Been a good year. Lot’s of exceptionally great music. However out of the 100+ albums covered and the many more I’ve just listened to…there are only a few that stood out. Here is my list of 2011. Starting with number 20 I have….

20. I Declare War – I Declare War – Kick someone in the chest while listening to this album. Great deathcore. They really improved on their technique and song writing this time around. Maintaining raw brutality while adding some unique leads in the mix.

19. Decapitated – Carnival is Forever – Metal as fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

18. Fleshgod Apocalypse – Agony – Symphonic death metal is symphonic. Very fast paced and over the top.

17. Endstille – Infektion 1813 – Some of the best black metal I’ve heard all year.

16. Rwake – Rest – Haunting and Soul shattering songs. Some of the riffs gave me goosebumps….so chilling and cold.

15. Belphegor – Blood Magick Necromance – If you’re a fan of Behemoth, then you’ll definitely love what Belphegor does here. Evil riffs and drumming from hell!

14. Revocation – Chaos of Forms – Some of the most exciting song writing and music of the year! Infectious guitar solo’s and hooks that’ll make you come back for more!

13. Junius – Reports From The Threshold Of Death – The most “non metal” band on the list. Incredible music and singing. Gives me a Deftones vibe with the singers breathy style and the bands build up during the song. Unexpectedly awesome sound and song writing.

12. Vildhjarta – Måsstaden – The only band labeled “djent” that I liked this year. Fucking brilliant music writing and technique. A true headbanger album. WHAT IS A THALL!?

11. Wayne Static – Pighammer – It’s Static-X…but with some of the best riffs and electronic work Wayne has ever done. “Static Killer” is possibly one of the best songs ever written by Wayne Static. It’s also one of the worst album covers of the year. Ah, well. Can’t win em all!

Stay tuned for Part II of my “Best albums of 2011″ tomorrow!!