Best of heavy music releases in 2021

As we’re at the end of January, it’s time to look back at the very best albums in heavy music from the last year. Well in our opinion anyway, just to be clear. Of course, we could have missed some great releases. Whether if we are not that into some subgenres, or we didn’t have time to get around to listening to them or they simply just didn’t get to our attention.

So with that in mind, here are IMP’s top releases from 2021. The list is sorted purely by release dates of albums as we could not favor one over the other. Because let’s face it, you can’t compare artist and their music as each one of them has their own style. Now onto the list!

• Soen – Imperial (29.01.2021) – Silver Lining Music

It was exactly one year since the release of Soen’s latest album Imperial. The album continues with a sound already established on Lotus with a hint of new moments here and there. Great progressive musicality and Joel’s excellent vocals makes this one an instant treat for any fan of the band.

Highlights: Monarch, Illusion, Antagonist, Fortune

• Lake of Tears – Ominous (19.02.2021) – AFM Records

10 years since their last album, Lake of Tears made their comeback with Ominous. This time with a more personal album that takes the listener on a brooding and emotional journey. Fans of the band already know they can expect different things on each album from the band. This one is no exception. Their gothic roots are still present, but the overall sound focuses on atmosphere and it does a really good job. As a fan of concept albums, this one is high on the list. Songs just blend into each other to tell the whole story.

Highlights: All of them!

• Architects – For Those That Wish To Exist (26.02.2021) – Epitaph

What was initially meant to be a double album eventually became this 15-song monster of an album. Sure some fans weren’t happy that the band changed their sound into more mainstream oriented metalcore. But personally, I love it. Songs sound huge with thoe anthemic choruses. There’s even more clean singing on this record than ever before, but it just ads that more depth and emotion in the process. Don’t worry, there are still some breakdowns throughout the album along with some nice guest vocal appearances too.

Highlights: Discourse Is Dead, Dead Butterflies, Impermanence, Animals, Meteor

• Evergrey – Escape Of The Phoenix (26.02.2021) – AFM Records

Hailing from progressive metal spectrum comes Evergrey’s Escape Of The Phoenix. These Swede’s seem to be on a hot streak since their Hymns For The Broken record. Packed with chuggy 7-string guitar riffs and great production,  the songs flow from faster to more mellow atmosphere driven sound on album seamlessly. Every instrument played has its shining moment on this album. And of course on top of that are Tom’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. This band can’t do wrong!

Highlights: Forever Outsider, Where August Mourns, In The Absence Of Sun, Eternal Nocturnal, You From You

• Chevelle – NIRATIAS (05.03.2021) – Epic

I’ve heard some of Chevelle’s songs in the past, but they never grabbed my attention that much. That is until ‘Self Destructor’ came out. Man, what a powerful song as a lead single! Then ‘Peach’ came out, and I was completely sold. Blending their Toolesque vocals with guitar and bass driven mainstream rock sound, the songs often pack a punch. As a bonus, NIRATIAS (Nothing Is Real And This Is A Simulation) is somewhat of a concept album, with some weird spacey interludes that fit well in the narrative and bridges the songs perfectly.

Highlights: So Long, Mother Earth, Mars Simula, Self Destructor, Peach, Endlessly, Remember When

• Bodom After Midnight – Paint The Sky With Blood [EP] (23.04.2021) – Napalm Records

After the tragic passing of Alexi Laiho (R.I.P.) comes the only release from his band Bodom After Midnight in the form of  3-song EP. Well two original songs and a cover of Dissection’s ‘Where Dead Angels Lie’. And that’s more than enough to satisfy any fan of Alexi’s work. Including myself, which is why this release is on this list. This time music is less keyboard driven than in his previous band Children of Bodom, instead it’s more guitar oriented blend of melodic death and black metal, which is where his talents obviously shone through. Shame we won’t hear any more material from this band. That’s why this EP leaves somewhat of a bittersweet taste.

Highlights: All of them!

• Gojira – Fortitude (30.04.2021) – Roadrunner Records

Five years after Magma, Gojira expand their progressive groove death metal sound even more with Fortitude. Their signature guitar sound and riffs are beautifully combined with Joe’s unique vocals. With a driving groove and catchy hooks and Mario’s incredible drumming, Gojira further cements their place on the top of the metal scene. One my absolute favorite releases in the past year!

Highlights: Born For One Thing, Amazonia, New Found, Sphinx, Into The Storm

• At The Gates – The Nightmare of Being (02.07.2021) – Century Media Records

Veterans of melodic death metal released probably their most proggiest record to date last year. While still delivering their signature Gothenburg sound, the band also wasn’t afraid to try something different. And it works, because while listening to this album, you never get bored and often discover new elements (and even instruments!)  in songs with each new listen. While their previous record was great, this one feels like a step up, which is a good thing.

