been fully explored on an album as in depth as The Ocean pulled off with Pelagial. A literal concept album about the different layers of the ocean (the actual oceans, not the band). Each level of the ocean is played musically starting with some of the happiest sounding material the band has done to this date, and as you progress through, it becomes deeper, darker, heavier to the most brutal tracks the band has done to date. A pure concept album and works so efficiently, it puts so many other concept albums to shame. While I know the band will continue to put out amazing albums over and over again; conceptually, this can never be topped!

211.) Muse- Absolution (2003)
FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock, Electronic Rock

The last great Muse album, that's right, you heard me! Everything up to and including Absolution were such great prog rock albums that had that electronic tinge to it. If Radiohead was heavy, if Nine Inch Nails wrote prog, so many other examples that could only be pipe dreams. Absolution was the last album that had rock be the focused of the band's sound before the keyboards and synths fully took over and everything progressively went to the wayside. The melodies and harmonies on this album are jaw dropping. How it can go from nearly metal to beautifully melancholic to depressingly uplifting in a ballad from song to song to song (or in the same song!). It's a complete shame that I'll probably never have that love for a Muse album again as I know they have this style of songwriting left in the band, but those days are gone and both of us have moved on.

210.) Sentenced- The Funeral Album (2005)
FFO- Gothic Metal

The final album from this legendary Finnish band is one that is hard one to get through, though in a great way. It's rough because the music is so good, you don't want it to be their last. But even 4 years before the death of Miika Tenkula, the band knew they were done and wanted to make The Funeral Album the perfect send off to the fans and a proper thank you for all the support over the years. As a band in a live setting, you always want to leave the fans wanting more; in this case, Sentenced fans will always wish they had more, but can be happy with the legacy they left. The Funeral Album is one that can tear you apart in the best way possible. Fun Fact: in the booklet for the album, this is the only time in my entire history of buying music that a piece of artwork scared me to death. One of the pieces of artwork in the liner notes has a river that flows into the shape of a coffin, that image still haunts me to this day for some reason.

209.) Napalm Death- Utilitarian (2012)
FFO- Grindcore, Death Metal

NO band has ever blended Grindcore and Death Metal better than Napalm Death. While through most of their career, it's been one of the other. Albums like Utilitarian prove that you can do both on the same album and it is a perfect culmination of sound. Everything you love about the band, and so much more (including jazz saxophone from Jorn Zorn) is on this album and it's almost as if it's a best of album with all new material. A perfect starter Napalm Death album and overall, my favorite ND album to date.

208.) Obituary- Obituary (2017)
FFO- Old School Death Metal

I'll keep this one short and sweet. The band wanted to put out their best album ever as it would be their self titled. They wanted to make it they most signature Obituary album ever. And that's EXACTLY what they achieved. Every single thing you love about the band is on this album with brand new material. It's THE obituary album.

207.) Bolt Thrower- For Victory (1994)
FFO- Death Metal

Bolt Thrower is the signature mid-paced death metal band. While they are still quite fast (and on the earliest work, there is the grindcore era of course) but for the band's signature sound, there is no one who can do death metal that is brutal without having to do blast beats or over the top fret aerobics. Oddly enough, they can be considered one of the most accessible death metal bands for a good portion of their run. 1994's For Victory is a great example of that in strides. Every song pummels you at the right pace of each song. A killer production value and of course...WAR! While the band is gone, Bolt Thrower will always be there for us and why not go with what could be, their best work ever.

206.) Sonic Syndicate- Confessions (2016)
FFO- Modern Metal, Power Pop Metal

It is not often when a band can so DRASTICALLY change their sound from their previous work and have it work out so magnificently. Sonic Syndicate proves that you need to write whats in your heart. While previously being a melodeath band, the band wrote an entirely new album, and before getting it out there, scrapped the album and said they need a change. And change they did, NO double bass rides happening here, no chance of any screaming or growling either. This is one of the closest things I've heard to modern power pop being done on a metal album. Sure, there are other bands who kinda(?) do what's been done here in the likes of latter day BRing Me Tee Horizon or Asking Alexandria, but this is an entirely different take. Rather than go for those crowds intentionally, they wrote Confessions as the band addressing they are making this change for themselves. making the songs fun, catchy, and so uplifting, which is not always done in examples listed earlier. Confessions is nothing you need to confess to liking, this should be something you are proud to enjoy, I sure as hell do!

205.) Selpultura- Chaos A.D. (1993)
FFO- Groove Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal

Talk about a watershed album! While Roots may have been the most drastic change in the band's sound to date, imagine being a Sepultura fan in 1993 and hearing Chaos A.D. for the first time. Hearing this much groove when you were used to hearing just thrash, death and even black metal in the band's sound. But with that change, lead to Sepultura becoming one of the biggest metal bands to ever come out of Brazil. Not just that but helping popularize groove metal as a whole and helping bring in (with bands like Faith No More and Pantera) the styles of Nu Metal that were about to forge by the end of the decade. This has one of my favorite drum sounds on record, especially the bass drum. No clicky sound to be had. just a pure bass drum sound as the metal gods intended! While the early day Sepultura albums will always rule. Chaos A.D. is the game changer of a metal album the world needed and to me, it's easily their best.

204.) Yob- Our Raw Heart (2018)
FFO- Doom Metal

There's nothing quite like possibly being on your deathbed to make you reevaluate priorities in life and what you will do next, if there is a next. That's what happened here with Yob's Mike Scheidt and his health struggles that eventually lead to writing one of the 21st centuries greatest doom metal albums, Our Raw Heart. A heart wrenching album that has you go through all the motions you think of with death and what comes from facing your own mortality. This is how you make music and ESPECIALLY on this list, it's one of the most authentic albums ever made.

203.) Armored Saint- Symbol Of Salvation (1991)
FFO- Heavy Metal

John Bush does no wrong in any band, any side project, any guest appearance he has done. Bush and Co. but out the band's finest work with Armored Saint in 91 with Symbol Of Salvation, a loving trademark of that fine line between the thrash, death, black metal fans on one side, and the glam pop metal bands of the other side in the 80s and 90s. No matter what side of the fence your on in that debate, you will find something to love about Armored Saint and they are such a band to treasure and behold. Go check out their finest work to date here and support them in any way you can.

202.) Intronaut- The Direction of Last Things (2015)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Post Metal

Considering the meanings behind both genres, you wouldn't think on paper that prog and post would meld well together. There are sooooo many examples of it working and Intronaut is one of the finest examples. Taking the ideals of post metal and making it just proggy enough, they have created a signature sound that is unparalleled. The band's latest album is the perfect culmination for the band that combines everything there is to love about the band and just makes it even better (how is that even possible). Some say you can have too much of a good thing, this album proves that is not always the case. Just a completely stellar album top to bottom from a band you should overlook no longer.

201.) Falconer- Black Moon Rising
FFO- Power Metal

Quite possibly the most authentic and exquisite power metal band ever. So much so, Falconer took it upon themselves to know when to hang it up...in the live setting. Knowing the band was not going to always be able to give 100% for every show they play for multitude of reasons, the band released this album and said they were doing one last show at 2015's ProgPower USA, which I was not only in attendance for, but also gave their last, in person (as a whole band) interview. That is not to say the band is hanging it up, far from it, just the live shows are going away and they are becoming strictly a studio band once again. With Black Moon Rising, it almost feels like these songs were intentionally written to be played live for one last set of shows before focusing on just making the best albums possible. All the more reason I was honored to be at that last show. The songs are so efficient and full of soul and one of the best vocal(ly trained) performances in metal on record. There is no better send off to the live era of Falconer than Black Moon Rising.

And that does it folks, the first 150 albums of this mammoth 350 album list. Come back tomorrow where we finish off the first half of 350 albums with That Drummer Guy's Top 350 Albums of All Time Part VII- 200-176.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

After a couple weeks off, I have returned and here to present 25 more albums for your enjoyment. With 4 parts and 100 albums down, we are just getting to the half way point this week and the list will just keep getting better and better! SO let's get crackin' on shall we!

Here's How The Rules Go Down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.

So...Let's get it on!

250.) Insect Warfare- At War With Grindcore (2005)
FFO: ...Grindcore

Am I cheating with this one coming in at just barely 8 minutes in length? Possibly! But even the band's ONLY full length LP clocks in at 22 and a half minutes, so, you know what? IT COUNTS! These 8 minutes and 11 seconds of bliss goes by so fast and all you want to do is go back and enjoy every second again and again. It's a straight up grindcore release in every sense of the word. Fast, heavy, brutal, raw, and fun. If you've missed out Insect Warfare, you've missed out on one of the best Grindcore bands in the biz, go remedy that now.

249.) Polkadot Cadaver- Purgatory Dance Party (2007)
FFO- Experimental Metal, Experimental Rock, Electronic Rock

Polkadot Cadaver is a hard band to describe, much like most of the member's other band, Dog Fashion Disco. They are just a band you got to go into with an open mind, no expectations and see what you get from it. What I get from this band's debut album is a fun, quirky, exhilarating, and dark album. It goes all over the rock and metal worlds, but it is oddly accessible for as experimental as it gets. You can't tip your toe into this band, you gotta dive in and see how you feel after. I for one love it, you might too.

248.) Sabaton- Primo Victoria (2005)
FFO- Power Metal, War

Sabaton's debut album shocked the world of Power Metal for it's accessibility, fun atmosphere, and war themed lyrics that were based in reality rather than fiction. They also put one hell of a fun show no matter if you are a fan of any kind of metal genre. Primo Victoria is that album that is a perfect introduction into power metal to get your friends into the genre. If they like this, they will dig others. It all began here 14 years ago....wait, 2005 was years ago??? Ugh....

247.) We Sell The Dead- Heaven Doesn't Want You And Hell Is Full (2018)
FFO- Gothic Metal, Heavy Metal

A supergroup featuring past and present members of In Flames, Firewind and HIM? SIGN ME UP! This band is as good as that combination sounds. Taking inspiration from Jack The Ripper and adding so much more to it. This band's debut album is one o the catchiest rock albums of last year and deservingly so. no matter how heavy, light, somber, or evil it gets, it just fits perfectly and gives you a great experience from start to finish. This is an album to be experienced in it's entirety and its worth the ride!

246.) The Dear Hunter- The Color Spectrum (2011)
FFO- Indie Rock, Prog Rock, Alternative Rock

This might be another cheat as this is a collection of EPs that make a full collection, but this is my list, so deal with it. *puts on sunglasses* The Dear Hunter took a break from their Acts story arc to write a collection of EPs to represent each color of the color spectrum, from black to white and everything in between. It goes all over from quite heavy material, to electronic/industrial, to sober piano ballads to classic TDH sounds and anything you could imagine this band accomplishing; it's all here and more. This is a full blown crash course of the band with brand new material and while a bit of a journey, you'll leave satisfied with at least one or two of the EPs, if not like me and enjoy them all.

245.) Wearing Scars- A Thousand Words (2015)
FFO- Modern Rock, Alternative Metal, Progressive Metal

A fantastic UK band that really shines through it's other bands to create a unique take on what should be top 40 radio rock. As heavy as it gets, it gets just as commercial. As nearly metal and proggy as it gets, it hits you with emotional ballads. This is one of the finest pieces of mainstream style rock you will hear in the 2010s, if I dare say the 21st Century in general. This is such a gorgeous album and I really hope a follow up will be coming in the future. I need more.

244.) The Sword- Warp Riders (2010)
FFO- Stoner Rock, Progressive Rock, Classic Rock

HOW DARE I NOT PICK ONE OF THE FIRST TWO SWORD ALBUMS? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? Well a lot, actually, but this list isn't about that! I personally feel that Warp Riders is the perfect Sword album. It has the stoner feel everyone fell in love with; it adds the right amount of prog and classic rock to make me happy (and truly expand the sound in the right way), and the production is the best on ANY of their albums to date. SOme say they lost it after this album (or those that say they lost it before this album) but I again, genuinely feel that Warp Riders is THE album from The Sword that is recommended hearing and hey, maybe if you check out the album (or check it out again) it might be for you as well.

243.) Wintersun- Wintersun (2004)
FFO- Extreme Metal, Power Metal, Blackened Folk Metal

I love Wintersun. Wintersun is one of the most underrated bands in existence and every release from the band is a pure gem. But there is just something about the debut album...maybe it's because it was the first album of it's style to REALLY take over the world. No one did epic metal like THIS before that caught on as much as it did. Combining so many genres (power, folk, prog, melodeath, black metal, etc) and creating a musical melting pot that you just can't mess with. It just fills the void of what metal can be and should be. Wintersun rules and you may as well go in the order of the discography. Start with this legendary debut album and work up!

242.) Trivium- Ascendancy (2005)
FFO- Metalcore, New Wave Of American Heavy Metal

Trivium's sophomore album is a thing of beauty. While the band has taken every single left turn you can think of since this albums release; this album put the band on the map and they never truly left. So many bands have come since this album's release that had a huge impact on them. The way people look at heavy metal changed in 2005 with this album and it inspired a new legion of metal fans. And of course the music is killer. IF you want a look at how NWOAHM and Metalcore came to the forefront; check out Ascendancy.

241.) Overkill- Ironbound (2010)
FFO- Thrash Metal

One of the best thrash band's in the world had their own resurgence with Ironbound. Basically, it's a perfect thrash album from top to bottom. Everything you love about thrash is here and you this legendary east coast band at their peak form (which has yet to falter ever since) If you need your thrash fix, look no further than IronBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUND!

240.) Hurt- Vol. 1 (2006)
FFO- Alternative Metal

Hurt is a band that was so very, VERY underrated, and it is such a shame to see the band is disbanded. With the band's 3rd album, they finally hit top 40 rock radio and for the dark ones amongst us; they were the perfect band for us. Just heavy enough, just mainstream enough, just enough of a good thing. Sadly, the band started going deeper into the underground with every subsequent album until it was finally laid to rest, but we have so many great albums to check out in their discography to help remember the memory. A lost band, but one that deserves the love they get.

239.) Zimmer's Hole- While You Were Shouting At The Devil... (2008)
FFO- Heavy Metal, Comedy Metal

It saddens me that this is the last album from the band so far. 11 years is TOO LONG! They are the extreme metal version of what Steel Panther has made a full on career of. Every song is hilarious in it's own right, so fun and catchy, and hey, Nathan Explosion shows up for the intro of a song. You can't get more metal than that! If you like metal, but not take things so seriously; Zimmer's Hole is the band for you!

238.) Machine Head- Burn My Eyes (1994)
FFO- Groove Metal, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal

How is this album already 25 years old? I was in kindergarten in 94...ugh... Anyways! Machine started a legacy ups and downs musically and within the band (as if the case with pretty much every band) with 1994's Burn My Eyes, a perfect album fro the time. A good rebellion against the grunge era. It was the right amount of Pantera groove, Vio-Lence thrash, and Sabbath style heavy metal to make an impact that lives to this day. Literally! the original lineup is back and they are about to embark on playing the album live! This is a great definition of 90s metal proving that the genre was far from dead, and it didn't have anywhere to go but up!

237.) Cold- Year Of The Spider (2003)
FFO- Alternative Metal, Hard Rock

Back in 2003, this album was a great definition of how I felt as a kid in middle school. Even with 16 years later, very little has changed. This great mix of emotions of sorrow, hurt, and anger is something I think anyone can relate to. And it is catchy as all get go. Another band that should be at the top of the rock charts to this day, but they will always be that band in my pocket that I pull out when I need those school year days back and get a sense of reality. You may feel the same way.

236.) Abigail Williams- Becoming (2012)
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal

It can be easy to knock Abigail Williams for how many style changes they have had. For me, that doesn't matter. They write what they want to write and that's how any band should be. This album is pure atmospheric black metal at it's finest and it's unadulterated Abigail Williams. A fantastic album all around and really shows off the band's musicianship and songwriting abilities in one of it's purest forms. This album just slays and even after all this time, it always will.

235.) Destrage- Are You Kidding Me? No. (2014)
FFO- Experimental Progressive Metal

Italy's Destrage is one of those rare breed that has ZERO problem writing the songs they want to write. No matter how wacky the time signatures get or how commercial it gets at the turn of a dime; it feels so purely natural and it's such a sight and sound to behold. Through the band's discography you will see the evolution of the band, but this was my introduction to the band, and for that, I think it may be a great starting point for you as well.

234.) Power Trip- Nightmare Logic (2017)
FFO- Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Crossover

This is how you do modern day thrash. You bring the old school feel but you mix in just enough of modern flavoring and you create Power Trip. One of the finest bands rolling today. They are just a fantastically solid thrash band that knows how to write killer metal songs no matter how fast or slow. IF any band has ever screamed battle vests, PBR, and circle pits in the 2010s, It's Power Trip. And right now, no one does it better!

233.) Corrosion of Conformity- No Cross, No Crown (2018)
FFO- Corrosion Of Conformity

It's hard to put COC in a box. They can go from heavy metal to crossover thrash to hardcore to sotner metal at any time. With the return of Pepper Keenan, the band return's to it's signature heavy, southern, stoner metal style that got them worldwide recognition. And it is the finest album the band has put out to date. IF you loved what the band did in the 90s through the early 2000s, this is the album for you!

232.) Tribulation-  Down Below (2018)
FFO- Black 'n Roll, Gothic Metal

A band that truly wants to show that you don't need to be the heaviest band to show your true power. Tribuilation, no matter how they evolve continues to show their evil prowls and gives you great chills down your spine. Down Below is the latest example of this with it's most commercial (but far from a commercial band) sounding album to date and it's what really suits the band. An absolute powerhouse of an album and one that needs to be experienced to truly understand.

231.) Johnny B. Morbid- Fall of The Cicada (2015)
FFO- Horror Punk, Power Metal, Black Metal

The band's final album is one that leaves such a powerful last message. For the uninitiated, imagine The Misfits, Blind Guardian, and Emperor made a band. AN odd concept right? Can't imagine it working, then you clearly haven't heard the band. This album is such a great example of where to start, then go backwards and see all that you have missed. This band had it all and more, go show them some posthumous love.

230.) Hail of Bullets- III: The Rommel Chronicles (2013)
FFO- Death Metal, War, WWII History

Oh Hail of Bullets, one of the finest death metal supergroups ever assembled. Sadly we only have 3 albums and one EP from the band, but they are all magnificent. While unintentional, the band's final album is such a great closing moment for the band showcasing it's love for WWII History and playing some of the most killer old school death metal you can find. If you missed out on these guys, you are doing an injustice by waiting any longer, get to studying up on your death metal of days gone by, and I mean now before history repeats itself.

229.) Kayo Dot- Hubardo
FFO- Experimental

The FFO is the only way I can describe it. Kayo Dot is guaranteed to never give you the same experience twice. One album could be a blade runner soundtrack, one could be jazz metal of hellacious fury, another can be one of the most calming experiences of your life. This double album showcases almost every style the band has tried out in some way, shape or form, but in a totally new context. Even in one song it can go from blast beats, to jazz to vapor wave to noise. It's an experience that only does justice by listening to it. Do some experimenting of your own and give Kayo Dot a show. There's bound to be at least one track you'll love on this double album.

228.) Celtic Frost- Monotheist (2006)
FFO- Gothic Metal, Black Metal, Doom Metal

The heaviest Celtic Frost album ever and it absolutely paved the way for Tom G. Warrior's future band, Triptykon. This final album was a great mission statement for where the band was at the time and a terrific send off for fans. The aggression, the heaviness, the atmosphere. It's classic Celtic Frost, but at it's darkest form. Long gone are the days of Cold Lake, but sadly as is the band. This is a pure testament to how you make a heavy album.

227.) Exhumed- Gore Metal (1998)
FFO- Goregrind, Grindcore, Death Metal

THE Grindcore album. All that came after this album have only been inspired from it. This is how you make goregrind and it's one of the most vile, disgusting, raw, and perfect albums of it's kind. Exhumed rules in all levels and there is no better place to start with the band, than it's beginning. A true metal experience.

226.) Queensryche- Operation: Mindcrime
FFO- Progressive Metal

Some say the greatest prog metal band ever. It's hard not to deny their influence and between the albums, Empire and O:M, who could really disagree? The latter is a perfect concept album that hits you in every way. From it's heavy rockers to emotional ballads, it has it all wrapped up in a great story. There is an absolute reason this album gets as much love as it does and if you have missed it all this time, you should give it a shot now!



And there we go, folks, 5 parts down and 9 more to go. This is an absolute insane idea of mine to do 350 albums, but I love every second of it and I hope you are enjoying it as well. Tomorrow will bring Part VI: 225-201.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

3 Parts Down, 11 More To Go! It's a pure labor of love, but the response has been fantastic so far, so let's see what happens next!

Here's How The Rules Go Down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.

So...Let's get it on!

275.) Soulfly- Prophecy (2004)
FFO- Groove Metal, Thrash Metal, Industrial

Max Cavalera's Soulfly, after some soul searching, has only gotten better with age. With every proceeding album, it has only gotten heavier, faster, and more brutal over time. That all started with the resurgence album , Prophecy. Cavalera really knew where he wanted Soulfly to go at this point and it truly shows in the dedicated songwriting.  While the industrial and nu metal influences are still hinted at, It was the heaviest Soulfly album to date at the time and they've only continued pushing those boundaries ever since. This is the great watershed album going between industrial and death metal and it's perfection.

274.) Against The Wall- The Truth (2009)
FFO- Hard Rock, Progressive Rock

This album is criminally underrated. A seamless blend of hard rock, prog, and heavy metal that sounds so catchy and accessible. The production really showcases the whole band perfectly and it just gives you this great sense of joy and wonder, and of course that wonder is how they are not filling stadiums. Seriously an underrated gem that is worthy of your time.

273.) Horrendous- The Chills (2012)
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Death

There is zero denying that Horrendous shows off their Death influence on their sleeves (especially the first 3 albums) but that is not the only card they have up their sleeves. Combining a great sense of prog, thrash, and a evil raw production gives The Chills the ability to live up to it's name. It can give you the chills as you listen. WHile many can argue that the subsequent albums are better, and in some cases they are. This is the rawest they have sounded and it only gets better from here, so start here and enjoy!

272.) Arctic Sleep- Arbors (2012)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Post Metal, Alternative Metal

This Wisconsin band is a band that can grab your interest and never let go. Arbors, in particular, bridges the gap between instrumental songs and vocal songs in such a great way. A mix between Devin Townsend, Deftones, and Pelican really makes this band stand out amongst the masses and they have yet to put out anything other than stellar work. Arbors is where I started and you should too!

271.) Pig Destroyer- Phantom Limb (2007)
FFO- Grindcore, Noise

Pig Destroyer is the definition of modern grindcore and of their wave, no one can do it better. The title track's breakdown is the sickest in music and it's nearly meaningless for anyone to try to do one better. At first it may feel like a gargled mess, but give it time, you'll see how smart this album truly is.

270.) Vaura- Selenelion (2012)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Shoegaze, Black Metal, Post Rock

There's so many subgenres I could list under Vaura (especially with every single different album), but Vaura is truly one of the most proficiently effective bands of experimentation. While other albums have gone either way heavier or way mellower, the dbue album shows off both sides, as if it's there to say this is what we have to offer you in the future, so strap in. What an amazing band.

269.) Nailed To Obscurity- Black Frost (2019)
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal

One of the greatest death/dooms in the business have put out their latest album back in January of this year and it's a mindblowing experience. It's such a great melding of death, doom, sorrow, and oddly uplifting music that pulls you in with it's passion and makes you stay with it's execution. Easily one of the best albums of the year and easily one of my favorite albums ever (hence why it's in the list).

268.) Alter Bridge- AB III (2010)
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Alter Bridge is a modern day savior of modern rock radio music. They instantly prove with every album that no matter how heavy, how commercial, or how mellow they get, they will always write bangers that will bring you back every time for more. AB III is the right culmination of all of those in one album, not too much of anything on the album it's just...right...all the way through and it's just what you want in a band like this. If you haven't yet, go check out Alter Bridge and see what I mean.

267.) Saor- Roots (2015)
FFO- Folk Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal

This band is what is saving both folk metal and atmospheric black metal. Between their long epics, their instrumentation and there never ending sense of wonder that brings your imagination to a new landscape with every song; Saor just does everything perfectly. The debut album from Saor is what brought them to the table and now, they are here to stay.

266.) Bison- Dark Ages (2010)
FFO- Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal

Currently the middle album for the band, their 3rd LP stands out as the album that really pushed the band's boundaries in all directions. This is by far their heaviest work and I'm not sure if it will be topped, or if it should be. Don't get me wrong, every album is great, and their diversity on other albums is really what seals the deal on this band, but their pure heaviness and the instinct to explore what the band is about at this time is what needed to happen and to be, it stands out as their best work.

