 Hello ladies, gentlemen and everyone in between! That Drummer Guy here after all of my work is done for 2021 and and after this message I am fully taking off till at least January, if not longer for that event that happens when you finally hit the wall...burnout.
Let me start off with the positives of this year of which is honestly few and far between. The music this year has been impeccable. Every genre of rock and metal this year has put out masterpiece after masterpiece andf I know some of these albums from 2021 will end up being some of my favorite albums of all time. Some albums were written years ago, some were written entirely when touring was not at all a possibility; and we still have yet to see all of the fruits of these bands' labors as so much more of this tribulatious period is going to be hitting in the next year or two.. So for as crappy as this year has been; the music has been pretty sweet. I somehow got a PS5 and Xbox Series S at retailers at normal MSRP. Those both have been keeping me sane. While there are not many games that are exclusively for these consoles yet, I am future proofed and I get to enjoy these babies longer before the next generation hits, and with how this generation is going, that's going to be a good long time. Plus a lot of the games that have come out for both consoles have rarely been duds. When I get back into the swing of things I'll do a recap of my favorite games of this year in 2022. Same goes with wrestling. While all of my attention has been on AEW and partially on NJPW; there has been quality work from both promotions and while they are not for everyone and obviously wrestling is not for everyone, it's a gateway for me for a couple hours a week where I can just forget all my problems and just watch tv for a couple hours a week. And I am trying to better myself physically. I have been doing what I can to cut back on caffeine and pop and been doing what I can to drink wither Liquid IV, Gatorade/Powerade, or just plain cold water. Back on Friday I got myself a smart water bottle which helps me to tell me when to drink water. And I was able to to give my stats to help suggest how much water I need a day. Given my age, height, weight, and being diabetic, 87 ounces is recommended and on the bottle I use, that's 4 and a half bottles roughly. It's a lot, but even after this short amount of time, I do feel better. My headaches are minimal, less cramps. Yeah, this might work. Hopefully with gradual weight loss (which is happening slowly but surely), I can get the amount of water down or maybe this is a good number? let's find out! As for everything else, yeah, it's been quite crappy. It past the 2 year anniversary of my brother's death and I still feel like he's here. Most people reading this will think that's kinda sweet thinking he's always watching over me. In actuality, my trauma form his over 3 decades of abuse leave me feeling that he is still going to try to call me to threaten my life or convince me to kill myself or just remind me of every one of my flaws to the extant that it will not leave my psyche. The hell he put me through in the most stalkerish of ways....I just want to be over it, I wish it worked that way. Funny how that works out as well as Halloween this year, I officially lived longer than my brother. Something I never thought would happen. I've been trying to figure out if this is the new chapter of my life now knowing that I finally beat my brother at the only thing he wanted....all he wanted was to outlive me. He lost. I'm a morbid guy if you couldn't tell. My dad ended up marrying the woman who told me I should have died instead of my brother back in 2019 as he was more "valuable in life than I could ever be." He married her the week before my birthday then had the gall to call my on my birthday to tell me about it. 2 days later I get a text saying he had a heart attack right after I hung up on him and he would "text me back" when he is ok. SO for all I know either he forgot, does not care, or died. I feel like an awful person for wishing for the latter, but with all the horrendous things he did in his life to me, my family and others that I oh so wish I could say without getting sued...let's just say that he is a scumbag an move on. My mom? All I learned that is the most heinous thing my dad did, my mom let happened and did nothing to stop it or try to make things better after. I found that out this year and like I tell my parents every single year to stop calling me (from blocked numbers or their own) I keep getting calls as if I said nothing at all and all is forgiven. My mom had her mind snap back in 2000 where she became the most violent evil person outside of my brother I could imagine at the time, but was able to turn on a dime and put on the fakest, sweetest character of a loopy woman you could ever meet. The kind of person where you could just say "you know, Hitler wasn't that bad of a guy, he didn't have all those people exterminated" and she would just gleefully agree with you as if you just told her she looked pretty. Now after 21 years, she has the act down to where if she needs something from you, she's the sweetest person till you can't do it, then she turns spiteful and hates you. My grandma on my dad's side (with her own closet of skeletons) now has dementia. Has me a bit scared for my own demise. Though as I remember way too much (a blessing and a curse) maybe getting dementia would be a blessing in disguise as I could have a few years of peace where I'll actually know true happiness by being able to forget the past and just exerpience the present. Pretty morbid way to look at it eh? Not sure if you noticed but I grew up around shitty people and it will forever haunt me. As for myself. I became the fattest I ever became and seeing the weight on the scale just made me hate myself more and more, hence the part where I am trying to work on myself physically and drinking a lot more water. Mentally, I am just as messed up as I've ever been. Suicidal, wishing I was never here, Wishing I had it in me to end it all and wishing there was no one that would miss me when I'm gone so I could do it without guilt. It's ironic that I feel this way as I know I'm nowhere near alone on this and I had several people reach out to me for help this year trying to find a reason for themselves to keep going. All but one I was able to help out, the other just did it anyways. Thankfully all parties are still alive, but I hate that this is a reality. I'm glad people can trust me because no one understands a suicidal mind more than someone else struggling. No therapist, no doctor, no higher power. Unless you've had those thoughts, you can't get it. The pandemic has been really messing with me as well. I've lost all hope that this thing is going away and we will just have to get vaccined every year just like the flu (and no, covid is not a flu or like the flu, please be smarter than that). The isolation that comes with it hurts the most for me. I haven;'t seen anyone in person that considers me a friend in over 2 years and anyone that does considers me a friend does not live anywhere near me to go see or come see me. The black mirrors I have that give me access to the internet are all I have for communication these days outside of errands and seeing random people. It really doesn't help that I took the necessary steps I needed to get away from my family as even people all the crap hit the fan, I at least got a phone call every week or sometimes every day. But I know it is for the best as I do actually feel better until they get brought up into conversation or they try to get a hold of me. It feels like it will never end till everyone is gone. Ugh. Then in less personal stuff, but still heartbreaking stuff. All of the musicians and bands I can't in good conscious listen to or support anymore. When bands say things that are so stupid that are against science or trying to kill off people like me or trying to bring the downfall of civilization, I just have to wash my hands of it and be done with them. If you can separate the art from the artist, I'm glad you can enjoy things that I just can't anymore. Blame it on over 3 decades of trauma, I can't support terrible people no matter how good of artists they can be. I used to, but 2021 took all that power away from me and like with my family, it is for the best even if it hurts in the short term. And that brings me to the focal point of me writing all of this up this year. Burnout! On the great plus side. I hit over 800 interviews this year and I've been doing this for over a decade since August 2nd. I love what I do and there's only been such a small handful of interviews that have gone wrong or worse in that time. Some that are available to hear on YouTube, some I'll never ever air and some that I could never use the actual recordings for as outside influences took that power away. Otherwise, I have met or talked to almost all of my personal heroes, talked to some of my favorite and some of the biggest bands in hard rock and metal and bands that I even gave their first interviews to that are rocketed towards success since. This year; take my mental health with all of the depression, anxiety trauma and suicidal thoughts, add constant stress from horrendous "family" and just life in general, feel free to add this pandemic on top of things for what will be 2 full year coming up in March, constantly feeling like I suck at what I do either with the quality of what I do or with marketing or just general lack of interest from people as I see fellow people in my fields that have incredible success whether they started before or after me, doing everything That Drummer Guy related 100% by myself from recording, producing, mixing, mastering, reviewing, sending out emails for interviews, answering inquiries for interviews, design, website work, social media, making playlists, and of course writing up 140 reviews in a week's time to some appreciation but what is the lowest reaction and view rate I've ever had doing this.....add ALL of that together and been dealing with burnout since the beginning of the year and I've used myself dry. I feel like if I make one more show, one more review, one more interview, one more new stress I've never dealt with, one more ANYTHING that involves stress and I'll simply tip over and die. This weekend alone I slept for almost 40 hours and I still feel like I haven't slept a wink. Granted I have not gotten good sleep for a very long time and I am hoping an incoming new mattress will take care of the physical pains preventing good and proper sleep, but still. I feel like if I step into the ER right now, I would be in the ICU as I've been put into the ICU for less in the past, but (stupidly or not) I'm trying all I can to fight that from happening. I just simply don't have fight in me right now, for what I do as That Drummer Guy or honestly in life. I need to rest and I plan on doing so. Thankfully I am in a spot where I can take time off and be ok financially, but I want to get back into the spot where I can be at 100% again and not struggling mentally and physically before I do ANYTHING. I'm not joking to where every single interview I've done this year, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack before or after it. During each one I am usually completely fine, but everything before and after tears me to shreds. From where I used to have an interview up within an hour of me recording it to now waiting weeks after I get the ok to post it because I just don't have it in me to put it up. I have everything I've done this year up so I'm not hoarding anything, but still. Even as I write this up I can feel the burnout killing me and I just want to slam my head against my new Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard and just fall asleep till 2022 in a state of hibernation. So whats up? As I've said, the rest of the year, I'm off. And I have every intention of going past January as well. SO before I...well...you know...die... I need to stop everything, rest up, work on me and come back better bother mentally and physically. If I don't, you'll see a couple people say how much they miss me after hearing I left this mortal coil then be quickly forgotten in such a cynical irony of "Oh yeah, I think I remember That Drummer Guy." in the way that the nickname was come up with in the first place of knowing I exist(ed) but not truly knowing who I am or what I do. If you feel the need to get a hold of me, please do. I'm still here and alive. I will be slow to answer any calls or texts or emails or messages as I need to separate myself from the black mirrors, but I'm not shutting anything off, I completely plan on coming back (hopefully better than ever) and honestly, I really could use the conversation as talking into my mic is the most amount of time I open my mouth to talk anymore. SO if you know how to get a hold of me and you want to, please do. Otherwise if You don't have my info, its not hard to find, just message me. Over 10 years, over 800 interviews, countless reviews and songs played and shows covered. Many friends met, many more friends left, so many ups, so many lows and somehow I'm still here, alive. Let's hope I keep that last part going. So, until I get my collective and figurative shit together, this is That Drummer Guy Josh Rundquist saying SEE YA! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy) 
Welcome to the finale of 2021; That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021 Part VI: The Top 20. We have reached the top of the mountain and it is good….well I think it’s good, it’ll depend on you if you dig what these 20 albums have to offer. Before getting into the trues and battling this list, I would just like to say thank you to everyone for making this far. Despite this being my favorite thing to do every year, this year, it really took a lot out of me, then again, so many things took a lot out of me this year. I’m running on fumes and I am so looking forward to taking the rest of the year off and maybe longer to just try to get back into some sort of normalcy and get back into a better state of being for both body and mind. If you are going through anything similar I am hoping the same for you as well as no one should have to suffer during this time of year on top of all the suffering the world is currently dealing with for the elongated amount of time. But before I go into my thoughts on the world right now, let’s get over to the tules and finish this list off with a bang!
