Best Metal Albums of 2017

The Top Ten

1 Gods of Violence - Kreator

Not quite Phantom Antichrist, but still above most recent work (besides Violent Revolution).

This masterpiece is slightly above cradle of filths criptonia which isn't even listed to my surprise

2 Emperor of Sand - Mastodon

Easily tops Gods of Violence. Jaguar God and Word to the Wise are among the best songs Mastodon has ever put out in their whole career.

3 The Grinding Wheel - Overkill

Should be in the top three.

4 Urn - Ne Obliviscaris

This was an exceptional surprise. Did not expect to enjoy this album as much as I did. Current contender for AOTY for me.

My #1 of 2017 (extreme progressive metal from Australia).
If interested, you can check out the list: Best Songs on Ne Obliviscaris' Urn

5 Conformicide - Havok

Good music, but awful lyrics.

6 Nightmare Logic - Power Trip

Top tier Thrash man

7 The Sin and the Sentence - Trivium

8 Aathma - Persefone

This is MY pick for best metal album of 2017. Top notch progressive metal album right here, everyone should listen to it.

9 Reflections of a Floating World - Elder

An amazing sludge metal album. My fave of 2017.

10 In the Passing Light of Day - Pain of Salvation

The Newcomers

? Gravebloom - The Acacia Strain

The Contenders

11 E - Enslaved

A very good album, possibly their most progressive yet. They pay a tribute to Pink Floyd during the albums closing moments. My main criticism: too short. Only six songs. None of them are bad though and all are different. If you don't like newer Enslaved then you probably won't like this, but if you're a fan of newer, then I think you'll enjoy it. If you're a prog fan and have more of an open mind to black metal then I think you'll enjoy it.

12 Mirror Reaper - Bell Witch