Highlights: Spectre of Extinction, The Paradox, The Nightmare of Being, Garden of Cyrus, The Fall Into Time, Cosmic Pessimism

• Lorna Shore – …And I Return To Nothingness [EP] (13.08.2021) – Century Media Records

The band got my attention with their last album Immortal. It was a perfect mix of sinister symphonic black metal with deathcore.  Following bands inner changes afterwards regarding controversy surrounding their singer, I was a bit skeptical about this release. But oh boy, was I wrong! By now probably every metalhead has heard of them, whether they wanted to or not. The leading song from this EP, To The Hellfire alone, featuring new vocalist Will Ramos, has catapulted the band into the stratosphere. And rightfully so. While it brings nothing new from the band, as they continue in their sound established on Immortal, it’s execution is brutal. I mean those breakdowns just melt your face right off!

Highlitghs: Well it’s a 3-song EP, so all of them.

• Tesseract – Portals [BluRay/DVD/Live 2-CD] (27.08.2021) – KScope

I was watching this live streaming event when it went live and it blew me away. Beautiful production was accompanied with great visuals to complete its five act audio and cinematic narration. The band played to perfection their progressive djent style songs from their entire catalogue, much to delight of most of the fans. I for one am glad Tesseract decided to release this on physical formats as well. After all, it would be a shame to waste all of the effort put into this, just for a live stream. As a bonus there is a Behind the scenes documentary as well as their Live In The Lockdown session that was livestreamed earlier.

Highlights: Concealing Fate Parts 1-3, Tourniquet, Beneath My Skin / Mirror Image

• Leprous – Aphelion (27.08.2021) – Inside Out Music / Century Media Records

Ever experimenting, these Norwegians can’t do wrong. Interestingly naming their album Aphelion (in short, it’s the farthest point of a body’s direct orbit around the Sun), it suits the music well. Meaning the band went up and beyond with this album musically as much as possible. But you know, it’s still Leprous, just a bit different approach I guess.

Highlights: Running Low, Silhouette, Castaway Angels

• Carnifex – Graveside Confessions (03.09.2021) – Nuclear Blast

Following the delay of vinyl production and release date, this one almost flew under the radar for me. These deathcore veterans made a pretty brutal follow up to World War X. Black metal influences are again matched with their signature sound, giving this album more sinister vibes throughout. As a bonus, Graveside Confessions is packed with some band’s re-recorded old classics and a Korn cover. A fine addition to their already impressive discography.

Highlights: Graveside Confessions, Pray For Peace, Seven Souls, Countess Of Perpetual Torment

• Insomnium – Argent Moon [EP] (17.09.2021) – Century Media Records

Released with an intention of making all songs powerful melancholic ballads, this 4-song EP does just what it was meant to do. Inosmnium deliver their signature sound on this release. While incorporating more clean vocals and focusing more on the atmosphere, they’re still maintaining the guitar sound and growling vocals. A must have for any fan of the band.

Highlights: All of them!

• Tremonti – Marching In Time (24.09.2021) – Napalm Records

On his fifth album from solo band, Mark Tremonti proves yet again how skillful songwriter he is. Just under an hour, Marching In Time never seems to disappoint. Low tuned guitar combined with pummeling production add to that extra juicy punch when listening to this album from the very start. Catchy hooks, melodic uplifting choruses, solos, the drumming, everything is just top notch!

Highlights: A World Away, If Not For You, Let That Be Us, Not Afraid To Loose, Marching In Time

• Trivium – In The Court Of The Dragon (08.10.2021) – Roadrunner Records

Almost a year and a half since their last album, Trivium managed to release yet another one.  This time around, lyrically their they created their own  mythology theme which suits the songs very well. Mixing things from all corners of metal spectrum, Trivium balances this perfectly, thus creating their own unique sound and style. That’s why the album has a good dynamic between more up tempo songs and those more on the progressive side. And as a cherry on top, the album features orchestration from no other than Matt Heafy’s friend and collaborator Ihsahn!

Highlights: In The Court Of The Dragon, Like Sword Over Democles, Crisis Of Revelation, Shadow Of the Abbatoir

• Whitechapel – Kin (29.10.2021) – Metal Blade Records

If I had to choose the best album of the past year, it would have to be Kin! Not to diminish others on this list, but this one just feels special. Yes, the band evolved even more from their deathcore roots, than on previous effort. Thematically it’s a follow up to The Valley, but musically this album is more melodic, mellow and just feels really emotional throughout. The shift between faster and slower songs is really something. Arrangements on the songs are really interesting and Phil’s singing on this album is just phenomenal. Whether he’s screaming or singing, you can feel every emotion. Absolute top tier album in my book!

Highlights: I Will Find You, Lost Boy, A Bloodsoaked Symphony, Anticure, History Is Silent, Orphan, Kin, The Whole Album!

• Be’lakor – Coherence (29.10.2021) – Napalm Records

Continuing in their already established progressive melodic death metal sound, Be’lakor delivered yet another stellar record. The longer song format they are known for also holds a lyrical and vocal storytelling, which is pretty unique and still interesting to hear. Catchy riffs and endless melodies are in prefect combination with drum grooves, bass and guttural vocals. Hidden Window was constantly blasting since its release. Instant classic.