265.) Minus The Bear- OMNI (2010)
FFO- Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock, Indie Rock

Who would have thought this was the founding members of the band, Botch, eh? The 4th album from the band that named themselves after the punchline of a dirty joke is one that truly shows what the band is all about. It's pop sensibilities, it's odd time signatures that feel so natural, their distinct sound becoming so natural. OMNI has it all and so much more. it is well worth the listen.

264.) Suicidal Tendencies- Lights...Camera...Revolution (1990)
FFO- Crossover Thrash

This standout album really helped put the Suicidal Army on the map. It showed the beginnings of a new route of the band, showing off more rock sensibilities than ever before and with that, some tinges of funk, that would later be shown off more in the band Infectious Grooves. From top to bottom this is one of, if not the strongest ST album and it definitely warrants that claim. Just a completely solid album.

263.) Oceansize- Self Preserved While The Bodies Float Up (2010)
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

The final album from this UK act is without a doubt their strongest. It's almost as if they knew this would be off and wanted to give the band a proper send off and show appreciation to fans old and new. Everything you love about the band is here from it's complex song structures, to it's quirky sense of humor, to emotional hooks are shown in strides and its such a great way to say farewell to the band. Fantastic work!

262.) From A Second Story Window- Conversations (2008)
FFO- Post Hardcore, Progressive Metal, Emo

The 2nd and final album from this band was sadly the last offering from the band, but they left such a big impact. Their sensibilities of emotional lyrics and tones matched with it's heavy structures and style changes at the turn of a dime make this band such a pleasure to listen to. It's a shame the band broke up with this release, but alas, we got this, and their debut to enjoy.

261.) Probot- Probot (2004)
FFO: Metal

Dave Grohl may have quote unquote "killed" metal with Nirvana, but he sure knew how to revive it in 2004. Taking some of the greatest voices in all forms of metal and showcasing them each with a different song all written and performed by Grohl himself. It's a loving tribute to that gene of music we all know and love and no matter what you listen to, it has a song that was mean for you. Such a solid but underground release.

260.) Kyuss- Blues For The Red Sun (1992)
FFO- Stoner Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Let's just call a spade a spade here. Kyuss was the greatest stoner metal band ever. Their legacy is untainted, all parties are now doing what they love, but when they were together, they gave us some of the great albums in it's genre. Blues For The Red Sun is that album that made me fall in love with the band, along with so many others like myself. It's perfect sense of rock, metal and fuzz is untouchable. While often imitaded, it'll never be duplicated, ever!

259.) Grave Digger- Healed By Metal (2017)
FFO- Heavy Metal

WHile there are so many great bands to come out of Germany, Grave Digger is easily one of the greatest, consistent metal bands from the country. Healed By Metal shows that it doesn't matter how many albums you put out, you can always become bigger and better, no matter how long it takes. This album is perfect from start to finish and it's everything you've wanted out of the band, at least I know it is for me. Seriously, give this a shot.

258.) Sonata Arctica- Reckoning Night (2004)
FFO- Power Metal

When you think power metal, at least one of the first 3-5 bands you think of is Sonata Arctica and their greatest work was graciously given to us in the form of Reckoning Night. The entire album is what power metal stands for in every sense of the genre and it just puts a big grin on your face. Just a fantastic album!

257.) Falloch- Where Distant Spirits Remain (2011)
FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Folk Metal

Another dangerously underrated band whose 2011 album just opened my eyes to what atmosphere can really add to metal, if not, music in general. Every song just drops your jaw in astonishment and leaves you wanting more. No matter how heavy or somber the music gets, it always keeps your attention and you never want to leave. That is how good music should be. (Andy Marshall, formerly of Falloch went on to form Saor).

256.) 96 Bitter Beings- Camp Pain (2018)
FFO- Hard Rock, Alternative Metal, CKY

The split in the CKY camp (pain) was not a pretty one in the slightest, but on the plus side, we did get a new band that keeps the spirit of the old school CKY style alive in 96 Bitter Beings. Deron Miller  keeps his signature style in tact and brings you an undated 2018 approach to what CKY could have been had he stayed in the band, and it's honestly one of the best CKY styled albums ever made. It just works in every single way and it's great that it FINALLY is able to be enjoyed.

255.) Bad Religion- New Maps Of Hell (2007)
FFO- Punk Rock

I don't really know how this album ranks amongst the BR diehards, but this is by far my favorite album from the band and one of my favorite punk albums ever. Every song feels so perfect. NO matter how fast or slow things get, it feels almost like the last truly great Bad Religion album (at least so far). NOt to knock the two albums to come after, but NMOH is just what I look for in the band and no album since (or even prior) has done it this well. A perfect punk album.

254.) Meshuggah- Destroy, Erase, Improve (1995)
FFO- Meshuggah

SO what happens when you destroy, erase, and improve one's sound. For Meshuggah, it means putting our your finest work. While many will disagree (saying Nothing or ObZen is better) DEI is just that perfect Meshuggah album, where the band realized what they wanted to accomplish as a collective and improved it a hundred fold. While other albums have their charm, DEI is the one Meshuggah album (besides Nothing) where I can listen from start to finish and never want to press the skip button or listen to something else. It was the right album at the right time and they did it so very well.

253.) The Haunted- rEVOLVEr (2004)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal

As you may have guessed by this point, 2004 was a big year of discovery for me, musically, and The Haunted was another band that grabbed me and never let go with this particular album. It's just that heavy, aggressive, and oddly poppy side of melodeath that only The Haunted could accurately explore, while the band explored so much territory after this album, rEVOLVEr was the last album of it's era to really shine that melodeath flag high and for that, I salute it!

252.) GWAR- Lust In Space (2009)
FFO- Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal

Again, I have no idea what the verdict of this album is with the GWAR fanbase, but for me, this is the album I always wanted from GWAR that I never thought I'd get. A full on progressive rock/progressive metal concept album, that you just can't take seriously, but works on every single level. That's why I love GWAR, despite the story, characters, and the stage show, they are phenomenal musicians, and this is the album that finally showed that off in all forms. Hail Orderus!

251.) Harakiri For The Sky- III: Trauma (2016)
FFO- Blackgaze, Post Black Metal

While there has yet to be a subpar HFTS album, Trauma is the album that really let the emotional side take place at it's strongest at the time. The personal lyrics can hit home with anyone. The songwriting it phenomenal and it's one of the strongest examples of why the post black metal, blackgaze genres should be ignored no longer. IF you want your black metal to really grab your soul, check out Harakiri for the Sky.


And there we go folks, 100 albums done over 4 parts and only 10 parts left to go. This is proving to be a massive undertaking but worth every second of it all. Thank you so much for enjoying, read the last 3 parts if you haven't already, and get ready for Part V: 250-226 on Monday!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Part III is here. 50 albums down, 300 more to go, let's get right to it...after recapping the rules.

Here's How The Rules Go Down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.

So...Let's get it on!

300.) The Man Eating Tree- In The Absence of Light (2015)
FFO- Gothic Metal, Atmospheric Metal

What an incredible band that came from the ashes of Sentenced. While one direction went to Poisonblack, another direction wanted to go to the even darker route with The Man Eating Tree. The band's 3rd album is a prime example of making atmospheric gothic metal with tinges of black and death metal. Such a criminally underrated band that should not be looked over anymore. Seriously, if you dig the gothic sound in any capacity, check this band out immediately!

299.) Badlands- Badlands (1989)
FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Blues Rock

This 1-2-Punch of albums from Badlands was a thing of beauty in the late 80s/early 90s. A great combination of metal, rock, and blues that is still one of the greatest uses of said genres to date. It's a shame the band did not continue after the sophomore album, but it was also a sign of the times in the 90s. Still, we got both albums, including the electrifying self titled debut that is so pleasing to the ears. It's highly recommended.

298.) Slayer- God Hates Us All (2001)
FFO- Thrash Metal

What bad timing for this classic album to come out...September 11th, 2001. If you take that away, you truly hear an album that is filled with the band's angriest lyrics, best production, and...don't shoot the messenger here...their last great album. Every song is just a pure assault of the senses and in the right mood, it's exactly what you need.

297.) Queens of the Stone Age- Songs For The Deaf (2002)
FFO- Hard Rock, Stoner Rock

The early to mid 2000s was an odd time in radio rock, with nu-metal dead and metalcore too heavy for FM radio play, we had a great rise in post grunge bands and bands that would have never usually garnered as much loved had they come out at any other time. That is the case with QOTSA, while a great band in the underground, they never got as much attention before or since this album, but what a great record to really grab a hold of everyone. It goes from simple rock to heavy as hell to ballads and everything in between. Plus it helps having Dave Grohl playing drums on the album for promotion. Overall, a killer (and much like Slayer above) the last album I truly dug from the band.

296.) The Human Abstract- Nocturne (2006)
FFO- Progressive Metalcore

One of the first bands to capture my interest in progressive metalcore, The Human Abstract left a short, but sweet legacy. The first of the three album legacy is arguably their best, Nocturne. A prog metalcore masterpiece that explores all that can be done with the genre at the time. So many wonderful twists and turns you don't see coming and some of the best songwriting of the mid 2000s progressive metalcore. A must here if you are interested.

295.) Ghost Bath- Starmourner (2017)
FFO- Post Black Metal, Blackgaze

What a legacy this band has stamped so far. Be it from their albums, or controversy of who the band are and where the band is from. The band's third LP is the first one to be written by the entire band, and it truly shows with it's diversity and it leaves an deeply emotional impact for it. While not every Ghost Bath albums has lyrics (some are literally just screams that sound like lyrics), this one has true lyrics and they are deeply touching. This is a blackgaze classic in the making and one that should not be overlooked.

294.) Cryptopsy- Once Was Not (2005)
FFO Technical Death Metal

Quite possibly the proggiest Cryptopsy album to date? Once Was Not goes all across the board musically, and lyrically. Last album to feature original vocalist Lord Worm and he left a gigantic final imprint in the band with this album (easily my favorite thing he has done vocals on. And who can forget the legendary Flo Mounier on drums? One of the most insane drummer to ever be recorded. This such a great starter album for the band and not one to be missed.

293.) Gorefest- Rise To Ruin (2007)
FFO- Death Metal

The last album from this powerhouse death metal band is a death metal masterpiece. Whether you want short, sweet brutality or you want a 9 minute epic to rip to shreds slowly; it's all here and more. This is what I'm looking for when it comes to pure death metal and it could not have been a better final album for the band. BRAVO!

292.) A.F.I.- Sing The Sorrow (2003)
FFO- Pop Punk, Emo

The perfect watershed album for AFI, this album was the last to come before the mega powerhouse of an album known as Decemberunderground came out and that is where either everyone joined the hype train or got off at the station; I was in the latter. Everything before (and including) Sing The Sorrow was great punk, hardcore, and emo made to perfection. The hard rock songs are so much fun, the ballads cut you like a knife and it's an album that holds your attention all the way through. A fantastic album for it's time.

291.) TesseracT- One (2011)
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

I'll go ahead and say it; One is the best album from TesseracT to date and I am sure I am not alone in thinking that. It's the most diverse, it's the heaviest (by far) and it broke so much ground for what modern prog metal could and can be. Every album since has taken elements from this album (and some taking those elements and making them better) but none that could do it all and more as much as One has proven. This is modern prog metal in one of it's finest forms.

290.) Winterfylleth- The Dark Hereafter (2016)
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Folk Metal

Another fantastic UK band (like TesseracT just mentioned), but of course, in a much different style. Winterfylleth takes the umbrella of atmospheric black metal and truly makes it their own interpretation with the right elements of folk, black and atmosphere to create a visionary world that you can only experience when you listen. Such a groundbreaking band and The Dark Hereafter is the best example of the band to date.

289.) Mnemic- The Audio Injected Soul (2004)
FFO- Modern Metal, Progressive Metal, Industrial Metal

This band and this album does not get ANYWHERE near the amount of credit it deserves. This seminal modern metal masterpiece is what so many bands seemed to interpret a few years later but in a different way with Djent. This, however was taken the ideas of the drop tuning of Meshuggah, but making it industrial and futuristic and it's done to absolute perfection. What an incredible and dangerously overlooked album. I couldn't recommend this album more if I tried.

288.) King Parrot- Bite Your Head Off (2012)
FFO- Hardcore, Grindcore, Fun

One of the most fun live acts I've ever seen and one of the most fun acts you'll ever see if you go to one of their shows. This band creates short, but sweet albums that go on as long as they need to go and leaves zero filler. There is no best/worst King Parrot album, but I went with the one that got me to know and love the band. If you like fun, get into this band (and see them live!).

287.) Dekadent- Veritas (2015)
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Progressive Metal

If Devin Townsend made Atmospheric Black Metal. That's all I got for you. If that doesn't grab your attention, nothing will. This band and this album rules!

286.) Type O Negative- Life Is Killing Me
FFO- Gothic Metal

I'll be 100% transparent about this. I'm not really a big Type O fan, and after hearing what Peter Steele was like when he was alive off the stage, it's left an even more bitter taste in my mouth even saying I'm a fan. With all of that said, I Don't Wanna Be Me is one of my favorite songs of all time and I can't knock the rest of the band for the actions of one person. So that's why it's still here (what a killer song!)

285.) Subterranean Masquerade- The Great Bazaar (2015)
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

One of the strongest comeback albums ever made. I seriously never thought this band was coming back after creating their first two albums. Thankfully, along with this album, they are in it for the long haul and continuing to record and tour and I'm so happy to see it happen. This album is filled with prog rock, prog metal and shades of death metal goodness that simply can't be missed. If you've missed out on this band before, walk into the bazaar now and pick up what you've missed so far.

284.) Mutemath- Mutemath (2006)
FFO- Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Electronica

Again, in pure transparency, the self titled debut and the EP preceding it (Reset) are the only Mutemath albums I could get into. Everything after it felt like all of the rock elements were fading away and for a band like this, it's the rock elements that makes the band standout. Of course I may stand alone in that thinking. This album though, it's that perfect blend of hard rock, indie rock and electronic to make every song stand out in absolutely incredible ways. It's a sheer jot to listen to every time you hear it. If it's to heavy for you, check out every album after this one, they'll be more up your alley.

283.) Megadeth- Rust In Peace (1990)
FFO- Thrash Metal

Another album where me talking about it will be treading water that's been covered so many times in the world. It's Megadeth's best album, it's some of the finest songwriting that 4 musicians laid on a thrash album and it's simply perfect from start to finish. If you are not familiar with this album, you're not into Megadeth or into thrash metal.

282.) Spock's Beard- Snow (2002)
FFO- Progressive Rock

One of the greatest double disc progressive rock concept albums ever made, simply put. The story, the production, the songwriting, Neal Morse's perfect vocals. It's one of, if not...THE definitive Spock's Beard album and a classic definition of what 21st century progressive rock can and should be.

281.) Warbringer- Woe To The Vanquished (2017)
FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal

A pure renaissance in revival thrash metal happened in Warbringer and this is by far the best Warbringer album to date. Everything about this thrash metal masterpiece is what new thrash bands should aspire to. Forge your own path, don't be afraid of your influences and make what you want to make. When you do, you too can create an album that will stand the time like Woe To The Vanquished.

280.) Star One- Victims Of The Modern Age (2010)
FFO- Progressive Metal

Russell Allen, Dan Swano, Damien Wilson, and Floor Jansen performing songs written by Arjen Anthony Lucassen. If you haven't heard of this, you need to RIGHT NOW. If you haven't heard of anyone I just listed here, I need to sit you down and school you on symphonic, power and progressive metal (PM me for details). Star One is arguably the most underrated of Arjen's projects, but it's arguably one of the best, go check this out immediately! (and the 2002 debut, Space Metal).

279.) Rosk- Miasma (2017)
FFO- Sludge Metal, Post Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal

Rosk is a band that needs to be checked out by everyone that appreciate the genres in the FFO listed. This band and this album in particular, is some of the most honest, heart wrenching metal you'll hear outside of depressive suicidal black metal. A sheer brilliant album that deserves your attention and love in anyway you can. It's sucha  monster record, list, you'll understand why.

278.) The Mars Volta- Deloused In The Comatorium (2003)
FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock, Fusion, Experimental

TMV is a band that one of the most loyal fan bases outside of metal and this album brought almost everyone to the party. Featuring Flea (of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame) on bass; this off the wall concept album reaches almost every sense of your soul in different ways and makes you feel so many different emotions. Granted if you are not into modern jam bands, this probably won't be for you, but if you get it...you'll get this.

277.) Dynazty- Titanic Mass (2016)
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal, Power Metal

This is the best Dynazty album, bar none! The catchiness, the songwriting brilliance, and the musicianship is unparalleled. They are the best progressive power metal band you are not listening to (unless you already are; then I'm proud of you!). Simply put, unless you hate these styles of music, you will LOVE Dynazty, guaranteed!

276.) Vallenfyre- Splinters
FFO- Death Metal, Doom Metal, Grindcore

The sophomore album from this Paradise Lost offshoot is where the band really discovered what it what's to accomplish as a band, be one of the heaviest bands ever, no matter the style, no matter the tempo. The production here is top notch, the songwriting is awe inspiring and the overall sense of dread throughout fits so perfectly in the state of the world today (to be fair, all three albums have done that so far). A great starter album for Vallenfyre that will sink it's hooks into you within seconds. It's worth the pain.




And there we go folks, 75 albums done in 3 days *wipes sweat off forehead* and we only got *looks at the rest of the list, checks calculator) 275 albums to go (WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!?!) But seriously, I am loving this so far and I am so happy I get to share this all with you, so go out and check out some new music and discover some new favorite bands, I'll be back tomorrow to brings up for Part IV: 275-251.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Part II has arrived! With all of the great love Part I has already received, I can't wait to keep going with this. Let's just right on to it shall we?

Here's How The Rules Go Down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.


325.) Exhorder- Slaughter in The Vatican (1990)
FFO- Groove Metal, Thrash Metal

Thankfully, our prayers have been answered and not only has Exhorder reformed, but we are getting a new album from the band! But before that, the two album legacy the band gave us are filled to the brim to what would be taken and transformed into other forms of thrash and groove in metal in the forms of Pantera, Machine Head, and many others. But this is where it all started. The debut album paved the way for the heavy side of heavy metal once again for the 90s and that future, while underground at the time, was shining bright. When you listen to it now, it sounds as fresh as ever and I can't wait to see what nearly 30 years difference makes with the new album.

324.) Solstafir- Köld (2009)
FFO- Post Metal, Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal

This Icelandic band has evolved in many ways like the band, Ulver, where they are unrecognizable from their black metal roots. By this time, they heaviness was still around, but was fading. Everything after this album became much more focused on post rock and atmosphere, In a sense, Köld is the perfect gateway to the band, if you like the heaviness shown off, go towards the albums that came before it. If you like the post atmosphere, go towards the albums after it through today. TO me, the band can do no wrong and they are following their hearts. Köld was a great album that really showed off the bands past, present, and future.

323.) Egypt Central- Egypt Central (2008)
FFO- Hard Rock, Alternative Metal

This band had all the potential in the world when this debut album came out in 2005. The singles, You Make Me Sick and Taking You Down, made the Top 40 charts and the band was getting some real recognition. That continued with their next album, White Rabbit, but sadly the band didn't go on much longer after. Basically, this band is a band that should have taken the world by storm with it's songwriting, catchy hooks and fantastic abilities, but the two albums we got was a great showcase of what they could give us.

*EDIT* Shortly after writing this up, I discovered the band has released new music 5 days ago and it's incredible stuff!

322.) The Exies- A Modern Way Of Living The Truth (2007)
FFO- Hard Rock Alternative Metal

The final album from The Exies is a solid album of radio hits after radio hits, but the good kind of earworms, not the force fed catchy songs you hear several times a day on FM radio. Just songs that deserve your attention and give you a reason to listen. If you want a great showcase of what 00s hard rock radio should have beem, pick this album up.

321.) Cephalic Carnage- Anomalies (2005)
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal, Deathgrind

This band is capable of playing anything any this album truly shows it. While most of the album showcases the technical, death metal, grindcore that makes up a majority of ti's sound. I do find their satirical take on metalcore, the song "Dying Will Be The Death of Me", to be the best thing they have done. They are a band that rip you apart and still make you give you a smile with a track or two off each album making fun of a genre of metal. Anomalies, in particular is the perfect album to get your feet wet with the band and show off what they band really can do.

320.) Fear My Thoughts- The Great Collapse (2004)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore

A severely underrated melodeath band, the band really came into it's own with The Great Collapse. A great blend of melodeath and metalcore that makes it some of the most catchy and forward thinking melodeath of it's era. Fear My THoughts is a band that deserves your love, even after they are gone. Start with this album and go from there.

319.) Izah- Sistre (2015)
FFO- Sludge Metal, Post Metal, Doom Metal, Atmospheric

This band's debut (so far, only) LP is a sheer masterpiece. It's such a great combination of sludgy doom metal, atmospheric post metal, and some hardcore thrown in for good measure. While at only 4 tracks, they are 4 phenomenal tracks all over the 10 minute mark (the title track being over 31 minutes). I really hope the band comes back soon with another killer album to decimate all that's in it's way. Till then, pick this monster up!

318.) Judgement Day- Peacocks/Pink Monsters
FFO- Orchestral/String Metal

This three piece was a thing of beauty. A violin, a standup bass, and a drum set; making some of the heaviest music that has ever come out of those three lone instruments. I had the gracious opportunity to see them once opening for dredg and they blew my mind, I bought their whole discography they had at the merch table. Not long after came this album and it was everything I wanted it to be. A fun, heavy, insightful instrumental album that showcased all of the band members perfectly. If you want a band like Apocalyptica, but not doing covers nor doing radio rock, Judgement Day is the band for you. Go check out ALL of their stuff (and the various projects they do now).

317.) The 11th Hour- Burden of Grief (2009)
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal

This sorrow filled band coming from musician mastermind Ed Warby, released their debut album 10 years ago. A Concept album about a man's final days/hours living with cancer. It pulls on your heartstrings, brings you down to the depths of hell and yet, you never want to escape it. The music is extraordinary, the theme can hit anyone emotionally, and the overall vibe is something you want to see to the bitter end. We need some more music from The 11th Hour at some point, we really, really do.

316.) The Kris Norris Projekt- Icons of the Illogical (2009)
FFO- Mainly Instrumental Metal, Progressive Metal, Metalcore

Not long after Norris left the band Darkest Hour, came this fantastic solo album that really features off his writing style and everything is capable of creating. With so many great nods to different styles shown off and of course absurdly great guitar playing, this album is underappreciated and deserves some great love. It is not a full on instrumental album, Randy Blythe of Lamb of God lends his vocals on two tracks to add even more variety to this album. I love it to death, and you may as well.

315.) Primal Rock Rebellion- Awoken Broken
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Combining the talents of SikTh and Iron Maiden sounds absurd on paper, but the execution is brilliant. Mikee W. Goodman of SikTh and Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden created this (so far) lone album and it's one for the ages; showing off both musicians in the best ways possible. It's a proggy, heavy, melodic rock and metal album that would fit right at home if I had a top 40 rock station. While both guys are extremely busy, I really hope in the future that wee will get another Primal Rock Rebellion album in the future, the world truly needs it.

314.) Wolves In The Throne Room- Celestial Lineage (2011)
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Metal

Wolves In The Throne Room is a true watershed band. Bands that came before it explored or hinted at atmospheric elements at times. Bands that came after really started exploring the post rock, post metal sides of what black metal can do. WITTR is still that fine line between black metal and atmospheric post metal and this is heavily demonstrated with Celestial Lineage. It's a very grandiose album that they even made a 2nd album, Celestite, to be played along with this album to add more synths, style, and atmosphere. It's one of the most dense black metal albums you will ever find and a true gem in the genre. 

313.) OSI- Free (2006)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Industrial Metal

From brainchild, Kevin Moore, this album features guests from all over the prog landscape, though not nearly as many as the debut album. This album features more on song structure and feel rather than exploring everything it did before and after Free. So with that its the most commercial(?) of it's catalog and I have no idea if the project will come back in any form, but I love(d) what they have done and Free is a great discovery album for the band.

312.) Gridlink- Longhena (2014)
FFO- Grindcore, Progressive Metal

Grindcore with song structures? Surely you jest? I jest not! This is one of my favorite grindcore albums ever made and for good reason, this final album from Gridlink shows off the band at it's proggiest, yet never losing the grindcore touch at all. It's an absolutely insane album and it deserves any and all love you can give it.

311.) Goes Cube- Another Day Has Passed (2009)
FFO- Post Hardcore, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Post Rock

When I discovered the band Torche, I was looking to see if I could find any band that did similar, as I love that sound. Goes Cube is the closest I could find (back in 2009) and I was not disappointed. a great mix of all the genres listed above gives the band it's own distinct flair and it's something that is sadly missed with the band being put to rest a few years back. Give this album a shot if you want an album with so many twists and turns that feels like an emotional roller coaster in the best way.

