1) Falconer, Black Moon Rising

Following the release of Armod, an album sung entirely in Swedish and more focused on the folk elements of their music, I had been left wanting. This album however, is exactly what I was waiting for. When speaking with Stefan he said that he had been listening to his old band Mithotyn, as well as the other influences that had inspired him when first founded Falconer. This is the heaviest, and riffiest of all of their releases in my opinion, and definitely one of the best. This release will only make seeing their last ever live show at ProgPower USA that much more satisfying!

Key Track: “Locus Swarm”

Honorable Mentions:

Ne Obliviscaris, Citadel

There is so much going on in this album that I simply haven’t had enough time to deconstruct it all to throw it on the top 10, but it’s certainly just as wonderful as their first album!

Nightingale, Retribution

The only reason that this isn’t on the list is that it technically didn’t come out in the US yet, except for that brief few days that it showed up on Spotify. Check back in January for their first album since 2007, it’s a good one!

AC/DC , Rock or Bust

I really wish I had more time with this before I had to write this list. I’ve loved AC/DC since I first really began listening to music and they were one of the biggest influences on me picking up a guitar in the first place. This album is exactly what they have been putting out the last 30 years, and it still sounds fresh.

Fallujah, The Flesh Prevails
Beyond Creation, Earthborn Evolution
Various Artists, Ronnie James Dio: This is Your Life
Sabaton, Heroes