Top Albums

Contaminated Tones has never put out official year-end lists. Mostly because I never really listen to enough albums from one year to provide any sort of real enlightened opinion on what should be included by the year's end. For several years, Apteronotus did a studious analysis of internet year end lists, which was our way of providing a consensus of the best albums of that year, but it was in no way a representation of our own opinions. Over time, lists and thoughts can change, albums can fall out of favor or be rediscovered. Below, you will find a running list, by year, of my personal favorite albums as it currently stands. I am only considering substantial releases so no singles, digital only releases, splits, or best of compilations with redundant material. Full Lengths, EPs, Live Albums, Demos, and Compilations of rare or unreleased material are all considered. Consider this an eternal work in progress which will likely take several years to fill out satisfactorily. Also, I am only adding albums here which I physically own, keeping in the spirit of Contaminated Tones pledge of physical reverence.

As albums shift around, you'll see the date the album has been in that position since change. The older the date, the more it can be said, I revere the album. I'm curious to see how the list shapes up and changes over time.

I have turned off comments for the time being until I have my whole collection, including CDs and Tapes listed. Feel free to email me if you believe something listed should be higher up on the list and I'll revisit the album in question!

2022
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
110/31/2022HearseTraipse Across The Empty Graves
202/03/2023Extinction AgendaInter Arma Silent Leges

2021
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
108/21/2021ÅskogVarþnaþer
208/21/2021EmpyriumUber Den Sternen
312/23/2021PolemicistReturn of the Sophist
407/26/2023GorgonTraditio Satanae
502/19/2022IrefulThe Walls of Madness
602/19/2022SarmatRS-28
710/16/2022IschemicIschemic
810/16/2022Trees SpeakPostHuman
910/16/2022OdalWelten Mutter
1010/16/2022MoanaaEmbers
1110/16/2022SkorbvsterHedensk
1210/16/2022Iron MaidenSenjutsu
1301/08/2023Pazuzu    Oath Of Unholy Sacrilege
1410/16/2022V/AThe Book Of Armageddon
1510/16/2022NightshadowStrike Them Dead

2020
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
111/15/2020Cirith UngolForever Black
211/15/2020XenoglyphMytharc
301/01/2021SkorbvsterSakte Fort Veldig Kraftig
406/29/2021VelniasScion of Aether
506/29/2021NecrotMortal
606/29/2021DehydratedPsychopathological Years
706/29/2021ThecodontionSupercontinent
808/22/2021ÅskogVarg
908/22/2021Glaukom SynodEctoplasmic Revelations
1008/22/2021Vessel of LightLast Ride
1108/22/2021V/AKilling Time: Thrashed From The Vault
1208/22/2021Father BefouledAnnointed In Darkness
1308/22/2021Skyless AeonsDrain The Sun
1408/22/2021VivisectVivisect
1508/22/2021Silure / FeretroSplit Tape
1608/22/2021Fatal SinEpisodes: The Complete Recordings
1708/22/2021Psychotic WaltzThe God Shaped Void
1808/22/2021V/AA.R.T. Records Singles Series Vol. 2
1901/19/2023HostiaCarnivore Carnival
2001/19/2023Isle of the CrossExcelsis
2101/19/2023Chronicles of HateThe Birth of Hate

2019
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020AtaraxieResignes
207/19/2020MefitisEmberdawn
301/14/2022DarkthroneOld Star
401/14/2022Sun Of The DyingThe Earth Is Silent
501/14/2022Black KnifeSpell Caster
601/14/2022ThecodontionJurassic
701/14/2022Vessel of IniquityVoid of Infinite Horror
801/14/2022Nameless VoidNameless Void
901/14/2022ChakaNeanderthal Tales

2018
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
103/07/2022IschemicStagnation and Woe
203/07/2022ClamfightIII
303/07/2022ShadowkeepShadowkeep
403/07/2022BloodfiendEvil Mass of Putrid Decay
503/07/2022V/AA.R.T Records Singles Series Vol. 1

