Feature: Staff Picks - Top 25 Christian Metal Albums Since 2010

Karew Kreation

So now that the Top 25 Christian Metal Albums Since 2010 consensus list has finally been published, we reveal the process, the rules and each writer’s individual “staff picks” to include bonus commentary on each pick by most of the writers. Eleven writers voted. Regardless the outcome, what you will see here is the very diverse nature of our staff and a vast representation of the best music Christian heavy/hard/extreme rock/metal artists have to offer.

Process

Each participating writer submitted a ranked list of their top 25 albums (EPs/full-lengths) released since (and including) 2010. While it was permitted to include artists/bands that were included on the original Top 100 list (such as Stryper, Theocracy, Demon Hunter, Bloodgood, etc.) each writer was restricted to including only one release per artist for their individual list. However, multiple artists could be included on the consensus list due to the scoring process, just as multiple artists were included on the original Top 100 list in 2010.

Scoring

A max score of 12.5 was given to each writer’s number one pick and then 12 for pick number two, 11.5 for pick three, etc. all the way down to 0.5 points for the number 25 pick. The scores were tallied and the final positions determined. If there was a tie, we voted on final position and if there was an artist with more than one release in the top 25 based on points then we “discussed” whether or not to include both or exclude one. Ultimately, Theocracy was the only band with two releases on the list which seemed fair since they were essentially tied for 4th.

The Final Cut

In the end, this was a much less painful process, despite having more writers involved this time, than I remember from the 2010 process. One limitation here is that unfortunately not all of us had heard all of the 2025 releases yet when we voted (Worldview – Invincible, for example) and so that may have affected the final list to some degree. And while our more extreme metal guys (Jason McLaren and Loyd Harp) may be disappointed, we feel, overall, this is a representative list of some of the best of the best. Sadly, as with all lists of this type, some favorites don’t make the cut. — Doc

Jonathan “Doc” Swank

1. Theocracy – Ghost Ship (2016)

The ultimate divine metal cruise! Moving in a less progressive direction than its predecessor and equally stunning As the World Bleeds, Matt Smith and company plow straight into classic metal waters, every song consistently memorable. Taking it to an even higher level here – these are Smith’s strongest vocals to date – the result is a record which feels more cohesive and powerful, their most consistently heavy and direct release. And man, do these songs bleed metal!

Perfectly balancing well-executed music with insightful/inspiring lyrics, I challenge anyone to listen to this music and not be moved, and to not be motivated to re-evaluate your calling/your purpose/your plan, maybe even to reconcile differences with friends, family and the like. While everything Matt Smith crafts is praiseworthy, Ghost Ship represents the pinnacle of his offerings to date. Worship at 11, baby! [Full review HERE]

2. Celldweller – Wish Upon a Black Star (2012)

One of the most immersive electronic rock listening experiences ever, Blackstar features 74 minutes of audio bliss! It’s a shame this music was released in so many fragmented “singles” leading up to the entire album release in 2012. That marketing approach may have lessened the impact of the massive conceptually elegant Blackstar when it was finally realized in its entirety. The juxtaposition of the diverse electronic soundscapes (Drum and Bass, Trance, Dubstep, etc.,) against some of Klayton’s most memorable rock melodies and engaging words is genius. Thirteen years later, it’s an easy decision to include this very high up in my list. Reference quality audio, electronic rock ecstasy. A perfect 10!

3. Demon Hunter – Exile (2022)

“Frankly, this is one of the few releases I’ve heard in years that has me simultaneously horrified, shouting for joy and crying all within the span of 10 minutes. “

That quote from my expansive 2022 review says it all, but for those interested in the details check it out HERE.

4. Extol – Extol (2013)

This music is the perfect blend of technically challenging, progressive death and black metal. Listening to these songs recently I am still impressed by the complexity, the melody, the harshness, the brutal honesty … what more can metal demand than this kind of intense passion and commitment. While Burial and Undeceived remain unsurpassed, it was an easy decision to include this “comeback” album in my Top 5.

5. Ritual Servant – Metallum Evangelii (2021)

The retro Bay area thrash sound with sincere, amped up evangelistic lyrics is killer – a collection of songs you either love or hate upon first listen. Well-crafted songs with lyrical clarity, the sound simultaneously recalls the mid 80’s to early 90’s thrash/heavy metal style along with the more contemporary metal edge. One of the best debut releases ever within the more clearly declared Christian metal genre. [Full review HERE]

6. Eric Clayton – A Thousand Scars (2020)

Immersive soundtrack to this artist’s inspiring redemptive journey back to music. Easily one of the most anticipated, yet surprising, releases of the past 25 years. When this album was released in 2020 (during the height of the Covid pandemic), I conducted an extensive interview with the former Saviour Machine vocalist/producer/songwriter/lyricist. In addition to covering the span of events in his personal and musical life in the preceding two decades, Eric provided readers with a ton of insight into the origin of the songs from A Thousand Scars. Consequently, our conversation simultaneously encompassed an in-depth discussion/review of the music and lyrics. [See full interview/review HERE.]

7. Living Sacrifice – Ghost Thief (2013)

My 2013 review (below) summarizes the impact and brilliance of this release:

“Living Sacrifice is back with an absolutely brutal follow up to 2010’s The Infinite Order. And while that album was an excellent reboot it was a bit more contemporary metal. Comparatively speaking, Ghost Thief is a return to the brutal and heavy riffs of their early metal days, particularly the much lauded Reborn – the album which virtually revitalized the entire Christian extreme metal scene in 1997. This disc is full of riff heavy death metal. The bending riffs in ‘The Reaping’ are just sick, and the same twisting riffs infuse the brutal yet somewhat melodic ‘Straw Man.’ Lance Garvin is a perfect balance of power and speed here, his rhythms seamless, his fills perfectly complementing the pauses and lurches in the guitar riffing. Lyrically this is just some of the band’s best stuff, and Bruce’s growl is fierce and discernable as always, belting these truths out with conviction. Seasoned veterans. Hard to say, but with the longevity of many bands these days cranking out great releases well into the 3^rd or 4^th decade of their careers, Living Sacrifice may just be getting started because they sound as relevant and youthful as ever.”

8. Motivik – Renouncement (2024)

Well, just read my review HERE. Ryan Roebuck took the quasi-Western cinematic thrash metal debut (2021), added a few very competent friends and turned up the progressive thrash volume big-time!

9. Trytan – Blood of Kings (2021)

Quintessential progressive rock. Don’t think I can say much impactful than what I’ve already stated HERE.

“Quite simply, Blood of Kings is a soundtrack to our current lives – these songs addressing issues that are so palpably relevant to every human on this planet at this very point in time that to ignore or dismiss their importance would imply that you are either dead … or a ‘monster?’”

10. Becoming the Archetype – Children of the Great Extinction (2022)

Well, what else can I say … I love this band. This comeback release is monumental in its scope and execution. Progressive death metal doesn’t get any better. [Review HERE]

11. Stryper – Fallen (2015)

While fan support generally dictates that the newer their favorite band’s music is, the more memorable. Granted, these guys have been consistently solid over the past decade with the four releases since. However, I would argue it all started with Fallen. The fans demanded louder and heavier and not only did Stryper deliver in this regard, but they also wrote some of their most memorable songs, in my opinion, since Against the Law. Additionally, the sound mix (particularly the drums) is superb. When the opening statement is as glorious as “Yahweh” and the supporting cast includes gems like “Heaven,” “Let There Be Light,” and “King of Kings,” you know that “The Calling” remains spiritually intact and metallically true.