310.) Hella- Hold Your Horse Is (2002)
FFO- Experimental, instrumental

Back before Zach Hill was known for staring the experimental hip hop duo, Death Grips, he was the drummer of one of the most spontaneous, genre defying, and insane technical abilities I've ever heard in a band with, Hella. Hold Your Horse Is is the duo at it's most creative and death defying. I've never heard a drummer who could pull off septuplets on a bass drum with one foot before, but it's here. The music is not for the faint at heart. It's courageous, wacky, and completely insane; yet, musical. Words can't really describe it, you would just have to listen for yourself.

309.) Red Fang- Whales and Leeches (2013)
FFO- Sludge Metal, Hard Rock

The album that brought me to the beer drinking party is still my favorite from the band after all this time. This is such a ridiculously fun album from start to finish. Whether you want fast songs, slow songs, mellow songs, crunchy songs, they are all here and more. The band is just unadulterated fun and this just a great example to start off your adventures with Red Fang.

308.) Miss May I- At Heart (2012)
FFO- Metalcore

This is the generation of American metalcore I missed while I was discovering other bands, so not many of the bands ever really grabbed my attention. Miss May I on the other hand...what a great band that really shows the powerful of writing a good catchy song while keeping metal attached to it all. While they are not everyone's cup of tea (most people refuse to listen for the band name alone), if you go past your preconceived notions, there is so much to enjoy here, and why not start off with this fantastic album (then jump immediately to their latest album Shadows Inside, which is arguably their best, but I went with what brought me to the band).

307.) Spiral Architect- A Sceptic's Universe (2000)
FFO- Progressive Metal

I've talked so much so far about final albums or only albums from bands and projects. This band/album is no exception. If Cynic was inspired by Black Sabbath and Candlemass, you get Spiral Architect. This lost gem is mandatory listening if you are a prog fan. It's an album that stretches your creative imagination to the brink and it's worth every single second.

306.) Hate Eternal- Upon Desolate Sands (2018)
FFO- Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

Anyone can say what they want, but when it comes to American technical death metal, no one does it better than Hate Eternal. Only getting more ferocious with every new album, the band's latest album showcases this in strides. The production is top notch, the musicianship is mindblowing, and the songs the kind of brutality that you just want to keep in your life. Hate Eternal rules and there is no end in sight. I can't wait to see what's next.

305.) Earshot- Two (2004)
FFO- Hard Rock, Alternative Metal

What a great band Earshot was when they came out in the 2000s and by the time of their sophomore LP, Two, they really showed the world what they were capable of. Every release from the band is such a joy to listen to, but I go back to Two the most as it just really captures what the band had in store, but with what they had before this and everything that came after. So catchy, hooky, heavy, and sadly missed on modern airwaves. I hope they come back and make the best album they've ever made.

304.) From Autumn To Ashes- Abandon Your Friends (2005)
FFO- Post Hardcore, Emo

I love every single album these guys have done and it's a shame that the band has had it's ups and downs the way they have. Abandon Your Friends really showed off the band in the perfect musical light. Everything you could possibly want in this band is shown off here and done to perfection. This is about as far as I really go down the post hardcore, emo rabbit hole, but the adventure every time I hear them is absolutely worth it.

303.) Mercenary- The Hours That Remain (2006)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Power Metal

There is no bad Mercenary album and it's so hard to choose my favorite, but again, I chose the one that brought me to the dance. This album showcases that perfect blend of In Flames, Nevermore, and Dream Theater that I wish bands would have done to even greater heights. Such an underrated band and they need a comeback, like yesterday! You can't go wrong with any Mercenary album, like mentioned, but hey, give The Hours That Remain a chance you may fall in love with them the way I did.

302.) D.R.I.- Danger Zone (1989)
FFO- Crossover Thrash, Punk, Heavy Metal

D.R.I. are such a fantastic abnd that is still going strong to this day. But back in the day, they wrote albums for the generation, most particularly 4 of a Kind and Danger Zone. The latter in question is what I love about the band. So many great ragers,  killer riffs, and relateable lyrics. D.R.I. has it all and if you missed out on them so far, it's not too late to get on the bus before you get trapped, down, BENEATH THE WHEEL!!!

301.) Mercyful Fate- Melissa (1983)
FFO- Heavy Metal, Early Black Metal

What can I possibly say about this album that hasn't been covered already? It's one of the most groundbreaking albums in extreme metal. It inspired Metallica in so many ways, a whole genre was helped inspired by this album (and of course the bands Venom and Hellhammer/Celtic Frost) in Black Metal, and of course, KING DIAMOND!!! It's a landmark album in heavy metal history and it should be required listening for any metal fan. There's a reason why you don't hear people talk much crap about Mercyful Fate nor King Diamond; Melissa is such a prime example.



And there we go, folks. 2 parts down, 50 albums covered. 300 more albums to go (what have I done to myself???) I hope you are enjoying this so far and if you haven't found what you've been looking for, my personal favorites are yet to come!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Part 1: 350-326

So here we are in 2019. The past decade since the last time I did a definitive top albums list has been quite a decade of growth for me personally and musically. I joined so many bands that eventually failed, I have had my life torn apart in every conceivable way, I've made what I thought were true friends that turned out to be incredibly terrible people, but there has been one gigantic upside to it all. I started what has become known as That Drummer Guy on August 2nd, 2011. Since then I have done over 600 interviews, endless reviews at the end of every year, so many grand experiences that no one else would get to have and so much more that I know that I am forgetting. With all that, my musical tastes have grown,l I've discovered so much new music and I have been able to put my stamp in the rock and metal world, even if it is still a small stamp. And a decade later, I wanna bring back what has made me known online to begin with, my favorite albums of all times list, but, with a twist!

Here's how it will all go down:

1.) 14 Lists of 25 albums a piece, counting down from 350 to 1.
2.) No more than one album per project, otherwise this list would be in the 1,000s.
3.) This list is as close of order as I could get it and be somewhat happy. If I overthink it, I could easily rewrite this whole list in a new order over and over again. Right now, I'm happy with it enough to write it down for the world to see.
4.) If there is an album/band/artist missing from this list that doesn't fit the criteria above (mainly number 2) it is because I either didn't hear it enough, didn't like it as much, it's too new to me to be fair to add to the list, or it just isn't my bag...baby!
5.) My list isn't your list. Your favorite band might not be on here, it might be too low for you, a band you hate might be too high for you. Just remember, it's just my opinion.
6.) The goal of this gigantic list is to show off my roots, what I love in the past, and now, and most importantly, to show YOU something that you may not be familiar with that you may enjoy. If you can't find something to enjoy within these 350 albums, we are just not going to click musically. Different Strokes...
7.) Yes, I enjoy every single album here. Every album I can enjoy front to back, not wanting to skip a track. Not a single album on here is just thrown in to fill out the list, nor is there a single album that I feel is weak. To me, it's all killer and no filler.

So how about we get started...eh?

350.) My Chemical Romance- Welcome To The Black Parade (2006)
FFO- Pop Rock, Alternative Rock, Emo

How's that for a shocker?!?! Yes, I very much enjoy this album from start to finish. IN all honesty, it's the only one that I ever really got into. I love that it's a dark concept album, which outside of Green Day's '00s albums, you just never saw that in mainstream music at the time. It's very proggy for that and I truly appreciate it for that. Wish they would have kept that in mind for everything after this, but hey, at least I got one album I enjoy out of them, can't complain too much.

349.) Metallica- Ride The Lightning (1984)
FFO- Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

Yes, Metallica is this low. Why? Frankly, I burned myself out on the band in 2003 and the love never truly came back. It's the only band that ever had that effect on me. Mainly it's because of Metallica it's been my mission to go out and search for new music so I never burn myself out on one band, style, etc. RTL though it their best album. Best album cover, best Metallica logo, best Metallica instrumental, and the best track order from start to finish. While many will disagree and say it's Master of Puppets or even the past version me would say it's ...And Justice For All; but as I've grown up, Ride The Lightning just does it best for me and what a great album for it to happen with.

348.) Rishloo- Eidolon (2007)
FFO- Tool meets Fair To Midland

That's the best way I can describe this sadly underrated band. A great mix of the prog, heavy, quirky, and experimental sides of both of the aforementioned bands, but still a great example of taking influences and creating something new with it. Introduced to me from a friend I sadly don't really talk to anymore, this was a fantastic recommendation from them and I'm so thankful I got to check them out as I would have missed them had I not been shown the band. Eidolon showcases the band's strengths in the best ways and you just can't help but feel a great chill down your spine at some of it's highest moments. Well worth a listen.

347.) Mew- No More Stories... (2009)
FFO- Progressive Rock, Dream Pop, Alternative Rock

Mew are a shining example of how to forge your own sound and making the music you want to make. WIth that, Mew carved out their finest work to date with No More Stories... a perfect blend of dancey, proggy, angelic, and blissful music that makes you feel like you are floating through through the clouds over the most beautiful landscapes. This album/band won't be for everyone reading this list, but if you need something that's not heavy in the slightest and want a break from the world, No More Stories... is the album to make that happen.

346.) Sons of Aeon- Sons of Aeon (2013)
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Unless they somehow reform and put out another album, this is one of my favorite one album bands ever. I've often said this album is what I would imagine if Pain of Salvation would ever put out a melodeath album. The melodies, the harmonies, the overall sense of darkness, it's a flourishing and brilliant album from start to finish and it's an absolute shame that there is no follow up to this debut album. Maybe my prayers will be answered and we'll get album two, but if not, we got this untouchable, meldodeath album of awesomeness.

345.) Vital Remains- Dechristianize (2003)
FFO- Death Metal

Vital Remains is that definition of a raw, heavy, satanic death Metal band. Dechristianize is their pinnacle of brilliance with it's epic title track showcasing everything the band is capable of. It's brutal and oddly, so melodic at the same time. If you've never ventured into true satanic death metal, you may as well start with an album that's title gives you exactly that...Dechristianize!

344.) Peeping Tom- Peeping Tom (2006)
FFO- Trip Hop, Pop, Alternative

It's still strange to know that a lot of people will still only know Mike Patton for his work with Faith No More, when he has done so...SO much more. From scary as hell metal with Fantomas to absurdly quirky and catchy stuff with Mr. Bungle to too many projects, collaborations and one offs to count. This stand alone album is what Patton considers his version of pop music and it really, really works. It can get heavy to trippy to poppy to laid back all at the turn of a dime. There's something for everyone on this album and it's well worth your time checking out.

343.) Burning Inside- Apparation (2001)
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

The work of Richard Christy is nothing short of brilliant. No matter if he's making prank calls on the Howard Stern show, or sharing the stage with Death. The man has done no wrong so far. This dangerously underrated album from 2001 is a worthy album to follow his stint with Death, showcasing his phenomenal drumming along with some brilliant songwriting, ferocious vocals and brutal production; it's a death metal album that is worthy of any and all praise it gets.

342.) Wilton & Akerstache- Storm Corrosion
FFO- 80s Pop, Progressive Rock

Quite possibly the greatest prog parody album ever made. SADLY, I have no idea where to ever find it again. It was available for free through the band's YouTube channel and it disappeared, so if you have it...you know! If it's out there, share that stuff! But anyways, one man took it upon himself to ask himself what he thought a collaboration between Steven Wilson and Mikael Akerstache would sound like. If you ever heard the actual one off project Storm Corrosion, then you know it was a sinister, dark soundscape album. This however is the warped mix of Miami Vice, Genesis, and the best over the top and hysterical vocals you'll ever hear. Seriously, if it's out there, go find it and enjoy, it's worth every single second.

341.) Dave Brockie Experience- Diarrhea of a Madman
FFO- Comedy Punk Rock

If you love the idea of GWAR but not the theatrics, DBX may be what you've been looking for. It's a 3 piece band of Dave Brockie and CO making simple punk rock and some hilarious songs to go with it. Some of my favorite bass riffs ever on this album (I'm serious). I would have loved to have seen these guys live but will sadly never get the chance. Brockie ruled at everything he did and between both DBX albums, there is so much to enjoy before you get back into GWAR.

340.) Widowmaker- Blood And Bullets (1992)
FFO- Heavy Metal

DId you know that Dee Snider had a heavy metal band. No I don't mean Twisted Sister, I mean something much heavier. Ok, no I don't mean his new solo album which is really, REALLY heavy all things considered. I mean back in the late 80s, early 90s; Snider created Widowmaker, a heavy as hell album that showcased his love for heavy metal. It's fast, it's catchy, it's two fantastic albums. WIdowmaker's sophomore album Blood and Bullets, much like Skid Row's Slave To The Grind, showed the band get even heavier and more fun. THis is such a fun album to listen to and I highly recommend you check it out as well.

339.) Karnivool- Sound Awake (2009)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Tool

Karnivool is still the front runners of the Australian Tool-esque prog metal bands that came out of the 21st century and really blew the doors off the house. Sound Awake is when things exploded for the band and they became the worldwide band that prog fans have been asking for. Super catchy, so many great twists and turns, plus a great sense of musical songwriting that really makes the bands stand out. If you're a prog fan and have yet to hear Karnivool, you are in for a real treat.

338.) Vertigo Steps- Surface/Light (2012)
FFO- Melodic Metal, Alternative Rock

A band that I feel like never got the love they truly deserved and I sadly discovered them too late. The band's final album showcased some of the greatest melancholic & melodic rock, alternative, and Metal riffs put to record of it's style and I love every second of it. It's hauntingly beautiful and an album that when you discover it, you may just fall in love as well.

337.) 1349- Demonoir (2010)
FFO- Black Metal

1349 has been around for 22 years now and every album seems to crush on such a great, consistent way. My turning on point of the band was Demonoir and what a great record to start with. The production just raw and polished enough, the songs are so evil and has some of their most memorable songs to date on it. If you wanna heat what the 3rd/4th generation of Scandinavian Black Metal has to offer the world, what's a better place to start than the band who named themselves after the black plague?

336.) Shai Hulud- Misanthropy Pure (2008)
FFO- Hardcore Punk, Mathcore

This band is one that I wish would make a return from hiatus and take over the world again. At least to date, the band's last album, Misanthropy Pure is that perfect blend of hardcore, punk rock, and touches of mathcore that just grabs your attention and makes you pay attention. A short, sweet, brutal, 42 minute display of what can be done with creative minds.

335.) Burst- Lazarus Bird (2008)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal (Mastodon, Baroness, early day Torche)

Man, I have a lot of final albums on this so far don't I? Didn't realize it till now. Anyways, Burst was an unsung inspiring band for me that really showcased what could be done in heavier progressive metal. Sadly, the final album was the last great display this band had to offer and boy, they really gave it their all on this one. I dare say they were there along with bands like Today is the Day that really showcased what bands like Mastodon would carve out and make their own later in time. And by this time, those types of bands were exploding and Burst gave a proper farewell. All of it's great twists and turns, heavy riffs and overalls sense of wonder hits you from beginning to end and it leaves you wanting more. Sadly, that's how it looks to be...leaving us wanting more. Seriously, go check them out if you have not done so.

334.) Pelican- City of Echoes (2007)
FFO- Instrumental, Post Metal, Post Rock

Pelican are one of greatest instrumental post bands to ever exist and they prove it with every single album. City of Echoes, in particular, just does it for me with it's heaviness on top of it's proggy landscapes and dark atmospheres. Any Pelican album is a great place to start, but if you wanna start where I did, go City of Echoes, it's an awesome trip!

333.) Twelve Foot Ninja- Silent Machine (2012)
FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Rock (Meshuggah meets Mike Patton)

It's heavy, it's quirky, it's just a fun album from start to finish. This Australian band shows that not every prog band needs to be inspired by Tool to make an impact, and they did it perfectly. Silent Machine is the perfect gateway album into this band that puts on such a great atmosphere that y ou will expect upon your first listen. Meshuggah riffs going into reggae into pop? Oh, that's there and so much more!

332.) Acid Bath- When The Kite String Pops (1994)
FFO- Doom Metal, Sludge Metal

When you hear the name acid bath, you just automatically think it's some brutal grindgore or brutal death metal band right? Acid Bath is far from that. They took new directions of sludge, doom and southern gothic and really created a style that many have tried to duplicate, but could only imitate. Dax Riggs and Co really made an amazing impact in the world and while all parties when on to form create music, from blues in Dax's solo material to Goatwhore; the musicians involved created incredible music and despite it's tragic end, it's great to see their passions live on.

331.) Thrice- The Artist In The Ambulance (2003)
FFO- Post Hardcore, Pop Rock

Thrice is a band that instantly grabbed my attention when I was discovering new bands in 2003. It was a great mix of radio friendly hooks but nearly metal at times, something that I was very interested in at the time. The Artist In The Ambulance still stands out as the band's biggest album and for good reason. While every album after this goes into much deeper territory thematically, conceptually and musically, this album was that shining album for me that reminded me that not everything that is popular is bad. A rule I genuinely live by now (though it took a while), don't judge a band by it's trend; judge it by it's music. And what a great album Thrice released 16 years ago.

330.) Mr. Bungle- Mr. Bungle (1991)
FFO- Experimental

Putting a pure label on Mr. Bungle is meaningless. There isn't two Bungle songs that sound the same, let alone albums. It's Mike Patton's band before Faith No More, but oddly got going after Faith No More broke out (possibly one of only two instances where a musician joins a bigger band and says "Don't worry guys, I'm not forgetting about you. After things get rolling here, I'll come back and bring this band with." the other being Corey Taylor with Stone Sour) I chose the S/T album because it has the most metal moments that come out of nowhere, but it's so funky, quirky, danceable and bat guano insane (though that last part you could LITERALLY say that about any of the albums). Mr. Bungle is not for the faint of heart, but worth your time if you dare.

329.) Levi/Werstler- Avalanche of Worms (2010)
FFO- Instrumental Metal

Eyal Levi, Emil Werstler, and Sean Reinert....seriously what else do I need to say? This is a perfect instrumental album that showcases all of the band's phenomenal skills in production, songwriting and chops. This one off band needs love after nearly a decade away and you should really give it your time if you dig instrumental metal. I can't fathom how you would be disappointed.

328.) Kaddisfly- Set Sail to Prairie (2006)
FFO- Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock

For the longest time, this was the band's final album, but in 2015, they came back with a killer reunion album, Horses Galloping on Sailboats. But this album is a fantastic concept album focusing on a different month in a different spot in the northern hemisphere starting from June and ending in May. It ranges from so many emotions and musical territories that is well worth your time if you're adventurous. 

327.) Portal- Vexovoid
FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Extreme Metal, Avant Garde

Challenge Time! Get this album, stay up till you go to bed, turn off all the lights, light a candle or two. Put this album on and see how long you can last before you start to feel terrified. Vexovoid in particular is one of the scariest albums put out to date and it completely messes with your senses. The sheer brutality, the noise affects, the haunting vocals, everything about this band is horrendously scary, but in the best way possible. Another album and band not for the faint of heart, but if you can survive this album, you can survive any band ever.

326.) Goo Goo Dolls- Dizzy Up The Girl
FFO- Alternative Rock, Pop Rock

Unless you are of those few that remember my original Top Albums list back on the old Dream Theater and Mike Portnoy forums, there's no way you saw this album coming did you? I honestly love this album and I feel Black Balloon is one of the greatest pop rock ballads ever made (FIGHT ME, JERKS!). It's funny how a band that started off on Metal Blade Records became one of the biggest 90s bands with the band's main single, Iris. I still enjoy the song to this day, but the rest of the album showcases some killer songwriting and so many songs that never got the time of day. That tends to happen when one song skyrockets you to stardom. But anyways, the older, heavier, more punkish days of the band disappeared on this album, and everything that came after this album never really did anything for me. This was the case of the right album at the right time and yeah, I really love it.



And there you go folks, the first 25 of my humongous top 350 albums of all time list. 325 albums to go and I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. But I have shown off a broad taste of music from the most brutal of blackened death metal to the most radio friendly pop rock the 90s had to offer.

Next time, Part II: 325-301

- Josh Rundquist

Alpha Wolf is becoming one of the strongest names in Australian Metal and for good reason. With two prior EPs and their debut album, Mono; the band returns with a darker but broader sound and new outlook on life with the new EP, Fault, coming out April 19th through Sharptone Records. I had the opportunity to ask frontman, Lochie Keogh, a few questions about everything going on in the world of Alpha Wolf. ENJOY!
 
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! For anyone who may not be familiar, describe Alpha Wolf.
Honest and heavy, the one and the only Alpha Wolf. 



The brand new EP, Fault, is coming out next Friday through Sharptone Records. How does it feel to have this EP available for the world to hear so soon?
It's a really exciting feeling, Almost just as equally nerve wracking, especially putting it out there as the new voice in the mix. Either way we're really happy with what we've put together so we just want it out, we write music that we want to hear and it’s always great finally getting to let everyone else hear it. 
 
I thoroughly enjoy Fault and it’s pummeling, nearly 18 minutes of heavy, groovin and absolutely catchy songs and interludes. What went into the writing process for Fault?
Scottie (guitar) normally lays down some quality demo tracks as he is the riff lord and we’ll all pitch in with structure and anything else necessary for the song. Lyrics are always being written behind the scenes and then we’ll pick a lyric set that’ll suit a vibe of a song and consistently tweak it until everyone is happy with everything.
 
I gotta imagine it will be a great feeling to be able to play songs from Fault in a live setting going forward?
It's wild. Every show the new songs seem to be reaching new ears. To see the fans getting into them at the shows is always cool, the new songs definitely seem to be the crowd favorites.

One thing I truly appreciate about Fault is the atmospheric moments of the songs that really capture your interest and makes the brutal parts more brutal and the more mellow moments feel even more mellow. How important is the atmospheric vibe in the band?
I wouldn't say it's something so important that we are driving to create it, the vibe is either there or it isn't and it'll usually come naturally with the creation of the song, we’re always writing for our own ears and the dynamics are something that we really enjoy creating. 

The artwork for Fault is absolutely stunning. How did you decide on this artwork for the EP?
We knew we wanted to paint a really cold picture for the record so we took that and bounced around with some artists til we got a product we felt represented it well. 
It’s one of those things that isn’t right until you see it for the first time and know instantly that it’s right.
 
What would you say was the biggest change(s) going from the debut album, Mono, to Fault?
Majority of the lyrics on Mono were drawn more so from fresh wounds and things happening at the time of the record being written, which resulted in a more depressing vibe. Fault is drawn from all experiences of our lives new and old and expresses a variety of emotion. 
 
I’ve always noticed with the Australian Metal scene that is so varied and well rounded with so many killer bands. What is it like for you guys playing in Australia over the years?
Playing in Australia was definitely harder in the early years, there is a lot of saturation and so much music happening every night that it can be hard to draw a crowd, which makes every band strive so hard to be greater and break free from the mold. This is exactly what we did and now each time we run around the country is significantly better than the last. 
 
So with Fault coming out next Friday, what is going on with Alpha Wolf for the rest of 2019?
A whole lotta touring. 
 
Have you had any favorite albums yet this year or any previously from 2018?
Black Tongue's Nadir is probably my favourite for the year. 
 
What do you like to when you are not focused on Alpha Wolf?
Not a hell of a lot. We like video games and anime so we're staying home maybe a little too much sometimes. 
 
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a new fan of the band and absolutely loving what I hear, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk about everything going on in the world of Alpha Wolf. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I hadn’t brought up yet?
Thanks to everyone who made it through this; hope you’re enjoying ‘Fault’



ALPHA WOLF- FAULT AVAILABLE APRIL 19TH THROUGH SHARPTONE RECORDS

Hey Everybody!

For those not in the know, on February 11th, I was hospitalized for a multitude of reasons and was there for 13 days and I am still on the mend for the next several weeks, so that means the radio show and podcast had to be put on hold till I heal up and get back into fighting shape. I will be discussing all of this on my comeback episode of Something Gives in the near future.

But in the meantime, I hope this tides you over. I missed out on a ton of albums and promos since being hospitalized and I have been able to catch up on a lot of them. How many? Well, how's 45 albums to tide you over?

Again, as I'm on the mend, I haven't been able to capture every album promo I've heard and there are ten albums I had set aside for my Best of February List, but that was before I got sidelined and I still may add them to a different list involving February and March albums, we'll see.

But as the title suggests, this is 45 album reviews in one sentence or less to get you interested in some new music. Let's see what you can discover!


Afterhand- Escaping Misfortune
Cool Prog rock in the vein of Coheed & A Perfect Circle.


Arrival of Autumn- Harbinger
A more Metal version of Hatebreed with some melodic vocals.


Attila- Villian
Deathcore, not really my bag, but it seems like it is executed well.


August Burns Red- Phantom Sessions EP
They cover The Legend Of Zelda theme; that automatically makes it good.


Backyard Babies- Silver & Gold
Good ol’ Heavy Rock and Roll.


