After a historic year for rock and metal in 2016, we were lucky enough to see even more releases from both established and underground bands in 2017. After The Big Four and classic rock veterans put out their latest albums, others continued the consistency by announcing their new studio effort scheduled for the upcoming year. And I’m here to confirm, they did not disappoint.

Although it’s competing against the biggest names in the music industry including Metallica and David Bowie, there were plenty of groups who forged some of the greatest heavy metal in ages and are rightfully in line to carry the torch for the next generation.

Many sub genres were represented throughout each month and found all across the world. Thrash metal pioneers kept the stakes high following the legendary success in 2016 as popular acts such as Kreator and Overkill dominated the beginning of the year.

One genre in particular that made its presence known was: Glam metal! For the first time in who knows how long, there was an album released by 1 or more bands from the 80’s hard rock scene on each month of 2017. Thanks to the support from Italian record label, Frontiers Records, there were plenty of fresh material and touring to resurrect the glory days.

Despite the endless amount of ways you could rank this year’s catalog, I selected a wide range of artists for my personal list.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25. Lich King – The Omniclasm

Kicking off this list with an unbelievable blend of thrash metal and hardcore punk, Lich King blew away the competition and stood out above other groups like Iron Reagan for the best crossover album of 2017.  The Omniclasm features every great aspect of the genre from the amazing opening instrumental to the humorous lyrics found in tracks like Preschool Cesspool and Crossover Songs Are Too Damn Short. The record also includes slower moments such as the long and elaborate build-up in Civilization. My personal favorite song is Our Time to Riot, straight-ahead thrash with incredible riffs and tempo changes. Ultimately, it describes the entirety of the album: Fast and to the point. Pure heavy metal.

_____________________________________________________________
24. L.A. Guns – The Missing Peace

After countless years, the original L.A. Guns duo is finally reunited. Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns haven’t written a record together since the early 2000’s with the criminally underrated Waking the Dead. Once the feud had ended, the chemistry fell back into place with this year’s The Missing Peace. For a while, Guns has kept himself busy with bands such as Gunzo which consisted of Rudy Sarzo from Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. Eventually, he made contact with Lewis who was touring under the L.A. Guns name. Complete with drummer Shane Fitzgibbon from Gunzo, the new L.A. Guns lineup was ready to put themselves back on the map. After digesting the album for several months now, it’s clear that it doesn’t quite compare to their debut or Cocked And Loaded, however it does prove to be consistent in its own right. It has many strong tracks like Speed and Sticky Fingers, but the pinnacle would have to be The Devil Made Me Do It. Tracii Guns came up with some killer riffs and showed how he is still one of of the best from the Sunset Strip era. A damn fine comeback release filled with the classic 80’s glam metal sound, it also ranks towards the top as one of the greatest from Frontiers Records.

_____________________________________________________________
23. Game Over – Claiming Supremacy

As the year came to an end, many thrash metal bands had just put out their latest album. Game Over has been releasing material since 2011, however they continued their consistency with Claiming Supremacy. While it may not live up to the standards of Crimes Against Reality, it certainly is not a backwards step. The guitar work is nothing short of amazing and it’s clear to see they’re trying to implement emotional segments with lots of feel to balance out the blazing fast thrash metal tunes like Show Me What You Got. There are moments in tracks such as Blessed Are The Heretics where they really show off their songwriting chops, yet these instances are too far and few between. That is not to say there is no chance of redemption. It’s notable that the band is sticking to their formula towards the end of the record, but if they focus on writing songs like Two Steps In The Shadows, they’ll have plenty to offer in the years to come.

