BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2013

Theo Wargo / Frazer Harrison (2), Getty Images

We’re only part of the way through 2013, but there is already a multitude of metal bands that deserve recognition for their latest recording achievements. We’ll be updating this list as the year continues, but here are the acts currently in the running for the year-end label of Best 2013 Metal Album.

From the inventors of metal itself to modern innovators and present powerhouses, the best 2013 metal albums come from all branches of metal’s evolution. This list is not in order of any ranking — in fact it’s listed with the most recently released albums at the top. At the end of the year, we will rank the albums accordingly. Check out our current picks for Best Metal Albums of 2013 (So Far) and be sure to give these bands a chance to become your newest musical addiction!

'The Headless Ritual'

Autopsy

California’s Autopsy have been on a writing rampage since re-forming in 2009. ‘The Headless Ritual’ blows away everything they’ve released over the last four years and channels the classic Autopsy feel from the first two albums, but with a fresh twist on things to make it more than just nostalgia. Chris Reifert’s gurgled vocals have always given Autopsy that filthy atmosphere, but the rest of the band do their part in adding to the filth. ‘Slaughter at Beast House’ and ‘Flesh Turns to Dust’ sound like lost studio tracks from the band’s early days, making for ‘The Headless Ritual’ as one of the band’s best albums.

Nuclear Blast

'Halo of Blood'

Children of Bodom

The Bodom boys are at it again! After a string of albums that still have their fanbase divided, Children of Bodom have united the two sides with a release that will please fans of any era of the band. Alexi Laiho’s left hand is working overtime again, as are keyboardist Janne Warman’s lightning fingers on his right hand. ‘Halo of Blood’ is the most melodic album since ‘Hate Crew Deathroll’ and even harkens back to ‘Hatebreeder’ with some blast beats on the title track. Something from all of the band’s previous albums can be heard with some fresh new ideas thrown into the mix as well.

Vertigo

'13'

Black Sabbath

After 35 years, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler entered the studio together to record a full-length album. After the departure of drummer Bill Ward and the cancer diagnosis of Iommi, Sabbath ran into setbacks very early on, but after a monster recording session, '13' was completed and released on June 11, 2013. Despite fighting with lymphoma, '13' belongs to Tony Iommi. The riff master's raw songwriting prowess and mind-bending solos are interwoven into '13' beautifully, while tracks such as 'God is Dead?' and 'Damaged Soul' are powerfully driven by the vocals of Ozzy and massive bass tone of Geezer Butler.

Deathwish

'Sunbather'

Deafheaven

Coming straight out of left field, both surprisingly and stylistically, Deafheaven have received unanimous acclaim for their second studio album, 'Sunbather.' Mixing post-rock, shoegaze and black metal, 'Sunbather' is an unlikely success stylistically, but the balance created by Deafheaven is truly stunning. 'Sunbather' is all about becoming enveloped by sound. Whether trudging through comforting or extreme territory, the album whirls around the listener, allowing he or she to become submissive to a sonically-imposed atmospheric paralysis.

Season of Mist

'Ultraviolet'

Kylesa

Georgia's finest just never show any sonic weakness, and Kylesa's 'Ultraviolet' continues the decade-long tradition through sweat and sand. The entirety of 'Ultraviolet' is a march through the desert, filled with delirious dehydration and bizarre mirages. The pure strength and atmosphere created through 'Unspoken,' 'Vulture's Landing' or the riff-heavy 'Grounded' proves once again that the South is ripe with phenomenal metal. Although Kylesa stuck with their patented sound, 'Ultraviolet' is somewhat more accessible then the act's previous work, and that sensibility is sure to lure in legions of new followers.

Party Smasher

'One of Us is the Killer'

The Dillinger Escape Plan

The Dillinger Escape Plan had only released four full-length albums before 'One of Us is the Killer' hit fans this year, but even with a somewhat small release history, DEP had already created one of experimental metal's greatest discographies. Thanks in part to the twisted genius of Ben Weinman and frightening vocal delivery of Greg Puciato, 'One of Us is the Killer' continues the legacy of the Dillinger Escape Plan as frantic mathcore once again meets progressive metal in a bizarre brew. How they do it is a mystery, but still no act on the planet sounds quite like the Dillinger Escape Plan.

Nuclear Blast

'Kingdom of Conspiracy'

Immolation

Immolation have always been a band about quality. The New Yorkers have been at the game for over 20 years and have released a number of timeless classic death metal albums. This year, they’ve added another album to that list in ‘Kingdom of Conspiracy.’ This album is the best release since the mighty ‘Close to a World Below’ and Immolation fans should be ecstatic. Songs like ‘Bound to Order,’ ‘God Complex’ and ‘All That Awaits Us’ are soon to be classics and fan favorites.

