Seems like the Filtration system is overburdened once again. Normally, my minions have to scavenge much longer to pick things up this early in the year, but 2026 is proving to be rich in moderately precious metallic ore. That just means I gotta push my team even harder to pull greater loads of filth from the ducts!

As I send them in for yet another round, please enjoy the spoils thus far exploited. BEHOLD!

Kenstrosity’s Tattered Tome

Overtoun // Death Drive Anthropology [February 13th, 2026 – Time to Kill Records]

Chilean progressive death thrash outfit Overtoun is what you get when you mix old school Death and Atheist with the proggier side of Pestilence, then amp the thrash up by a half turn. At a lofty 50 minutes, you’d expect third release Death Drive Anthropology to drag on, but to make that assumption is to criminally underestimate Overtoun’s creativity and versatility. Opening up the throttle in fine form, the one-two punch of “What Unites All (ft. Max Phelps) and “The Final Beat” manages to encompass many of these Chileans’ songwriting and performance skills in a scant 10 minutes. More introspective, nuanced songwriting takes center stage throughout Anthropology’s midsection, balancing smart melodies and minimalist atmosphere with complex guitar layering, proggy structures, and shreddy wizardry (“Dur Khrod,” “Jade, Gold, Obsidian,” “Yurei,” “Weeping”). The three-part “The Waves Suite” suite adds a mystical character to the affair that blends remarkably well with Overtoun’s more overt political messaging and emotional textures, which helps carry the record through its lengthy runtime without causing fatigue. It’s a neat record that’s modestly blemished by a bass presence that begs for more weight and wildness, especially considering the raw talent on hand. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a creative, thoughtful, and sophisticated entry into the death/thrash progosphere, Death Drive Anthropology makes a strong case.

Andy-War-Hall’s Primordial Pick-Up

The Grand Myth // Of Vultures and Dragons [February 26th, 2026 – Suncrusher Recordings]

I have a grossly limited capacity for seriousness. Yeah, I like my death metal progressive, technical, and thoughtful, much the way Brandon Bordman’s The Grand Myth deliver it on their latest record, Of Vultures and Dragons, but sometimes I just want fun, too. Of Vultures and Dragons, an adaptation of Ethan Pettus’ novel series Primitive War1 in which a rescue team searches a Vietnamese jungle for a missing platoon of Green Berets and fights for their lives against dinosaurs, has fun in spades. Utilizing a many-layered guitar attack (“Symbiotic Death”), shifting and propulsive rhythms (“Through the River Styx”), a wide cast of voice actors for brief narrative bits2 and surprisingly bright tones (“Agony”), The Grand Myth’s approach to progressive death metal isn’t revolutionary, but it’s deeply refreshing and engaging regardless. Though an absolute blast, The Grand Myth doesn’t spew embarrassingly stupid levels of campiness with their sci-fi dinosaur theming like Victorius. Rather, Of Vultures and Dragons can be fairly emotionally effective at times thanks to Bordman’s emotive clean/harsh vocals and elaborate soloing (“Pyre,” “Agony”). Nobody asks about your favorite dinosaur anymore,3 so feed your inner kid with The Grand Myth’s Of Vultures and Dragons now!

Saunders’ Sunken Shards

Puscifer// Normal Isn’t [February 6th, 2026 – Alchemy Recordings]

After losing track of recent offerings, I reacquainted myself with the latest LP from Puscifer, leaving me pleasantly surprised in the aftermath. The project featuring Tool/A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan returned for their first hit out since 2020’s Existential Reckoning. Normal Isn’t finds the shape-shifting project embracing its quirky, gothy industrial rock and electronic elements through an angsty filter of guitar-driven arty rock, post-punk, and infectious songcraft. Age should not weary Maynard, as he still sounds angry, cynical, and on point vocally through a mostly engaging, catchy bag of tunes. The dueling vocal melodies with collaborator Carina Round’s ghostly singing work a treat amidst jittery beats, angular riffs and strong electronic overtones. Rhythmically, it is an interesting ride, drummer Gunnar Olsen putting in a top-notch performance, while there is a vaguely progressive edge underlying the hook-centric songwriting. Opener “Thrust” sets the album in motion with sticky hooks, a darkly humorous, unhinged Maynard performance, and a dose of spite. Other key highlights include “Bad Wolf,” “Self Evident,” “A Public Stoning,” and “ImpetuoUs.” Puscifer made a fine return with Normal Isn’t.

Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows // Inexorable Opposites [February 6th, 2026 – Magnetic Eye Records]

You’ve gotta love a sneaky name drop from our trusty commentariat. It has led to many great discoveries over the years. On this occasion, one of our dear commenters enlightened me to Melbourne psych-blues-doomers Jack Harlon & the Dead Crows with fourth LP, Inexorable Opposites. And it didn’t take long absorbing this latest slab of rustic Aussie coolness to be struck by the album’s slow-burning, addictive power, and gritty tones. Boasting an expansive, rugged sound built on layers of distortion and a weighty blend of psych-drenched blues and doom heaviness. Jack Harlon & the Dead Crows features old school, outlaw-driven lyrical content from mastermind and vocalist/guitarist Tim Coutts-Smith, meshing fictional tales of woe and adventure of character Jack Harlon, with relatable real-life struggles. Through the fuzz, thick jammy vibes, and Coutts-Smith distorted, menacing Aussie drawl, catchy songcraft shines through the muck and psych haze. From the tense, stoner-infected grit and catchy hooks of opener “Moss,” through to the stormy outback balladry of closer “To Die,” Inexorable Opposites is a hard-hitting, riffy delight, further evidenced through scorched earth, infectious cuts like “Venomous,” “Seer,” and the trippy, drug-addled “Mt. Macedon.”

Grin Reaper’s Reaped Recluse

Cold Communion // Monuments to Ruin [February 13th, 2026 – Self Released]

Melodic death/doom isn’t a genre I dabble in often, but every now and again, one of its bands thwarts my defenses and wraps their tendrils around my precious listening time. Durham, North Carolina’s Cold Communion is one such band, featuring Barre Gambling (Daylight Dies) on guitar and Tim Rowland (Alchemy of Flesh, Silent Vigil) on everything else. If that sounds like an unfair split, take a spin and reassess, because Gambling’s performance defines Cold Communion’s melancholic character as much as Rowland’s emotive growl. Forgoing any long-form doom epics, Monuments to Ruin’s longest song comes in at five-and-a-half minutes, with the entire album clocking just forty-five. It’s a tidy platter, and both in song composition and mood shares ample common ground with Finnish sadbois Insomnium. Besides Monuments’ superior production, songs like “A Stillness Survival” and “When the Light Breaks” wouldn’t feel out of place on Across the Dark or One for Sorrow. And despite the somber trappings one might expect from doom-adjacency, there’s plenty of lively riffing and solos to find across Monuments to Ruin, adding a touch of boom to the gloom. In the end, Cold Communion doesn’t reinvent the genre or break new ground, but Monuments to Ruin offers a comfy chair by the fireside on a freezing cold day, and I’m perfectly content with that.