2017
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020NecrotBlood Offerings
26/05/2021RadiationThe Gift of Doom
36/05/2021BetrayedThe Unbeliever
46/05/2021La Torture Des TenebresMemoirs of a Machine Girl
510/24/2021Alcoholic ForceWorshippers of Hell
610/24/2021AvengerDepraved To Black

2016
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020FuriaKsiężyc Milczy Luty
27/07/2020Baphomet's BloodIn Satan We Trust
37/07/2020FuriaGuido
46/28/2021IschemicAll Paths Lead Nowhere
56/28/2021Vessel of IniquityVessel of Iniquity
66/28/2021The Black Scorpio UndergroundNecrochasm

2015
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
107/18/2021HaethenShaped By Aeolian Winds
207/18/2021One MasterReclusive Blasphemy
307/18/2021DeathhammerEvil Power
407/18/2021Holy Terror
Guardians of the Netherworld
507/18/2021Iron MaidenThe Book Of Souls

2014
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020FuriaNocel
26/25/2020Sabbath AssemblySabbath Assembly
36/25/2020Grand MagusTriumph and Power
410/27/2020GoddefiedInhumation of Shreds
502/05/2023Golden Milk
Freedom Only In Death

2013
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020DarkthroneThe Underground Resistance
206/25/2020VastumPatricidal Lust
303/19/2023Nomad SonThe Darkening
403/19/2023DemonomancyThrone of Demonic Proselytism
503/19/2023VomitileIgniting Chaos
603/19/2023Hell's BomberRaidhearsal
703/19/2023RadiationPlutonium Overdose
803/19/2023Saturnalia TempleImpossibilum
903/19/2023Volatile SubstanceEmergency Exit
1003/19/2023OshiegoThe Great Architect of Nothing

2012
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020VelniasRuneEater
26/25/2020EvokenAtra Mors
36/25/2020War MasterPyramid of the Necropolis
46/25/2020HellwellBeyond The Boundaries Of Sin
56/25/2023Chaos SymmetryΑντίθεος αιώνιος

2011
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020AdversarialProphetic Plain of Abyssal Revelation
26/25/2020Manilla RoadPlayground of the Damned
36/25/2020Drugs of FaithCorroded
46/25/2020Germ AttackFear of the Unknown

2010
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020DarkthroneCircle The Wagons
202/20/2022OssuaireMortes Fables
302/20/2022OverkillIronbound
402/20/2022DivinationThe Age of Man

2009
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
107/1/2020Brutal HandPurgatory's Rage
206/25/2020Iron ManI Have Returned
307/09/2022HellwitchOmnipotent Convocation

2008
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Grand MagusIron Will
206/25/2020ArphaxatLoudun La Maudite
305/11/2021CromVengeance
405/11/2021WoeA Spell For The Death of Man
505/11/2021CandlemassLucifer's Rising

2007
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020BesattTriumph of Anticrhsit
26/25/2020AngantyrHaevn

2006
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020Scott WalkerThe Drift
23/7/2021AbazagorathEnshrined Blasphemer
36/25/2020LordHell's Fucking Metal

2005
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
109/04/2021Manilla RoadGates of Fire
209/04/2021Grand MagusWolf's Return
309/04/2021VulpeculaIn Dust Apparition
402/09/2023FalkenbachHeralding - The Fireblade

2004
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
107/09/2022DrudkhAutumn Aurora
207/09/2022AstrofaesHeritage

2003
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020Grand MagusMonument
26/25/2020Corpus ChristiiTormented Belief
32/11/2021OdalEinst Verehrt Von Allen... Und Auf Erden Tobt Die Schlacht

2002
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020Manilla RoadMark Of The Beast

2001
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020AbsuTara
204/07/2022Secrets of the MoonStronghold Of The Inviolables
2000
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
1



1999
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020ForefatherDeep Into Time