- These are 100 ALBUMS that I loved this year ranked from 100-1. - No EPs, live albums, compilations, rarity albums, reissues, or any specialty releases. Just brand new LPs - The list is broken down into 6 parts which I release Monday to Friday, 20 albums a piece, countdown style. Black Friday brings on the Honorable Mentions list, which is 40 albums that didn’t make my Top 100, but deserve just as much praise. - There are many reasons that an album won’t show up on this list. I did not have enough time to hear it enough, I didn’t hear it, it wasn’t my bag...baby, and new for 2021; The band/Artist does something so stupid that I simply can’t support them anymore. -While The top 100 is ranked, look at this as 100 albums you should check out and not 5 parts you can skip and just check out the top 20. Every album here is awesome and what may be album 100 or 72 or 47 may be your favorite album or discovery of the year. So give anything that gets your attention a spin. We live in the digital age, there’s no excuse to skip out anymore. - These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone. No outside influences, no one asking me to put them on the list, no pressure from higher sources. Just what I dig and you just may dig as well. - And most importantly...go discover some new music!!! And now let's finish this! 20.) Moon Machine- S/T FFO- Progressive Metal There is a new crop of bands that have really latched onto the prog of 15-20 years ago from the likes of Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Tool, and Mastodon that have really taken the best elements and combined their own flavors to create some inspiring new music. That’s exactly what’s going on here with Moon Machine. The debut album from this band is simply incredible and the fact that again this level of songwriting chemistry is just on the debut LP means that the power of what’s to come has someone like me salivating. The album in particular is actually a hard listen for me as it deals a lot with inner struggle *something I’m all too familiar with) and the album really does have those feels of highs lows and emotional swings that you feel when you are dealing with mental health issues. If it’s not enough that this album hits so close to home for myself and anyone else struggling; the album is available as a Pay What You Want feature on bandcamp and proceeds of any money spent on the album on Bandcamp goes to mental health charities. This band is doing everything right and I can’ t wait to see what’s next. 19.) The Lion’s Daughter- Skin Show FFO- Horror Metal A band that has such great heavy and sludge metal elements combined with horror synth; this band is going right after my heart. Every song the band has ever written feels like the perfect theme song for a horror movie and Skin Show is no different. The keyboards and synths throughout this album help the band shine through more than if it was just a standard metal affair and it really gives the band that replay value. Then it has the added benefit of having the rest of the band be just as killer. An underrated album for sure and I’m glad I can shine a bit of light on it. If I was to ever be in a band again, this is what I would want to be inspired by. 18.) Nightland- The Great Nothing FFO- Symphonic Death Metal, Gothic Metal In absolute proof that nothing is final till I fully write it up. This album was originally in my honorable mentions list as I just didn’t have enough time to really appreciate it….then I decided to give it another spin and I had to push it up all the way into the top 20. This has everything I’m looking for in a band. Power, emotion, brilliant songwriting, sorrowful lyrics, and jaw dropping instrumentation and musical chemistry. While the band can get quite speedy, it doesn’t hit anywhere near the extremes that other symphonic death metal bands do, and that’s what makes it really work, it’s more subdued and focused on atmosphere rather than BPM. Substance over style. I love this album and you may as well if you check it out. 17.) Phantom Elite- Titanium FFO- Power Metal, Groove Metal, Symphonic Metal If Gojira decided to become a symphonic power metal band. It sounds like such a far fetched concept, right? Well, not anymore. Phantom Elite really makes it work with such heavy riffs and soaring choruses that sounds so odd on paper but it flawless in execution. It’s catchy in all the right ways. Take away any preconceived notions and give this album a shot. There’s a good reason why I have this album in my top 20. 16.) MOL- Diorama FFO- Blackgaze Once Deafheaven changed their sounds and leaned more away from black metal a few years ago; Blackgaze started to become a less wanted and disassociated genre. While some bands kept the torch lit, other bands followed suite and completely changed their sound or broke up entirely. Then there is MOL, a band that is not your standard blackgaze affair and since 2014 have been writing some of the most abstract and creative music in the genre. Diorama is an odd mix of uplifting sounding blackgaze with absolutely devastating lyrics that knows how to get to a tortured soul such as myself. MOL just continues to prove that any band and any genre can innovate and it’s never too late to see how far your musical wingspan truly is. I love this album...so much. 15.) Northtale- Midnight Bells FFO- Power Metal One listen and I knew this was going to be the best pow2er metal album of the year and it was by a country mile. This is what I want from my power metal. Fun music to listen to, try to comprehend, and the visions you get while listening to the songs and deciphering the lyrics. This is what power metal is meant to be and I couldn’t be happier that even with a lineup change and of course the hardships of life that Northtale can come back for a new album and plow through any expectations and raise the bar for any new power metal band to follow. A sheer delight of an album. 14.) Sleep Token- This Place Will BE Your Tomb FFO- Alternative Metal, Experimental Metal A band that is either going to make your jaw drop or you will have absolutely no interest. Saying “meh, they are ok I guess” to this band seems impossible. It’s pure love or hate. I LOVE this band and they are easily my discovery of the year. Its so soulful and powerful while taking an experimental approach and adding modern metal, industrial and other genres to the pallet and having all of it stick the landing. This year I have really been getting more into music that really makes me feel something on an emotional and darker level. When you hear the album title, you think funeral doom metal and that’s what I expected going in and that is not at all what I got in return. This is a band I can only picture blowing up on their next album and let’s all hope it happens. 13.) Carcass- Torn Arteries FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Grindgore The masters are back after 6 years and they have released another solid album for their catalog. While this album does not hit any of the extremes that some fans may have expected. It takes a much more melodic and visceral approach to an album such as Swansongs. This is extreme in it’s lyrical and musical content, not so much on the speed, but it doesn’t need to be. This a perfect album fort people to get into Carcass if they never have before. It’s just that perfect cynical album of 2021. 12.) Fear Factory- Aggression Continuum FFO- Industrial, Groove Metal The final album between Dino and Burton is here and what a hell of an album to go out on with this lineup. This is my favorite album since Archetype (the most underrated FF album) and easily their best album since Demanufacture, and I don’t say that lightly. It’s the perfect blend of the mechanical brutality of riffs mixed with some of the most gorgeous cho9ruses you could possibly hear in a style like this. Plus they have a song about Mad Max called Fuel Injected Suicide Machine, which may be their best single possibly ever. While the soul of Fear Factory is changing and a new singer is about to be announced any time now, I can only hope they can maintain what’s been accomplished here as this is too good of an album to be a final album, though it’s the perfect ending note to this chapter of the band. 11.) Lantlos- Wildhund FFO- Post Metal, Post Rock, Alternative Metal, Shoegaze Going from a pure raw black metal band into a blackgaze band into what the band is now shows that the entity known as Lantlos is ever fluid and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Wildhund is an album that is so extremely hard to describe without just having you listen to the music. It’s a gorgeous sounding album and really fills your senses with fantasy and whimsy but it still sounds heavy and very metal. It’s not power metal and follows no similar tropes; its just something completely of it’s own merit. All I can really say is listen to the album for yourself. If you have no idea who the band is going in, it will still be different than what you expect. A true standout album from a truly outstanding band. 10.) Light The Torch- You Will Be The Death of Me FFO- Melodic Metalcore, Alternative Metal I haven’t listened to FM rock radio since the start of the pandemic, but I will say that if Light The Torch is not on modern rock radio, that is a complete shame. The band has everything to make it in top 40 rock radio