Blog author: Alex Stojanovic

Wow! Can you believe that we're already at the end of 2015? Feels like it was just yesterday, we were naming our favourite albums of 2014 and ringing in 2015. It has been another awesome year as far as releases go, and like just about every year, putting together a list of my top 10 favourite albums of the year is a real challenge because there are so many great albums that come out every year.
I, like all of us at Metal Master Kingdom, have a wide taste in metal and music in general, so that's why you'll see some albums on this list that are definitely heavy, but they may lean more towards hard rock. I know that with a name like "Metal Master Kingdom", our primary focus should be metal, and it is, but it wouldn't be fair to us if all we covered was just metal. It's all about variety and having an open mind.
Hope you guys enjoy the albums I listed down below.
I, like all of us at Metal Master Kingdom, have a wide taste in metal and music in general, so that's why you'll see some albums on this list that are definitely heavy, but they may lean more towards hard rock. I know that with a name like "Metal Master Kingdom", our primary focus should be metal, and it is, but it wouldn't be fair to us if all we covered was just metal. It's all about variety and having an open mind.
Hope you guys enjoy the albums I listed down below.

10. ALL THAT REMAINS - The Order Of Things
The last All That Remains album A War You Cannot Win took quite a bit of criticism for the lack of power, although there was a handful of tracks that were actually quite good. Still, the energy experienced on the album's predeccesors seemed to be missing. Even though the new album The Order Of Things feels it picks up where A War You Cannot Win left off direction-wise, the songwriting and the production is much stronger. The bigger hooks, riffs, grooves, melodies and punchier production all make The Order Of Things a huge improvement from the last album. The album encompasses everything All That Remains is about, from the heavy stompers and ragers like "Tru-Kvlt-Metal", "No Knock" and "A Reason For Me To Fight" to groovy rockers like "Victory Lap" and "Divide" and the more accessible melodic tracks like "Fiat Empire" and "For You". A very enjoyable album.
The last All That Remains album A War You Cannot Win took quite a bit of criticism for the lack of power, although there was a handful of tracks that were actually quite good. Still, the energy experienced on the album's predeccesors seemed to be missing. Even though the new album The Order Of Things feels it picks up where A War You Cannot Win left off direction-wise, the songwriting and the production is much stronger. The bigger hooks, riffs, grooves, melodies and punchier production all make The Order Of Things a huge improvement from the last album. The album encompasses everything All That Remains is about, from the heavy stompers and ragers like "Tru-Kvlt-Metal", "No Knock" and "A Reason For Me To Fight" to groovy rockers like "Victory Lap" and "Divide" and the more accessible melodic tracks like "Fiat Empire" and "For You". A very enjoyable album.

09. U.D.O. - Decadent
Udo Dirkschneider and his crew in U.D.O. continue to be very active with both touring and recording, with a new album being released every year and a half or two. 2015 marked the release of the band's fifteenth studio album Decadent. It's pretty much everything you would expect from U.D.O, which is simple song structures, stomping grooves, catchy melodies and just straightforward traditional metal, with pretty much no left turns to be found. U.D.O. is another one of those bands that are the definition of the word "consistent". Some of my favourite tracks from the album include "Speeder", "Decadent", "Pain", "Untouchable" and "Rebels Of The Night".
Udo Dirkschneider and his crew in U.D.O. continue to be very active with both touring and recording, with a new album being released every year and a half or two. 2015 marked the release of the band's fifteenth studio album Decadent. It's pretty much everything you would expect from U.D.O, which is simple song structures, stomping grooves, catchy melodies and just straightforward traditional metal, with pretty much no left turns to be found. U.D.O. is another one of those bands that are the definition of the word "consistent". Some of my favourite tracks from the album include "Speeder", "Decadent", "Pain", "Untouchable" and "Rebels Of The Night".

