20. Lucifer- Lucifer II- If you love 70s influenced hard rock and metal, boy do I have an album for you. Mixing doom metal elements with a hard rock hooks and the beautiful and ethereal voice of the lovely Sardonis, Lucifer sound almost like a female Dio-era Sabbath, albeit with a slightly more rock sound. Songs like "Dreamer" and "Phoenix" are among some of the coolest rock songs you were likely to hear last year.
19. Torture Squad- Far Beyond Existence- Torture Squad deliver awesome, grooven laden thrash/ death metal on this thier first album with signer Mayra "Unread" Puertas. My full review: https://www.themastergio.com/2018/02/torture-squad-far-beyond-existence.html
18. Terrorizer- Caustic Attack- The best grindcore release of the year, comes from one of the masters of the sub-genre. My full review: https://www.themastergio.com/2018/10/terrorizer-caustic-attack-album-review.html 
17. Terror- Total Retaliation- Groove filled, badass hardcore with metallic riffage, Terror's Total Retalliation was as a badass a release as you were likely to hear last year. An absolute banger of a beatdown this shit will drive even the dead to get up and jump into the pit! It really ranks among the finest Terror albums, and is my pick for the best hardcore album of 2018.
15. Jungle Rot- Jungle Rot- Death metal fast and groove filled, just the way I like it! My full review: https://www.themastergio.com/2018/07/jungle-rot-jungle-album-review.html
14. Bad Wolves- Disobey- The best debut of 2018 was this catchy and badass anaglam of groove metal, metalcore, and hard rock. Some of the year's most memorable and best songs to sing along can be found here, including winners like "Run for Your Life", "No Masters", and the monstrous"Learn to Live". It also has last year's most popular cover in the form of the killer Cranberries song "Zombie".
13. Behomoth- I Loved You at Your Darkest- Like the latest from At The Gates, this Behemoth album sees a band following up a masterpiece. In this case, this actually follows the band's greatest release, The Satanist, an album I picked as the best of 2014 (a year where said At The Gates album was ranked as well). Still, even though not as great as that modern masterpiece of theirs, this still a dark and demonic assault. Heavy and haunting when it is on, this fucker is filled with thunderous, hell-spawned killers like "God = Dog" (silly title or not), "Eccelesia Diabolica Catholica", and "If Crucifixion Was not Enough".
12. Light The Torch- Revival- I am gonna put this out there. This is the best album that Howard Jones has recorded since leaving Killswitch Engage. His voice sounds amazing and the music is driving and heavy yet melodic and catchy. It also has one of my favorite and most played songs of 2018 in the form of the soaring and killer "Die Alone".
11. Revocation- The Outer Ones- Talk about a grower of an album. Each listening of this complex, technically eviscerating death metal monster gets better. Each and every song gets more exciting as you hear more layers. Somehow, through the brutality there is this oddly listenable hook in the tracks that set it apart from bands who add a shit ton of tech into their death metal. It also bears mentioning that the cover, seemingly inspired by Lovecraftian horrors, is one of my favorites of the year.
10. Amarathe- Helix- This is without question one of the most fun albums of 2018. It so perfectly captures the bands various influences. Mixing pop, metalcore, death metal, and, of course, symphonic metal, they sound like no other band. Great to sing along and headbang Helix is one of the listenable, yet utterly kick ass album that you likely to hear to feature multiple signers.
9. Monuments- Phronesis- Speaking of catchy and heavy, few bands do that as well as Monuments. And, even fewer albums released in 2018 mixed that seamlessly and impressive as this rolling and hook-filled, metallic rocker. While, d'jent might be over crowded by more and more clones of lesser quality, Monuments remain heads and shoulders above most of them. Their signer Chris Barretto has one of my favorite in modern metal. Songs like "Mirror Image","Ivory", and "Stygian Blue" really best sum up why this is the case. He has so much soul and anger that it is perfect for this progressive metal act.
7. Bleeding Through- Love Will Kill Us All- 2018 saw the return of many other of my favorites, including Bleeding Through, my all time favorite metalcore act. The last album they had put out was what the dark and face melting Declaration, which might have until that point been their finest work. With this comeback they manage to challenge that album. At times driving and heavy and at others melodic and haunting (many times in the same song) Love Will Kill Us All blew me away. It is always scary when one of the bands one loves comes back after many years of being away, but thank the dark gods Bleeding Through more than delivered the pain filled goods.
