20 Best Metal Albums Of 2017 (So Far)

Formed from the ashes of British death metal pioneers Bolt Thrower, Memoriam and their pummelling 2017 debut For the Fallen are melancholic death metal attacks driven by themes such as war, death, pessimism and loss. Like all classic death metal acts, Memoriam's songs are methodic and punishing, channelling pioneers such as Obituary and Immolation (don't worry, we'll get to them).

The guitars of Scott Fairfax are arguably the highlight of this immense slice of old-school extreme. With the entire album containing itself into less than 45 minutes, it is a dense, unmitigated thrashing that any classic death metal lover needs to hear.