Bastard Noise- Human Extinction Engine
If you dig harsh noise, I’m sure you’ll dig this. (actually got a headache listening to just one song)


Bellrope- You Must Relax
Heavy Sludgy Doom Metal for fans of Pallbearer/Baroness/Inter Arma


Bergraven- Det framlidna minnet
Dark Experimental Progressive Death Metal, heavily impressed!


Bog- S/T
Austrian Blackened Post Metal; an awesome combination


Candlemass- The Door To Doom
While my favorite era will always be with Messiah, I can’t deny the debut album and it is amazing to hear Lars back in the fold.


Cellar Darling- The Spell
Much darker and less folky than the first album and easily for the better with the sound they are going for.


Children of Bodom- Hexed
Easily continuing the trend of making fantastic music again for their 3rd straight album and it might be their best of this era.


Chrome Waves- A Grief Observed
Blackgaze done right, one of my favorite albums of the year so far.


Contrarian- Their Worm Never Dies
For fans of Pestilence, Atheist, Death and Cynic (fantastic technical, progressive death metal)


Demon Hunter- War/Peace
War covers the band’s early heavy side while Peace covers the more current mainstream sound; something for everyone that’s a fan of the band.


Devil Master- Satan Spits on Children of Light
Raw Blackened Crust Punk, very cool stuff


Dream Theater- Distance Over Time
Possibly the most concise and accessible Dream Theater album ever made; whether that’s good or bad to you depends on what you listen to Dream Theater for.


D'un Autre Temps- Nos Memoires
Heavily inspired by Alcest in all the best ways but with added orchestration; a sheer breakout album


Dun Ringill- Welcome
Very fun, horror inspired, Doom Rock/Metal


Eluveitie- Ategnatos
The sound that made me fall in love with Eluveitie and Folk Metal in general, is back and I couldn’t be happier.


Endorphins Lost- Seclusions
If you wish Blood For Blood had more Powerviolence to their sound; this is the band for you.


Forever Still- Breathe in Colours
A band for those that want their heavy, yet mainstream sounds ala Lacuna Coil, Halestorm and In This Moment without having to feel guilty about enjoying it.


Gypsy Chief Goliath- Masters of Space and Time
Stoner Progressive Metal for fans of The Sword, Mastodon, Clutch, and even newer Opeth


Hath- Of Rot and Ruin
Extremely aggressive, thrashy Death Metal


Hiss From The Moat- The Harrier
Brutal Blackened Death Metal; great technical ability shown throughout


In Flames- I The Mask
Simply put, the band’s best album since Come Clarity


Indestructible Noise Command- Terrible Things
Incredibly fun Thrash Metal with a Punk attitude


Inferi- The End of an Era: Rebirth
Technical Death Metal that has that melodic sense, ala Arsis, that I love so much.


La Dispute- Panorama
Not in my normal wheelhouse of music I listen to but really enjoyable, laid back Post Hardcore; I could come back to this.


The Machinist- Confidimus in Morte
Quite brutal Deathcore, Nu Metal and Alternative Metal rolled into one with a really good, positive message in today’s society; something to get behind.


Maestus- Deliquesce
Absolutely gorgeous and forelorn Blackened Doom Metal; Anathema meets My Dying Bride meets Ahab


Mark Morton- Anesthetic
A really cool album seeing Morton explore his non Lamb of God sound, while still being heavy, plus it’s great to hear the late Chester Bennington on the opening track.


Misery Index- Rituals of Power
This could end up being the best Deathgrind album of 2019, but it’s still March, so we will see.


Murmur- The Boundless Black
A dark and beautiful alternative & folk album from two guys not known for this style.


The Mute Gods- Atheists and Believers
The 3rd album from this prog supergroup is at their catchiest and most cynical, I wouldn’t want it any other way.


Omicida- Defrauded Reign
Fast, heavy, catchy Thrash Metal, a fun listen all around.


Queensryche- The Verdict
The verdict is in: this album is simply fantastic and what I was hoping for from the band at this stage.


The Royal- Deathwatch
Super catchy Metalcore, a great throwback to the early to mid 00s


RPWL- Tales From Outer Space
The Pink Floyd inspired prog rock band returns with their 8th album with short science fiction stories and the most perfect cinematic soundtrack to back it up.


SeeYouSpaceCowboy- Songs For The Firing Squad
If Dillinger Escape Plan played sassy hardcore aimed for the myspace generation and opened for the Taste of Chaos tours; still comprehending what I’m hearing.


Sermon- Birth of the Marvellous
A band beautifully mixing Porcupine Tree, Katatonia, and Anathema with such a metal tinge; this is going to be one of the biggest break though Prog albums in 2019.


Sylvaine- Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone
Another band with an influence of the blackgaze created by Alcest, but done in a different way; check out if you want heartbreakingly beautiful music.


Twin Temple- Bring Their Signature Sound...Satanic Doo-Wop
If the title doesn’t give away what this sounds like...I don’t know what to tell you; oddly the most soothing satanic album I’ve ever heard.


Tyr- Hel
Pretty much all the folk elements (besides some hints at it) of this band has been stripped away for more straight ahead Metal and leaving the folklore more towards the lyrical concepts; a perfect gateway album to try to get into Folk Metal, especially if you have been afraid to try it in the past.


Whitechapel- The Valley
The band stripped away so much of their Deathcore sound and is expanding their horizons in what’s possible in heavy music; and to me, that makes them far more enjoyable.

And there you go folks, 45 album reviews in one sentence or less. If something captures your interest, go out and check those albums out and support the bands.

Till I'm back at 100%, this is That Drummer Guy signing off! Have a Good Day!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

To offset my depression  and try to work on more That drummer Guy related stuff in 2019. I have decided to do something new by reviewing The Top 10 Albums of each month going forward. Don't get worried, my year end stuff will be in tact and as plentiful as ever. But now you get to hear about some of those albums just a tad earlier and enjoy them as long as I do.

Few Rules First:

1.) This will happen every Monday after the last Friday of each month to cover as much ground as possible for each month.

2.) This will be in ALPHABETICAL ORDER! Not going away all my year end stuff. I want that to mean as much as ever.

3.) This will only be for the current month. While I get some albums MONTHS in advance, I wanna cover the current month.

4.) If an album you think deserves to be on here and it isn't it's because I haven't heard it yet, haven't heard it enough, or just not my bag...baby.

So let's get cracking with the 10 best albums of January 2019!



A Pale Horse Named Death- When The World Becomes Undone
FFO- Gothic Metal, Doom Rock, Alternative Metal

The 3rd album from this powerhouse of a group showcases some of the darkest, bleakest, yet oddly uplifting music in the band's career. The band carries on with their brand of rock and metal with loving tribute to Type O Negative (how could it not?) but is separated enough to have their own sound in this dark world we live in. In all honesty, I needed this album this year. It hits so many tropes of what I'm currently going through mentally and if you are feeling down, this is an album I highly recommend to help bring some peace into your life. A must hear from a band that deserves to take over the world.

Altarage- The Approaching Roar
FFO- Extreme Metal, Blackened Death Metal Portal

This album fills that void of chaos you need in your life. The band's 3rd album is at their most aggressive, most hostile, and most horrific in the best ways possible. The production is perfect for the style, The songs vary in intensity but doesn't stop it's relentless terror. If you dig bands like Portal but have never heard Altarage, you are seriously missing out.

The Drowned God- I'll Always Be The Same
FFO- Post Hardcore, Crust Punk, Blackgaze

It is an odd mix, but a mix that works so perfectly. Taking the atmosphere of post hardcore, emo and post rock, with the tinges of black metal and crust punk to make a unique sound that really strikes a chord with the darkest parts of your emotions. Mix Deftones, Deafheaven, and Explosions in The Sky in a melancholic blender and you got an absolutely solid album

Evergrey- The Atlantic
FFO- Progressive Power Metal, Dark Metal

The kings of dark metal have returned with their latest opus and continuation of their current concept covering oceans. The album is filled to the brim with catchy, haunting riffs. The production is top notch, and Tom Englund's voice continues to have the most heart breaking soul you will hear in heavy music. Evergrey refuses to disappoint and The Atlantic proves that Evergrey will carry the torch of dark metal till the end of time.

Flotsam and Jetsam- The End Of Chaos
FFO- Thrash Metal

One of the most underrated bands in music returns with their latest musical assault. The band returns as fast, heavy, thrashy, and catchy as ever. Covering so much ground from their past, yet modern enough (with perfect production) that really hits the thrasher's heart and soul. This is what all thrash albums should aspire to be going forward.

Kane Roberts- The New Normal
FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

This album covers so much ground, musically, that I love. You have the Iced Earth vibe of King Of The World, to the dark and heavy Beginning of the End (Which features the legendary Alice Cooper and extreme vocals of Alissa White-Gluz) to powerful ballads like Forever Out of Place. Basically, no matter your style of rock and metal enjoyment, there is something here for you. That just may be The New Normal.

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

This band continues continues to hit you harder and hard with every subsequent album. Black Frost hits right at home with dark overtones, beautiful passages of music and that melancholic tone that really makes the band what they are. If you love doom, melodeath or dark music in general, Nailed To Obscurity should be your new musical obsession.

Soilwork- Verkiligheten
FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodeath, Hard Rock

This band can seriously do no wrong. With every album in the last album, the band continues to explore how extreme, yet progressive, yet catchy the band is possible of being. With this album, it continues to hit levels of controlled chaos and hits even closer to hard rock/radio rock territory, without losing a single drop of intensity. One of the most adventurous, yet mainstream albums, the band has made to date. I did a whole track by track review of the album here: www.thatdrummerguy.com/written-material/album-review-soilwork-verkligheten

Swallow The Sun- When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light
FFO- Doom Metal, Melodeath

There is something to be said about a band who put out a trilogy of albums a couple years back showing off everything the band is capable of at the time; yet come back in 2019 and write one of the most poignant, soul crushing, and hauntingly beautiful albums in their career. This album covers the bases of loss, love, and everything in between so majestically. This is the perfect gateway album to the band and will easily be one of the best albums of the year. Get ready for a trip around the darkest depths of your mind and coming out the end with a purged soul.

Together To The Stars- An Oblivion Above
FFO- Post Black Metal, Blackgaze

Of course it's in a Scandinavian Country where a genre is perfected. Together To The Stars perfectly captures what bands in the blackgaze, post black metal genre have been trying to do for years. A seamless blend of dark and light, emotional and heartbreaking, and easily some of the best production of it's style that it's crystal clear, yet raw enough to violate the senses. A band you really should not pass on if this intrigues you, I couldn't recommend it more.


And that's what we got for January 2019. As you can tell, January is a good month for some of the darkest albums to come out (with winter hitting us and all) and a good blend of great genres that really shows us that 2019 is a year that will contain some absolutely amazing music.

I already have enough albums to do February's list. But I have so much catching up to do for next month that it'll have to wait. So enjoy these ten albums now and see why good music never stops coming out.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

I simply can't believe it's the last full week of 2018. This year has gone by so very fast and at this time next week, it'll be New Year's Eve.

Hey Everybody!

It's time for my yearly wrap up where I talk about the good, the bad, the sexy, and the ugly things of 2018 in my life. I'm not sure how long this will be, but I do want to summarize my 2018 both personally and professionally, and what lies ahead for 2019 (at least tentatively).

Let's break from tradition and start off with the good that has happened this year!

First off, at this time last year, I was really scared I wouldn't have a place to live. My old apartment raised up another 50 bucks a month that I simply couldn't afford. It started at a very reasonable $760 when I moved in June 2015 and by January 2018 it was going to be nearly $1200. So I scrambled to look for a new place and I hit the jackpot. A new place just one town over and maybe an additional 5 minutes away from Minneapolis. It's bigger, less neighbors, way nicer and homier, and even now, it's only 90 bucks more than that original $760 a month price at my old pace. So it's a win in every way!

I've been getting even more into gaming this year, PS4 all the way (ThatDrummerGuy1 if you wanna add me). It's a fantastic escape for me and depending on the album I'm promoting, I can both study an album and game at the same time, which is killing two birds with one stone in the best way possible.

With that,  just a few days ago, I bought my first 4K TV, a 55" TCL 5 Series Roku Smart TV. Considering it's 400 bucks right now at Best Buy, it's not the greatest top of the line tv available, but for 400 bucks, it is one of the best deals you could get at the moment. It covers all my needs. Everything looks better and gaming has never felt better to me.

Professionally, a lot of great things has happened, I'm over 1700 likes on FB, neatly 550 Subscribers on YouTube, and my Best Of 2018 lists have been the biggest hits they have every been with over 25,000 views! With that I have also done 147 interviews this year (maybe I'll get 3 more this week to make it an even 150?) It is less than last year's 162, but I'll get into why later on that. I got to cross more names off my bucket list, got more promos from labels and bands I never dreamed I'd get, made some absolutely amazing connections and as a whole, this has been the most successful year for That Drummer Guy so far.

Now onto the bad...

My depression has hit it's worst peak since 2013, when I was nearly at death's door and not at my own hand. It was hitting me all over this year and for a good 4 month span, it got me really bad. So bad that I actually tried committing suicide twice in one night last month. I'm not proud of it, but it's reality. I will say that overall I am better than that night, but this is the hardest week of the year for me as on New Years Eve 2013, it was the closest I ever came to committing suicide as it was the only time that I wasn't stopped by someone. I'll also get more into that later.

That same night, possibly related, but it was on my mind well before it happened, my band, Systemic Collapse...collapsed. I'll take my share of the blame, thought not all of it. I hate that it happened as it finally felt right musically, but some things are just not meant to be. Will I be in a band again? Will I ever be in a position to even be able to set up my real kit again and play for my own enjoyment? I have no clue. There's a huge part of me that wants to play and I feel so very empty every day I don't even have the opportunity to play. I do have an electronic kit to use if I even dare set that up. My previous band break up ruined me in a bad way, this one just broke my heart. With 15 different bands since I was 13 and not a single one ever panning out, I just don't think being in a band is really in the cards for me. If an opportunity ever came up that I couldn't turn down, sure. But to start something from the ground up again and have it fall apart right before we start recording AGAIN? I simply can't, at least now now.

Along with suicide attempts and bands collapsing, my family life is all but destroyed as well. Twice this year my brother tried to get me to attempt suicide. He feels I am absolutely worthless and I should have finished the job years ago and many more details I won't get into now. With other family issues, no one else is really a part of my life except for my grandma. Though, for the first time in years, I heard from my oldest sister and we have exchanged a few words that were actually good. I also heard from my nephew for the first time in almost a decade (can't believe he's 18 now) and that was just a great feeling. I hope I will again. But that's about it. Every day I feel like a massive part of my life is gone that I can't get back. It's a bad part of my life as particular family members just bring upon misery I never want back. I guess I just miss the idea of having a loving family, longing for something I never had.

Other bummer news on my end is that I only went to one concert this year, Protest The Hero. Was really hoping for more but it didn't work out. Either for the reason that the shows were at venues that I will not support till new promoters take over, or my depression prevented me from leaving the house. PtH put on one hell of a show and it was a great feeling seeing them, but I really hope I'll remedy the situation soon with my ability to see shows again.

Also in regards to depression keeping me from being able to do things this year. I easily could have done way more interviews this year, which is funny because I've done an interview for way more than 1/3rd of the year; but my depression kept me from doing about 90% of my interviews this year. The other 10% was getting the flu and having absolutely no voice. The best part of being my own boss is that I can take days off if I need to, but the worst part of being my own boss is canceling things that I want to do because my mind is messed up. I feel like I let the bands down, the PR down, those who would want to hear the interviews down, and most importantly, myself, down.

Also, in 2019, one of my major forms of income, YouTube, dropped my monetization. Another direct hit I didn't need. I can reapply for it when I hit 1K subscribers and hit 4,000 Hours of views in a year. In Other words, I need to become viral before I can make money on YouTube again. I'm still pushing it as hard as I can with interviews. Maybe I need to add other videos up there as well. I thought about list videos in the past, but it's just too clickbaity for me and I coudln't do it with authenticity. My Year End Best Of Lists are the only authenticity with lists I can ever truly do year after year. I guess we'll see. I've already come to terms with the fact that I won't make it any farther than I am on my own, but that's all I got unless something miraculous happens. Time Will Tell.

To add onto ALL of that, the last two stations that aired my show shut it's doors this year, leaving me without a radio station. When the news hit, I thought about calling it quits right then and there. (also right in the midst of my 4 month dark depression phase, perfect timing) Other people tried convincing me to keep going with it, even offered me names and addresses to get my name out there. I actually wrote back to all of them, plus additional stations I found...not a single bite. Either I heard nothing back, or I was told that I don't fit what the stations needed. Either I was too heavy or not heavy enough or too diverse or didn't play enough mainstream music or many other things. 15 stations total and not one of them was interested. Hard not to feel like a failure when that happens. So I told myself I would finish out the year with my show in podcast form and reassess the situation from there in 2019.

Segue Way!

So 2019 is pretty much a week away, what's going on in the world of That Drummer Guy?

Well after much deliberating online, social media, and feeDback from trusted people; I am keeping my two hour show as is, but just in podcast form. It'll still be available on iTunes, Google Music, Stitcher, Spreaker, and TuneIn. If you want the show on a station near you or if you have a station you run that you want me on, drop me a line, I'll be happy to talk business.

I am also adding a 2nd show. It's a show I've wanted to do for YEARS but never thought there would be an audience. Then, someone I trust told me I should do it, make it bigger than my original plan and show off something else I truly care about. So coming up sometime in January, I am going to be adding my 2nd show that's currently untitled. It's going to be me talking to anyone who wants to talk about mental health and music with me. The idea is to have fellow fans of music and musicians talk mental health and how they survive. It's an ambitious thing, but I wanna knock down those walls of mental health and make it something that should be talked about, rather than hiding it away. I'm putting my money where my mouth is with the first episode and talking about my struggles in detail, from the day that changed my life the day before I turned 12 years old to the day I hit record for the first episode. After that episode, my plan is to have guests on it and just have real, open discussions about each others' struggles, how to improve out lives, what we do to make it through each day, etc. Once I get a name and a format down, I'll be making a press release, but till then, be on the lookout.

I am also going to do my damnest to start doing album reviews year round. I will still do my Best Of Lists the same way I do every year. But rather than just waiting for December to roll around, I wanna cover those albums as soon as I get them. Obviously I won't be covering every album I get but I wanna make good on promoting the albums I truly care about. Not just ok albums or albums that I don't enjoy...the ones I actually dig and hopefully you will too. For how that goes down, go check out my review for the latest Soilwork album and get an idea of how I wanna do things.

It's also been on my mind to start covering gaming and/or wrestling as well. Not entirely sold on the idea as gaming and wrestling are my escapes from work and I do like having them as hobbys rather than more work, but neither of those are off the table.

But that's what I got to wrap up 2019. Some great things I'm proud of. Some things that led me to trying to end my life, and some things that I wanna make an effort to try and make something out of in the next year.

No matter if this is the first you're hearing of me, been a fan for years, or been a friend in my life. Thanks for reading this, thanks for sticking around, and thanks in advance for any and all support you can give in 2019. Let's see what this 30 year old Drummer Guy can do in 2019!

Till 2019, This is That Drummer Guy saying "See You Next Year!"

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Just the list, In countdown order; ENJOY!

100.) Black Majesty- Children of the Abyss
FFO- Power Metal

99.) Poets Of The Fall- Ultraviolet
FFO- Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Symphonic Rock

98.) Shattered Skies- Muted Neon
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

97.) Orange Goblin- The Wolf Bites Back
FFO- Stoner Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

96.) Agrypnie- Grenzgaenger
FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal

95.) Skeletonwitch- Devouring Radiant Light
FFO- Blackened Atmospheric Thrash Metal

94.) Siege of Power- Warning Blast
FFO- Hardcore, Punk, Thrash

93.) Antiverse- Under The Regolith
FFO- Thrash Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal

92.) Alkaloid- Liquid Anatomy
FFO- Technical Metal, Progressive Metal, Death Metal

91.) Black Fast- Spectre of Ruin
FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal Progressive Metal

90.) Entransient- The Weight of Things
FFO- Dark Progressive Rock

89.) Primordial- Exile Amongst The Ruins
FFO- Celtic Black Metal

88.) Clutch- Book of Bad Decisions
FFO- Blues Rock, Stoner Rock, Hard Rock

87.) Unleashed- The Hunt for White Christ
FFO- Viking Metal, Death Metal

86.) Howling Sycamore
FFO- Technical Death Metal with Clean Vocals

85.) Dire Peril- The Extraterrestrial Compendium
FFO- Iced Earth in Space

84.) Freak Kitchen- Confusion to the Enemy
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

83.) Khemmis- Desolation
FFO- Doom Metal, Heavy Metal

82.) Parasite INC- Dead and Alive
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

81.) Tribulation- Down Below
FFO- Black Metal, Occult Rock, Heavy Metal

80.) Hooded Menace- Ossuarium Silhouettes
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal

79.) Wolvhammer- The Monuments of Ash & Bone
FFO- Black Metal, Death Metal, Post Metal

78.) Metal Allegiance- Volume II- Power Drunk Majesty
FFO- Heavy Metal of All Styles

77.) Arsis- Visitant
FFO- Technical Death Metal

76.) Terrorizer- Caustic Attack
FFO- Death-Grind

75.) The Lion's Daughter- Future Cult
FFO- Horror, Black Metal, Death Metal, 80s Synths

74.) Angra- Omni
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Groove Metal

73.) The Night Flight Orchestra- Sometimes The World Ain't Enough
FFO- 70s-80s Classic Rock

72.) Subsignal- Le Muerta
FFO- Progressive Rock

71.) The Absence- A Gift For The Obsessed
FFO- American Melodic Death Metal

70.) THEM- Manor of the Se7en Gables
FFO- Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal

69.) Ghost- Prequelle
FFO- Blue Oyster Cult, Mercyful Fate, Top 40 Rock

68.) Striker- Play To Win
FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal

67.) Deicide- Overtures of Blasphemy
FFO- Death Metal

66.) Skyharbor- Sunshine Dust
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

65.) Mile Marker Zero- The Fifth Row
FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal

64.) Follow The Cipher- S/T
FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal

63.) Refuge- Solitary Men
FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal

62.) Manticora- To Live to Kill to Live
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Speed Metal

61.) Satan- Cruel Magic
FFO- NWOBHM

60.) Aborted- Terrorvision
FFO- Brutal Death Metal, Deathgrind, Horror

59.) Vessel of Light- Woodshed
FFO- Heavy Metal Occult Rock

58.) Lords of Black- Icons Of The New Days
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

57.) The Sea Within- S/T
FFO- ALL Star Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

56.) Memoriam- The Silent Vigil
FFO- Old School Death Metal

55.) Deceased- Ghostly White
FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal

54.) Haken- Vector
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

53.) Beyond Creation- Algorythm
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

52.) Tomb Mold- Manor of Infinite Forms
FFO- Death Metal, Dark Souls/Bloodborne

51.) Orphaned Land- Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Folk Metal

50.) Skull Fist- Way of the Road
FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal

49.) Against The Grain- Cheated Death
FFO- Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll

48.) The Crown- Cobra Speed Venom
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal

47.) Warrel Dane- Shadow Work
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Dark Metal

46,) Alice In Chains- Rainier Fog
FFO- Heavy Metal, Sludge Metal

45.) Horrendous- Idol
FFO- Old School Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

44.) The Atlas Moth- Coma Noire
FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal

43.) Glass Lungs- Imperenance
FFO- Post Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Progressive Rock

42.) Mournful Congregation- The Incubus of Karma
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

41.) Kataklysm- Meditation
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

40.) Riverside- Wasteland
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Experimental

39.) In Vain- Currents
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Modern Metal

38.) Light The Torch- Revival
FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

37.) At The Gates- To Drink From The Night Itself
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

36.) Gruesome- Twisted Prayers
FFO- Death

35.) Amorphis- Queen of Time
FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodic Death Metal

34.) Between The Buried And Me- Automata (I & II)
FFO- Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal

33.) Corrosion of Conformity- No Cross, No Crown
FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Stoner Metal, Hardcore

32.) Obscura- Diluvium
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

31.) Wolfheart- Constellation of the Black Light
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

30.) LIK- Carnage
FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal

29.) Harakiri for The Sky- Arson
FFO- Blackgaze

28.) The Ocean- Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic
FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal

27.) We Sell The Dead- Heaven Doesn't Want You and Hell is Full
FFO- Hard Rock, Gothic Rock, Heavy Metal

26.) Slugdge- Esoteric Malacology
FFO- Death Metal, Progressive, Technical, Many Other Styles

25.) Lux Terminus- The Courage To Be
FFO- Instrumental, Progressive Rock, Fusion

24.) Seventh Wonder- Tiara
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal

23.) Anaal Nathrakh- A New Kind Of Horror
FFO- Sounds of the Apocalypse

22.) Journal- Chrysalis Ordalias
FFO- Majestic Epic Technical Mathcore

21.) Magic Dance- New Eyes
FFO- 80s AOR, Hard Rock

20.) Yob- Our Raw Heart
FFO- Doom Metal, Post Metal, Sludge Metal

19.) Cauldron- New Gods
FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, 80s Metal

18.) Ihsahn- 'Amr
FFO- Ihsahn

17.) In The Woods...- Cease The Day
FFO- Progressive Metal, Black Metal

16.) Long Distance Calling- Boundless
FFO- Progressive Post Metal

15.) Wills Dissolve- The Heaven's Are Not On Fire...
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal

14.) The Antichrist Imperium- Vol II: Every Tongue Shall Praise Satan
FFO- Extreme Metal

13.) The Moor- Jupiter's Immigrants
FFO- Dark Progressive Metal

12.) Revocation- The Outer Ones
FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal, H.P. Lovecraft

11.) Bloodbath- The Arrow of Satan is Drawn
FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal

10.) Oceans of Slumber- The Banished Heart
FFO- Progressive Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal

9.) Redemption- Long Night's Journey Into Day
FFO- Dark Progressive Metal

8.) Omnium Gatherum- The Burning Cold
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

7.) Panopticon- The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I and II)
FFO- North American Folk Metal, Black Metal

6.) Head With Wings- From Worry To Shame
FFO- Progressive Rock, Post Rock, Alternative Rock

5.) Ghostbound- All is Phantom
FFO- Post Metal, Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal

4.) Distorted Harmony- A Way Out
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

3.) Zeal & Ardor- Stranger Fruit
FFO- African American Spirituals meets Black Metal, Experimental

2.) Rivers of Nihil- Where Owls Know My Name
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

1.) Witherfall- A Prelude To Sorrow
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Dark Metal

Here it is, the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the highest possible ranking this drummer guy can possibly can, The Top 20 Albums of 2018. I've already covered 120 albums up to this point and only 20 more to go with each album proving worthy of being named The Best of 2018. Of course, for one last time, Let's go over the rules before diving head first into 20 of the most positive examples of great music this year.