Mossgiver // Renewer [February 6th, 2026 – Sij MusicArt]

Atmospheric black metal often contrasts the beautiful with the bestial, typically prioritizing moods over hooks. ‘Twas a delight, then, to unearth Mossgiver’s Renewal, which deftly combines the two. Weaving together hypnotic passages flooded with strings, piano, flute, synths, double bass rolls, and the requisite blackened tremolos,4 Mossgiver’s mastermind Tilen Šimon (Ueldes) delivers the band’s best record to date. Above all, Renewer sounds like a celebration of nature in the vein of Autrest and Cân Bardd, evoking a whispering wind whipping at leaves or sunlight dappling a brook shaded by oaks and maples. Beyond the well-crafted soundtrack for a walk through the woods, Mossgiver etches emotion into the nooks and crannies of Renewer’s five tracks. From rousing string orchestrations (“I Bring the Spring with Me”) to soft-and-heavy tradeoffs pitting clean guitar and pan pipes against distorted guitar and blast beats (“Renewer”), Mossgiver shimmers with a lush backdrop of instrumentation rife with playfulness and pensiveness. The trio of primary songs5 revolve around powerful melodies that evolve over each track’s duration, with assorted instruments coming in and out to push refrains along. Renewer’s brisk thirty-four minutes showcase Mossgiver’s sticky compositions and leave me whistling its melodies for days at a time. Now throw on your hiking boots and get lost in the Moss.

Ossomancer // Banebdjed’s Path [February 28th, 2026 – Esoteric Evocations]

Six-and-a-half years removed from Ossomancer’s debut Artes Magickae, lone wolf and mastermind Kamose returns to tread Banebjed’s Path. Bursting with references to mythology and mysticism, Banebjed’s Path rumbles and shakes with arcane thunder. Although the backdrop and track names might recall the frenzied onslaught of Nile, Ossomancer instead conceives a realm recalling Aeternam, Iotunn, and Naglfar. Despite the scant thirty-four-minute runtime, Banebjed’s Path sprawls across diverse landscapes and textures. Opener “The Ogdoad Arrangement and the Osirian Creation” oscillates between In Flames melodies and a slinky crawl that could pass for a 90s Geddy Lee bass line played over synth injections from Rush’s 80s era. Follow-up track “Sobek – Cosmic Vibrations Devoured” features Kreator-bred riffing, while closing duo “A Sea of Sand, a Silver Star” and “Retraction into Kether” synthesize the ethereal atmospheres of Iotunn with the blackened assault of Naglfar. Through it all, Ossomancer sounds fabulous, as Banebjed’s Path flaunts an enviable DR 8 and a bodacious mix that spotlights its burly bass performance. Ossomancer’s sophomore outing is crammed with meloblack goodies, and though it’s not a long trek, the journey down Banebjed’s Path far transcends its distance.

Tyme’s Danish Dalliance

Ædel Fetich // Ædel Fetich [February 20th, 2026 – Deadbanger Productions]

That blinged-out pink dish-glove-clad hand is what first drew me to Denmark outfit Ædel Fetich’s self-titled debut. Then I clicked play and was taken on one of the more compelling “black” metal rides in recent memory. With roots primarily buried in the soil of the traditional second-wave, Ædel Fetich is rife with moments of rifferous tremolodic speed (“Ridderlig Lider,” “Madras”) and absolutely berserk guitar chaos (“Sort Magi”). There’s a Trhä-like sense of experimentation, and the rawness of the production enhances the oft-changing compositions, which, like weather in the Midwest, often shift on a dime without warning. Luckily, Ædel Fetich’s adept songwriting organically smooths these transitions, which could have easily come off stilted and jarring, but makes drawing direct comparisons to the Ædel Fetich sound difficult, as there’s a spectrum of other influences at play. There are tracks packed with punky punch (“Et Liv Fuld af Fejl,” “Ildtang”) or imbued with folky reverence (“Mit Billede af Dig”) and even some 80s pop—fans of the movie Flashdance shouldn’t have a problem finding the poppy easter egg hiding near the end of “Sort Magi.”6 Far and away the star of the show, however, is singer Skvat, whose performance is filled with as much black metal bravado as it is theatrical exuberance, his arsenal of shrieks, growls, hoots, howls, and operatic baritonations a refreshing treat, akin to if Mike Patton woke up one day deciding to record a Danish black metal album. Bottom line is, I really dig Ædel Fetich and think you will too.

Creeping Ivy’s Ashen Afterthought

Belzebong // The End is High [February 20th, 2026 – Heavy Psych Sounds]

In my humble opinion, lyrics are key to making stoner metal more than novelty music. If you’re referencing reefer in your album art, band name, and song titles, at least keep the reeferisms out of the songs themselves,7 or better yet, avoid vocals altogether. Taking this latter advice to heart is instrumental Polish four-piece Belzebong, who have been at it for almost 20 years now. On The End is High, their fourth full-length, Belzebong deal 35 minutes of fuzzed-out riffery described as “a new sermon for the final days.” While not as highbrow (huh huh) as the instrumental stoner metal of Bongripper, Belzebong are similarly ominous on opener (yes) “Bong & Chain,” which caps its ten-minute burn with creepy, haunting synths. From there, the band settle into material more akin to Bongzilla; sound clips adorn the chill grooves of “420 Horsemen,” “Hempnotized,” and “Reefer Mortis,” which closes things out with some solid Electric Wizard worship. If you instinctively (and understandably) recoil from music with marijuana aesthetics but dig the meditative repetition offered by stoner metal, consider sampling The End is High. It’s not exactly the caricature it advertises itself as.

Baguette’s Bygone Bounty

Sundecay // The Blood Lives Again [February 13th, 2026 – Self Released]

Toronto’s Sundecay has been around for a while. These Canadian doomers spawned sometime prior to 2014, quietly releasing EP material every once in a blue moon. The Blood Lives Again is their first full-length release—their first signs of life since 2018 in general—and the time and care they took to develop their sound and songwriting prowess pays off here in spades. The doom and proto-doom inspirations from Black Sabbath to Saint Vitus are obvious (“Here Comes the Wizard”), complemented by other influences from proto-metal, psychedelic, and progressive music (“Silence Spoken”). The hefty, layered guitars have a nice fuzz without fully landing in stoner territory. Ambitious long-form tracks like “Will Dusk Defy Dawn” flow like water while carrying significant emotional heft. Lastly, a moody, reverb-heavy vocal performance crowns the classic doom trance the band is aiming for. At five tracks and some 43 minutes, The Blood Lives Again is a total vibe and flies by before you’ve even noticed. Fans of the ’70s should take notes!

Temple Balls // Temple Balls [February 13th, 2026 – Frontiers Music]

One of the most authentic ways you can honor rock music tradition is via questionable naming conventions. On an unrelated note, Temple Balls is a Finnish hard rock/glam rock band, and they’re fun as hell! They’re not particularly new around the block, either: the group formed in 2009, and self-titled Temple Balls is already their fifth album since debut Traded Dreams in 2017. 2023’s Avalanche felt like a watershed moment, a welcome surprise that brought some new life and energy to a fairly dated genre of Europeisms and Hanoi Rocks rehashes. Temple Balls proves that Avalanche wasn’t a one-off, continuing their extremely authentic throwback approach. The heavy/power-metal-meets-AOR direction of songwriting (“Flashback Dynamite,” “Soul Survivor”) gives it that extra guitar oomph and energy that melodic music like this requires to be anywhere near competitive. With great all-out vocals from Arde Teronen and gigantic hooks to match, it’s just a damn good time front to back. Though it will sadly be the last time we’ll hear Niko Vuorela’s guitar work on record (R.I.P., and fuck cancer), the self-titled is certainly a worthy final milestone for him—and hopefully, another beginning for his comrades.