while maintaining integrity. Howard Jones shows off his powerful clean vocals and uses any screams in such a minimal amount that you may forget that he even does them anymore. This is just a solid metal album that deserves the appeal of the masses. There’s no excuse for anything less. 9.) Between The Buried And Me- Colors II FFO- Adult Contemporary Progressive Death Metal When I heard that Colors II was an album coming out in 2021, I thought it was joke. Oh how I chortled in rapturous glee. But then I actually experienced the album and this album is no joke. It’s the perfect sequel album to the original Colors album. It’s much more mature songwriting and lyrical content and you can absolutely hear the progression of the band if you go from Colors to Colors II and it’s still the same lineup in both bands, which you in this world of ever changing band lineups, you just don’t expect anymore. This was an album I never would have expected or maybe even wanted, but now that it is here’ I can’t picture a world without it. Now lets see if BTBAM can play both albums each night on tour one day. 8.) Loch Vostok- Opus Ferox- The Great Escape FFO- Progressive Metal I’m just going to say it right off the bat. I miss Teddy Moller’s vocals. To me they were the signature part of the band that really got me into the band all those years ago. BUT, and I do mean BUT, having Jonas Radehorn took away any problems that I may have had with Teddy stepping down from vocals and just playing guitar. This album is pure and utter perfection and such a great representation of the world we live in right now. It’s dark and gloomy and it’s a hard look in the mirror, but it’s real and authentic and as screwed as we may be, at least we got a badass album out of it from this long lasting band. Loch Vostok is still dangerously underrated and may be the best prog metal band of it’s style going just listen and you’ll understand why. 7.) Zornheym- The Zornheim Sleep Experimental FFO- Horror Metal, Symphonic Blackened Death Metal The sophomore album from this band shows that the band is only getting stronger and the life of this horror universe is only going to continue to grow. With such a dark concept, outstanding musicality and some of the best imagery in metal today; Zornheym is a band that is only growing bigger and bigger and you absolutely owe it to yourself to check this band out be it you’re a fan of the genre, horror, or both. There really needs to be a full on horror movie for this album. One day...maybe… 6.) Bloody Hammers- Songs of Unspeakable Terror FFO- Punk Rock, Heavy Metal, Horror Bloody Hammers is a band that I say every time is incapable of making the same album twice and I love them for that reason. They can make a pure heavy metal album, a goth album, a synth driven album, and now in 2021, a punk metal album. With everything you’d want from a horror band and odds to classic metal horro9r movies and tropes, this album goes by so far, but it is so rewarding. Bloody Hammers just scratches the itch no one else can scratch and I know that will continue to happen for years to come. 5.) Swallow The Sun- Moonflowers FFO- Death Doom Metal This album wrecked me so hard and it just recently came out. Literally cried multiple times on this record and the music and lyrics are the reasons why. Its the sorrow driven by both the haunting vocals and the dirge driven music that makes you feel like your mortality is coming to an end. It’s the feel bad album of the year and I of course mean that in the best way possible. Make sure to have some tissues with you if you listen to this album, you’ll thank me later. 4.) Mastodon- Hushed and Grim FFO- Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Alternative Metal This album appears to be quite the watershed moment for the band. If you’ve gotten into the band since Crack The Skye, this double album is easily heavier than anything they’ve done I the past 11 years. If you are a fan up to Crack The Sky, this album as so many familiar moments with everything that’s come after. It’s a mixed bag of both eras of the band. for many that is all too consuming and they may lose interest after a while. For someone like me on the other hand, this is an album I’ve wanted from the band since the very beginning. It’s as heavy as it is mainstream sounding. It’s an odd mix on paper but the execution, while long (it’s a double album, so duh), is so rewarding. Its a true album experience, not just a collection of songs. If you give it the proper time it needs and let it sink it, it will wash over you and you’ll finally get it. This is the best damn double album of the last half decade if not longer. 3.) Rivers of Nihil- The Work FFO- Progressive Death Metal I think it’s completely fair to say that the band has really come into it’s own once it started embracing it’s prog side. With their previous effort, Where Owls Know My Name, the band became a near overnight sensation in the more underground metal world. What they accomplished on that album is perfected here with The Work. It’s a bit more experimental and has some inter dimensional transitions, but the overall product is an album that is simply impossible to ignore. All 4 albums to date represent all 4 seasons we go through every year. Now that winter is complete with The Work, it’ll be quite interesting to see where the band goes from here. I hope they can keep this spirit up and keep innovating as they are truly one of the most unique metal bands going and they deserve all the love and attention they are receiving. If you missed out on this, remedy this immediately! 2.) Khemmis- Deceiver FFO- Doomed Heavy Metal Khemmis has become one of my favorite bands over the last couple years and Deceiver is the band breaking out of their shell of more doom metal focused on music and really embracing more of the heavy metal sides of their sound. Going from death metal to speed metal to even d-beat on this album is quite the shock to the sense, but it still sounds absolutely like the band and the signature doom metal sound they have excellently crafted over the years is still in tact. This is how innovation works even when you are dealing with classic genres. Khemmis are the heroes of the underground and I love them more and more with every new release. Seriously, check this album out and every previous release to date. You’ll fall under their spell as well. 1.) Panopticon- ...and Again into the Light FFO- North American Folk Metal (Folk, Black Metal, PostRrock) I have loved this band since I discovered Kentucky all those years ago and I have been singing their praises ever since. The band has always hit me hard with their beliefs, appreciation for genres and of course the power of their music. This album though, they took everything that’s worked about the band and the formula became my favorite album of the year. It makes me cry, it pulls my heartstrings, it reminds of Minnesota (where the band is now located for several years), If you want tear jerking country/folk it’s here, if you want emotional post rock, it’s here. If you want raw black metal with really good production, its also here. It has everything and I couldn’t appreciate it more. I knew from the first listen this would be in my top 20, but on a repeated listen of the song The Embers at Dawn made me realize this is the album of the year. As much as I can like any other album, nothing will top this album this year. This is perfection! And there you have it folks, My top 100 albums of 2021. This year has been incredibly rough on me and I can only imagine so many of you reading this. I’ve gone through so many emotions of dread, sorrow, and I had to snap myself out of killing myself several times this year. But the music...the music has kept me sane this year in a way I’ve never felt before. Anyone who says there is no good music anymore simply stopped caring about discovering new music. For as long as I’m still here, I will keep searching, I’ll keep discovering and I will keep presenting bands that are worthy of your attention, be it they started 50 years ago or 50 days ago. Good music is good music and it really can be one of the best things in life. For me, its the best non physical thing in my life and one of the only reasons I’m still here. SO I thank you for checking out this list (even if y ou only checked out the top 20) and I hope you’ll find some new albums that will make your life better in some way. Till next time, this is That Drummer Guy saying, See Ya! - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy) 
Welcome back, welcome back welcome baaaaack! (Too old of a reference now?) to That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021. In today’s segment we finally hit the part where most publications focus on; A Top 40 or 30 or 25. For me. I feel like I would leave out way too many great albums if I did not bring up that many albums. Even last year doing a few albums (in comparison) as I normally do I felt like I left out so much. So, as I like to mention every chance I get, please check out every part of this list as any album on any part of this list could be a new favorite of yours. But of course having things get down to the end means that every album listed means more to me. Some will make sense to you as the reader, others will make you quite confused. Let’s see how this goes with Part V: 40-21. But first; the rules!