12. Neal Morse – Jesus Christ the Exorcist (2019)

Arguably, The Similitude of a Dream and The Great Adventure tandem, musically chronicling the tale of Pilgrim’s Progress, is the most ambitious and detailed effort this artist realized in the past 25 years. However, I would argue that while those releases are amazing in their scope and impact musically and lyrically, The Exorcist is the most spiritually impactful. Additionally, with incorporating all the talented vocalists/musicians and stepping outside of the traditional Morse comfort zone, this thing not only plays out like a modern, biblically correct version of Jesus Christ Superstar, it ends up being “one my favorite works of Neal’s proliferative and storied career.” [Full review HERE]

13. Thee Final Chaptre – So Let It Be Done (2022)

Some might ask, “Who is this band and why does Doc have this release ranked so high, or even on this list at all?” My first response would be, read my full review HERE. But for those who need the short version, this album represents one of the most credible 30 year reunions of a Christ-centric power metal band from the ‘80’s. Miraculously resurrected from the dead to deliver an album’s worth of songs, these songs perfectly represent everything we loved about that era of metal dressed up in a vibrant contemporary metal sound mix.

14. Leah – The Glory and The Fallen (2024)

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, “The hallmark of a great musician is that they continue to expand and improve their song writing, dynamics and diversity with each release.” Congratulations to Leah (McHenry) and her mentor Oliver Phillips for constructing the best album of her musical career to date. Lush melodies, rich compositions, inspiring words – all of that and more. [Read full review HERE]

15. Signum Regis – Undivided (2023)

Power metal glory at every level, this was my top release for 2023. Don’t have much more to add than what I’ve previously published HERE.

16. Human Code – Break the Silence (2024)

Born of Worldview, Human Code broke the silence, filled the melodic rock void and delivered the Elefante powered sonically brilliant album that was “just what we needed.” [Full review HERE]

17. Detritus – Myths (2021)

“If you combined Seventh Angel (Lament for the Weary – era) with Trouble and threw in the more progressive, haunting elements of Swedish acts like Pain of Salvation, Veni Domine and Evergrey you would arrive close to Myths doomy doorstep.” [Full review HERE]

18. Oblivion Myth – In Your Arms (2020)

“Nashville’s Oblivion Myth have emerged in recent years as one of the most talented, intense and spiritually relevant U.S. power metal bands. Their perfect blend of progressive, symphonic and old-school heavy metal with charismatic and melodic singing, blistering guitar leads and pummeling rhythms is both captivating and inspiring – their sound and execution the epitome of greatness and credibility. But beneath the musical prowess and daunting metal armor there is a pure heart – one with deep understanding and empathy for humanity’s struggle to survive in a world of sin, and one with a desire to reach mankind with the message of hope through Jesus Christ.” [Interview/Review HERE]

19. Deliverance – The Submersive Kind (2018)

Very strong “return-to-form” comeback release for Jimmy P. Brown II and friends. While way too short and less diverse than some of the more progressive releases, the straight up thrash explosion with poignant, yet centered, angsty lyrics strongly resonates to the core-essence of the big “D.” [Full review HERE]

20. P.O.D. – Veritas (2024)

So, the real question here is, Murdered Love or Veritas? While the former is a very good synopsis of everything that made this band so iconic and impactful during their “glory” years, the latter album just resonates so well with the visceral reality of our every day lives.

“Every song here has something wonderful to express and yet each song has an identity of its own – all of them feature melody over aggression, yet they all exude power, emotion and conviction.”

21. Worldview – The Chosen Few (2015)

I probably ranked this so far deep on my list “accidentally on purpose,” so to speak. I never doubted that the karew would weigh in heavily on this one, no doubt it would make the cut. And for good reasons.

Best described as a collaboration of Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior) and George Ochoa (Deliverance, Recon), Worldview is the product of the inspiration of the late Rick Macias (keys Sacred Warrior) who died in 2009 before he could witness the culmination of his dream. His efforts not in vain, Parra and Ochoa, along with drummer Johnny Gonzales and bassist Todd Libby, delivered a very good collection of heavy progressive melodic metal tunes.

22. Wytch Hazel – IV: Sacrament (2023)

I suspected any votes for this UK band (if any) would go to III: Pentecost because that was a pinnacle type release, for sure. However, Sacrament just resonates with me in a way the others didn’t, and the songs are just so infectious – can’t count the number of times I’ve listened to the vinyl version of this gem. The band defies description – they play a type of rock you just must hear for yourself. Big disappointment that none of their releases made the consensus list. [Full review HERE]

23. Reign of Glory – All Will Bow (2022)

This vote slot was a choice between this release, Impellitteri – The Nature of the Beast and Martin Simson’s Eternal Reign. Since Impellitteri and Rob Rock were very well represented on the Top 100 list (2010) the choice was narrowed down to the vocalists. As much as I love Rock, the glorious voice of Robin “Kyle” Basauri – that gritty bluesy, Coverdale vibe – won the day in my book. And the music is pretty darn tootin’ as well. [Full review HERE]

24. Azusa – Heavy Yoke (2018)

Debut release from two of the original members of Extol features the stunning vocals of Eleni Zofiriadou. Progressive extreme metal worship fueled by scintillating lyrical catharsis. “Baptized in a cocktail of iniquitous spiritual praxis,” just a taste of the richness and wit. [Full review HERE]

25. Ben Baruk – Cosmogony (2024)

I reserved this vote slot for an independent band, one which would have little hope of ever making a list like this due to lack of label/brand exposure, but an indie “underdog” nevertheless. Thanks to Chris Gatto for getting this CD, and ultimately this music, to my ears. Below a sample of my thoughts on this epic journey.

“Out of the gate, if you are a fan of cinematic, conceptual fantasy melodic progressive doom/death metal Cosmogony may be the best (and maybe only album for that matter) which fits that specific niche/descriptive. I mean, this is seriously outrageous … and this is seriously metal, seriously progressive and seriously conceptual … and this is seriously great! “[Full review HERE]

Missed the Final Cut

While some will call it an “honorable mention,” I consider this factor more in the vein of “a missed opportunity.” The album I most wanted on the final list that didn’t make the cut was Detritus – Myths. A deceptively enticing reincarnation of the original more thrashy style they put forth in the early ’90’s, this is a massively impressive collection of doomy, progressive glory. There, I said it! And I should have ranked it higher on my own list!

Doug Van Pelt

1. Theocracy – Ghost Ship (2016)

I know clean, excellent melodic metal when I hear it. And this is it. “Wonder of it All” and “Around the World and Back” are two of my favorite songs from the past 15 years. And the lyric, “Grace has a way of building hope out of despair” crystalizes the Gospel in one lyric, one line, that really makes me swell up with that joyful, “I wanna cry tears of joy” kind of emotion. Love it.

2. Stryper – God Damn Evil (2018)

The words “God” and “damn” together are one of those taboo, “I’ll never say it” kind of cusswords, topping the F-word on the forbidden list. The fact that this title track is so catchy bothers me in that uncomfortable way. But it’s not that really good song that puts this album on this list for me. And, by the way, an album has to be cohesive as a unit to make it high on this list, But a great, stellar song can catapult an album to the stratosphere and “Sorry” takes Stryper to its most glorious of glory days in my opinion. And such a cool lyrical theme and video, too. [Full review HERE]

3. Deliverance – Camelot in Smithereens Redux (2022)

This one almost got my number #1 vote. It’s truly the Operation Mindcrime of our generation. This was not just a remix. It was a re-creation of the original vision that the record label wouldn’t let Jimmy Brown and Co. put out there. It was a shame it was neglected and not properly released back in the ’90s. It’d be a shame if any of our reader never heard this (redux) version. I’m so serious. This is epic. Great. [See full review HERE]

4. Human Code – Break the Silence (2024)

Easily my favorite album of 2024. Such a great collection of players, but it’s not the players that make this album great. It’s the songs. And the production just elevates it to another level. [Full review HERE]

5. Demon Hunter – Songs of Death and Resurrection (2021)

An album like this, of acoustic versions (so to speak) of the band’s hits would rarely make it to a list like this, but it should. Good songs translate from electric to acoustic and these tunes are so strong. It’s almost unfair to put it in a list like this, because its a best-of collection, but it was released as a stand-alone album and it shines. [See review HERE]

6. Roxology – Unearthing Majestic Hymns From the Catacombs (2021)

This might be the one album on this list (or at least one out of about five) that I would argue and shout about until I’m blue in the face. Take the greatness of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which is the metalizing of familiar Christmas melodies, and take that into the arena of great hymns from the historical and recent (’70s) past and breathe new guitar harmony life into them. Not a vocal on this album, but stellar. A must-have for anyone into Heaven’s Metal. There, I said it. [Full review HERE]

7. Galactic Cowboys – Long Way Back to the Moon (2017)

We got some immediate complaints about Galactic Cowboys not making it to the Top 25 list we published. That just shows you how stupid my teammates are. I’m joking! I’m kidding. I’m giving them verbal abuse here! But this band is so great and this “let’s get the band back together” album ranks as one of their best, much less how great it is compared to what else was released between 2010 and September of 2025. [Full review HERE]

8. Mute Math – Odd Soul (2011)

I know, I know. This is not metal by any stretch. But it’s certainly hard music and it’s certainly worth your listen. It’s also very intriguing considering the spiritual themes talked about.