ClarkKent’s Enchanting Earworm

Hela // A Reign to Conquer [February 27, 2026 – Ardua Music]

Just as it put a pause on many plans and projects, the COVID pandemic slowed down the output of Spain’s Hela. A Reign to Conquer marks their first record since 2019’s Vegvìsir, which was their third release since 2013. This brief hiatus brought new blood in the form of vocalist Raquel Navarro, though, in truth, the only consistency in Hela’s lineup is the other three members—Tano Giménez on bass, Miguel Fernández (The Holeum) on drums, and Julián Velasco (The Holeum) on guitars. They have a deep bond, first forged in 2009 with The Sand Collector before forming Hela just three years later. Though they brand Hela as melodic doom, and the band does have a little in common with Katatonia, I think it’s more accurate to describe them as dreamy progressive rock. Navarro is a major reason for this, with dreamy croons that guide listeners through breezy soundscapes. She bears a passing resemblance to Maud the Moth, though the music Hela plays is decidedly more metal than our Dolphin friend’s favorite nocturnal insect. Guitarist Velasco plays a hypnotizing mix of atmospheric fuzz, crushing doom, and melodic riffs that add some heft and crunch to the ethereal sound. A Reign to Conquer has plenty of layers to probe, rewarding listeners who bear with it for repeat listens. While my initial spins left me wanting, I’ve since become spellbound. Add to that some gorgeous artwork, and this is a nice addition to anyone’s vinyl collection. Hela yeah!

Spicie Forrest’s Vicious Vittles

A Wilhelm Scream8 // Cheap Heat [February 27th, 2026 – Creator-Destructor Records]

A Wilhelm Scream9 returns after a four-year hiatus with their eighth long player, Cheap Heat. Sounding like the best combination of The Story So Far and Rise Against, A Wilhelm Scream delivers an impressive tour de force so late in their career. Vocalist Nuno Pereira10 is the highlight of Cheap Heat, driving the album with urgency and passion (“Somebody’s Gonna Die,” “Fell Off”), but no one here is a slouch. The rhythm section—bassist Brian J. Robinson, rhythm guitarist Trevor Reilly, and drummer Nicholas Pasquale Angelini—gleefully tosses gas on Pereira’s bonfire (“I Got Tunnel Vision”) and delivers solid grooves (“Poison II”) and searing ragers (“Unsolving the Mystery”) that keep the energy cranked to 11 all through Cheap Heat. Hooks are by far the most common lead duty, and Ben Murray puts on a fucking clinic. Each note that rings out from his axe sounds like it fucking owns the place (“Run,” “Visitor: Unimpressed”). Cheap Heat is a smidge front-loaded with “Midnight Ghost” and “I Got Tunnel Vision” being album highlights, but no song on here is anything short of a barn burner. At a super tight 28 minutes, Cheap Heat hits hard and fast and gets the fuck out of Dodge before you’re even sure what hit you. I didn’t expect a 26-year-old hardcore outfit to knock my teeth out when I queued it up on a whim one morning, but Cheap Heat is proving to be one of my favorite albums of the year.

Lead Injector // Witching Attack [February 20th, 2026 – High Roller Records]

Who doesn’t like the combination of thrash’s unchained aggression and black metal’s cold hate? There’s never been a better pair. Lead Injector hit the ground running on debut LP Witching Attack. From the opening moments of “Siege Upon Heaven” to the closing moments of “Nuclear Antichrist,” Lead Injector is here to do two things: feed high-speed buckshot to God, skeletons, and anything else that gets in their way, and have a Hellripping good time. “Angel Destructor” and “Siege Upon Heaven” barrel pell-mell through searing riffs and blast beats, while groovier tracks like “Evil Executioner” and “Nuclear Antichrist” let black metal’s punk ancestry shine through. Heavy metal influences a la Judas Priest can be found injected into tracks like “Sacrifice This Bitch” and “M.C.C.I.” While nothing about Lead Injector’s sound is particularly new, I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. This debut is a unique and retro spin on a tried-and-true formula that bodes well for a young band. Witching Attack is a killer time that Ash Williams would gladly spin while boomsticking Deadites alongside Lord Arthur’s army.

The Top 100 NWOTHM Albums of All Time (100-51)

After the incredible response to the Top 50 NWOTHM albums of all time list, we decided to expand on it by also shining a light on the next 50. I’d already done all the work anyways haha. We’ll just say this was our plan along, and that we chose to release the list Star Wars style. Also to clarify, this is NOT my personal ranking, but rather one I came to after combing reviews, forums, subreddits, and even interviews to find the most common albums mentioned. I will also stress that this was imperfect, as I did not take into account recency bias. Since the original list also did not take that into consideration, it would feel unfair to do so here. So, without any further ado…

Same rules apply as last time. Limited to 2 albums per artist (so, if an artist has 1 album on the Top 50, they can still have one here. If an artist has 2 in the Top 50, then they cannot), and released after 2008.

100. Dawnbringer – Into the Lair of the Sun God (2012)
Hailing from Chicago, Dawnbringer isn’t a name that is brought up often when it comes to the trad metal scene, and I believe that’s a crying shame! Their brand of black-metal influenced heavy metal came about several years before other acts, such as Nite (also featuring guitarist Scott Hoffman), were doing much of the same, and their lack of thrashier influence led to them not being mentioned alongside underground lords Midnight and Toxic Holocaust. This record, their fifth full-length, and penultimate before their initial breakup, features a magnificent crescendo that at times sounds like Motörhead fused with doom metal, and tells the story of a naive assassin. Chris Black, who handles vocal, drum, bass, and keyboard duties, is a longtime member of the trad metal scene, being involved in High Spirits, Pharaoh, Aktor, and Superchrist.

Bandcamp: https://dawnbringer.bandcamp.com/

99. Night – Raft of the World (2017)
Falling into that odd microgenre within trad metal called ‘adventure metal’ (I have no clue why it’s called that, it’s bands like Wytch Hazel and Hällas), which more or less takes more overt influence from bands like Rush and Blue Öyster Cult than Black Sabbath. The Swedish Night’s third full-length largely eschews a lot of the metal influence that the band had kept attached to their sound on their previous two records, in favor of a more progressive rock direction. In fact, I would say this is a pretty perfect gateway album for new metalheads, as its sound is relatively similar to that of Canadian prog-rock duo Crown Lands, but with a little something extra.

Bandcamp: https://nightband.bandcamp.com/music

98. Legionnaire – Dawn of Genesis (2017)
A band who just recently reunited, as of December 2025, appears on this list with their sole full-length (for now). The Finnish four-piece outfit released an absolute monster of an album that simultaneously intersects between speed metal and epic metal, it’s got that Howardian feel (meaning Robert E. Howard, not Howard the Duck). In particular on the third track, “Shadow Upon the Metropolis”, a decidedly pronounced Manilla Road influence is felt firsthand. Clocking in at just barely over 30 minutes, Legionnaire’s debut album is an outstanding, if all too brief, trad metal offering. With their reformation, I can only wait and see what Legionnaire can cook up in the coming years.

Bandcamp: https://legionnairemetal.bandcamp.com/

97. Vultures Vengeance – The Knightlore (2019)
After two incredible EP’s, the debut full-length from Italy’s Vultures Vengeance did not disappoint. At times towing the line between epic metal and just straight up power metal, but consistently grand in its delivery, its a well-balanced record, despite the occasional lengthy tracks. Truly shining above all else though is the production, with the guitar and bass having just the right amount of fuzz in them to give it a sort of heavy metal grime that a lot of modern metal sorely lacks. Furthermore, Tony Steele’s vocal stylings give the album a pronounced sense of identity that allows it to easily stand out from the plethora of trad metal bands that were just starting to explode onto the scene in 2019.