08. BREAKING BENJAMIN - Dark Before Dawn
Following a legal dispute, Breaking Benjamin came roaring back with a new lineup and new album this year. Breaking Benjamin is another one of those bands that hasn't changed their sound much over the years, but they've figured out a way to make it work. Dark Before Dawn is really no different than the other albums in the band's discography, but it's full of great hooks, great vocals, majestic choruses, and simply great songs. Some of my favourite tracks on the album include "Failure", "Angels Fall", "Ashes Of Eden", "Bury Me Alive", "Never Again" and "The Great Divide". When you're listening to an album with amazing vocals, you can't help but sing along every time, and Dark Before Dawn is one of those albums that gives me that urge every time I listen to it. Such a good album.
Following a legal dispute, Breaking Benjamin came roaring back with a new lineup and new album this year. Breaking Benjamin is another one of those bands that hasn't changed their sound much over the years, but they've figured out a way to make it work. Dark Before Dawn is really no different than the other albums in the band's discography, but it's full of great hooks, great vocals, majestic choruses, and simply great songs. Some of my favourite tracks on the album include "Failure", "Angels Fall", "Ashes Of Eden", "Bury Me Alive", "Never Again" and "The Great Divide". When you're listening to an album with amazing vocals, you can't help but sing along every time, and Dark Before Dawn is one of those albums that gives me that urge every time I listen to it. Such a good album.

07. LAMB OF GOD - VII: Sturm Und Drang
Could you imagine a world without Lamb Of God? That almost became a reality a couple of years ago with Randy Blythe's trial and incarceration in the Czech Republic, until he was exonerated. It was evident that the experience would inspire some pretty dark material, and there's quite a bit of that on the band's new album VII: Sturm Und Drang. I feel that this album is the band's strongest effort to date. The track "Overlord" definitely raised everyone's eyebrows, as it was a departure from the trademark Lamb Of God sound, but for me, it's one of the high points of the record and it has become one of my top favourite songs by the band. Randy's cleans are amazing. Along with "Overlord", other highlights include "Still Echoes", "Erase This", "Embers", "Anthropoid", "Footprints" and "Delusion Pandemic".
Could you imagine a world without Lamb Of God? That almost became a reality a couple of years ago with Randy Blythe's trial and incarceration in the Czech Republic, until he was exonerated. It was evident that the experience would inspire some pretty dark material, and there's quite a bit of that on the band's new album VII: Sturm Und Drang. I feel that this album is the band's strongest effort to date. The track "Overlord" definitely raised everyone's eyebrows, as it was a departure from the trademark Lamb Of God sound, but for me, it's one of the high points of the record and it has become one of my top favourite songs by the band. Randy's cleans are amazing. Along with "Overlord", other highlights include "Still Echoes", "Erase This", "Embers", "Anthropoid", "Footprints" and "Delusion Pandemic".

06. GERMAN PANZER - Send Them All To Hell
Now even though this album was released in 2014, it's a 2015 released album here in North America, so that's why this album is featured in the list for this year. In 2014, legendary Destruction frontman Schmier formed a side project with now former Accept members Stefan Schwarzmann and Herman Frank called The German Panzer and they released their debut album Send Them All To Hell, and it's basically a modern take on 80s metal. I think the only experimentation on this album will come from Schmier, who gets to showcase the melodic side of his vocals that aren't present in Destruction, but there's really no experimentation to be found musically. The influences of Accept, Judas Priest and Motorhead shine brightly throughout the album, with tracks like "Death Knell", "Hail & Kill", "Temple Of Doom", "Panzer", "Freakshow" and "Bleed For Your Sins" being primary examples. If you love 80s metal, you'll love this album.
Now even though this album was released in 2014, it's a 2015 released album here in North America, so that's why this album is featured in the list for this year. In 2014, legendary Destruction frontman Schmier formed a side project with now former Accept members Stefan Schwarzmann and Herman Frank called The German Panzer and they released their debut album Send Them All To Hell, and it's basically a modern take on 80s metal. I think the only experimentation on this album will come from Schmier, who gets to showcase the melodic side of his vocals that aren't present in Destruction, but there's really no experimentation to be found musically. The influences of Accept, Judas Priest and Motorhead shine brightly throughout the album, with tracks like "Death Knell", "Hail & Kill", "Temple Of Doom", "Panzer", "Freakshow" and "Bleed For Your Sins" being primary examples. If you love 80s metal, you'll love this album.

