10. Monumental Torment - Elements of Chaos
This band has one of the more interesting back stories I've heard recently. Monumental Torment was formed in Russia in 2009. While working on the project, the Russian duo added vocalist Lloyd Moore Jr., who was living in Phoenix, Arizona. Since then, the two Russian guys have split and so has the original vocalist, leaving Monumental Torment with an entirely new cast of members (none of whom are featured on Elements of Chaos).
Fortunately, Monumental Torment didn't make all their lineup changes before dropping this brilliant album. Elements of Chaos is one of the most technical and brutal albums to hit the market in 2011. The ultra-fast and cleanly picked guitar work of Artem Gultaev are complimented well by punishing vocals of Lloyd Moore Jr. Iaonn Komkov's bass play also adds to the grinding sound. The only downside to the album is that the drums are computer generated. They don't sound bad, but the double bass and blast beats are so fast that I'll be shocked if they have actually found a drummer that can play these parts live (I really hope I'm proven wrong on this point). Electronic drums aside, this was one of my favorite releases of the year.
9. Obscura - Omnivium
Obscura returns with the release of their third full length album, Omnivium. What I love about this band (and this album) is the way they seamlessly blend melodic and technical death metal. The lasting influence of Cynic, Atheist, and Death bleeds through on this album. But Obscura is forging ahead on their own path, building on these foundations. They toured the US in 2011 in support of this release with melodic death metal legends, Children of Bodom.
8. Machine Head - Unto the Locust
After four years, Machine Head's much anticipated follow up to their masterpiece album The Blackening (2007) has been unleashed on the world. Unto the Locust is fashioned in the same musical style as their last album and, while not quite as impressive, the result is fantastic. Some of the highlights on the album are "Locust", "Be Still and Know", and "Darkness Within".
7. Scorned Deity - The Monarchy Memoirs
Michigan natives, Scorned Deity, took the melodic death metal scene by storm with the release of their debut album, The Monarchy Memoirs. Melodic death metal is flooded with tons of similar-sounding bands, so it's a tough genre to stand out in. Scorned Deity is one of the bands that not only stands out, but shines brightly. They've really taken the Gothenburg Sound and made it their own. Keep your ears on this band.
6. Fleshgod Apocalypse - Agony
Fleshgod Apocalypse are back and better than ever with the release of their second full length album, Agony. FA have definitely upped the ante on this record - faster drumming (Francesco Paoli is one of the best drummers in the world in my opinion, and he's the main reason I listen to this band), interesting orchestral elements (they now have a full time keyboardist), and an overall brutal sound that is well... apocalyptic. Behold... Agony.
5. Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn of Events
Following the unexpected departure of drummer Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater had a lot to prove. Everyone really stepped up their game to make this album and the result is absolute brilliance. Some of the most technical stuff I've ever heard from DT can be found on A Dramatic Turn of Events. Dream Theater has shown they are capable of churning out amazing music, with or without Portnoy.
4. Revocation - Chaos of Forms
With guitarist David Davidson being named the best guitarist in modern metal by Metal Sucks and the release of their third full length album, 2011 was a good year for Revocation. Their music continues to change from album to album (from the standpoint of overall sound and atmosphere, not style), with pleasing results each time. Definitely check out Chaos of Forms!
3. Visceral Disgorge - Ingesting Putridity
The debut album from Visceral Disgorge is arguably the most disgustingly heavy album to come out in 2011 (or hell, even in the past five years). Grotesque lyrics, blast beats, indistinguishable guttural vocals, and grinding riffs abound on this 44 minute LP. Ingesting Putridity blasts through my speakers on a regular basis and should be emitting from your stereo as well (given that you're a fan of brutal death metal...).
2. Hate Eternal - Phoenix Amongst the Ashes
Hate Eternal has proven once again that they are still one of the best in the game. Phoenix Amongst the Ashes is arguably the best release yet from these veterans of death metal. Eric Rutan's compositions pay heed to not only heavy riffs and technicality (which is present in all good death metal music) but also to creating an ominous audio atmosphere capable of enthralling the listener. I'm sure I'll be listening to this record for years to come.
1. Vale of Pnath - The Prodigal Empire
In my opinion, Vale of Pnath's The Prodigal Empire was unquestionably the best metal album to come out in 2011. There is no shortage of memorable riffs, blazingly technical passages, and excellent instrumental work all around. Vale of Pnath has really raised the musical bar in technical death metal with this record. I am really looking forward to hearing what they put out in the coming years.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)...
Pathology - Awaken to the Suffering
Cerebral Bore - Maniacal Miscreation
Origin - Entity
Krisiun - The Great Execution
All Shall Perish - This is Where it Ends (yes, I know it's deathcore)
The Black Dahlia Murder - Ritual
Neuraxis - Asylon
As Blood Runs Black - Instinct (yes, I know it's deathcore)
Insomnium - One for Sorrow
Symphony X - Iconoclast
Beyond Creation - The Aura
Mastodon - The Hunter
Decapitated - Carnal is Forever
Unexpect - Fables of the Sleepless Empire
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