MetalReviews

Awards 2008

14 reviewers shared their picks for 2008.

← 2007 2009 →

Chris

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4204 — If you don't think of this as the continuation of the first two its an unbelievable gem, and might be the last work from Toby that still has bombast and panache in it. (Hope not but well...)
  2. 1.
    4204 — If you don't think of this as the continuation of the first two its an unbelievable gem, and might be the last work from Toby that still has bombast and panache in it. (Hope not but well...)
  3. 2.
    4275 — Beating GammaRay in their own turf, can't wait to hear what's next in store from them
  4. 2.
    4275 — Beating GammaRay in their own turf, can't wait to hear what's next in store from them
  5. 3.
    4242 — An album that doesn't seem to be anything special at first but that quickly grows and stay with you... as always with Firewind, great material !
  6. 3.
    4242 — An album that doesn't seem to be anything special at first but that quickly grows and stay with you... as always with Firewind, great material !
  7. 4.
    4513 — While its the weakest of the last 3 albums, its still an awesome one.
  8. 4.
    4513 — While its the weakest of the last 3 albums, its still an awesome one.
  9. 5.
    4343 — A great album despite the hate of old fans, its clear IF has taken a different path, some will like it some won't, I personaly like both old and new material
  10. 5.
    4343 — A great album despite the hate of old fans, its clear IF has taken a different path, some will like it some won't, I personaly like both old and new material
  11. 6.
    Lordi - Deadache — Can't believe nobody reviewed this :), the best Lordi album since the debut, he's back !
  12. 6.
    Lordi - Deadache — Can't believe nobody reviewed this :), the best Lordi album since the debut, he's back !
  13. 7.
    Bob Catley — An album I wanted to review but couldn't find the time, a great album, not as amazing as the previous one but still a great album for fans of Bob and Magnum
  14. 7.
    Bob Catley — An album I wanted to review but couldn't find the time, a great album, not as amazing as the previous one but still a great album for fans of Bob and Magnum
  15. 8.
    4405 — Awesome come back to the sound of Paradox, it feels, breathes and sweats like the old classic, a gem not to miss !
  16. 8.
    4405 — Awesome come back to the sound of Paradox, it feels, breathes and sweats like the old classic, a gem not to miss !
  17. 9.
    4272 — If anything Rage is consistent, except maybe when they go progressive, but fortunately it happens rarely. While not earth shattering, this album is simple but perfectly executed, not a single boring moment, great Rage overall !
  18. 9.
    4272 — If anything Rage is consistent, except maybe when they go progressive, but fortunately it happens rarely. While not earth shattering, this album is simple but perfectly executed, not a single boring moment, great Rage overall !
  19. 10.
    4923 — A really hidden gem, an album that should please the fans of Hard-Rock and then some
  20. 10.
    4923 — A really hidden gem, an album that should please the fans of Hard-Rock and then some
  21. 11.
    4502 — They did it again !
  22. 11.
    4502 — They did it again !
  23. 12.
  24. 12.
  25. 13.
  26. 13.
  27. 14.
  28. 14.
  29. 15.
  30. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4644 — The best album I've heard since Edguy Vain Glory Opera, period ! Should get released properly soon, maybe even with an english lyrics version, so keep your eyes open
  2. 1.
    4644 — The best album I've heard since Edguy Vain Glory Opera, period ! Should get released properly soon, maybe even with an english lyrics version, so keep your eyes open
  3. 2.
    4386 — This album took my by surprise, from a band I had heard nothing from before, the pure power and amazing melodies of Terium will drive your soul to musical ecstasy (well it did drive mine anyway). Can't wait for what's next.
  4. 2.
    4386 — This album took me by surprise, from a band I had heard nothing from before, the pure power and amazing melodies of Terium will drive your soul to musical ecstasy (well it did drive mine anyway). Can't wait for what's next. I even think I might have been harsh with only 91 / 100 :).
  5. 3.
    Dawn of Destiny - Rebellion in Heaven — Another album I wish I had reviewed in 2008, an impressive, female vocal driven band, half-way between Axxis and Nightwish (with a dash of old-school Sonata Arctica), very powerful and majestic !
  6. 3.
    Dawn of Destiny - Rebellion in Heaven — Another album I wish I had reviewed in 2008, an impressive, female vocal driven band, half-way between Axxis and Nightwish (with a dash of old-school Sonata Arctica), very powerful and majestic !
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4775 — Its now clear the direction of the band takes and its one that is not acceptable for old time fans in my opinion. To each his own and I can respect Tobias choice's, after all its HIS music, but to me Edguy is dying and losing what once made it my favorite band after X-Japan.
  2. 1.
    4775 — Its now clear the direction of the band takes and its one that is not acceptable for old time fans in my opinion. To each his own and I can respect Tobias choice's, after all its HIS music, but to me Edguy is dying and losing what once made it my favorite band after X-Japan.
  3. 2.
    4638 — While over-exited with the return of Barlow, I must admit the album had literally no impact on me, and found the first part more interesting (even though I loathed the vocals !)... maybe in time I can listen to it more in depth and change my mind. First impression was abysmal though.
  4. 2.
    4638 — While over-exited with the return of Barlow, I must admit the album had literally no impact on me, and found the first part more interesting (even though I loathed the vocals !)... maybe in time I can listen to it more in depth and change my mind. First impression was abysmal though.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — <p>Too many releases, so little time. I've been spedning more time on trying to make the site better (the next version should correct the bugs of V2) and as a result I had less time for reviews this year. I miss reviewing but my current personal and financial situation makes it even more difficult for me to review as I did in the past. I still will review from time to time as I really love doing it, in the hope that things get better in all fronts (personal, financial & technical for the site) so I can devote my free time to this activity (reviewing) that I love so much.</p> <p>2009 started amazingly in my opinion with Iron Fire's inhuman new album To the Grave (in my to-do list of reviews for the next few weeks btw !), I've been waiting for this since their debut and they are finally back ! If you liked Thunderstorm, then you cannot afford to miss To The Grave, already one album of the year for 2009 :). The new Grave digger also seemed interesting at first listen but will require more in-depth listens before I can make any judgement. I also guess Axxis will release a new album in 2009 and I can't wait to see if they manage to keep the bar as high as they have set it since their return (with Eyes of Darkness as an exception, though the title song is one of the best ever from the band, the rest of the album was a bit flat). Also awaiting with huge anticipation is the second Wintersun album, Jari and the guys had terrible computer issues during the recording of their follow-up to debut, which was one of the best melodeath albums of all time (to me that is !). So I'm waiting eagerly, hoping that this new album, Time, will be as good if not better than Wintersun was. </p> <p>I have lost complete hope that Edguy will get back on track with the Power Metal wagon, its clear to me Toby is trying to be a sort of Bon Jovi personae and while his music is still of great quality, its lost punch and power and it saddens me very much. I'm sure TONS of fans are really disappointed, and while I could accept the low-tone of Avantasia' Scarecrow, by simply not thinking of it as Avantasia but a Tobias Sammet side-project, the new Edguy is so soft it hurts me. Avantasia at least had a few really bombastic songs, something that is nowhere to be found on the all-too-commercial-trying-to-get-high-in-the-charts Tinnitus Sanctus :(. Edguy's past glory will be sadly missed in the current metal scene, on the other hand the next generation of bands like Seventh Avenue and Storwarrior might just manage to get the flame burning and deliver what we excepted from Edguy, Gamamray and others who seem to be really losing speed lately.</p> <p>Happy (late) new year to everyone and have a heavy 2009 year !</p> Chris
  2. 0
    — Too many releases, so little time. I've been spedning more time on trying to make the site better (the next version should correct the bugs of V2) and as a result I had less time for reviews this year. I miss reviewing but my current personal and financial situation makes it even more difficult for me to review as I did in the past. I still will review from time to time as I really love doing it, in the hope that things get better in all fronts (personal, financial & technical for the site) so I can devote my free time to this activity (reviewing) that I love so much. 2009 started amazingly in my opinion with Iron Fire's inhuman new album To the Grave (in my to-do list of reviews for the next few weeks btw !), I've been waiting for this since their debut and they are finally back ! If you liked Thunderstorm, then you cannot afford to miss To The Grave, already one album of the year for 2009 :). The new Grave digger also seemed interesting at first listen but will require more in-depth listens before I can make any judgement. I also guess Axxis will release a new album in 2009 and I can't wait to see if they manage to keep the bar as high as they have set it since their return (with Eyes of Darkness as an exception, though the title song is one of the best ever from the band, the rest of the album was a bit flat). Also awaiting with huge anticipation is the second Wintersun album, Jari and the guys had terrible computer issues during the recording of their follow-up to debut, which was one of the best melodeath albums of all time (to me that is !). So I'm waiting eagerly, hoping that this new album, Time, will be as good if not better than Wintersun was. I have lost complete hope that Edguy will get back on track with the Power Metal wagon, its clear to me Toby is trying to be a sort of Bon Jovi personae and while his music is still of great quality, its lost punch and power and it saddens me very much. I'm sure TONS of fans are really disappointed, and while I could accept the low-tone of Avantasia' Scarecrow, by simply not thinking of it as Avantasia but a Tobias Sammet side-project, the new Edguy is so soft it hurts me. Avantasia at least had a few really bombastic songs, something that is nowhere to be found on the all-too-commercial-trying-to-get-high-in-the-charts Tinnitus Sanctus :(. Edguy's past glory will be sadly missed in the current metal scene, on the other hand the next generation of bands like Seventh Avenue and Storwarrior might just manage to get the flame burning and deliver what we excepted from Edguy, Gamamray and others who seem to be really losing speed lately. Also a great thank you to my brother Danny for inviting me to Wacken this year, something I could never afford with my current pitiful financial situation. Great shows, great memories, thanks bro ! Happy (late) new year to everyone and have a heavy 2009 year ! Chris

Danny

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4513
  2. 1.
    4513
  3. 1.
    4513
  4. 1.
    4513
  5. 1.
    4513 — The best True Metal Band Ever !!!
  6. 1.
    4513 — The best True Metal Band Ever !!!
  7. 1.
    4513 — The best True Metal Band Ever !!!
  8. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache
  9. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache
  10. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache
  11. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache
  12. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache — Again :-)
  13. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache — Again :-)
  14. 2.
    Lordi - Deadache — Again :-)
  15. 3.
    4242
  16. 3.
    4242
  17. 3.
    4242
  18. 3.
    4651
  19. 3.
    4651 — Gosh !!!!!
  20. 3.
    4651 — Gosh !!!!!
  21. 3.
    4651 — Gosh !!!!!
  22. 4.
    4651
  23. 4.
    4651
  24. 4.
    4651
  25. 4.
    4242
  26. 4.
    4242 — Greek Metal Steel !
  27. 4.
    4242 — Greek Metal Steel !
  28. 4.
    4242 — Greek Metal Steel !
  29. 5.
    4386
  30. 5.
    4386
  31. 5.
    4386
  32. 5.
    4386
  33. 5.
    4386
  34. 5.
    4386
  35. 5.
    4386
  36. 6.
    4204
  37. 6.
    4204
  38. 6.
    4204
  39. 6.
    4204
  40. 6.
    4204
  41. 6.
    4204
  42. 6.
    4204
  43. 7.
    4487
  44. 7.
    4487
  45. 7.
    4487
  46. 7.
    4487
  47. 7.
    4487 — Good surprise
  48. 7.
    4487 — Good surprise
  49. 7.
    4487 — Good surprise
  50. 8.
    4275
  51. 8.
    4275
  52. 8.
    4275
  53. 8.
    4275
  54. 8.
    4275
  55. 8.
    4275
  56. 8.
    4275
  57. 9.
    Eluveitie - Slania
  58. 9.
    Bullet For My Vallentine - Scream Aim Fire
  59. 9.
    Bullet For My Vallentine - Scream Aim Fire
  60. 9.
    Bullet For My Vallentine - Scream Aim Fire
  61. 9.
    Bullet For My Vallentine - Scream Aim Fire
  62. 9.
    Bullet For My Vallentine - Scream Aim Fire
  63. 9.
    Bullet For My Vallentine - Scream Aim Fire
  64. 10.
    4844
  65. 10.
    4844
  66. 10.
    4844
  67. 10.
    4844
  68. 10.
    4844
  69. 10.
    4844
  70. 10.
    4844
  71. 11.
    4677
  72. 11.
    4677
  73. 11.
    4677
  74. 11.
    4677
  75. 11.
    4677
  76. 11.
    4677
  77. 11.
    4677
  78. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  79. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  80. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  81. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  82. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  83. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  84. 12.
    Axel Rudi Pell - Tales Of The Crown
  85. 13.
    4343
  86. 13.
    4343
  87. 13.
    4343
  88. 13.
    4343
  89. 13.
    4343
  90. 13.
    4343
  91. 13.
    4343
  92. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  93. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  94. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  95. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  96. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  97. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  98. 14.
    Sturm Und Drang - Rock n Roll Children
  99. 15.
    4357
  100. 15.
    Eluveitie - Slania
  101. 15.
    Eluveitie - Slania
  102. 15.
    Eluveitie - Slania
  103. 15.
    Eluveitie - Slania — Swiss Made :-)
  104. 15.
    Eluveitie - Slania — Swiss Made :-)
  105. 15.
    Eluveitie - Slania — Swiss Made :-)

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4608
  2. 1.
    4608
  3. 1.
    4608
  4. 1.
    4608
  5. 1.
    4608 — They are back !!!!
  6. 1.
    4608 — They are back !!!!
  7. 1.
    4608 — They are back !!!!
  8. 2.
    4298
  9. 2.
    4298
  10. 2.
    4298
  11. 2.
    4298
  12. 2.
    4298
  13. 2.
    4298 — I like this humour ...
  14. 2.
    4298 — I like this humour ...
  15. 3.
    4309
  16. 3.
    4309
  17. 3.
    4309
  18. 3.
    4309
  19. 3.
    4309
  20. 3.
    4309
  21. 3.
    4309
  22. 4.
    4321
  23. 4.
    4321
  24. 4.
    4321
  25. 4.
    4321
  26. 4.
    4321
  27. 4.
    4321
  28. 4.
    4321
  29. 5.
    4644
  30. 5.
    4644
  31. 5.
    4644
  32. 5.
    4644
  33. 5.
    4644
  34. 5.
    4644
  35. 5.
    4644

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 1.
  6. 1.
  7. 1.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
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  13. 2.
  14. 2.
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
  21. 3.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 1.
  6. 1.
  7. 1.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
  13. 2.
  14. 2.
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
  21. 3.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive too this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.
  2. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive too this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.
  3. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive too this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Airbourne at Wacken !!!!!! The best concert this year for my eyes, for my ears, for my soul. Thank you guys. Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.
  4. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive too this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Airbourne at Wacken !!!!!! The best concert this year for my eyes, for my ears, for my soul. Thank you guys. Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.
  5. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive too this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Airbourne at Wacken !!!!!! The best concert this year for my eyes, for my ears, for my soul. Thank you guys. Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.
  6. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive too this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Airbourne at Wacken !!!!!! The best concert this year for my eyes, for my ears, for my soul. Thank you guys. Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.
  7. 0
    — Crisis, crisis, crisis ... Human being always find its way in difficult times. We will survive this crisis too. You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong You rise, you fall, your down, then you rise again What don't kill you make you more strong Metallica, Broken, Beat & Scared (Death Magnetic, 2008) Airbourne at Wacken !!!!!! The best concert this year for my eyes, for my ears, for my soul. Thank you guys. Hail Metal !!! Hail Metallica.

