2021 was quite a year, and with everything that happened leaving us all turned upside down, Wikimetal is here with a tradition to keep you going strong this holiday season: our list of the best albums.
In the Wikimetal podcast , the team discussed some of their favorite releases, and in the last poll we asked you, our readers, what your favorite album of the year is.
But, as tradition dictates, the editorial team got together to list the 50 best albums of the year! Check out the full list below.
50. Sixx:AM – HITS
The band Sixx: AM released a greatest hits compilation in October to celebrate their career. The album features the band's biggest hits, as well as six new songs, marking their first new material since 2016. One of the new tracks is titled "The First 21," inspired by Nikki Sixx 's recently released book
49. Transatlantic – The Absolute Universe: Forevermore
The prog rock supergroup featuring keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse , drummer Mike Portnoy , bassist Pete Trewavas , and guitarist Roine Stolt has released its first album since 2014's Kaleidoscope The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life is available in two versions: one 90 minutes long and another 60 minutes long. They feature different versions of the songs, including changes to the lyrics.
48. The Fratellis – Half Drunk Under a Full Moon
The trio The Fratellis released their sixth studio album this year, Half Drunk Under a Full Moon . Produced by Tony Hoffer , the album charts a different course for the group, drawing inspiration from baroque pop, a fusion of rock and classical music that's definitely worth checking out!
47. Noora Louhimo Experience – Eternal Wheel Of Time And Space
Noora Louhimo Experience is the debut solo project by Finnish vocalist Noora Louhimo , from Battle Beast . With Samuli Erkkilä and JC Halttunen on guitars, AP Kauppinen on bass, Juuso Raatikainen on drums and Okke Komulainen on keyboards, the album features a cover of “Piece of my Heart” by Janis Joplin.
46. The Night Flight Orchestra – Aeromantic II
In Aeromantic II, The Night Flight Orchestra explores melodic hard rock with a blend of American funk, disco, and even progressive elements. Marking their seventh studio album, the work is a kind of ode to enjoying life, especially through travel, a feeling compromised during the pandemic, according to Björn Strid , who led the project.
45. Dirty Glory – Miss Behave
The São Paulo-based hard rock quartet Dirty Glory concludes a decade-long career with their second album, Miss Behave . The album was well-received by critics and arrives six years after the release of Mind The Gap , with influences from Def Leppard , Guns N' Roses , Van Halen , and others. In a statement , the band bid farewell, assuring that their complete works will remain available on digital platforms and thanking everyone for the journey.
44. Long Shadows Dawn – Isle of Wrath
Isle of Wrath is the debut album by the band formed by vocalist Doogie White and guitarist Emil Norberg . In it, Long Shadows Dawn pays homage to classic rock and the sound of the 70s, also incorporating elements from the decade that followed, citing influences such as Deep Purple and Yngwie Malmsteen .
43. Edge of Paradise – The Unknown
The American band Edge of Paradise received positive reviews for their fourth studio album, The Unknown , which enhances the symphonic and metallic elements of their signature sound. The group received help from Mike Plotnikoff and Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace , and delivered an album that showcases their most grandiose and ambitious sound.
42. Pentakill – III: Lost Chapter
Pentakill 2021 after four years without new material. The third album marks the reunion of the band formed by League of Legends (LoL) champions – Karthus and Kayle on vocals, Mordekaiser on guitar, Sona on keyboards, Yorick on bass, and Olaf on drums. Jørn Lande , former vocalist of Masterplan and Avantasia, returns as Karthus for the third album, as does Noora Louhimo , vocalist of the heavy metal band Battle Beast.
41. Weezer – OK Human
In January, Weezer released their fourteenth album, a highly experimental work influenced by elements of baroque pop, blending chamber music, orchestra, and pop rock. The album was recorded entirely analogically and featured a 38-piece orchestra. Two of their biggest inspirations were Harry Nilsson 's Nilsson Sings Newman and Beach Boys ' Pet Sounds .
40. WET – Retransmission
Formed in 2008 by Jeff Scott Soto , Erik Martensson , and Robert Säll , the supergroup WET delivers 11 powerful hard rock songs this time. The trio carries the classic genre in their repertoire, but on this album they explore a more current and modern version of it. Retransmission also features instrumentalists Magnus Henriksson (guitar), Robban Bäck (drums), and Andreas Passmark (bass).
39. Sweet Oblivion – Relentless
Sweet Oblivion 's second album demonstrates the band's musical maturity and growth, featuring great songs that shine through Geoff Tate , such as "Another Change" and "Strong Pressure," although it's not a very homogeneous album across its 10 tracks.
38. Thunder – All the Right Noises
British band Thunder released their thirteenth album in March, following the acclaimed Please Remain Seated from 2019. All The Right Noises tackles current and timeless themes such as mental health, diversity, and politics, resonating with audiences and propelling the album to the number three spot on the Billboard charts in its release week.