1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo.

2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it.

3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity.

4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year.

5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on YouTube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about.

LET'S FINISH THIS!!!

20.) Yob- Our Raw Heart
FFO- Doom Metal, Post Metal, Sludge Metal

From being on the brink of your life can come of life's most glorious moments. That is what is shown here. When you may be faced with your own mortality and not knowing what is coming next, you no longer feel the need to hide anything and you can truly be yourself. That is what I hear with this album from Yob. After facing life threatening illness, Mike Scheidt wrote a good portion of this album in the hospital and was, thankfully, able to flesh out the rest of the ideas for the album after getting better. What is left is one of the most emotional pieces of music in this style you will ever hear. The title track hits me so very hard every single time. This is not your typical doomy, stonerish, post sludge metal. It is so much more from the heart and grabs your soul. This is required listening for those that dare to find something emotional in music in 2018.

19.) Cauldron- New Gods
FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, 80s Metal

This album is the perfect throwback to everything you love about 80s metal, be it the thrash side, the glam side, or the occult side. Cauldron continues to get better and better with every album and this album just slays with it's melodic metal riffs and perfect raw production. Get your leather vest back on, crack open a cold one with the boys, and throw this album on for guaranteed good times.

18.) Ihsahn- 'Amr
FFO- Ihsahn

I feel like I say this every single time there is a new Ihsahn, but he finds a new way, every single time, to amaze me and repeat myself...this is the most innovative and commercial sounding Ihsahn album to date. Leading you on with the most Emperor sounding song he has written since the band was still actively writing to writing some of the most wicked, nearly pop rock sounding songs you'll hear this year. I wish I had a tenth of Ihsahn's creative prowess so I could just comprehend being this creative with your sound and literally standing by the ideal of creating the music you want to make. Mindblowing from start to finish and you just may agree.

17.) In The Woods...- Cease The Day
FFO- Progressive Metal, Black Metal

Possibly the last album I heard this year that I fully got to have a full grasp on before making this list and I was completely blown away. This is how you make dark progressive metal with tinges of black metal and a little bit of psychedelic. It helps that the band features members of one of my favorite bands ever, Green Incarnation and has hints of that sound, even with a newer lineup since it began. Had I been able to hear this album more, it would probably be a Top 10- or even Top 5 album of the year for me, but the fact I've had this album about 3 weeks or so and it's blown me away this much to make number 17 out of 140 really says a lot of what this band can do. Check them out and see if they are right for you as well.

16.) Long Distance Calling- Boundless
FFO- Progressive Post Metal

After writing one of my favorite albums ever, Trips, back in 2016. The band stripped away the vocals, catchy mainstream songs, and guest appearances to make a return to form. This is the first full on Instrumental LP in the band's catalog and it is easily the best instrumental metal album of the year. It combines all of the great soundscapes I love about the band, no matter how mellow, beautiful or heavy the album gets. LDC has been on my radar since 2009's Avoid The Light and it's great to see 9 years later that I am still just as big of a fan as I have ever been. A band that truly makes the music they want to make. Long Distance Calling is...Boundless.

15.) Wills Dissolve- The Heaven's Are Not On Fire...
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal

I've been hyping up this band for a little bit now and I simply can't do it enough. This Texas band combines the elements of Swallow The Sun, Novembers Doom, Isis, and Opeth that I've always wanted to hear in a band. They can go from a hauntingly beautiful acoustic driven ballad and quickly change it into a brutalized death metal song and it's entirely seamless. This concept album hits all the right notes that makes the band's original sound stick out amongst so many progressive death metal bands and forms something that is truly memorable. Seriously, check this one out!

14.) The Antichrist Imperium- Vol II: Every Tongue Shall Praise Satan
FFO- Extreme Metal

It's futile for me to properly categorize this band. To put it one way, take members of Akercocke, The Berzerker, My Dying Bride, and Voices and have them create a Satanic album that lives up to the hype. It hits every style of music you want in heavy music: prog, thrash, black, death, grind, atmospheric, post, you name it, you'll hear it somewhere on this album. But rather than being a hodgepodge of sound; it completely makes sense and brings forth one of the most awe-inspiring albums of the year. Even if the subject matter isn't for you, I highly recommend checking this album out for the songwriting alone. You're jaw will drop to the ground.

13.) The Moor- Jupiter's Immigrants
FFO- Dark Progressive Metal

One of my favorite discoveries of the year. This band has such a great edge of mixing bands such as Nevermore, Opeth, Early-Mid Era In Flames that makes some of the most intriguing prog music you'll hear in 2018. It's also some of the catchiest you'll hear as well. Try listening to a song like Lead The Difference and tell me that doesn't get stuck in your head in the best way possible. I hope this band continues to flourish as this is how you make dark progressive music.

12.) Revocation- The Outer Ones
FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal, H.P. Lovecraft

One of the most straightforward albums in the band's career; Revocation doesn't do their genre bending songs like on Chaos Of Forms or exploring extreme diversity. They went ahead and wrote a very technical, but killer Death Metal album that hints at what they are best at and flourishes with their most brutal album to date. Inspired by the work of H.P. Lovecraft; the album explores so many classic horror tales and characters and they wrote the prefect soundtrack to pair with it all. Don't get me wrong, the album still has so many twists and turns that makes the band stand out, but focusing more on death metal this time around was the perfect choice and makes this one of the best death metal albums of the year.

11.) Bloodbath- The Arrow of Satan is Drawn
FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal

Bloodbath has made another masterpiece of a death metal album. Old Nick has now made is presence even stronger since Grand Morbid Funeral and really brings the power to the band that matches up the intensity and brutality the band has always been known for. Everyone has their favorite era of Bloodbath, but if you ever doubted this era of Bloodbath, you are missing out on the best death metal album of 2018. remedy that now before the arrow of Satan stabs you in the heart.

10.) Oceans of Slumber- The Banished Heart
FFO- Progressive Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal

The debut album from Oceans of Slumber literally took my breath away. I always wanted to hear a band like this and completely delivered. It was going to be pretty rough to stop that album. Despite some personal setbacks for the bands that could ruin anyone; the band was able to go even darker, even heavier, even doomier, and write one of the darkest albums of 2018 that is completely and utterly heart wrenching. You know things are dark when you gotta add Evergrey's Tom Englund to do guest vocals because the music just isn't dark enough without him. The music is complete and utter perfection, it's a bit slower overall than the debut album, but this album hits you so much harder. An absolute must listen.

9.) Redemption- Long Night's Journey Into Day
FFO- Dark Progressive Metal

How do you make one of my favorite bands of all time even better? You add one of my favorite singers of all time to the fold. Evergrey's Tom Englund makes his debut in Redemption with this ever growing dark album that perfectly matches his voice and makes the band even stronger (and I never thought that was possible). One complete shocker is that there is actually some Major Key action going on in this album that Tom Englund sings over and it actually sounds....HAPPY! (hell has literally frozen over!) But in all seriousness, this album is complete brilliance and I hope if you give it a spin, you'll agree.

8.) Omnium Gatherum- The Burning Cold
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

My final point, this year, on how Finnish metal is the best metal overall. With this release, Omnium Gatherum has become my favorite Finnish band. This album contains so much melodic brutality mixed with a beautiful sense of wonder, atmosphere and feel good music. This is the music you put on with you have inner battles that you must defeat. There is also a great sense of 80s metal that happens from time to time that just puts a gigantic smile on your face as you listen. I love this album and is the pure definition of how to make heavy music beautiful. If you are not aware of this band, please check them out immediately...or at least write them down and check them out after you read this list.

7.) Panopticon- The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I and II)
FFO- North American Folk Metal, Black Metal

Very proud to say that this Minnesota band has released the best double album of 2018. In instances in the past, the band has brilliantly mixed black metal, folk metal, Americana, and bluegrass in a way that just blew my mind when I first discovered the album, Kentucky. Now several albums later; this double album actually separates the two. The first disc is pure post atmospheric black metal with hints at everything else the band is known for and disc two is straight up folk, Americana and bluegrass. So no matter your mood, you'll find something to love here. The band is absolutely at the top of their game and I can't even fathom seeing them slowing down any time soon. Just listen, you'll understand why.

6.) Head With Wings- From Worry To Shame
FFO- Progressive Rock, Post Rock, Alternative Rock

What a brilliant album! A sad, depressing, heart crushing, yet strangely uplifting, album. Tackling a story and issues that must be heard to truly comprehend, this emotionally driven masterpiece flows through so many dynamics of all shapes and sizes. No matter how indie, heavy, or proggy this album gets, it feels so natural and meaningful. This is not an album that should be heard just off of singles. Listen to this from start to finish, read the lyrics, and invest your time into hearing this soon to be classic album. They are going to skyrocket from here. Just you watch.

5.) Ghostbound- All is Phantom
FFO- Post Metal, Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal

My favorite discovery of 2018. Be it an accurate description or not, I love describing the band as if Bruce Dickinson formed a band where he showed his love for Anathema, Pelican and Isis. It is a culture shock to the sense if you are not prepared for it, but if you let it sink in, it is an experience you will never forget and it will completely absorb you. This utter masterpiece of an album is an absolute game changer. If the right people hear this, it could change metal going forward. I simply can't get enough, I hope you'll agree.

4.) Distorted Harmony- A Way Out
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

The best, straight up, progressive metal album of 2018. This is what every single prog band (new and old) should be striving to achieve in today's world. Even if you play a different style of prog, you need to match something on this album, otherwise there's no point. The choruses are beyond catchy, the riffs are the perfect blend of heavy and memorable, the songs are sheer brilliance. If you want your prog to be heavy, catchy, and to the truest meaning of the word, EPIC; you need Distorted Harmony in your life.

These last three albums I have had the hardest time deciding what would be number one. I can make an argument for all three and feel completely justified, but this was the final order I picked and they are seriously the best albums of the years to me.

3.) Zeal & Ardor- Stranger Fruit
FFO- African American Spirituals meets Black Metal, Experimental

Taking everything I loved about Devil is Fine, but making the production stellar, the instrumentation stronger, the songs more meaningful and the overall presentation of the band. This hits you on so many levels. It's more than just Spirituals and black metal now, it adds so much more atmosphere, experimentation and I date say poppy elements that makes this the most creatively satisfying album of 2018. Whether the intrigue in this band stays or not, I hope the band will continue to strive forward and expand upon their sound even further. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe this band, especially if you have an open mind.

2.) Rivers of Nihil- Where Owls Know My Name
FFO- Progressive Death Metal

Take everything I said about Distorted Harmony and put it into context of progressive death metal and the same rules apply. This is the new standard of progressive death metal. The creativity, the atmosphere, the instrumentation. They truly made one of the most innovative albums of the year in a way that was hinted at in the past, but now fully is achieved. The clean vocals (guest spots or normal) fit so perfectly), the keyboards, organs, synths, and saxophone that are layered throughout this makes the album flow in a way that would have been lost otherwise. This is an album to behold and need to be regarded as the gold standard of progressive death metal moving forward.

1.) Witherfall- A Prelude To Sorrow
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Dark Metal

As I've said with the epics, in reality, there's no other choice for the number one position this year. This album is written about the loss of one of the greatest people I'll ever know, Adam Sagan. This is an album I was, with full transparency, and album I was afraid to listen to because of the subject matter. There is a lot of people that are behind me in my endeavors. So many people who love what I do and want to see me as the biggest voice in music promotion (radio shows, interviews, reviews, etc). But there is not a single person who graced this earth that wanted me to achieve that more than Adam. He thought what I did was not only cool, but one of the most honest ways of caring about music. We've had so many great conversations through text, over the phone and in person. One of the greatest moments of my life was hanging out with Adam and the bands Krisiun and Ex Deo (featuring pretty much all of Kataklysm) eating (what I realize now were after several) marijuana cookies, drinking beer, and air dumming/guitaring to Van Halen's I outside the now defunct Station 4 in St. Paul, MN in their tour bus. I loved Adam as my brother and seeing him battle to his final days was so inspiring yet so painful. One of my biggest regrets was not getting to fully interview Adam while he was here. We wanted to wait till he had a project he really wanted to push and that band was Witherfall. I have no idea what's on the other side. Is there an afterlife? Do we rot in the ground and become one with carbon once again? I'm not the guy to ask, I just go on living my way. But if there is anything out there beyond this life, I hope I am making him proud. As I write this, it passed the two year anniversary of his passing and it is not any easier knowing he's not here. That's what real life friendship is and I hope anyone reading this can have that if they don't already.

But let's get back to the music. The music is haunting, dark, heavy, and has some of the greatest vocals tracked to record this millennium. Amongst some killer 10+ minute epics, there are emotional ballads, and fire breather thrashers that take you on a whirlwind of emotions. Think Nevermore, Sanctuary, Iced Earth and Into Eternity and you'll be getting closer to what this band is all about. I can't promise you'll have the same emotional attachment to this album as I do, but I hope you can enjoy even a tenth of what I tried to portray here and see an album that is one of the greatest goodbyes to someone you could ever give.


That's it, we're done, we're finished, it's over! That is the top 100 albums of 2018 with 40 honorable mentions covering a good chuck of what was about there in 2018. From the darkest of dark, to the heaviest of heavy,  to the proggiest of proggy, to the funnest of fun. I hope you have enjoyed this six-part list and found at least one new album that you can enjoy.

I will be doing a wrap up of my life in 2018 coming up sometime soon, but till then, I think I've earned a well deserved break so till next time this is That Drummer Guy saying, SEE YA!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

We have finally made it to the part of the list where the most people start paying attention, the Top 40 Albums of 2018. For the average reviewer, news site, and consumer; 40 albums is a lot of ground to cover and the average consumer feels that anything more than this is worth skipping out on; I hope my lists prove that theory wrong. These next 2 lists just so happen to be the 40 albums I enjoyed most this year. You may love them as much as I do, you may think my musical credibility may need to be reconsidered after looking; that's all on you, the reader! So let's get these pesky rules out of the way and get into some music, eh?

1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo.

2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it.

3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity.

4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year.

5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on YouTube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about.

Let's Begin The Top 40 Albums of 2018!

40.) Riverside- Wasteland
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Experimental

Overcoming pure tragedy to continue as a functioning band is something that can seem impossible. Thankfully, Riverside, overcame the odds and wrote another masterpiece of an album. This album hits you on all levels; heavy, mellow, acoustic, poppy, and grabs you by the soul. While the band may be a bit different now, they are still Riverside and that's all any of us could ever want.

39.) In Vain- Currents
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Modern Metal

The band's previous outing, AEnigma is still one of my favorite albums of the last decade and it was going to take a lot to be able to top that. They didn't top it, instead they matched it by going in a different direction. Instead of keeping the music as an epic, atmospheric progressive metal route; they focused much more on writing catchier, heavy modern metal with progressive death metal mixed in. It was a bit of a risky move, but it really paid off as this album has gotten the band more attention than ever before and new fans have 3 other albums to explore. They still sound like In Vain, just more catchier to unknowing listening ears. A great choice and shows that the band can write whatever they want and it will sound awesome.

38.) Light The Torch- Revival
FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

I'm just going to straight up say it.  With everything that happened with Devil You Know behind the scenes, had they just kept making the same style music, I would have been disappointed. I'm quite thankful to hear this band going more into the heavy rock route rather than trying to make more metalcore. I really enjoyed Devil You Know, but the fact that they went this direction feels so refreshing. Screams are kept to an absolute minimum, double bass is only hinted at and not a focus, and there's not excessive use of brutal breakdowns. It's just solid heavy hard rock and it fits so perfectly well. Nice, short, catchy and memorable. This is an album I've always wanted to hear Howard Jones make and the heavy music world should be thankful. I know I am.

37.) At The Gates- To Drink From The Night Itself
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

The absolute kings of melodeath return and grace us with another chapter in the world of At The Gates. If you are looking for that signature ATG sound, it's here. If you want them to experiment with the formula, that is also here. It's a great blend of both sides of the band and creates an atmosphere that just simply works. No one can do melodeath like At The Gates...nobody!

36.) Gruesome- Twisted Prayers
FFO- Death

The band's newest release tackles the inspiration of the band, Death's, Spiritual Healing album and creates their loving tribute of completely original music. Making the production, vibe, tone, and musicianship the band has paid tribute to the band so far; this is another case where the band just knocks it out of the park. Gruesome is easily one of my favorite active death metal bands and this is just another example why. Revisit 1990 28 years later in 2018 with Gruesome's Twisted Prayers!

35.) Amorphis- Queen of Time
FFO- Progressive Metal, Melodic Death Metal

Amorphis has yet to ever make a bad album, or even a weak album. Queen of Time continues to prove that whether they make a full blown death metal album, a pure prog album (saxophone and all) or a mixture of both; They can nail what ever music they choose to make. This album is the latter, which may be their signature blend. Growls when needed, proggy when called for, and melodic...so melodic, in all the right spots. I've said it a few times now but it bears repeating, Finland makes the best metal music. Amorphis is Example A...for Amorphis.

34.) Between The Buried And Me- Automata (I & II)
FFO- Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal

Is it two albums? Is it two EPs? Is it an album that was split in two and released a few months apart? I'm going with option three on this one to make it fair to both the EPs list and to any band I would of had to knock off this monumental list of mine. BTBAM made what some call a return to form with Automata. With a new label backing the band in Sumerian; The band has taken what has made them stand out in the past, but also kept their progressive side continue to flourish. Basically, whether you love the death metal or prog side of the band, you'll LOVE Automata as it features both and should make fans on both sides of the fence satisfied. I know I am.

33.) Corrosion of Conformity- No Cross, No Crown
FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Stoner Metal, Hardcore

Anyone else miss Pepper as much as I have? Don't get me wrong, I love what COC has done since In The Arms of God and it was fantastic to hear their early hardcore roots once again. There is just something about that Pepper Keenan era of COC that just has the tastiest riffs, most killer songwriting and overall coolest vibes of all eras of the band. This album seriously sounds like they haven't missed a step and I am so thankful for that. For the longest time this was my album of the year and I can see how someone would think that I lost love out of it seeing it's at number 33. Nothing could be further from the truth. This deserves all of your love, one listen and you'll understand why.

32.) Obscura- Diluvium
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Technical Death Metal

The final chapter in the 4 album concept cycle Obscura has created shows the band hinting back at the previous three albums, yet hitting brand new territory at the same time. The music is just as insane as ever with creative songwriting, killer musicianship and the perfect blend of melody and technicality. If you are brand new to the band, this is the album to start with, then go get the previous three albums and discover all the Easter eggs laid out in Diluvium. Such an utterly brilliant album.

31.) Wolfheart- Constellation of the Black Light
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Finland...best music country around. Getting past that, Wolfheart returns with their latest heart wrenching, depression filled, melodeath epic and that is what I really needed in 2018. This hits you on all levels of dynamics and emotions and doesn't let go till the bitter end. Finnish melodeath...man what a journey. ALSO, if you watch the video for the single, The Saw, be forewarned, it's literally not for the faint of heart...just trust me...

30.) LIK- Carnage
FFO- Old School Swedish Death Metal

Swedish death metal is just something made of pure glory. While many bands have come and gone or come and stayed; the genre has been transformed in so many ways, there is something about the original sound that is just so perfect in the right mood. That's what LIK brings back to the masses. If you enjoy your OSDM or if you like other bands that pay tribute to it such as Bloodbath; you are doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on this band any longer. Arguably, no one does this better in 2018.

29.) Harakiri for The Sky- Arson
FFO- Blackgaze

With other bands of the style either breaking up or nearly completely dropping the black metal aspects of the genre, HFTS is my favorite active band in the genre. With such a signature blend of black metal, shoegaze, post rock and pure emotion, the band just does it right and every album seems to get better than the last. There's just something about how the band does this music that just soothes the soul in a way you don't realize until you let it come over you. A masterpiece of a blackgaze album.

28.) The Ocean- Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic
FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal

The Ocean (Collective) is one of the most underrated bands currently active. One of the most unique sounds in the business with their pulverizing song structures and some of the most hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. This is a band that if you love oceanography or you just beautifully crafted heavy music you won't hear anywhere else, pick this album up immediately.

27.) We Sell The Dead- Heaven Doesn't Want You and Hell is Full
FFO- Hard Rock, Gothic Rock, Heavy Metal

An All Star band featuring past and present members of In Flames, HIM and Firewind that write music about 1800s European Horror (fiction and non fiction). The songs are so heavy yet so catchy, it should be played regularly on Top 40 radio, in all honesty. Just a completely solid debut album from a band that I hope continues to write albums for decades to come.

26.) Slugdge- Esoteric Malacology
FFO- Death Metal, Progressive, Technical, Many Other Styles

This band covers the extreme metal genre to an absolute T. While the FFO may make it seem like it's a giant hodgepodge of sounds; It truly all makes sense. It can go from death metal to sludge metal to technical metal to blackened metal on the flip of a switch and it will feel completely logical. This is truly forward thinking music done in the best way possible and I love every second.

25.) Lux Terminus- The Courage To Be
FFO- Instrumental, Progressive Rock, Fusion

Much like I talked about in my Top 10 Epics of 2018 List, this is a band that created by some absolute masters of music creating music that you can hear both at a Lounge in Vegas or in the pit opening for Animals as Leaders. This album is filled with so much emotion in both the music, the songwriting and the final track, Fly, which features one of the greatest voices in music, Anneke Van Giersbergen. This album is not for everyone reading this list, but I recommend it to ANYONE with an open mind, appreciation for skilled music, or like me, had a really bad go of it this year and need a reason for hope to continue on. The Courage To Be is simply that...the courage to be...YOU. And no one can do that better than you. Easily the most impressive (nearly completely) Instrumental debut album I may ever hear.

24.) Seventh Wonder- Tiara
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal

Man, those last 8 years just flew by between albums didn't it? No? I completely agree; it's been such a long wait for this opus, but I'm so thankful we got it. This album is exactly what I was hoping for, heavy, melodic, powerful and moving in all the right spots. If you want to describe progressive power metal to someone who is completely new to the genre, throw on this album and let them enjoy. It's not the most innovative album of the year, but it's not set out to be. It's 100% solid and that's all I wanted.

23.) Anaal Nathrakh- A New Kind Of Horror
FFO- Sounds of the Apocalypse

AN is that band that is the pure soundtrack to the end of the world. black metal, industrial, grindcore, noise, and oddly some of the most melodic moments you'll ever hear in extreme music. The band continues this trend with seamless evolving with every album and destroys everything in it's path. A worthy investment once you comprehend the band.

22.) Journal- Chrysalis Ordalias
FFO- Majestic Epic Technical Mathcore

In speaking of 8 year waits between albums, this was an album I simply didn't expect to see and I am so thankful that they returned with complete full force. IF you want music that is complete off the wall in technicality and intensity, Journal provides it to you. If you want some of the most dream filled, majestic melodic riffs on that same album, that's here too. This band is a complete mind screw in the best way possible. Imagine being a gamer that loves hack and slash games, but out of nowhere you start riding a unicorn on rainbow road in Mario Kart before it transforms back into a demon and are about to be slaughtered. All that and more kinda, but ask anyone else who comprehends the music and they'll give you a different answer, describes the band and what an epic journey it truly is once again.