1998
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
111/22/2020Aeternus... And So The Night Became
23/19/2023PrimordialA Journey's End
33/19/2023Pentacle... Rides The Moonstorm

1997
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
105/11/2021Cauldron BornBorn of the Cauldron
205/11/2021EmpyriumSongs of Moors and Misty Fields
305/11/2021WhiplashSit Stand Kneel Prey

1996
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
1



1995
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
104/10/2022VarathronWalpurgisnacht
204/10/2022LugubrumWinterstones
304/10/2022GorgonThe Lady Rides a Black Horse

1994
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020EmperorIn The Nightside Eclipse

1993
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020PestilenceSpheres
206/25/2020BenedictionTranscend The Rubicon
309/04/2021Drop DeadMarch of Empire

1992
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
1



1991
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
110/21/2022BathoryTwilight of the Gods
210/21/2022Bolt ThrowerWarmaster
310/21/2022Master's HammerRitual
410/21/2022TerrahsphereThird In Order Of The Sun
501/16/2023L.V.I.Mentally Embalmed
601/16/2023Temple of the DogTemple of the Dog

1990
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020RazorShotgun Justice
206/25/2020NorthwindsSleep With Evil
306/25/2020PiercePierce II

1989
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
105/03/2022Running WildDeath Or Glory
205/03/2022Faith Or FearPunishment Area
305/03/2022Black SabbathHeadless Cross
405/03/2022AnthemHunting Time
505/03/2022RepulsionHorrified
605/03/2022Death SSBlack Mass
705/03/2022Living DeathWorld's Neurosis
805/03/2022Jersey DogsDon't Worry Get Angry
905/03/2022PiercePierce

1988
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
111/26/2021QueensrycheOperation Mindcrime
211/26/2021Running WildPort Royal
311/26/2021Holy TerrorMind Wars
411/26/2021Bolt ThrowerIn Battle There Is No Law
511/26/2021OverkillUnder The Influence
602/05/2023ChastainVoice of the Cult
702/05/2023GenocideBlack Sanctuary
802/05/2023BansheeRace Against Time
902/05/2023Death AngelFrolic Through The Park

1987
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020CandlemassNightfall
26/25/2020AnthemBound To Break
36/25/2020Manilla RoadMystification
49/12/2020DeathScream Bloody Gore
59/12/2020Fates WarningNo Exit
66/25/2020Legion of DeathLegion of Death
76/25/2020Le Mystere Des Voix BulgaresVol I
86/25/2020TestamentThe Legacy
96/25/2020HelloweenKeeper of the Seven Keys Pt. I
103/6/2021Billy JoelThe Bridge
113/6/2021HadesResisting Success

1986
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Fates WarningAwaken The Guardian
206/25/2020AnthemTightrope
306/25/2020Manilla RoadThe Deluge
406/25/2020Flotsam and JetsamDoomsday for the Deceiver
506/25/2020MedievalMedieval
606/25/2020Van Halen5150
706/25/2020ExciterUnveiling The Wicked
806/25/2020CinderellaNight Songs
906/25/2020The RodsHeavier Than Thou
1005/03/2022BansheeCry In The Night
1105/03/2022Bob SegerLike A Rock
1205/03/2022TT QuickMetal Of Honor
1305/03/2022Chaos HordeDemo '86

1985
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020LoudnessThunder In The East
206/25/2020AnthemAnthem
306/25/2020Phil CollinsNo Jacket Required
406/25/2020ExciterFeel The Knife
406/25/2020WaspThe Last Command
506/25/2020AcceptKaizoku-Ban
606/25/2020ImpalerRise of the Mutants
706/25/2020ZZ TopAfterburner
807/09/2022Ded EngineDed Engine

1984
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020QueensrycheThe Warning
208/28/2022Iron MaidenPowerslave
308/28/2022Jag PanzerAmple Destruction
408/28/2022ManowarSign of the Hammer
508/28/2022AvengerPrayers of Steel
608/28/2022HelstarBurning Star
708/28/2022HellhammerApocalyptic Raids
808/28/2022LoudnessDisillusion
908/28/2022Brocas HelmInto Battle
1008/28/2022LoudnessLive Loud Alive
1108/28/2022ExxplorerSymphonies of Steel

