Any year that kicks off with a ripping new Judas Priest song in its first quarter and winds down with a surprise Slipknot single in Q4 is a pretty decent fucking year in heavy music. Both those cuts were but the tip of the proverbial iceberg in 2018, with a host of other big names and worthy up-and-comers, across metal, hardcore, punk, industrial, hip-hop, goth and beyond, dropping captivating songs that helped get us through another strange and often challenging year. Here are 75 of our favorites, conveniently curated in a Spotify playlist for your blasting pleasure.
75 Best Songs of 2018
Deafheaven, Slipknot, HEALTH x Youth Code, Jesus Piece and more
Dave Grohl Interviews Mastodon: "Have You All Ever Taken Acid Together?"
Chief Foo Fighter asks the important questions in classic 2009 story
Jesus Piece: From Philly Underdogs to Hardcore Breakouts
Aaron Heard and his band were virtual unknowns not long ago. Their stunning album 'Only Self' changed that fast.
Best of 2018: Failure's Kellii Scott Picks Favorite Music of Year
Alt-rock cult faves' drummer showcases eclectic taste, from Iron Maiden to Pusha T
Best of 2018: Anthrax's Charlie Benante Picks Favorite Albums of Year
Drummer's eclectic choices include Judas Priest, Death Grips, 21 Pilots, more
Dave Grohl Interviews Mastodon: "Have You All Ever Taken Acid Together?"
Chief Foo Fighter asks the important questions in classic 2009 story
Jesus Piece: From Philly Underdogs to Hardcore Breakouts
Aaron Heard and his band were virtual unknowns not long ago. Their stunning album 'Only Self' changed that fast.
Best of 2018: Failure's Kellii Scott Picks Favorite Music of Year
Alt-rock cult faves' drummer showcases eclectic taste, from Iron Maiden to Pusha T
Best of 2018: Anthrax's Charlie Benante Picks Favorite Albums of Year
Drummer's eclectic choices include Judas Priest, Death Grips, 21 Pilots, more