Bandcamp: https://vulturesvengeance.bandcamp.com/music

96. Sonja- Loud Arriver (2022)
Helmed by former Absu guitarist Melissa Moore, Sonja’s debut release offered a wonderful melding of goth, glam, and grime that few albums have managed to replicate. The level of lust-injected emotionality prevalent throughout the record give it a breathtaking array of uniqueness, and resulted in a trad metal album that skews more toward the Unto Others/Idle Hands side of things. Melissa’s scintillating vocals are, of course, at center stage here, but Loud Arriver is full to the brim with incredible riffs, thundering drums, and riveting basslines. It’s a sexy record, and a sleazy one at that, but I mean those in all of the best ways. This is like if a session of passionate love-making became a metal album, and I love it for that.

Bandcamp: https://sonjaband.bandcamp.com/

95. Trial (SWE) – Vessel (2015)
Sweden’s Trial are something of an unsung hero in the trad metal scene, as hardly anyone discusses them or their incredible brand of metal, which is equal parts doom and goth. Featuring the band’s original vocalist, Linus Johnsson, Vessel opens up with a dirge-like title track to usher in the record like a slow boom of thunder. Musically, Trial (SWE) share much in common with their countrymen in Portrait, though they play at a bit of a slower and more methodical pace. This gives the riff an extra bit of crunch behind them that really makes them register. Throw in the incredible drumming of Martin Svensson, and the fact that the lineup has been mostly unchanged since 2007 (barring the switch in vocalists), and you’ve got an album that rolls ahead like a well-oiled machine.

Bandcamp: https://trialheavymetal.bandcamp.com/

94. Savage Master – Myth, Magic and Steel (2019)
The third full-length from Savage Master opens with the killer title track, wherein frontwoman Stacey Savage’s vocals take the vanguard, though the riffing is no slouch, her delivery is simply infectious and one of her strongest vocal attributes. She brings a raw fervor to her vocals as well, something that I feel truly propels the record into feeling like an old metal album, and not merely a modern one that sounds kind of old. In traditional Savage Master style, they dip their toes into the moor doomy side of things from time to time (see “The Owl” and “High Priestess”, which features a sick chant-like chorus), but they never lose that undiluted power and energy. It’s merely a bonus that Deborah Levine of Lady Beast and the late Sandy Kruger perform guest vocals on the track “Lady of Steel”.

Bandcamp: https://savagemasterofficial.bandcamp.com/

93. Evil Invaders – Feed Me Violence (2017)
The second full-length from one of Belgium’s premier speed metal attacks ups the ante set on their stunningly raw debut, Pulses of Pleasure. Nowhere is the power and attitude of Evil Invaders felt more prominently than in the second track “As Life Slowly Fades”, which features a chorus that occasionally borders on blackened speed metal, such as Eternal Evil. Yet this isn’t a one-note album, as the next track (after a brief instrumental), “Broken Dreams in Isolation” slows the tempo down quite a bit and allows Evil Invaders to showcase a nice degree of methodical playing and storytelling. This is much more than a mere speed metal album, it’s a brutal blitz that passes by like a speeding train.

Bandcamp: https://evilinvaders.bandcamp.com/

92. Air Raid – Point of Impact (2014)
Air Raid’s second full-length, and their only release with future Trial (SWE) vocalist Arthur Andersson, might seem like run-of-the-mill modern trad metal on the surface, but a trained ear will pick up on the nuances of the record. Being their only record with Arthur, this one has a less angsty vibe than their debut EP and full-length with Michael Rinkakis and a more straightforward heavy/speed approach than their later records with Fredrik. As was customary for trad albums around this time, the production is fully on-point with firmly rooting the album in a sort of neo-modern sheen. Each piece of the puzzle is appropriately tuned and mixed, but not to a point that it dilutes the music behind the album.

Bandcamp: https://airraidofficial.bandcamp.com/

91. Luzifer – Iron Shackles (2022)
Consisting of 3/5ths of German speed metal band Vulture, Luzifer’s debut album has held a place near and dear in my heart since the moment it released. As I recovered from having my wisdom teeth removed, I had it on repeat as I played the underrated game Blasphemous, and it’s never left my mind ever since. It’s a genuine masterpiece, everything from the riffs to the atmosphere, it all just works. The riff of the title track is the stuff of legends, and the addition of some sick gothic style keyboard pieces throughout the record only help to propel it even further. Even the instrumental interlude track and the Joachim Witt cover, “Der Goldene Reiter”, don’t feel like filler pieces, but rather as integral parts of one cohesive work.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuziferHM

90. Lady Beast – The Vulture’s Amulet (2020)
Featuring the mighty, and incomparable, vocals of frontwoman Deborah Levine, Lady Beast’s fourth album was the one which turned me on to them. I quickly fell in love with the crunchy riffing and Levine’s storyteller approach to her vocal delivery, and tracks such as “Sacrifice to the Unseen” haven’t left my rotation ever since. An unchanged lineup for over 5 years at the time of release, also featuring Andy Ramage of Argus, the band had achieved a precise level of synergy. By this point in their careers, the band were veterans of the underground, and the concise songwriting and musicianship are a testament to that. This is the type of record that isn’t simply enjoyable, it’s transportive and ripe for the imagination.

Bandcamp: https://ladybeast.bandcamp.com/music

89. Crystal Viper – Crimen Excepta (2012)
The fourth album from Polish trad metal vanguards, Crystal Viper, showcases the perfect midpoint of their style. With incredible mixing, very akin to that of early King Diamond releases, and Marta Gabriel’s incredible high-pitched shrieks and snarls, the behind the boards and microphone everything is at its best. Yet, the instrumentation is truly a show-stealer with a meaty album chock full of incredible riffs, smooth basslines, and some really thunderous drumming. Not to mention the incredible Vader cover as the penultimate track, and Hell vocalist David Bower providing awesome guest vocals for the title track. All-rounder, that’s the best way to describe this record, it’s an all-rounder. It does everything to near peak levels.

Bandcamp: https://www.facebook.com/crystalviperofficial

88. Ambush – Firestorm (2014)
Another who often tows the line between speed metal and heavy metal is Sweden’s Ambush, who dropped two bonafide classics in the early/mid 2010s, the first of which was Firestorm (more on the other later on!). This is the quintessential love letter to 80s heavy metal, with tracks like the eponymous track feeling like something Judas Priest could’ve had on Screaming for Vengeance. Despite that, the record never feels derivative and manages to communicate across a freshness that can at times feel absent from a lot of trad metal. Also the guitar tone on this record, and really just the production in general, is a masterclass in modern metal production.

Bandcamp: https://ambush.bandcamp.com/

87. Wrathblade – God of the Deep Unleashed (2017)
The Greek heavy metal outfit showcased one of the foremost sophomore soars around when they released God of the Deep Unleashed. While their debut was solid, that was how most felt overall, it was just fine. However, this one improves on every possible shortcoming of that first record. Taking the “epic” name to great and grander heights, and living up as a worthy successor to the likes of Manilla Road and Lost Horizon. The incredible harmonies of vocalist Nick Varsamis, who would also sing for early Serpent Rider releases, perfectly capture that sort of ancient world Greco-Roman style of chanting in their cadence. Another aspect that this record does not skimp out on is heaviness, this album is crushingly heavy! Drums that crash like battering rams and basslines like artillery fire, this is a monster.