1983
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Manilla RoadCrystal Logic
206/25/2020Mercyful FateMelissa
306/25/2020ExciterHeavy Metal Maniac
406/25/2020ManowarInto Glory Ride
508/10/2021Witchfinder GeneralFriends of Hell
608/10/2021SaxonPower and The Glory
708/10/2021QueensrycheQueensryche
808/10/2021TankThis Means War
908/10/2021Billy JoelAn Innocent Man
1008/10/2021DokkenBreaking The Chains (b)

1982
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020ManowarBattle Hymns
206/25/2020Manilla RoadMetal
306/25/2020LoudnessDevil Soldier
406/25/2020Van HalenDiver Down
506/25/2020Bob SegerThe Distance
606/25/2020RushSignals
706/25/2020SamsonBefore The Storm
806/25/2020RiggsRiggs
906/29/2021Tygers of Pan TangThe Cage

1981
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Black SabbathMob Rules
206/25/2020Iron MaidenKillers
306/25/2020Cirith UngolFrost and Fire
406/25/2020Blue Oytser CultFire Of Unknown Origin
506/25/2020Phil CollinsFace Value
606/25/2020MotorheadNo Sleep Til Hammersmith
706/25/2020Tygers of Pan TangSpellbound
808/20/2020Robin TrowerB.L.T
908/20/2020VardisPromo EP

1980
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
101/25/2022Black SabbathHeaven And Hell
201/25/2022Manilla RoadInvasion
301/25/2022Shakin' StreetShakin' Street
401/25/2022AC/DCBack In Black
501/25/2022WitchfyndeGive 'Em Hell
601/25/2022Jean Luc PontyCivilized Evil
701/25/2022UFONo Place To Run
801/25/2022DevoFreedom of Choice
901/25/2022Billy JoelGlass Houses
1001/25/2022Black SabbathLive at Last
1101/25/2022Southside Johnny And The Asbury JukesSacrifice

1979
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Judas PriestPriest In The East
206/25/2020Jean Luc PontyLive!
306/25/2020AngelSinful
406/25/2020Jean Luc PontyA Taste For Passion
506/25/2020Judas PriestUnleashed In The East
606/25/2020Van HalenVan Halen II
706/25/202038 SpecialRockin' Into The Night

1978
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Black SabbathNever Say Die!
203/27/2021Jean Luc PontyCosmic Messenger
203/27/2021RainbowLong Live Rock and Roll
303/27/2021AerosmithLive! Bootleg
403/27/2021Brian EnoAmbient 1: Music For Airports
503/27/2021UFOObsession
603/27/2021AngelWhite Hot
703/27/2021Bob SegerStranger In Town
803/27/2021Billy Joel52nd Street
903/27/2021The WhoWho Are You
1003/27/2021MuleskinnerMuleskinner
1104/11/2021Eric ClaptonBackless

1977
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020Judas PriestSin After Sin
203/27/2021Jean Luc PontyEnigmatic Ocean
303/27/2021AngelOn Earth As It Is In Heaven
403/27/2021QueenNews of the World
503/27/2021Roy BuchananLoading Zone
603/27/2021Crosby Stills and NashCSN
703/27/2021Southside Johnny And The Asbury JukesThis Time It's For Real
803/27/2021DerringerDerringer Live

1976
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020AerosmithRocks
203/27/2021Return To ForeverRomantic Warrior
303/27/2021Blue Oyster CultAgents of Fortune
403/27/2021Gordon LightfootSummertime Dream
503/27/2021Jean Luc PontyAurora
603/27/2021The Marshal Tucker BandLong Hard Ride
703/27/2021Bob SegerNight Moves
803/27/2021Lynyrd SkynyrdGimme Back My Bullets

