Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I (2012)

One of the most celebrated metal albums of the year, this phenomenal band's debut has rekindled the fire Opeth ignited over ten years ago with Blackwater Park. What's different is that this Australian prodigy adds in gorgeous violins and brutal black metal sections. But like Opeth, this is a very technical and very melodic piece of art. Definitely one of my favorite metal albums from this year.
9.5/10