6. Halestorm- Vicious- Any year where Halestorm puts out an album is one that makes me a very happy rocker. One of my personal favorite rock bands, they have a very special place in my heart. I don't think they ever put out a stinker and always remains true to their sound. Vicious is no different. It is not only the absolute finest hard rock record of 2018, but it even tops their last release, Into the Wildlife. The title is also very appropriate because when it decides to rock hard, it fucking rips. As always the lovely Lzzy Hale signs her ass off and tracks like "Black Vultures", "Skulls", and "Do Not Disturbed" are among my most played of last year.
5. River of Nihil- Where Owls Know My Name- Call this the surprise album of 2018. Rivers of Nihil, the seemingly eternal opening act, have created an album that is as great, if not better, than the bands they have opened for. The critical acclaim and fan love for this fucker has been huge, and it is with great reason. Where Owls Know My Name blew me the fuck away, and does every time I listen to it. The album has, unquestionably, made Rivers of Nihil headliners. It is a a complete masterpiece with spacious sounds (including some use of a fucking saxophone!!) that adds to the complexity of the music and progieness of it all. The record is heavy and crushing, yet also accessible and approachable without sacrificing the death metal aesthetics, And, as proven by their music video below, they don't take themselves too seriously and know how to have some fun. It makes the music even more likable. 
4. Judas Priest- Firepower- If I had to pick an album that far blew me away far more than I thought it would, then it would be this barn-burner from the metal gods, Judas Priest, themselves. I honestly had thought the last couple of albums from them were OK but wholly forgettable. Firepower, though, is Judas Priest's finest work since Painkiller. And, I mean that in every sense of the word. In fact, I think that it ranks right up there with the best in the band's historical discography. Songs like "Lightning Strikes', "Evil Never Dies", and "Necromancer" are full throttle killers. Hands down the best pure metal release of 2018.
2. Light This City- Terminal Bloom- I pretty screamed in joy when I heard that Light This City would return. And, while I knew they always deliver the goods, I didn't think they would give this near perfect a masterpiece. My full review: https://www.themastergio.com/2018/05/light-this-city-terminal-bloom-album.html
1. Aborted- TerrorVision- Taking the spot is this brutal and eviscerating album. A vicious and merciless release, Aborted have made the best album, thus far of their career, which is saying a lot if you ask me, Shredding riffs, pummeling blast beats, and brutal grooves are accompanied by anger filled guttural vocals and gore drenched lyrics. This fucker blew me right through my office, the first time I heard. It continues to do so every time I hear it. Songs like the title track, "Farewell to the Flesh", and "Deep Red" are among the most savage and ripping tracks you and your soon to be broken neck (from headbanging so fucking hard) were likely to hear. Yet, they are not above slowing shit down and, yet still, mixing it with blast-bearts for a song like "Vespertine Decay" (below) and pummel you straight to fucking hell. As good as modern day death metal can get, this was 2018's soundtrack to pure sonic butchery. Oh, and the horror filled album cover absolutely fucking rules!
10. Deadpool 2- While, I think the first movie is better, this film is still a very, very worthy follow up. Fun, funny, witty, and wild, it is really one of the most thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining movie going experiences of 2018. Characters, and the actors portraying them, like Cable, Domino, and Negasonic Teenage Warhead are among some of the coolest seen all year. Also, Ryan Reynolds proved, again, that he IS Deadpool, end of fucking story!
9. Overlord- At first some though that this was part of the Cloverfield universe, due to rumors. But, it isn't (considering how lame The Cloverfield Paradox was this might be for the better...). What it is, though, is a badass and exhilarating genre-bender. Mixing the war, action, and horror genres, this is tale of US soldiers battling Nazis and their zombie creations fucking kills! Audiences for some reason didn't go see this, but the critics loved it. Do not miss your chance to see it once it hits home media!
8. Bad Times at the El Royale- This stylish and violent neo-noir mixes Tarantino-esque elements with some of the best use of widescreen this side of John Carpenter to tell a twisty tale. Filled with fascinating and lively characters, splatter, and a hell of a climax this feature from the director Drew (The Cabin in the Woods) Goddard is another film overlooked by movie goers. It also features amazing performances, including a really surprising turn by the lovely Dakota Johnson and a scene stealing performance by Thor, himself, Chris Hemsworth, who needs to play more villains, right fucking now.