9. Eric Clayton – A Thousand Scars (2020)

The man behind Saviour Machine made such an epic and emotional solo album here. Wow. The title track melts me. [See review HERE]

10. Guardian – Almost Home (2014)

One of the greatest bands in our scene made a valid comeback album here.

11. P.O.D. – Murdered Love (2012)

The title track, “Lost in Forever,” “West Coast Rock Steady,” “Beautiful,” “Bad Boy,” and the f-word infused “I Am” are standout cuts in their catalog. The fact that they’re all on one album make this one great.

12. Barren Cross – Birth Pangs (Live) (2013)

Live albums pretty much never make it onto lists like this, but that’s a crime. This was an “on” night for the band (there is video out there, too) and it includes their greatest tunes from Rock for the King, Atomic Arena, State of Control, and Rattle Your Cage. Oh my gosh, this is great! Why was I the only one who picked this? Maybe I’m a genius.

13. Switchfoot – Vice Verses (2011)

Not metal, but edgy.

14. U2 – Songs of Experience (2017)

“Get Out of Your Own Way,” live digs at Trump aside, “The Little Things That Give You Away,” “Love is Bigger Than Anything in its Way” and “You’re the Best Thing About Me” rank high in their canon.

15. The Violet Burning – The Songs of Our Lives (2011)

The songs “br0thr” and “Where it All Begins” stand out on this triple-length concept album. Hard, dirty, edgy. Definitely hard. Metal? No.

16. Trytan – Blood of Kings (2021)

The songs “The Godstorm” and “Revelation Song” are killer.

17. Anberlin –Lowborn (2014)

Call me a heretic for including some un-metal stuff on this list, but these are some of my favorite hard albums from this 2010-2025 era. “We Are Destroyer,” “Hearing Voices,” and “Harbinger” are noteworthy and stand the test of time.

18. Bloodgood – Dangerously Close (2013)

“Pray” is so awesome. One of the band’s greatest tunes.

19. Alice Cooper – Detroit Stories (2021)

“Our Love Will Change the World” is a Beatlesque rock song and “Hanging on by a Thread” is a great anti-suicide song with a spoken message over the music ending, along with the Suicide Hotline # are great moments by the king of shock rock.

20. Neal Morse – Jesus Christ the Exorcist (2019)

This musical genius could have a bunch of albums on this list. This one stands out to me, but it’s hard to choose from his great catalog. [Live Morsefest 2018 review HERE]

21. Flood – Polarized (2022)

This band looks good on paper and in stereo.

22. One Bad Pig – Love You to Death (2016)

This band is still kicking out the jams all these years later. “What Does the Fool Say” is one of their best tunes ever. A great follow-up to “Let’s Be Frank” theme-wise.

23. Stavesacre – MCMXCV (2017)

A crying shame that this album faced a delay in its kickstarter beginning to final product release, but extraordinary songs like “The Dead Rejoice,” “Sleepyhead,” and “Accelerating into Brake Lights” are strong.

24. Twenty One Pilots – Blurryface (2015)

Not considered a metal album, but metal is certainly a genre the band digs inspiration and sound from. Could be the best album on this list if this were HM Magazine. Full of great songs, like “Heavydirtysoul,” “Stressed Out,” “Lane Boy,” “The Judge,” and “Fairly Local.” If this band is unknown to you, spin this album at least twice.

25. Various Artists – Electric Jesus (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) (2021)

When this movie was being promoted, a semi-lame cover of Stryper’s “Makes Me Wanna Sing” released on social media gave so many metalheads the wrong impression (that it was a mockery of the Christian metal scene). This is the furthest thing from the truth. However, tunes like this and “Barabbas” can be laughed at to some extent. But “Girl,” with its melodic guitar lines, and “Commando” are actually great songs. Do you consider the songs “We All Die Young” or “Stand Up” by Steel Dragon (from the Mark Wahlberg movie Rock Star) good or great? Then give another listen to these songs. [Full review HERE]

Loyd Harp

1. Ascending King – Funeral of the Species (2017)

The perfect, though unlikely, fusion of black metal and doom metal. Unlike anything I’ve ever heard.

2. Every Thought Captive – Eternal Conscious Punishment (2024)

One of the few perfect 5-star ratings I’ve ever given. [See full review HERE]

3. Extol – Extol (2013)

Extol are the masters at creating music that is simultaneously heavy, brutal, melodic, and progressive all at the same time.

4. Azusa – Loop of Yesterdays (2020)

Amazing amalgamation of thrash, prog, dream pop and hardcore from this multi-continental act. [See full review HERE]

5. Bismoth / Symphony of Heaven / Timoratus – Body of Christ (2019)

Three bands offering three differing styles of black metal to very pleasing results.

6. Timoratus – Reverentia (2017)

Timoratus is known for creating albums of different genres with each release. Their drone/doom/post-metal phase was one of the most interesting to me.

7. My Silent Wake – Damnum Per Saeculorum (2020)

Epic, doomy, acoustic/folk metal on the band’s 11th album, and 4th in their acoustic series. The use of frame drums is particularly effective. [See full review HERE]

8. Duister Maanlicht – Influisteringen Van De Duivel (2021)

Dutch black metal masters’ 9th studio album fuses primitive black metal with crust punk for a compelling listen. [See full review HERE]

9. God – God II: Jesus Christ – The Origin, Life, Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ (2017)

Instrumental djent metal from a band made up of completely anonymous members, writing progressive tunes (without lyrics) in order to encourage worship and devotion? Sign me up.

10. Karv – What the Dunes Have Hidden (2024)

Excellent Swedish black metal from this one-man project. [See full review HERE]

11. Symphony of Heaven – Ordo Aurum Archeia (2024)

Indiana’s Symphony of Heaven has been around for a while (with band members moonlighting in a host of other combos including Elgibbor, Timoratus, Mystic Winter, Death Requisite and others). They are nearly without peer in this brand of blackened death metal. [See full review HERE]

12. Desolate Tomb – Scorned by Misery (2024)

My one and only deathcore release on this list. Super heavy stuff from the Oklahoma natives. [See full review HERE]

13. Azell – Death Control (2024)

The doom/sludge alter ego of Timoratus members. “Death Control” is a weird sci-fi romp through allegorical landscapes.

14. Herfstdood – Lijdensweg (2024)

Excellent blackgaze side-project from Duister Maanlicht member. [See full review HERE]

15. Manta Birostris / Unteachers – Split EP (2022)

Two alternative metal bands. One from Poland. One from Pennsylvania. One of the more unusual metal releases on this list. [See full review HERE]

16. Clear Convictions –Endure (2025)

Probably the best hardcore album I’ve heard in the last few years.

