Our Top 10 Albums of 2021

As we close out 2021 (Thank goodness), here are our Top 10 albums of the year! Let us know what your list is, and which albums you think deserve a spot.

1. Welcome to Horrorwood: The Silverscreen 2 by Ice Nine Kills:

This album was all around great. The visuals and art were superb, and really tie the idea together. Spencer's vocals slap, as per usual, giving us maniacal, half-crazed vocal crescendos that are absolutely amazing. INK proves that, once again, that you can have a 'theme' and it not be corny. Excellent job boys.

2. Below by Beartooth:

Beartooth's fourth studio album and probably the most understated, underrated work of the year. The album is heavy as all get out, has great singles, and definitely deserves a high spot on our list.

3. Manic by Wage War:

Absolute fire. Pure rage and just unadulterated energy with some splendid singles (Teeth, High Horse, Circle the Drain). WW give us an awesome collection of tracks to rock into the new year with.

4. Eternal Blue by Spiritbox:

Everyone anxiously waited for Spiritbox's debut album, and they didn't disappoint. They offer something fresh to the scene, while at the same time giving us something familiar. Songs like Circle with Me, Yellowjacket and Hurt You are absolute bops. Not to mention the cool album art.

5. Erras by Erras

If you're looking for something a little different, stop looking and listen to this. I was taken aback by this group, and look forward to hearing more from them in the future. Great songs, awesome guitar work that shreds, all around good work.

6. In The Court of the Dragon by Trivium: A certified cult classic. Matt Heafy's vocals are superb, and the album is filled with enjoyable theatrics that add a little something special to the mix.

7. Wallflowers by Jinjer: This is one of those heavy albums you just wanna rage to. It is filled with some neat interludes and transitions that extremely pleasing. Top notch work.

8. Echo by Of Mice and Men

An all around good album with great choruses and unique sounds in each song, Echo is the work of a band who stayed dedicated to the craft. The breakdowns are sick, and Austin's vocals aim to please.

9. Drugs by Tyler Posey: This project caught me by surprise and keep my attention. Easily part of the pop punk revival, this album is filled with feel good tunes with meaning behind them. 'Happy' and 'Past Life' are instant favorites.

10. Mammoth WVH by Mammoth WVH: Eddie would be proud 🥺. This album is full of nice solos and heavy tunes without being too over done. The overall vibe is classic rock with a competitive, young edge that's easy to get attached to.

Honorable Mentions:

1. BlackTop Mojo by BlackTop Mojo: Excellent work of art with some absolute bangers, doesn't quit fit but still worth listening to. The vocal work of Matt James is absolutely amazing.

2. Knocked Loose: A Tear in the Fabric of Life - This is an ep so technically can't be on an 'album of the year list'. But we'd be lying if we didn't say this project doesn't slap. Hard.

3. Vended: What Is It//Kill It-

Plain and simple, these kids rock. This EP caught us by surprise but quickly became a favorite. This young new act is quickly gaining traction in the scene and we look forward to seeing what else they give us.