Which album reigns supreme in 2018?

2018 was a year of many releases by a vast variety of rock artists, but there are 10 albums that stood out to me in particular. First things first, I’d like to explain how I’ve come to the conclusion on these albums. What I do is go back and look at the records I’ve listened to the most and which albums I can listen to the whole record all the way through, without skipping a single song. Those albums will be near the top of my list and there are a few albums that deserve to be on the list, but I may skip a song or two.

Ethan’s Top 15 Albums of 2018

1. Disease, Beartooth – This album was one of those that I’d been waiting for all year and it was everything I wanted it to be. Although it only came out a couple months ago, I listen to songs from the album daily. Well don Caleb Shomo.
2. Eat The Elephant, A Perfect Circle – Maynard James Keenan made a comeback with APC this year and it was nothing short of amazing. There are some amazing heavy aspects of the album, but my favorite song on the record is actually quite mellow and is called “So Long and Thanks for All The Fish.”
3. Ember, Breaking Benjamin – When Breaking Benjamin came back from the hiatus in 2015 they put out a great record and they’ve been touring non-stop. Well, this year they released the second album since coming back with all new band members and the involvement of those members shows when you’re listening to the album.
4. Erase Me, Underoath – Yet another band that released their first album in several years made a comeback. Underoath made their genre of music mainstream in the mid 2000s and came back this year with an amazing album that I can listen to all the way through. Make sure you see their live show too, it’s awesome.
5. Prequelle, Ghost – This band isn’t for everyone with it’s satanic themes, but they are consistently putting out great music. Their new record was a great addition to the year’s releases. I highly suggest songs like “Faith” and “Rats.”
6. ATTENTION ATTENTION, Shinedown – This album deviated a little bit from what one may call the band’s “sound” and I like that. I’m a firm believer that bands shouldn’t put out the same record twice and that there should be some evolution to a band’s sound. The album has already produced 2 number one songs at rock radio, so we’ll see where else it goes.
7. Made An America, FEVER 333 – Some may dislike the tunes due to the politics the members place in the lyrics, but these guys kick major ass. This album is actually just a 7 song EP and their first full-length album comes out in January, so make sure to look out for that.
8. Black Labyrinth, Jonathan Davis – Jonathan’s first solo record is fantastic. In fact, there’s not really a specific genre you can label it because of the variety of sounds used to create the music. It’s a great solo album and I can’t wait to see what else he does on his own and of course with KoRn.
9. Vicious, Halestorm – It’s no surprise that Lzzy and the gang landed on my top 10 with their new album which dives deep into her own personal sexual encounters in a very rock ‘n roll kind of way. My favorite song on the album is “Do Not Disturb,” which is based on a true story.
10. The Silver Scream, Ice Nine Kills – This album amazed me. I’ve never been into this band’s music until this new album. It takes a lot from 80’s horror movies and incorporates them in unique ways. If you have the chance, you should check it out. make sure to listen all the way through.

I’ve also got 5 projects that didn’t quite make my top 10, but I want to acknowledge as honorable mentions.

1. Anthem of the Peaceful Army, Greta Van Fleet – I expected this album to be in my top 10, but it just didn’t live up to the hype. It’s a solid album, but I find myself listening to songs from their previous ep over the album.
2. Still Breathing, Fight the Fury – Skillet’s front man John Cooper started this metal side project and it’s great, but it’s just a debut ep and I would like to hear more from the band. If you like Skillet, but want a heavier and grittier sound, this will fulfill your needs.
3. LEDGER, Ledger – Another Skillet side project that was released this year by Skillet’s drummer Jen Ledger, this time she’s fronting the band. The record is great and I highly recommend it, especially for those who like the more mellow side of Skillet.
4. When Legends Rise, Godsmack – These guys have been around for years and always pump out good material. The album is good, but the live show is great.
5. And Justice for None, Five Finger Death Punch – For the first time in their career, this band put out a record that doesn’t sound exactly like their other ones, but it still wasn’t amazing.

There were many more great projects that I just didn’t have room for on the list. There are a lot of great records coming out next year as well from bands like Papa Roach, Breng Me the Horizon, Slipknot, TOOL and more.