15 Best Metal Albums Of 2019

9. TOOL - Fear Inoculum

Tool's most immediately meditative album (the band's first in 13 years) will go down as 2019's biggest metal release. It's a rich, rewarding journey for those willing to persist through its more mellowed-out tones and vibes, which serve to frustrate those looking for instant gratification, but help provide a bigger payoff when the band finally floor it, as on the likes of "7empest."

Blissfull and emotive, Fear Inoculum is the end product of a 13-year maturation process. It'll never tickle everyone's fancy, and perhaps suffered for its sky-high expectations, though the balls on Tool returning with a record like this is admirable.