This year has been overwhelming to say the least when it comes to new releases. Each year I think to myself the year gone by will never be outdone, but lo and behold, both the local and international heavy metal community continue to strive to create some of the most intense, powerful, uplifting, interesting, and important music I have come to appreciate in my adult life. I’m extremely impressed with what Australian and international metal bands are releasing these days. The old ways of doing things are slowly changing and many bands are experimenting with new ways to reach a bigger audience. Some are even being signed to major labels and supporting the biggest names in the genre right under our nose.

It has become increasingly difficult to listen to every single album that comes my way. I do my best to listen to as much new music as possible and discover new bands whilst supporting the veterans of the genre.

The list below is a selection of some of my top albums for this year. I could put them in some chronological order, but having already spent several days tired and frustrated compiling a retrospective list, I thought I’d do it this way. Furthermore, I decided to break the rules a little. Doing away with convention I created a list without a preconceived notion or number. Because let’s face it, rules are meant to be broken. I believe all the bands below have created something unique. Whether groundbreaking or simply holding my attention for more than five minutes, these are my top albums for 2014. Without further ado, the list.

THE LIST

Raubtier – Pansargryning [Sweden – Despotz Records]

It was an extreme pleasure to see Raubtier open for Sabaton in Ronneby, Sweden earlier this year. An amazing live experience that doubled as my first introduction to the band. While the music is heavily rooted in traditional metal, you obviously can’t escape the techno-driven beats and vocals sung in the band’s native tongue. Highly recommended for fans of Rammstein and the like.
Listen to: “Dieselrök”

Gamma Ray – Empire Of The Undead [Germany – earMUSIC]

Known for their satisfying, spirit raising, and anti establishment anthems, Gamma Ray return with a more laid back and somewhat thrashy approach to their power metal motif. While I was left in doubt about the release of the album after a mysterious fire consumed and destroyed Hammer Studios, it seemed fate was on the band’s side and thankfully the recordings were salvaged. What we got was Gamma Ray at their finest. Great song writing, well structured songs, and a joy to listen, too.
Listen to: “Hellbent”

Equilibrium – Erdentempel [Germany – Nuclear Blast Records]

After founding members and siblings Andreas Völkl and Sandra Van Eldik decided to leave the band for unspecified reasons, I was left confused and unsure of the band’s future. However, with the introduction of Dom R. Crey and Jen Majura to the fold earlier this year and completing the line-up once more, I breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Erdentempel’ continues the bands folk and pagan driven elements with even more beer swilling anthems and joy-joy feelings throughout. Triumphant and catchy as hell.
Listen to: “Was Lange Währt”

StormWarrior – Thunder and Steele [Germany – Massacre Records]

Continuing their passionate crusade to bring the true meaning of heavy metal to the masses, ‘Thunder and Steele’ is the sixth studio album from German speed metal trio, StormWarrior. If you love the Kai Hansen era of Helloween or perhaps the Udo Dirkschneider era of Accept (à la ‘Breaker’ and ‘Restless and Wild’) then you’ll probably want to educate yourself with some StormWarrior. ‘Thunder and Steele’ is straight up speed metal with hints of Pagan and Viking mythology. Long time fans will definitely feel at home with this one. The band’s trademark “woosh” and explosion sound sample that is commonplace in every release makes its return. Love it! Give me more, please.
Listen to: “Steelcrusader”

Voyager – V [WA – Sensory/Laser’s Edge]

Voyager are no stranger to Metal Obsession’s top album lists. This year is definitely no exception with the release of the band’s fifth studio album, ‘V‘. The album holds what we have all come to love and respect from the band. Simply awe inspiring and magical music. A true masterpiece that will no doubt stand the test of time and solidify the band on a global scale. Voyager are simply a joy to listen to digitally, but breathtaking to see in the flesh. Strongly recommended for fans of all things proggy and djenty.
Listen to: “Hyperventilating”

Unisonic – Light The Dawn [Germany- earMUSIC]

Ever wondered what would happen if Michael Kiske rejoined Helloween? Well, wonder no more, my friends. Unisonic is a hard rock super group featuring two of the most influential figures of power metal, Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske. ‘Light The Dawn’ is somewhat of a middle ground which ironically bridge these eras together. Whether intentional or not, you can’t help but notice certain similarities in the album which pay respects to both Kiske and Hansen’s influences in music, respectively. The album has some of the happiest and upbeat tunes you’ll probably find in metal, ever!
Listen to: “Exceptional”