21.) Magic Dance- New Eyes
FFO- 80s AOR, Hard Rock

If you especially checked out the last two albums on this list, you may just wanna sit down in your favorite chair, put on sunglasses, put on a Maxwell Cassette tape in your 80s Stereo System and be blown away a band that channels their inner Kenny Loggins, Toto, Loverboy and Icon. This band channels the 80s in one of the most original ways I've heard. Yes, there is nostalgia to be found, but there is originality, excelled songwriting, and some of the most upbeat, and beautiful rock music of 2018 also featured on this album. If you are reading this as the list comes out, the album comes out tomorrow. Go and pick it up. Couldn't recommend it more.

And there we are kids. 120 albums covered in five lists because I am an absolute psychopath and want to see myself suffer...I also love showing off the best music of the year, every year. The best part is that I still have one list tomorrow. That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums Part VI: The Top 20.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

To say that I'm getting burnt out is a massive understatement. By the time all is said and done I will have done 191 reviews in the course of a week and a half, but it is an endeavor that I love every single year as I get to show off the positive things in the world, even if some of the music showcased is depressing. With this list, we are passing the half way mark of the Top 100 list and really getting deeper into that good ol' nitty gritty. Let's get to it after a recap of the rules:

1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo.

2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it.

3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity.

4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year.

5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on YouTube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about.

And now...albums 60-41!

60.) Aborted- Terrorvision
FFO- Brutal Death Metal, Deathgrind, Horror

Easily my favorite Aborted album to date. With this album, the band really expanded their horizons in their style by adding so much more melodies, harmonies and layers of atmosphere. It's the most dense album to date in their catalog but that means with every listen, you'll discover something new. A sheer masterpiece of extreme music.

59.) Vessel of Light- Woodshed
FFO- Heavy Metal Occult Rock

A new formation between members of Hades and Ancient VVisdom leads to a heavy, evil, and such a catchy LP of tunes. This is a collection that just works so perfectly well together with it's shared goal of dark music done in such a catchy way. A complete joy to listen to and worth checking out immediately.

58.) Lords of Black- Icons Of The New Days
FFO- Power Metal, Heavy Metal

The third album from this fantastic band brings the band to their most cohesive and catchy collective of songs to date. Combining all of their best and memorable moments but filtering it to make it extra catchy. It's amazing how this band has yet to lose any power in their soul, and this album proves that that fire is staying strong for ages to come.

57.) The Sea Within- S/T
FFO- ALL Star Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

Featuring members of Pain of Salvation, The Aristocrats and The Flower Kings, this band represents the best abilities that every member has available and created some of the best, dark, and memorable prog songs of the year. A great example of collecting some of the best musicians in prog and creating something that lives up to the hype. So...so good!

56.) Memoriam- The Silent Vigil
FFO- Old School Death Metal

The sophomore album from this UK unit continues down the warpath brought on by last year's debut album.Focusing even more of the war and political themes in this ever growing erratic times, this is a perfect soundtrack to the sad state of the world today. To me, it also fills me with hope as others see this as well, and it may lead to better things if it's not too late. If it is too late, may whoever finds this planet after us comprehend this album and see that we tried. Oh yeah, the music is pretty righteous as well!

55.) Deceased- Ghostly White
FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal

This album started getting some incredible recognition for, sadly, sad reasons as their drummer Dave Castillo passed way shortly before the album's release. That said, he gave one last incredible performance on this album, as well as the rest of the band. Taking the death and thrash metal tropes, but adding such great moments of left of center thinking between main riffs; be it NWOBHM leads, blackened atmospheric overtones, or just showing off that this style can have some progression you hadn't heard before. This album deserves all the recognition it gets and a silver lining in the loss of the band is that it opens the doors to more people discovering how great of a band Deceased truly are.

54.) Haken- Vector
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

Easily the band's heaviest and darkest album to date, and also, the band's shortest. No grandiose epics to display here (besides the band's playing). The band focused more on writing to the point songs this go around and that led to a bit of a watershed moment for the band, some thinking it's their best work and others just not seeing it. As for me, it's not my highest ranking Haken album but I love it and it's the perfect album at the perfect time. And the perfect gateway album to a new fan.

53.) Beyond Creation- Algorythm
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

A band that continues to let their prog sides shine with every passing album. This is one of the most comprehensible BC albums to date, while still maintaining the technical and brutal moments that has made up the band's signature sound. The musicianship on this album is jaw dropping to say the least and really can inspire you to try harder at your craft, especially if that craft is music. A completely solid album that truly makes you think.

52.) Tomb Mold- Manor of Infinite Forms
FFO- Death Metal, Dark Souls/Bloodborne

A Canadian band writing about nerd stuff? Where have I heard this before? But in all seriousness, this album absolutely slays (yeah, pun intended). A band that takes the love of the Soulsborne games and makes the perfect metal soundtrack to the series of games, what's not to love? The vocals are that perfect sound of a stone tomb opening and the music hits that evil, horrendous sound that makes playing along with the games work even better (I actually play Bloodborne while listening to Tomb Mold, it seriously works). A killer band that is worthy of your attention.

51.) Orphaned Land- Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Folk Metal

I have had this album since October/November of 2017, so this totally still feels like a 2017 album to me and I occasionally forget it came out this year. Though I feel that is a testament to how good this album is that I can consistently listen to it and love what is displayed. Even with all the ebb and flows, ups and downs, positive and negatives this band has gone through; they are going stronger than ever with this album and and it truly shines. A band that just hits all the right spots for what is being performed and continuing that great message that we are all one. How can you not love that? Go check it out if you have nowt done so already.

50.) Skull Fist- Way of the Road
FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal

Showcasing everything the band is about, but done through a more mainstream and catchy filter. This Canadian metal band keeps the spirit of heavy metal alive with fast riffs, memorable leads, and soaring vocals; but again, this time around it is the catchiest and most radio friendly to date. A band that deserves all the love you can give them and then some.

49.) Against The Grain- Cheated Death
FFO- Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll

Seeing these guys open up for Night Demon a few years back at a hole in the wall bar in Minneapolis with maybe 20-30 other people was one of my favorite shows I have seen (with the exception of Night Demon getting a 20 minute set due to too many local bands on an already packed touring bill, but that's a different story for a different day) Against The Grain captures that great love of heavy metal with the rock and roll attitude. The easiest comparison is to Motorhead, but there is so much more to that. There is the Lemmy atmosphere, but it's just solid, original and overall fun music, especially live. Go check them out live, buy this album and experience a set of music that you are just not seeing anywhere else in this age in time.

48.) The Crown- Cobra Speed Venom
FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal

The severe under-appreciation of The Crown here in the states is simply devastating to me. The Crown helped perfect the melodeath sound, and unlike bands who went a different way, kept up their intensity, their thrash roots, and continue to put on some of the best metal music in the world. Also, this is one of the coolest album covers of the year, bar none. If you somehow ever missed out on hearing this band, remedy that now and check out the best thrashy melodeath band around.

47.) Warrel Dane- Shadow Work
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Dark Metal

In complete honesty, I was against this album coming out, as I had originally thought it was just unfinished material that shouldn't have seen the light of day after Dane's passing. I was completely wrong. This truly is a completed masterpiece and one of the finest works that Dane's voice ever got to be on. It has that Nevermore intensity, yet shines with his ENTIRE vocal range in check. It still hurts me as a fan that Warrel Dane is gone and though it was quite short, he was one of my favorite interviews I ever got to conduct. I wish he was around to see how much people love this new album. Thankfully, these last words will live on.

46,) Alice In Chains- Rainier Fog
FFO- Heavy Metal, Sludge Metal

WOW! This is easily the heaviest, thickest and most metal Alice In Chains album ever. While I am a complete unapologetic fan of all AIC albums and love that they have continued on as they have; this album just struck a nerve that I didn't know needed to be hit. I honestly didn't think that the band would be channeling their inner Gojira, Mastodon, and Baroness on this album while keeping their signature sound in tact. An album that really went under the radar but deserves any and all attention it gets.

45.) Horrendous- Idol
FFO- Old School Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal

This is easily the best and most consistent death metal bands of the decade. This latest release captures more Cynic influenced mixed in with their early Death, Pestilence, and Massacre styled sound. They are the fire that the OSDM scene needs today and no one does it better, especially of the new crop of bands. Go pick this one up!

44.) The Atlas Moth- Coma Noire
FFO- Atmospheric Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal

There is a new fire light under this band and I didn't realize how much the band needed that. There is a complete sense of passion throughout this album that is undeniable. The variations and dynamics make this such a killer album experience that really needs to be heard from start to finish. WHile I do love the band's previous material; this is easily their best album to date and I'm already comping at the bit to hear the next album.

43.) Glass Lungs- Imperenance
FFO- Post Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Progressive Rock

Despite the completely dark overtones that shadow this album, lyrically, this is one of the most joyous sounding albums on my list this year. When you follow the concept of the album, it's really a tearjerker of an album, but it is one that needs to be talked about. But the music fills me with such hope musically and gives me a great out of body experience that everyone deserves to have at least once in life not caused by hallucinogenic materials. Seriously, give this a spin!

42.) Mournful Congregation- The Incubus of Karma
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

There is simply no other band that does funeral doom metal this good. There just isn't! And to continue to drive that point home, Mournful Congregation knocks another album six feet under the grave with a morose, tearful, and spectacular epic masterpiece. If you are not familiar with the style, this album and band are the perfect gateway. Just make sure you are in a good headspace while you listen. This album will bring you down... a lot. But I strongly feel that is a great way and deserving of every listen you give it.

41.) Kataklysm- Meditation
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Canada's best melodeath band have returned with their best album since Serenity in Fire. The songs are beyond top notch, the production is the cleanest and most profound and the overall vibe of the album is something I've wanted to hear from the band for so many years. They are at the top of their game and if they keep this up, I know it will only get better.

And there it is, folks. Another 20 albums down and another completely solid look at 20 albums that deserve your attention. Join me tomorrow as we hit the top 40 with That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 Part V: 40-21!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Here we go again kids, We are already (technically) 60 albums down in this Top 100 list (with 40 Honorable mentions) and there is still 80 albums to cover! We hit a lot of ground from Black Metal to Prog Rock to Top 40 music; what do we have in store next? Let's find out!

That said a few notes as I do every year and will be listed again when the full list starts:

1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo.

2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it.

3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity.

4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year.

Let albums 80-61 commence!

80.) Hooded Menace- Ossuarium Silhouettes
FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal

11 years old and 5 albums down; Hooded Menace returns with another slab of death/doom greatness. The vocal delivery still sends chills down my spine, the production fits so perfectly with the music, and that music...WOW! It's great to hear a band in this style with such originality and dynamics. The band proves once again that Finland has one of the greatest metal scenes in the world, no matter the genre.

79.) Wolvhammer- The Monuments of Ash & Bone
FFO- Black Metal, Death Metal, Post Metal

Wolvhammer returns with another LP of the dark, dark world we live in. This album is a bit of a watershed album as well, showcasing longer songs, more atmosphere, and a controlled hatred that is really needed in 2018. If you want your sludge and post metal to be blackened and some hints of death metal as well, Wolvhammer is the band for you.

78.) Metal Allegiance- Volume II- Power Drunk Majesty
FFO- Heavy Metal of All Styles

The all star metal band proves that they are not just a one album pony with a new album that is even more diverse than the debut album. From death metal riffing to mid 90s era Anthrax love, to even some symphonic power metal; the band showcases that all metal has a place in music and it's that open mindedness that keeps me invested. Absolutely solid stuff.

77.) Arsis- Visitant
FFO- Technical Death Metal

Arsis is one of the best American technical death metal bands around. They know how to show off what every member is capable of; while still maintaining a groove that simply can't be stopped. Heavily inspired by horror movies this go around; and is deemed a successor to the EP A Diamond for Disease; this album is what I feel all tech bands should strive to achieve, not just fret board exercising but stellar music to match it all.

76.) Terrorizer- Caustic Attack
FFO- Death-Grind

It's the band's best album since their debut album, World Downfall back 30 years ago (coming up in 2019). An absolutely deadly attack of death, grind, thrash, and killer songwriting. When I listen to death-grind, this is what I want, and this album shines through the decay of the style with ease.

75.) The Lion's Daughter- Future Cult
FFO- Horror, Black Metal, Death Metal, 80s Synths

This album truly has it all and it's done so very well. It can go from a ballistic blackened death metal assault to a synth driven death pop song on the turn of a dime. The album truly feels like it should be the soundtrack to a twisted horror movie and it's just a fantastic listen from start to finish. A well worthy album to enjoy.

74.) Angra- Omni
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Groove Metal

Easily one of the best power metal bands to ever exist, Angra returns with their latest concept album that attacks on all fronts. It gets heavy, melodic, mellow, and just an overall sense of power that is so hard to find in other power metal bands with authenticity. Angra does it right every time and they have done it once again with Omni.

73.) The Night Flight Orchestra- Sometimes The World Ain't Enough
FFO- 70s-80s Classic Rock

It still blows my mind that Speed from Soilwork can cause all the (Natural Born) chaos that he does with Soilwork, but can have a band like The Night Flight Orchestra and show off this whole other side you'd never imagine if you're only a metal fan. Going from synth pop to Wings-inspired pop rock to even funk at times; this band hits that nostalgia itch in the absolute best way possible. I really hope they can play in the states one day, I really wanna hear this band live.

72.) Subsignal- Le Muerta
FFO- Progressive Rock

Rush meets Porcupine Tree is the best way I can describe this band. It has the technically proficiency of Rush but the dark overtones of Porcupine Tree and just hits that right chord for any prog fan that makes you go "Yeah, this is good stuff!" Such a unique blend and the band does it right with fantastic musicianship and songwriting. For any prog fan not familiar, this may end up being your album of the year. And I truly mean that.

71.) The Absence- A Gift For The Obsessed
FFO- American Melodic Death Metal

Melodeath, but from right here in the states. After eight years between albums, the band has come back with oddly enough, their catchiest and heaviest album to date. Such melodic twists and turns over some sheer brutality. This truly is an album that is worthy of your time if you want some killer songwriting over top some technical prowess. The band is making a well deserved comeback with this album and I simply can't wait to see where things go next.

70.) THEM- Manor of the Se7en Gables
FFO- Melodic Metal, Heavy Metal

Let's just address the elephant in the room right off the bat. Yes this band sounds like a pure loving tribute to King Diamond (I mean...the name...come on!), but when you look past the falsettos; there is so much more to it. There is a great sense of power driven riffs, a sonically pleasing presentation, and a cascading evil vibe between this and the previous album, making these two albums fit perfectly in horror driven harmony. In short, if you miss King Diamond making new music (which should hopefully come back in the near future) fill the void of horror conceptual heavy metal with THEM.

69.) Ghost- Prequelle
FFO- Blue Oyster Cult, Mercyful Fate, Top 40 Rock

Is this the turn in the band's career where they go from an evil metal band to an evil top 40 band? Quite possibly so, though I don't see it as a bad thing. I'd be completely lying if I said I didn't miss the heavier sound of the band; but there's nothing saying that won't come back. It's truly shocking to me how much hate the band gets now from all sides of the fence, then again, that comes with popularity. Some will hate you literally just because you're liked by someone who someone else calls a poser. I constantly hear Nickelback comparisons which baffles me, because I have yet to hear a Nickelback riff in any Ghost song. They are just a great concept band that hits different eras of metal and rock and right now, they are on the rock trek. I can call it right now that with the next album, if they get heavy again, there will be backlash for that as well. There's no winning 100% when you break through that mainstream barrier and become known world wide. You either sink or swim and Ghost is swimming strong. Kudos to them, they earned it.

68.) Striker- Play To Win
FFO- Speed Metal, Heavy Metal

the third consecutive album from this Canadian band in three years and this album sounds even fresher than the previous two albums. It's amazing how a band can have so much inspiration on demand and continue to make completely solid music. That's what Striker is all about; it's completely solid heavy metal with the speed, power, passion and love that you want in a band like this. Such a great album.

67.) Deicide- Overtures of Blasphemy
FFO- Death Metal

Boy, did this album get me some metal wide recognition this year. Glen Benton returned with Deicide in 2018 and released my personal favorite album since The Stench of Redemption. The songs are beyond brutal and also so catchy at times with a NWOBHM vibe in some riffs that seems puzzling, but fit so very well. It's just a killer death metal album and from a band like Deicide, I don't need anything else.

66.) Skyharbor- Sunshine Dust
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

Skyharbor is a band that truly is a step above the rest of the bands in similar styles. Combining what is done with modern progressive metal but adds an authentic style of atmosphere that makes everything feels so dreamy and vibey. While not getting too mellow or too heavy; Skyharbor just fits that void of right in the middle so no matter how mellow or aggressive you feel, you can throw this album on and feel relaxed. Incredible work.

65.) Mile Marker Zero- The Fifth Row
FFO- Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal

A Perfect Circle by the way of Muse by the way of Rush. The band's first concept album hits right at home thematically and musically. It's super catchy while a great dosage of heaviness and technical proficiency. No matter where you stand in the prog world, you will find something to dig about Mile Marker Zero and they are one of those bands you just want to see explode in popularity. It's bound to happen.

64.) Follow The Cipher- S/T
FFO- Modern Metal, Power Metal

In the simplest of terms, if you are disappointed by the direction Amaranthe is in lately, Follow The Cipher is here to show that original style is still as strong as ever. This debut album is filled with that great modern pop, industrial and catchy feel while mixing heavy and power instrumentation in a way that is pure bliss to listen to. Such a fun album that should feel right at home if you dig modern metal. Absolutely worth checking out.

63.) Refuge- Solitary Men
FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal

The original lineup of Rage returns as Refuge. Keeping the spirit of the original incarnation alive in 2018. It's fun, heavy, catchy, and makes you realize how influential those initial Rage albums really are. If you love that German speed metal, you need to check out Refuge.

62.) Manticora- To Live to Kill to Live
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Speed Metal

What a crazy and unique band. 22 years into the game and they are continuing to become stronger and stronger with every album. Imagine Nevermore, Primal Fear, Pagan's Mind, and Accept forming a band and that sums up Manticora's sound today. This band deserves to be one of the biggest metal bands going today. One listen to this album and you'll understand why.

61.) Satan- Cruel Magic
FFO- NWOBHM

The legendary UK band returns with their third album since reforming and it's easily the best Satan album to date. It captures what made the band truly stand out in the beginning, but updated just enough to truly be what they want to be. You know you love NWOBHM and you want to hear it authentically done in 2018; Satan is here to fill that void and it's superb!


And there we go, kids. 20 more albums down in this gargantuan 100 album list tomorrow, we crack the top 50 with That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 Part IV: 60-41. Be there AND be square!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

I still can't believe it's December already. Minnesota got hit with a few good inches of snow over the last few days, we got 4 weeks and 1 day left of the year, and all the bigger publications decided they were sick of having my lists come out first, so they decided to do their Top 20, 40, 50, and some even took my premise and did a Top 100; but that's none of my business *sips tea*. But all of that said, this is the hardest month of the year for me for many reasons. In an effort to combat that for the last decade of so; I've been compiling my favorite things of each year and every year, the lists, the premise, and the kinds of lists gets bigger and bigger. This year alone I already cover the Top 5 Wrestling Matches of 2018, Top 11 PS4 Games of 2018, Top 10 Epics of 2018, Top 10 Live Albums of 2018, Top 15 EPs of 2018 & Top 40 Honorable Mentions of 2018. Now it's time for the original, where all of this began, where most people know me from, the list where you question my sanity or authenticity from the sheer size of the list, or the one I'm most proud of "The List that makes me lose all my money from album purchases every year" list....THAT DRUMMER GUY'S TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2018.

That said a few notes as I do every year and will be listed again when the full list starts:

1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo.

2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it.

3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity.

4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year.

So, with all that said, lets get right into it with THAT DRUMMER GUY'S TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2018 PART II: 100-81

100.) Black Majesty- Children of the Abyss
FFO- Power Metal

What feels like one of Australia's best kept secrets; Black Majesty returns with some of the most bombastic power metal of 2018. 7 albums in, and the band has yet to lose any intensity, fire or passion; which is such a remarkable thing to see. If you want some incredibly written power metal, Black Majesty is the band for you.

99.) Poets Of The Fall- Ultraviolet
FFO- Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Symphonic Rock

It's not just melodeath that Finland continues to do right; it's just rock in general. With one of, if not the darkest album in their catalog; PotF shows off some fantastically well made rock that is catchy as all get go, yet well written. It's the kind of earworms that you want stuck in your head. The band is actually making their US debut at ProgPower USA 2019 next year, which if they catch on enough, could lead to more shows in the US. This is the kind of band to keep on the lookout for; it's well worth the effort.

98.) Shattered Skies- Muted Neon
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

Shattered Skies is one of the greatest bands going from the Irish metal scene. Despite having some setbacks along the way; the band has been forging ahead since 2011 and now with their latest release, it feels like the most authentic release to date; really carving their own sound and showcasing everyone's talents in the band. Well crafted songs, catchy & heavy, and and overall sense that if this is the direction modern progressive metal is going in; we are going to be just fine.

97.) Orange Goblin- The Wolf Bites Back
FFO- Stoner Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Orange Goblin deserves to be one of the best known bands in the genre. A band that fully makes the music they want to me and does it with such great creativity and inspiration. They have no problem writing faster songs, slower songs, heavy songs, mellow songs; what ever is called for, they make it happen. The newest album continues that tradition, but they also made an album that feels like it would sound perfect in a live setting, which I do hope to see the band live again some day. Just a great solid, fun, album.

96.) Agrypnie- Grenzgaenger
FFO- Atmospheric Death Metal

If I had the chance to be able to hear this album more, it would be so much higher on this list. Discovering this band with their previous album, this album expands that ever growing sound with that gut wrenching feeling of hopelessness, but with a great atmosphere and intensity that other bands can't even come close to replicating. If you want your death metal more proggy, blackened, and atmospheric; check these guys out immediately!

95.) Skeletonwitch- Devouring Radiant Light
FFO- Blackened Atmospheric Thrash Metal

Boy, talk about a watershed album, eh? You have two camps going on in the world right now; those that feel like the band should have broken up after Chance Garnette left the band and those that feel the band is as strong as, if not stronger, than ever. I am of the latter camp. To match the new chapter of the band, instead of just focusing on fast, thrashy, fun music; the band has taken more of the atmospheric black metal approach to their sound. I feel like it actually makes the band stand out more. It still has the Skeletonwitch charm to it, just in a new style and it's a welcomed change. I seriously can't wait to see what they do next.

94.) Siege of Power- Warning Blast
FFO- Hardcore, Punk, Thrash

What happens when you take some of the most legendary names in European metal, get them together and have them start a new band? You get a new band where they simply write what they want to write, do what they want to do, and make the music they want to make. This is an album that hits all the marks that is needed. If you love the bands that are attached to this (Asphyx, Autopsy, Hail of Bullets) you'll hear traces of those bands, but this is something completely of their own accord, and that's why I dig it. A short, sweet, brutal assault.

93.) Antiverse- Under The Regolith
FFO- Thrash Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Progressive Metal

An absolutely solid band from Minneapolis, this band's second LP is a completely focused sonic assault to the senses. Fast, catchy, heavy and great lyrical themes. For those not familiar; think Revocation as a skeleton of an idea, but making it completely their own. A completely solid record from start to finish and well worth checking out.

92.) Alkaloid- Liquid Anatomy
FFO- Technical Metal, Progressive Metal, Death Metal

The second release from this amazing lineup features the band becoming even more of their own sound yet wearing their influences on their sleeve. The music is even more insane, the songwriting feels even more strategic, and the musicianship is unparalleled. One other point is that clean vocals are much more featured than on the debut, which is a great thing to see and makes the band stick out even more. Just an overall stellar album.

91.) Black Fast- Spectre of Ruin
FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal Progressive Metal

This band's third album is one of haunting wonder, breakneck riffs, and some of the most memorable riffs of this style I've heard in such a long time. Completely making the music they want to make, Black Fast showcases their immense strengths in songwriting, talent, excelled musicianship and a raw production that gives everything just a tad more of an evil feeling. This band deserves all the love they can get.

90.) Entransient- The Weight of Things
FFO- Dark Progressive Rock

Basically, if you love bands such as Porcupine Tree, Katatonia, Karnivool, and Hurt; you need to check out Entransient. The band's latest album shows the band expanding into even greater territory with variations on tempo, instrumentation, and overall themes. The songs are catchy, the style is heavy, proggy, and dark; and the overall vibe of this band just really hits home. Keep your eyes on these guys and see what they can do next...of course check out this album as well.