17. Herfstdood / Hikikomori – Split (2023)

Two black metal bands in completely different styles trading song for song on this split EP. [See full review HERE]

18. Decayed Existence – The Beginning of Sorrows (2024)

I’ve recently been decrying the lack of quality old school/traditional death metal in the Christian scene. Decayed Existence is here to answer that call.

19. Testimony of Apocalypse – Agony in the Garden (2025)

Fantastic and truly original progressive and/or melodic death metal. While TOA may feature ex-members of Sacrament, the music sounds nothing like it. [See full review HERE]

20. Not Beneath – Memento Mori (2018)

Underrated and unknown death metal band featuring ex-members of Outcry, North Meadow Park, Narcissus, and Vessel—interestingly enough all hardcore bands from the early 2000s.

21. Stavesacre – MCMXCV (2017)

What a fantastic return to music from this epic band! If you’re going to take an 11-year break, then when you come back it better be worth it. Stavesacre proved they could not only still rock out, but that it was worth listening to.

22. Bloodwork – World Without End (2014)

Brutal death metal from England. One of the best in this style.

23. Anima Mortuum – Morbid Temple (2018)

For such a short EP, this traditional black metal release really packs a punch.

24. The Beckoning – The Desolation of War (2017)

This Canadian band played a cool style of progressive death metal with gothic and melodic leanings. But what’s more—they also wrote with a theological depth often missing from Christian metal releases.

25. Necroscopia Burial – O Inferno e um Lugar de Tormento e Ranger de Dentes (2017)

This grindcore band from Brazil offered a 16-song slice of noise in just over 6 minutes. Yet within those 6 minutes is found an incredible amount of diversity in sound. What struck me most about this release was how atypical of the grindcore genre that it was.

Honorable Mention: Darren Lazzari’s Axtian – It Never Comes Easy (2022)

In a rare move for me, I want to mention a non-extreme metal release. “It Never Comes Easy” is a wonderful contribution to the pop metal/party metal genre with big hooks and memorable songs. Axtian started as a mainstream band, but Lazzari met Christ along the way and since changed his lyrical direction entirely. [See full review HERE]

Jeff McCormack

1.The Neal Morse Band – The Similitude of a Dream (2016)

I became a fan of Neal’s in Spock’s Beard, but of course was truly thrilled when he professed faith and went solo with Christian centric lyrics. When his music was paired with the drumming of one of my favorite drummers, Mike Portnoy, I was sold. Release after release from the early 2000s thrilled me, but it was this epic album based on one of my favorite books, Pilgrims Progress, that really captivated me greatly. Top notch musicianship, and great story-telling lyrics, its the whole package. I also finally got to see the band live on this tour, so that experience may have influenced this choice some, since I consider most everything he touches as gold. [Full review HERE]

2. Impellitteri – Venom (2015)

What more is there to say about this band, anyone who has experienced them knows what to expect. Some of the most insane shredding guitar parts, layered over phenomenal drumming, and the cherry on top, the melodic, yet powerful golden voice of Rob Rock. I’ve been a huge fan of Rob’s since the early days, from Project: Driver through so many appearance with bands like Warrior, Axel Rudy Pell, and of course his long tenure with this band. When he began openly professing his faith, that just increased my love of the man with the golden voice. Most every project or band he appears in sound near perfect, but Impellitteri is the whole package deal of high-energy melodic metal, and checks all the boxes for me.

3. Motivik – Renouncement (2024)

I was proclaiming this as my top metal album of 2024, so it had to find a place on this list.. While I only dip my toe occasionally into the more extreme side of metal, it takes a lot to keep my attention when I do. While I found this band’s 2021 release, Death of a Gunman intriguing, it was this follow up release that captivated and blew my mind. Not your typical extreme metal band where (to me) each song just sounds very similar and as extreme as the last, this album is very diverse and kept my attention from start to finish. It incorporates all kinds of elements of metal, and has enough dynamics to hook you in and keep you thrashing along.

4. Human Code – Break the Silence (2024)

For those of us who grew up in the time of melodic metal, this band made up of many of our musical “heroes” from those days was destined to be great (okay, well, it could have been a flop, I admit). Members from three highly regarded bands of yesteryear, Barren Cross, Recon/Deliverance, and Holy Soldier were back with something to prove, and they succeeded. Add to that the top-notch production of the Elefante golden touch, and the bar was set high, and met. Not at all a throw-back 80’s sound, but a modern rock band with an all-star lineup.

5. Stryper – Fallen (2015)

This one was a little tougher, because honestly, ranking a favorite band like Stryper can be tough. Their return to the music scene in the mid-2000s was a thrill, and while those first few albums were great, it was 2013’s No More Hell to Pay that not only started a string of similarly wonderful album cover artwork, but a solid and consistent sound for six albums (so far) since that time, and while any of them are worthy of being on this list, there is just something about Fallen that stands out a hair more to me, so I add it here. The opening Track “Yahweh” grabs you and begins the great ride until the end with “King of Kings” closing out a stellar melodic metal ride.

6. Kalamity Kills – Kalamity Kills (2023)

Having been a huge fan of Jamie’s ever since the debut album by Tempest (yes, I still love that album), thru his tenure with Guardian, and into his other projects like Adrian Gale, this new release took it to the next level and brought some of the most stellar work of his career. Melodic, heavy enough, catchy enough, with hooks galore, yet with a modern feel for today’s hard rockers. Jamie is back with a vengeance, and this stellar release deserves the attention of all who love hard-edged rock. [Full review HERE]

7. Martin Simson’s Destroyer of Death – Eternal Reign (2023)

Well, if you read my comments above on Impellitteri, then this release in my list is of little surprise. Featuring the vocal prowess of Rock Rock on the majority of the tracks, this album is pure melodic metal greatness. Add in the guitar finesse of Narnia’s CJ Grimmark, and this makes for a blistering attack overlaying an all-star set of other musicians, including of course, Martin Simson himself, leading the rhythm section to glory on bass guitar. Just another amazing melodic metal masterpiece in my book.

8. Theocracy – As The World Bleeds (2011)

How does one rank a band like Theocracy, who put out stellar power metal release time and time? I guess you lean to nostalgia and pleasant memories. In 2011, my children were all still young enough to be forced to be taxied around by me, which meant they had to endure my music. My eldest daughter loved this album, especially the epic eleven minute open opus of “I Am” – from that point, this release was locked into a special place in my heart. Great album all around.

9. Deliverance – The Subversive Kind (2018)

Been a Big D fan since the Greeting of Death demo days and through every twist and change they progressed through over the year. I love it all for various reasons, but when they returned to a much more heavy and thrash influenced style on this release, it captivated me with the nostalgia of their past sound that I grew up loving, and the sheer power we are provided with here.

10. The Final Chaptre – So Let It Be Done (2022)

This one caught me by surprise big time. This band made a small blip on the music scene in 1991 with a cassette release. Decent metal for a young group. It did get a CD release, with bonus tracks, in 2016. Apparently, this reissue garnered some attention or in some way spurred the band on to get back together for new music. The guys returned, and for the longest time I was declaring this to be my favorite release of 2022. No longer a band of young men making music, this effort is top notch, from production, to song writing, to musicianship, it is a melodic metal masterpiece in my opinion, and got repeated listens thru the year. Deserves much more attention for sure.

11. All For The King – All For the King (2017)

For many years, I used to jokingly proclaim about Sweden that “there must be something in the water.” So, so many great bands and music projects that rank high in my list of treasured music have come from that land. A 2014 release by a new band, Empire 21, had caught my attention, and so when I found that the vocalist from that was in this new band All for the King, I had to check them out. The initial tracks I heard were enough, I was sold, and now, three albums later, the band has solidified a place high in the ranks of my love, so they had to appear in this list, and the first album is where it all started, so it made the cut. Solid, modern, mid-tempo heaviness, at times almost slightly doomy and sludgy, they lock in and take you on a splendid musical ride.