Ne Obliviscaris – Citadel [VIC – Season Of Mist]

Seriously, if this album isn’t in your album collection right now, I would strongly recommended you take a page from Joey DeMaio’s book of life and kindly remove yourself from the hall. I could sit here all day praising the album with adjectives, but it wouldn’t do it much justice. You have to experience it for yourself to truly understand why you need this album in your life. The album is a masterpiece which has been beautifully crafted by intelligent and passionate individuals. I’m always finding something new hidden away within the dense layering of the album, something of which continually brings me back for more.
Listen to: “Pyrrhic”

Envenomed – Evil Unseen [VIC – Independent]

There is a ridiculous amount of thrash metal talent popping its collective head up across Australia at the moment. While some are good at what they do, many don’t necessarily push the boundaries to create a distinctive fresh sound that would otherwise see them sink into obscurity. Envenomed have  created an album which not only appeals to old school fans, but also offers something for a new generation of groove and thrash metal enthusiasts.
Listen to: “Burn The Sun”

Triptykon – Melana Chasmata [Switzerland – Century Media]

Thomas Gabriel Fischer, praised by many as the innovator of metal’s various bleak and avant-garde sub genres returns with ‘Melana Chasmata‘. Fans will find familiarity in the album as it retains much of its predecessors strengths, offering that unmistakeable Triptykon experience with new and unexpected twists throughout. Infectious doom-laden grooves with moments of sheer terror.
Listen to: “Aurorae”

Vanishing Point – Distant Is The Sun [VIC – AFM Records]

Vanishing Point definitely took their time with this one, but the wait was worth it. ‘Distant Is The Sun’ brings together what we have always loved about VP, but the obvious evolution and progression is there. Every track on the album is just perfect. As the hatted one, Molly Meldrum, would say, “Do yourself a favour” and buy this album!
Listen to: “When Truth Lies”

Dead City Ruins – S/T [VIC – Metalville]

Do you feel a part of the majority who love the sounds of the 60’s and 70’s, but don’t feel the latte swilling hipster bands of today justify the pure rock ‘n’ roll sound of yesteryear?  Melbourne’s Dead City Ruins has you covered, and will no doubt fill that empty void. From their high energy live performances to vocalist Jake Wiffen’s ghostly Ozzy Osbourne vocals, you will definitely feel at home with this release. Buy the album on vinyl for that added touch of perfection and nostalgia.
Listen to: “Til Death”

Deathstars – The Perfect Cult [Sweden – Nuclear Blast Records]

This album took me by complete surprise. I haven’t been entirely sold on modern goth rock music, and the lack of interest in the genre obviously got the better. I’m glad this one came under my rader, though. It’s extremely catchy and ticks all the boxes for continuous repeats. The album is littered with a great atmospheric tone and a sound that encapsulates the Neue Deutsche Härte (New German Hardness) movement with hints of goth elements throughout.
Listen to: “All The Devil’s Toys”

Sabaton – Heroes [Sweden – Nuclear Blast Records]

Sabaton have elevated to a new level of unstoppable heavy metal power thanks to long time producer Peter Tägtgren, who has seamlessly expanded upon Sabaton‘s musical branding, pushing them to a new level and making them sound bigger than ever. The album is a perfect representation of the new face – or faces – of Sabaton and is quite possibly the band’s best work to date.
Listen to: “To Hell And Back”

HammerFall – (r)Evolution [Sweden – Nuclear Blast Records]

The obvious 18 month break and reunion with producer, Fredrik Nordström, definitely gave us, the fans, what we all wanted. A pure and unadulterated sledgehammer of power metal cheese from Swedish Templars, HammerFall.  I know the phrase “a true return to form” gets overused in the metal world, but this album definitely deserves that turn as the album is an obvious throwback to their ‘Glory To The Brave’ and ‘Legacy of Kings’ heydays. A definitive classic in my eyes.
Listen to: “Hector’s Hymn”

Alestorm – Sunset On The Golden Age [Scotland – Napalm Records]