Bandcamp: https://wrathbladegr.bandcamp.com/

86. Striker – Eyes in the Night (2012)
One of the first trad metal bands I heard during a late night exploration of YouTube was Striker and their video for “Fight For Your Life”, and for that they’ll always hold a special place in my dark heart. With Eyes in the Night being their debut, and featuring some rad album art, this is Striker in its rawest, most angsty, form. Moreover, Striker’s brand of humor is in full-effect (albeit without the musical masterclass of “Fuck Volcanos”), and I consider them lyrically to be almost analogous to Tankard… but with the beer turned down to like 85% instead of at max. Striker are a band who know how to be serious and take things seriously, it’s just way more fun to be a little bit stupid sometimes. This is great, and Dan Cleary’s extraordinary vocals, which also manage to feel sarcastic most of the time, are a huge reason as to why.

Bandcamp: https://striker.bandcamp.com/

85. Lynx – Watcher of Skies (2021)
Germany’s Lynx falls into that category of trad metal that holds with it a decidedly hard rock-infused edge, immediately sparking recollections of such titans of the past like Thin Lizzy and The Rods. Hugely working to its advantage is a production style that sounds like a perfection encapsulation of the style Watcher of Skies is emulating, seriously that guitar tone sizzles. Featuring Marvin Kiefer of Blizzen behind the microphone this go around, the vocals have a sense of familiarity with them, but his command of his voice also gives it a great sense of identity. The pronounced 70s groove make this a record that stands out from the pack of bands who follow in the footsteps of NWOBHM greats.

Bigcartel: https://lynxofficial.bigcartel.com/

84. Freeways – True Bearings (2020)
Freeways are another band whose sound at first glance might not scream “NWOTHM”, but it is most definitely entrenched deeply in it. The riffs are unapologetically metal, with many not sounding out of place in some NWOBHM classics, and Jacob Montgomery’s incredible vocals give the album an almost hypnotic feel. Like their countrymen in Tonnerre, Freeways are at the forefront of a small, but growing, movement of modern hard rock/metal acts that do the key thing that gives them metal cred (in my opinion), they have their own sound. Freeways are a unique band, there’s an artistry behind every note and harmony that is largely lost in the doldrums of modern mainstream music. Whenever someone says rock or metal are dead, you point them towards Freeways, you show them The Neptune Power Federation, and so many others. While executive and algorithm fueled mainstream is decayed, the underground has never been stronger.

Bandcamp: https://freeways410.bandcamp.com/

83. Attic – Sanctimonious (2017)
While Germany’s Attic are unabashedly King Diamond/Mercyful Fate worshippers, that shouldn’t keep anyone from checking out the sheer majesty on display in their sophomore record, Sanctimonious. A concept album, which tells the story of an abusive abbess who terrorizes the nuns under her care, this is definitely a record best enjoyed in its entirety, rather than individual tracks (though that’s not to say that there aren’t standouts, as there certainly are). Ambitious, lengthy, and at times grandiose, Attic’s Sanctimonious is an incredible album, unique in both its approach and in its execution. An already exceptional album is bookended by an absolute all-timer in “There Is No God”.

Bandcamp: https://attic-vanrecords.bandcamp.com/

82. Midnight Priest – Aggressive Hauntings (2019)
The second English-language release from Portugal’s Midnight Priest is a wonderful affair of gothic and horror movie infused metal (I mean, it opens with a dark and macabre keyboard introduction) before seamlessly bleeding into “Funeral”. At the time helmed by Lex Thunder, who would later found Toxikull, his vocals give a nice bit of sleaze and somehow a bit of King Diamond-isms to the music. At times sounding somewhat glam inspired, and at times the record sounds more like Mercyful Fate worship. Alongside the dearly-missed Ravensire, Midnight Priest sits at the spearhead of Portuguese heavy metal.

Bandcamp: https://midnightpriest.bandcamp.com/

81. Morgul Blade – Fell Sorcery Abounds (2021)
The debut album from the Philly-based four-piece boasts influences and sounds from across the board, ranging from trad metal to black metal to dungeon synth and even a bit of medieval tavern music (see “Oak in the Mist”). From the absolute otherworldly clean-singing at play on occasion, that is never overused, to the sheer brutality during the title-drop in the title track, I’ve never been able to stop listening to this album. It took me by complete surprise when it first released, the blend of black metal and trad metal wasn’t something I’d really heard before then. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the major albums which really sent me down the rabbit hole of more extreme metal, and is one that I proudly recommend to people.

Bandcamp: https://morgulblade.bandcamp.com/

80. Mega Colossus – Riptime (2021)
Raleigh’s Mega Colossus have been around since the mid-2000s, releasing a full-length and two EPs under their original name of simply Colossus. Since that name change, the band has ascended to incredible heights, and their fourth full-length release, Riptime, is their peak as of now. Their uncanny brand of heavy metal brings a sense of adventure and almost whimsy to the crowded, and occasionally overly-serious, trad metal scene. With a sound that varies not just from album-to-album, but from song-to-song, while still keeping the same overall vibe, Mega Colossus are in many ways a sort of spiritual son of trad metal champions (The Lord Weird) Slough Feg. I also have to shoutout the sci-fi inspired lyrics on songs like “Vigilo Confido”, which is the only song about one of my favorite video games (XCOM), so Mega Colossus eternally has my love for that one.

Bandcamp: https://colossusmetal.bandcamp.com/

79. Evil Survives – Metal Vengeance (2008)
This Canadian band arrived in the early days of the trad metal scene, forming in 2008 and dropping the debut album in that same year. Rough, raw, and overflowing with a sense of youthful vigor, Metal Vengeance is a fun record that really picks up in its second half. Tracks such as “Poseidon Pounds the Coast” and the epic closer “The Plains of Ilium/Beasts of the Odyssey” show that there is far more to Evil Survives than just balls to the wall fun and feisty metal. Bassist Spencer Trout is absolutely shredding it, particularly on “Metal”, with sizzling basslines. While Karl Warkentin’s vocal styles might not be for everyone, they are his own and that alone warrants merit and cred. I can’t quite think of a close analogue to his style beyond maybe early Queensrÿche or a sped-up interpretation of Arch-era Fates Warning.

Bandcamp: https://evil-survives.bandcamp.com/

78. Argus – Boldly Stride the Doomed (2011)
The sophomore release from the Pennsylvania-based epic doom quintet is, like the rest of their discography, a masterclass in the genre. Butch Balich’s vocals are reminiscent of both Messiah Marcolin and Mark the Shark, while still holding their own identity. After a brief introduction, Boldly Stride the Doomed opens up with a track that is much more up-tempo than one might expect from an epic doom record, with some of the most groovy basslines I’ve heard in ages. It’s in the name ‘epic’, but this record truly feels like it. The production amplifies the record to grand heights and more than earns its ‘epic’ moniker. Nothing I say can truly prepare you for the sheer wizardry at play during the course of the penultimate track, “Pieces of Your Smile”. It needs to be heard to be believed.

Bandcamp: https://argusmetal.bandcamp.com/music

77. Flight – A Leap Through Matter (2018)
Another from the vaguely defined “adventure metal” microgenre, Norway’s Flight soared to great heights on their sophomore release. It’s the sort of 70s prog rock love letter (but more Rush and Wishbone Ash than Pink Floyd or Chicago) that can fall in between what is and isn’t heavy metal, but as is common in the genre, the songwriting and instrumentation are rooted in heavy metal (after all, heavy metal and prog rock developed and blossomed together). This is a concise and complete record that acts as a homage to so many different pieces of music history that it’s almost hard to pin down.

