2019 is fast approaching the finish line and it's time for some year-end round-ups, but since we all have different music tastes and favorites, this year we're going to do this a little differently. Instead of one MetalBite year-end list, each of our staff members will present his own individual list based on his own criteria, preferences or whatever else stroke him fancy, we don't judge.

And without further ado, here's the first list from Adam.

19. The Odious - Vesica Piscis

18. In Mourning - Garden Of Storms

17. Carnal Forge - Gun To Mouth Salvation

16. Bloodred Hourglass - Godsend

15. Idle Hands - Mana

14. Herod - Sombre Dessein

13. Lunar Shadow - The Smokeless Fires

12. Eternal Storm - Come The Tide

11. Lacrimas Profundere - Bleeding The Stars

10. Vltimas - Something Wicked Marches In

9. Evergrey - The Atlantic

8. Deserted Fear - Drowned By Humanity

7. Source - Totality

6. Astronoid - Astronoid

5. Soilwork - Verkligheten

This is the time that it all comes together for Soilwork. The music here is accessible and catchy, yet has enough variety to be very entertaining. "Verkligheten" was the most enjoyable melodic death metal album I have heard in 2019 and deserves all the credit that could possibly be heaped upon it.

4. Crown of Autumn - Byzantine Horizon

"Byzantine Horizons" has an ethereal atmosphere that is very uplifting, yet sorrowful at the same time. The use of dual vocalists adds to the atmosphere and creates greater depth. This was one of the most moody and stylistic albums I heard all year.

3. Arch / Matheos - Winter Ethereal

This band makes use of some great work by veteran musicians for this progressive release, "Winter Ethereal". John Arch's performance is particularly entrancing. The music has nods to past progressive works of Fates Warning, but within a more modern context.

2. Sermon - Birth Of The Marvellous

"Birth of the Marvellous" has a distinctive atmosphere that is driving and subtle at the same time. The band throws together a Katatonia and Tool influenced sound that drives the progressive needle forward. Sermon is always able to set the proper tone for the mood they want to create.

1. Soen - Lotus

"Lotus" certainly wears its influences on its sleeves, but it does so in breathtaking fashion. Tool and Opeth can both be heard amongst this band's music, but there is a distinct niche carved on this album. This is the atmospheric work that brings it all together for Soen.