Marty

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4687
  2. 1.
    4687
  3. 1.
    4687 — A return to the classic Heep sound
  4. 1.
    4687 — A return to the classic Heep sound!
  5. 1.
    4319 — One of Jon's best albums. Not as heavy but his songwriting, melodic sense and singing voice have never been better!!
  6. 1.
    4319 — One of Jon's best albums. Not as heavy but his songwriting, melodic sense and singing voice have never been better!!
  7. 2.
    4913
  8. 2.
    4913
  9. 2.
    4913 — A great heavy metal album and his best yet!
  10. 2.
    4913 — A great heavy metal album and his best yet!
  11. 2.
    4913 — A great heavy metal album and his best yet!
  12. 2.
    4913 — A great heavy metal album and his best yet!
  13. 3.
    4872
  14. 3.
    4872
  15. 3.
    4872 — For Angra fans...to tide you over for while
  16. 3.
    4872 — For Angra fans...to tide you over for while
  17. 3.
    4872 — For Angra fans...to tide you over for while
  18. 3.
    4872 — For Angra fans...to tide you over for while
  19. 4.
    Bob Catley - Immortal
  20. 4.
    Bob Catley - Immortal
  21. 4.
    Bob Catley - Immortal — Another solid album from Bob
  22. 4.
    Bob Catley - Immortal — Another solid album from Bob
  23. 4.
    4687 — A return to the classic Heep sound!!
  24. 4.
    4687 — A return to the classic Heep sound!!
  25. 5.
    4577
  26. 5.
    4577
  27. 5.
    4577 — Grear traditional metal
  28. 5.
    4577 — Grear traditional metal
  29. 5.
    4577 — Grear traditional metal
  30. 5.
    4577 — Great traditional metal
  31. 6.
    4272
  32. 6.
    4272
  33. 6.
    4272 — Another fine album from Peavy Wagner and co.
  34. 6.
    4272 — Another fine album from Peavy Wagner and co.
  35. 6.
    4272 — Another fine album from Peavy Wagner and co.
  36. 6.
    4272 — Another fine album from Peavy Wagner and co.
  37. 7.
    4472
  38. 7.
    4472
  39. 7.
    4472 — O.K. it wasn't the big epic that was promised but it still has some great songs
  40. 7.
    4472 — O.K. it wasn't the big epic that was promised but it still has some great songs
  41. 7.
    4472 — O.K. it wasn't the big epic that was promised but it still has some great songs
  42. 7.
    4472 — O.K. it wasn't the big epic that was promised but it still has some great songs
  43. 8.
    4608
  44. 8.
    4608
  45. 8.
    4608 — The album Metallica simply had to make...their best in decades!
  46. 8.
    4608 — The album Metallica simply had to make...their best in decades!
  47. 8.
    4608 — The album Metallica simply had to make...their best in decades!
  48. 8.
    4608 — The album Metallica simply had to make...their best in decades!
  49. 9.
    4370
  50. 9.
    4370
  51. 9.
    4370 — Amazing and lush progressive rock
  52. 9.
    4370 — Amazing and lush progressive rock
  53. 9.
    4370 — Amazing and lush progressive rock
  54. 9.
    4370 — Amazing and lush progressive rock
  55. 10.
    4923
  56. 10.
    4923
  57. 10.
    4923 — One of the better melodic hard rock albums from 2008
  58. 10.
    4923 — One of the better melodic hard rock albums from 2008
  59. 10.
    4923 — One of the better melodic hard rock albums from 2008
  60. 10.
    4923 — One of the better melodic hard rock albums from 2008
  61. 11.
    4664
  62. 11.
    4664
  63. 11.
    4664 — More traditional metal and less "doomy" this one's still a killer!
  64. 11.
    4664 — More traditional metal and less "doomy" this one's still a killer!
  65. 11.
    4664 — More traditional metal and less "doomy" this one's still a killer!
  66. 11.
    4664 — More traditional metal and less "doomy" this one's still a killer!
  67. 12.
    4275
  68. 12.
    4275
  69. 12.
    4275 — Consistency is a rarity with power metal bands anymore but these guys are the exception.
  70. 12.
    4275 — Consistency is a rarity with power metal bands anymore but these guys are the exception.
  71. 12.
    4275 — Consistency is a rarity with power metal bands anymore but these guys are the exception.
  72. 12.
    4275 — Consistency is a rarity with power metal bands anymore but these guys are the exception.
  73. 13.
    4358
  74. 13.
    4358
  75. 13.
    4358 — A great mix of 70's and 80's Whitesnake without sounding stale and dated.
  76. 13.
    4358 — A great mix of 70's and 80's Whitesnake without sounding stale and dated.
  77. 13.
    4358 — A great mix of 70's and 80's Whitesnake without sounding stale and dated.
  78. 13.
    4358 — A great mix of 70's and 80's Whitesnake without sounding stale and dated.
  79. 14.
    4242
  80. 14.
    4242
  81. 14.
    4242 — Their best in a while...
  82. 14.
    4242 — Their best in a while...
  83. 14.
    4242 — Their best in a while...
  84. 14.
    4242 — Their best in a while...
  85. 15.
    4220
  86. 15.
    4220
  87. 15.
    4220 — Arjen Lucassen can simply do no wrong!
  88. 15.
    4220 — Arjen Lucassen can simply do no wrong!
  89. 15.
    4220 — Arjen Lucassen can simply do no wrong!
  90. 15.
    4220 — Arjen Lucassen can simply do no wrong!

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4301
  2. 1.
    4301
  3. 1.
    4301 — Wow!! Big surprise!! A great hard rockin' Nazareth album fromthese veterans
  4. 1.
    4301 — Wow!! Big surprise!! A great hard rockin' Nazareth album fromthese veterans
  5. 1.
    4301 — Wow!! Big surprise!! A great hard rockin' Nazareth album fromthese veterans
  6. 1.
    4301 — Wow!! Big surprise!! A great hard rockin' Nazareth album from these veterans
  7. 2.
    4592
  8. 2.
    4592
  9. 2.
    4592 — Great new power metal band
  10. 2.
    4592 — Great new power metal band
  11. 2.
    4592 — Great new power metal band
  12. 2.
    4592 — Great new power metal band
  13. 3.
    4229
  14. 3.
    4229
  15. 3.
    4229 — Modern progressive rock from Toronot...with a twist...
  16. 3.
    4229 — Modern progressive rock from Toronot...with a twist...
  17. 3.
    4229 — Modern progressive rock from Toronot...with a twist...
  18. 3.
    4229 — Modern progressive rock from Toronto...with a twist...
  19. 4.
    4448
  20. 4.
    4448
  21. 4.
    4448 — A return to the classic Dokken sound
  22. 4.
    4448 — A return to the classic Dokken sound
  23. 4.
    4448 — A return to the classic Dokken sound
  24. 4.
    4448 — A return to the classic Dokken sound
  25. 5.
    4386
  26. 5.
    4386
  27. 5.
    4386 — I never cared for earlier albums but this one's excellent!
  28. 5.
    4386 — I never cared for earlier albums but this one's excellent!
  29. 5.
    4386 — I never cared for earlier albums but this one's excellent!
  30. 5.
    4386 — I never cared for earlier albums but this one's excellent!

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4204
  2. 1.
    4204
  3. 1.
    4204 — A pretty solid hard rock album, all the bombastic elements of previous Avantasia albums has all but disappeared
  4. 1.
    4204 — A pretty solid hard rock album, all the bombastic elements of previous Avantasia albums has all but disappeared
  5. 1.
    4204 — A pretty solid hard rock album, all the bombastic elements of previous Avantasia albums has all but disappeared
  6. 1.
    4204 — A pretty solid hard rock album, all the bombastic elements of previous Avantasia albums have all but disappeared
  7. 2.
    4638
  8. 2.
    4638
  9. 2.
    4638 — With very few great "songs" Jon is simply running out of ideas and riffs
  10. 2.
    4638 — With very few great "songs" Jon is simply running out of ideas and riffs
  11. 2.
    4638 — With very few great "songs" Jon is simply running out of ideas and riffs
  12. 2.
    4638 — With very few great "songs" Jon is simply running out of ideas and riffs
  13. 3.
    4733
  14. 3.
    4733
  15. 3.
    4733 — This could've been so much better. Ripper Owens was not used to his full potential
  16. 3.
    4733 — This could've been so much better. Ripper Owens was not used to his full potential
  17. 3.
    4733 — This could've been so much better. Ripper Owens was not used to his full potential
  18. 3.
    4733 — This could've been so much better. Ripper Owens was not used to his full potential
  19. 4.
    4793
  20. 4.
    4793
  21. 4.
    4793 — An attempt at re-visiting the 70's glam rock era just didn't work
  22. 4.
    4793 — An attempt at re-visiting the 70's glam rock era just didn't work
  23. 4.
    4793 — An attempt at re-visiting the 70's glam rock era just didn't work
  24. 4.
    4793 — An attempt at re-visiting the 70's glam rock era just didn't work
  25. 5.
  26. 5.
    4544
  27. 5.
    4544 — With a new vocalist, this band has totally changed theor sound
  28. 5.
    4544 — With a new vocalist, this band has totally changed theor sound
  29. 5.
    4544 — With a new vocalist, this band has totally changed theor sound
  30. 5.
    4544 — With a new vocalist, this band has totally changed their sound

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    5003
  3. 1.
    5003 — This shoud've been an Axel Rose solo album. A virtual mess because of bing way over produced, there are actually some great song ideas here. This should never haev taken 15 years to finish!!
  4. 1.
    5003 — This shoud've been an Axel Rose solo album. A virtual mess because of bing way over produced, there are actually some great song ideas here. This should never haev taken 15 years to finish!!
  5. 1.
    5003 — This shoud've been an Axel Rose solo album. A virtual mess because of bing way over produced, there are actually some great song ideas here. This should never haev taken 15 years to finish!!
  6. 1.
    5003 — This should've been an Axel Rose solo album. A virtual mess because of being way over produced, there are actually some great song ideas here. This should never have taken 15 years to finish!!
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
    4961
  9. 2.
    4961 — Simply riding on daddy's coat tails.....not much in the line of real talent here...just a famous last name and an even more famous father
  10. 2.
    4961 — Simply riding on daddy's coat tails.....not much in the line of real talent here...just a famous last name and an even more famous father
  11. 2.
    4961 — Simply riding on daddy's coat tails.....not much in the line of real talent here...just a famous last name and an even more famous father
  12. 2.
    4961 — Simply riding on daddy's coat tails.....not much in the line of real talent here...just a famous last name and an even more famous father
  13. 3.
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 4.
  20. 4.
  21. 4.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
  25. 5.
  26. 5.
  27. 5.
  28. 5.
  29. 5.
  30. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
    — Well Once again there were far too many albums that I didn't get a chance to check out. Some no doubt would've made my best of lists but I have to cut it off somewhere! The infusion of fresh new blood and lots of new reviewers has really rejuvenated the site. With an average of 20 new reviews a week over the last couple of months, we are now able to cover an even wider range of metal. I really like the more varied styles being reviewed as it seemed that Metalreviews.com was straying way too far into the extreme and black metal direction. There's always room for those types of metal in our weekly reviews but I'll be trying to cover the more traditional and power metal reviews (as always!). Once again a big thank you to the Metalreviews team - we really do make a great team and are always quick to help each other out behind the scenes even though most of us have never met each other in person!! Thanks also to you, the readers. Keep the comments and posts coming...it's what makes Metalreviews.com so much better than any other site out there. Cheers and here's to a great 2009. Marty
  3. 0
    — Well once again there were far too many albums that I didn't get a chance to check out this past year. Some probably would've made my best of lists but I have to cut it off somewhere! The infusion of fresh new blood with lots of new reviewers has really rejuvenated the site. With an average of 20 new reviews a week over the last couple of months, we are now able to cover an even wider range of metal. I really like the more varied styles being reviewed as it seemed like Metalreviews.com was straying way too far into the extreme and black metal direction. There's always room for those types of metal in our weekly reviews but I'll be trying to cover the more traditional and power metal reviews (as always!). Once again a big thank you to the Metalreviews gang - we really do make a great team and are always quick to help each other out behind the scenes even though most of us have never met each other in person!! Thanks also to you, the readers. Keep the comments and posts coming...it's what makes Metalreviews.com so much better than any other site out there. Cheers and here's to a great 2009. Marty
  4. 0
    — Well once again there were far too many albums that I didn't get a chance to check out this past year. Some probably would've made my best of lists but I have to cut it off somewhere! The infusion of fresh new blood with lots of new reviewers has really rejuvenated the site. With an average of 20 new reviews a week over the last couple of months, we are now able to cover an even wider range of metal. I really like the more varied styles being reviewed as it seemed like Metalreviews.com was straying way too far into the extreme and black metal direction. There's always room for those types of metal in our weekly reviews but I'll be trying to cover the more traditional and power metal reviews (as always!). Once again a big thank you to the Metalreviews gang - we really do make a great team and are always quick to help each other out behind the scenes even though most of us have never met each other in person!! Thanks also to you, the readers. Keep the comments and posts coming...it's what makes Metalreviews.com so much better than any other site out there. Cheers and here's to a great 2009. Marty
  5. 0
    — Well once again there were far too many albums that I didn't get a chance to check out this past year. Some probably would've made my best of lists but I have to cut it off somewhere! The infusion of fresh new blood with lots of new reviewers has really rejuvenated the site. With an average of 20 new reviews a week over the last couple of months, we are now able to cover an even wider range of metal. I really like the more varied styles being reviewed as it seemed like Metalreviews.com was straying way too far into the extreme and black metal direction. There's always room for those types of metal in our weekly reviews but I'll continue to fly the flag for more traditional and power metal reviews (as always!). Once again a big thank you to the Metalreviews gang. We really do make a great team and are always quick to help each other out behind the scenes even though most of us have never met each other in person!! Thanks also to you, the readers. Keep the comments and posts coming...it's what makes Metalreviews.com so much better than any other site out there. Cheers and here's to a great 2009. Marty
  6. 0
    — Well once again there were far too many albums that I didn't get a chance to check out this past year. Some probably would've made my best of lists but I have to cut it off somewhere! The infusion of fresh new blood with lots of new reviewers has really rejuvenated the site. With an average of 20 new reviews a week over the last couple of months, we are now able to cover an even wider range of metal. I really like the more varied styles being reviewed as it seemed like Metalreviews.com was straying way too far into the extreme and black metal direction. There's always room for those types of metal in our weekly reviews but I'll continue to fly the flag for more traditional and power metal reviews (as always!). Once again a big thank you to the Metalreviews gang. We really do make a great team and are always quick to help each other out behind the scenes even though most of us have never met each other in person!! Thanks also to you, the readers. Keep the comments and posts coming...it's what makes Metalreviews.com so much better than any other site out there. Cheers and here's to a great 2009. Marty

