This best of 2018 list for hard rock and metal is capped by one mammoth record that made the whole year worth it.

If you pull your kid out of school and drive five hours to see Alestorm and Gloryhammer at a club, you may have a metal problem. It was more than worth it.

“Helter Skelter” shatters previous stereotypes of the Beatles and, in turn, reveals the future of rock music.

Kiss’ ‘Rock and Roll Over’ appeared only months after ‘Destroyer.’ History shows, however, that the best rock music thrives on spontaneity.

‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ released 30 years ago this week, started a journey. Iron Maiden is now a part of me, and I am a part of what’s kept them around.

Others may dislike Machine Head’s latest outing, but I think it’s one of the most interesting records they’ve ever done.

I walked away wondering how I’d missed Dark Hound’s first two albums. It’s an oversight that I intend to correct immediately.

I saw body surfing up close at this Motorhead show, almost became an unwilling member in a mosh pit, and escaped unscathed. Who could ask for more?

It was, honestly, a pretty lousy year for music. This list of Best Metal, Country and Hard Rock of 2017 highlights five exceptions, and some key honorable mentions.

Is ‘Shade’ the best ever Living Colour album? Maybe, but that’s such a tall order.