05. THE BLOODLINE - We Are One
Nothing perks my ears more than apocalyptic-sized hooks, riffs and melodies and that's exactly what you will get on The Bloodline's debut album We Are One. Anyone that knows this band knows that it was formed out of the ashes of Dirge Within when the remaining members of the band decided to put Dirge Within to rest and start fresh with a new name. We Are One contains all the ingredients found on the Dirge Within albums, but I feel that the songwriting has gone up a few notches. I love albums that walk the line of metal and hard rock, and We Are One is an album that does it expertly. The synergy between guitarists Shaun Glass and Chuck Wepfer is top notch. Together, they unleash some potent riffs both catchy and brutal, and memorable melodies and harmonies. Aside from the impressive guitar performances, Travis Neal's vocal performance is extrordinary, where he gives equal opportunity to his screaming and melodic vocals. He knows exactly where to put which vocal, and you wouldn't find many vocalists with that ability. Fantastic album!
Nothing perks my ears more than apocalyptic-sized hooks, riffs and melodies and that's exactly what you will get on The Bloodline's debut album We Are One. Anyone that knows this band knows that it was formed out of the ashes of Dirge Within when the remaining members of the band decided to put Dirge Within to rest and start fresh with a new name. We Are One contains all the ingredients found on the Dirge Within albums, but I feel that the songwriting has gone up a few notches. I love albums that walk the line of metal and hard rock, and We Are One is an album that does it expertly. The synergy between guitarists Shaun Glass and Chuck Wepfer is top notch. Together, they unleash some potent riffs both catchy and brutal, and memorable melodies and harmonies. Aside from the impressive guitar performances, Travis Neal's vocal performance is extrordinary, where he gives equal opportunity to his screaming and melodic vocals. He knows exactly where to put which vocal, and you wouldn't find many vocalists with that ability. Fantastic album!

04. SAXON - Battering Ram
If you look up the word "consistent" in the dictionary, a picture of Saxon will come up. The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal legends are showing no signs of slowing down as they are continuing their winning streak of great albums with their 21st studio album Battering Ram. If you are a Saxon fan, you know what to expect. I've always said that I love it when bands try different directions throughout their career, and there's only a handful of bands that can stick to one formula for over 30 years and keep their music exciting, and Saxon seem to have that down to a science. Honestly, how many bands can release 21 albums that follow pretty much the same formula and not have a weak link in the bunch? Battering Ram picks up where the previous album Sacrifice left off, and that was one of their best albums. The only difference between the two albums is that there's a little less rock n' roll and more metal on Battering Ram. Biff Byford is still sounding great vocally, and Saxon are still playing at such a high level, so I give them all the respect in the world.
If you look up the word "consistent" in the dictionary, a picture of Saxon will come up. The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal legends are showing no signs of slowing down as they are continuing their winning streak of great albums with their 21st studio album Battering Ram. If you are a Saxon fan, you know what to expect. I've always said that I love it when bands try different directions throughout their career, and there's only a handful of bands that can stick to one formula for over 30 years and keep their music exciting, and Saxon seem to have that down to a science. Honestly, how many bands can release 21 albums that follow pretty much the same formula and not have a weak link in the bunch? Battering Ram picks up where the previous album Sacrifice left off, and that was one of their best albums. The only difference between the two albums is that there's a little less rock n' roll and more metal on Battering Ram. Biff Byford is still sounding great vocally, and Saxon are still playing at such a high level, so I give them all the respect in the world.

03. ACT OF DEFIANCE - Birth & The Burial
After Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover announced their departures from Megadeth simultaneously late last year, I was real curious and excited to hear the music they were going to put out with their new band Act Of Defiance. With all the creative freedom they acquired after they left Megadeth, they came out all guns blazing on their debut album Birth & The Burial. There's a plethora of great aggressive and melodic vocals from vocalist Henry Derek Bonner (ex-Scar The Martyr), great drum performances from Drover, bulldozer bass from Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall), super heavy riffs, searing solos and a real punishing guitar tone from Broderick. Everything I love about thrash and modern metal is present on Birth & The Burial. I look forward to more music from Act Of Defiance in the future.
After Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover announced their departures from Megadeth simultaneously late last year, I was real curious and excited to hear the music they were going to put out with their new band Act Of Defiance. With all the creative freedom they acquired after they left Megadeth, they came out all guns blazing on their debut album Birth & The Burial. There's a plethora of great aggressive and melodic vocals from vocalist Henry Derek Bonner (ex-Scar The Martyr), great drum performances from Drover, bulldozer bass from Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall), super heavy riffs, searing solos and a real punishing guitar tone from Broderick. Everything I love about thrash and modern metal is present on Birth & The Burial. I look forward to more music from Act Of Defiance in the future.