Metal Blade

'Pelagial'

The Ocean

Frontman Robin Staps is proud to be at the helm of one of metal’s most dynamic and exciting bands of today. The Ocean are absolutely unpredictable, which is what puts the German group on year-end lists every time they release a new album, or two like in 2010. The Ocean take aesthetics of post-metal and blend them with elements of metalcore and whatever Mastodon can be labeled as. ‘Bathyalpelagic II: The Wish in Dreams’ gets the blood flowing while ‘Hadopelagic II: Omen of the Deep’ lets the waves of atmosphere wash over the listener before violently wresting him or her from the trance.

Loma Vista

'Infestissumam'

Ghost B.C.

After the underground success of 'Opus Eponymous' in 2011 (2010 in Europe), expectations for Ghost's (Ghost B.C.) sophomore album, 'Infestissumam,' were gigantic. Though polarizing, 'Infestissumam' cultivated the band's concept into a more rich and precise realm. Ghost were able to capture and distort childlike innocence, juxtaposed refuge and the same sweet, hypnotic cadence of church music to lure potential listeners in towards a greater truth. Consisting of the death-waltz 'Secular Haze,' the demon-chanting 'Year Zero,' the metronomic 'Monstrance Clock' and many more, 'Infestissumam' is yet another opus -- perhaps even a magnum opus.

Epitaph

'Sempiternal'

Bring Me the Horizon

Bring Me the Horizon had already established themselves as one of metalcore's biggest acts before the release of 'Sempiternal,' but this album is taking the UK act to a whole new stratosphere. With acclaimed producer Terry Date at the helm, the band has unleashed an epic opus featuring such standout tracks as 'Shadow Moses' and 'Go To Hell, For Heaven's Sake' that stay true to the band's metalcore roots while offering a mainstream appeal that should win over legions of new fans.

Roadrunner

'Disarm the Descent'

Killswitch Engage

Although Killswitch Engage didn't reinvent the wheel with 'Disarm the Descent,' the band put together a solid metalcore album celebrated by fans worldwide. The album also received critical acclaim, much of which was directed towards returning vocalist Jesse Leach. Filling the shoes of booming vocalist Howard Jones, who delivered Killswitch their greatest success with 'The End of Heartache' in 2004, wasn't an easy task. However, Leach delivered on his first record with the band in 11 years, not by attempting to imitate Jones, but simply by being himself.

Indie

'Vertikal'

Cult of Luna

Sweden’s progressive, atmospheric post-hardcore septuplet are back after a five year absence from the studio. As fans, we can get impatient when a band takes so long between albums, but when they release an album like ‘Vertikal’ it makes it all worth the wait. Cult of Luna’s music has a push and pull to it with atmosphere battling with disjointed rhythms and metallic elements. Basically, it sounds like Isis boxing against Neurosis and the rounds never end. The highlight of the album is easily the 19 minute epic ‘Vicarious Redemption’ that sets this band apart from just another face in the crowd in their scene.

What Are Your Favorite 2013 Metal Albums?

Which 2013 metal discs are you spinning constantly? Did we miss a few of your favorites? Let us know in the comments section below:

BEST ROCK ALBUMS OF 2013

BEST ROCK ALBUMS OF 2013

Kevin Winter, Getty Images / Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com / Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The year is far from over, but already 2013 has seen a number of outstanding rock releases. This list will be updated throughout the year, but here are the artists and albums currently in the running to be among the Best 2013 Rock Albums.

There is no ranking yet. The albums are listed with the newest releases first. We will continue to add to this throughout 2013, and at the end of the year — after an intensive discussion, a few beers and perhaps a fistfight or two — we’ll rank them accordingly as the Best Rock Albums of 2013. There are a variety of rockers on this list, from marquee names to underground favorites to up and comers. The one thing they have in common is that they have each released a top rock album of 2013.

Ipecac Records

‘Palms’

Palms

Palms are a new band, but they are made up of veteran musicians: Former Isis members Bryant Clifford Meyer, Jeff Caxide and Aaron Haarris teamed up with Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno to release their self-titled debut. The albums ‘Palms’ has elements of the members’ other bands, but also offers new and unique sonic elements. It’s on the mellow side, with only periodic aggressive parts, but it’s a stunningly constructed and delivered album.