- These are 100 ALBUMS that I loved this year ranked from 100-1. - No EPs, live albums, compilations, rarity albums, reissues, or any specialty releases. Just brand new LPs - The list is broken down into 6 parts which I release Monday to Friday, 20 albums a piece, countdown style. Black Friday brings on the Honorable Mentions list, which is 40 albums that didn’t make my Top 100, but deserve just as much praise. - There are many reasons that an album won’t show up on this list. I did not have enough time to hear it enough, I didn’t hear it, it wasn’t my bag...baby, and new for 2021; The band/Artist does something so stupid that I simply can’t support them anymore. -While The top 100 is ranked, look at this as 100 albums you should check out and not 5 parts you can skip and just check out the top 20. Every album here is awesome and what may be album 100 or 72 or 47 may be your favorite album or discovery of the year. So give anything that gets your attention a spin. We live in the digital age, there’s no excuse to skip out anymore. - These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone. No outside influences, no one asking me to put them on the list, no pressure from higher sources. Just what I dig and you just may dig as well. - And most importantly...go discover some new music!!! And now, let's get into the Top 40 40.) Hammer King- S/T FFO- Heavy Power Metal This is seriously one of the heaviest power metal albums I’ve heard in quite some time. Every song feels like you’re in the midst of a godlike war. Superior songwriting, soaring vocals, and pure brutality. This is what I like in my power metal. If you’re like me and you just don’t ever have it in you to ever listen to Iced Earth again after this year and you miss those power driven riffs; please check out Hammer King. You’ll be very, VERY happy with what you hear. 39.) Urne- Serpent & Spirit FFO- Metalcore, Progressive Death Metal, Chaotic Hardcore This band’s debut woke me up so hard this year and upon every listen, it holds up more and more. It’s not often you can hear a band go from from furious as Converge to playing a melodic style Nevermore riff into showing off some Opeth style prog in the process with it all making sense. This is a band that is not afraid to see how far their sound can reach and that instantly draws me into the band and eagerly awaiting to see what will be coming next. This band will be huge in due time, I can feel it. 38.) Helloween- S/T FFO- Power Metal Comeback album of the year? Uhh….hell yeah it is! There’s two kinds of Helloween fans till this year. Ones that just love the Keeper of The Seven Keys albums or those that love the band’s whole career. This album brings back the love for both as every singer that’s ever been in the band is back sharing vocals and the rest of the band has written the finest riffs since those legendary albums. A comeback like this one is rare as most comeback albums are either ok or mediocre at best to actually pretty good in rarer forms. This blows those expectations away and actually delivers from start to finish. Even if this ends up being the last Helloween album; it may be the gr4eatest finale to a band ever. Seriously, this lives up to the hype and more. 37.) Ghost Bath- Self Loather FFO- Blackgaze, Depressive Suicidal Black Metal Hey, Ghost Bath wrote a song about me! What are the odds? In reality, it’s just a concept and an album that I can relate to well too well. This album boarders on the DSBM genre, but with far superior production (so does it count?). It hits home and all the feeling you get when you can sit down and appreciate this album are real. Life is not all sunshine and lollipops. Sometimes we live in darkness and have diabetes so we can’t take enjoyment in what life can offer. I also hope that feelings like this for anyone does not purist and anyone can find a way to escape those feelings, but don’t pass off those feelings, they are real and ignoring emotions can and will hurt you even more in the long run. This album sheer brilliance in it’s darkness. It won’t be for everyone, but for those that get it...you have a winner on your hands. 36.) Tribulation- Where Gloom Becomes Sound FFO- Black N’ Roll, Occult Rock Tribulation really found themselves with their sophomore album and they have been improving themselves ever since. While I’ve seen this album go more under the radar than others, it should not be skipped. It contains some of the best songwriting you’ll hear this year. While the band’s formula may change thanks to a lineup change, if this ends up as the last good Tribulation album, it’s one hell of a great album. I really doubt this will be the last great album from the band and I’m excited to see what the band will conjure up next for us. 35.) Cvlt ov the Svn- We are the Dragon FFO- Occult Murder Pop If the genre name confuses you, let’s say it’s a band that really showcases groove, industrial, metal, pop, and occult rock. With distinct vocals, tremendously catchy pop orientated metal songs and should be a hit for any and all that love a little bit of horror in their music, This has something for everyone and I know that the formula for the band will be even grander with every subsequent release. SO go check this out now and be a fan by the time the sophomore album arrives. 34.) Necronautical- Slain in the Spirit FFO- Symphonic Blackened Death Metal How to appropriate this right for those that are unfamiliar. With still being off the mark, let’s say this is what would happen if Behemoth and Fleshgod Apocalypse joined forces and relocated to the UK. The band touches on so much in it’s songwriting that it’s not afraid to be a rubber band and stretch out of what you would expect from a band like this and snap right back in to bring you exactly what you came for at the start of it all. This is such a great album and really gives off a fantastic soundtrack feel in its absolute hellish chaos. If you dig the extreme symphonic sounds, you check out this band and this album the first chance you get it. You’ll be rewarded with what it offers you. 33.) Wheel- Preserved in Time FFO- Doom Metal, Occult Rock While I talked about a band named Wheel earlier in this list, this band called Wheel hails from Ger4many and showcases that the likes of Candlemass and Cathedral still have a home in metal. This is the literal definition of a doom album and it makes me so happy to discover something like this in 2021. If you miss old school doom like I do; don’t fret, it never left, you just have to search for it...or let me search and present it to you like right here with Wheel. Now Go! Listen and enjoy! 32.) Thulcandra- A Dying Wish FFO- Melodic Black Metal A melodic black metal album produced by one of my biggest heroes Dan Swano. There’s not much I could possibly hope for as I know something like this could not possibly fail. And I was right. This is right where the band belongs in the height of it’s career enjoying the labors of it’s style created by the likes of Dissection, but take out all the atrocities associated with the Dissection (just go look it up,if you wish to) A Dying Wish is the band’s finest hour and it’s not even the only Steffen Kummerer to appear on my list this year. Again this album proves my point that 2021 has been a fantastic year for music (...and that’s about it). 31,) As Everything Unfolds- Within Each Lies The Other FFO- Modern Metal, Metalcore It takes a lot for me to like a band that has the connotations of more modern metalcore (it’s just never been my bag since 2007/2008) but As Everything Unfolds takes everything I thought about the genre and turns its on its ear. It’s emotional, it’s heartbreaking, it tackles issues that people still do not want to discuss (mental health). This album hits harder for me than almost any other album this year (well, if you wanna go by the list, there’s 30 others that do as well). I wish more bands associated with metalcore would take this more atmospheric approach, it works tremendously for the band and I know it will only be more refined and stronger with every upcoming release. Seriously, do not miss this. 30.) Pounder- Breaking The World FFO- Heavy Metal, Speed Take everything you love about late 70s to mid 80s heavy metal and you have Pounder. A trio fronted by Exhumed’s Matt Harvey combines a love for yesteryear while making it contemporary enough that any genre fan will love what’s going on. Breaking the World is the band’s 2nd album and it feels like they have not even begun to see the toip of the mountain. It’s only going to continue to get better from here and I’m here for the ride. You should be as well. It’s a good message for the world, Let’s all get pounded (or be the pounder)! 29.) Kayo Dot- Moss Grew on the Swords and Plowshares Alike FFO- Kayo Dot Kayo Dot is….Kayo Dot. The literal definition of band that is impossible of repeating itself. With so many releases under their belt know expanding from anywhere from black metal to jazz to synth wave to post rock. They are like a gumball machine. You have no idea what flavor of gumball they will deliver to you next. I will say this is one of the heaviest Kayo Dot albums so far. While it doesn’t have the buzz saw blast beats like other albums; it really hits hard in the gothic, doom, and avant garde metal variations. There is no right answer as to what album you should check out first from the band as every album is so completely different in sound, but go on Wikipedia and read about every release and see what’s right for you. If you like the idea of the heavier side of the band, check out this album. They really are unlike anything else you’;; hear this year or any year. 28.) Chrome Waves- The Rain Will Cleanse FFO- Post Metal, Blackgaze, Gothic Metal This is the most commercial sounding release from the band so far. While previous releases showed off more of their blackgaze flavorings; The Rain Will Cleanse shows off more of their post side. So if you want more metal infused variations of The Cure or The Sisters of Mercy with minimal black metal thrown in, That’s what this album has and more. A true sleeper album this year that deserves so much more attention. If this sounds like it would be up your alley, give it a proper shot. 27.) Violet Cold- Empire of Love FFO- Blackgaze, Free Love When you think of a metal band, your mind does not instantly go to Azerbaijan to look for those bands, but Violet Cold is more than just an innovator of being a band in a country that’s right in the border of Europe and the Middle East. The band showcases on this album the idea that you should love anyone you choose love (obvious exceptions excluded) and be who you choose to be. An album for anyone that is in or helps promote the LGBTQ+ community and is truly a freedom call for the world to allow adults to date any other willing adults they choose and free to be who you truly are. It’s a beautiful sentiment that needs to be heard more and I could not be more in favor of what’s going on here. Amazing music with an amazing message...what’s not to love? 26.) The Five Hundred- A World On Fire FFO- Modern Metal One of the most perfect angry but uplifting albums you can hear this year. A sentiment that says we are screwed as human unless we get our collective stuff together and start to care. Its a message that should be appreciated (and will be ignored and laughed at by those that are actually the problem). The music on display is that right combination of heavy and mellow. Something like Intronaut have mastered since their inception. This band will continue to rise as long as they stay together. I hope the livability of Earth lasts as long as well. 25.) Times of Grace- Songs of Loss and Separation FFO- Alternative Metal, Mental Health This album breaks me. I can’t make it through a whole listen without tearing up or at least choking up a bit. Jesse Leech has a way with words that many other songwriters can’t comprehend when it comes to personal struggle and mental health. The music itself matches the tone set in the lyrics so perfectly that it’s hard not to feel something as you listen. Of course this not for everyone but if yo9u really give it a real chance, it may just grip your emotions the way it does for me. 24.) One Hundred Thousand- Zodiac FFO- Modern Metal A concept album about the pros and cons of every zodiac sign. A real yin-yang of an album that truly balances itself out. Even if you don’t believe in astrology; It’s an album about how wee all have good and bad to all of us and all we can try to do is make ourselves the best we can be. The music perfectly matches every sign talked about in both style and substance. Whether it gets extremely heavy, radio friendly, or just an emotional ball of stress. The potential in this band is limitless and it’ll only get better from here. 23.) Obscura- A Valediction FFO- Progressive Death metal, Technical Death Metal After an astounding 4 album concept cycle, where do you go from here? You make the start of a new trilogy where you show off the next chapter fo the band. Obscura has broadened it’s horizons and hitting areas that it simply did not touch before, whether it gets into slowed down Morbid Angel territory, acoustic leads that have never fit better, even sometimes into the power metal realms in some riffs. It’s an absolute delight to see where the band is right now and if this is the start of the trilogy, the next two albums are going to blo9w everyone’s minds on what is possible. I can’t wait. 22.) Subterranean Masquerade- Mountain Fever FFO- Progressive Metal The band had been inactive for so long, I gave up hope on them ever getting back together and I just felt like I discovered a band after they broke up. But thankfully in 2015, they came back with their second album and have been here to stay ever since. While there has been many lineup changes since their inception, they have been grounded to making this band a lifelong and lasting entity. Combining prog and their homeland’s musical styles in Israel; the band has one of the most unique sounds you’ll hear in prog and every album showcases that they are far from a one trick pony. This may be the4ir strongest album to date, there’s no reason to think it’s not as every song fits so perfectly well together and gives you an exceptional album experience like no other. I’m ho happy I live in the timeline where Subterranean Masquerade is still active and putting out amazing music. I have that feeling that they have reach their full potential and not even shown us their final form. I’m so excited for their future. 21.) Silver Lake- Silver Lake by Esa Holopainen FFO- Melodic Metal Combining the best singers in Scandinavia with one of the greatest musicians from Finland and you have a band an album that literally shows off the best of what Europe has to offer. The music is that perfect amount of heavy and melodic and has the right singer on every song whether you like Katatonia, Soilwork, Amorphis or others. It’s the most Finnish metal album that I’ve ever heard and I love it for that reason. Will this continue, will there be a second album? Will this become a full on band in Amorphis’ downtime? Well...time will only tell… And there you go, we have reached the promised land and tomorrow will bring the big bad booty daddy of them all That Drummer Guy’s Top 20 Albums of 2021. Thanks for sticking around and see you tomorrow! 
