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 Top 19 from Alex.

19. Vastum - Orificial Purge

18. Mortiferum - Disgorged From Psychotic Depths

17. Arkhaaik - *dʰg̑ʰm̥tós

16. Ancient Moon - Benedictus Diabolica, Gloria Patri

15. Ringarë - Under Pale Moon

14. Hell's Coronation - Ritual Chalice Of Hateful Blood

13. Imprecation - Damnatio Ad Bestias

12. Trest - Ordalium

11. Crest of Darkness - The God Of Flesh

10. Witchbones - The Seas of Draugen

9. Sempiternal Dusk - Cenotaph of Defectuous Creation

8. Pa Vesh En - Pyrefication

7. Encoffination - We Proclaim Your Death O' Lord

6. Abysmal Lord - Exaltation Of The Infernal Cabal

5. Trajeto De Cabra - Supreme Command Of Satanic Will

Trajeto De Cabra was a bit of a surprise to me; never heard of them until "Supreme Command Of Satanic Will". They conjured something a bit more expansive in terms of aggression within the war metal territory. Guess you could say it was a well-organized album for the amount of tonal variations. Definitely a not the band you want to be messing with; a warning made clear through their swift and militaristic assault.

4. Krypts - Cadaver Circulation

First experience with Krypts materialized with "Remnants Of Expansion"; that album in every way still holds up as death/doom masterpiece. However, even amidst it's towering stature I saw potential for an even better release, and such was the case with "Cadaver Circulation". Comprised of all that was "Remnants Of Expansion" and more; this album not only eclipsed all of their prior efforts but crushed every other death/doom metal album I heard for 2019 with its soaring leads and intense atmospheres.

3. Hellvetron - Trident Of Tartarean Gateways

"Trident Of Tartarean Gateways"; the most sinister black/death/doom metal record I have ever heard; ominous guitar tones, devilish vocals and a trance like thud of the drums, formed like a pestilential scab upon all luminescence. I don't think Hellvetron understand the scope of what they achieved with "Trident Of Tartarean Gateways"; a record of its magnitude could only be experienced as a whole; you would be robbing yourself by skipping trough tracks. I am interested to hear what else will come from Hellvetron or perhaps a full-length ritual is to form under Nyogthaeblisz; either way, after such a beastly exhibition it would be underwhelming to stifle the momentum by not following it up with another grand offering.

2. Kosmokrator - Through Ruin... Behold

If you bought Kosmokrator's "Through Ruin… Behold" on vinyl or cd it tells me you have very good taste in music. Not only that, but there is a part of you that thirsts for a profound meaning in such. Kosmokrator delivers both; tracks to make you head-bang indiscreetly and a message to activate the deeper realms of the psyche. It was the epigrammatic artwork which caught my attention and spoke to the subconsciousness residing. Acrobatic musicianship displaying smooth wave-like fluctuations between tonal accentuation and concavity keeps the listener guessing throughout the entirety of the record's journey.

1. Cerebral Rot - Odious Descent Into Decay

From the decrepit artwork on "Odious Descent Into Decay" to the onerous and commanding sound to its insane, depraved, gonzo-esque lyrics; Cerebral Rot delivered thousand-fold over "Cessation Of Life". Spicy guitar licks, quaking vocals and an absolutely near immaculate drum performance; "Odious Descent Into Decay" is old school death metal with a clarity that amplifies the effect of each note played. With diligent proficiency, Cerebral Rot snatched, demolished and reconstructed a sound to now suit their gut-churning, yet intimidating death metal approach; Album of the year!!!