1) Black Sabbath, 13 (Universal)

I tend to consider top 10 lists to be arbitrary more often than not, but the number one spot is still considered the spearhead or the grand finale, so to speak. So, every time I thought of the number one spot on this list, Black Sabbath’s 13 was the one album I could think of that would be most fitting. It’s not because I think it’s “a groundbreaking release that revolutionizes the genre” or because I think it’s “the best of their career”. I put 13 at the top because listening to it brings me back to being 12 years old and listening to Sabbath for the first time. They’re the whole reason I’m writing this list right now. The album has the ingredients for classic Sabbath: Ozzy’s instantly recognizable vocals, Geezer Butler’s mighty basslines, and the one and only rifflord Tony Iommi thundering through the speakers. I know everyone wanted Bill Ward on the album, but Brad Wilk does a fine job on drums. I’m happy with the overall result, and that’s why it takes the top spot for me. I only hope that it’s not their last.

Honorable Mentions:

Palms, Palms (Ipecac)

Kvelertak, Meir (Roadruner)

The Dillinger Escape Plan, One of Us Is The Killer (Sumerian)

The Black Dahlia Murder, Everblack (Metal Blade)

Carcass, Surgical Steel (Nuclear Blast)