Ben

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4552
  2. 1.
    4552
  3. 1.
    4552
  4. 1.
    4552
  5. 1.
    4552
  6. 2.
    4204
  7. 2.
    4204
  8. 2.
    4204
  9. 2.
    4204
  10. 2.
    4204
  11. 3.
    4486
  12. 3.
    4486
  13. 3.
    4486
  14. 3.
    4486
  15. 3.
    4486
  16. 4.
    4602
  17. 4.
    4602
  18. 4.
    4602
  19. 4.
    4602
  20. 4.
    4602
  21. 5.
    4275
  22. 5.
    4275
  23. 5.
    4275
  24. 5.
    4275
  25. 5.
    4275
  26. 6.
    Ted Poley - Smile
  27. 6.
    Ted Poley - Smile
  28. 6.
    Ted Poley - Smile
  29. 6.
    Ted Poley - Smile
  30. 6.
    Ted Poley - Smile
  31. 7.
    4404
  32. 7.
    4404
  33. 7.
    4404
  34. 7.
    4404
  35. 7.
    4404
  36. 8.
    4242
  37. 8.
    4242
  38. 8.
    4242
  39. 8.
    4242
  40. 8.
    4242
  41. 9.
    4346
  42. 9.
    4346
  43. 9.
    4346
  44. 9.
    4346
  45. 9.
    4346
  46. 10.
    4775
  47. 10.
    4775
  48. 10.
    4775
  49. 10.
    4775
  50. 10.
    4775
  51. 11.
  52. 11.
  53. 11.
  54. 11.
  55. 11.
  56. 12.
  57. 12.
  58. 12.
  59. 12.
  60. 12.
  61. 13.
  62. 13.
  63. 13.
  64. 13.
  65. 13.
  66. 14.
  67. 14.
  68. 14.
  69. 14.
  70. 14.
  71. 15.
  72. 15.
  73. 15.
  74. 15.
  75. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4552
  2. 1.
    4552
  3. 1.
    4552
  4. 1.
    4552
  5. 1.
    4552
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 3.
  12. 3.
  13. 3.
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
  16. 4.
  17. 4.
  18. 4.
  19. 4.
  20. 4.
  21. 5.
  22. 5.
  23. 5.
  24. 5.
  25. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    4330
  3. 1.
    4330
  4. 1.
    4330
  5. 1.
    4330
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
    5003
  8. 2.
    5003
  9. 2.
    5003
  10. 2.
    5003
  11. 3.
  12. 3.
  13. 3.
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
  16. 4.
  17. 4.
  18. 4.
  19. 4.
  20. 4.
  21. 5.
  22. 5.
  23. 5.
  24. 5.
  25. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    4608
  3. 1.
    4608
  4. 1.
    4608
  5. 1.
    4608
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 3.
  12. 3.
  13. 3.
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
  16. 4.
  17. 4.
  18. 4.
  19. 4.
  20. 4.
  21. 5.
  22. 5.
  23. 5.
  24. 5.
  25. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — <p> 2008 was a year with the least amount of new metal that I listened to. I just can't find much excitement in what is coming out. My cd buying habits have switched from scouring the streets for something new to filling out my collection. This year alone I got fabulous gems such as <b>Steel Prophet's</b> first two albums, <b>Viper's</b> <i>Soldiers Of Sunrise</i>, everything by <b>Magnum</b>, and demos from <b>Stormwarrior</b> and <b>Blind Guardian</b>. Maybe it is because the traditional heavy metal sound (<b>Maiden, Priest, Saxon</b>) is what I fell in love with first so naturally I gravitate towards that sound. That old sound, that authentic sound. </p> <p> This list is dreadfully short. That is because these are basically the handful of 2008 releases that came my way. The top one on the list <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> sits atop the only five cds that got me going this year. And by got me going I mean plays well within the triple digit club. It kicks so much ass it was my Surprise Of The Year as well. Everything else after the top five, take as hearty recommendations.
  2. 0
    — <p> 2008 was a year with the least amount of new metal that I listened to. I just can't find much excitement in what is coming out. My cd buying habits have switched from scouring the streets for something new to filling out my collection. This year alone I got fabulous gems such as <b>Steel Prophet's</b> first two albums, <b>Viper's</b> <i>Soldiers Of Sunrise</i>, everything by <b>Magnum</b>, and demos from <b>Stormwarrior</b> and <b>Blind Guardian</b>. Maybe it is because the traditional heavy metal sound (<b>Maiden, Priest, Saxon</b>) is what I fell in love with first so naturally I gravitate towards that sound. That old sound, that authentic sound. </p> <p> This list is dreadfully short. That is because these are basically the handful of 2008 releases that came my way. The top one on the list <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> sits atop the only five cds that got me going this year. And by got me going I mean plays well within the triple digit club. It kicks so much ass it was my Surprise Of The Year as well. Everything else after the top five, take as hearty recommendations.
  3. 0
    — <p> 2008 was a year with the least amount of new metal that I listened to. I just can't find much excitement in what is coming out. My cd buying habits have switched from scouring the streets for something new to filling out my collection. This year alone I got fabulous gems such as <b>Steel Prophet's</b> first two albums, <b>Viper's</b> <i>Soldiers Of Sunrise</i>, everything by <b>Magnum</b>, and demos from <b>Stormwarrior</b> and <b>Blind Guardian</b>. Maybe it is because the traditional heavy metal sound (<b>Maiden, Priest, Saxon</b>) is what I fell in love with first so naturally I gravitate towards that sound. That old sound, that authentic sound. </p> <p> The discovery of <b>Danger Danger</b> through <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> is neck and neck with unearthing <b>Magnum/b>. I've probably spent well over half my listening time the first six months of 08 listening to <b>MAgnum</b> and <b>Danger Danger</b> related material since August. <p> This list is dreadfully short. That is because these are basically the handful of 2008 releases that came my way. The top one on the list <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> sits atop the only five cds that got me going this year. And by got me going I mean plays well within the triple digit club. It kicks so much ass it was my Surprise Of The Year as well. Everything else after the top five, take as hearty recommendations.
  4. 0
    — <p> 2008 was a year with the least amount of new metal that I listened to. I just can't find much excitement in what is coming out. My cd buying habits have switched from scouring the streets for something new to filling out my collection. This year alone I got fabulous gems such as <b>Steel Prophet's</b> first two albums, <b>Viper's</b> <i>Soldiers Of Sunrise</i>, everything by <b>Magnum</b>, and demos from <b>Stormwarrior</b> and <b>Blind Guardian</b>. Maybe it is because the traditional heavy metal sound (<b>Maiden, Priest, Saxon</b>) is what I fell in love with first so naturally I gravitate towards that sound. That old sound, that authentic sound. </p> <p> The discovery of <b>Danger Danger</b> through <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> is neck and neck with unearthing <b>Magnum/b> in terms of sheer greatness. I've probably spent well over half my listening time during the first six months of 08 listening to <b>Magnum</b> and <b>Danger Danger</b> related material since August. <p> These best of lists are dreadfully short. That is because these are basically the handful of 2008 releases that came my way. The top one on the list <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> sits atop the only five cds that got me going this year. And by got me going I mean plays well within the triple digit club. It kicks so much ass it was my Surprise Of The Year as well. Everything else after the top five, take as hearty recommendations.
  5. 0
    — <p> 2008 was a year with the least amount of new metal that I listened to. I just can't find much excitement in what is coming out. My cd buying habits have switched from scouring the streets for something new to filling out my collection. This year alone I got fabulous gems such as <b>Steel Prophet's</b> first two albums, <b>Viper's</b> <i>Soldiers Of Sunrise</i>, everything by <b>Magnum</b>, and demos from <b>Stormwarrior</b> and <b>Blind Guardian</b>. Maybe it is because the traditional heavy metal sound (<b>Maiden, Priest, Saxon</b>) is what I fell in love with first so naturally I gravitate towards that sound. That old sound, that authentic sound. </p> <p> The discovery of <b>Danger Danger</b> through <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> is neck and neck with unearthing <b>Magnum</b> in terms of sheer greatness. I've probably spent well over half my listening time during the first six months of 08 listening to <b>Magnum</b> and <b>Danger Danger</b> related material since August. <p> These best of lists are dreadfully short. That is because these are basically the handful of 2008 releases that came my way. The top one on the list <b>Marcello - Vestry</b> sits atop the only five cds that got me going this year. And by got me going I mean plays well within the triple digit club. It kicks so much ass it was my Surprise Of The Year as well. Everything else after the top five, take as hearty recommendations.

Alex

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4558
  2. 1.
    4558 — There is just something in the way these guys reflect grief which always connects with me
  3. 2.
    4677
  4. 2.
    4677 — Some say there was nothing new presented on this album ... perhaps that is why I liked it. <b>Amon Amarth</b> has become predictably good
  5. 3.
    4664
  6. 3.
    4664 — Superb mixture of power, melody and gruff. Those unfamiliar with the band who heard the album for the first time immediately asked me what "old school" band this is
  7. 4.
    4403
  8. 4.
    4403 — It is absolutely sad for me to see when these originators of the genre release their best album in years and get no votes in our readers' poll
  9. 5.
    4639
  10. 5.
    4639 — Epic, mysterious, enveloping and enchanting black metal from Kyrgyzstan via Germany
  11. 6.
    4629
  12. 6.
    4629 — Another slab of suffocating penetrating doom
  13. 7.
    4851
  14. 7.
    4851 — This California trio is no one-trick pony, their experimental mostly instrumental quirky rock rules again
  15. 8.
    4416
  16. 8.
    4416 — This not so young band, not anymore anyways, continues to mature
  17. 9.
    4472
  18. 9.
    4472 — I love it for what it is, never failing to remember the fact they were my first metal band ever in 1984
  19. 10.
    4329
  20. 10.
    4329 — Surprisingly good death metal from the little known Danish act
  21. 11.
    4243
  22. 11.
    4243 — The veterans still got it, at least in spots
  23. 12.
    4617
  24. 12.
    4617 — A comeback album, for me personally anyway, but needed time to click
  25. 13.
    4652
  26. 13.
    4652 — What was previously an also run Swedish black metal act rose above itself
  27. 14.
    4488
  28. 14.
    4488 — Their pagan schtick has not worn thin with me yet, I am still proud to have written reviews about this band on our site before they became so well known
  29. 15.
    4470
  30. 15.
    4470 — Disappointing in spots, not all songs are of equal quality, but where it ripped it left the hole wide open

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4380
  2. 1.
    4380 — Young dark Irish act to be watched
  3. 2.
    4684
  4. 2.
    4684 — Can't miss, if you love Conan tales
  5. 3.
    4820
  6. 3.
    4820 — Frankly, I did not see such rich and involved tapestry coming from this German duo only after one EP
  7. 4.
    4724
  8. 4.
    4724 — This funeral doom procession is guaranteed to suffocate the life out of you. Proceed with caution ....
  9. 5.
    4590
  10. 5.
    4590 — Well executed, enjoyable melodic death metal in the style of Dark Tranquillity

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4812
  2. 1.
    4812 — And I gave their debut 90+ long time ago. What the hell was I thinking ...
  3. 2.
    4532
  4. 2.
    4532 — I had huge expectations for it after a very strong debut, but it lacked distinct hooks and memorability.
  5. 3.
    4438
  6. 3.
    4438 — This one is on the list because it was nowhere near <i>Armada</i>
  7. 4.
    4506
  8. 4.
    4506 — Everyone seemed to like it, but me
  9. 5.
    4502
  10. 5.
    4502 — The genre is simply becoming overpopulated

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Enemy of the Sun - Shadows
  2. 1.
    Enemy of the Sun - Shadows — Waldemar Sorychta ought to be embarrassed of himself
  3. 2.
    Rigor Sardonicous - Vallis Ex Umbra De Mortuus
  4. 2.
    Rigor Sardonicous - Vallis Ex Umbra De Mortuus — Another kvlt album I fail to grasp
  5. 3.
    4473
  6. 3.
    4473 — Cover art is shocking
  7. 4.
    4702
  8. 4.
    4702 — This is so generic it hurts
  9. 5.
    4522
  10. 5.
    4522 — Trying hard to play Viking does not Vikings make

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0

Aleksie

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4357
  2. 1.
    4357
  3. 2.
    4445
  4. 2.
    4445
  5. 3.
    4220
  6. 3.
    4220
  7. 4.
    4638
  8. 4.
    4638
  9. 5.
    4775
  10. 5.
    4775
  11. 6.
    4441
  12. 6.
    4441
  13. 7.
    4486
  14. 7.
    4486
  15. 8.
    4259
  16. 8.
    4259
  17. 9.
    4204
  18. 9.
    4204
  19. 10.
    4298
  20. 10.
    4298
  21. 11.
    4455
  22. 11.
    4455
  23. 12.
    4404
  24. 12.
    4404
  25. 13.
    4280
  26. 13.
    4280
  27. 14.
    4671
  28. 14.
    4671
  29. 15.
    4492
  30. 15.
    4492

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4736
  2. 1.
    4736
  3. 2.
    4447
  4. 2.
    4447
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4330
  2. 1.
    4330
  3. 2.
    4900
  4. 2.
    4900
  5. 3.
    4566
  6. 3.
    4566
  7. 4.
    4716
  8. 4.
    4321
  9. 5.
  10. 5.
    4319

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
    — Metal on!