Bandcamp: https://flightheavymetal.bandcamp.com/

76. Portrait – At One With None (2021)
Their fifth record continued the band’s seemingly unending upward trajectory, with their standard blend of gothic, power metal, doom metal, and Mercyful Fate-style black metal, once again coming together to form something unique in the genre. Unlike some prior releases though, this is where Portrait really began to let some more progressive elements shine through, particularly in the song structure, with most songs clocking in at nearly 5 minutes. Nowhere is this shift felt more apparent than in the 9-minute-long “Ashen” which, despite the length, never once feels like a drag. That is also what I can commend for the album as a whole, it teeters near an hour in length, but it’s no slog to get through. There’s an occult-tinged atmosphere at play here that gives the album a little extra something special.

Bandcamp: https://portraitsweden.bandcamp.com/

75. Ironflame – Blood Red Victory (2020)
The album that launched Ironflame to the frontlines of the trad metal scene, an even-more impressive feat when considering that it’s technically a solo project (and I do mean solo). Andrew D’Cagna, vocalist of Icarus Witch, performs all instruments and vocals himself and uses a set of musicians for live performances only. To say that Andrew is a top-notch musicianship would be an understatement; his vocals are staggering, the riffs are tight, the bass is smooth, and the drums are pounding. Lyrically, this is stuff that would make Crom proud, it’s the perfect sort of sword-and-sorcery stuff that really works with this style of music.

Bandcamp: https://ironflame.bandcamp.com/

74. Lord Fist – Wilderness of Hearts (2020)
An under the radar pick to be sure, but one that makes every moment of its sub 35-minute runtime count. On their second, and most recent (as of 2025), release, Finland’s Lord Fist ironed out the few kinks from their first record to an almost absurd degree. It can’t be overstated just how tight this record sounds and feels. Vocalist Perttu Koivunen has a oddly melodic approach to the more traditional speed metal style of vocals, like if you crossed Bruce Dickinson and Dan Beehler of Exciter. Most impressive though is the sense of blues injected into the guitars, it’s almost imperceptible at first, but it really becomes apparent by the halfway mark and kicks the album up a notch.

Bandcamp: https://lordfist.bandcamp.com/

73. Bewitcher – Cursed Be Thy Kingdom (2021)
The third album from Portland’s own black/speed warriors, Bewitcher, opens in a way one might not expect, with a gorgeous acoustic piece conveying melancholy and reflection. This brief introduction showcases just how talented the lads behind the music truly are, showing off their mastery of melody before unleashing a proverbial onslaught of nonstop excellent riffs and abrasive vocals. Yet despite that, Bewitcher retains the harmonies and melodies of speed metal all throughout, mixing them into a wonderful array of metal goodness. It’s like when a cookie has both white and dark chocolate chips on it (that’s a good thing).

Bandcamp:

72. High Spirits – Another Night (2011)
Influenced more by the likes of Scorpions and Dokken than by the more commonly cited bands like Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, High Spirits infuse just a bit of glam and sleaze into their brand of trad metal, and it gives them a wholly unique feeling and atmosphere that really only Hitten comes close to. Bursting right out of the gate with the anthemic title track, and never once letting up for a second. Don’t be fooled or put off by the mentions of glam and sleaze above, this is nothing like the likes of Wig Wam or Crashdïet or Steel Panther. If those acts are a parody of glam as a movement, then High Spirits is an homage. Also of note that High Spirits is another one-person project, with all instruments and lyrics performed by Chris Black in studio, and using a live line-up for touring.

Bandcamp: https://highspiritsmetal.bandcamp.com/

71. Night Demon – Darkness Remains (2017)
Helmed by Jarvis Leatherby, who is more-or-less the NWOTHM scene’s equivalent to a 5-star general who does countless work for the community and movement as a whole. Jarvis is at least partly responsible for the reformation and subsequent ascension of Cirith Ungol, who went from a nifty oddity in heavy metal history to an absolute titan that became respected by the entirety of metaldom. Night Demon, his premier project in which he delivers gruff and sometimes near Danzig-like vocals as well as plays bass, has also grown to grand heights, becoming a stalwart vanguard of the NWOTHM scene as it too exploded in the late 2010s. The incredible riffs, glorious guitar solos, scatterbrain inducing basslines, and of course the great drumming from Dustin Squires that often evokes Burr and Powell. Night Demon’s second album is practically the ultimate trad metal album. The “Planet Caravan”-like closing title track is an immaculate way to end the already fantastic album.

Bandcamp: https://nightdemon.bandcamp.com/

70. Holy Grail – Times of Pride and Peril (2016)
The final album from the titans of the early days of NWOTHM has become a turning point in the chapter of trad metal, right when we entered a new phase of the movement. Featuring blood from Huntress, White Wizzard, Persekutor, and Intranced, all of whom deliver their own personality to the music. In terms of production, Holy Grail has always felt the most modern of the trad metal scene, with its sound crisp and clear, though it still retains the DIY edge. Obviously at the forefront is James-Paul Luna’s absolutely insane vocal performance throughout, which is sensational. But the drumming of Tyler Meahl is in particular on another level, as is the basswork of Blake Mount, and the twin guitar attack of Eli Santana and Alex Lee.

Bandcamp: https://holygrail.bandcamp.com/

69. Blazon Rite – Endless Halls of Golden Totem (2021)
Very much worshipping at the altar of Manilla Road, Blazon Rite is the sort of arcane heavy metal that is practically designed for DnD and sword & sorcery nerds like myself to enjoy. Vocalist Johnny Halladay is truly flexing his storytelling chops with his delivery. A steady lineup since their formation, Blazon Rite has been operating like a well-oiled machine for some time now, and the sheer level of cohesion on this, their debut full-length, cannot be overstated. Pierson Roe pulls triple duty as lead guitarist, bassist, and synths, and he somehow manages to slay it at each one of them. The riffs are memorable and the tone is crisp. Rhythm guitarist James Kirn trudges along with gusto and precision, while drummer Ryan Haley is shining bright (particularly on “Executioner’s Woe”). The incredible closing track that at times bridges both doom metal and speed metal together is a standout to be sure.

Bandcamp: https://blazonrite.bandcamp.com/

68. Manacle – No Fear to Persevere… (2018)
Clocking in at just a hair below 30 minutes, Manacle’s sole release (for now!) might be considered an EP by some, but as a lot of trad metal albums tend to float that half-hour mark, it’s a necessary inclusion. Featuring previous members of Axxion and a future member of Smoulder on bass, No Fear to Persevere… is a wonderful mix of raw heavy metal chops and a nice coat of polish overtop it. Vocalist Kevin Pereira delivers a jaw-dropping performance throughout, showcasing his incredible set of pipes. Like many on this list, this is another one that benefits so greatly from the incomparable production. Falling somewhere between heavy and speed metal, Manacle’s debut album is a quick listen, and with the talent behind the music, is simply not one for trad metal fans to miss.

Bandcamp: https://manacleheavymetal.bandcamp.com/

67. Cauldron – Burning Fortune (2011)
The sophomore album from one of the faces of trad metal, Cauldron’s Burning Fortune dropped as one of the first droplets that signaled the forthcoming storm of NWOTHM bands. Their style is much in-line with Enforcer, albeit slowed down, and even more so with Haunt. Yet there is one band that stands above the rest in terms of where Cauldron draws influence, and that being Dokken. At times this record is straight up Dokken worship (and rightly so, as while they’re a respected act of 80s metal, they truly deserve hallowed status), while it still manages to retain its own identity. From the onset with the infectious “All or Nothing” through to the scintillating closer “Taken By Desire”, Cauldron’s second release offers a more polished experience than their debut (more on it later). And oh god, the bass tone on this record is so groovy.