37. Grande Royale – Carry On
On their fifth album, Grande Royale set aside some of the experimental elements used on their previous record and decided to focus on their strengths, bringing the best of garage rock 'n' roll. According to the band, Carry On was largely recorded and produced by themselves, which allowed them to focus on rock throughout its 12 tracks, featuring peaks of energy and heavy music.
36. John Diva & The Rockets of Love – American Amadeus
Released at the very beginning of the year, American Amadeus marked the third studio album by the group John Diva & the Rockets of Love . Inspired by bands like Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more, they prove that the days of classic rock and hair metal are not behind them. With only 12 years as a band, they show, especially here, that the genres are still alive and well and should remain so.
35. Motorjesus – Hellbreaker
The German band Motorjesus released Hellbreaker as a blend of heavy metal and hard rock that only they can deliver. Being the group's sixth studio album, the work showcases their strengths and maturity, despite conceptually offering more of the same – but who says that's a bad thing?
34. Joel Hoekstra's 13 – Running Games
Guitarist Joel Hoekstra released the second album of his project this year. Running Games features Russell Allen on vocals, Vinny Appice on drums, Tony Franklin on bass, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, and Jeff Scott Soto on backing vocals. According to Joel, the idea was to showcase more of his songwriting side, since his solo albums outside of Project 13 had been more instrumental.
33. Alice Cooper – Detroit Stories
Earlier this year, Alice Cooper released a full-length album that tells the story of the musician, born and raised in Detroit, who returns to his roots to explore the sounds and veteran names that helped popularize American hard rock. He wrote at the time: “Detroit seemed like paradise for misfits. When they found out I was born in East Detroit… we were home.”
32. Powerwolf – Call of the Wild
On their eighth studio album, Powerwolf keeps its feet firmly planted in power metal and proves that it can still keep the genre in the spotlight in the best possible way. With an epic atmosphere, Call of the Wild follows the sometimes fantastical themes of Powerwolf's universe, which likes to include lupine and diabolical narratives in some of its songs. The album is yet another invitation from the band to the world of imagination.
31. Accept – Too Mean To Die
, Accept released their first album with the new lineup, which includes bassist Mark Motnik, who replaced veteran Peter Baltes , and guitarist Philip Shouse , thus changing the band's formation to a sextet with three guitars. Produced by Andy Sneap , Too Mean to Die features eleven energetic tracks inspired by the sound of 80s hard rock.
30. Idles – Crawler
Idles ' fourth studio album explores broader territory than its predecessor, Ultra Mono . The album received a 7.0 rating from Pitchfork and a score of 82 on Metacritic , being praised for its introspective nature and its dive into dark and personal themes.
29. Alírio – All Things Must Pass
Alírio Netto , vocalist of Queen Extravaganza , has released All Things Must Pass , his second solo album, featuring references to major names in world rock and a tribute to George Harrison of The Beatles . Inspired by longtime idols such as Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury , the new album is predominantly in English and makes direct reference to Harrison's first solo album, which he considers a "watershed moment in rock history" and a perfect reference for the current pandemic era.
28. Hollowmind – Inside an Extended Play
Hollowmind 's return with the EP Inside an Extended Play. With a play on words in the title, referencing the meaning of "EP" and reflecting on the intense and unimaginable experiences collectively lived through the pandemic, the trio formed by bassist and vocalist Rob Gutierrez , guitarist Ale Silveira , and drummer Felipe Gomes features production by Val Santos ( Toyshop , ex- Viper ) on the project, which marks Hollowmind's first release since the album The Cardinal Factor (2014).
27. Nervosa – Perpetual Chaos
2021 was a year of change for many, and for the band Nervosa it was no different. After a major lineup change, the group released Perpetual Chaos with the new formation. The album, released by Napalm Records, is the first with vocalist Diva Satanica , bassist Mia Wallace , and drummer Eleni Nota . The three join guitarist Prika Amaral , the only remaining member from the previous lineup.
26. Edu Falaschi – Vera Cruz
Vera Cruz marks the first solo album by vocalist Edu Falaschi in 30 years of career and success as the vocalist of Almah and Angra . With special attention to detail, the concept album narrates a story set between Brazil and Portugal during the colonial period, and features a series of fantastic collaborations with Max Cavalera, Elba Ramalho and Tito Falaschi.
25. The Offspring – Let The Bad Times Roll
After almost a decade without new music, The Offspring returned with an album that perfectly captures the feeling of the pandemic, even in its title: Let The Bad Times Roll , an acceptance that bad things happen, so there's not much point in fighting against it. The solution proposed by the band is to keep dancing , but without neglecting political commentary and plenty of irreverence. With humorous singles like "We Never Have Sex Anymore," the band shows that they still have a lot to offer.