Adam

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4854
  2. 2.
    4478
  3. 3.
    4666
  4. 4.
    4511
  5. 5.
    4445
  6. 6.
    4607
  7. 7.
    4688
  8. 8.
    4280
  9. 9.
    4755
  10. 10.
    4367
  11. 11.
    4447
  12. 12.
    4472
  13. 13.
    4914
  14. 14.
    4560
  15. 15.
    4393

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4704
  2. 2.
    4816
  3. 3.
    4493
  4. 4.
  5. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4658
  2. 2.
    5003
  3. 3.
  4. 4.
  5. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    4406
  2. 2.
  3. 3.
  4. 4.
  5. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0

Goat

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  2. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  3. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  4. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  5. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  6. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  7. 1.
    Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao — <p>The album that pretty much every Black Metal fan under the sun has been waiting for, this is the fulfilment of years of underachievement from the Norwegian legend. You want hope? You want light? You want happiness? You won’t find them here. It gains the top spot of 2007 for a simple reason – it affected me deeply, reminding of things I’d much rather have forgotten, and in a scene where most people respond to Metal in the same way (headbang… now! air guitar… now!) a piece of deliberately difficult art like this that speaks to each of us in a different way is special indeed. You can’t escape your dark side, however far you may run…</p>
  8. 1.
  9. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  10. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  11. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  12. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  13. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  14. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  15. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  16. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  17. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  18. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  19. 1.
    4666 — You knew it couldn't be anything else. The True Kings of Norway are back, and just as I expected the moment that I heard that they were releasing a new album, <i>Vertebrae</i> is a masterpiece of Post-Black, Viking, and Progressive Metal mastery.
  20. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  21. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  22. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  23. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  24. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  25. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  26. 2.
    Rotting Christ - Theogonia — <p>The Greeks prove that there’s more to Greece than, um… yeah, <i>Theogonia</i>’s really good, an atmospheric mix of Black Metal and Folksy Goth, ten songs of passion that’ll bring out the Achilles in all of us. Perfect writing, perfect flow, my introduction to a band that deserve far more attention than it gets - I’ll definitely be chasing past works down. Some might call it an odd choice for second-best with other deserving possibilities in the running, but it’s a classic piece of Metal and deserves every compliment that it gets. With albums like this being released in the here and now, Metal’s future is assured.</p>
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
    4445
  31. 2.
    4445
  32. 2.
    4445
  33. 2.
    4445 — Nearly the best album of the year, but a very respectable second for the Swedish masters. I hope they include more Avant-Garde influence next time around...
  34. 2.
    4445 — Nearly the best album of the year, but a very respectable second for the Swedish masters. I hope they include more Avant-Garde influence next time around...
  35. 2.
    4445 — Nearly the best album of the year, but a very respectable second for the Swedish masters. I hope they include more Avant-Garde influence next time around...
  36. 2.
    4445 — Nearly the best album of the year, but a very respectable second for the Swedish masters. I hope they include more Avant-Garde influence next time around...
  37. 2.
    4445 — Nearly the best album of the year, but a very respectable second for the Swedish masters. I hope they include more Avant-Garde influence next time around...
  38. 2.
    4445 — Nearly the best album of the year, but a very respectable second for the Swedish masters. I hope they include more Avant-Garde influence next time around...
  39. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  40. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  41. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  42. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  43. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  44. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  45. 3.
    Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked part I — <p>Concept albums about aliens? Yes, please! Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens has never sounded better, and the fact that <b>Iced Earth</b> seems headed in a more Progressive direction is great news. Sure, Schaeffer and co. were awesome in the past as an OTT riff-heavy Power Metal band – let’s hope he ramps up the experimental Progginess with part II, due next year, even without Ripper on vocals. In the meantime, <i>Framing Armageddon</i> is an excellent album that rewards your time tenfold.</p>
  46. 3.
  47. 3.
  48. 3.
  49. 3.
  50. 3.
  51. 3.
  52. 3.
    4511 — Doom in its ultimate incarnation. You will not get it in one listen, so have patience!
  53. 3.
    4511 — Doom in its ultimate incarnation. You will not get it in one listen, so have patience!
  54. 3.
    4511 — Doom in its ultimate incarnation. You will not get it in one listen, so have patience!
  55. 3.
    4511 — Doom in its ultimate incarnation. You will not get it in one listen, so have patience!
  56. 3.
    4511 — Doom in its ultimate incarnation. You will not get it in one listen, so have patience!
  57. 3.
    4511 — Doom in its ultimate incarnation. You will not get it in one listen, so have patience!
  58. 4.
  59. 4.
    Nightwish - Dark Passion Play — <p>Fine, they’ve got a new singer and she’s not Tarja. Yet the talent shines through, and Marco and co. have produced another million-dollar winner, with some supreme songwriting skills going into creating a classic for the band. The changes are for the better, I think, and with luck this band will be as good for many years to come.</p>
  60. 4.
    Nightwish - Dark Passion Play — <p>Fine, they’ve got a new singer and she’s not Tarja. Yet the talent shines through, and Marco and co. have produced another million-dollar winner, with some supreme songwriting skills going into creating a classic for the band. The changes are for the better, I think, and with luck this band will be as good for many years to come.</p>
  61. 4.
    Nightwish - Dark Passion Play — <p>Fine, they’ve got a new singer and she’s not Tarja. Yet the talent shines through, and Marco and co. have produced another million-dollar winner, with some supreme songwriting skills going into creating a classic for the band. The changes are for the better, I think, and with luck this band will be as good for many years to come.</p>
  62. 4.
    Nightwish - Dark Passion Play — <p>Fine, they’ve got a new singer and she’s not Tarja. Yet the talent shines through, and Marco and co. have produced another million-dollar winner, with some supreme songwriting skills going into creating a classic for the band. The changes are for the better, I think, and with luck this band will be as good for many years to come.</p>
  63. 4.
    Nightwish - Dark Passion Play — <p>Fine, they’ve got a new singer and she’s not Tarja. Yet the talent shines through, and Marco and co. have produced another million-dollar winner, with some supreme songwriting skills going into creating a classic for the band. The changes are for the better, I think, and with luck this band will be as good for many years to come.</p>
  64. 4.
    Nightwish - Dark Passion Play — <p>Fine, they’ve got a new singer and she’s not Tarja. Yet the talent shines through, and Marco and co. have produced another million-dollar winner, with some supreme songwriting skills going into creating a classic for the band. The changes are for the better, I think, and with luck this band will be as good for many years to come.</p>
  65. 4.
  66. 4.
  67. 4.
  68. 4.
    4447
  69. 4.
    4447
  70. 4.
    4447
  71. 4.
    4447 — Death Metal evolves. Brutality never felt so good...
  72. 4.
    4447 — Death Metal evolves. Brutality never felt so good...
  73. 4.
    4447 — Death Metal evolves. Brutality never felt so good...
  74. 4.
    4447 — Death Metal evolves. Brutality never felt so good...
  75. 4.
    4447 — Death Metal evolves. Brutality never felt so good...
  76. 4.
    4447 — Death Metal evolves. Brutality never felt so good...
  77. 5.
  78. 5.
    L’Acephale – Mord und Totschlag — <p>Who cares when it was released, the best Black Metal is timeless, and <b>L’Acephale</b> will still be putting fear in peoples’ hearts in a hundred years’ time if this blast from the sewer proves anything. Like staring into the abyss and having something cold and slimy stare back…</p>
  79. 5.
    L’Acephale – Mord und Totschlag — <p>Who cares when it was released, the best Black Metal is timeless, and <b>L’Acephale</b> will still be putting fear in peoples’ hearts in a hundred years’ time if this blast from the sewer proves anything. Like staring into the abyss and having something cold and slimy stare back…</p>
  80. 5.
    L’Acephale – Mord und Totschlag — <p>Who cares when it was released, the best Black Metal is timeless, and <b>L’Acephale</b> will still be putting fear in peoples’ hearts in a hundred years’ time if this blast from the sewer proves anything. Like staring into the abyss and having something cold and slimy stare back…</p>
  81. 5.
    L’Acephale – Mord und Totschlag — <p>Who cares when it was released, the best Black Metal is timeless, and <b>L’Acephale</b> will still be putting fear in peoples’ hearts in a hundred years’ time if this blast from the sewer proves anything. Like staring into the abyss and having something cold and slimy stare back…</p>
  82. 5.
    L’Acephale – Mord und Totschlag — <p>Who cares when it was released, the best Black Metal is timeless, and <b>L’Acephale</b> will still be putting fear in peoples’ hearts in a hundred years’ time if this blast from the sewer proves anything. Like staring into the abyss and having something cold and slimy stare back…</p>
  83. 5.
    L’Acephale – Mord und Totschlag — <p>Who cares when it was released, the best Black Metal is timeless, and <b>L’Acephale</b> will still be putting fear in peoples’ hearts in a hundred years’ time if this blast from the sewer proves anything. Like staring into the abyss and having something cold and slimy stare back…</p>
  84. 5.
  85. 5.
  86. 5.
  87. 5.
    4643
  88. 5.
    4643
  89. 5.
    4643
  90. 5.
    4643 — Hardcore ain't dead! No, it's gone Prog, in the best release from the genre since Refused.
  91. 5.
    4643 — Hardcore ain't dead! No, it's gone Prog, in the best release from the genre since Refused.
  92. 5.
    4643 — Hardcore ain't dead! No, it's gone Prog, in the best release from the genre since <b>Refused</b>.
  93. 5.
    4643 — Hardcore ain't dead! No, it's gone Prog, in the best release from the genre since <b>Refused</b>.
  94. 5.
    4643 — Hardcore ain't dead! No, it's gone Prog, in the best release from the genre since <b>Refused</b>.
  95. 5.
    4643 — Hardcore ain't dead! No, it's gone Prog, in the best release from the genre since <b>Refused</b>.
  96. 6.
  97. 6.
    Akercocke - Antichrist — <p>Mendonca, Gray and the gang have never disappointed me, and <i>Antichrist</i> is no exception. It might not be as immediately outstanding as <i>Words…</i> but give it time and you’ll see this is the Satanic Londoners’ best and most experimental platter o’splatter yet.</p>
  98. 6.
    Akercocke - Antichrist — <p>Mendonca, Gray and the gang have never disappointed me, and <i>Antichrist</i> is no exception. It might not be as immediately outstanding as <i>Words…</i> but give it time and you’ll see this is the Satanic Londoners’ best and most experimental platter o’splatter yet.</p>
  99. 6.
    Akercocke - Antichrist — <p>Mendonca, Gray and the gang have never disappointed me, and <i>Antichrist</i> is no exception. It might not be as immediately outstanding as <i>Words…</i> but give it time and you’ll see this is the Satanic Londoners’ best and most experimental platter o’splatter yet.</p>
  100. 6.
    Akercocke - Antichrist — <p>Mendonca, Gray and the gang have never disappointed me, and <i>Antichrist</i> is no exception. It might not be as immediately outstanding as <i>Words…</i> but give it time and you’ll see this is the Satanic Londoners’ best and most experimental platter o’splatter yet.</p>
  101. 6.
    Akercocke - Antichrist — <p>Mendonca, Gray and the gang have never disappointed me, and <i>Antichrist</i> is no exception. It might not be as immediately outstanding as <i>Words…</i> but give it time and you’ll see this is the Satanic Londoners’ best and most experimental platter o’splatter yet.</p>
  102. 6.
    Akercocke - Antichrist — <p>Mendonca, Gray and the gang have never disappointed me, and <i>Antichrist</i> is no exception. It might not be as immediately outstanding as <i>Words…</i> but give it time and you’ll see this is the Satanic Londoners’ best and most experimental platter o’splatter yet.</p>
  103. 6.
  104. 6.
  105. 6.
  106. 6.
    4511
  107. 6.
    4511
  108. 6.
    4511
  109. 6.
    4220 — Still getting into this band, but I know a Prog masterpiece when I see one.
  110. 6.
    4220 — Still getting into this band, but I know a Prog masterpiece when I see one.
  111. 6.
    4220 — Still getting into this band, but I know a Prog masterpiece when I see one.
  112. 6.
    4220 — Still getting into this band, but I know a Prog masterpiece when I see one.
  113. 6.
    4220 — Still getting into this band, but I know a Prog masterpiece when I see one.
  114. 6.
    4220 — Still getting into this band, but I know a Prog masterpiece when I see one.
  115. 7.
  116. 7.
    Corpsing – The Stench Of Humanity — <p>Death Metal with style, with skill, and with variation, album number two from this English crew is more than a match for the big names this year. This brute is as much about the brain as the brawn…</p>
  117. 7.
    Corpsing – The Stench Of Humanity — <p>Death Metal with style, with skill, and with variation, album number two from this English crew is more than a match for the big names this year. This brute is as much about the brain as the brawn…</p>
  118. 7.
    Corpsing – The Stench Of Humanity — <p>Death Metal with style, with skill, and with variation, album number two from this English crew is more than a match for the big names this year. This brute is as much about the brain as the brawn…</p>
  119. 7.
    Corpsing – The Stench Of Humanity — <p>Death Metal with style, with skill, and with variation, album number two from this English crew is more than a match for the big names this year. This brute is as much about the brain as the brawn…</p>
  120. 7.
    Corpsing – The Stench Of Humanity — <p>Death Metal with style, with skill, and with variation, album number two from this English crew is more than a match for the big names this year. This brute is as much about the brain as the brawn…</p>
  121. 7.