Bandcamp: https://cauldronmetal.bandcamp.com/

66. Walpyrgus – Walpyrgus Nights (2017)
Featuring members from Daylight Dies, Twisted Tower Dire, and While Heaven Wept, Walpyrgus’ debut and, to date, sole, album brings together a crescendo of influences from across the metal sphere to create something unique. Right from the get-go, this one kicks into high-gear and never once lets up. It’s easy to quickly fall in love with the melodic vocal style of Jonny Aune (TTD), specifically on the album opener “Dead of Night”, and he’s not afraid to make it gruff when need be (see “Dead Girls”). A major show-stealer for me is the arrangement of the album in general, everything just fits in a way that I can’t quite explain. The little nuggets of keyboards are fun extra sprinkles on top of an already complete piece.

Bandcamp: https://walpyrgus.bandcamp.com/

65. Chevalier – A Call to Arms (2017)
The debut release from Chevalier is included here as a bit of a technicality, as, while it is officially designated as an EP, it is over 30 minutes long and that puts it within the same range as many other NWOTHM full-length records. A Call to Arms sits most likely among the most raw sounding releases on this list, the sheer level of intensity and angst delivered behind every pluck of the guitar or bass strings and the force of every drum. Frontwoman Emma Grönqvist’s vocal style has a bit of every thing, most notably Kate de Lombaert from Acid and Wendy O. Williams (RIP) from Plasmatics.

Bandcamp: https://chevalier.bandcamp.com/

64. Ambush – Desecrator (2015)
Returning for the second appearance on this list, Sweden’s Ambush took everything that worked on their already stellar debut record and kicked it up a notch. With the same lineup as the debut, Desecrator is very much an album that tells the story of growth for the young band. “Possessed by Evil” kicking it off with a no-nonsense approach, straight into the earwormy “Night of the Defilers”, and then the incredible title track. It’s definitely an album that unleashes the opening salvo with full-force, but never once did it let up or feel like a drag. The closer “The Seventh Seal” being an absolute mind blower is proof of that, seriously it needs to be listened to.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ambushsweden

63. Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecost (2020)
England’s Wytch Hazel offer something wholly unique in the trad metal sphere, an uncanny sound that feels reminiscent of Church of the Cosmic Skull and acts like Ashbury. They’re another that falls within that vaguely defined ‘adventure metal’ moniker, and another that makes that niche even harder to give definition to. Their music feels equal parts old school and bardic, to modern and hymnal. While their faith-based lyrics might put off some listeners, I find them to be captivating. Coming from someone who doesn’t subscribe to any faith, Wytch Hazel’s lyrics are rooted in the grandiose sides of Biblical storytelling, and less in the more ‘religious’, for lack of a better term, aspects. All of this uniqueness comes together in a way that is strangely entrancing and near impossible to put down or shut off.

Bandcamp: https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/

62. Cruel Force – The Rise of Satanic Might (2010)
The debut from the German blackened speed outfit remains a linchpin of the genre. A perfect storm of grime-ridden distorted riffs and pained growls, and though that ‘speed’ moniker may turn some off, Cruel Force knows when to slow things down a bit. This manipulation of tempo allows them to increase the strength of the eventual thrashier sections. Many may not believe that black/speed/thrash belongs on a list like this, but I disagree, the overall riffs and tone of the guitar are so rooted in NWOBHM (this record is unashamedly Venom worship), and the First Wave of Black Metal, that Cruel Force is certainly a part of the scene.

Bandcamp: https://cruelforceofficial.bandcamp.com/

61. Cauldron – Chained to the Nite (2009)
Another act making their second appearance on this list, Cauldron’s debut offers arguably the rawest sounding album on this list (seriously the tone for the guitars on this one is the stuff of legends). At its core, the production on this record reminds me of early Chastain and Hellion releases, it’s gritty and it’s dirty and it’s perfection. From the sultry cover art down to the incredible Black ‘n’ Blue cover song to close out the album, Cauldron’s sophomore release is a time capsule to the nescient days of NWOTHM and a testament to their status as a vanguard of the movement.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAULDRONmetal

60. Christian Mistress – Possession (2012)
A band who has more in common with the likes of Cauchemar, with their folkish tinged metal that occasionally flirts with the psychedelic and with doom, but with riffs that are more in line with Diamond Head and early Iron Maiden. Helmed by vocalist Christine Davis, who commands the album with equal parts gravelly singing and other times hypnotic, much akin to someone like Jinx Dawson of Coven. The dual-guitar attack of Sparbel and McClain bring enough extraordinary riffing to fill the Nile (pretty sure that’s a saying), as evidenced especially in the opening riff of the title track. If psychedelic doom metal is a thing, then I would definitely call Christian Mistress ‘psychedelic heavy metal’.

Bandcamp: https://christianmistress.bandcamp.com/

59. Capilla Ardiente – The Siege (2019)
Epic doom is one of the NWOTHM movement’s main splinter groups, and Capilla Ardiente has risen to become a major player in the scene. With crushing riffs, a grand atmosphere, and occasionally near-operatic vocals, The Siege, their sophomore release stands proudly on this list as a true standout in a burgeoning genre. And at less than an hour of runtime, it’s anything but bloated or dull. The tracks are long because they have to be, not because the band drags their carcasses to the finish line. Also shoutout to Procession, another epic doom metal project that features multiple members of Capilla Ardiente.

Bandcamp: https://capillaardiente-northernsilence.bandcamp.com/

58. Lunar Shadow – Far From Light (2017)
The first album from this German act that manages to blend both heavy metal and post-punk together into one brooding smoothie is a treat to the ears. Comprised of lengthy instrumental sequences that, for some reason, remind me of both Lord of the Rings and of Blue Öyster Cult. Alex Vornam delivers an almost melancholic and mournful performance as lead vocalist on this, his last release with Lunar Shadow. With only one of its eight songs clocking in below 6 minutes, and two of them at over 9, this is a beefy record to be sure. Yet the influences are so varied from across not just metal, but rock n roll as a whole, that it’s such a fun listen to try and pick out where all of the fragments came from.

Bandcamp: https://lunarshadow.bandcamp.com/

57. Blazon Stone – Return to Port Royal (2013/2020)
Initially a studio-only band, with Cederick Forsberg handling instrumental and arrangement duties and the first album featuring vocalist Erik Nordkvist (later of Candle). Since 2019, following a brief break-up, Blazon Stone has become a full-fledged touring act, and one of their first acts after reforming was to re-record their 2013 debut album. You can take your pick on which version to put here, as they are more or less the same, with some difference for trained listeners and fans to note. BS falls into the quasi-genre of ‘pirate metal’, which basically means they’re a heavy/power band that sings about pirates sometimes. However, they take the Running Wild approach in that, while that is their lyrical themes sometimes, they don’t make being pirates their gimmick, and instead they portray themselves as a serious and legit band, and their music is a testament to that. No gimmicks here, just balls to the wall heavy metal.

