Top 10 albums of 2021

Published on february 11th, 2022 | by Anthony Martinez

I have made this Top since 2015 and I must say that it has never been so difficult as now, this took longer than thought, the albums are not far apart in terms of the quality of their composition and production, not for less, all of them have a greater musical maturity and have been writing for more than 30 or 40 years. 

I must always say, the albums considered are those that somehow fit the name of our site "Classic Christian Rock", on the other hand this is an analysis that is not based on their popularity, but rather on the quality of their composition, production and lyrics. However, our lists and the lists of any other magazine, can always vary, so it is normal that the personal taste of readers may differ with such lists, although we try to be objective, your personal taste may see it as subjective.

Going back to the albums in question, I am glad to see that some artists who have not produced any albums for many years, have returned with good productions, although I must say that with very little promotion to reach their old fans.

Without further ado, I invite you to know the albums released in 2021 by Christian rock artists of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Most of them can be found on Youtube, and in all digital stores. Don't forget to leave your comments or write to our email if you have questions about one of the albums you will see below.

 

10  Vector - Vital

The most knowledgeable people surely remember the New Wave band Vector that debuted in 1983 with their album Mannequin Virtue. After their 1995 album, there was never any more news about Vector.  27 years later, on September 8, 2021, Vector makes a surprise return with a new album, which definitely seems like they have had it in storage all these years, if you are a New Wave lover this is a good recommendation. The album is available only on the Mezzo Music label's website, and there are also four music videos.

09  Thee Final Chaptre - So let it be Done

Possibly very few remember the band Thee Final Chaptree, a Glam Metal band that released only one EP in 1991 and then split up. A few years ago they reunited and re-released their EP, on December 24th they released the album So let it be Done, their second production and the first in 30 years, well, in fact it is their first full length album. So let it be Done is a good heavy metal proposal.

08  Dale Thompson & The Boon Dogs 

It's not metal or hard rock, it's Dale Thompson traveling back to the 70s. It's also not Dale Thompson's first solo album. On August 27th Dale released The Boon Dogs, the blues/rock combination on this album is wonderful. Dale is not just a screaming metalhead, he is also a great songwriter who enjoys the blues and classic rock sounds.

If you have been a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Glenn Kaiser, Larry Howard or Darrell Mansfield, I am sure you will love this album from the first listen.

07  Christian Liljegren - Melodic Passion

From Sweden, we have been witnessing for many years one of the most prodigious voices in Christian metal, Christian Liljegren vocalist of Narnia. 

This time, it is not an album from any of his bands, but a solo work released on March 26th. Melodic Passion is the name of Liljegren's new album released on his own label, this album is loaded with influences of Classic Hard Rock, Progressive Metal, Neoclassical Power Metal, and beautiful Acoustic Melodies. This is a must-have album for fans of Narnia and the melodic rock and metal genres. 

06  Gale Force - Subhuman

Barren Cross singer Mr. Mike Lee returned to the metal scene with a new band called Gale Force featuring guitarist Tracy G (DIO), Paul Alfery and Randy Oviedo, and on January 7 released their debut album Subhuman, a piece of high-level metal. 

This is not an album similar to the classic Barren Cross albums, Subhuman has musical elements that set it apart. Mike is not only one of the best metal singers, but also a great composer capable of making powerful songs as well as beautiful ballads, something that is also present in this album.

05  Sunbomb - Evil and Divine

Released on May 14, 2021, Evil and Divine is the result of the work between Styper singer Michael Sweet and LA Guns guitarist, Tracii Guns. This album does not sound similar to their bands, it is a pretty heavy work with influences from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath. Tracii did the music, while Michael did the lyrics, plus Tracii's great guitar work and Michael's exceptional vocals, both are off the charts on this album. The album has been highly acclaimed by many critics and fans of Stryper and LA Guns, musically a perfect combination that should definitely release more albums soon. 

04  The Brave - Evie's Little Garden

Released on July 27, 2021, Evie's Little Garden is the new album from The Brave, led by guitarist Stayce Roberts. Unlike the Tell Me Now album, this is the first with all new songs since their 1994 album Trust. This album is a piece that perfectly possesses the old school melodic hard rock sound, and it is not an attempt to fit into the old sound or sound similar to their old records, this album has songs with a style all their own, and becomes a trip back to the early 90s.

03 The Thomas Thompson Earth Project - Systematic Brain Drain

Released on November 4, 2021, this album is one of the many musical side projects of Bride singer Dale Thompson, who has teamed up with musicians Garret Thomas (USA) and Tiago James (Brazil) to make this album.  

Disregarding the cover, which does not represent the quality of the music it has, this is a very intense and well crafted piece of metal, perhaps one of Dale Thompson's best vocal works, this album should have been Bride's, I can safely say that this album deserves to be in the Top of any digital magazine of the best metal albums of 2021 around the world.

02  Trytan - Blood of Kings

Guitarist and leader Lary Dean, brought back the name of his old band Trytan. An unexpected comeback that involved several renowned musicians such as Jim LaVerde (Barren Cross), John Elefante (Kansas, Mastedon), Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior), Eric Guillete (The Neal Morse Band), are some of the musicians who helped Lary with Trytan's new album, Blood of the Kings. 

Released in April 2021, this album is a masterpiece of progressive metal worthy of being recognized as one of the best albums of the genre. This album has become the favorite of many Christian metal critics, and no wonder, the quality of this album is impressive. This album should become a modern classic of Christian metal.

01  Kerry Livgren - Cantata The Resurrection of Lazarus

The former Kansas guitarist began work on this album in 2009, finally released on August 12, 2021. This cantata is actually a classical oratorio or perhaps an opera concertante, based on the 11th chapter of St. John. A majestic opera featuring renowned musicians such as John Elefante, Phil Keaggy, Steve Walsh, Robby Steinhardt, Richard Williams, Dave Hope, David Pack (AD) and cousin Jake Livgren (Proto-Kaw). This is one of those productions that doesn't come out every day. 

Additionally, I also want to mention other artists that released some productions during the year 2021, don't misunderstand, just because they don't appear in our Top 10, doesn't mean they are bad productions, as I said at the beginning of this article, this Top 10 is the hardest I have done in recent years, so you can also listen to the artists in the following list, I'm sure you will like their productions. 

The Neal Morse Band - Innocence & Danger

Layton & Martin - Roxology

Michael Feighan - Someone Prayed

Imari Tones - Nabeshima

Bride - Christmas

Mike Botello - Indigenous