Mastodon's Emperor Of Sand voted the best metal album of 2017 so far

Emperor Of Sand album cover Mastodon
Emperor Of Sand album cover

In a long fought battle, Mastodon have claimed the prize as the best album of 2017 so far. As you can tell by Metal Hammer’s Top 50 Albums Of 2017 So Far, it’s been quite the year for heavy music with incredible music from the likes of Pallbearer, Code Orange and Kreator taking over our stereos for the past few months. But when we asked the general public for their choice, it was clear which record hit hardest with metalheads around the world.

Mastodon’s Emperor Of Sand.

Here’s what Hammer’s review said at the time of release back in March, which rewarded the album a 910 score.

“This is music Mastodon needed to write: powerful, passionate metal written and performed by one of the most creative and ambitious bands in our world, and carrying such a weight that it’s capable of levelling mountains.

“With more in common musically with Blood Mountain and The Hunter than 2014’s hit’n’miss Once More ’Round The Sun, there are riffs here the size of planets pushing the metal ever onward with a spiritual spine to juxtapose the heaviness.”

And it appears that Hammer readers agree. Here are the top ten albums from 2017 so far as voted for by you.

  1. Mastodon – Emperor Of Sand
  2. Kreator – Gods Of Violence
  3. Wednesday 13 – Condolences
  4. While She Sleeps – You Are We
  5. Code Orange – Forever
  6. Overkill – The Grinding Wheel
  7. Pallbearer – Heartless
  8. 3Teeth – < shutdown.exe >
  9. Body Count – Bloodlust
  10. Creeper – Eternity, In Your Arms

It’s quite the range of sounds and sub-genres being represented in the top ten, from metalcore and horror-punk to industrial and old-school thrash. No matter where your tastes lie, it’s safe to say that this year is serving up some delicious goods to feast on. Just imagine what the next six months are going to bring!

(Hopefully that Tool album)

Mastodon announce 7-date UK tour

From death to destiny: How Mastodon turned mourning into their masterpiece

Metal Hammer

Founded in 1983, Metal Hammer is the global home of all things heavy. We have breaking news, exclusive interviews with the biggest bands and names in metal, rock, hardcore, grunge and beyond, expert reviews of the lastest releases and unrivalled insider access to metal's most exciting new scenes and movements. No matter what you're into – be it heavy metal, punk, hardcore, grunge, alternative, goth, industrial, djent or the stuff so bizarre it defies classification – you'll find it all here, backed by the best writers in our game.