24. Rise Against – Nowhere Generation
The punk rock group Rise Against arrives with their new album Nowhere Generation , which addresses the political landscape of the United States, criticizing big business and politicians and the dichotomy between the promise of the American dream and the reality of the American dream, resulting from mass social, economic and political instability.
23. The Dead Daisies – Holy Ground
The Dead Daisies have released their fifth studio album, Holy Ground , marking the band's first project with Glenn Hughes on vocals. Each track on the album has its own story and was crafted with dedication by the band, with members considering it a "heavy, cool, and fresh start."
22. Mastodon – Hushed and Grim
Mastodon 's eighth studio album arrived quietly, but when it did, it exploded with the progressive and alternative metal typical of the group. Hushed and Grim is the longest album in the band's career since their debut album Remission in 2002, and it came as a tribute to the group's former manager, Nick John, who passed away from cancer in 2018. Heavy, creative, and honest, the album is incredibly powerful and won over a large part of the specialized critics.
21. Inglorious – We Will Ride
The fourth album from Inglorious , one of the rising stars of British hard rock, arrives to showcase the power of the band's new lineup following the departure of three members in 2019. This time with Danny Dela Cruz and Dan Stevens on guitar and Brazilian Vinnie Colla on bass , We Will Ride reveals a promising future and renewed energy for the group.
20. Tremonti – Marching in Time
Tremonti , the heavy metal band of Mark Tremonti (of Alter Bridge ), released their fifth studio album in 2021. Produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette , a longtime collaborator of Mark's and known for his work with Slash and Falling In Reverse , the new project was inspired by current events and brings a “completely new vibe” to the sound, but also continues the concept presented in A Dying Machine, released in 2018, which addresses its own narrative about dark feelings.
19. Hayley Williams – FLOWERS for VASES
In her second solo album, the Paramore demonstrates more of the sensitivity revealed in Petals for Armor and composes an honest and delicate work about the process of pain and overcoming her divorce. At various points, Hayley Williams refers to grief, depressive episodes, and emotional dependence with courage, sincerity, and sensitivity.
18. Greta Van Fleet – The Battle at Garden's Gate
In their second album, Greta Van Fleet showcases their growth as a band and expands their references within progressive rock, delivering another concept album, this time centered on the relationship between humanity and technology at the expense of nature. In one of its tracks, the moving "Tears of Rain," the musicians of Greta sought inspiration during a visit to Brazil, where they encountered the shocking poverty of Rio de Janeiro's favelas.
17. Foo Fighters – Medicine At Midnight
Reaching the milestone of their tenth album , Medicine At Midnight arrives to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary, whose celebrations were postponed due to the pandemic. Considered by the band "a party album," the project features 9 tracks that showcase a more experimental and youthful side of the Foo Fighters, incorporating elements of punk rock, funk rock, and groove, and even paying homage to Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead in the powerful "No Son Of Mine."
16. Myles Kennedy – The Ides of March
Returning to a more rock 'n' roll sound, Myles Kennedy released his second studio album in May. The project maintains the influences that marked his solo debut with The Year of the Tiger (2018), balancing the lyrical and sonic universe built alongside Alter Bridge , Slash , and The Conspirators , but the vocalist and guitarist's personality stands out. Ides of March has a keen eye on social and political issues in tracks like "Get Along," but doesn't forget the personal universe when addressing themes such as trust in relationships, love, and loss.
15. Smith/Kotzen – Smith/Kotzen
In March, guitar and vocal duo Richie Kotzen and Adrian Smith released the debut album of their project, Smith/Kotzen . The album features nine tracks and was recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands in February 2020, before the pandemic. Produced by the duo and mixed by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley , the album has references to classic 70s rock and also touches on blues and R&B in some songs, and of course the result is unmissable! Read our interview with Kotzen about the release here.
14. KK's Priest – Sermons of the Sinner
In October, KK's Priest released their highly anticipated debut album, Sermons of the Sinner . The band, formed by KK Downing , Tim “Ripper Owens,” and Les Binks , former members of Judas Priest , surprised positively with their first album and, according to Downing, is already working on its successor . Louder considered Sermons of the Sinner Judas Priest bonus album you weren’t expecting.”
13. Turnstile – Glow On
The punk and hardcore group Turnstile redefined the shaping of these genres on their fourth studio album, Glow On . Their work on the new record garnered critical attention worldwide, receiving a 92% approval rating on Metacritic , and led to Turnstile being named Artist of the Year by SPIN magazine . Glow On arrives three years after Time & Space and takes a step forward, blending new elements with the group's already well-known hardcore sound.