Hello once again to the baffling long list known as That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021. With this part of the list I will have covered 100 albums in total (when including the honorable mentions) and we are starting to get deeper into the nitty gritty of it all. But before we crack the top 50 at the midpoint of this section; let’s get to the rules:
- These are 100 ALBUMS that I loved this year ranked from 100-1. - No EPs, live albums, compilations, rarity albums, reissues, or any specialty releases. Just brand new LPs - The list is broken down into 6 parts which I release Monday to Friday, 20 albums a piece, countdown style. Black Friday brings on the Honorable Mentions list, which is 40 albums that didn’t make my Top 100, but deserve just as much praise. - There are many reasons that an album won’t show up on this list. I did not have enough time to hear it enough, I didn’t hear it, it wasn’t my bag...baby, and new for 2021; The band/Artist does something so stupid that I simply can’t support them anymore. -While The top 100 is ranked, look at this as 100 albums you should check out and not 5 parts you can skip and just check out the top 20. Every album here is awesome and what may be album 100 or 72 or 47 may be your favorite album or discovery of the year. So give anything that gets your attention a spin. We live in the digital age, there’s no excuse to skip out anymore. - These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone. No outside influences, no one asking me to put them on the list, no pressure from higher sources. Just what I dig and you just may dig as well. - And most importantly...go discover some new music!!! And now, let’s continue on with the festivities! 60.) Everture- Emerge FFO- Melodic Heavy Metal, Modern Metal This Finnish debut album combines all of the best elements of what you hear from Finnish metal, but also makes it sound much more radio friendly than you would hear from many of the band’s elders and contemporaries. Almost no screams or growls and a grand focus on clean vocals. Making songs that are just long enough without going overboard, and instrumentation that is just impeccable. Emerge is a jaw dropper of an album. That sophomore release is going to launch this band into the stratosphere. 59.) Anneke van Giersbergen- The Darkest Skies are the Brightest FFO- Acoustic, Folk, Pop Anneke is one of the leading voices in metal for as long as she has been involved with the genre.; Anything that she sings on turns to gold. Once in a while, you just got a make a solo album to really fill out your visions, and sometimes it’s in the wake of trying to find yourself musically and in life in general. The album is all about trying to maintain her life, marriage, and trying to wrap her mind around all of it. It’s gorgeous sounding and that’s also what makes it sound so beautiful and tragic. It’s an album you can absolutely relax to, but the more you pay attention, the more it grips you and telkls stories that so many of us can can saldy relate to. Heavy fan or not, check this one out. 58.) Eternity’s End- Deathrider FFO- Technical Power Metal, Speed Metal Eternity’s End is a band that not enough people listen to and again, I’m here to help change that. With such a killer lineup and all of the talent you could ever need in one band; Eternity’s End continues to rip out contagious LP after LP and it rivals anything in the genres of power and speed metal for top supremacy. You may find kinda similar bands, but you’ll only find one true band like this, and they are Eternity’s End. 57.) Dream Theater- A View From the Top of the World FFO- Progressive Metal It’s amazing how life works. At one point in time, this would have been my number one album and nothing would have came close to touching it. All these later and especially in the last 10 years of really trying to go out there and support all of the music I care about; Dream Theater has more or less fallen off to the way side while other bands have taken over my usually musical listening routine. That is not to say the band has gotten worse or they are not what they used to be. Some could make the argument for those statements, but for me, just life changes. After not really being too motivated about this album’s release, I did give it a chance and I’m so glad I did because it is their finest work of the Mike Mangini era. It sounds inspired, it doesn’t sound tired or regurgitated, it’s authentic. While you may hear nods to previous songs or styles from the band’s career, there is no doubt that the band’s creativity is at it’s highest point in ages with this album. It may not come off as your favorite Dream Theater album, but it should not be an album to skip out on. You are bound to find at least one song you will love if you ever dug the band. 56.) Necrofier- Prophecies of Eternal Darkness FFO- Melodic Black Metal Given the talent in this band and all of their resumes; you’d think this band has been around for decades, but this is the band’s first LP. It perfectly captures classic and current black metal tinges and makes them their own. You can picture the band opening for Emperor in ‘97 or touring with Dark Funeral today. The band hits the nail on the head on how to make black metal both melodic, evil, and dignified. Something that those outside of the know could rarely understand. This is how you make black metal and it’s nearly impossible to top it. 55.) Amenra- De Doorn FFO- Doom Metal, Sludge Metal, Hardcore This is a combination of a collective that embraces the evil of the world and it does it in a way where the pure intensity of the lyrics, music, and overall sense of the band is so captivating, you literally feel like you have entered a black mass upon each listen. Funny enough, their biggest fanbase in America may not even know the band, but the do recognize the edited version of the song Ogenroost is the theme song for AEW wrestler Malakai Black. This is an adventurous album for those that want to check out something that is truly original and innovative. 54.) Scar of the Sun- Inertia FFO- Groove Metal, Melodic Metal, Gothic Metal Scar of the Sun’s Inertia has some of the msot hard hitting lyrics in 2021. The album deals so much with personal loss. When you match it with the melodic tones produced, it really does make you want to shed some tears. The music in and of itse;f with wonderfully catchy and excellently produced. This is exactly how you take well established genres and make them completely your own. T^his album rules. 53.) W.E.T.- Retransmission FFO- AOR, 80s Hard Rock Jeff Scott Soto’s well established band knocks it out of the park once again with making an album that’s just as heavy as it is poppy. It’s super melodic and knows when to kick it into full gear at the right times. This has always been my favorite project of Soto and for good reason. Retransmission proves once again that this band is not only dangerously underrated, but dangerously proficient. 52.) Asphyx- Necroceros FFO- Death metal Any other year and this would have been EASILY in my top 20 of the year. Asphyx is incapable of letting it’s fans down and this album is another valued reason as to why they are so highly regarded in the underground world. It’s perfect death metal from start to finish and whenever it does let up, it’s only to pummel you even harder. This is just what you need in 2021 if you are a death metal fan. No exceptions! 51.) Liquid Tension Experiment- LTE3 FFO- Instrumental Progressive Metal Well well well...this is not something I ever would have expected to be a possibility again. A new Liquid Tension Experiment. For those not in the know it contains 3 past and present members of Dream Theater and the legendary Tony Levin on bass. Their first two LPs were classics in the prog world, but so much time had passed (and the departure of Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater) all of us never thought that LTE could be a possibility ever again. In 2021, we were all proven wrong and I’m so happy we were. In all honesty, this is some of the finest prog you will hear in the 21st century. It’s what Dream Theater fans wanted and we didn’t even know it. Each song is so well crafted and it feels like everything is the way it should be. While again, Portnoy is out of Dream Theater, both he and DT have found their musical paths continuing to this day with the things they want to create, in the end, that’s all we could ever ask foir instead of a album that does not have 100% passion behind it. LTE is back and if that’s the case, I can’t ask for anything more. 50.) Duskmourn- Fallen Kings and Rusted Crowns FFO- Melodic Black Metal, Folk Metal, Atmospheric Metal Everything I love about blackened folk metal is on display with Duskmourn. Its sorrow filled, the music is melodic and tragic, and the songwriting is perfected with such craft from everyone involved. If you love bands like Agalloch, Primordial and Winterfylleth; Duskmourn will be your new obsession 49.) Jinjer- Wallflowers FFO- Progressive Metal, Metalcore, Modern Metal A ever increasingly popular band that I more of less never checked out ever before 2021 has cracked my top 50 and deservingly so. Had I known this is what the band was all about, I would have been from the beginning. It has all the finesse of prog sensibilities of Opeth or Porcupine Tree, but you mix it with more modern metal bands such as Meshuggah or TesseracT and you have a band that is not afraid to be themselves and that’s what truly stands out. So sorrowful when it needs to be and can break into a destructive breakdown riff that you just can’t see coming. Match that with the right types of atmosphere and I totally understand why the band gets bigger and bigger every year. Simply incredible work. 48.) Trivium- In The Court of the Dragon FFO- Melodic Metal, Thrash Metal, NWOAHM A band that made my top 20 with their last album has made it into the 40s this year. This is in no way indicative of how the band has dropped or anything like that, but simply the power of the competition this year. The band has made an open ended concept album, the songs are what you want them to be about, it feels much like an audio form Dungeons and Dragons game and that may be what transpired here. The songs get into what others call long songs at over 8 minutes long while still having ripping single songs that fit perfectly on modern rock radio (if actually given the chance). As far as more mainstream albums this year, this hits exactly what it needed to be...a true Trivium album and they couldn’t have done it better. 