89.) Primordial- Exile Amongst The Ruins
FFO- Celtic Black Metal

Primordial can do no wrong and even nine albums into the band's career, the band still feels like they continue to progress their sound creating their best work. With even more emphasis on longer songs, ever growing ebb and flow in the riffs, and the signature Primordial sound they are known for; this is simply not an album to be ignored. This hits that Celtic black metal itch so very, very well.

88.) Clutch- Book of Bad Decisions
FFO- Blues Rock, Stoner Rock, Hard Rock

Clutch makes another solid Clutch album, who would have guessed? But seriously, it is so rare to find Clutch making an album that is anything but solid. Showcasing all the sides of the band you have come to know and love, this hits home on so many levels both lyrically and musically. IN short, if you already like Clutch, you should be checking this one out immediately. IF you're not familiar, this may be a great new introduction for you.

87.) Unleashed- The Hunt for White Christ
FFO- Viking Metal, Death Metal

We are just under a month from this band celebrating it's 30th active year as a band. You'd think after all this time they would be slowing down, making lame music, and ready to hang it up. One listen to this album proves all of those things wrong. They music is so intense with sheer passion behind every song. Continuing on in the written saga of the warriors of Odalheim and Midgard; this 4th album shows the story go even farther along all while maintaining that Unleashed sound that fits so perfectly well behind it all. An absolutely solid album.

86.) Howling Sycamore
FFO- Technical Death Metal with Clean Vocals

The FFO covers this quite nicely. If you dig bands such as Obscura, Gorguts, Pestilence, but want to hear clean vocals like bands like Charred Walls of the Damned, this is for you. The music is absolutely insane, the vocals soar and howl (ok, pun intended). It is so refreshing to hear a different context to this style and it completely fits. Granted it may take some time if you are a purist, but if you have an open mind, it's well worth the journey.

85.) Dire Peril- The Extraterrestrial Compendium
FFO- Iced Earth in Space

Another one where the FFO covers it quite nicely. If you love the musical style and vocal delivery of Iced Earth, but want your songs about Sci-Fi and outer space; you need Dire Peril in your life. The choruses are majestic and make you want to sing along. The musicianship is beyond tight, and the whole band in general is something that needs to be loved and celebrated. Jaw droppingly fantastic work.

84.) Freak Kitchen- Confusion to the Enemy
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

Another album that discovered way too late this year and sadly couldn't put it up higher because of it. While being one of the most creative prog bands in general; Freak Kitchen returns after four years with their signature blend of insane guitar styles, beyond catchy riffs and choruses, and production that fits so perfectly for what is being played. A sheer joy to listen to and you just may agree.

83.) Khemmis- Desolation
FFO- Doom Metal, Heavy Metal

If they can keep this up, they will be come the American version of Candlemass. This album is just so hooky, catchy, and mesmerizing. The vocals fit so perfectly and sound so distinct.  This band just simply improves with every release and this is easily their best work to date. I know they will only get better and better and Desolation proves it.

82.) Parasite INC- Dead and Alive
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

Such a refreshing and modern take on melodeath that has been needed for quite some time. A band that can take more industrial and keyboard driven vibes, but do something that seems impossible with some bands...never lose intensity. Simply put, this is melodeath in 2018 done right and there is almost better example of bands taking a new approach and making it work. Well Done!

81.) Tribulation- Down Below
FFO- Black Metal, Occult Rock, Heavy Metal

Easily the band's best album to date. The band showcases the signature sound they have been known for, but expands upon it more so by being even catchier, the songs being transcribed to an even greater epic feel, and the band is simply tighter than ever before. If you want your black metal with a kick of rock and roll; Tribulation does it better than anyone else.

And there we go, folks. the first 20 albums in this unstoppable avalanche known That Drummer Guy's Top 100 of 2018. 20 completely solid albums that deserve your love and who knows; one of them could be your favorite album of the year. Tune into tomorrow for Part III 80-61!

I can't believe it's that time of year again. I've never had a year fly by so fast in my life. Usually every year feels like it's drags on and on and on, but this year has brought on many changes for me and everything past by so fast and it's already the holiday season and I awaken my fingers for the massive undertaking that is The Top 100 Albums of The Year. This year has has some absolutely phenomenal albums of all styles that deserve your love and attention.

Before continuing on, look again at the meme attached to this list. It's important. During this epic journey, I will be covering 140 different albums that came out in 2018. There is not a single album mentioned that I don't enjoy. Nothing here in my eyes sucks or doesn't deserve promotion. My duty every year is to cover as much ground as I possibly can so YOU...YES, YOU!!! can discover some new music. Your favorite album of this year could be my favorite as well. It could be number 26 or 53 or 79 or 100 or in the honorable mentions. You won't know unless you check them out and if an album is of interest to you, you give it a shot. I'm just the messenger bringing you the details.

That said a few notes as I do every year and will be listed again when the full list starts:

1.) These are albums that I have personally checked out this year that I have either bought, streamed or was sent to me via promo.

2.) The order of the Top 100 is just based on my own enjoyment. I do not feel any album here is worth overlooking, otherwise I wouldn't take the time out of my day to talk about it.

3.) When the full 100 list begins it will be 20 albums per list. Starting with 100-81 and going 20 by 20 till the Top 20. The honorable mentions will be in Alphabetical order as I'm already ranking 100 albums, 140 is pure insanity.

4.) My list is not your list. There is bound to be a a few albums that show up on this list that you either hate seeing listed or you will ask why I don't have it on mine. It comes to either I didn't hear it enough, I didn't enjoy it enough, it's not my bag...baby, or I simply haven't heard it. The following 140 albums is not the be all end all list of 2018 rock and metal albums, but it does give a great representation of what came out this year.

5.) The entire purpose of these lists are to have you discover some new music and prove that every year, great music comes out from brand new bands, bands just hitting their stride, classic bands, and anything in between. If any band is of interest to you, go check them out, play a song on youtube, stream their stuff on Spotify, buy their albums if you dig them, go see them live if there is the opportunity; just go support music in any way you can. It's what a music lover's life is all about.

Now...let's show off these Honorable Mentions!

Behemoth- I Loved You at Your Darkest
FFO- Blackened Death Metal

The band continues to grow with every passing year and every year Nergal continues on proves that it is possible to survives life's worst moments. This new album is a natural successor to their previous album, The Satanist. It's shorter, it's more orchestral, and features an evil children's choir. The band continues to flourish musically and to rousing ovation. Despite any feeling you may have about Nergal or the band in general, you gotta admire that someone can get back into their passion after battling and successfully defeating cancer.

Brimstone Coven- What Was and What Shall Be
FFO- Occult Rock

One of the best and underrated bands in occult rock, Brimstone Coven returns with new evil tales that are catchy, hooky, and memorable. If you want that evil classic rock sound and the evil imagery to back it up like your grandparents warned you about back in the day. This is the band for you.

Circuitry- Untouched By Human Hands
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

It's always great when a band can come out and take a new spin on an ever expanding genre. Circuitry takes the ideals of Modern Progressive Metal and makes the brutal breakdowns more brutal, the experimental moments more experimental, and the hooky riffs even more memorable. It's just a really fun listen for those that want more from your Periphery, TesseracT, Animals As Leaders type bands.

Coffinrot- Retribution Divine
FFO- Old School Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash

Twin Cities born Coffinrot released their debut album this year and it is a fantastic throwback to classic Death Metal, Black Metal and Thrash. It's a unique take on it as well, carving their own path of the past. If you are in need some new underground extreme metal, check out Coffinrot!

Coheed And Cambria- The Unheavenly Creatures
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal

Coheed is back and heavier than ever. This whole album feels like the heavy prog album I always wanted from them. Of course the signature C&C pop influences still shine through, but it's great to hear them actually embrace their progressive metal influences shine. If I had more time with this album it'd probably be in the Top 100 list. It's also a return to The Armory Wars story, which I've noticed is quite the divisive decision for the fanbase. I just know I love what's going on with this album and hope they keep up this intensity.

Culak- Without A Purpose
FFO- Blackgaze

A mix of Deftones, Devin Townsend, and Deafheaven. It's a fantastic mix that showcases what can still be done in the Blackgaze genre and it's stellar songwriting. I will say that the cymbal production is a bit peaky (meaning that it crackles) but if you get past that, there is great songs to behold. Solid stuff!

Cult Leader- A Patient Man
FFO- Chaotic Hardcore, Crust Punk, Proggy Moments

The latest album from Cult Leader continues to get more brutal, yet more intriguing. The songs feel tighter, the production is stronger, and the band is just at the top of their game. It captures so much of what I love with experimenting with genres and you just may enjoy it as well.

Exmortus- The Sound Of Steel
FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal

A different, but natural progression for Exmortus. With the band basically coming back from the brink of collapse to to reform with a new lineup, The songs focus more on the strengths of the new lineup and keep everything you love about the band in check. It's more of a straightforward album than previous album, but that just means it's the perfect album to start with if you are new to the band.

Grave Digger- The Living Dead
FFO- Heavy Metal

One of the best bands to ever come from Germany has returned with a brand new album that is such a great, horror influenced tour of where Grave Digger is in 2018. It's heavy, it's actually quite poppy, and just an overall fun listen. That's all I ever want out of a Grave Digger album.

Hate Eternal- Upon Desolate Sands
FFO- Technical Death Metal

Hate Eternal arrive back after three years with another onslaught of death metal brutality but this time, they have the legendary Hannes Grossmann on drums. Everything feels tighter than ever with the band's sheer sonic assault. Everything you love about the band is here in strides to progress to being even better than ever. Hate Eternal is so consistent that they can never let you down; if you know the formula, they will deliver!

Hatesphere- Reduced To Flesh
FFO- Thrash Metal, Death Metal

This Danish band is already on their tenth album! I still remember when 2004's Ballet of The Brute came out and loving their unique blend of thrash and melodeath hitting me so hard. Over the years, the band has become more and more thrashy and that is definitely not a bad thing. The songs hit you hard, the songwriting feels very inspired, and the passion of the band is still felt throughout the entire album. Considering the band celebrated 20 years this year; they have earned the right to do as they please, and they are doing it well.

Helion Prime- Terror Of The Cybernetic Space Monster
FFO- Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Sci-fi

This album is filled to the brim with Sci-Fi goodness with a prog power mix of Primal Fear, Sonata Arctica, and oddly enough, Tool. It's a very cool mix and really makes the band stand out in the world of power metal. This album is meant to be a great time and that's exactly what you get here.

Henry Derek Elis- The Devil Is My Friend
FFO- Tom Waits, Dax Riggs, Outlaw Country, Satanic Folk

One of my favorite albums that I wish I could have checked out just a tad bit more. I know it would have made the Top 100 list had I just had more time. This album is a loving tribute to folk and country of the past, while giving it the spooky, evil, and satanic imagery that really feels appropriate for a lot of olden day country and folk. If your not familiar with Elis; He is the lead singer of the bands Act of Defiance and Thrown Into Exile. SO it was quite shocking to hear this take on what he can do in a completely different style. It works so perfectly and is easily one of the most evil albums of the year, in the best way possible.

Hyvmine- Earthquake
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

I know what I said in the EPs list about having this go along with their Fight or Flight EP, but this album is too good not to talk about (and in keeping up with my rules I'm giving it an Honorable Mention list, had the EP not come out this year, this would be a top 10 album. HEY...MY RULES!) Anyways, this band's debut album is such a great display of what Modern Progressive Metal could be with nods to King's X, Dream Theater, Periphery, and mixing them into a catchy, heavy, proggy and fantastic listening experience. This band is going to get huge in time and by the time of the next album, you'll be seeing them everywhere.

Imperial Triumphant- Vile Luxary
FFO- American Blackjazz

Nick Cave meets Blackjazz era Shining (NOR) meets Deathspell Omega. AN absolute mindbender of a musical listening experience and not for the faint of heart. This will be an album that you can understand the power of and love it, or you will think it's absolute noise. I've yet to see a "meh, they are ok" quote about them. Purely love or hate. I am in the love category. And this album deserve all the attention it can get. It's pure chaos, but it entirely makes sense if you can comprehend it.

Johnny Gioeli- One Voice
FFO- AOR, Hard Rock

This album would 100% be in my Top 100 list if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't come out for another week and I just simply have enough time to really digest it enough to fairly call this a Top 100 album. This album is the feel good album I really needed in my life and came into my inbox at the right time. Sometimes you just need an album that is just rockin' enough but with such a great positive message. As you can tell from my lists, I do love a lot of dark and depressing music, but for the sake of having a clear conscious; you need some happy music that makes you feel like you can accomplish something in life. That's what this album does for me and hey, it might for you too.

Kalmah- Palo
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

One of the most underrated bands in melodeath. Their impeccable songwriting skills of melodeath, thrash and hints of power metal make them stand out in ways that should make them one of the biggest bands in the business. But for the diehards like myself and others; Palo is just the latest reason why Kalmah is worthy of any praise they get. If you dig melodeath and never heard Kalmah, you are doing yourself a disservice by skipping out in these guys. Remedy that now and check this album out.

Letters From The Colony- Vignette
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

One of, if not the very first album I received for 2018 promos. This debut album showcases this Swedish band showcases a mix between Meshuggah, BTBAM, and Gojira done in a way that is so pleasing to the senses. Without question, this album chugs, but in the case of this album, it is a complete and utter benefit. and when it doesn't chug, the music stands out so much more. A complete heavy delight to listen to.

Lithium Dawn- Gravity Waves
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

A heavy blend of Porcupine Tree, Opeth, and Tool, sees this prog outfit exploring what can be done in the atmospheric world of progressive music. Their latest album combines their greatest attributes and continues to make their own signature sound of heavy, proggy, atmospheric, rock, and metal. Another great band to explore if you are not familiar already.

MaYaN- Dhyana
FFO- Symphonic Death Metal

The third album from this Dutch powerhouse shows the band maturing and exploring more of what's possible in symphonic death metal. With lyrics that are personal and positively inspiring than the previous two album. Th music matches the powerful positive message shown throughout. It's an odd thing to think about considering how heavy this music can get, but it completely makes sense as you listen and you should listen. Epica's Mark Jansen can do no wrong.

Monstrosity- The Passage of Existence
FFO- Death Metal

One of the more underground, but one of the most important Florida death metal bands returns after quite an extensive hiatus to release some of their best music to date. Covering the spread of death metal from the most brutal to the most thrashy to the most thought provoking and a production that should be a bar that other death metal bands strive for. a stellar album.

Nightmarer- Cacophony of Terror
FFO- Extreme Metal

Absolutely living up to the band's namesake and album namesake; This band and this album is filled with terror, dread and nightmares. The music is beyond intense and gives you such dark imagery that plays in your mind as you listen. If you want a more palatable version of a band like Portal, but just as intense, check out Nightmarer. It's extreme done right.

Opus of a Machine- Stray Fire
FFO- Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock

It's really great to hear a modern prog band that isn't focused on the most dropped tuning and brutal breakdowns matched with odd time signatures. Sometimes you just need something that strays (no pun intended) from the norm. That's what this band is. A mix of Opeth, Haken, and Oceansize takes the alternative route to prog rock and prog metal and makes it completely their won and it works so wonderfully well.

Outer Heaven- Realms of Eternal Decay
FFO- Death Metal

Old school death metal with some of the most absolutely ferocious vocals I've heard in my years of enjoying metal. Seriously every word sounds like a dragon breathing fire at you and it's magnificent. It's a short, sweet, and brutal take on Death Metal and exactly what we need.

Pig Destroyer- Head Cage
FFO- Pig Destroyer

It's almost futile to put labels on these guys other than extreme. They can be grindcore, doom metal, noise, hardcore or punk at the drop of a hat and it will all make sense in context. Continuing to keep making the music they want to make, Pig Destroyer has no intentions of backing down and continuing to show why they are such an intense experience both live and on record.

Poem- Unique
FFO- Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, Alternative

Unique, not just a great phrase to describe Poem, but a great album. Mixing flavors from bands like Katatonia and Paradise Lost but adding hard rock tinges from bands like, I dare say, Alter Bridge. It is such an intriguing mix that I keep going back to and I had I not discovered it so late, it would be in my Top 100. If you want your music dark but catchy, this is a band you need to know about.

Powerwolf- The Sacrament of Sin
FFO- Power Metal, Symphonic Metal

Another complete love or hate band. Powerwolf knows exactly what they are making dark and gothic inspired power metal with symphonic overtones and songs that are meant to be fun and sung at the top of your lungs. This latest album continues that trend wholeheartedly. whether it is at full speed or a dirge paced ballad, they cover it all and make it such a fun experience. Completely and utterly solid.

QFT- Live In Space
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Outer Space

Literally named after Quantum Field Theory, this debut album showcases Linnea Vikstrom spreading her wings from Therion and fronting her own band and talking about what is beyond Earth; all while making it a great album in the process. I'm pretty such this album will help you pass Advanced Physics in college if you are stuck in a bind, haha. But seriously, this is just a great, fun record and if you appreciate the field of science, you'll appreciate it even more.

Realm of Wolves- Oblivion
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal

If Blackgaze is too happy sounding for you, but you like the atmospheric overtones, Realm of Wolves is the band for you. Keeping that evil, haunting black metal tinge, while appreciating soundscapes in the process; this album covers so much ground in this style that needs to be heard in 2018. A jaw dropping experience.

Septic Tank- Rotting Civilization
FFO- Punk, Hardcore, Metal

Do you miss Lee Dorian singing faster songs? I think we all do, and it sounds so great hearing him sing over these songs filled with social depravity that is toxic to today's world (which is accurately portrayed by the album cover). Simply, if you want a short, sweet, and rotting punk album; this is for you.

Set and Setting- Tabula Rasa
FFO- Instrumental Metal, Post Metal

AN absolutely solid release from this band that continues to expand upon what is possible in the instrumental post metal realm. more ambience, more evil riffs, and some of the best songwriting done in this style. While instrumental music is a hard sell for some people, I highly advise giving this band a shot. It's well worth the shot.

Sinsaenum- Repulsion for Humanity
FFO- Blackened Death Metal

The long awaited sophomore album from the powerhouse group featuring past and present members of Slipknot, Dragonforce and Mayhem (no, you didn't read that wrong). The songs are even more diverse, more brutal, more evil and so great to hear done this well. A fantastic album that proves that humanity sucks, but it's done in such a great way that you don't mind as you listen...but maybe try to better yourself after listening to it.

Soulfly- Ritual
FFO- Thrash Metal, Groove Metal, Death Metal

Death metal Max Cavalera is the best Max Cavalera, even if it's diverse death metal. Hearing the intensity Max and Co. bring on this album is so great to hear and it's so great to hear that revitalized intensity flourish throughout this album, no matter what tangent it follows. Plus it has a song about Hellraiser, so yeah, automatically a great album!

Spock's Beard- Noise Floor
FFO- Progressive Rock

The catchiest, poppiest and easy going Spock's Beard album to date. It is such a strange thing to comprehend, but I really think it works. Sure, it's not for everyone and for some, it's not even for long time fans. But if you look at it as it's own entity, it perfectly makes sense with where the band is at in 2018 and I'd rather have an authentic look at the band than forcing a prog induced album they didn't want to make. Right place, right time, right album.

Ted Poley- Modern Art
FFO- Rock of All Styles

I may dare say that Ted Poley has put out some of my favorite songs and albums over the last few years by simply being himself. While other bands of the 1980s make rehashed albums with no authenticity or becoming just a soft rock band; Poley makes rock of all styles, it gets heavy, it gets poppy, it gets emotional, and it's 100% authentic as it's what he wants to do. And what a welcome change that is to hear in today's age. If you're expecting Danger Danger songs or something, you'll be disappointed. If you are looking for a new adventure of what is possible in rock in 2018, check this one out!

TesseracT- Sonder
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

This album really.....REALLY needed to happen. I thoroughly enjoy the band and the first two albums I feel are spectacular pieces of work, but it started becoming quite...well...stale after a bit. Thankfully Sonder freshens things up again and is not just songs that in the same tempo and rhythm patterns. It's diverse, its ever growing and exactly what the band needed. I am so thankful for that.

Therion- Beloved Antichrist
FFO- Symphonic Metal

To be 6 years between albums and come back with a 46 track, 3 disc, metal opera; to say that is ambitious is a gigantic understatement. To put it simply, if you enjoy Therion, no matter what era of the band, you will find something to love in this triple album. It's a massive undertaking clocking in at around 3 hours total. Even if you listen to it in small doses, it's well worth the investment in time.

Tremonti- A Dying Machine
FFO- Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

It's insane to think about how consistently solid Tremonti is with his solo albums. Every single album is filled with metal, rock, emotion, and completely personally driven in a way that's hard to find in other bands that can be considered radio friendly. It's such a welcome change and it's great to hear another album that is stellar from start to finish from Tremonti.

Twitching Tongues- Gaining Purpose Through Passionate Hatred
FFO- Hardcore, Metalcore

Another short, sweet and beautifully chaotic trip in the world of Twitching Tongues. No matter the speed, no matter the content, no matter the message; this album slays on all levels and makes you hate the world around you, but also try to make it better. That's the sign of a great album!

22- You are Creating
FFO- Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock

Feeling like a mix between Muse, Mew, Minus The Bear, and Oceansize; 22 returns with a double album based on limbs, with both sides giving very distinct styles and attributes. This is an ambitious album that really showed off what was possible with proper creativity and poise. It can be quirky, it can be thought provoking, it can just be great music. What ever your take away from this album, you can't deny the catchiness and power that can come from this outfit.


And there we go. 40 Fantastic Albums from to18 (That Just Happened to Be Honorable Mentions). This was the most work I've put into a list in just one sitting and it feels great to show off 40 albums that just may be worth your time checking out.

Starting Monday, the monolith, the megalodon, the mammoth, the "I Can't Believe You Have That Mush Time To Listen To Music" list begins with That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 with Part II: 100-81!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Shorter albums and EPs are actually a great marketing strategy in 2018. Release a handful of songs, and do it more often to keep peoples attention (pretty much the opposite of my last list). Some bands have some great material they want out there either starting out or just between full albums as well. These fifteen EPs covers a great amount of ground in the rock and metal fields. Let's see if these short tastes of bands pique your interest enough to give them a full change.

15.) Depths of Hatred- Bloodguilt
FFO- Technical Death Metal, Deathcore

A rather shocking discovery for me filled with brutal intensity and melodic songwriting paired in perfect fury. It's great to hear music this technical and heavy with melody and harmony behind it, making it stand out from the crowd. For fans of Cryptopsy, Arsis, and Misery Index. You will be sure to enjoy this EP in all it's glory.

14.) Progenie Terrestre Pura- Starcross
FFO- Industrial Black Metal, Post Black Metal

A mindblowing combination of genres that work so well together. Imagine the band Mechina, but more blackened instead of death metal driven. Just a fantastic listen through space and time, as beautiful as it is terrifying. A perfect band to expand your musical horizons.

13.) Witch Casket- Punishment
Blackened Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal

Should note that this band also released another EP this year, Hatred Index, which is equally fantastic, but I picked this one as it is newer and, I feel a bit more of what the band is truly capable of. A fantastic blend of chaos, evil, metal, and outrageously good songwriting. The songs are straight to the point and filled with the melodic brutality we all need sometimes. If you want some melodic brutality as stated a sentence ago, check this one out.

12.) Ostraca- Enemy
FFO- Shoegaze, Hardcore, Screamo

Such a crazy combination of music that truly works. If you want a crazy mashup of Deftones, Converge, The Smiths and AFI, this is it. It gets super down trotted and at the turn of a time goes into the chaotic hardcore you never see coming and then super melancholic . A great combination and a band to look out for.

11.) Marxthrone- A Blaze in the Western Sky
FFO- Black Metal, Socialism

The only reason this isn't up higher is because of how recent this released. I still can't really tell if this is taking the piss out of the world right now, a knock at a band like Neckbeard Deathcamp, or a black metal band that really thinks Democratic Socialism works. Regardless, this EP is filled with such great nods to classic 80s and 90s Black Metal while forging their own path with their (parody or not) message. Politics aside the music is great and worth checking out for that alone.

10.) Goliathan- Albion
FFO- Instrumental Blackened Post Rock

What a great release from Metal Assault Records. This band releasing this EP showcases everything the band is capable of, with evil sounding riffs, tons of atmosphere and songs that keep you interested from beginning to end. I can't give it a better description than that, they are very much worth your time.

9.) Conception- My Dark Symphony
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Progressive Metal

Roy Kahn has returned with Conception and the world of music is better for it. These tracks are so perfect for Kahn's amazing voice, maintaining the fantastic songwriting of Kamelot, but instead of power metal, going prog instead. The songs are super catchy and filled with dark joy, I expected nothing less and leave every listen of the EP completely satisfied.

8.) Fractal Cypher- Prelude to an Impending Outcome
FFO- Modern Progressive Metal

This EP is sheer brilliance from beginning to end. Combining so many great elements of melody, harmony, technical ability, and vocal delivery makes this a band you simply need to check out if you are a prog fan of any kind. You will find something to enjoy here, guaranteed.

