Every year the same misery… at least it’s sort of a good thing: too much great music being released the whole year through. Those people who dare to say that new music can’t offer anything good, interesting or creative anymore, just have their ears clogged up. So I underwent the difficult task of sifting though the releases I’ve listened to, reviewed, didn’t check out yet, possibly missed,… to figure out who was going to get a spot in my 10 best albums of the year 2018 and here it is!

10. Sylvaine – Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone

The last spot of my 10 top albums I’ve given to the Norwegian artist Sylvaine after debating for a long time with myself. But the combination of atmospheric/magical music with harsh blasts of metal really convinced me to put this album in my list still. A lot of people often say that she’s a female version of Alcest and I can really see where that comparison comes from. I don’t care really, it’s simply wonderful stuff that will get a few more spins of me in 2019!

9. Ihsahn – Amr

Ihsahn is back again! Last time he had a release he was way higher up in my list of top albums, but I simply had to include him still. The album delivered again on his signature progressive sound with some killer tracks. Compared to the earlier record it felt a bit less adventurous and grabbed me a touch less by the balls. But hey, it’s still Ihsahn… no complaints really because you always get top-shelf work from this dude. For the full review on our site go here.

8. Behemoth – I Loved You At Your Darkest

I’ve known Behemoth for ages and I’ve always liked some of their tracks. I never really picked up on what was so special about them to be honest, while much of the world around me seemed to adore Nergal and his friends. But I Loved You At Your Darkest made it click for me. They did some more experimental/progressive stuff on it that really took them into a new era as a band. Bartzabel is easily one of my favorite tracks of 2018, can’t wait to see them live properly now finally! For the full review on our site go here.

7. Shiraz Lane – Carnival Days

Aaah, my buddies from Shiraz Lane! I got to know them a couple of years ago the first time I visited Tuska Open Air in Helsinki and have been following them ever since. I’ve seen them grow into a true hard rock machine that can make any crowd adore them when they play live. On “Shiraz 2nd” they took it to a whole new level on record as well! Opener and title track of the album introduces some of the most stylish sax I’ve heard in a rock track in a long time with a very cabaret sound reminiscent of some work by The Doors. The rest of the album delivers one after the other cracking hard rock track, but especially on album closer Reincarnation they absolutely killed it! Their longest track to date showing a very matured Shiraz Lane bringing hard rock, some heavy metal and even reggae in a damn epic song! For my full review go here.