2015 was a stellar year for releases. Anyone who said there was nothing worthy or of note released seriously needs to take a long look at themselves and ask the question – “Just what the fuck was I listening to?”

Great tours, Fantastic albums and some bands stepping up to the plate and others passing on the torch or re-inventing themselves and showing what they can do with some new ideas, it was a great year for some and a let down for others.

This has been a rather interesting year musically! I’ve probably reviewed around 100 albums since the start of the year and listened to a few more so I had a pretty big list to try and condense down. There were some expected musical deliveries, some surprise packages, some expected dreadful albums and a handful of one’s which should have been so much better than they actually were, it was rather disappointing (See Slayer, Geoff Tate). Anyway, there won’t be any honorable mentions this year so lets crack on with it:

1) Iron Maiden – “The Book Of Souls”. (EMI)

It had to be this really, the moment I heard “Speed Of Light” before the album was released, I was impressed with the more hard rock vibe delivered in that classic Maiden style. Bruce has had some big health troubles recently, but you’d never have thought it listening to his work on this album. For me, it’s the best one they’ve put out since Bruce rejoined for ‘Brave New World’ as it pushes the boundaries a little more for Maiden – actually using drop-D tuning for one song, Harris only being the creative mind in half of the tracks and of course, that epic closing track, “Empire Of The Clouds” which showcases Dickinson’s creativity, ingenuity and fantastic vocal story telling… Also, can’t forget mentioning that sweet guitar solo on “Tears Of A Clown”!

2) Night Viper – “Night Viper” (Svart)

This was the surprise package and for the past week or so (at time of writing this up), it was the one thing which actually came close to topping Iron Maiden on my list. Delivered with that classic NWOBHM style sound, mixing the early Maiden, Priest and Saxon sounds with some realy modern grit and fantastic vocals, the Swedish classic sounding metal outfit produced one of the best debut albums of the year and one of the most authentic sounding metal albums which borrows heavily from the 80’s. My review of this album really explains just what I think of the release so feel free to give it a read.

3) Armored Saint – “Win Hands Down” (Metal Blade)

Whilst this album didn’t score as high as the album in the #4 position, this is possibly one of my most listened to records of 2015. A solid album which showcases why John Bush is easily one of the finest metal vocalists of our time and how the often overlooked and underrated thrash and groove metallers always deliver when its time to offer up a new record. With scathing views on society combined with fantastic guitar work and some slick bass and drums, it’s an all round album which was so nearly my album of 2015 if it wasn’t for the two above it!

 4) Jupiter Falls – “Revolution” (Broken Road)

I said enough about this release in my review and my opinion still hasn’t changed. To me, it is a modern day version of Appetite For Destruction – it’s got all the bases covered, it’s an explosive sounding album made by people who really know how to put together some solid sounding tracks and play a wide range of styles, from your modern metal to classic sleaze tainted rock to big heartfelt tracks. Having heard a demo of a new track for the follow up, I can safely say this is an album which will solidify Jupiter Falls in years to come! A fine debut and one hell of a sound!

 5) My Sleeping Karma – “Moksha” (Napalm)

The album which literally blew my mind when I listened to it was again another heavy contender for album of the year. In fact all my top 5 were, that is how close they all are! Stunning songwriting, beautifully arranged melodies and a massive sounding sonic landscape for you to immerse yourself in, the German instrumental psychadelic doom and groove merchants have created easily the best instrumental album of 2015 and probably recent years too. If you do anything, just listen to the title track and prepare to be left an awestruck drooling mess after it!

6) Evil Invaders – “Pulses of Pleasure” (Napalm)

Much like Night Viper, Evil Invaders have brought out a convincing classic sounding album with some modern edge to it. Speed Metal at its finest, “Pulses of Pleasure” is a high tempo, high intensity, full on metal onslaught. Big riffs, big solo’s, air raid siren vocals and copious amounts of attitude behind it, it shits on a lot of the speed and thrash metal releases. Mr Araya and Mr King could learn a few things when it comes to recording a thrash album if they listened to this before hitting the studio!

 7) Diemonds – “Never Gonna Die” (Napalm)

Infectious and melodic hard rock with sacks of attitude, Diemond’s were another surprise for me this year. The great melodic hooks laced across the tracks, combined with the solid vocals from Priya which go from 80’s sleaze friendly to seductive and powerful just get stuck in your mind and the rebellious attitude flowing through each track just grows on you more and more. Simple, straight to the point and memorable, it’s an album you should take the time to check out!

 8) Napalm Death – “Apex Predator-Easy Meat” (Century Media)

It’s fucking Napalm Death, do I need to say any more?

 9) Psycroptic – “Psycroptic” (Prosthetic Records)

Aussie technical death metal fourpiece Psycroptic blew me away when I saw them in a tiny venue, performing a real storming set which had the crowd in the palm of their hand. Technically precise, intense, heavy and pulling no punches, this is one release I am glad I picked up!

 10) Iris Divine – “Karma Sown” (Sensory)

The top progressive metal album of the year for me. A massive sound from a three piece, channeling the spirit of Rush but with a heavier edge to it. With some fantastic arrangements, intricate solo’s and riffs and plenty of hidden nuances in each track which you discover each time, like hidden bass solo’s in a chorus or soaring synths which teasingly fade in and out of earshot between the heavy metallic riffery, it’s fantastic!

 11) Anthropia – “Non-Euclidean Spades” (Adarca)

 12) Abhorrent Deformity – “Entity Of Malevolence” (Comatose Music)

 13) Jorn Lande and Trond Holter present DRACULA – “The Swing Of Death” (Frontiers)

 14) Apophys – “Prime Incursion” (Metal Blade)

 15) Queensrÿche – “Condition Hüman” (Century Media)

 16) Cattle Decapitation – “The Anthropocene Extinction” (metal blade)

 17) PIST – “Rhythm and Booze” (When Planets Collide)

 18) Vision Of Disorder – “Razed To The Ground” (Candlelight)

 19) Weedeater – “Goliathan” (Season Of Mist)

 20) The Answer – “Raise A Little Hell” (Napalm)