    Corpsing – The Stench Of Humanity — <p>Death Metal with style, with skill, and with variation, album number two from this English crew is more than a match for the big names this year. This brute is as much about the brain as the brawn…</p>
  122. 7.
  123. 7.
  124. 7.
  125. 7.
    4280
  126. 7.
    4280
  127. 7.
    4280
  128. 7.
    4280 — The cover art's still crap, but the music ain't. Another classic from the polyrhythmic maestros. If you don't like it, you haven't listened long enough, simple as that.
  129. 7.
    4280 — The cover art's still crap, but the music ain't. Another classic from the polyrhythmic maestros. If you don't like it, you haven't listened long enough, simple as that.
  130. 7.
    4280 — The cover art's still crap, but the music ain't. Another classic from the polyrhythmic maestros. If you don't like it, you haven't listened long enough, simple as that.
  131. 7.
    4280 — The cover art's still crap, but the music ain't. Another classic from the polyrhythmic maestros. If you don't like it, you haven't listened long enough, simple as that.
  132. 7.
    4280 — The cover art's still crap, but the music ain't. Another classic from the polyrhythmic maestros. If you don't like it, you haven't listened long enough, simple as that.
  133. 7.
    4280 — The cover art's still crap, but the music ain't. Another classic from the polyrhythmic maestros. If you don't like it, you haven't listened long enough, simple as that.
  134. 8.
  135. 8.
    Ulver - Shadows Of The Sun — <p>Norway’s finest prove they can do subtle as well as overbearing with this heartbreaking album. If they were American they’d be superstars, as it is, well, they’re stars to us. Another slice of genius from the Ulver pie – long may it feed us all.</p>
  136. 8.
    Ulver - Shadows Of The Sun — <p>Norway’s finest prove they can do subtle as well as overbearing with this heartbreaking album. If they were American they’d be superstars, as it is, well, they’re stars to us. Another slice of genius from the Ulver pie – long may it feed us all.</p>
  137. 8.
    Ulver - Shadows Of The Sun — <p>Norway’s finest prove they can do subtle as well as overbearing with this heartbreaking album. If they were American they’d be superstars, as it is, well, they’re stars to us. Another slice of genius from the Ulver pie – long may it feed us all.</p>
  138. 8.
    Ulver - Shadows Of The Sun — <p>Norway’s finest prove they can do subtle as well as overbearing with this heartbreaking album. If they were American they’d be superstars, as it is, well, they’re stars to us. Another slice of genius from the Ulver pie – long may it feed us all.</p>
  139. 8.
    Ulver - Shadows Of The Sun — <p>Norway’s finest prove they can do subtle as well as overbearing with this heartbreaking album. If they were American they’d be superstars, as it is, well, they’re stars to us. Another slice of genius from the Ulver pie – long may it feed us all.</p>
  140. 8.
    Ulver - Shadows Of The Sun — <p>Norway’s finest prove they can do subtle as well as overbearing with this heartbreaking album. If they were American they’d be superstars, as it is, well, they’re stars to us. Another slice of genius from the Ulver pie – long may it feed us all.</p>
  141. 8.
  142. 8.
  143. 8.
  144. 8.
    4695
  145. 8.
    4695
  146. 8.
    4695
  147. 8.
    4863 — A last surprise entry to the list. Japan proves that it can do Prog Metal as well as us on the west end of the planet.
  148. 8.
    4863 — A last surprise entry to the list. Japan proves that it can do Prog Metal as well as us on the west end of the planet.
  149. 8.
    4863 — A last surprise entry to the list. Japan proves that it can do Prog Metal as well as us on the west end of the planet.
  150. 8.
    4863 — A last surprise entry to the list. Japan proves that it can do Prog Metal as well as us on the west end of the planet.
  151. 8.
    4863 — A last surprise entry to the list. Japan proves that it can do Prog Metal as well as us on the west end of the planet.
  152. 8.
    4863 — A last surprise entry to the list. Japan proves that it can do Prog Metal as well as us on the west end of the planet.
  153. 9.
  154. 9.
    End Of Level Boss - Inside The Difference Engine — <p><b>Voivod</b> meets <b>Kyuss</b> in an explosion of riffs, taking in influences from <b>Meshuggah</b> to <b>Led Zeppelin</b> without losing touch with the music’s foundation. Anyone that appreciates the zanier Doom bands will love this.</p>
  155. 9.
    End Of Level Boss - Inside The Difference Engine — <p><b>Voivod</b> meets <b>Kyuss</b> in an explosion of riffs, taking in influences from <b>Meshuggah</b> to <b>Led Zeppelin</b> without losing touch with the music’s foundation. Anyone that appreciates the zanier Doom bands will love this.</p>
  156. 9.
    End Of Level Boss - Inside The Difference Engine — <p><b>Voivod</b> meets <b>Kyuss</b> in an explosion of riffs, taking in influences from <b>Meshuggah</b> to <b>Led Zeppelin</b> without losing touch with the music’s foundation. Anyone that appreciates the zanier Doom bands will love this.</p>
  157. 9.
    End Of Level Boss - Inside The Difference Engine — <p><b>Voivod</b> meets <b>Kyuss</b> in an explosion of riffs, taking in influences from <b>Meshuggah</b> to <b>Led Zeppelin</b> without losing touch with the music’s foundation. Anyone that appreciates the zanier Doom bands will love this.</p>
  158. 9.
    End Of Level Boss - Inside The Difference Engine — <p><b>Voivod</b> meets <b>Kyuss</b> in an explosion of riffs, taking in influences from <b>Meshuggah</b> to <b>Led Zeppelin</b> without losing touch with the music’s foundation. Anyone that appreciates the zanier Doom bands will love this.</p>
  159. 9.
    End Of Level Boss - Inside The Difference Engine — <p><b>Voivod</b> meets <b>Kyuss</b> in an explosion of riffs, taking in influences from <b>Meshuggah</b> to <b>Led Zeppelin</b> without losing touch with the music’s foundation. Anyone that appreciates the zanier Doom bands will love this.</p>
  160. 9.
  161. 9.
  162. 9.
  163. 9.
    4297
  164. 9.
    4297
  165. 9.
    4297
  166. 9.
    4638 — Fine, it's not quite as awesome as the first part was, but it's still pretty damn amazing.
  167. 9.
    4638 — Fine, it's not quite as awesome as the first part was, but it's still pretty damn amazing.
  168. 9.
    4638 — Fine, it's not quite as awesome as the first part was, but it's still pretty damn amazing.
  169. 9.
    4638 — Fine, it's not quite as awesome as the first part was, but it's still pretty damn amazing.
  170. 9.
    4638 — Fine, it's not quite as awesome as the first part was, but it's still pretty damn amazing.
  171. 9.
    4638 — Fine, it's not quite as awesome as the first part was, but it's still pretty damn amazing.
  172. 10.
  173. 10.
    Therion - Gothic Kabbalah — <p>Cinematic Metal doesn’t get much better. Think you know epic? Think again, as this band of Swedes prove there’s more to Kabbalah than ropey pop stars and add another shining star to their collection. </p>
  174. 10.
    Therion - Gothic Kabbalah — <p>Cinematic Metal doesn’t get much better. Think you know epic? Think again, as this band of Swedes prove there’s more to Kabbalah than ropey pop stars and add another shining star to their collection. </p>
  175. 10.
    Therion - Gothic Kabbalah — <p>Cinematic Metal doesn’t get much better. Think you know epic? Think again, as this band of Swedes prove there’s more to Kabbalah than ropey pop stars and add another shining star to their collection. </p>
  176. 10.
    Therion - Gothic Kabbalah — <p>Cinematic Metal doesn’t get much better. Think you know epic? Think again, as this band of Swedes prove there’s more to Kabbalah than ropey pop stars and add another shining star to their collection. </p>
  177. 10.
    Therion - Gothic Kabbalah — <p>Cinematic Metal doesn’t get much better. Think you know epic? Think again, as this band of Swedes prove there’s more to Kabbalah than ropey pop stars and add another shining star to their collection. </p>
  178. 10.
    Therion - Gothic Kabbalah — <p>Cinematic Metal doesn’t get much better. Think you know epic? Think again, as this band of Swedes prove there’s more to Kabbalah than ropey pop stars and add another shining star to their collection. </p>
  179. 10.
  180. 10.
  181. 10.
  182. 10.
    4863
  183. 10.
    4863
  184. 10.
    4863
  185. 10.
    4297 — Death Metal evolves (again!). An experimental twist that'll ensnare you like no other band can, a big step forwards for these guys
  186. 10.
    4297 — Death Metal evolves (again!). An experimental twist that'll ensnare you like no other band can, a big step forwards for these guys
  187. 10.
    4297 — Death Metal evolves (again!). An experimental twist that'll ensnare you like no other band can, a big step forwards for these guys
  188. 10.
    4297 — Death Metal evolves (again!). An experimental twist that'll ensnare you like no other band can, a big step forwards for these guys
  189. 10.
    4297 — Death Metal evolves (again!). An experimental twist that'll ensnare you like no other band can, a big step forwards for these guys
  190. 10.
    4297 — Death Metal evolves (again!). An experimental twist that'll ensnare you like no other band can, a big step forwards for these guys
  191. 11.
  192. 11.
    Lugubrum - De Ware Hond — <p>True genius lies in the hands of a bunch of Jazzy Black Metallers from Belgium, it seems, and their seventh album of 'Boersk Blek Metle’ is amazing. Blue-skinned dwarves have never been so creepy…</p>
  193. 11.
    Lugubrum - De Ware Hond — <p>True genius lies in the hands of a bunch of Jazzy Black Metallers from Belgium, it seems, and their seventh album of 'Boersk Blek Metle’ is amazing. Blue-skinned dwarves have never been so creepy…</p>
  194. 11.
    Lugubrum - De Ware Hond — <p>True genius lies in the hands of a bunch of Jazzy Black Metallers from Belgium, it seems, and their seventh album of 'Boersk Blek Metle’ is amazing. Blue-skinned dwarves have never been so creepy…</p>
  195. 11.
    Lugubrum - De Ware Hond — <p>True genius lies in the hands of a bunch of Jazzy Black Metallers from Belgium, it seems, and their seventh album of 'Boersk Blek Metle’ is amazing. Blue-skinned dwarves have never been so creepy…</p>
  196. 11.
    Lugubrum - De Ware Hond — <p>True genius lies in the hands of a bunch of Jazzy Black Metallers from Belgium, it seems, and their seventh album of 'Boersk Blek Metle’ is amazing. Blue-skinned dwarves have never been so creepy…</p>
  197. 11.
    Lugubrum - De Ware Hond — <p>True genius lies in the hands of a bunch of Jazzy Black Metallers from Belgium, it seems, and their seventh album of 'Boersk Blek Metle’ is amazing. Blue-skinned dwarves have never been so creepy…</p>
  198. 11.
  199. 11.
  200. 11.
  201. 11.
    4220
  202. 11.
    4220
  203. 11.
    4220
  204. 11.
    4943 — I've loved this album since I preordered it. Rock music has never sounded so good.
  205. 11.
    4943 — I've loved this album since I preordered it. Rock music has never sounded so good.
  206. 11.
    4943 — I've loved this album since I preordered it. Rock music has never sounded so good.
  207. 11.
    4943 — I've loved this album since I preordered it. Rock music has never sounded so good.
  208. 11.
    4943 — I've loved this album since I preordered it. Rock music has never sounded so good.
  209. 11.
    4943 — I've loved this album since I preordered it. Rock music has never sounded so good.
  210. 12.
  211. 12.
    Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness — <p>“Someone has found the antidote!” screams Ofu Khan on the ripping opening track. The antidote to the new <b>Nine Inch Nails</b> album, perhaps? <b>Fear Factory</b>’s heavier, scarier sibling proves Industrial Metal doesn’t mean Wimpy Metal yet again, with intriguing hints of a progressive slant meaning that this band isn’t going to run out of ideas any time soon.</p>
  212. 12.
    Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness — <p>“Someone has found the antidote!” screams Ofu Khan on the ripping opening track. The antidote to the new <b>Nine Inch Nails</b> album, perhaps? <b>Fear Factory</b>’s heavier, scarier sibling proves Industrial Metal doesn’t mean Wimpy Metal yet again, with intriguing hints of a progressive slant meaning that this band isn’t going to run out of ideas any time soon.</p>
  213. 12.
    Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness — <p>“Someone has found the antidote!” screams Ofu Khan on the ripping opening track. The antidote to the new <b>Nine Inch Nails</b> album, perhaps? <b>Fear Factory</b>’s heavier, scarier sibling proves Industrial Metal doesn’t mean Wimpy Metal yet again, with intriguing hints of a progressive slant meaning that this band isn’t going to run out of ideas any time soon.</p>
  214. 12.
    Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness — <p>“Someone has found the antidote!” screams Ofu Khan on the ripping opening track. The antidote to the new <b>Nine Inch Nails</b> album, perhaps? <b>Fear Factory</b>’s heavier, scarier sibling proves Industrial Metal doesn’t mean Wimpy Metal yet again, with intriguing hints of a progressive slant meaning that this band isn’t going to run out of ideas any time soon.</p>
  215. 12.
    Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness — <p>“Someone has found the antidote!” screams Ofu Khan on the ripping opening track. The antidote to the new <b>Nine Inch Nails</b> album, perhaps? <b>Fear Factory</b>’s heavier, scarier sibling proves Industrial Metal doesn’t mean Wimpy Metal yet again, with intriguing hints of a progressive slant meaning that this band isn’t going to run out of ideas any time soon.</p>
  216. 12.
    Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness — <p>“Someone has found the antidote!” screams Ofu Khan on the ripping opening track. The antidote to the new <b>Nine Inch Nails</b> album, perhaps? <b>Fear Factory</b>’s heavier, scarier sibling proves Industrial Metal doesn’t mean Wimpy Metal yet again, with intriguing hints of a progressive slant meaning that this band isn’t going to run out of ideas any time soon.</p>
  217. 12.
  218. 12.
  219. 12.
  220. 12.
    4328
  221. 12.
    4328
  222. 12.
    4328
  223. 12.
    4540 — Chock full o'riffs, Sepultura's latest is going to have to be really, really good to beat this return to glorious form for the dreadlock'd wonder.
  224. 12.
    4540 — Chock full o'riffs, Sepultura's latest is going to have to be really, really good to beat this return to glorious form for the dreadlock'd wonder.
  225. 12.
    4540 — Chock full o'riffs, Sepultura's latest is going to have to be really, really good to beat this return to glorious form from the dreadlock'd wonder.
  226. 12.
    4540 — Chock full o'riffs, Sepultura's latest is going to have to be really, really good to beat this return to glorious form from the dreadlock'd wonder.
  227. 12.
    4540 — Chock full o'riffs, Sepultura's latest is going to have to be really, really good to beat this return to glorious form from the dreadlock'd wonder.
  228. 12.
    4540 — Chock full o'riffs, Sepultura's latest is going to have to be really, really good to beat this return to glorious form from the dreadlock'd wonder.
  229. 13.
  230. 13.
    Entombed - Serpent Saints — <p>These plucky Swedes are the original and best, and it’s about time that people start speaking of them with the respect they deserve. <i>Serpent Saints</i> is a ridiculously good collection of Death Metal anthems, and anyone that appreciates the genre should love it.</p>
  231. 13.
    Entombed - Serpent Saints — <p>These plucky Swedes are the original and best, and it’s about time that people start speaking of them with the respect they deserve. <i>Serpent Saints</i> is a ridiculously good collection of Death Metal anthems, and anyone that appreciates the genre should love it.</p>
  232. 13.