47.) Memoriam- To The End FFO- Old School Death Metal As far as bands that started in the last 5-6 years; Memoriam is may favorite straight up, old school sounding death metal band and it’s not even close. All 4 albums so far have hit me in ways that no technical death album or goregrind band could possibly do (again of those in the last half decade). The 4th album of this band continues it’s path of destruction with sonic hell sent music all while trying to find justice in the world (yes, they are a left leaning band if that’s something that helps/hinders your interest). Memoriam simply rule and To The End proves it….to the end...sorry for the pun. 46.) Gojira- Fortitude FFO- Groove Metal Can you call Gojira a death metal band anymore? I think you can but I also think that would be severely limiting the band and what it does. The band has gotten more commercial and mainstream with every release and wouldn’t you know it; Fortitude is indeed the more commercial and mainstream album to date. It’s also one of the more daring albums of the band’s catalog. It attempts styles never before tried with the band, more clean vocals, all while maintaining what make the band continue to stand out among it’s peers. I’ve seen a lot of people say it’s like their previous album. I disagree, it’s a natural progression from it, but this album stands on it’s own. Some of the band’s best work is on each album and this is no different. Gojira may change, but the quality never ceases. This is amazing work. 45.) Be’Lakor- Coherence FFO- Melodic Death metal, Progressive Death Metal One of the most consistently great bands in the southern hemisphere returns with their latest opus and it just may be their finest work. They continue to shine through the darkness they cast with their songwriting and dreadful mournful vibes to create an atmosphere that those of the mid-era Opeth fans have wanted, but have decided not to search out for. If you want your progressive death metal sad and melodic, Be’Lakor has been here and they are not going away. They keep getting stronger all while being themselves. This is some damn fine music...damn fine. 44.) The Crown- Royal Destroyer FFO- Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal The Crown...Sweden’s best kept underground secret despite not being kept a secret. The Crown should be regarded as one of the greatest bands to come from the country and Royal Destroyer proves why that is true once again. While the band has not gone away, they have really proven themselves in the last 11 years be increasingly getting better and perfecting their formula. Royal Destroyer is easily the band at the top of their game. The fact that they already have another album to unleash on the world soon (hopefully next year), proves that the band is firing on all cylinders and are unstoppable. If you’ve ever missed out on this band or dropped off; get back on track and check out the band IMMEDIATELY! 43.) Lords of Black- Alchemy of Souls Part II FFO- Power Metal Lords of Black may be the best active power band in today’s age. The lineup is absolute perfection, the songwriting is top notch and the band like Rainbow in a world of Ozzy 2000s era bands. There’s not much I can really add to sell you on this band. If you want power metal that has that power of 70s heavy metal in full swing; this is the band for you. 42.) Eclipse- Wired FFO- Heavy metal, Hard Rock, AOR After 20 years, the band has put out their finest work, proving it’s never too early or late for you to be your best you. Wired is a perfect collection of hard hitting songs, whether that be hard rock stompers or powerful ballads. The fact that the band has been on an ever increasing popularity rise over the past decade is no secret as to why. One listen to Wired and you’ll understand why. If this is considered cheesy, it’s some of the best damn cheese I’ve had this year. Sometimes you just need a fun album, this is it. 41.) Omnium Gatherum- Unity FFO- Positive Melodic Death Metal It comes with the territory that almost all melodeath bands have a negative connotation to them showing off the darker sides of life. Omnium Gatherum is that rare exception to the rule where their songs are meant to be more positive and full of life. Unity is that in strides. The only reason this album didn’t crack my top 20, let alone my top 40 is simply because of time on my end. I’ve seen a lot of unwarranted hate towards this album and I gotta disagree wholeheartedly. Omnium Gatherum is easily my favorite Finnish melodeath band and Unity is just the next logical step for the band. Uber melodic, beautiful lyrics, and yeah, more clean vocals than ever before, but that’s hardly a first for the band. It really is a stellar album and for anyone that wants a gateway band into heavier territories, I can’t think of a better example of a band to try out than Omnium Gatherum. And give Unity that fair shake, its deserving of the love it gets. And there are are folks, over the half way point of the top 100 and only 2 parts left of this monolith of a list. Coming up tomorrow is where I know most of the interest will begin (despite my pleading for everyone to check out ANY album on the entire list that is of interest to you). The top 40 albums of the year with That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021 Part V: 40-21 - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy) 
Welcome Back! We are already to the half way point of the total list of 100 albums and 40 honorable mentions and it’s so hard to believe how fast time goes by. I hope you have given the first couple parts of this list a chance and maybe even checked out a new album or two. Today contains some killer albums that could be your thing. Let’s find out after we get into the rules.
- These are 100 ALBUMS that I loved this year ranked from 100-1. - No EPs, live albums, compilations, rarity albums, reissues, or any specialty releases. Just brand new LPs - The list is broken down into 6 parts which I release Monday to Friday, 20 albums a piece, countdown style. Black Friday brings on the Honorable Mentions list, which is 40 albums that didn’t make my Top 100, but deserve just as much praise. - There are many reasons that an album won’t show up on this list. I did not have enough time to hear it enough, I didn’t hear it, it wasn’t my bag...baby, and new for 2021; The band/Artist does something so stupid that I simply can’t support them anymore. -While The top 100 is ranked, look at this as 100 albums you should check out and not 5 parts you can skip and just check out the top 20. Every album here is awesome and what may be album 100 or 72 or 47 may be your favorite album or discovery of the year. So give anything that gets your attention a spin. We live in the digital age, there’s no excuse to skip out anymore. - These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone. No outside influences, no one asking me to put them on the list, no pressure from higher sources. Just what I dig and you just may dig as well. - And most importantly...go discover some new music!!! And now 80-61 80.)- Hooded Menace- The Tritonus Bell FFO- Doom Metal, Death Metal The six album from this masterful death/doom band is a complete showcase of how to do the genre right. It’s slow and haunting in the right moments and switches to more up tempo moments at the turn of a dime exactly when it needs to. With every release, the band gets stronger and it’s not a far cry to say this is their finest album to date. 79.) Alta Reign- Mother’s Day FFO- Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, Doom Rock The debut album from this band is jaw dropping to say the least. When you want your music of the 80s/90s prog metal variety but you want it updated just enough or 2021 and not afraid to try some new things out; you get Alta Reign. The closing track, Rise is a grand example of expanding the horizons with adding some great doom touches to the sound and it works so wonderfully well. This band has all the potential to grow (given the band’s schedule with other bands and projects). I can already tell the sophomore album will be one of the most superior albums of that year. 78.) Epica- Omega FFO- Symphonic Metal When you think of symphonic metal, Epica has to be one of the first bands you think of. They have made it their signature sound and may be the mightiest example of what you can do with symphonic and metal genres. Omega continues to this tradition of making the genre as catchy as possible while expanding into more prog territories and of course some contagious death metal elements in just the right spots. It’s everything you want in an Epica album. 