_____________________________________________________________

22. Hellripper – Coagulating Darkness

Hellripper made quite a name for themselves dropping Coagulating Darkness on speed metal fans back in April. Entering the metal scene as recent as 2016, the band is already creating a loyal fan base who enjoy the blend of black metal with thrash influences. This album takes a lot of inspiration from the early Metallica sound and twists it into a devastating collection of riffs and technicality. Hellripper is in fact a one-man act which makes it more impressive considering the velocity and energy behind each song. There isn’t one dull moment on the entire record and it’s clear that he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

_____________________________________________________________

21. Lunar Shadow – Far From Light

One of the more original albums from 2017 was Lunar Shadow‘s first full-length studio effort, Far From Light. This record takes inspiration from NWOBHM legends Angel Witch and incorporates death metal sections similar to groups like Dissection. From the opening track, it’s obvious that the band is going for an atmospheric approach to their sound, therefore many riffs are often repeated extensively in moments that can be described as progressive. The melodic vocals and virtuoso solos was enough to keep my attention and made complete with the beautiful guitar tone. For some listeners, Far From Light can come off as boring and tedious. However, this is a major success for the underground fans of this sub-genre. It’s unique to see a group come out of nowhere with this different style of metal. I believe we’ll hear from them again in the years to come and they’re only getting started.

_____________________________________________________________

20. Amken – Theater Of The Absurd

Theater Of The Absurd is one of those albums you put on when you’re looking for nothing but the purest thrash metal. Bands like Exodus and Testament often take some musical detours before returning to the face-melting genre that makes them legends. Amken wastes no time with their 2017 masterpiece. Adrenaline-fueled, pedal to the metal, undiluted thrash.

_____________________________________________________________
19. Portrait – Burn The World

Portrait is one of the most underrated bands of the 21st century and their take on traditional heavy metal goes beyond their influences of Iron Maiden and Helloween. It’s a lethal combination of clean production and heavy, dark musicianship that makes this album and band sound like classic 80’s metal.

_______________________________________________________________

18. Marty Friedman – Wall Of Sound

Marty Friedman puts on one of the best shows you can ask for in the modern day. Complete with a lineup of Kiyoshi Manii on bass and Anup Sastry on drums, nothing is impossible with this rhythm section. Jordan Ziff and Chargeee didn’t come until after the recording process, but the live adaptation of the music obliterates the studio versions. Friedman is firing on all cylinders as usual and constantly shifting between melodic and heaviness. From the bone-crunching Self Pollution to the beautiful and catchy Whiteworm, this is the album for people obsessed with instrumental albums from the likes of Jason Becker and Vinnie Moore.

_____________________________________________________________

17. Vain – Rolling With The Punches

For those who think glam metal is a thing of the 80’s, look no further than the unexpected comeback from San Francisco’s very own Vain. After Frontier Records starting signing major acts like Whitesnake, it quickly became a safe haven for the Sunset Strip veterans including L.A. Guns and Warrant. This encouraged a lot of groups from back in the day to revitalize themselves and make their presence known again in the 21st century. Vain returned to the spotlight after a short-lived career that was cut short in the same manner as so many others like Love/Hate and Slaughter. But this band managed to stay true to their sound and style without aging in the slightest. Especially the latter half of the album, Sacrifice and Show Your Love are pure classic anthems that hold up to the golden standard of iconic glam metal.

______________________________________________________________

16. Dragonforce – Reaching Into Infinity

Dragonforce reached critical acclaim with their insane shredding, but at the heart of their music is a power metal band. With albums like Inhuman Rampage and Valley Of The Damned, everybody knows what to expect from them whether it’s love or hate. Reaching Into Infinity picks up where Maximum Overload left off in terms of songwriting and delivery. A power metal powerhouse with some of the craziest lead guitar you’ve ever heard. And did I forget to mention that cover of Death‘s Evil Dead?

_____________________________________________________________

15. Power Trip – Nightmare Logic

One of the latest bands to come out of the woodwork is a group hell-bent on aggression: Power Trip. Like their fellow Texans, Pantera, Power Trip have been trying to establish a new standard for thrash and crossover. Since their debut in 2013, they’ve been slugging it out until their sophomore effort finally stuck with major metal sites and became the most talked about underground metal band of 2017. Nightmare Logic holds back nothing with its relentless riffs and tempo changes. A mosher’s monolith and an essential album for those who think metal has gone soft in the 2000’s.

_______________________________________________________________

14. Terrifier – Weapons Of Thrash Destruction

Just like Exarsis, there are plenty of bands who want play nothing but natural, undiluted thrash metal and not worry about who they sound like. Terrifier isn’t a Slayer-clone or an Exodus wannabe. This a band that decided, “Hey! You know what’s a cool album title: Weapons Of Thrash Destruction.” There’s a lot of generic metal out there, but with an album title like that, you can’t resist checking out what it sounds like. This beast does not disappoint and leaves listeners banging their heads with no end in sight. Very worthwhile performances specifically from the guitarists, while everyone else is going to town. Killer riffs and destructive tempos for anyone who wants to hear straight ahead metal.

______________________________________________________________

13. Hexx – Wrath Of The Reaper

If anyone says that metal is fizzling out and losing steam, bands like Hexx are proof positive that the underground scene has plenty to offer. Brilliant arrangements, subtle build ups in each song, and one of the most unique voices in recent years. A perfect example of an album that isn’t reinventing the wheel, but uses their influences to the best of their ability to make killer tunes.

__________________________________________________________________

12. Annihilator – For The Demented

Annihilator is Canada’s finest, but many make the mistake of only listening to the first two albums. Ignorance is NOT bliss, because there’s loads of worthwhile material in the late 90’s and 2000’s. Jeff Waters continues to come up with memorable songs with For The Demented. Starting with the strong opener Twisted Lobotomy and building up to more a darker tone with the evil sounding anthems Phantom Asylum as well as Altering The Altar.

__________________________________________________________________

11. Vulture – The Guillotine

Another newcomer on the scene are speed metal masters Vulture. Similar to Evil Invaders, these guys are unfiltered classic metal from the production to the subtle details. Their logo is bright and distinctive, their album covers look like they’re straight out of a horror film, and the music backs everything up. The speed/thrash metal scene has gotten overwhelmed with a countless number of bands especially during the NWOTHM movement with bands like White Wizzard and Striker. However, The Guillotine manages to stand out and sound fresh among the generic, Slayer wannabes.

_____________________________________________________________________

10. Sanhedrin – A Funeral For The World

Sanhedrin represents the perfect execution of atmosphere within heavy metal. A Funeral For The World is packed with subtle tempo changes, brilliant pacing, and a dark tone overall. This album shares the same creepy aura you get from listening to Mercyful Fate and Bathory.

__________________________________________________________________

9. Satan’s Hallow – Satan’s Hallow

One of the newest bands on this list is none other than Satan’s Hallow. This group made their self-titled debut in 2017 and it came with nothing but stone cold classics. Crystal clear production, intense riffs, and a unique singer. This just goes to show that bands like this can come out of nowhere in the years to come. Young, talented musicians are learning their instruments, writing their own material, and contributing to the metal scene at large.

____________________________________________________________________

8. Kreator – Gods Of Violence

When Teutonic thrash is done right, it’s some of the best aggressive music you can ever hope to find. Kreator have been praised as the leaders of the German Big 4 and just like the other 3, they continue to produce new material to this day. One thing metal fans have noticed in the wake of the millennium is the loudness war and the distinctive Nuclear Blast production. However, the reality is most popular bands who have been the most successful and came from the underground scene are using the full capacity of modern technology and the help of their producers. If you can put this reality aside, Gods Of Violence is a memorable powerhouse. Especially in the beginning, coming right out of the gate with a heavy hitter, World War Now, grabbing the listener’s attention and not letting go during the infectious pre-chorus. The album stays strong with punchy riffs and catchy lyrics with stand out tracks Satan Is Real and the title track. A major highlight is the epic tribute to those in the metal community who passed away too soon, Fallen Brother. The music video is also worth checking out to see some of your favorite heavy metal icons.

________________________________________________________________

7. Stallion – From The Dead

Thanks to the NWOTHM movement, the 80’s metal sound is back and giving metal another breath of fresh air. Stallion are proud members and they make it loud and clear with From The Dead. Just like Enforcer and Evil Invaders, they waited a couple albums in to make their best effort and it was definitely worth the wait. If you like classic speed metal anthems, Stallion is nothing but that.

__________________________________________________________________

6. Overkill – The Grinding Wheel

New Jersey’s very own Overkill came out on top with yet another consistent album. The 80’s era gets all the praise, but there’s no reason to ignore the 2000’s classics like Ironbound and The Electric Age. The Grinding Wheel is in the same vein, however it’s arguably better in the stronger sections. Moments like Shine On and Red, White, And Blue show the outstanding maturity in the band’s songwriting even this late in their career. Ending the album with longer, slower performances makes for a more epic ending to the album in contrast to the aggressive beginning with tracks like Goddamn Trouble and one of the best openers they’ve done in years: Mean, Green Killing Machine. This album starter defines everything to love about Overkill: bulky riffs, subtle time signatures, and memorable lines from Mr. Blitz. They already have new material lined up for 2019, proving some groups can still carry their own as they age.

____________________________________________________________________

5. Havok – Conformicide

Havok is one of the most impressive newer metal bands to emerge in the 21st century. After a great debut, the four-piece machine debunked the sophomore slump myth with arguably the best thrash release of the 2000’s, Time Is Up. Conformicide takes the songwriting in a more political direction with relevant topics instead of anonymous apocalyptic themes from their earlier material. Hang ‘Em High and Claiming Certainty are two of the latest speed anthems, but Masterplan is the climax of the entire album. If you disagree, check out the epic delivery and execution of Wake Up.

_________________________________________________________________

4. Evil Invaders – Feed Me Violence

Now that we’ve talked about thrash, it’s time for a completely different genre… speed metal. Evil Invaders are as classic as it gets. Clean production and a love for Agent Steel. Everything these guys have done is flawless from their debut EP to the modern masterpiece of Feed Me Violence. If you dig Exciter and Razor, this group has all the high notes, blazing riffs, and cocaine-fueled energy to make any metal fan overdose.

_____________________________________________________________________

3. Attic – Sanctimonious

Attic has been around for a few years now and they have yet to disappoint. Dubbed as a Mercyful Fate/King Diamond clone, this band does more than merely copy the style of their heroes. Back in 2012, Attic put out one of the best metal albums of the year with The Invocation and proved that they could keep a specific sound from decades ago sound fresh and alive. Whether the metal community accepts it or not, this band is carrying the torch for the years to come. Sanctimonious holds up strong against the rest of their catalog, continuing to pull off epic vocals deliveries from singer Meister Cagliostro and amazing guitar work from both Tim Katteluhn and Rob Piel. Overall, this group has a bright future ahead of them and should be recognized as worshiping the music rather than ripping it off.

_____________________________________________________________________

2. Exarsis – New War Order

If you’re losing faith in thrash metal and think it’s gotten overdone, look no further than Exarsis. These beasts set the stage with their first two albums, but finally unleashed their masterpiece with New War Order. Everything that makes Exodus and Death Angel amazing is perfectly translated into the modern production. Some have said they’re what would happen if King Diamond sang in a thrash band and the result is very impressive. The riffs and tempo changes are god-tier and if anyone is hoping to hear a new Sodom or Heathen band surface in the 2000’s, this is definitely a step in the right direction.

____________________________________________________________________

1. Condor – Unstoppable Power

Condor emerged from the metal underground and released what many can argue to be the best album of 2017. Unstoppable Power pretty much sums up the record as a whole. Blackened thrash at its finest. Apocalyptic riffs driven by the thunderous drumming makes for some of the heaviest music made all year. It’s hard to pick a favorite track, because there’s not one dud to be found. However, the album closer, Horrifier, is a great snapshot of how intense these guys can play. In your face, fierce delivery made for anyone with an extreme taste in music.