    Entombed - Serpent Saints — <p>These plucky Swedes are the original and best, and it’s about time that people start speaking of them with the respect they deserve. <i>Serpent Saints</i> is a ridiculously good collection of Death Metal anthems, and anyone that appreciates the genre should love it.</p>
  233. 13.
    Entombed - Serpent Saints — <p>These plucky Swedes are the original and best, and it’s about time that people start speaking of them with the respect they deserve. <i>Serpent Saints</i> is a ridiculously good collection of Death Metal anthems, and anyone that appreciates the genre should love it.</p>
  234. 13.
    Entombed - Serpent Saints — <p>These plucky Swedes are the original and best, and it’s about time that people start speaking of them with the respect they deserve. <i>Serpent Saints</i> is a ridiculously good collection of Death Metal anthems, and anyone that appreciates the genre should love it.</p>
  235. 13.
    Entombed - Serpent Saints — <p>These plucky Swedes are the original and best, and it’s about time that people start speaking of them with the respect they deserve. <i>Serpent Saints</i> is a ridiculously good collection of Death Metal anthems, and anyone that appreciates the genre should love it.</p>
  236. 13.
  237. 13.
  238. 13.
  239. 13.
    4456
  240. 13.
    4456
  241. 13.
    4456
  242. 13.
    4454 — A nightmare set to music.
  243. 13.
    4454 — A nightmare set to music.
  244. 13.
    4454 — A nightmare set to music.
  245. 13.
    4454 — A nightmare set to music.
  246. 13.
    4454 — A nightmare set to music.
  247. 13.
    4454 — A nightmare set to music.
  248. 14.
  249. 14.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works — <p>Ire works, indeed, so well that you’ll be wondering how in the hell <b>Justin Timberlake</b> went Grindcore. Before remembering you are, in fact, listening to <b>The Dillinger Escape Plan</b> and they’re awesome.</p>
  250. 14.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works — <p>Ire works, indeed, so well that you’ll be wondering how in the hell <b>Justin Timberlake</b> went Grindcore. Before remembering you are, in fact, listening to <b>The Dillinger Escape Plan</b> and they’re awesome.</p>
  251. 14.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works — <p>Ire works, indeed, so well that you’ll be wondering how in the hell <b>Justin Timberlake</b> went Grindcore. Before remembering you are, in fact, listening to <b>The Dillinger Escape Plan</b> and they’re awesome.</p>
  252. 14.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works — <p>Ire works, indeed, so well that you’ll be wondering how in the hell <b>Justin Timberlake</b> went Grindcore. Before remembering you are, in fact, listening to <b>The Dillinger Escape Plan</b> and they’re awesome.</p>
  253. 14.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works — <p>Ire works, indeed, so well that you’ll be wondering how in the hell <b>Justin Timberlake</b> went Grindcore. Before remembering you are, in fact, listening to <b>The Dillinger Escape Plan</b> and they’re awesome.</p>
  254. 14.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works — <p>Ire works, indeed, so well that you’ll be wondering how in the hell <b>Justin Timberlake</b> went Grindcore. Before remembering you are, in fact, listening to <b>The Dillinger Escape Plan</b> and they’re awesome.</p>
  255. 14.
  256. 14.
  257. 14.
  258. 14.
    4454
  259. 14.
    4454
  260. 14.
    4454
  261. 14.
    4328 — Why are they so brutal to me?
  262. 14.
    4328 — Why are they so brutal to me?
  263. 14.
    4328 — Why are they so brutal to me?
  264. 14.
    4328 — Why are they so brutal to me?
  265. 14.
    4328 — Why are they so brutal to me?
  266. 14.
    4328 — Why are they so brutal to me?
  267. 15.
  268. 15.
    Megadeth - United Abominations — <p>Whatever you think of Dave’s politics, it’s impossible to deny that he’s still got it, and that this (eleventh!) album is the best his band’s put out for a while. There’s no way he can end his band when releases of this quality are ripping up stereos – let’s hope we’ll still be headbanging in another eleven albums’ time.</p>
  269. 15.
    Megadeth - United Abominations — <p>Whatever you think of Dave’s politics, it’s impossible to deny that he’s still got it, and that this (eleventh!) album is the best his band’s put out for a while. There’s no way he can end his band when releases of this quality are ripping up stereos – let’s hope we’ll still be headbanging in another eleven albums’ time.</p>
  270. 15.
    Megadeth - United Abominations — <p>Whatever you think of Dave’s politics, it’s impossible to deny that he’s still got it, and that this (eleventh!) album is the best his band’s put out for a while. There’s no way he can end his band when releases of this quality are ripping up stereos – let’s hope we’ll still be headbanging in another eleven albums’ time.</p>
  271. 15.
    Megadeth - United Abominations — <p>Whatever you think of Dave’s politics, it’s impossible to deny that he’s still got it, and that this (eleventh!) album is the best his band’s put out for a while. There’s no way he can end his band when releases of this quality are ripping up stereos – let’s hope we’ll still be headbanging in another eleven albums’ time.</p>
  272. 15.
    Megadeth - United Abominations — <p>Whatever you think of Dave’s politics, it’s impossible to deny that he’s still got it, and that this (eleventh!) album is the best his band’s put out for a while. There’s no way he can end his band when releases of this quality are ripping up stereos – let’s hope we’ll still be headbanging in another eleven albums’ time.</p>
  273. 15.
    Megadeth - United Abominations — <p>Whatever you think of Dave’s politics, it’s impossible to deny that he’s still got it, and that this (eleventh!) album is the best his band’s put out for a while. There’s no way he can end his band when releases of this quality are ripping up stereos – let’s hope we’ll still be headbanging in another eleven albums’ time.</p>
  274. 15.
  275. 15.
  276. 15.
  277. 15.
    4377
  278. 15.
    4377
  279. 15.
    4377
  280. 15.
    4217 — Um... it's really good.
  281. 15.
    4217 — Um... it's really good.
  282. 15.
    4217 — Um... it's really good.
  283. 15.
    4217 — Um... it's really good.
  284. 15.
    4217 — Um... it's really good.
  285. 15.
    4217 — Um... it's really good.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    Dam - The Difference Engine — <p> </p>
  4. 1.
    Dam - The Difference Engine — <p>Progressive Death Metal that’s actually Progressive? That doesn’t rip other bands off? That’s fun to listen to? The queue starts here as London’s finest drop their second album of twisty riffs into our collective skull – damn, indeed.</p>
  5. 1.
    Dam - The Difference Engine — <p>Progressive Death Metal that’s actually Progressive? That doesn’t rip other bands off? That’s fun to listen to? The queue starts here as London’s finest drop their second album of twisty riffs into our collective skull – damn, indeed.</p>
  6. 1.
    Dam - The Difference Engine — <p>Progressive Death Metal that’s actually Progressive? That doesn’t rip other bands off? That’s fun to listen to? The queue starts here as London’s finest drop their second album of twisty riffs into our collective skull – damn, indeed.</p>
  7. 1.
    Dam - The Difference Engine — <p>Progressive Death Metal that’s actually Progressive? That doesn’t rip other bands off? That’s fun to listen to? The queue starts here as London’s finest drop their second album of twisty riffs into our collective skull – damn, indeed.</p>
  8. 1.
  9. 1.
  10. 1.
  11. 1.
    4575
  12. 1.
    4575
  13. 1.
    4575
  14. 1.
    4575
  15. 1.
    4456 — OK, so maybe Melodeath does still have something to offer! Very good album, keeps you coming back for more.
  16. 1.
    4456 — OK, so maybe Melodeath does still have something to offer! Very good album, keeps you coming back for more.
  17. 1.
    4456 — OK, so maybe Melodeath does still have something to offer! Very good album, keeps you coming back for more.
  18. 1.
    4456 — OK, so maybe Melodeath does still have something to offer! Very good album, keeps you coming back for more.
  19. 1.
    4456 — OK, so maybe Melodeath does still have something to offer! Very good album, keeps you coming back for more.
  20. 2.
  21. 2.
  22. 2.
    Ava Inferi -The Silhouette — <p> </p>
  23. 2.
    Ava Inferi -The Silhouette — <p>Well, did you know that Rune from <b>Mayhem</b> even had a gentle side, let alone that he was capable of masterminding some of the best Gothic Doom ever made? Or even that his partner Carmen had a voice that single-handedly makes <b>Lisa Gerrard</b> sound like the drunken singing of a gangrenous tramp? OK, so that’s exaggerating, but it’s not far off it. The next time someone tells you that female-fronted bands are rubbish, hit them in the face with a copy of this, then play it for them.</p>
  24. 2.
    Ava Inferi -The Silhouette — <p>Well, did you know that Rune from <b>Mayhem</b> even had a gentle side, let alone that he was capable of masterminding some of the best Gothic Doom ever made? Or even that his partner Carmen had a voice that single-handedly makes <b>Lisa Gerrard</b> sound like the drunken singing of a gangrenous tramp? OK, so that’s exaggerating, but it’s not far off it. The next time someone tells you that female-fronted bands are rubbish, hit them in the face with a copy of this, then play it for them.</p>
  25. 2.
    Ava Inferi -The Silhouette — <p>Well, did you know that Rune from <b>Mayhem</b> even had a gentle side, let alone that he was capable of masterminding some of the best Gothic Doom ever made? Or even that his partner Carmen had a voice that single-handedly makes <b>Lisa Gerrard</b> sound like the drunken singing of a gangrenous tramp? OK, so that’s exaggerating, but it’s not far off it. The next time someone tells you that female-fronted bands are rubbish, hit them in the face with a copy of this, then play it for them.</p>
  26. 2.
    Ava Inferi -The Silhouette — <p>Well, did you know that Rune from <b>Mayhem</b> even had a gentle side, let alone that he was capable of masterminding some of the best Gothic Doom ever made? Or even that his partner Carmen had a voice that single-handedly makes <b>Lisa Gerrard</b> sound like the drunken singing of a gangrenous tramp? OK, so that’s exaggerating, but it’s not far off it. The next time someone tells you that female-fronted bands are rubbish, hit them in the face with a copy of this, then play it for them.</p>
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
    4745
  31. 2.
    4745
  32. 2.
    4745
  33. 2.
    4745
  34. 2.
    4455 — The second-best Powet Metal release of the year!
  35. 2.
    4455 — The second-best Powet Metal release of the year!
  36. 2.
    4455 — The second-best Powet Metal release of the year!
  37. 2.
    4455 — The second-best Powet Metal release of the year!
  38. 2.
    4455 — The second-best Powet Metal release of the year!
  39. 3.
  40. 3.
  41. 3.
    Centurions Ghost - The Great Work — <p> </p>
  42. 3.
    Centurions Ghost - The Great Work — <p><b>Cathedral</b> ain’t the only limeys around reshaping Doom in their own, spectacular image. An excellent album that lasts well beyond a few listens.</p>
  43. 3.
    Centurions Ghost - The Great Work — <p><b>Cathedral</b> ain’t the only limeys around reshaping Doom in their own, spectacular image. An excellent album that lasts well beyond a few listens.</p>
  44. 3.
    Centurions Ghost - The Great Work — <p><b>Cathedral</b> ain’t the only limeys around reshaping Doom in their own, spectacular image. An excellent album that lasts well beyond a few listens.</p>
  45. 3.
    Centurions Ghost - The Great Work — <p><b>Cathedral</b> ain’t the only limeys around reshaping Doom in their own, spectacular image. An excellent album that lasts well beyond a few listens.</p>
  46. 3.
  47. 3.
  48. 3.
  49. 3.
    4541
  50. 3.
    4541
  51. 3.
    4541
  52. 3.
    4541
  53. 3.
    4541 — Water-fuelled atmospheric goodness.
  54. 3.
    4541 — Water-fuelled atmospheric goodness.
  55. 3.
    4541 — Water-fuelled atmospheric goodness.
  56. 3.
    4541 — Water-fuelled atmospheric goodness.
  57. 3.
    4541 — Water-fuelled atmospheric goodness.
  58. 4.
  59. 4.
  60. 4.
    The Chronicles Of Israfel - Starborn, Tome I — <p> </p>
  61. 4.
    The Chronicles Of Israfel - Starborn, Tome I — <p>Yes, it’s a silly name, but it’s an excellent modernized journey through Prog Metal. The first of hopefully many from these Canadian upstarts, let’s hope someone takes notice and this band gets the rewards it deserves. </p>
  62. 4.
    The Chronicles Of Israfel - Starborn, Tome I — <p>Yes, it’s a silly name, but it’s an excellent modernized journey through Prog Metal. The first of hopefully many from these Canadian upstarts, let’s hope someone takes notice and this band gets the rewards it deserves. </p>
  63. 4.
    The Chronicles Of Israfel - Starborn, Tome I — <p>Yes, it’s a silly name, but it’s an excellent modernized journey through Prog Metal. The first of hopefully many from these Canadian upstarts, let’s hope someone takes notice and this band gets the rewards it deserves. </p>
  64. 4.
    The Chronicles Of Israfel - Starborn, Tome I — <p>Yes, it’s a silly name, but it’s an excellent modernized journey through Prog Metal. The first of hopefully many from these Canadian upstarts, let’s hope someone takes notice and this band gets the rewards it deserves. </p>
  65. 4.
  66. 4.
  67. 4.
  68. 4.
    4539
  69. 4.
    4539
  70. 4.
    4539
  71. 4.
    4539
  72. 4.
    4539 — Arabian-flavoured Death Metal that's worth listening to!
  73. 4.
    4539 — Arabian-flavoured Death Metal that's worth listening to!
  74. 4.
    4539 — Arabian-flavoured Death Metal that's worth listening to!
  75. 4.
    4539 — Arabian-flavoured Death Metal that's worth listening to!
  76. 4.
    4539 — Arabian-flavoured Death Metal that's worth listening to!
  77. 5.
  78. 5.
  79. 5.
    Nuclear Blast Allstars - Into The Light — <p> </p>
  80. 5.
    Nuclear Blast Allstars - Into The Light — <p>After the ‘heavy’ side of this project proved itself not much more than passable I wasn’t expecting much from the ‘light’ side, but the guys from <b>Rage</b> managed to make this a riff-heavy exercise in Power Metal goodness. </p>
  81. 5.
    Nuclear Blast Allstars - Into The Light — <p>After the ‘heavy’ side of this project proved itself not much more than passable I wasn’t expecting much from the ‘light’ side, but the guys from <b>Rage</b> managed to make this a riff-heavy exercise in Power Metal goodness. </p>
  82. 5.
    Nuclear Blast Allstars - Into The Light — <p>After the ‘heavy’ side of this project proved itself not much more than passable I wasn’t expecting much from the ‘light’ side, but the guys from <b>Rage</b> managed to make this a riff-heavy exercise in Power Metal goodness. </p>
  83. 5.
    Nuclear Blast Allstars - Into The Light — <p>After the ‘heavy’ side of this project proved itself not much more than passable I wasn’t expecting much from the ‘light’ side, but the guys from <b>Rage</b> managed to make this a riff-heavy exercise in Power Metal goodness. </p>
  84. 5.
  85. 5.
  86. 5.
  87. 5.
    4348
  88. 5.
    4348
  89. 5.
    4348
  90. 5.
    4348
  91. 5.
    4348 — Didn't see this one coming from the leftfield, but it's an excellent listen!
  92. 5.
    4348 — Didn't see this one coming from the leftfield, but it's an excellent listen!
  93. 5.
    4348 — Didn't see this one coming from the leftfield, but it's an excellent listen!
  94. 5.
    4348 — Didn't see this one coming from the leftfield, but it's an excellent listen!
  95. 5.
    4348 — Didn't see this one coming from the leftfield, but it's an excellent listen!