7. Unsane- This is acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh's first horror film, and it may very well be his best. It certainly is my favorite of his work, which is saying quite a lot. The movie is is shot all with an iPhone, however, it is worth way more than just the gimmick. Featuring an amazing performance by the beautiful Claire Foy as the lead lady who is screwed over and locked in a psyche ward where her stalker might be at. Or is he just in her mind? I won't tell you, but I will say that Joshua Leonard, he of The Blair Witch Project turns out what might be THE creepiest villain performance of the year!
6. Black Panther- The year's biggest box office hit is this culturally significant action/ sci-fi superhero movie from Marvel Studios. Featuring strong performances, especially from Chadwick Boseman in the title role and Michael B. Jordan (who is also phenomenal in the solid sequel Creed II) as Eric Killmonger. It also should be noted that the fleshed out and complex Killmonger is one of the finest villains Marvel has ever had, easily. I also want to say that from a cinematic standpoint this might just be the most beautiful big budget/ major studio superhero movie ever made.
5. Anna and the Apocalypse- The horror genre seems to get more and more Christmas movies each year. Too bad, that finding a good one is so hard. Thank goodness then that this year we got one of the greatest Christmas horror movies ever, in this wondrous British export! It is also the most outright different of all Xmas terror flicks. Aside from being a holiday horror flim, it is also a musical, comedic, zombie movie. Said music is fun and catchy, this coming from someone who hates musicals! The gore and make-up FX are great as is the acting (and their signing!). This is especially true for Anna, herself, played by the beautiful Ella Hunt.
4, Revenge- Without question one of the finest and important rape-revenge movies, ever made. It is also one of the year's finest and most beautifully lensed movies. My full review of this excellent and bloody masterpiece: https://www.themastergio.com/2018/09/revenge-2017-review.html
3. Avengers: Infinity War- This is it, not only is the outcome to a ten year build up of our heroes finally encountering the evil Thanos, but it's also the single greatest superhero movie ever made. Exciting, fun, emotional, and spectacular, this has become the one that all superhero movies must be rated against, topping even its own first film, The Avengers. A true milestone of the genre, as we prepare for next year to bring us the second and final part of this story.
2. The Night Comes for Us All- Director Timo Tjahjanto has made one of the greatest, and do mean that in every sense of the term, action movies EVER, with this exhilarating and thrilling masterpiece. It may very well be the bloodiest action movie, as well. Gore and splatter fly freely and graphically making this a tough view for the squeamish (though, I imagine if you follow this board, that ain't you). Honestly this has more blood letting than any horror movie released this year, It is a Netflix exclusive, which means there is no excuse for you not to see it (aside, from you not having the streaming service). Sadly, it also means that we probably won't be able to own a physical copy, ever...
1. Mandy- Mandy is a goddamn masterpiece. A jaw dropping, eye popping visual trip it is unlike anything else to be released. It takes a little bit too start but once it gets going it sucks you right in and holds you all the way until the very final second of it. In essence, Mandy is a revenge film meets Mad Max by way of a David Lynchian horror film with flourishes of Argento. The movie is chockful of chainsaw mayhem, demonic bikers, and killer hippie cults, all amounting to one of the most truly metal movies ever made (including our title character wearing metal shirts and black metal inspired title logo). Nicholas Cage is at his fucking best ever, as his performance, is pitch perfect. He might just be my favorite hero of the year, blood-caked and ass kicking. Oh, and the Cheddar Goblin rules. Don't know who he is? Just watch the movie, which you should be watching regardless. Or watch it again. You know what? Just. Fucking. Watch, It. NOW! Best film of the year, bloody hands down!
10. Rose McIver- (last year #25)- iZombie's beautiful Rose McIver moves up several spots up into the top ten thanks to a wonderful season of the genre show. It sucks then that next year we have what will be the show's final season.
9. Amy Forsyth- (last year #22)- Slasher flick Hellfest was the very definition of middle of the road. A disappointing movie all around, one of its major (and few) saving graces was the gorgeous Amy Forsyth. Throughout the whole movie she is the ONLY likable character in this mostly forgettable stalk and slash flick.
8. Mandy Muse- (last year same)- Mandy Muse continues her ever rising popularity in the adult industry. Of course, with her natural beauty and nuclear level hotness and sexiness, this is bound to be the case. Not to mention her backside, which might be the greatest on God's green Earth.
7. Evan Rachel Wood- (last year ranked 2016 #5)- Westworld finally came back this year with a hell of a mindfuck. Evan Rachel Wood's Delores was a big part of it all. But, let us hope that this is not the last we have seen of this beauty on this, one of the greatest science fiction shows ever!