77.) Wheel- Resident Human FFO- Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal Wheel is an up and coming band that is not afraid to let their influences shine, all while making the music they create their own. Combine the best elements of Riverside, Porcupine Tree, and Tool and you get a unique sound that others try to replicate but no one else can duplicate. With thought provoking lyrics, and grand musical landscape and all the potential in the world, I can only see this band continuing to grow bigger and bigger. This is what I want in modern day prog. 76.) Running Wild- Blood on Blood FFO- Power Metal Running Wild is about one thing and one thing only...FUN! Blood on Blood has fun in all strides. Every song has that specialty Running Wild sound all while being unique enough to stand on their own. It’s a great album from beginning to end and has all the makings of being the strongest Running Wild album ever. 75.) Thyrfing- Vanagandr FFO- Viking Metal, Black Metal Viking metal has lived strong this year and there is no finer example of it than Thyrfing in 2021.Every song makes you feel like you are in the mountains or in the battlefield or about to enter Valhalla. When you’ve had enough of the same ol same ol from other bands in the genre, make sure to give one of the best names in viking metal a try. 74.) Portal- Avow/Hagbulbia FFO- Experimental Death metal/Black Metal Portal is a band that sounds like no other. It is the real soundtrack to hell to anyone who hates extreme metal. The band released two albums this year that I’m listing together as 1 because it just much easier this way (I’ll be doing this again later). Avow is more of the signature Portal sound while being arguably their most….catchy(?) album to date. It’s complete brutality but it is much more digestible than albums past. Hagbulbia is the bands more experimental release with sounding like a white noise assault to the senses. No real song structures, lyrics or anything resembling metal.It’s what I imagine the sound would sound like being sent to another dimension. Both releases are impeccable for the styles and not for the faint of heart. Portal in general is one of the most musically scary bands going today. The perfect band to listen to in complete darkness. 73.) Nervosa- Perpetual Chaos FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal Nervosa return with their greatest album to date. Not only being the catchiest release to date, it’s also the most devastating The lyrics are beyond visceral and the musicality has been stepped up to a new notch. A must listen for any death/thrash fans out there. 72.) Frost*- Day and Age FFO- Progressive Rock Frost* has always been on the cusp of being one3 of the most profound and respected bands of the genre. You really got to be up on your prog history to know what the band is all about. With Day and Age, you get more of their signature sound while continuing to push the boundaries of what they are capable of. It’s a strange mix of being the most commercial sounding while being one of it’s proggiest, and in some parts their heaviest work. Frost* deserves all the love it gets and this album proves they deserve so much more. 71.) Culak- Glass Sanctuary/Quiescent FFO- Blackgaze, Piano driven instrumental As I mentioned just a bit ago, I had to include more double LPs that came out this year and this time it’s Culak. Glass Sanctuary is everything you expect from the blackgaze band. Adding upon it’s signature sound all while adding more orchestrated movements throughout to really give the album more of a soundtrack feel than just an album. Quiescent on the other hand feels exactly like a dark soundtrack album. Piano and synth driven orchestrated music without any metal, lyrics and blackgaze to speak of. Just every dark, brooding, and emotionally driven music that is sure grab a heartstring or two. Both releases are tear jerking in their own ways. Go give both albums a shot and see why for yourself. 70.) Aborted- Drag To Me Hell FFO- Brutal Death Metal I( can’t imagine this is based off the movie in any ways (Unless it is, then Bravo!), this is just another killer album in the Aborted catalog. The music continues to not only get more musical and diverse, but it makes the most devastating moments feel even more brutal (that’s the power of dynamics, kids!). If you’ve never given the band a shot. I highly recommend giving this one as your first opportunity if you dare to experience the horror driven brutal death this band has brought upon the genre of metal for so many years now. 69.) Inner Missing- Deluge FFO- Gothic Metal This album is the definition of a tearjerking death metal album. Imagine if My Dying Bride embraced their gothic side instead of their doom side, and also mixed it either the likes of Porcupine Tree and Opeth. The lyrics just make you feel down in the dumps in the best way possible. And the music matches the ethereal messages perfectly. This album is going to be missed out on by too many people. I’m here to stop that. Check this album out for one of the most emotionally driven albums of 2021. 68,) And Now The Owls Are Smiling- Dirges FFO- Depressive/Suicidal Black Metal Dirges is one of the feel baa hits of the year. It can be looked at as the Acceptance of life and death, it can also be what the stages of a suicidal mind is truly like. I don’t think there is really a wrong answer here. Above all, the music matches the mood perfectly and while it has a raw tinge, it is more than clear enough in the murkiness of life. Make sure you are in the right state of mind before giving this one a shot. Just trust me on this one… 67.) 1914- Where Fear and Weapons Meet FFO- Blackened Death Metal, Doom Metal, WWI This is a new discovery for me and I’m completely blown away. Creating one of the darkest atmospheres I’ve heard all year that really describes the horror and atrocities of war, while combining blackened death, symphonic and doom metal elements in a way that has never felt more orchestrated (plus Nick Holmes doing guest vocals on a track); This is how you can look at the past and make it feel like the present, all while fearing the future. 1914 just nails atmosphere in a way no one else can. 66.) Coffin Rites- Human Erase FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Grindcore Minnesota’s own Coffin Rites has unleashed their sophomore album and it’s the only album this year that I did a full review for in 2021.If I actually take the time to do a review outside of the end of the year, you must know I like it. Coffin Rites has a senseability that is not found in other bands around this area with combining a love for death, grind, melody, and thrash to create a unique sound. Imagine Black Dahlia meets Carcass meets Repulsion. It completely works and should be celebrated for it. Give this album a listen and see what I mean. 65.) Carnifex- Graveside Confessions FFO- Deathcore When I interviews Scott Ian Lewis earlier this year, he said the band just wanted to keep being who they are...a deathcore band. I’ve always found Carnifex to be much more than just breakdowns and pig squeals as they incorporate very intricate songwriting and musicianship. This album, in particular adds a sense of orchestration that you just don’t hear in this genre at all. The album is quite haunting in the best way possible, and they make Korn sound better than ever with their cover of Dead Bodies Everywhere. Some bands are bigger, some are smaller, but Carnifex is not a band that you should look past no matter what kind of heavy music fan you ware. There will at least be something you enjoy on this album. I guarantee it. 64.) Evergrey- Escape of the Phoenix FFO- Progressive Metal The band has really been riding their current sound for quite a long time now and there’s no reason they need to change things up. It’s dark, it’s heavy, it’s catchy as hell. Escape of the Phoenix is just everything you expect from this era of the band rolled into a perfect package. I’ll always go to bat for Evergrey wishing they were the big band that they deserve to be, but they have a fanbase that could not be any more loyal and I’m glad to be a part of that. If you like your progressive metal dark, this is the band for you. 63.) Apathy Noir- At The Edge of the World FFO- Progressive Death Metal, Doom Metal If it has not been clear in this list so far, not only am I fan of dark music; it’s also been a fantastic year for dark music. Apathy Noir combines such a great dark sensibility matched up with a haunting songwriting to create an atmosphere like no other. Though they did have to do a name change some time ago, they really did add the “noir” part of their name not just in a literal sense but also in the music and it just makes everything feel right. Absolutely incredible work. 62.) Every Time I Die- Radical FFO- Mathcore, Post Hardcore, Southern Rock ETID has been around for over 20 years now, which is just insane to think about. With every album, the band gets just a bit more exposure and a bit more commercial sounding, but not enough to turn away their diehard fanbase. With Radical, they found a sweet spot of being about to find the right heavy riffs and breakdowns, catchy choruses, and of course their quirky sense of humor. And for any wrestling fans out there, Guitarist, Andy Williams, is The Butcher in AEW. SO how could I not enjoy some heavy music and wrestling in one package/ Overall, just a great, fun record. 61.) The Night Flight Orchestra- Areomantic II FFO- 80s The band started off more hitting on flavors of the 70s pop and rock varieties, but lately, the band has been exposing their love of 80s music and they sound like the freshest thing to ever come out of the decade. They wear their influence4s on their sleeve, yet you can never truly pinpoint a moment where you can say they are ripping off anyone else. They are a band into itself and it captures everything to love about pop and rock of the former decades. Will the band go past the 80s and hit 90s territory? It’s too early to say, but until then, Enjoy this piece of 80s new age nostalgia. And now we have concluded half of this gargantuan list. 80 albums down and 60 more to go, we return tomorrow with That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021 Part IV: 60-41. - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy) 
Welcome one and all to part II and the true beginning of this mammoth list containing my favorite albums of 2021 cascading down from 100 to 1. If you checked out the honorable mentions back on Friday, you will have noticed that some pretty big hitters missed my list this year, which really says there was so much good music this year that it was hard to contain this to even a top 100, let alone 40 extra honorable mentions. As I will continue to repeat throughout this list; just because an album lands in this section of the list does not mean it’s bad or crap or not worth listening to. There's are my favorite albums of the year, not just a list of 100 albums I heard this year. So I encourage you to check out every part of this list and check out anything that seems interesting to you. Hell, maybe even new stuff you’d never try. You just never know what will stick with you in the long run. All of that said. Let’s get to the rules!