12. Flood – Polarized (2022)

I love the band Tourniquet from start to finish, but those first three albums rank high as some of my absolute favorites of theirs. it was a different time, a different line-up, and a very different sound. So, when original Tourniquet vocalist Guy Ritter and original guitarist Gary Lenaire resurfaced with this new project, also bringing in early Tourniquet guitarist Erik Mendez, my interest was intensely piqued. And the result did not let me down. While different, it had enough of the elements to sound very similar to those early Tourniquet releases, and I was thrilled at what I was hearing. One of my favorite albums that year.

13. Demon Hunter – World is a Thorn (2010)

This was a near Herculean task—pick a favorite Demon Hunter album, seriously? They had to be on the list, but how to choose a favorite from this time period, I still question it myself. While I initially leaned heavily to choosing Triptych, mainly because, to me, that album is where they found their sound and the production levels lock in high, producing an amazing release from start finish (plus my band used to cover “Not I” from that release), but in going back through the songs on the releases from those years, there were so many cherished moments found here, that it made the final cut. Ask me to do this list again tomorrow, who knows which might appear. One of the few metalcore bands that I connect with in a huge way.

14. The Showdown – Blood in the Gears (2010)

As mentioned in an earlier release above, I only tip my toes into more extreme metal on occasion. When this band’s first album, A Chorus of Obliteration, came out, the cover art drew me in, as well as the praise of others for this release, but the music was a bit much for my liking at the time, so it got very little attention (I do love it much more now years later). Their 2007 release, Temptation Comes My Way, was an instant classic for me, as it was drastically different than the first. While fans of the first were less than in general pleased with the second, it was the opposite for me. Album three, Back Breaker, was almost a merger of the two sounds, but without the more extreme vocals. But this fourth album, to me, was the high-water mark where it all came together in near perfection. The opening track, “The Man Named Hell,” set the pace for the amazingness found throughout.

15. Worldview – The Chosen Few (2015)

Another “super group” release that we assumed would be sure to please, and it did in spades. Amazing vocals by former Sacred Warrior lead-man Rey Perra, and the powerful guitar attack of Recon / Deliverance axe-man George Ochoa, they brought us a top slab of modern melodic metal greatness. Had this list been made months later, their return with a second album after ten years, may have edged this out due to the sheer excitement of having new music. Either release by this band would be worthy of your love if you hadn’t checked them out.

16. Reign of Glory – All Will Bow (2022)

Similar to my #15, another super-group and another band that had a new release in 2025 that would have given this release a run for the money over which is better. But let’s stick with this one. Two parts Die Happy (and other great projects) with vocalist Robin Kyle Basauri and bassist Roger Dale Martin, and one part Crucified (and other notable acts) with drummer Jim Chaffin, and the fiery-guitar attack of FireWolfe’s Nick Layton, this release provides a solid, modern metal experience. Hard, heavy, and hook laden, this was a blazing return of many beloved musicians.

17. Saint – Hell Blade (2010)

Another near-impossible feat, to choose a favorite Saint release. So many great releases to choose from from this classic band who have been at it for over 40 years. This list is limited to releases since 2010, that puts us in the era of change for the band. Their return in 2004 with original vocalist Josh Kramer gave us the familiar yet fresh sound of the band, but his departure after 2012’s Desperate Night release opened a door for another “new era” for the band. And while any of the releases since 2010 could be considered worthy of placement here, there is something something about Hell Blade that snags my attention ever so slightly more, the title track alone does it for me. Solid, traditional metal from a consistent band bringing their greatness since the early 80s.

18. Disciple – Attack (2014)

This band started off with a young aggressiveness that caught my attention around the time of their second full length release. Metal thrashings through and through kept our attention early on. After a few releases, basically between 2000 and 2012 era, a slightly lighter, more commercial side started to appear, leading to some radio airplay. Some fans fell off, while many other climbed on board the growing Disciple train. I went along for the ride, and loved it all. This 2014 release came out of the gate and hit me like a ton of bricks with so many great heavy songs and anthemic powerful tracks, that this and subsequent releases have increased my love of this bands mission and music.

19. P.O.D. – Murdered Love (2012)

While the band has released many great releases in years prior to our time period, it is this first one post 2010 that captured my love from the start and ever since, and became a go-to album for me. The energy, the hooks, the power, they bring it all here as always, but in a manner that keeps this release above the rest of this era’s releases for me.

20. Red – Release the Panic (2013)

I loved the previous releases from the band, but this time around marked a pretty radical change in style for the band, with quite a few people speaking out in dislike. Me, I found it to be quite an amazing change, and the album resonated with me on a whole new level from previous releases. Less orchestrated and more aggressive, the different sound was more powerful and energetic. After the public outcry on this, the band later releases an orchestrated edition of this release. For me, the original is pure magic. I saw them on tour at this time, and it was amazing.

21. Place of Skulls – As a Dog Returns (2010)

I discovered the doom metal magic of POS later in the game, but was instantly drawn to what they were putting out. This 2010 release was their last, and the only one fitting into this list’s time-frame, but it is a great one in their catalog for sure. If you like old-school sludgy doom metal, then Place of Skulls deserves a place in your collection. Honestly, as their music is getting harder to find, their catalog really needs reissued. With the inclusion of their early demo on the Roxx Records GEMS Vol 4 release, I am hopeful that it leads to further conversations with the band about further reissues.

22. Veni Domine – Light (2014)

The band took the Christian metal world by storm in 1992 with their blend of progressive / power / doom metal magic, releasing six great albums between 1992 and 2007. Had they stopped there, their name would not have made this list. But after a seven year period of silence, this album was dropped into our ever-excited laps, containing an amazing musical journey. Filled with songs from six to twelve minutes in length, this journey is not for those with a short attention span, it is a sit-back-and-take-it-in experience of musical greatness.

23. Detritus – Myths (2021)

A band that dropped two great releases on us in 1991 and 1993 and disappeared until they resurfaced with this 2021 release. Still thrashing it out, but with a different vibe than their previous releases, this one has provided enjoyment for many, many spins, and a hope for more music in the future. While many bands of this nature tend to get more and more aggressive and extreme both musically and vocally over time, I appreciate that this band does not go that route, and that’s why they rank in my list. A stellar comeback album in my opinion.

24. Leah – The Glory and the Fallen (2024)

Leah has been gracing the world with her blend of symphonic hard rock with folk and Celtic influences on the world since her first album in 2012, and while her previous five albums all have their high points worth noting, but when this new album dropped onto my turntable, it grabbed me quicker, and kept me engaged in a way unlike prior releases. I already have a history and love of various Celtic and world rock music, so Leah found an instant home with me early on, and this new one took the love to a whole new level.

25. Michael Sweet – Ten (2019)

Yes, it was hard to place a beloved musician like Michael on the list this low. Yes, this is one amazing album, and one of his best. Yes, it probably could be moved up higher, but ultimately, it had to make the list. Michael has done some real amazing work outside of Stryper, and this one, being his most recent solo release, ranks very high for me in his catalog of releases. With an amazing amount of guest musicians appearing on this, it is just another amazing cog in the wheel of Sweet-ness that must be experienced if you haven’t already. [Full review HERE]

Seth Metoyer

1. Living Sacrifice – Ghost Thief (2013)

2. Fleshkiller – Awaken (2017)

3. Becoming the Archetype – Children of the Great Extinction (2022)

4. Demon Hunter – Exile (2022)

5. Hope Deferred – Darkness Remains (2025)

6. Abated Mass of Flesh – The Existence of Human Suffering (2022)

7. Broken Flesh – Broken Flesh (2015)

8. Nyctalopia – Flesh Slayer (2021)

9. Disciple – Skeleton Psalms (2023)

10. Deliverance – The Subversive Kind (2018)

11. Antidemon – Convergence (2024)

12. Desolate Tomb – Scorned by Misery (2024)

13. Impending Doom – Baptized in Filth (2012)

14. Stryper – The Final Battle (2022)

15. In-Conquered – Nor Rivaled, Nor Equalled (2020)

16. Godsfarm – Balkum Origins (2022)

17. Fear Not – Fields of Sorrow (2022)

18. With Blood Comes Cleansing – With Blood Comes Cleansing (2025)

Testimony of Apocalypse Reveals Album Cover for - Agony in the Garden

19. Testimony of Apocalypse – Agony in the Garden (2025)

20. Voluntary Mortification – Suffer to Rise (2022)

21. Taking the Head of Goliath – Taking the Head of Goliath (2018)

22. Dehumanize – Superbia Falsum Deum Creat (2024)

23. For Today – Breaker (2010)

24. Crimson Moonlight – Divine Darkness (2016)

25. Pantokrator – Marching Out of Babylon (2021)

Chris Beck

1. Theocracy – Ghost Ship (2016)

With exceptional songs and even better lyrics, this is the pinnacle of progressive power metal.