1975
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Mahavishnu OrchestraVisions Of The Emerald Beyond
206/25/2020Humble PieStreet Rats
306/02/2021Joan BaezDiamonds and Rust

1974
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Billy JoelStreetlife Serenade
206/25/2020Deep PurpleStormbringer
306/25/2020Judas PriestRocka Rolla
406/25/2020The Edgar Winter GroupShock Treatment

1973
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Deep PurpleWho Do We Think We Are
206/25/2020The Allman Brothers BandBrothers and Sisters
306/25/2020Roy BuchananSecond Album
402/16/2022Wishbone AshLive Dates
502/16/2022Eumir DeodatoDeodato 2

1972
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Black SabbathVol. 4
206/25/2020AmericaHomecoming
311/28/2020Mahavishnu OrchestraBetween Nothingness and Eternity
411/28/2020The Edgar Winter GroupThey Only Come Out At Night
511/28/2020The Doobie BrothersToulouse Street
611/28/2020Aztec Two StepAztec Two Step

1971
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020FocusMoving Waves

1970
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Black SabbathParanoid
206/25/2020Black SabbathBlack Sabbath
306/25/2020Deep PurpleIn Rock
406/25/2020Gordon LightfootIf You Could Read My Mind
506/25/2020Hailu MergiaTche Belew

1969
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Deep PurpleDeep Purple
206/25/2020Neil Young and Crazy HorseEverybody Knows This is Nowhere
306/25/2020Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin II
311/29/2021Morton SubotnikTouch

1968
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Iron ButterflyIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
206/25/2020Deep PurpleShades of Deep Purple
306/25/2020Mother EarthLiving With The Animals
406/25/2020Deep PurpleThe Book Of Taliesyn

1967
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Gordon LightfootThe Way I Feel
203/27/2021Procul HarumA Whiter Shade of Pale
303/27/2021Johnny RiversRewind

1966
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
1



1965
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Vince Guraldi TrioA Charlie Brown Christmas
206/25/2020Igor StravinskyVariations for Orchestra
306/25/2020The VenturesKnock Me Out

1964
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Duane EddyLonely Guitar

1963
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
109/16/2020The VenturesSurfing

1935
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
16/25/2020Sergei ProkofievConcerto No. 2 - G Minor (Op. 63)

1923
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Sergei ProkofievConcerto No. 1 - D (Op. 19)

1913
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Igor StravinskyThe Rite of Spring

1910
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Igor StravinskyThe Firebird

1909
POSITIONSINCEBANDALBUM
103/19/2023Igor StravinskyFireworks

1893
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskySymphony No. 6 - B Minor (Op. 74)

1889
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
107/19/2020Cesar FranckSymphony in D Minor

1887
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Cesar FranckSymphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra

1885
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Johannes BrahmsSymphony No. 4 - E Minor (Op. 98)

1883
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Johannes BrahmsSymphony No. 3 - F Major (Op. 90)

1877
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Johannes BrahmsSymphony No. 2 - D Major (Op. 73)

1876
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Johannes BrahmsSymphony No. 1 - C Minor (Op. 68)

1869
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Edvard GriegPiano Concerto - A Minor (Op. 16)

1859
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
111/01/2020Louis Moreau GottschalkNight In The Tropics

1847
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
111/01/2020Anthony Philip HeinrichThe Ornithological Combat of Kings

1840
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Hector BerliozSymphonie Funebre (Op. 15)

1830
POSITIONSINCEBANDALBUM
103/06/2021Hector BerliozSymphonie Fantastique (Op. 14)
1786
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Wolfgang Amadeus MozartConcerto No. 23 - A Major (K. 488)

1784
POSITIONSINCE BAND ALBUM
106/25/2020Wolfgang Amadeus MozartConcerto No. 14 - Eb Major (K. 449)

NOTES:
a. Classical music is by date of first known performance, composer, and title of composition.
b. This is 1983 Breaking The Chains release, not the 1981 version.

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