My favorite albums of 2021
This list is not yet complete. Hopefully it will be at some point. |
| 20 |  | Wage War
Manic
Somewhat better than their last effort, Wage War's new LP still falls a little short of expectations. There are some great ideas here, but the lack of variety and the generic nature of many songs on the album leave the listener with a bittersweet taste.
3.65/5 |
| 19 |  | Limp Bizkit
Still Sucks
There are some incredibly groovy and fun riffs and rap parts on here, but the overall enjoyment is hindered a bit by some less-than-stellar mid-tempo snoozers. Overall though, this is a pleasant surprise from a band that everyone loves to hate on.
3.93/5 |
| 18 |  | We Butter The Bread With Butter
Das Album
Make Metal Fun Again! WBTBWB deliver what might be the best record of their entire career with this collection of fun and quite danceable metalcore jams.
3.94/5 |
| 17 |  | Volumes
Happier?
A solid effort from a band that's been around for a while but never quite grabbed my attention. Some songs on this are absolute fire, while others feel a bit lacking.
4.01/5 |
| 16 |  | Mayday Parade
What It Means To Fall Apart
Pop-Punk at its finest. Mayday Parade do what they do best by combining faster rockers with some mid- and slower tempo numbers. All of them, however, have this typical sadboi Pop-Punk feel some of us long for.
4.08/5 |
| 15 |  | Phinehas
The Fire Itself
If you're looking for more traditional metalcore in the style of As I Lay Dying, Phinehas' new record should be right up your alley. Dual leads, sweep picking, thrashy riffs - they got it all. Just don't expect too much variety.
4.09/5 |
| 14 |  | Jonny Craig
The Places We'll Never Be
Bad boy Jonny Craig delivers on this soulful effort. Great voice, cool beats, memorable melodies.
4.09/5 |
| 13 |  | A Day To Remember
You're Welcome
For many fans, this record has been a let-down. However, if you don't compare it to their previous work so much and approach it without overly narrow genre expectations, this is quite a fun and pleasant experience. Yet even long-time fans should be able to enjoy the harder bangers like "Bad Friend".
4.10/5 |
| 12 |  | Erra
Erra
Dreamy and infectiously catchy riffs meet solid harsh and clean vocals. There is quite a bit of variety on this album, and it all comes together to form a thoroughly enjoyable album.
4.14/5 |
| 11 |  | The Killers
Pressure Machine
While this album is very solid musically, it's Brandon Flowers' voice, lyrics and storytelling ability that make this effort stand out. For fans of country, folk and all things americana.
4.21/5 |
| 10 |  | Spiritbox
Eternal Blue
The debut LP from one of the hottest acts in modern metal does not disappoint, even when some songs drag down the record's overall rating. Bouncy guitars, haunting vocals, excellent bass work and even some electronic flourishes make this album something special.
4.21/5 |
| 9 |  | Eidola
The Architect
Eidola have crafted a cohesive piece of frantic post-hardcore goodness. Introspective and melodic parts aren't in short supply either. This is a well-rounded experience of an album.
4.25/5 |
| 8 |  | Ice Nine Kills
The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood
While the best songs on this album don't quite live up to the best songs on its predecessor, it feels like a more consistent effort. There really isn't a song on here that fails to deliver. If you're a fan of metalcore and horror movies, this should be right up your alley.
4.27/5 |
| 7 |  | Silent Planet
Iridescent
Musicianship and lyricism on here are strong, as is to be expected on a Silent Planet record. What makes this special is the way Garrett Russell isn't afraid of expanding his vocal styles, even successfully attempting some clean singing. Plus Anhedonia is one of the best songs of the year. This might just be their magnum opus.
4.28/5 |
| 6 |  | Sleep Token
This Place Will Become Your Tomb
Sleep Token seem to be unable to do wrong. While this album is less immediate than their debut, it feels very consistent and cohesive. A diverse mix of genres that somehow comes together just right.
4.31/5 |
| 5 |  | Midgar
Unity
This completely underrated project from the UK deserves much more attention. Cinematic rock with strong metal influences. The songwriting on here is incredible. Do yourself a favor and check this out.
4.32/5 |
| 4 |  | The World Is a Beautiful Place...
Illusory Walls
These guys know how to put together an album, and they're not afraid to let the music breathe either. Listeners with attentive and patient ears will enjoy the many layers of this beaufitul work of indie rock art.
4.34/5 |
| 3 |  | Times of Grace
Songs of Loss and Separation
They done did it again. One of the most refreshing bands in metal comes back after 10 years, like phoenix from the ashes. As the first time around, the songwriting and genre-blending is done incredibly well, which makes this one heck of an album.
4.36/5 |
| 2 |  | Don Broco
Amazing Things
One of the biggest surprises of the year for me personally. Bouncy, fun and energetic rock with some rap and post-hardcore tinges. Amazing things indeed!
4.46/5 |
| 1 |  | Archspire
Bleed the Future
An absolute beast of a tech-death album. With its runtime of only 31 minutes, it feels much longer because of the sheer intensity and energy of its content. Can't get much better than this!
4.53/5 |
|