6. Dani Daniels- (last year #3)- Dani Daniels may not be shooting movies, but she is always shooting cam content for CamSoda and has many other projects, includingo (but not limited to) her own clothing line and her own series on Amazon Prime Dinner with Dani! She remains as sexy, fun, and beautiful as ever!
5. Deborah Ann Woll- (last year same)- The gorgeous Deborah Ann Woll keeps her spot thanks to her performance in what unfairly ended up being the final season of Daredevil. Let us hope we get a little more of her as Karen Page in next year's season of Punisher, before that ends too...
3. Jen & Sylvia Soska- (last year #1)- Last year's winners were busy shooting their hotly anticipated remake of David Cronenberg's Rabid, and also wrote a comic-book story for Marvel Comics. Expect big things next year as we hopefully get to see that remake, the release of the Black Widow comic that they wrote, and they will be making the horror convention circuit, including Monster-Mania (which I hope to be attending).
2. Ella Hunt- (new)- Horror rules the top three this year with the runner up going to this stunningly beautiful British actress. The young beauty proved she could act and sign with the best of them in this year's amazing Christmas/ horror/ comedy/ musical/ zombie flick Anna and the Apocalypse!
1. Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz- (new)- Making her debut at number (a first for this list, not counting the first edition), is this gorgeous Italian born German actress and model. Her amazing performance in the brutal and beautifully lensed Revenge has already cemented her in horror history. With her breath-taking beauty (the camera adores this woman) and breakthrough performance as the lead in this phenomenal rape-revenge horror flick, Lutz cemented her placement on this list from the moment I saw said movie.
20. Mathilide Ollivier- (new)- This stunning French beauty won my heart in the awesome and criminally underrated (by cinema goers, not by critics) action/ war/ horror flick Overlord. She is perfectly cast as the beautiful and good hearted French, village girl.
19. Claire Foy- (new)- Gorgeous and talented Claire Foy had a spectacular, year, with much critical praise. But, it's her starring role in Steven Soderbergh's excellent Unsane, one of the year's finest horror movies. that is my favorite of hers. She gives a great performance with many levels of emotion in this psychological terror flick that will suck you right in.
18. Lily Adams- (new)- One of the sexiest babes in the adult biz, Lily Adams is also one of the coolest. I absolutely love following her on her Twitter, as she has some of the best tweets in the biz. This gorgeous beauty also gave me what might be my sexiest interview this year at Exxxotica 2018. Don't worry you haven't missed it. It will be posted soon. And, I promise you that if you ain't a fan of hers yet, you will be after seeing it!
17. Catherine Corcoran- (last year #15)- A long time favorite of mine and many other horror fans Catherine Corcoran appeared in what is THE best death scene in all of horror in 2018. Her brutal, uncompromising, and fully nude demise in Terrifier will make even the most hardcore among horror fans, jaws drop!
16. Krysten Ritter- (last year #29)- The beautiful Krysten Ritter moves up some spots thanks to the awesome season of Jessica Jones, which I think ranks among the finest moments in superhero TV history. She had such an emotional and complex storyline with her character, and she deserves all the credit in the world.
15. Aly Michalka- (last year #21)- Aly Michalka is one of the sexiest and most beautiful women on TV. Her character of Peyton on iZombie is one of the most interesting and best characters around. This past season might have had her character's best moments, which believe me, is saying a lot!
14. Amanda Schull- (last year #11)- Amanda Schull's Cassie had a hell of a season in the final one of 12 Monkeys. The ending of which was perfect! Schull is an amazing actress, and thanks to this show, one of my favorites. I do hope this gorgeous beauty does more great science fiction and soon!
12. Trillium- (last year #16)- Can someone please explain to me how Trillium is not one of the biggest names in porn? She is absolutely gorgeous, perfect even. Her porn scenes are jaw droppingly hot scorchers destined to melt titanium steel! Also, her Twitter feed is one of the sexiest on the whole internet. I love fucking love Trillium!! If you can add a new year's resolution for me, could you make it that you will buy her stuff? I know you will thank me later!
11. Madeline Petsch- (last year #38)- The absolutely gorgeous Madeline Petsch jumps several spots into the eleventh number. This is because her character of Cheryl Blossom on Riverdale is not just my favorite character on that show, but one of my favorites on all of TV! Badass, sexy, tough, and complex, Cheryl fucking rules all. And, honest to God, the two episodes from the current season that she wasn't in, suffered from the lack of presence of her. And, all this and Petsch is perfect as her! Keep an eye on her for next year!