Highlights: Locus, Foothold, Valence, Hidden Window, Much More Was Lost

• Omnium Gatherum – Origin (05.11.2021) – Century Media Records

These veterans of melodic death metal return in style with Origin. A step up from their last release, the album features more memorable songs and hooks. Mid tempo songs, abundance of melodies and guitar solos, ‘80s style keyboard rockin’ out, blastbeats, growls, clean vocals, you name it. This album has everything. You can even check out our album review.

Highlights: Paragon, Reckoning, Fortitude, Tempest

• Swallow the Sun – Moonflowers (19.11.2021) – Century Media Records

While the album doesn’t change much of the band’s sound, one must admit that these musicians can’t make a bad song. Swimming in the safe waters, these Finns managed to make their most melancholic, melodic, emotional and most memorable record yet. The band proves once again that they are at the top of their game in these gloomy doom/death musical scopes. Catchy choruses and melodies on Moonflowers are just incredible. Using more of the clean vocals this time around, it adds to emotional heaviness of the album. And as a bonus disc, the album is performed in rearranged form by Trio Nox, which adds another perspective on the album. A must have for any fan of the band and doom/death.

Highlights: Moonflowers Bloom In Misery, Enemy, Woven Into Sorrow, All Hollows Grieve, The Void… well pretty much the whole album honestly.

• Obscura – A Valediction (19.11.2021) – Nuclear Blast records

One of the most anticipated albums from last year was definitely A Valediction by German progressive death metal virtuosos Obscura. And man what an album this is! Re-invigorated by the return of past members, the album feels fresh and expands the band’s sound more than ever before without sacrificing its signature core. It keeps listeners on its toes throughout the entire album and throws some curveballs along the way to spice things up a bit. They even gave us a throwback to Cosmogenesis era with ‘Orbital Elements II’. I mean, what more can you ask from them?

Highlights: Forsaken, Solaris, A Valediction, When Stars Collide, Devoured Usurper

• Aephanemer – A Dream Of Wilderness (19.11.2021) – Napalm Records

If you’re more into faster type of metal, look no further. French metallers fuse melodic death metal, power metal with neoclassical approach and it works rather well. While sometimes it seems the melodies are overused and blend into the blur, it’s actually really fun listening to this album. It never feels boring and the riffs and keyboards just keep coming. And vocals really compliment each song, whether it’s growl or sprinkles of clean almost operatic vocals. Pure high voltage.

Highlights: Antigone, La Radeau de La Medúse, Strider, Pantha Rei

• In Mourning – The Bleeding Veil (26.11.2021) – Dalapop

With their sixth album, In Mourning went on to make something different than their previous trilogy of albums. And the result is a more darker record, fusing clean vocals more frequently with their progressive take on melodic death metal. The only thing that sometimes sticks out is the use of those tortured screams. While it’s not something new from the band (A Wov To Conquer The Ocean comes to mind), sometimes it throws me off when listening to the album, but other times it works pretty well. But this in no way diminishes the albums quality, as the band once again continues to deliver stellar record. It still baffles me they aren’t bigger on the metal scene. Very underrated band if you ask me.

Highlights: Sovereign, At The Behest Of Night, Thornwalker, Blood In The Furrows

• Hypocrisy – Worship (26.11.2021) – Nuclear Blast Records

The honor to close off our list belongs to Swedish melodic death metal legends Hypocrisy and their comeback album Worship. Aliens and government conspiracies are all present in the lyrical themes as was expected from band’s mastermind Peter Tägtgren. While the album is mostly in mid tempo mode, that adds to the sinister atmosphere that suits the album theme, with some fine exception of faster and sometimes frantic songs. Overall a nice comeback for the band.

Highlights: Worship, Chemical Whore, Dead World, Gods Of The Underground

Honorable Mentions:

• Wolfheart – Skull Soldiers [EP] (05.03.2021) – Napalm Records
• Wheel – Resident Human (26.03.2021)
• Lamb of God – Live in Richmond, VA [Live DVD/CD] (26.03.2021) – Nuclear Blast
• In Mourning – Live at Z7 [Live EP] (21.05.2021) – Dalapop
• Amorphis – Live at Helsinki Hall [Live album] (21.05.2021) – Nuclear Blast
• Silver Lake by Esa Holopainen  – S/T (28.05.2021) – Atomic Fire Records
• Dark Tranquillity – The Gallery; Enter Suicidal Angels [EP]; The Mind’s I (Remastered Vinyl Re-Release) (16.07.2021) – Century Media Records
• Swallow the Sun – 20 Years of Gloom, Beauty & Despair [Live DVD/CD] (30.07.2021) – Century Media Records
• Seether – Wasteland – The Purgatory EP  [EP] (30.07.2021) – Fantasy Records
• Katatonia – Mnemosynean [Compilation] (01.10.2021) – Peaceville Records
• Bloodred Hourglass – Your Highness (22.10.2021) – Out of Line Music
• The Ocean – Phanerozoic Live [Live] (26.11.2021)

These are the releases that kept most of our musical attention in past year (and the years moving forward of course). Hope you like some of the albums on this list as well, or maybe you’ve discovered something new from it or don’t agree at all. That’s ok, too. We don’t have to like all the same things. Anyway, hope you like it. Now let’s hear what releases this year brings.

Mikro IMP