02. TRIVIUM - Silence In The Snow
Trivium continue to show that they are one of the most unapologetic bands out there, and that's why they've been one of my top favourite bands ever since I discovered them in 2006. Each album in their discography stands out in its own way. I love the approach they took on their new album Silence In The Snow, by incorporating the influences of classic metal like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Rainbow. Ever since Shogun, Matt Heafy's vocal performance has gotten stronger on each new album. I feel that this might be his best vocal performance yet. Heafy and Corey Beaulieu also continue to impress us with their guitar wizardry. There's so much memorability to be found on Silence In The Snow. The exciting riffs, captivating hooks, mesmerizing melodies, excellent vocals and brilliant production are all at the centerpiece of the album. Excellent work Trivium!
Trivium continue to show that they are one of the most unapologetic bands out there, and that's why they've been one of my top favourite bands ever since I discovered them in 2006. Each album in their discography stands out in its own way. I love the approach they took on their new album Silence In The Snow, by incorporating the influences of classic metal like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Rainbow. Ever since Shogun, Matt Heafy's vocal performance has gotten stronger on each new album. I feel that this might be his best vocal performance yet. Heafy and Corey Beaulieu also continue to impress us with their guitar wizardry. There's so much memorability to be found on Silence In The Snow. The exciting riffs, captivating hooks, mesmerizing melodies, excellent vocals and brilliant production are all at the centerpiece of the album. Excellent work Trivium!

01. METAL ALLEGIANCE - Metal Allegiance
When I initially heard that Alex Skolnick, David Ellefson and Mike Portnoy, along with Mark Menghi, who were all part of the Metal Allegiance all-star cover band, wrote original material together for an album, my excitement went through the roof and my anticipation for the album was incredibly high. Knowing the talent all the musicians possess individually, I knew the album wouldn't disappoint. Diversity keeps an album exciting for me, and the Metal Allegiance album combines several metal styles like traditional, power, thrash, groove, progressive and even hard rock, giving pretty much the evolution of metal in one epic and delightful package. With an eclectic lineup of guest vocalists and lead guitarists from all ends of the metal spectrum like Randy Blythe, Chuck Billy, Cristina Scabbia, Matt Heafy, Gary Holt, Phil Anselmo, Alissa White-Gluz, Mark Osegueda, Jamey Jasta, Troy Sanders, Dug Pinnick and Andreas Kisser to name a few, each putting their stamp on the album and the great music written by Skolnick, Ellefson, Portnoy and Menghi, you've got the ultimate metal collaboration. All these elements make the Metal Allegiance album a no-brainer for any metal fan, and that is why the album takes the crown as my favourite album of this year.
When I initially heard that Alex Skolnick, David Ellefson and Mike Portnoy, along with Mark Menghi, who were all part of the Metal Allegiance all-star cover band, wrote original material together for an album, my excitement went through the roof and my anticipation for the album was incredibly high. Knowing the talent all the musicians possess individually, I knew the album wouldn't disappoint. Diversity keeps an album exciting for me, and the Metal Allegiance album combines several metal styles like traditional, power, thrash, groove, progressive and even hard rock, giving pretty much the evolution of metal in one epic and delightful package. With an eclectic lineup of guest vocalists and lead guitarists from all ends of the metal spectrum like Randy Blythe, Chuck Billy, Cristina Scabbia, Matt Heafy, Gary Holt, Phil Anselmo, Alissa White-Gluz, Mark Osegueda, Jamey Jasta, Troy Sanders, Dug Pinnick and Andreas Kisser to name a few, each putting their stamp on the album and the great music written by Skolnick, Ellefson, Portnoy and Menghi, you've got the ultimate metal collaboration. All these elements make the Metal Allegiance album a no-brainer for any metal fan, and that is why the album takes the crown as my favourite album of this year.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS (No Order)
I understand and respect the fact that some of you won't agree with some of my picks, but it's all a matter of opinion. Some of you may also be wondering why certain albums aren't featured on my list. I want you all to know that I have heard several other albums that came out this year and really liked a lot of them, it's just that the albums displayed above had a bigger impact on me, and those other albums probably didn't hit me as hard as I thought they would, even though they all had good songs, and also getting around to every single album that came out this year is just impossible, so I apologize if I missed your favourite album(s).
With that said, that concludes my list of my favourite albums of this year. Thank you very much for checking it out. Cheers to a fantastic 2015, and here's to an even greater 2016! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Horns high fellow headbangers!!!!
With that said, that concludes my list of my favourite albums of this year. Thank you very much for checking it out. Cheers to a fantastic 2015, and here's to an even greater 2016! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Horns high fellow headbangers!!!!