Matador Records

‘...Like Clockwork’

Queens of the Stone Age

‘...Like Clockwork’ is Queens of the Stone Age’s first album in six years, and filled with big-name guests. Artists such as Elton John, Trent Reznor and Dave Grohl lend their considerable talents to the record, but the album leaves plenty of room for the band to shine. From the experimental ‘Keep Your Eyes Peeled’ to the radio-friendly ‘I Sat By the Ocean,’ Josh Homme and company have created a dark, yet timeless album with ‘...Like Clockwork.’

Virgin/EMI

‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here’

Alice in Chains

After nearly 15 years between albums, Alice in Chains made a triumphant return with 2009‘s ‘Black Gives Way To Blue.’ With this year’s ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here,’ the band sustains that comeback. In their 20 plus years of existence, Alice in Chains have only released five studio albums, which leaves more room to inject new twists into their sound. You’ll hear the sludgy guitars and dark lyrics that made them famous, but there’s plenty of diversity and a few surprises on ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.’

Universal Music

‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor’

Rob Zombie

From the twisted and creative mind of Rob Zombie comes one of his better albums in a while, the strangely titled ‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.’ It’s a cohesive album with strong songwriting expertly walking the line between campy and captivating. Along with the usual industrial influences and movie clips, there are some unexpected twists like the Middle Eastern-tinged interlude ‘Theme for the Rat Vendor’ and a cover of the classic rock staple ‘We’re An American Band.’ John 5 is one of the best guitarists in the business, and is in his usual stellar form on this album.

Roadrunner Records

‘House of Gold & Bones Vol. 2‘

Stone Sour

It’s difficult enough to write and record enough quality songs to make a good album, and even harder to do it for a double album. But that’s exactly what Stone Sour did with the concept album ‘House of Gold & Bones.’ The first half was released in late 2012, and the second part in the spring of this year. Both albums are outstanding, but ‘House of Gold & Bones Vol 2‘ is just a little bit better. The epic ‘The Conflagration’ is a highlight on an album with songs ranging from accessible rock to edgy metal.

Weathermaker Music

‘Earth Rocker’

Clutch

The long-running Maryland band Clutch have built a large and loyal following over the years. Their latest album ‘Earth Rocker’ was released on their own label, and ended up being their highest charting album so far, even surpassing their major label days. ‘Earth Rocker’ is heavier than their recent albums, and also more streamlined after going through lengthy pre-production. Neil Fallon’s always interesting lyrics and the band’s tight musicianship show why Clutch are one of the best rock bands in the business.

RCA

‘Sound City: Real to Reel’

Dave Grohl and Others

Dave Grohl’s film ‘Sound City’ documents the legendary Los Angeles studio, particularly the legendary console used in the recording of some of the greatest albums of all time. Everyone from Fleetwood Mac to Nirvana to Slayer recorded at the studio. The soundtrack from the documentary has some incredible collaborations, such as ‘Cut Me Some Slack,’ featuring the surviving members of Nirvana along with Paul McCartney. Other songs feature Grohl with artists such as Trent Reznor, Josh Homme, Corey Taylor and Stevie Nicks.

UTO

‘The Bronx (IV)’

The Bronx

After several years playing punk mariachi songs, the Bronx return with a vengeance on ‘IV.’ Their music is gritty and punchy, with more of a pop flow when transitioning from track to track. There’s nary an ounce of filler, with reflective lyrics and potent riffs. If you drifted away from the Bronx the past few years, ‘IV’ is a great reason to come back, and if you’re not familiar with the band, it’s an excellent place to start.

Ipecac Recordings

‘Oddfellows’

Tomahawk

Not many artists garner more respect than Mike Patton. From Faith No More to Mr. Bungle to Fantomas to Tomahawk, there’s never a shortage of interest in his projects. ‘Oddfellows’ is Tomahawk’s fourth album overall and first since 2007. The experimentation of previous albums is on display, but it’s also more accessible and stripped down. New bassist Trevor Dunn is a nice addition to the lineup, helping make ‘Oddfellows’ Tomahawk’s best effort since their 2001 debut.

Epitaph

‘True North’

Bad Religion

It took more than 30 years, but Bad Religion finally cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 with their 16th album ‘True North.’ It’s a concise and streamlined effort, with nearly every song under 3 minutes. The album has that classic Bad Religion sound with no big surprises, but they do it so well you won’t mind. ‘True North’ shows that even after three decades the punk legends are still pointed in the right direction.

Which 2013 Rock Album Is Your Favorite?

Which 2013 rock album are you giving the most spins? Did we miss your favorite disc of the year? Let us know in the comments section below:

10 BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2013