2. Ritual Servant – Albus Mendacium (2023)

Old-school thrash and unabashedly Bible-based lyrics make for an amazing album.

3. Times of Grace – The Hymn of a Broken Man (2011)

Killswitch Engage members outdo their other band with this rally cry of encouragement for those still searching and believers alike.

4. Impellitteri – Venom (2015)

With blistering leads and soaring vocals, Chris Impellitteri and Rob Rock master their sound on the band’s best album since the ’90s.

5. Leah – The Glory and the Fallen (2024)

Unforgettable melodies and mesmerizing vocals combine on Leah’s heaviest and best release yet.

6. Immortal Souls – IV: The Requiem for the Art of Death (2011)

Few band so eloquently merge ferocity and melody, while track “Nuclear Winter” may be their best song ever.

7. The Neal Morse Band – The Great Adventure (2019)

My favorite Neal Morse album—and he has many—this double CD was even more amazing to see performed live in its entirety. [Full review HERE]

8. Extol – Extol (2013)

Though the intensity is toned down from their early years, the mighty Extol still sound amazing even after an extended break between releases.

9. Anette Olzon – Rapture (2024)

Symphonic metal fans need to hear this album from the former Nightwish lead vocalist, who sings boldly and beautifully. [Full review HERE]

10. Fleshkiller – Awaken (2017)

Former Schaliach members team on this brutal and brutally underrated gem.

11. Waken Eyes – Exodus (2015)

Henrik Bath’s (Darkwater, Harmony) vocals shine and the epic title track closes this wonderful album of melodic progressive metal.

12. Dalit – Moksha (2021)

Arguably the best Christian doom metal band, the musicianship on this not-too-gloomy album is superb.

13. Opus Irae – Into the Endless Night (2024)

Symphonic black metal occasionally moderated by beautiful female vocals, this was the surprise release of 2024.

14. Stryper – No More Hell to Pay (2013)

The band makes a concerted effort to bring a heavier sound with NMHTP, and it works. Arguably their best and most complete album since Against the Law.

15. Pantokrator – Marching Out of Babylon (2021)

25 years but only four albums, Panto subscribes to the quality over quantity approach. The vocals ending “Phoenix Rising” make for a grand finale.

16. Jernlov – Resurrection (2023)

Black metal with emotions raw and production refined, the Christian perspective on loss, sorrow and yearning for comfort is highly relatable.

17. Narnia – Ghost Town (2023)

Over 10 albums in, Narnia’s latest may not be their best but the choruses are the most memorable. The lyrics are thankfully as bold and relevant as ever. [See full review HERE]

18. Slechtvalk – Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide (2016)

Continuing their musical mastery on album #5, Slechtvalk seamlessly unite extreme metal with choir vocals, war chants and acoustic guitar.

19. Antestor – Omen (2012)

Not one of their better releases, but the lesser of Antestor is still required listening. Challenging lyrics lend to this being a slow burner.

20. Signum Regis – Exodus (2022 Remix/Remaster)

With vocals from Lance King, Matt Smith and others, this much-improved reissue expands track count, song arrangements, and digipak/liner notes.

21. Melech – Melach Ha Olam (2017)

Songs of worship sung in Swedish and played to death metal, this side project from Pantokrator members rivals the main band.

22. Motivik – Renouncement (2024)

A significant improvement over their debut, with Renouncement, Motivik joins Ritual Servant as some of the best thrash I’ve heard in years.

23. Whitecross – Fear No Evil (2024)

Apparently musical era agnostic, after two decades of silence, Rex Carroll and Co. come roaring back with this slab of classic Whitecross sound.

24. Darkwater – Human (2019)

Continuing their progressive metal proficiency on album #3, you’ve done your ears a disservice if you haven’t heard Darkwater. [See full review HERE]

25. Vardøger – Ghost Notes (2015)

Despite the change in sound and members, this skillful extreme metal release includes “Call Your Name,” one of my favorite songs from the last decade.

Chris Gatto

1. Saint – Heaven Fell (2022)

A near perfect album from the apocalyptic metal masters with all cylinders firing from the onslaught of “Holier Than Thou” to “When Heaven fell, we met our Maker – now and forever.” [See full review HERE]

2. Whitecross – Fear No Evil (2024)

It’s been a lifetime since the last new Whitecross material, but Rex Carroll and company have meticulously crafted a return masterpiece that was well worth the wait. [Full review HERE]

3. Flood – Polarized (2022)

Guy Ritter and Gary Lenaire together again would be enough, but then they had to break the rules of speed metal and thrash like it’s 1990 all over again!

4. Worldview – Invincible (2025)

You know all the players – these guys have rocked you in Recon, Deliverance, Human Code, Sacred Warrior, Neon Cross, and Holy Soldier – and they’re back with a masterful new album. Modern power metal with a progressive bent that will keep you coming back for more. [Full review HERE]

5. Living Sacrifice – Ghost Thief (2013)

A generation of thrash, death metal, and metalcore can only aspire to be half as good as the legendary Living Sacrifice. Still waiting for a follow-up.

6. Becoming the Archetype – Children of the Great Extinction (2022)

Return of Jason Wisdom and BTA, one of the more creative elements in thrash and death metal. These guys could stand head to head with any mainstream peers out there.

7. Deuteronomium – The Amen (2013)

The final and finest album (?) from the Finnish death metal/death and roll-ers features Miika Partala’s signature growls over some downright melodic rhythms.

8. Detritus – Myths (2021)

Seventh Angel’s Mark Broomhead returns with his unconventional British thrash outfit after an almost 30 year absence to prove thrash and prog metal can coexist.

9. A Hill To Die Upon – Omens (2011)

The brothers Cook brought genius level thinking to their brand of blackened death metal with “I am the black space between the stars.”

10. Trytan – Blood of Kings (2021)

Surprise musical return of Lary Dean with a new lineup of Trytan after a 30 year absence proves that there’s no dust on the progressive metal master’s guitar or mic.

11. Philadelphia – Warlord (2016)

A surprise comeback album from this trio after a 30 year silence. Warlord is a mix of unreleased demo material and new songs, the resulting album being so poignant that it eclipsed their previous work. Hoping there’s more in the pipeline

12. Sacred Warrior – Waiting in Darkness (2013)

While we wait for new Rey Parra-fronted SW music, the legacy of the melodic powerhouses was ably carried by this single album graced by the vocals of Eli Prinsen (The Sacrificed, Saint).

13. Theocracy – Mosaic (2023)

America’s answer to Stratovarius is Theocracy, brainchild of Matt Smith, who outdoes himself every time with his mastery of prog and power metal, this time showing the transitory nature of human life.

14. Armageddon USA – Up In Flames (2105)

Second Chance becomes Armageddon and puts out a barnburner of a trad metal album in 1989. The band rechristen themselves Armageddon USA after a 25 year absence and punch out more trad metal like time stood still.