Alestorm give us their strongest album to date. If you think these lads squeezed the life out of pirates, alcohol and debauchery, think again! With a more mature sound (Yes, it’s actually possible!) and influences stretching as far as hardcore breakdowns, video game music, and a rap with the human beer keg that is Immobilizer of Brisbane’s Lagerstein. This album definitely has something for everyone.
Listen to: “Drink”

Toehider – What Kind Of Creature Am I? [VIC – Independent]

Holy balls! Just when you thought Mike Mills and company couldn’t top their already beautiful and ridiculously enjoyable music. This album comes along and knocks you on your back, and lets your imagination run wild. This album is definitely not for metal elitists or those who don’t like to have a bit fun. A thoroughly fun and entertaining release.
Listen to: “Whatever Makes You Feel Superior”

Judas Priest – Redeemer of Souls [United Kingdom – Sony Music]

After accepting the fact that Judas Priest would be no more after their “Epitaph” world tour (yet missed Australia for some strange reason – thankfully I got to see them at Wacken Open Air in 2011), I was left a little disheartened. I’m a huge fan of Priest and my collection of the band’s discography on original Japanese and US vinyl is a testament to that. However, after receiving word that Priest would definitely be making a comeback, I felt a sense of relief which was quickly overshadowed with doubt. Could the Gods of Metal create an album worthy of Odin and redeem their hastily plans for retire? This metal fans says yes, definitely! ‘Redeemer of Souls’ stands alongside with the band’s best, and the addition of Richie Faulkner has added a great new dimension to the music.
Listen to: “Halls of Valhalla”

Accept – Blind Rage [Germany – Nuclear Blast Records]

For those who know me well, you know I love me some good ol’ German heavy metal. Accept bring out the goods once again with ‘Stampede’, an album which further solidifies Mark Tornillo’s amazing vocal presences and shows off the band’s memorable Teutonic-laden grooves which have influenced countless bands. These guys dominate the stage and if you were one of the lucky few to see them on their recent Australian tour, you would obviously understand what I mean.
Listen to: “Stampede”

Primal Fear – Delivering The Black [Germany – Frontiers Records]

Primal Fear continue their tradition of heavy metal fist pumping anthems. ‘Delivering The Black’ is a solid hard hitting album with a great variety of melody and aggression, and is no doubt the band’s best album with Frontiers Records.
Listen to: “King For A Day”

Opeth – Pale Communion [Sweden – Roadrunner Records]

I know a lot of people haven’t been too impressed with Opeth’s choice of contemporary sound, but I for one enjoy the change of pace. ‘Pale Communion’ is probably the furthest away you’ll get from the band’s previous aggression tone. The album has a more laid back and melodic approach which could be seen as a missing link to ‘Damnation’.
Listen to: “Cusp Of Eternity”

Grave Digger – Return Of The Reaper [Germany – Napalm Records]

‘Return Of The Reaper’ is very much a throwback to Grave Digger’s original speed laden ‘Heavy Metal Breakdown’ and the obvious, ‘The Reaper’. Even after 30 years and  17 albums, Grave Digger continue to deliver a surprisingly fresh perspective on the classic heavy metal sound. If you love your singers dressed to the nines in leather with vocals reminiscent of a rusty chainsaw, I highly recommend this one for you!
Listen to: “Hell Funeral”

LORD – The Dungeon Era [NSW – Dominus Records]

Sydney’s LORD have established themselves quite nicely. Releasing some pretty impressive albums, hilarious video clips, and touring Australia and abroad non-stop, but for the many who are either too young to remember or haven’t had the pleasure to discover the band’s previous incarnation Dungeon, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. For the past 12 months Lord Tim has painstakingly remastered and re-imagined his heavy metal baby, Dungeon, into a new light. This enormous package (haha) features Dungeon’s four studio albums “Resurrection,” “A Rise To Power,” “One Step Beyond” and “The Final Chapter”, reimagined and re-recorded by the current LORD lineup. As well as these re-recordings it also includes the original Dungeon releases all entirely remixed and remastered from the original multitrack tapes. Let me make things easier for you. Buy here and thank me later.
Listen to: “Lost In The Light” 

Honourable mentions: Overkill, Kampfar, Edguy, Vader, Eluveitie, Epica, Tuomas Holopainen, Steel Panther.

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