12. Deafheaven – Infinite Granite
Deafhaven 's fifth studio album marks a drastic shift from black metal to a softer, more alternative direction, even incorporating elements of shoegaze. The album was well-received by critics and achieved a score of 82 on Metacritic , appearing on several lists of top albums of 2021.
11. Architects – For Those That Wish to Exist
, Architects released their ninth studio album, For Those That Wish to Exist . The successor to the acclaimed 2018 album Holy Hell , the work Billboard UK rock charts . This achievement is especially significant for the band, which was formed in Brighton, UK. For Those That Wish to Exist follows the band through the final stages of grief after the loss of guitarist Tom Searle , who passed away in 2016 at the age of 28 after a battle with skin cancer. Powerful and strong, the album also reflects on human existence and the future of humanity.
10. Spiritbox – Eternal Blue
In September, Spiritbox released their highly anticipated debut album, Eternal Blue , which soared on the Billboard 200 and landed at number 13, just behind pop phenomena like Olivia Rodrigo , Billie Eilish , and Lil Nas X. A major revelation in alternative metal, Spiritbox is helping to redefine heavy music while exploring various paths within the genre with creativity and boldness.
09. Val Santos – 1986
Brazilian artist Val Santos traveled back in time for his debut solo album, 1986 , returning to the year when thrash and heavy metal dominated and influenced countless musicians worldwide. The decade celebrated on the album, besides featuring releases like Metallica 's *Master of Puppets , Slayer Reign in Blood *, and Megadeth *Peace Sells… But Who's Buying? , was also the time when Val Santos began listening to the genre and interacting with and working with bands that emerged on the Brazilian scene, such as VIPER , Vodu , and Volkana . Read the full album review here.
08. Halloween – Halloween
Present, past, and future meet on the self-titled Helloween , the band's first album with the lineup presented on the Pumpkins United . With the return of vocalist Michael Kiske and guitarist Kai Hansen , who joined the other five members, the band now features Andi Deris (vocals), Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Daniel Löble (drums) in a high-level album, with epic tracks and the same chemistry and energy shown on stage. Read our review and interview with the band about the album here.
07. Impavid Colossus – Prologue
One of the biggest revelations in Brazilian heavy music, Impavid Colossus demonstrates high quality right from their debut album, Prologue . Released on World Rock Day, the album mixes the personal references of each band member, ranging from grunge to hardcore and blending past and present experiences in bands like Cruz , Owl Company , Rancore , and Supla .
06. Mammoth WVH – Mammoth WVH
In his debut album, Wolfgang Van Halen Eddie Van Halen 's son . His dedication and passion for music are evident, as Wolfgang composed and sang on all the songs on the album and also played all the instruments used. His work on Mammoth WVH was praised by Mark Tremonti and Sammy Hagar .
05. Lucifer – Lucifer IV
The European band Lucifer released their fourth studio album in 2021, promising (and delivering) to shock everyone. The cover depicts vocalist Johanna Sadonis crucified in an attempt to critique patriarchy and the oppression suffered by women in the West throughout history. At the time of its release, she said: “The cover of this album, as well as some of its lyrical content, is my personal 'fuck you' to patriarchy, to the men and their co-dependent women who belittled, silenced, emotionally abused, and spread lies about me – those people who tried to stop me from making music.”
04. Evanescence – The Bitter Truth
Ten years after the release of their self-titled album, Evanescence awakens from their hiatus with The Bitter Truth , their fourth studio album. In it, the band revisits some of their old sound, but also makes room for more electronic elements. The album's themes are divided between Evanescence's frustrations with their former record label and Amy Lee 's grief over the death of her younger brother.
03. The Pretty Reckless – Death By Rock and Roll
On their fourth studio album, The Pretty Reckless featured guest appearances from Tom Morello , Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil of Soundgarden Taylor Momsen 's grief over the deaths of her friends Chris Cornell and producer Kato Khandwala . The album marks the band's first decade in the music industry.
02. Gojira – Fortitude
The French band Gojira returned after five years with their seventh album. Fortitude was inspired by classic rock names like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix , and Pink Floyd, according to vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier . The album, which became the band's best-selling record in the US , returns to their roots not only in sound but also in artwork and lyrics, which, according to drummer Mario Duplantier , were inspired by indigenous culture.
01. Iron Maiden – Senjutsu
Senjutsu Iron Maiden 's seventeenth studio album , was released on September 3rd after much anticipation from fans. The successor to The Book of Souls (2015), the new album was announced in July with a grand campaign of mystery following the release of the single "The Writing on The Wall ," which came with a music video full of easter eggs and references to the band's past. To the public's surprise, a second single was released: "Stratego" marked a then-unprecedented feat in the British band's career. At 82 minutes long, the album was recorded in 2019 during breaks in the Legacy of the Beast Tour and spent two years "locked in a vault" to prevent leaks.