- These are 100 ALBUMS that I loved this year ranked from 100-1. - No EPs, live albums, compilations, rarity albums, reissues, or any specialty releases. Just brand new LPs - The list is broken down into 6 parts which I release Monday to Friday, 20 albums a piece, countdown style. Black Friday brings on the Honorable Mentions list, which is 40 albums that didn’t make my Top 100, but deserve just as much praise. - There are many reasons that an album won’t show up on this list. I did not have enough time to hear it enough, I didn’t hear it, it wasn’t my bag...baby, and new for 2021; The band/Artist does something so stupid that I simply can’t support them anymore. -While The top 100 is ranked, look at this as 100 albums you should check out and not 5 parts you can skip and just check out the top 20. Every album here is awesome and what may be album 100 or 72 or 47 may be your favorite album or discovery of the year. So give anything that gets your attention a spin. We live in the digital age, there’s no excuse to skip out anymore. - These are my thoughts and my thoughts alone. No outside influences, no one asking me to put them on the list, no pressure from higher sources. Just what I dig and you just may dig as well. - And most importantly...go discover some new music!!! And let’s begin the top 100 albums of 2021`! 100.) Beast in Black- Dark Connection FFO- Power Metal, Modern Metal Ever since the beginning of this band, Beast in Black has just been known for putting out some of the most fun albums in metal. It’s that great blend of modern pop, electronic and industrial moments mixed in with power metal that really makes the music stand out for those not already into power metal and is more of a mainstream fan. The band does not reinvent the wheel on Dark Connection, but they don’t need to. It’s an absolutely solid album from start to finish and a fantastic album to put on at parties once they begin to be a thing again. Also, go see this band live if possible, you’ll be in for a grand time. 99.) Einherjer- North Star FFO- Viking Metal, Black Metal One of the strongest names in viking metal returns with one of their strongest albums to date. No matter the tempo, no matter the length; every song clubs you with it’s brutality. The production is quite raw on this album, but that makes the album stand out even more compared to it’s contemporaries. Einherjer has been here to stay and North Star is another example of why they are not going anywhere. 98.) Joel Hoekstra’s 13- Running Games FFO- Melodic Metal, Hard Rock Featuring an all star cast of musicians; Running Games brings back the true spirit of AOR music with just the right amount of more modern day tinges to make the music truly it’s own form. Hoekstra does not need to be an absolute shredder here to showcase what a brilliant guitarist and songwriter he truly continues to be. This is just a fun, rockin’ album and in 2021; sometimes that’s all you really need. 97.) The Absence- Coffinized FFO- Melodic Death Metal 3 years since their modern day classic, A Gift for the Obsessed, Coffinized brings in a much more raw approach to make the songs much more visceral display, all while maintaining even more catchy moments in the band’s signature sound. Florida has always been known as one of the havens of the best kept metal bands in the world, check out out one of it’s finest melodeath bands here with an album that is more than worthy of your attention. 96.) Go Ahead and Die- Go Ahead and Die FFO- Death Metal, Thrash Metal Family connection is a great thing to have, especially is music runs in the family. Max and Igor Amadeus Cavalera combine their father/son musical abilities to really capture a true sense of what the world has become before during and what will be after the pandemic. Raw, aggressive, and carnal. A short and sweet album that kicks through this thing we call life and sheds the light on all of it’s horrendous modern day moments. The band will only get more vicious from here. 95.) Robin McAuley- Standing on the Edge FFO- AOR, Hard Rock With his first true solo album, McAuley showcases his legendary voice and in 2021, it’s arguably at it’s strongest in his career. The songwriting goes from nice and heavy rockers to emotional ballads and everything in between. This is the kind of album for those of you need that 70s/80s rock in a modern sense and it’s done to pure perfection. 94.) Moonspell- Hermitage FFO- Gothic Metal, Progressive Metal The proggiest album in the band’s history while still maintaining all that you know and love about the band is here and it’s a perfect balance. While the band has shifted their sound over the years, they have yet to lose their integral sound and Hermitage shines just as dark as ever. It’s a perfect gateway album for the band for newcomers far and wide with such a glorious back catalog to discover. Give this one a shot, if you like what you hear, keep going backwards and enjoy. 93.) Lucifer- IV FFO- Occult Rock Another band that does not need to change their formula in any way. If you want catchy, rockin’, and of course evil rock’ Lucifer brings it all in pure style. With catchy s0ongs from beginning to end and that overall sense of dread behind each track makes this for not only a great full album experience, but what I can only imagine is one hell of a great live show. Do yourself a favor and check out this band and see what all the evil is all about. 92.) Orden Ogan- Final Days FFO- Progressive Power Metal This album would be so much higher if given the time on my end. This is by far the band’s strongest work and that’s not even a question. It’s a breath of fresh air in the conceptual worlds of progressive and power metal. It’s the kick that genres have needed for a while and I can only hope more bands will follow suite and be as imaginative and fun as Final Days as come out to be. Seriously tremendous. 91.) Accept- Too Mean To Die FFO- Heavy Metal Germany’s premiere heavy metal band has had many highs and lows, peaks and valleys, & above all, some of the strongest material to every come out of Europe. Too Mean to Die continues the tradition of what works, solid, rockin’ metal with such singable choruses, killer riffs, and a sense that you just need to experience these songs in a live setting. Another fine chapter in the legacy of Accept. 90.) Burning Witches- Witch of the North FFO- Power Metal, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal Burning Witches has gone through many changes in their short career, but all in that time, they have managed to refine the machine and become stronger with every release. Following the Nordic tales of Scandinavian gods brings Burning Witches with their evil tendencies to their finest point to date. The band is only going to be getting better from here with it’s perfected sound. Check this album out now and get on board before their next album of evil tales. 89.) Mercury Circle- Killing Moons FFO- Gothic Metal, Doom Metal, Occult Rock When you think of bands like Swallow The Sun and Children of Bodom getting together; you don’t expect the band to be going in a goth rock style, but then again, Finnish bands have a very refined taste. Mercury Circle’s debut is one that sounds like a high point in any other band’s career. If this mix of goth,occult, and doom is what the band is bringing to the table for the first time; their sophomore album is sure to blow even more people’s minds. This is how you show that you have a full array of styles up your sleeves and make it as enjoyable as possible. 88.) John Diva and the Rockets of Love- American Amadeus FFO- Hard Rock, Sleaze Rock, Heavy Metal The band’s sophomore album takes their signature sound of 80s sleaze and modern songwriting and adds a bit more class to kick your ass (hey, that rhymed!). The songwriting is even better, the songs are more fun to listen to and you just smile as you listen to every song from top to bottom. This is how you make an album that has that right sense of sophistication and ball busting to take any pretentiousness and just give you fun in 2021 (hey, I did it again!)! 87.) Sonny Vincent- Snake Pit Therapy FFO- Punk Rock, Alternative Rock, Underground Rock Legendary underground icon Sonny Vincent is back with his…I can’t even count how many albums the man has appeared on, but in 2021, you see him showcasing that his signature voice, songwriting and powerful style makes for such great songs. Whether its more rockin’ or more subdued, the man can do it all. If you’re not familiar, give this album a shot and simply enjoy! 86.) Blackbriar- The Curse of Shipwreck FFO- Gothic Metal, Symphonic Metal This band’s debut release is one of whimsical and fantastical power. With soaring, heavenly vocals matched on top of hell driven music makes this a dark, fun, adventure. Once you et sucked in, you’re there for the whole ride. This is an album and a band to check out and keep your eye on for the long run. IF this is the debut, the band is only going to continue to grow and grow. 85.) Ephemerald- Between The Glimpses of Hope FFO- Symphonic Death Metal, Folk Metal, Black Metal I can’t say it enough that Finland is one of, if not the BEST, area of the world to find new metal music. Ephemerald is another fantastic example of this sentiment. Containing a love of the folk, black, death and symphonic worlds; The band creates it’s own signature blend to create a melodic sense of dark destruction. Seriously, fi you love any of these genres, do yourself a favor and pick this album out immediately. It’s more than worthy of your time. 84.) Arc of Life- Arc of Life FFO- Progressive Rock When you take former members of Yes and you hear that they want to be inspired by the best of progressive rock; you know that you are going to be in for a glorious time. This has everything a prog fan would want and so much mrore. It’s catchy, it’s poppy, it’s proggy, and surprising heavy in certain dashes. Arc of Life is bringing in a new lifeblood into a style that is always up for seeing how far the genre can expand. You’re doing yourself a great disservice if you skip out on this one. 83.) Architects- For Those That Wish to Exit Modern Metal, Progressive Metalcore This is a band that I knew of but simply never checked out for one reason or another. No ill will intended, just some bands you never get a chance to hear until a certain point. Architects has put out a masterpiece of a album here with brilliant songwriting, beautiful choruses and dark, but uplifting lyrics that is sure to strike the right heartstrings to make you get hit right in the feels. A surprise album for me may be one you’ve been rockin’ since it’s release. Regardless, don’t forget about this one, it’s worth the time you put into it. 82.) Star-Lord- Space Rider (Music from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy) FFO- Heavy Metal, Hard Rock This album borders on the soundtrack category and maybe even arguably should not be on this list. That said, I look at this as a stand alone album from one of the best video games of the year and it’s a full on heavy metal album. The reason I include it is because there are licensed songs on the soundtrack already from the 80s, where as this release is all brand new material that is not out of place on any heavy metal list out there. And it’s my list so if you don’t like it...suck it, I guess? Anyways. This album is pure, unadulterated 80s inspired heavy metal. It’s cheesy on levels that even power metal can’t reach and that’s what makes it so wonderful. It’s a badass metal album from start to finish and it’s meant to be a REAL album. Check this out and go buy the game that features these songs. I can only hope there will be a sophomore album in my lifetime. 81.) Transatlantic- The Absolute Universe (Forevermore & The Breath of Life) FFO- Progressive Rock Arguably the most ambitious album of 2021. It is a double concept album over 3 three discs. Forevermore is 2 discs that contains everything the concept is about. The Breath of Life is an abridged version of the former with new ways to make it feel like it’s it’s own release while containing the same music and new interludes, beginnings, ends, etc to make it feel like a complete 1 disc concept. It’s odd on paper, but it works in execution. This is how prog is meant to be and it’s done in a way that you either love or see as pretentious, there’s no real in between. I for one, love it and you may too. And there you have it, the first twenty albums down in this gargantuan list and 80 more to go. Tune in tomorrow for That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021 Part III: 80-61 - Josh Rundquist (That Drummer Guy) 
Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah! It’s that time of year again! Welcome to That Drummer Guy’s Top 100 Albums of 2021. It’s been quite the year in both music and the world as a whole. While many will focus on the atrocities that have been continued in this year from all over the landscape; I’m here to focus on the positives and only the positives that 2021 has brought us in the might world of heavy music.
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