Sure!
I like Moonsorrow's second last album more than anything of the last two years (even Namidae), but the most recent one still didn't get better, so it's not on here.
#3 Insomnium - Winter's GateThough nothing on here is as good as the title track of
In the Halls of Awaiting, as a whole listen, this is probably their best album. One 40+ minute song. The lyrics aren't nearly as poetic as they were
way back, but they've been getting worse with their last 2 albums, and this is definitely breaking the trend, which is nice and rare. I love part 3.
Can't find it on youtube. Probably banned in Germany.
#2 Tarja – The Shadow SelfHer last album was not good, and I didn't expect her to ever release another good album after it, but she did! So much energy particularly in the middle of the album, where on the last one it felt tired and repetitive.
#1 Cobalt – Slow ForeverVery dark. Very metal. I'd call this controlled aggression. Gets first place for the interlude + title track on the second disc. So much emotion in here. I also largely endorse the message on writing.
starts at 01:06:15
Hnorable mention to Affinity from Haken. Listen to
The Architect, super well written track that gets better on every listen, enormous replayability (rest of the album is whatever). Also Alcest's
Kodama for being all-around pretty and enjoyable (also quite accessible), and Awaclus' album for The Visitor.