15. Immortal Souls – Wintermetal (2015)

Just like melodic metal, with death metal, the right voice can make or break a band, and Aki Sarkioja has one of the finest death metal growls around. I love Finland’s Immortal Souls and their brand of “winter metal.” “The Trail in the Snow,” with its mix of clean and death metal vocals remains my favorite song of theirs.

16. Motivik – Renouncement (2024)

New wave of thrash metal that does the old guard proud. The future belongs to these precision loving surgeons of metal.

17. Frosthardr – Frosthardr (2018)

Only full length album from the band made up of black metal royalty (former Antestor and Vaakevandring members), brainchild of Ravn “Jokull” Fuhrfjord.

18. Gale Force – Subhuman (2021)

Michael Drive and Tracy G. (Dio/ Eight Ball Cholos) form a modern metal band harder and grittier than most of Barren Cross’ output.

19. Vials of Wrath – Seeking Refuge (2013)

D.C. Mills’ one-man band brings us post-black metal, ambient music, and a nature focus, rolling beauty and ferocity into a single musical moment.

20- Ben Baruk – Cosmogeny (2024)

Brazilian progressive metal band equally at home playing extreme metal as melodic delivers a stunning exposition on Tolkien’s The Silmarillion. [Full review HERE]

21- Millennial Reign – World on Fire (2024)

TX’s melodic metal/prog heroes have had several vocalists, but Tiffany Galchutt proves she is the just the woman for the job. [Full review HERE]

22- Deliverance – The Subversive Kind (2018)

Jimmy Brown, you really are the center of it all, but an all-star Big D lineup with Victor Macias, Jim Chaffin, and Glenn Rogers made this a memorable thrash outing.

23- Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecost (2020)

These Brits’ throwback to the analog days of 70’s hard rock is always phenomenal, but never more than this album focused on the third person of the Trinity – “Spirit and fire, lead me I pray.”

24- XT – Saved by the Blood (2017)

Bjorn Stiggson’s revival of XT looks like a supergroup, with members of Leviticus, Jerusalem, Motherlode, and Veni Domine. Keyboards still dominate the melodic metal, but we see a dark progressive side to the band.

25- Tortured Conscience – One Law One King (2023)

Jeff Lenormand rebuilds his grindcore band with Dutch drum prodigy Rene Gerbrandy and Duane Keith (Vision of God owner) on vocals. The latter’s impossibly long growl opening “An Open Letter” is proof you’re in the right place, listener.

Keven Crothers

1. Saint – Immortalizer (2024)

Crushing traditional metal that fires on all cylinders. Blending Judas Priest, Accept and Savatage – the best of the BEST!! “The Congregation” is a pounding bit of metallic excess that delivers “HAIL TO THE CONGREGATION!!” [See Keven’s full review HERE]

2. Applehead – Light Side of the Apple (2023)

Groovy Power Metal with perhaps the catchiest song of the last 10 years, “DOWN.” Pure genius. [See Keven’s full review HERE]

3. Theocracy – As The World Bleeds (2011)

Their 3^rd album of Progressive Power Metal which pleases this headbanger without compromise. From epic opener “I Am” this album takes the listener on a journey of musical perfection with lyrics that encourage, uplift and instruct.

4. Narnia – From Darkness to Light (2019)

They continue to write songs of the highest order, with blistering guitar work and infectious melodies. Progressive elements still show up from time to time. “You are the Air That I Breathe” is a smoking bit of introspection that shines like the morning Sun. [Full review HERE]

5. Wytch Hazel – III: Pentecost (2020)

Old school traditional heavy metal ala Thin Lizzy or Wishbone Ash. Breathing life into melodies such as “He is the Light” or “Dry Bones’,” yet “Spirit and Fire” remains an absolute BANGER!!

6. Grave Robber – You’re All Gonna Die (2011)

Their most metal album of all! Highly infectious hooks with punk/hardcore ferociousness. Spiritual metaphor wrapped in ghoulish imagery. “CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF” is the one!

7. Demon Hunter – The Extremist (2014)

A collection of absolute anthems of which drive the power train. Not just a metalcore outfit but a song writing machine delivering memorable songs that will outlast the genre labels.

8 . Worldview – The Chosen Few (2015)

A huge surprise in 2015! Truly an album so epic it took them 10 years to follow-up. The testimony of classic songwriting, production and hard work. Melodic proggy metal that is one of the ALL TIME CLASSICS!!

9. Stryper – The Final Battle (2022)

Without a doubt the finest Stryper album of the last 15 years. Amazing songs that are without filler. “Ashes to Ashes” is a testament to digging deep and creating a memorable hook. [See Keven’s full review HERE]

10. Ritual Servant – Metallum Evangelii (2019)

Is this 1985 on COMBAT Records? NO? … Wow … Too bad because the vibe is here is beyond classic. Lookout because a mosh pit is starting in my office … WHOA!!! ARRRGGHHHH!!! !!

11. Signum Regis – Undivided (2023)

Power Metal that is of the highest order! Crushing melodic riffs that ooze attitude and drive this heavy metal train along. An exceptional production that is metal heads everywhere should be listening too!

12. The Sacrificed – III (2012)

An album lost in the shuffle due to poor mastering originally. The songs absolutely destroy and crush everything else. Eli Prinson’s vocal is powerful, but it’s the lead work of Michael Philips that cuts through. Do yourself a favor and grab the remastered version from Eli’s Bandcamp for The Sacrificed. A heavy metal CLASSIC!!

13. Affector – Harmaggedon (2012)

Progressive Metal with some of the best instrumentation heard anywhere. Delving into the book of Revelation this concept album is perhaps a true lost gem. When it first came out, everyone in our scene was talking about this album. Now? Crickets except for a select few. Members of Symphony X, Dream Theater and Neal Morse contribute.

14. Testimony of Apocalypse –The Offering (2023)

With one of the best opening songs EVER, TOA delivers a sledgehammer of melodic death metal mixing clean and growls of multiple different vocalists on this album. Their new album is perhaps even better! BUT … too early to tell. [Full review HERE]

15. Within Silence – The Eclipse of Worlds (2024)

Highly melodic euro power metal with large Iron Maiden influences that create something new. Vocals, guitarists, bass and drums … brilliantly unforgettable. [Full review HERE]

16. Millennial Reign – World on Fire (2024)

Second release with their newest vocalist Tiffany Galchutt. MR has unleashed an amazing record of proggy symphonic metal. Always able to craft memorable and brilliant tunes. “We Follow ON!!” [Full review HERE]

17. A Hill to Die Upon – Omens (2011)

A fan from their first album, this epic release of blacked death metal is brutal. A frequent player this album demands your attention.

18. Anette Olzon – Rapture (2024)

Former Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon lets her faith shine on this epic album of symphonic metal. Producer Magnus Karlsson (you all know who that is yes?) crafts a gem that should have fans of genre fainting in the ailes. Essential.

19. The Brave – Evie’s Little Garden (2021)

Fabulous bit of melodic metal/hard rock with an 80s vibe, but with modern production values. Not to be missed. “Love: Automatic” is worth the price of admission. [See Keven’s full review HERE]

20. Human Code – Break the Silence (2024)

Super group creates a super rockin’ release. Hiding their influences well. Not an 80s or 90s rehash, but a driving bit of whimsy that crafts it’s own sound. “Evermore” is the song here.

