The part that sucks most about doing these lists each year is that I have to leave out records I really liked. These are the main runners up to the top 40, and all of them are killer pieces that are varied and more than worthy. If you missed any of these, change that as fast as you can.

DEADGUY, “Near-Death Travel Services” (Relapse): Three full decades after releasing their debut (and until recently only) full-length record “Fixation on a Co-Worker,” Deadguy have returned to doing what they do best with “Near-Death Travel Services,” an absolute beast of an album that was worth the lengthy wait. It’s a triumph of an album, and it beats your ass from front to back with the power of a band half their age. “Kill Fee” tears open, Singer howling, “We are the freaks, and we dare to believe there’s a place for us in this world.” New Best Friend” has the drums driving, the guitars encircling, battering with a blinding force. Yelled vocals bruise as metallic riffs cut through steel, adding pressure to a mangling finish. “Knife Sharpener” waylays, howls smashing, guitars tangling, and a violent pace destroying as the thing goes by in a flash. “All Stick & No Carrot” wastes little time getting going, the vocals pasting, sounds smearing and adding a level of purposeful confusion. One of the triumphs of the year. (June 27)

For more on the band, go here: https://deadguy666.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://www.relapse.com/pages/deadguy-near-death-travel-services

For more on the label, go here: https://www.relapse.com/

ESSES, “Pain at the Altar of Jest” (Seeing Red): Portland post-goth/doom band Esses very well could claim that their records, the latest of which is “Pain at the Altar of Jest,” can be called ritualistic. I haven’t seen their live show, but if it’s anything like their recorded output, they can give credence to that word. “Three Sisters” pounds spiritually, hushed singing haunting, gushing open, guitars churning in the dark. The singing continues to glide and reflect, melting away into dusk. “Mirage Artist” starts with a didgeridoo echoing, which is just as startling on record as it is in real life. Riffs carve as the singing lulls, mesmerizing as a hypnotic pace chills you to the bone. “Cavern of Souls” enters with the bass driving, guitars scuffing, and the singing soaring, the emotion crackling with electricity. Closer “Crackedlands” flows warmly as Western echoes illuminate mysteries, syrupy guitar slowly blending with the horizon. (Sept. 26)

For more on the band, go here: https://essesmusic.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://seeingredrecords.8merch.us/

Or here (Europe): https://seeingredrecords.8merch.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://www.seeingredrecords.com/

LYCHGATE, “Precipice” (Debemur Morti): Lychgate returned late in the year with “Precipice,” their winding, dramatic, and dark record that ponders a future with total dependence on machines. The music and words are inspired by E.M. Forster’s 1909 sci-fi short story The Machine Stops, which was terrifyingly ahead of its time, as well as works by H.G. Wells and T.S. Eliot. It’s black metal dripping with psychosis nightmare state. “Mausoleum of Steel” chokes in soot, then growls spit as the synth strikes a frosty note, stirring and unleashing deep reds hues. Howls retch as the pace lurches, fascinating as the playing chugs into oblivion. “The Meeting of Orion and Scorpio” is elegant as it dawns, deep speaking prodding veins, a jazzy ambiance adding extra shadow. “Anagnorisis” has the pace crumbling and the calls blackening, the keys making the ambiance feel like a snow-covered landscape with unforgiving winds. Closer “Pangaea” opens with keys sweltering and the guitars equaling the intensity, the vocals boiling in the mix. (Dec. 12)

For more on the band, go here: https://lychgate.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://debemurmorti.aisamerch.com/

Or here (International): https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/24-pre-orders

For more on the label, go here: https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/

PLAGUE OF CARCOSA, “In the Dreamless Deep” (Fiadh Productions): Chicago-based sludge/doom instrumental trio Plague of Carcosa long have found inspiration in Cthulhu and other Lovecraftian lore, and to do that with mostly no vocals is a tall order for a lesser band. Yet, they capture the essence in drubbing fashion, and on their second full-length “In the Dreamless Deep,” they pummel during six songs that maul over 44 minutes. “Over Innsmouth” is melodic and mournful when it dawns, then it turns quickly to skull bashing, the leads glimmering amid a pit of destruction. “Sepulchre of the Dead Gods” flows gently before the power lurches, turning into a full doom fury, the filth caking your veins. “Awakened Sentinel” is the longest track, running 15:01 and working instantly into psyche guitars and a lathering dose of sludge that you can chew. (Aug. 12)

For more on the band, go here: https://plagueofcarcosa.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://plagueofcarcosa.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-dreamless-deep

For more on the label, go here: https://fiadh.bandcamp.com/

SPECIES, “Changelings” (20 Buck Spin): Polish maulers Species spark tech thrash nostalgia on their second record “Changelings,” a catchy, mangling dose of progressive thrash metal that hits all the right spots. Over seven tracks and 40 perfectly portioned minutes, the band dazzles with their ability, no doubt, but they always remember to tell a story along the way. “Inspirit Creation” immediately clues you in on what’s ahead, that being mind-bending thrash and shrieky vocals. “Waves of Time” is smooth, with creaky vocals carving, and then clean singing giving off a psychedelic aura. The pace detonates as the screams buckle, leading to a very techy buildup, speeding and clubbing, melodic soloing filling you to the brim. “Voyager” is a cosmic-fueled instrumental piece, whirring keys taking you deep into your imagination. Closer “Biological Masterpiece” runs a healthy 10:17, beginning with a choppy start/stop that feels like someone hitting the gas and then slamming on the brakes before turning into dream-inducing madness. (Sept. 19)

For more on the band, go here: https://species1.bandcamp.com/music

To buy the album, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/collections/species/

For more on the label, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/