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    — <p> </p>
  4. 1.
    — <p> </p>
  5. 1.
    Blut Aus Nord - Odinist — <p>One of the most out-there bands on the Black Metal front shoots itself in the foot by turning formulaic. Sure, bonkers kvltsters who put style over substance will love it, but those who care more for music than image will be as saddened as I was. </p>
  6. 1.
    Blut Aus Nord - Odinist — <p>One of the most out-there bands on the Black Metal front shoots itself in the foot by turning formulaic. Sure, bonkers kvltsters who put style over substance will love it, but those who care more for music than image will be as saddened as I was. </p>
  7. 1.
    Blut Aus Nord - Odinist — <p>One of the most out-there bands on the Black Metal front shoots itself in the foot by turning formulaic. Sure, bonkers kvltsters who put style over substance will love it, but those who care more for music than image will be as saddened as I was. </p>
  8. 1.
  9. 1.
    4406 — Yuck. The world's best Death Metal horde turn to complete shit. That's what happens when you hire some emocore amateur instead of physically forcing Lord Worm to remain.
  10. 1.
    4802
  11. 1.
    4802
  12. 1.
    4802
  13. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much before I played Punkgasm and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  14. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much before I played Punkgasm and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  15. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much before I played Punkgasm and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  16. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much before I played Punkgasm and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  17. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much; before I actually listened to <i>Punkgasm</i> and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  18. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much; before I actually listened to <i>Punkgasm</i> and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  19. 1.
    4802 — This band was hyped to me so, so much; before I actually listened to <i>Punkgasm</i> and was promptly bored out of my mind. Awful album.
  20. 2.
  21. 2.
  22. 2.
    — <p> </p>
  23. 2.
    — <p> </p>
  24. 2.
    Nile - Ithyphallic — <p>After the awe-inspiring epic pyramids of riffs to be found on <i>Annihilation Of The Wicked</i>, <b>Nile</b> abruptly turned around and produced… this. Although after many listens I’ve started to accept it as not being completely awful, it’s not an instant classic like, ooh, any of the past albums. People have been suggesting that this band has been running out of ideas for a while, and I didn’t believe it until <i>Ithyphallic</i> came along.</p>
  25. 2.
    Nile - Ithyphallic — <p>After the awe-inspiring epic pyramids of riffs to be found on <i>Annihilation Of The Wicked</i>, <b>Nile</b> abruptly turned around and produced… this. Although after many listens I’ve started to accept it as not being completely awful, it’s not an instant classic like, ooh, any of the past albums. People have been suggesting that this band has been running out of ideas for a while, and I didn’t believe it until <i>Ithyphallic</i> came along.</p>
  26. 2.
    Nile - Ithyphallic — <p>After the awe-inspiring epic pyramids of riffs to be found on <i>Annihilation Of The Wicked</i>, <b>Nile</b> abruptly turned around and produced… this. Although after many listens I’ve started to accept it as not being completely awful, it’s not an instant classic like, ooh, any of the past albums. People have been suggesting that this band has been running out of ideas for a while, and I didn’t believe it until <i>Ithyphallic</i> came along.</p>
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
    4802 — Yawn.
  29. 2.
    4940
  30. 2.
    4940
  31. 2.
    4940
  32. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death prove just why. Bor-ing!
  33. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death prove just why. Bor-ing!
  34. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death prove just why. Bor-ing!
  35. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death prove just why. Bor-ing!
  36. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death</b> prove just why. Bor-ing!
  37. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death</b> prove just why. Bor-ing!
  38. 2.
    4940 — The British Grind legends that aren't Napalm Death</b> prove just why. Bor-ing!
  39. 3.
  40. 3.
  41. 3.
    — <p> </p>
  42. 3.
    — <p> </p>
  43. 3.
    Arch Enemy - Rise Of The Tyrant — <p>Following two underrated experimental albums with a riff-heavy blast may be the way to go. What a pity the riffs are all at least ten years old and the experience in total is about as engrossing as watching paint dry. </p>
  44. 3.
    Arch Enemy - Rise Of The Tyrant — <p>Following two underrated experimental albums with a riff-heavy blast may be the way to go. What a pity the riffs are all at least ten years old and the experience in total is about as engrossing as watching paint dry. </p>
  45. 3.
    Arch Enemy - Rise Of The Tyrant — <p>Following two underrated experimental albums with a riff-heavy blast may be the way to go. What a pity the riffs are all at least ten years old and the experience in total is about as engrossing as watching paint dry. </p>
  46. 3.
  47. 3.
    4330 — Yikes. Technicality, fine, but where did the songs go?
  48. 3.
  49. 3.
  50. 3.
  51. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this road are Aborted going to go? Listen to Rotten Sound instead.
  52. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this road are Aborted going to go? Listen to Rotten Sound instead.
  53. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this dreadful road are Aborted going to go? Listen to Rotten Sound instead.
  54. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this dreadful road are Aborted going to go? Listen to Rotten Sound instead.
  55. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this dreadful road are <b>Aborted</b> going to go? Listen to <b>Rotten Sound</b> instead.
  56. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this dreadful road are <b>Aborted</b> going to go? Listen to <b>Rotten Sound</b> instead.
  57. 3.
    4632 — Blimey, how far down this dreadful road are <b>Aborted</b> going to go? Listen to <b>Rotten Sound</b> instead.
  58. 4.
  59. 4.
  60. 4.
    — <p> </p>
  61. 4.
    — <p> </p>
  62. 4.
    Forgotten Woods - Race Of Cain — <p>In which it is proven that not every Black Metal legend that has split up should reform. The sound of men stuck ten years in the past, trying to sound as if they’re in the present. </p>
  63. 4.
    Forgotten Woods - Race Of Cain — <p>In which it is proven that not every Black Metal legend that has split up should reform. The sound of men stuck ten years in the past, trying to sound as if they’re in the present. </p>
  64. 4.
    Forgotten Woods - Race Of Cain — <p>In which it is proven that not every Black Metal legend that has split up should reform. The sound of men stuck ten years in the past, trying to sound as if they’re in the present. </p>
  65. 4.
  66. 4.
    4711
  67. 4.
  68. 4.
  69. 4.
  70. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  71. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  72. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  73. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  74. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  75. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  76. 4.
    4565 — Come on guys, mix it up a little already.
  77. 5.
  78. 5.
  79. 5.
    — <p> </p>
  80. 5.
    — <p> </p>
  81. 5.
    Epica - The Divine Conspiracy — <p>An exercise in cutting through hype, actually listening to music, and being disappointed to find that if not for their shapely fire-haired singer, none of you would ever have heard of <b>Epica</b> because they’d be lost in a sea of similarly mediocre bands.</p>
  82. 5.
    Epica - The Divine Conspiracy — <p>An exercise in cutting through hype, actually listening to music, and being disappointed to find that if not for their shapely fire-haired singer, none of you would ever have heard of <b>Epica</b> because they’d be lost in a sea of similarly mediocre bands.</p>
  83. 5.
    Epica - The Divine Conspiracy — <p>An exercise in cutting through hype, actually listening to music, and being disappointed to find that if not for their shapely fire-haired singer, none of you would ever have heard of <b>Epica</b> because they’d be lost in a sea of similarly mediocre bands.</p>
  84. 5.
  85. 5.
    4775
  86. 5.
  87. 5.
  88. 5.
  89. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.
  90. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.
  91. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.
  92. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.
  93. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.
  94. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.
  95. 5.
    4717 — COMEBACK OF THE YEAR! Not.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    — <p> </p>
  4. 1.
    — <p> </p>
  5. 1.
    — <p> </p>
  6. 1.
    Atreyu — <p> </p>
  7. 1.
    Atreyu — <p> </p>
  8. 1.
  9. 1.
  10. 1.
    4406
  11. 1.
    4406
  12. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  13. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  14. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  15. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  16. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  17. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please, you're still the best drummer in Death Metal. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  18. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please, you're still the best drummer in Death Metal. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  19. 1.
    4406 — Run away with me, Flo. We'll live in the mountains and make our living by attacking passers-by, Sawney Bean style. Please, you're still the best drummer in Death Metal. Just don't make another album as terrible as <i>The Unspoken King</i>...
  20. 2.
  21. 2.
  22. 2.
    — <p> </p>
  23. 2.
    — <p> </p>
  24. 2.
    — <p> </p>
  25. 2.
    Avenged Sevenfold — <p> </p>
  26. 2.
    Avenged Sevenfold — <p> </p>
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
  31. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  32. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  33. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  34. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  35. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  36. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  37. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  38. 2.
    4716 — Modern Metal at its worst.
  39. 3.
  40. 3.
  41. 3.
    — <p> </p>
  42. 3.
    — <p> </p>
  43. 3.
    — <p> </p>
  44. 3.
    Trivium — <p> </p>
  45. 3.
    Trivium — <p> </p>
  46. 3.
  47. 3.
  48. 3.
  49. 3.
  50. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd.
  51. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  52. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  53. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  54. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  55. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  56. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  57. 3.
    4797 — Whatever foul deeds fellow reviewer James may to do me in the future, he'll still have my undying thanks for reviewing this turd instead of me.
  58. 4.
  59. 4.
  60. 4.
    — <p> </p>
  61. 4.
    — <p> </p>
  62. 4.
    — <p> </p>
  63. 4.
    Bullet For My Valentine — <p> </p>
  64. 4.
    Bullet For My Valentine — <p> </p>
  65. 4.
  66. 4.
  67. 4.
  68. 4.
  69. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  70. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  71. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  72. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  73. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  74. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  75. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  76. 4.
    4458 — Always a pity to see a great band turn to absolute shit. Guys, metalcore is <i>so</i> 2003!
  77. 5.
  78. 5.
  79. 5.
    — <p> </p>
  80. 5.
    — <p> </p>
  81. 5.
    — <p> </p>
  82. 5.
    Bring Me The Horizon — <p>What <b>Amy Winehouse</b> is to Jazz and Ben Stiller is to comedy, these are to Metal. Mock them with harsh words, mock them with scornful laughs, mock their very existence and mock people that enjoy listening to them. It’s not that they aren’t extreme or underground enough, oh no. It’s that each and every song they’ve written is exactly the sort of rubbish that mainstream toe-dippers and day-trippers seize upon as being proof that Metal isn’t dead, that <b>Limp Bizkit</b> and <b>Nirvana</b> didn’t kill us after all. Welcome to the real world, cretins, we’ve known that for years. The above five make metal for the scum, the sheep, those that paddle at the edge of the sea of steel whilst the rest of us dive to its depths, and if you’re reading this rage-filled at this casual trashing of the five bands that have given you a new outlook on life, then may I respectfully suggest spending a shitload more time at this site because, heck, you sure need it. </p>
  83. 5.
    Bring Me The Horizon — <p>What <b>Amy Winehouse</b> is to Jazz and Ben Stiller is to comedy, these are to Metal. Mock them with harsh words, mock them with scornful laughs, mock their very existence and mock people that enjoy listening to them. It’s not that they aren’t extreme or underground enough, oh no. It’s that each and every song they’ve written is exactly the sort of rubbish that mainstream toe-dippers and day-trippers seize upon as being proof that Metal isn’t dead, that <b>Limp Bizkit</b> and <b>Nirvana</b> didn’t kill us after all. Welcome to the real world, cretins, we’ve known that for years. The above five make metal for the scum, the sheep, those that paddle at the edge of the sea of steel whilst the rest of us dive to its depths, and if you’re reading this rage-filled at this casual trashing of the five bands that have given you a new outlook on life, then may I respectfully suggest spending a shitload more time at this site because, heck, you sure need it. </p>
  84. 5.
  85. 5.
  86. 5.
  87. 5.
  88. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  89. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  90. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  91. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  92. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  93. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  94. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!
  95. 5.
    4844 — It's <b>Trivium</b>! They'll always be shitty!

