Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s)

Last year was my first year in a decade that did not culminate in an Arsies tournament. That was bittersweet for me, but I still feel good about the decision. And clearly, I did not slack on my Firsties duties: 144 new albums evaluated in 2019! We’ll see how I do in the coming year.

However, that does leave one bit of unfinished business: what do I think was the best metal of last year? Here is my Top Ten list, built with a methodology as arcane as it is arbitrary:

1. Devin Townsend – Empath
2. Tool – Fear Inoculum
3. Destrage –  The Chosen One
4. The Agonist – Orphans
5. East Of The Wall – NP-Complete
6. Soilwork – Verkligheten
7. In Flames – I, The Mask
8. Lacuna Coil – Black Anima
9. Carnifex – World War X
10. Blood Incantation – Hidden History of the Human Race