10. Rivers of Nihil – Where Owls Know My Name

Possibly the most recent addition to my top 10 list. I missed it when it came out in March this year, but when I saw it popping up on some lists of the GRIMM Editioral Team I decided to give it a listen. I was not disappointed. The versatility on this album is immense moving back and forth between technical death metal reminiscent of bands like Fallujah and jazzy brass interludes that sends waves of tranquility your way. It’s been since I discovered the Polish Indukti that I have heard such sweet lovemaking between a bass guitar and a saxophone. I have the feeling I’m still discovering new hooks and twists with every listen which makes the continued listening experience all the better.

9. Wiegedood – De Doden Hebben Het Goed III

Wiegedood‘s third installment of De Doden Hebben Het Goed is yet again so raw, so brutal. I don’t think much words are needed to describe this piece of art. One of Belgium’s finest musical projects just blows away the competition and stands among the greatest in their genre. I managed to catch Wiegedood at Metaldays in Slovenia this year, but the blistering heat and light of day did not do the performance much justice. I should have gone to their release show in De Kreun in Kortrijk where they played all three albums in their integrity. Sucks to be me. One learns from its errors, I guess.

Read Maxen’s full review here.

8. Black Mirrors – Look into the Black Mirror

Another group of Belgians claims the next spot in my top 10. Finally last year’s Funky Queen EP (review) is followed up by a full album! Belgium’s answer to the Swedish Blues Pills will soon lose this comparison if they keep making records like this. Then they can become the new standard in this genre. While a lot of the attention goes to frontwoman Marcella Di Troia, we must not forget the musicians behind her. They deliver dirty stoner, groovy garage rock and funky psychedelic songs that are bound to make you move.

I have the feeling this genre is growing and I want to give an honorable mention to Black Moth‘s Anatomical Venus which I discovered too late in the year to give it enough spins to make it to my top 10.

7. Zeal & Ardor – Stranger Fruit

Guess what album was on spot 7 in my top 10 last year? Indeed, one year after Devil is Fine Zeal & Ardor bring us another opus filled with satanic gospel layered with black metal influences. It’s hard to choose which album I would prefer the most. While Devil is Fine contained more interludes, Stranger Fruit moves forward faster with more catchy riffs and choruses that easily get stuck in your head. The biggest difference for me could be the more poppy influences on the newer album. However, frontman Manuel Gagneux blends them with ease, causing you to doubt if you should clap your hands or lose yourself in the mosh. Zeal & Ardor remains one of the most interesting projects active in the scene at the moment and deserves high places in all top 10. Will they be able to score the number one spot in GRIMM’s overall best of list just like they did last year?

6. Danheim – Runagaldr

Last year Danheim’s Mannavegr was number 3 on my best of list and he returns this year with his latest effort Runagaldr. Mike Olsen, the man behind the project, did not give me an easy choice as he released no less than three albums this year! Herja, dealing with Viking war, Fridr, presenting a calmer side of Viking life with more ambient tunes and finally Runagaldr that contains a first rune trilogy in collaboration with Sigurbodi. As always the next work is already under way and Hringrás will deal with the topic life & death and will even feature real human bones used as instruments. Instead of keeping their music to the seclusion of the woods and remote areas of Scandinavia, Danheim is part of a group of musicians that is releasing their craft on a much wider scale thanks to the internet. While Wardruna is at the forefront of this movement, bands or projects like Heilung, Runahild, Forndom or Nytt Land are quickly making a name for themselves with new releases or international live tours. I, for one, will not be complaining about this evolution as this type of music really touches me and stirs feelings in the subconscious parts of my mind. It is the go to type of music for me to ease my mind in these busy times in our Western society.

There is more to discover when we count down from number 5 to 2… Continue on the next page!