7.) Neckbeard Deathcamp- White Nationalism is For Basement Dwelling Losers
FFO- Grindcore, Crust Punk, Anti- Trump

If you haven't gathered from this point, I do enjoy me some left wing views and left wing extreme music. Neckbeard Deathcamp has been making the rounds as of late for their name and lyrical content (I wonder why...?) but they also match their controversial lyrical content with fantastically made extreme music. Is it a novelty? time will tell. Till then I love what I hear and I really hope even better things are to come.

6.) Dead Now- Dead Now
FFO- Early Day Torche

The FFO pretty much sums it up. While being different enough to stand out, Dead Now covers the sludgy, poppy, doomy, dreamy styles that early day Torche albums cover so very well. Don't get me wrong they are their own band, but it is so great to hear this style of music again in my ears. A sheer delight to the senses.

5.) Tzimani- Tzimani
FFO: Classic Metal, Speed Metal

One of the best bands to come out of the San Diego area and another great signing by Metal  Assault Management. These tracks fill you with that 70s-80s Heavy Metal you love and need in your life, but it's updated just enough to give their own flavoring. What makes this even better is that this band is two brothers, Eddie and Sebastian Vazquez. It's great to see family that gets together for the power of metal. They are going to go far if they are capable of this so early in their career.

4.) Candlemass- House of Doom
FFO- Doom Metal

The absolute masters of doom are back with their latest EP. AN interesting note is that vocalist, Mats Levin soon left the band after the release of this EP and returning, original, vocalist Johan Langqvist is back. It'll be interesting to see where the band goes from here. But before that, this EP is filled with the great, doomy, Candlemass you know and love. Catchy, doomy, heavy, and just plain...CANDLEMASS!

3.) Destroyer 666: Call of The Wild
FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal

Easily my favorite band of the genre, D666 returns with new tracks that fill the evil sense of dread and hopelessness, but in the most catchy of ways. Memorable riffs, superb vocal delivery, and stunning songwriting. They just do it right every single time and this proves it once again. Can't wait for the next LP.

2.) Hyvmine- Fight Or Flight
FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

If it wasn't for my one release per band, per year, limits I put on myself, their debut album, Earthquake would be very high up on my Top 100 List coming next week, but as this is newer, and I really feel this EP shows off what the band is evolving into, I went with this one instead as it is three absolutely solid, catchy, and some of the best written songs I've heard from a brand new band. Imagine King's X with Dream Theater inspiration mixed with Modern Metal and poppy sensibilities. This band has it all. Go check out both Earthquake and Fight or Flight.

1.) Threads of Fate- A Funeral for the Virtuous
FFO- Symphonic Metal, Black Metal, Progressive Metal

Another one of my favorite discoveries of the year. This band captures the dark, haunting and necro-beautiful landscape that has been missing for quite a while with new talent. Imagine Kamelot, Dimmu Borgir, and Evergrey started a band; if you are someone like me, you instantly see the appeal. This entire EP is jaw dropping from start to finish and hits every single mark that I wanted check for a band like this. I couldn't suggest more that you check this out and bask in it's glory.

And there we go. The top 15 EPs of 2018. We finally did it folks, we covered so much ground between all these lists and I can just kick back, relax, and be gaming till 2019. Oh....wait...did I forget to do something? Oh right, I still have my Top 100 Albums of 2018 coming up next week. That will be a massive challenge but well worth it. Narrowing it down to 100 is a challenge for someone like me, but I can.....wait...what? Before that I gotta do some Honorable Mentions? That will help ease the pain of showing off some great albums that didn't make the Top 100, name 5-10 more shouldn't hur....huh? Oh come on....40 HONORABLE MENTIONS?!?!?! Well kids, looks like my job is far from over.

See you tomorrow for That Drummer Guy's Top 100 Albums of 2018 Part I: 40 Honorable Mentions

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

Simply put, this is a list of the best songs that are over 10 minutes long. This is something generally for the prog fans or the doom metal fans or the stoner fans to enjoy. If you like your songs short, poppy, and easy to make love to; this is not the list for you (unless your into that, then *HIGH FIVE*) Let's get right into it!

10.) Mike LePond's Silent Assassins- Pawn and Prophecy- Pawn and Prophecy
Time: 21:38
FFO: Progressive Metal, Power Metal

Legendary bassist of Symphony X, Mike LePond has made a remarkable name fro himself outside of SX not only guesting on some great albums from great bands and playing live shows with great artists outside of SX; but he has a killer band known as Silent Assassins, where he gets to show off more of his Power, Prog, Classical, and Metal influences. This 21+ minute epic title track showcases so much of what he and the rest of the band (including some great guest spots) Everything from what you'd love to hear in Symphony X to brutal metal moments to pure orchestrated epicness to the middle section that's....well I'm not ruining it for you, I'll just say it'll make you smile. This song is such a great thing of beauty and worthy of a listen.

9.) Hands of Despair- Body And Souls- Well of the Disquieted
Time: 16:00
FFO: Progressive Black Metal

This sixteen minute epic from this fantastic Canadian band take you on a musical journey of the deepest reaches of your black soul and sends it to hell. The melodies and harmonies used amongst the evil riffs and haunting vocals are matched up so perfectly. The song also features some amazing guest spots throughout that if you know your Canadian Metal, you'll pick up on immediately. Such a fantastic band and album with this Epic as a real highlight. It's required listening if this intriguing to you in any way.

8.) Mournful Congregation-  Picture Of The Devouring Gloom Devouring The Spheres Of Being- The Incubus of Karma
Time: 22:05
FFO- Funeral Doom Metal

Mournful Congregation may be my favorite funeral doom metal band and if you need a reason why; I have a little over 22 minute reason why right here. This song will literally eat your soul, joy, and happiness away in the best way possible. It is slow, brooding, moody, and darker than you could anticipate. Of course that is what any funeral doom metal band should hope to achieve. If this something you could even manage comprehending, you need to check it out. Just please make sure that you are in the right state of mind to do so. It's that dark...just trust me....

7.) Redemption- Long Night's Journey Into Day- Long Night's Journey Into Day
Time: 10:31
FFO- Dark Progressive Metal

I have so much more to say about this band when the Best Albums of 2018 lists start flowing, but I'll try to keep this short. Tom Englund is one of my favorite singers of all time. Redemption is a band that means so near and dear to me; seeing that these two hiveminds are now together as one for Redemption makes me so happy and this 10 minute plus epic is a prime example why exploring so much of what dark progressive Metal can and should be. If for any reason you checked out Redemption in the past and were not interested before, just give this song a chance and see if it changes your mind.

6.) Wolfheart- Everlasting Fall- Constellation of the Black Light
Time: 10:25
FFO- Melodic Death Metal

It goes without saying that Finland has the best bands for Melodeath. It's not even up for debate. Per capita, there is no one stronger. And Wolfheart continues to prove that statement right and Everlasting Fall is a prime epic to prove it so. Starting off slow, heavy, symphonic, it builds and builds and buulds into absolute melodic chaos. The whole album is stellar, but this song is simply magic. Listen and understand why.

5.) Wills Dissolve- On This Cold November Night- The Heavens Are Not On Fire
Time: 11:41
FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Post Metal, Doom

This band is one of my favorite discoveries of 2018 and this song brilliantly shows off why that is so. Conveying inspiration from bands like Isis, Novembers Doom, Swallow The Sun and Opeth, this whole album is filled to the brim with melancholic masterpieces. This song in particular is a great starting point as to understanding what this band has in store for you.

4.) Lux Terminus- The Courage To Be- The Courage To Be
Time: 20:57
FFO- Progressive Rock, Fusion, Instrumental

This band is a hard sell for the brutal, angsty kid in all of us. But for those that just want to kick back, relax and hear three beyond excelled master musicians writing music that is not only complex, but perfectly inspired and written with songwriting in mind (rather than just chops); Lux Terminus may just do it for you. The title track in particular, captures some of the greatest emotions on the album from beautiful to heavy to mindblowing. Knowing the backstory and concept of the album, the title track really makes you appreciate live and all it has to share with us. I'm glad I stuck around and live in an era where this just released.

3.) Panopticon- Snow Burdened Branches- The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I and II)
Time: 11:24
FFO- North American Folk Metal (Black Metal, Folk, Americana)

This band is one of, if not my favorite Black Metal band going. This double album is actually a bit different as the Black Metal and Folk/Americana sides are actually separated by disc. This song still features some of the folkish elements I love, but really showcases the power of the nature inspired band and really, how really messed up the world so far; BUT, it gives you hope that we can change it for the better. This is required listening for any heavy music fan.

2.) Yob- Our Raw Heart- Our Raw Heart
Time: 14:24
FFO- Doom Metal, Post Metal

Another album I have to much to say about, but that will come in time. For the title track it grabs your heart and doesn't let go. Mike's Scheidt's vocals on this song are so powerful and sorrow filled. The song maintains the same slower tempo throughout but it matches the tone of the song and album perfectly. Knowing the back story of what Scheidt has gone through in recent times, it'll be hard not to tear up during this song, I know I did. Absolute power driven doom metal 

1.) Witherfall- Vintage- A Prelude To Sorrow
Time: 11:06
FFO- Progressive Metal, Power Metal

It really couldn't have been any other song this year, expect the other epic off this album, but I kept this to one band each. Simply put this album is something I'll be talking about more soon, but the this epic is about the moment of the band losing one of my best friends in the world, Adam Sagan, and drinking the sorrows away. There's so much more that could be said and will be said, but for just this song, it's so powerful, moving and brilliantly written, it's the best Witherfall song to date; after checking it out, I hope you agree.

Alright kids, that is ten absolutely stellar epic songs from 2018. Some fast, some slow, some heavy, some beautiful, some all of those things. While we live in a world where everyone's attention spans are shortening, I hope you can strive to fight that and give at least one of these songs a try if it's something of interest. These ten songs alone are over 2 and a half hours, which is about 5-6 pop albums, put your mind and ears to good use!

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

It's quite hard to talk about live albums in 2018. As fantastic as they are to hear bands and artists in that live setting in a recorded form; it has somewhat been ruined by live phone bootlegs with horrendous sound quality and so shaky it's hard to watch. BUT, thankfully, there are musicians who make live albums and make them matter with top notch sound quality and now even 4K quality visuals to make you wonder if getting beer spilled on you by a drunkard during your favorite song is worth it anymore. These are just ten fine examples of that. In the interest of fairness, this is in alphabetical order.

Accept- Symphonic Terror- Live At Wacken 2017
FFO- Classic Metal, Symphonic Metal

In what was at the time a once in a lifetime opportunity; Accept played the 2017 edition of Wacken separated into three smaller sets. A set of newer Accept songs, a set of classic orchestrations, and a set of classic Accept songs with the full blown orchestra. The clarity on this album is top notch and it makes you wish you could have been there to see it all. Thankfully with this Blu Ray/CD set, you can relive it any time you want. For the classic metalheads, classical fans and those that are both, it's a must have.

Alice Cooper- A Paranormal Evening at the Olympia Paris
FFO- Classic Rock, Heavy Metal

Alice Cooper still puts on one of the greatest rock shows in 2018 with this release showcasing the classic Alice Cooper songs you know and love, and the newer songs that have become live staples. The band is top notch, the song selection is perfect, and the sound quality is just fantastic. Is it the best live Cooper album? Who's to say. But it is definitely worth a listen.

Amon Amarth- The Pursuit of Vikings- Live at Summer Breeze
FFO- Viking Metal, Melodic Death Metal

Easily the most consistent metal band of recent memory, Amon Amarth returns before their next album to release this astonishing live spectacle. This showcases both of their live sets at Summer Breeze 2017 plus a nearly two hour documentary! A sheer delight for the vikings in all of us and well worth checking out.

Anneke van Giersbergen- Symphonized
FFO- Atmospheric Rock, Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal

The second release on this list to feature a symphony; Anneke van Giersbergen (one of the greatest voices in music, PERIOD!) graces our ears once again with a 25 year retrospective of her career; back by Residentie Orkest The Hague conducted by Arjan Tien. Everything from The Gathering to VUUR is covered here in mindblowing Symphonic arrangements. Much like mentioned with Accept earlier, wherer you are an Anneke fan, a symphonic fan or both; this has MUST HAVE written all over it!

Ayreon- Ayreon Universe
FFO- Progressive Metal, Arjen Anthony Lucassen

Another showing by Anneke on this list, who would have guessed, haha. In something as a nearly career long fan I never would have expected; Ayreon FINALLY played live and we have been blessed to have this been recorded for all of us to enjoy. A great career retrospective featuring some of the best Ayreon songs (and those that fit best in a live setting). It was amazing enough to get The Live Equation, which any of us would have guessed was a one time live deal, but now getting to hear classic Ayreon songs done by some of the greatest voices and musicians in the business? It's too good to be true, but thankfully, it is true and I couldn't be happier.

Devin Townsend Project- Ocean Machine- Live at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv
FFO- Progressive Metal, Hevy Devy

In what will most likely be the final release under the DTP moniker, the band performed in 2017 for two sets to be recorded. One set of classic songs by request, the other performing what may be the most celebrated Devin Townsend album, Ocean Machine with...you guessed it...A SYMPHONY! It's almost as if Symphonies and Metal work seamlessly together...But this release has everything I could possibly want form a Hevy Devy live album and the more I hear it, the more it just feels like the perfect send off to this band. I've seen this band 8 times total and I am fortunate for every opportunity. Now it's time to see what Devin and Co. do in their respective endeavors.

Fates Warning- Live Over Europe
FFO- Progressive Metal

You guessed it! Fates Warning toured Europe touring behind what is quite possibly their best album, Theories of Flight. Considering it has been nearly two decades since the last FW live album, this was a very welcome thing to see. Mainly focusing on Material not heard on the first FW album, the band proves that they are at the absolute top of their game and I simply can't wait for the next album. That fire is burning bright for the band and this live release proves it.

Haken- L-1ve
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Rock

Haken is one of the most celebrated modern prog bands with good reason. They can do everything from the classic prog rock of yesteryear, get down tuned and brutally heavy when needed, or sound as poppy as any 80s pop song; it's up to them. This first live album from the band showcases all 4 albums up to that time with some of their best songs from every album. Haken are an incredible experience live and this live release shows you why.

Opeth- Garden Of The Titans (Opeth Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre)
FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Progressive Death Metal

Say what you want about Opeth in 2018, but they still put on a killer show and this live release showcases everything they are capable of today. Whether it's classics like Demon of the Fall or new live staples like Sorceress; The band has done no wrong to me yet and I don't see that ever changing. IF they can keep up this live quality; their studio quality will match that on the next album, I can feel it.

Steven Wilson- Home Invasion: In Concert At The Royal Albert Hall
FFO- Progressive Rock, Crying

Steven Wilson live...if you've never experienced it, you haven't experienced a true emotion in a concert setting. Home Invasion brilliantly showcases that in all facets. Not only featuring work from ALL of his solo , he has also graced us all by incorporating Porcupine Tree songs into the set, which is what every fan wants if the band is not getting back together. Though I didn't get to experience this tour live, I still choke up hearing some of these songs live; what a great feeling that is when music can move you that much. A true prog live release that is worthy of your time.

And there we go, folks! 10 live albums of 2018 that showcase very unique styles ranging from symphonic to Melodeath to just solid live shows. It also kind of shows that 2018 was a big year for Prog live albums, which is never a bad thing to me. Prog fans love setting up their home theaters and enjoying some great live music from home, this more than fills that need. Hopefully it will for you as well.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy)

As you may have seen from my previous list, as shocking as it sounds, I do have ventures outside of music. Along with wrestling, gaming was a huge part of my childhood and unlike wrestling, it always stuck with me to this day. in 2018 you have 4 main options for gaming, PC, PS4, XB1, and Nintendo Switch. I am of the PS4 camp, converting from the Xbox 360 a few years back. Once again, like my previous list, I am not the biggest gamer in the world. As long as the game works, is of my interest and give me a fun experience, that's all I need. Frame Rates, refresh speeds, resolutions, etc are important things, but not enough to turn me off as long as I can sit down and enjoy it. The only downside I find to games is microtransactions...those can suck it!

That said, I am checking off every 2018 game I bought this year. No qualifications for being on this list as this is all 11 ranked from least favorite to favorite and quick thoughts about each one. So if you are a beginner to intermediate gamer like I am, I hope you enjoy this and maybe even find a new game to play. I apologize for only focusing on PS4 games, but that's just what I play.

11.) Jurassic World Evolution
FFO- City Building Simulators, Sim City, The Sims
Another game I really wanted to like and if I had a better grasp of these types of games, I'd be all over this. It's Sim City but based in the world of Jurassic World. Having not played a Sims type game in probably two decades, I found the game to be more aggravating than anything. Every time I got a little closer to getting it, I realized that I didn't get it. If go back to it and try again I may dig it more, but that's something time will tell. Also, Jeff Goldblum...He clearly did this for the paycheck and you can definitely hear it as it sounds so uninspired, which is heartbreaking. But anyways, if you dig city building simulation, you will love this, otherwise...you will not.

10.) Earthfall
FFO- First Person Shooters, Multiplayer
This game was 100% made to be played with friends or online play in mind. Which is probably why I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped. You don't need to play online for this as you have computer teammates, but it feels hollow. It follows the Left 4 Dead format with maps based on different stories and no real campaigns, but instead of zombies, it's aliens. Not a bad game by any means, but if you are a single player gamer like myself; there's better games to play to fill that void of the FPS single player games.

9.) Anamorphine
FFO- Walking Simulators, A look at Mental Health
I picked this one up the day it came out squarely on the premise of this being a very short game that is a true look at Depression from the outside and the inside...and it truly is. It's a heartbreaking game that looks at person who suffers a tragedy that leads to the deep well of depression that I know all to well myself. It shows it from the sufferer and their partner and how it affects both parties. If you're anything like me, you'll cry by the end and it's a well deserved cry. The biggest reasons why it's this low is because A.) You can complete it in under two hours. B.) When I played it, it had some major glitches to it, game breaking ones in fact, but they have been patched out and its a much better experience now. and C.) It's a walking Simulator. All you do is move around and see what's around you. There's no button commands, you don't pick anything up, there's no quests. You life this life as it's spirals downwards. I love it, but it's a hard sell for those looking for more than that in a game. If you wanna see how Depression really works, I highly recommend this game.

8.) Far Cry 5
FFO: First Person Shooter, Action/Adventure
The first Far Cry game to focus on the United States as a map. The game was heavily controversial all the way up to it's release due to the political climate that is hinted at in the game (but not really a focus as much as talked about). It looks, feels, acts and plays like a Far Cry game, but just different enough to make it worth it. A fun/dark story, a gigantic map to discover with tons of secrets, and at least to me, a worthwhile endeavor. You can get the game pretty cheap now so it's well worth the experience.

7.) Vampyr
FFO: RPG, Horror, A Question of Morals and Ethics
Set in 1800s England, you play as a doctor, coming home from war, but falls victim to a vampire. Throughout the game, you continue on with your doctoral duties deciding who lives and who dies, all while finding out how you became this way and potentially end it. It's a great game with RPG mechanics and a great morality and ethical gut check seeing if you can live life without hurting others or if the temptation is too great. The weakest part is qithout question, the controls and gameplay, but everything else makes up for it and if you are a seasoned gamer, you can adapt very quickly. A fun, worthwhile time for the macabre in all of us.

6.) Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
FFO- Brawlers, Soap Opera Drama, the Best in Japanese Quirks
If you've never invested time in the Yakuza series, you are doing yourself a gigantic disservice. This series has everything you could want from a Sega licensed game from constantly fighting battles, a gut wrenching story, almost every single type of gaming style, and the wackiness that comes with modern Japanese culture. Yakuza 6 is the final chapter in the story of Kazuma Kiyru. It is HIGHLY recommended to try out Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 (I still need the latter) before playing this game to get a better grasp on the stoyr. Though there is a recap section in the beginning. But again, even if the story isn't for you, there is baseball simulation, side quests finding stray cats, internet sex chatrooms, and the ability to play actual Sega games from yesteryear in the Sega Arcades. THere's even a mini game story arc featuring professional wrestlers from New Japan Pro Wrestling. It is one of the most hard hitting, yet, off the wall franchises you can possibly play, and worth every single second. 

5.) Detroit: Become Human
FFO- Interactive Movies
The FFO section is exactly what this is; an interactive movie that YOU make the decisions for and forge your path. The game takes place in Detroit in a fictionalized 2038 where you play 3 different Androids of different walks of life and explore there stories and how the world is in 2038. This is an emotionally driven game that can test your limits of morality and ethics and doesn't give you much time to decide on particular moments. You gotta constantly pay attention or you may end up on a path of this story you do not want to take. If you only play this once you can finish it in 1-3 days depending on your gaming schedule, and it's broken up into several chapters. It really hits home for me and it may for you as well.

4.) Marvel's Spider-Man
FFO: Open World, Action-Adventure, Superheroes
This game...this game. This game has no right being as good as it is, given the past of Spider-Man games, but it is easily not only the best Spider-Man game, but may rival the Batman Arkham Saga as best Superhero game and the potential to be the best Franchise Superhero game (you know as least 2-3 more sequels are coming, it's guaranteed). The web-slinging in this game is so satisfiying and exploring Manhattan as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is worth the price of admission alone. The story, which is an original take on Spider-Man shows off Peter Parker 8 years after dawning the costume and is thankfully NOT an origin story. You jump right in as Spidey and and a grand ol' time. Until the DLC, this is one of the only games I have ever been able to beat 100% and grab every trophy. I will eventually get the DLC for it and get things back on the right track (thankfully, I still have the platinum trophy for my efforts). You see everywhere how this game is getting rave reviews, this game couldn't possibly be more deserving. It's pure fun!

3.) Hollow Knight
FFO- Side Scrollers, 2D Platformers, Creepy but Cute Imagery, Dark Souls
One of my favorite games I'll probably never get to beat as it is ridiculously hard. The game takes inspiration from the Dark Souls & Bloodbourne games as far as difficulty, but re-imagines it as a side scroller 2D adventure playing as an unnamed hero who wanders it's world, digging deeper and deeper discovering other bug/insect like creatures it must defeat or befriend to survive. With it being bugs and insects it can turn people off, but the graphic style really makes the protagonist quite the cute little thing, along with many other creatures in the game, but to flip the coin, there is many grotesque things as well, but more cartoony and fun. I have gotten respectfully far in the game, but with it's sheer difficulty I am not sure I'll ever be able to finish the game. I will continue to try. It's an easy game to grasp comprehension of but it takes a master gamer to perfect. All that said, I love this game and it goes for 15 bucks for a normal price. I am over 80 hours into the game and have not completed it and I still loe playing it. That's a worthy investment.

*NOTE: I am aware this game originally came out in 2017 on other platforms, but it was released for PS4 in 2018, so I'm counting it*

2.) God Of War
FFO: Action Adventure, RPG, Nordic Folklore
If you have played any of the original God Of War games before this soft reboot, only keep the story in mind as everything else has changed and easily, for the better. Rather than Greek Mythology, this follows Nordic Mythology as Kratos discovers he has a BOY (sorry, I mean, son) and goes on an adventure that brings them closer together, while nearly getting killed every step of the way. The graphics in this game are impeccable. The story is heart wrenching, intriguing, and mesmerizing. The controls and gameplay are some of the most satisfying you'll ever find in a game to this point (especially when throwing your axe...PERFECTION!!!). This game is what I always hoped I would enjoy in the GOW series and I simply can't wait to see how this story continues on in the future.

1.) Red Dead Redemption 2
FFO- Grand Theft Auto, Except the Auto is a Horse
If no one else can sell you on this game yet, I guess I'll give it a shot. If you enjoy the gameplay, the open worlds, the stories, and the atmosphere that Rockstar games have done in the past, this is the game for you. Despite the misleading title, this is actually a prequel to the events of the original Red Dead Redemption. Following the story of a brand new character not even hinted at in the original game, you follow a dramatically bigger story of how this all began in a drastically bigger world, so much more to do, jaw dropping graphics, and that Rockstar attitude they are famous for. Obviously I am making this before I had a change to play Red Dead Online (which I can do now as I finally upgraded to 2005 and got a PS Plus Subscription), I am purely basing this off the single player game which is worth every single cent you spend on the game. It just has such a stellar story, sooooo many secrets to find, side quests that fill you with such intrigue, and the overall best presentation I have ever seen in a video game to date. If this and anything else about this game you have heard didn't sell you on it, nothing will.

And there we go, folks, my 2018 Game Purchases for PS4 in 2018 ranked in order or greatness. So many absolute winners and so many great reasons why I am so happy with my PS4 and maybe even I helped you out in picking up a game. Needless to say, gaming is becoming more and more fun as the years go on. I can't wait to see what I explore in 2019.

- Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy