The past decade continues and seems very close to those of us who experienced it firsthand, especially when we refer to the musical works that defined it.
This tribute offers nothing more than the writer's personal experience of the past decade of music, through the records he enjoyed most at the time they were released.
Vektor – Terminal Redux (2016)
Extremely technical and complex, with extreme influences and vitriolic vocals, Vektor were one of the revelations of the decade. A barrage of riffs, virtuoso lead guitars, a seminary rhythmic background and a subject matter that dealt with science fiction themes, the Americans reached their tech-thrash peak with this album and, nine difficult years later, we are still waiting for its sequel.
Atlantean Kodex – The Course Of Empire (2019)
Starting from the multifaceted lyrical theme, which harmoniously intertwines historical and mythological figures and events with a poetic depth that is rare, and ending with the alabaster, epic-lyrical musical content, the earthly transcendence of the most emotionally charged Bathory moments meets the monumental grandeur of old Manowar and the imposing epic doom nature of Candlemass (and Doomsword). All this, with a guitar sound that owes the most to the fire-and-steel-sculpted epic of the enormous Mark "The Shark" Shelton of Manilla Road.
Enforcer – Diamonds (2010)
Diamonds are forever and this James Bond-oriented phrase perfectly describes – both the name and the thing – “Diamonds”, the second album of the – then still – irrepressible Swedes. The moment when the traditional metal revival seemed ready to be established in our consciousness, the youthful momentum that honored the traditions of the sound but also had the personality to take it a few steps further, the passion and talent were ideally combined, on the album that they themselves have not yet managed to surpass.
Blood Ceremony – The Eldritch Dark (2013)
Taken from the dark Canadian forests and with an occult air, “Eldritch Dark” certainly belonged to another, bygone era, rather than the modern ‘10s. Priestess Alia O’Brien, with her interpretations and magic flute, leads the ceremony that takes place on the third album of Blood Ceremony, who managed to bring Black Sabbath and Jethro Tull closer together.
Helstar – Vampiro (2016)
"Vampiro", in its majestic heyday, is the best the Texan legends have released since the late '80s and the, unrivaled, "A Distant Thunder" and "Nosferatu". Now, the combination of the most modern and thrash elements, with the classical and technical characteristics of their sound, has been perfected, being fully harmonized with the needs of each composition.
Atlantean Kodex – The White Goddess (2013)
Atlantean Kodex's White Goddess is now considered one of the most important and influential albums released in the past decade. An epic/doom majesty with an unparalleled aesthetic lyrical approach, an airy voice that comes in delightful contrast to the overwhelming musical part and with the band's most famous song ("Sol Invictus") present, "White Goddess" can now only be compared to the classic albums of Manowar, Bathory and other sacred monsters of epic sound.
Opeth – Pale Communion (2014)
The turn that Michael Åkerfeldt attempted with “Heritage” was completed here in its full vision, with “Pale Communion” being a ’70s prog album in its own right, with inspiration that rivals the classic works of the golden decade of prog. Steven Wilson’s role remained important in terms of the mixing and the overall sound of the material, the atmospheres exuded this ’70s loss and the album ended up seeming one of the most demanding creations of the versatile Swedish musician, in his entire rich career.
Satan – Life Sentence (2013)
Having returned to action in 2011 after a decade-long hiatus, "Life Sentence" was one of the biggest surprises in the traditional metal scene of the current decade, with their album comeback rivaling in quality their legendary "Court In The Act" debut, without exaggeration. The band sounds ageless, as if not a day has passed since their time of extreme youth and the album has forgotten the concept of filler, presenting some of the best compositions that have ever borne the name Satan.
Lunar Shadow – Far From Light (2017)
The '70s epic of Wishbone Ash and Judas Priest meets the masterful roughness of their NWOBHM descendants, seeing in the person of Angel Witch the main reference point of Lunar Shadow's music. These Noble Barbarians already seemed to possess the secrets of steel, heading unhindered towards the gates of Valhalla of hard sound, until they slightly "spoil" us with their most recent work.
Accept – Blood Of The Nations (2010)
Accept's return, without the beloved Udo Dirkschneider behind their microphone, but with Mark Tornillo of TT Quick, was THE surprise of the decade in traditional sound. With a modern sound, Wolf Hoffman's always amazing guitars in the foreground and Tornillo fittingly replacing the German bullenbeisser, "Blood Of The Nations" marked the beginning of a second career for the veteran German heavy metallers and that didn't spoil it for us at all.
The Sinner