Bandcamp: https://blazonstone.bandcamp.com/

56. Sumerlands – s/t (2016)
Featuring vocalist Phil Swanson, Sumerlands’ debut release offers a rawer approach to epic metal than its successor. Hitting you right in the face out of the gate with “Seventh Seal”, and not letting up for the entirety of its breezy 32-minute runtime, Sumerlands’ first outing stands as one of the formative records for the NWOTHM scene. Released in the same month as Eternal Champion’s debut (more on that later), the pair helped to lay the groundwork for what would soon become an explosion of epic metal bands, opening up a fresh vein for trad metal to tap. Also, I can’t explain this, but this whole album reminds me of the Sovngarde portion of Skyrim’s main story, do with that what you will.

Bandcamp: https://sumerlands.bandcamp.com/album/dreamkiller

55. Haunt – Burst Into Flame (2018)
The first album from the California workhorses began a hot streak that we still haven’t seen extinguished. The brainchild of Trevor William Church, who pulls double-duty as both vocalist and guitarist, Haunt have steadily released 9 full-length albums, and an unplugged album, in the years since their debut. Church’s vocals are uncanny and breathy, giving an odd sense of weight behind them, while I found the more melody-driven guitar playing to be reminiscent of Mott the Hoople (for some damn reason). With drummer “Wolfy” Wilson, guitarist John William Tucker (a frequent collaborator of Church’s), and bassist Matthew Wilhoit, in tow and Haunt’s debut record is a tour de force of heavy metal goodness. As an additional bit of praise, I positively adore the guitar sound all over this record.

Bandcamp: https://hauntthenation.bandcamp.com/

54. Spell – Opulent Decay (2020)
Spell are a curious one in the trad metal scene, as their style is what I would call as being acidic and psychedelic (as evidenced clearly from this album’s opener “Psychic Death” and beyond). When the Metal Archives say your most similar artists are Cauldron, Haunt, and Wytch Hazel, three bands that Spell sounds nothing like, then you know that the band has a truly unique approach to heavy metal music. The vocals are hauntingly ethereal, with some crazy Rush-like basslines, and genuinely smooth riffing, this is a total package, even if it might be a bit of an odd one at first. Seriously, on my first listen of this record, I couldn’t get into it, but now I see it as a modern classic.

Bandcamp: https://spellofficial.bandcamp.com/

53. Evil Invaders – Shattering Reflection (2022)
Five years removed from their sophomore release, Feed Me Violence, Evil Invaders returned with a vengeance in 2022. The overall rawness has been refined with a maturity that doesn’t sacrifice the intensity of the music behind it. There’s a touch more melody behind the tracks this time around, and Evil Invaders even plays around a bit with dipping into ballad territory (see “In Deepest Black”). Though their previously discussed occasional touches into black metal do remain drizzled throughout, like powdered sugar over a cake. As it stands, this is Evil Invaders most complete work, with some incredibly high highs.

Bandcamp: https://evilinvaders.bandcamp.com/

52. Skull Fist – Chasing the Dream (2014)
Their debut landed a spot on the original list, and its follow-up only narrowly missed the cut in joining it. With a largely unchanged lineup, drums are now played by Chris Stephenson in a session role, the overall vibes are similar to the debut album yet they also contain senses of growing maturity. This is present in both the instrumentation and in the lyric writing, as Chasing the Dream features a number of tracks that I couldn’t picture on Skull Fist’s killer debut. This was also their last album before their brief initial breakup. I seriously challenge someone to turn off the incredible earworm that is “Bad For Good”.

Bigcartel: https://skullfist.bigcartel.com/

51. Kerrigan – Bloodmoon (2023)
With a line-up consisting of most of the funeral doom band Lone Wanderer, you might expect Kerrigan to be on the slower side of trad metal, but you would be dead wrong. This is practically speed metal at points, while retaining the melody and harmony of heavy metal. The whole vibe of the title track is cohesive and arranged to absolute perfection, while “Against the Westwind” injects a bit of epic doom into the formula. Full disclosure: I was never able to get into this one at release, but in re-listening to it for this list, it’s definitely became a personal favourite in recent years.

Bandcamp: https://kerrigan.bandcamp.com/

#10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #Absu #acid #AirRaid #Aktor #AMBUSH #Argus #Ashbury #ATTIC #bewitcher #BlackNBlue #BlackSabbath #BlazonRite #Blizzen #blueOysterCult #BruceDickinson #Candle #candlemass #CapillaArdiente #Cauldron #Chastain #Chevalier #Chicago #christianMistress #ChurchOfTheCosmicSkull #cirithUngol #coven #Crashdiet #CrownLands #cruelForce #CrystalViper #Danzig #Dawnbringer #DaylightDies #DiamondHead #Dokken #DoomMetal #enforcer #eternalChampion #EternalEvil #evilInvaders #EvilSurvives #FatesWarning #flight #Freeways #Hallas #haunt #HeavyMetal #Hell #Hellion #HIGHSPIRITS #HITTEN #HolyGrail #Huntress #IcarusWitch #Intranced #IronMaiden #ironflame #JudasPriest #kerrigan #kingDiamond #ladyBeast #Legionnaire #LiquidSteel #list #LordFist #lordOfTheRings #LordsOfTheTrident #LostHorizon #LunarShadow #luzifer #Lynx #MagicCircle #Manacle #manillaRoad #MegaColossus #mercyfulFate #midnight #midnightDice #MidnightPriest #morgulBlade #MottTheHoople #NewWaveOfTraditionalHeavyMetal #night #nightDemon #NWOTHM #Persekutor #Pharaoh #PinkFloyd #Plasmatics #portrait #powerMetal #Procession #Queencryche #Ravensire #RunningWild #rush #SavageMaster #scorpions #SerpentRider #SkullFist #sloughFeg #sonja #speedMetal #Spell #StarlightRItual #SteelPanther #striker #sumerlands #Superchrist #Tankard #Tarot #TheNeptunePowerFederation #TheRods #thenwothm #thenwothmCom #thinLizzy #Tonnerre #top100Albums #top50 #ToxicHolocaust #Toxikull #Trial #TwistedTowerDire #UntoOthers #venom #vulture #VulturesVengeance #Walpyrgus #WhileHeavenWept #WhiteWizzard #WigWam #WishboneAsh #Wrathblade #WytchHazel

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
COLD COMMUNION (DAYLIGHT DIES, ALCHEMY OF FLESH) Streams Gloomy Debut Single 'Pyrocene'

https://627e81c5fee2d202a5df846c.paas-p.smehost.net/new-music/cold-communion-daylight-dies-alchemy-of-flesh-streams-gloomy-debut-single-pyrocene

#COLDCOMMUNION #DAYLIGHTDIES #StreamsGloomyDebutSingle #Pyrocene #single #MetalInjection #metal #music

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
COLD COMMUNION (DAYLIGHT DIES, ALCHEMY OF FLESH) Streams Gloomy Debut Single 'Pyrocene'

https://metalinjection.net/new-music/cold-communion-daylight-dies-alchemy-of-flesh-streams-gloomy-debut-single-pyrocene

#COLDCOMMUNION #DAYLIGHTDIES #StreamsGloomyDebutSingle #Pyrocene #single #MetalInjection #metal #music

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#BraveWords–WhereMusicLives
Today In Metal History 🤘 July 14th, 2025 🤘 MEGADETH, TROUBLE, SUPERTRAMP, DANZIG, DAYLIGHT DIES, DEVILDRIVER

https://bravewords.com/news/today-in-metal-history-%f0%9f%a4%98-july-14th-2025-%f0%9f%a4%98-megadeth-trouble-supertramp-danzig-daylight-dies-devildriver/

#Megadeth #GarSamuelson #Trouble #JeffOlson #Supertramp #CountdownToExtinction #Danzig #DaylightDies #DevilDriver #MetalHistory