21. Chaotic Resemblance – Nazarites (2022)

A fantastic album of powerful grungy melodic metal. A band that has continually gotten better on each release. A slight 80s aesthetic, but the heaviness factor is fabulous. One of 2022s best and one of the 25 best since 2010. [See Keven’s full review HERE]

22. Fear Not – Fields of Sorrow (2022)

Following up on their 2019 EP Fear Not return, creating a wall of sound that rocks the foundations. “Riptide” was the best tune of 2022. The rest of the album is just as strong. Eddie Green’s vocal is unbelievable. [See full review HERE]

23. Jimmy P. Brown’s – Eraserhead (2018)

Continuing to cement his reputation as one of the great songwriters. JPB’s Eraserhead isn’t thrash at all but more of an alternative metal with proggy elements. Hard hitting none the less, “Digital Postage Stamp” is a rant on the keyboard warrior/critics of our day. Musically a perfect slice of modern metal ala David Bowie. [See Doc’s interview/review HERE]

24. Becoming the Archetype – Children of the Great Extinction (2022)

The titans of destruction return with a bombastic album of sci-fi story telling veiling a metaphor of deeper meaning. Such a great album of death core metal. Brutal.

25. Trytan – Blood of Kings (2021)

Kings of prog return with more prog elements than before. The title track is a 9 minute epic of prog metal that moves along at such a brisk pace its hard to believe it’s that long. Eric Gillette from The Neal Morse Band offers production and drums. Lary Dean’s return to form. Not to be missed.

Jason McLaren

25. Impending Doom – Baptized in Filth (2012)

Nothing could ever top Nailed. Dead. Risen., but Baptized in Filth showcased a more dynamic side to the band that has yet to be matched.

24. Bedeiah – Blood Metal (2011)

Just because the production was made a little clearer didn’t mean that anti-DSBM act Bedeiah was any less eerie and forlorn sounding. An acquired taste, to be sure, but F.A. Monje’s sound stands alone.

23.In Conquered – Nor Rivalled, Nor Equalled (2020)

Frantic blackened death metal that is histrionic and chaotic, yet possessed of extreme precision. Not since Flo Mounier of Cryptopsy have I heard a drummer with as much talent as Jordan Varela has.

22. Bloodwork – World Without End (2013)

Bloodwork nailed the blackened death metal sound with World Without End, putting out a terrifying monolith of punishing fury that rivalled bands like Belphegor and Akercocke.

21. Anima Mortuum – Morbid Temple (2019)

An incredible homage to the sounds of first-wave and early second-wave black metal that fans of Celtic Frost, Darkthrone, and Mayhem will absolutely eat up.

20. Dawnbreaker – Deus Vault (2018)

Dawnbreaker took the primitive onslaught of war/bestial black metal and injected it with a sense of the epic on Deus Vult. Though Dawnbreaker would later expand its sound with symphonic black and blackened death metal elements, this one’s intense focus on war metal’s intensity matched with a grand, expansive sound makes it stand out amongst the band’s discography.

19. Hazeroth – Charms of Sin (2015)

One would be hard-pressed to believe that this album is by the same band that recorded Arsenal. Taking a cue from the latter sounds of Antestor, Hazeroth’s third album proper is a great mix of heavy metal bravado with black metal’s aggression. [Full review HERE]

18. Goatscorge – Wrath of Heaven (2022)

If Darkthrone, Bestial Warlust and Beherit had a baby, it would sound like Goatscorge. Wrath of Heaven is about as filthy, crusty and rotten as war/bestial black metal gets, and is proof that Goatscorge’s talent and vision keeps improving with age. [Full review HERE]

17. Lament – Burn Satan Burn (2021)

Believe it or not, this is the album that got me into melodic death metal (a subgenre I practically shunned for years). Lament have always been adept at blending the atypical sounds of brutal death metal into a melodeath template, and here is no exception. Heavy metal fans that tend to avoid death metal may wish to give this one a chance.

16. Cerimonial Sacred – Christ Worshippers (2015)

A grand black metal symphony by unblack metal’s answer to Dimmu Borgir that is charming in how over-the-top it all is. A smashing piece of black metal pomp and pageantry for those who prefer their music leaning more toward the baroque.

15. Cataclysmic Warfare – Blood Presidium (2025)

Perhaps it’s a bit early to throw this on the list, but it’s really hard to deny the sheer awesomeness of this new slab of bestial black metal. For those who used to cut their teeth on Black Witchery and Blasphemy, this will be a welcome blast of nuclear noise. [Full review HERE]

14. Elgibbor – Corruptus Vindicta (2021)

Fire has to be one of the hardest working and most prolific musicians in the entire unblack metal scene, and his work especially pays off with this one. Raw and direct like all Elgibbor records, Corruptus Vindicta is also one of his most atmospheric, possessed of an unmistakeable sense of longing amidst all the abrasive shrieks.

13. Antestor – Omen (2013)

After the symphonic sounds of The Forsaken, Antestor stripped it all back in a big way and released a searing black metal record that sounds like a band that has had enough of being black metal whipping boys simply for being Christians. Easily their most aggressive and furious record.

12. Lucifer Impaled – Blood. War. Supremacy. (2019)

Canada’s Lucifer Impaled blew the doors clean off with this opening salvo of righteous war metal. From the opening atmosphere of Bolt Thrower-esque gunfire to the pulverizing nuclear might of the tracks that follow, this record would pave a path for several later acts to tread upon. Brutal doesn’t cover it.

11. Antidemon – Apocalypsenow (2012)

Though Convergence is arguably their most musically accomplished, there’s something about Apocalypsenow’s meat-and-potatoes approach to grinding death metal that I can’t help but love.

10. Katumus – At the Ruins of This World (2014)

Allegedly done as a kind of tip of the hat to Fire Throne fans from what I remember, Katumus’ debut is raw black metal the way it’s meant to be played.

9. Drottnar – Monolith (2019)

Arguably my favourite album proper from the band, Monolith pulled off what Satyricon have been trying (and in my opinion, failing) to pull off ever since Volcano back in 2002. The slower pace of the album leaves more room for the songs to groove and breathe a little, all while maintaining Drottnar’s signature dissonance.

8. Vials of Wrath – Dark Winter Memories (2019)

Atmospheric black metal in the Cascadian vein, but from Tennessee. Dare I say it – this is one warms like a roaring hearth, but still chills the soul.

7. Frost Like Ashes – The Fellowship of Suffering (2021)

Unblack metal’s reigning kings of controversy returned with an album that, in my view, topped their first one. Deeper and more poetic in nature, it also turned up that old and cold black metal feeling to a new level of intensity. Ferocious, thrashing black metal of the highest caliber. [Full review HERE]

6. Broken Flesh – Stripped, Stabbed and Crucified (2012)

In my view, Broken Flesh have yet to top this one. An obvious riff on a certain Cannibal Corpse song, this EP showcased a particularly oppressive and hostile form of death metal reminiscent of old Incantation. Unlike Incantation, they didn’t need to rely on satanic posturing; indeed, the real-life inspiration of this record would prove far more frightening.

5. Extol – Extol (2013)

After experimenting with alt-rock and thrash, Extol’s self-titled record from 2013 went back to what made them such a force of nature to begin with. For my two cents worth, it’s my second favourite album by them.

4. Skald in Veum – Stridslysten (2019)

A breath of rejuvenating fresh air, Skald in Veum’s sophomore album took the carnage of 1260 Days to new heights, blending the sounds of classic Mayhem and Watain with a signature Swedish style of brutality. I’m still hanging on for that third album, God willing.

3. Fathomage – Autumn’s Dawn, Winter’s Darkness (2023)

To my mind, Fathomage remains one of the brightest stars amongst the new wave of Christian black metal artists coming out in the last several years or so, and Autumn’s Dawn, Winter’s Darkness could arguably be sole member Akul’s masterpiece, a gorgeous, compelling and epic masterclass in how to do atmospheric black metal right.

2. Within Thy Wounds – Forest of Iniquity (2020)

The audial equivalent of a lone walk into a winter storm, Forest of Iniquity channeled the sorrowful noise of Xasthur and None into a driving maelstrom of abrasive beauty possessed of a glimmer of hope. A modern classic. [Full review HERE]

1. Herfstdood – Lijdensweg (2024)

I reckon that many readers are probably reading this and wondering “Who?” Hopefully this one taking top spot fixes that. A sleeper gem of atmospheric black metal bliss—primitive and beautiful.