Words / Final Thoughts

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    — <p> </p>
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    — <p> </p>
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    — <p> </p>
  7. 0
    — <p>2007’s been more than an interesting year for me, both on the musical and personal fronts. Of course, I joined MR late in the year as a reviewer, fulfilling an ambition that’s been hovering near the surface since I first joined the forum as someone who’d gotten into Metal through <b>Evanescence</b> and for whom all this ‘Metal’ stuff was a bit heavy. Thankfully, all it took was a few <b>Iron Maiden</b> albums, a chance <b>Darkthrone</b> purchase and many long hours spent exploring the steel world online to bring me around, and although at first I took the whole Black Metal thing too seriously, more recently I’ve realised that life’s as much about the greys as the black and whites and branched out a little.</p> <p>This didn’t help stop my Top Fifteen from being a real pain to choose! Those tearfully culled include <b>Behemoth</> – <i>The Apostasy</i> (Nergal and co. really pushed themselves on this one, producing a fine set of songs that are leaps and bounds above the decent but rather more straightforward <i>Demigod</i>), <b>Municipal Waste</b> – <i>The Art Of Partying</i> (Thrash never sounded so good), <b>Angelcorpse</b> – <i>Of Lucifer And Lightning</i> (reformation of the decade? Old-school Death Metal proves it can still kick serious ass!), <b>Machine Head</b> – <i>The Blackening</i> (call it Metalcore if you want, it’s still a great album), <b>Mithras</b> – <i>Behind The Shadows Lie Madness</i> (not as good as the first two but, heck, if it gets the punters in who’s complaining? Still ten times better than most Death Metal bands could ever hope to be), <b>Alchemist</b> – <i>Tripsis</i> (I underrated this in my review. Excellent band), <b>Vital Remains</b> – <i>Icons Of Evil</i> (never let anyone tell you that Glen Benton is an embarrassment to Metal – just play them this and watch their feeble Christian souls melt away!), <b>Coheed & Cambria</b> – <i>No World For Tomorrow</i> (yet another masterly effort from these alt-prog-whateverers), <b>Obituary</b> – <i>Xecutioner’s Return</i> (the epitome of solid, these guys have never disappointed me, and this is another fine slice of Floridian Death), <b>Deathspell Omega</b> – <i>Fas – Ite, Maledicti, In Ignem Aeturnum</i> (possibly slightly overrated by the kvlt krew, but still a remarkable achievement), and <b>Ministry</b> – <i>The Last Sucker</i> (I can’t believe Al’s bringing this band to an end, but it’s one hell of a final album). </p> <p>Not only did I find it impossible to whittle my list of best albums down to fifteen but also the ordering itself was near impossible. Is <i>Dark Passion Play</i> a better piece of music than <i>Mord Und Totschlag</i>? Impossible to answer without being biased one way or another, and as I equally enjoy poppy Symphonic Metal and underground Black Metal, not a choice I feel comfortable with. So, the order given above is the one that ultimately made most sense to me at the time of writing – it doesn’t mean that one album is better than another.</p> <p>I’d like to thank those who read my reviews and commented, as well as those that read and didn’t comment – and those that commented and didn’t read, and even those that did neither! Also more than deserving of thanks is the entire Metal Reviews Team - or The Gods, as I like to call them - especially Mike, Chris and Alex for showing me around and helping me feel welcome. Guys, it’s been a blast so far, thanks for everything. </p> <p>The forum in general deserves a thank you from me, I’m not going to start naming names but there are some great people on there and they know who they are. Looking forward to another year of talking to you all, and hopefully getting to know some of you better! Feel free to drop me a line either through my email address(es) or MSN IM, all of you…</p> <p>Last and not least: the bands, and the labels that pimp them out to us discerning kerb-crawlers. None of us would be here without them, so here’s to the ones that make the music: you keep bringing on the good stuff, and we’ll keep buying it. Long may they last, from least to greatest. </p> <p>Finally, I’ll destroy any underground credibility I’ve somehow built up by listing a few non-Metal albums that have caught my attention over the year. <b>Kate Nash</b>’s debut album <i>Made Of Bricks</i> was a great guilty pleasure, proving (for me at least!) that not all teenage girls have rubbish music taste. <b>Rufus Wainwright</b>’s <i>Release The Stars</i> was a wonderful piece of songwriting. <b>Manic Street Preachers</b>, <b>Interpol</b> and <b>Foo Fighters</b> all put great albums out, as did <b>Cherry Ghost</b> – their debut recommended for fans of <b>Wilco</b> especially. The <b>Artic Monkeys</b> surprised me with the accessible poppy post-punk of their second album (I’d previously written them off as rubbish – there’s a good deal more depth to this band than I’d thought) and <b>The White Stripes</b> proved yet again you don’t need a great drummer in order to write good songs. No doubt regulars are expecting a good deal of praise from me for <b>Arcade Fire</b>’s <i>Neon Bible</i> – alas, every time I tried to get my hands on a copy fate intervened. I’m sure it’s brilliant, and when I finally have a listen I have every faith that my hopes will be confirmed tenfold. </p> <p>With any luck, if you’re still reading and haven’t left in disgust, you trust my taste enough to stay with me into and beyond 2008. This is a brilliant site - the best Metal-related webzine ever, I believe – and we need you as much as (hopefully) you need us. 2008 has some interesting albums coming, from acts like <b>Metallica</b>, <b>Meshuggah</b>, <b>Judas Priest</b>, <b>Morbid Angel</b>, <b>Opeth</b>, <b>Biomechanical</b>, <b>Testament</b>, <b>Deicide</b>, <b>The Axis Of Perdition</b> (two albums!), <b>Gorerotted</b>, <b>Unearthly Trance</b>, <b>The Haunted</b>, <b>Satyricon</b>, <b>Soilent Green</b>, <b>Voivod</b>, <b>Wintersun</b>, <b>Cryptopsy</b>, <b>Mastodon</b> (here’s hoping, at least), <b>She Said Destroy</b> and <b>Iced Earth</b> to name some off the top of my head, and I have high hopes for them all. I’m also crossing my fingers for new material from two of my favourite bands, British Grinders <b>Napalm Death</b> and Norwegian Progsters <b>Enslaved</b>. In any case, I’m expecting much from the new year’s crop of releases, and it wouldn’t be half as much fun discovering them without an audience to share it with…</p> <p>I hope that all of you reading - and the ones that aren’t - have a great 2008, with health, wealth and happiness all around. It’s been an honour so far to have my feeble scribbling posted on this site for all and sundry – here’s to many more years of the same. <b>Metal Reviews</b> uber alles!</p>
  8. 0
  9. 0
  10. 0
  11. 0
  12. 0
  13. 0
  14. 0
  15. 0
  16. 0
  17. 0
  18. 0
    — Whoa, and that was 2008! What a year for Metal! As ever, the albums that I couldn't fit in the little boxes above are worth a mention (just think of this section as your 'Awesome bands to check out' list) and here they all are: <b>Angst Skvadron</b> - <i>Flukt</i>, <b>Aura Noir</b> - <i>Hades Rise</i>, <b>The Berzerker</b> - <i>The Reawakening</i>, <b>Caïna</b> - <i>Temporary Antennae</i>, <b>ColdWorld</b> - <i>Melancholie²</i>, <b>Cynic</b> - <i>Traced In Air</i>, <b>Dark Suns</b> - <i>Grave Human Genuine</i>, <b>Destruction</b> - <i>D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N</i>, <b>Guapo</b> - <i>Elixirs</i>, <b>Hail Of Bullets</b> - <i>...Of Frost And War</i>, <b>Janvs</b> - <i>Vega</i>, <b>Jarboe</b> - <i>Mahakali</i>, <b>Khold</b> - <i>Hundre Ar Gammal</i>, <b>Klimt 1918</b> - <i>Just In Case We’ll Never Meet Again</i>, <b>Lugubrum</b> - <i>Albino De Congo</i>, <b>Melvins</b> - <i>Nude With Boots</i>, <b>Moonspell</b> - <i>Night Eternal</i>, <b>Obtest</b> - <i>Gyvybës Medis</i>, <b>Pilgrim Fathers</b> - <i>Short Circular Walks In The Hope Valley</i>, <b>Psycroptic</b> - <i>Ob(Servant)</i>, <b>Rotten Sound</b> - <i>Cycles</i>, <b>Septicflesh</b> - <i>Communion</i>, <b>Soilent Green</b> - <i>Inevitable Collapse In The Presence Of Conviction</i>, <b>Steve Von Till</b> - <i>A Grave Is A Grim Horse</i>, <b>Stille OpprØr</b> - <i>S.o2</i>, <b>To-Mera</b> - <i>Delusions</i>, <b>Transcending Bizarre?</b> - <i>The Serpent’s Manifolds</i>, <b>Trinacria</b> - <i>Travel Now Journey Infinitely</i>, <b>Unearthly Trance</b> - <i>Electrocution</i>, <b>Volbeat</b> - <i>Guitar Gangsters And Cadillac Blood</i>. Otherwise, it's been a pleasure spitting forth these little words, and having them hoovered up by you eager Metalheads and -headresses. As ever, Metal is an industry supported by the people out there like yourselves, not the bands, and the more you listen the better it does. So, what more needs saying? Keep listening! Thanks and kudos to my fellow Metal Reviewererererers, especially Chris, Alex, Adam and James, and they all know why. Welcome aboard to the new guys, again, Thomas and Charles especially.
  19. 0
    — Whoa, and that was 2008! What a year for Metal! As ever, the albums that I couldn't fit in the little boxes above are worth a mention (just think of this section as your 'Awesome bands to check out' list) and here they all are: <b>Angst Skvadron</b> - <i>Flukt</i>, <b>Aura Noir</b> - <i>Hades Rise</i>, <b>The Berzerker</b> - <i>The Reawakening</i>, <b>Caïna</b> - <i>Temporary Antennae</i>, <b>ColdWorld</b> - <i>Melancholie²</i>, <b>Cynic</b> - <i>Traced In Air</i>, <b>Dark Suns</b> - <i>Grave Human Genuine</i>, <b>Destruction</b> - <i>D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N</i>, <b>Guapo</b> - <i>Elixirs</i>, <b>Hail Of Bullets</b> - <i>...Of Frost And War</i>, <b>Janvs</b> - <i>Vega</i>, <b>Jarboe</b> - <i>Mahakali</i>, <b>Khold</b> - <i>Hundre Ar Gammal</i>, <b>Klimt 1918</b> - <i>Just In Case We’ll Never Meet Again</i>, <b>Lugubrum</b> - <i>Albino De Congo</i>, <b>Melvins</b> - <i>Nude With Boots</i>, <b>Moonspell</b> - <i>Night Eternal</i>, <b>Obtest</b> - <i>Gyvybës Medis</i>, <b>Pilgrim Fathers</b> - <i>Short Circular Walks In The Hope Valley</i>, <b>Psycroptic</b> - <i>Ob(Servant)</i>, <b>Rotten Sound</b> - <i>Cycles</i>, <b>Septicflesh</b> - <i>Communion</i>, <b>Soilent Green</b> - <i>Inevitable Collapse In The Presence Of Conviction</i>, <b>Steve Von Till</b> - <i>A Grave Is A Grim Horse</i>, <b>Stille OpprØr</b> - <i>S.o2</i>, <b>To-Mera</b> - <i>Delusions</i>, <b>Transcending Bizarre?</b> - <i>The Serpent’s Manifolds</i>, <b>Trinacria</b> - <i>Travel Now Journey Infinitely</i>, <b>Unearthly Trance</b> - <i>Electrocution</i>, <b>Volbeat</b> - <i>Guitar Gangsters And Cadillac Blood</i>. Otherwise, it's been a pleasure spitting forth these little words, and having them hoovered up by you eager Metalheads and -headresses. As ever, Metal is an industry supported by the people out there like yourselves as much as the bands, and the more you listen the better it does. So, what more needs saying? Keep listening! Thanks and kudos to my fellow Metal Reviewererererers, especially Chris, Alex, Adam and James, and they all know why. Welcome aboard to the new guys, again, Thomas and Charles especially.

James

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4367
  2. 1.
    4367
  3. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good.
  4. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  5. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  6. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  7. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  8. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  9. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  10. 1.
    4367 — <i>Amputechture</i> may have been <b>The Mars Volta's</b> finest hour yet, but this more agressive follow up is nearly as good. The fact that this band can consistently put out 70+ minutes of amazing music nearly every year is nothing less than incredible, in a world where so many bands peter out after their debut.
  11. 2.
    4647
  12. 2.
    4647
  13. 2.
    4647
  14. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  15. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  16. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  17. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  18. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  19. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  20. 2.
    4647 — As a big <b>Kayo Dot</b> fan, I was rather surprised to find that mainman Toby Driver's finest hour actually came in the form of little known side-project <b>Gregor Samsa</b>. Orchestral flourishes, haunting piano lines and stunningly pretty female vocals combine to create one of the year's most beautiful records.
  21. 3.
  22. 3.
    4397
  23. 3.
    4397
  24. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  25. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  26. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  27. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  28. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  29. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  30. 3.
    4397 — 2008 has been a very good year for Toby Driver, in my eyes at least. This foray into far jazzier territory may have alienated many fans, but those who leave their preconceptions at the door will find sinister chamber music at its best.
  31. 4.
  32. 4.
    4670
  33. 4.
    4670
  34. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  35. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  36. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  37. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  38. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  39. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  40. 4.
    4670 — Mick Barr and Colin Marston aren't the two men you'd imagine crafting the black metal record of the year, but with their first attempt that's just what they've done. <i>Krallice</i> carries on in the spirit of the seminal <i>Dead As Dreams</i>, but with a cleaner, more technical edge that belies their roots.
  41. 5.
  42. 5.
    4353
  43. 5.
    4877
  44. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  45. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  46. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  47. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  48. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  49. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  50. 5.
    4877 — The name may smack of slightly needless provocation, but <b>Fucked Up</b> might well be the most exciting hardcore band around today. An experimental, shapeshifting, brute of an album.
  51. 6.
  52. 6.
    4396
  53. 6.
    4353
  54. 6.
    4353
  55. 6.
    4353 — So, here it is at last, after over a year of delays and legal battles. Which would all count for naught if it wasn't any good, of course. Luckily it is, and it'd be a great shame indeed if Wrest does make good on his threats to lay the <b>Leviathan</b> name to rest for good.
  56. 6.
    4353 — So, here it is at last, after over a year of delays and legal battles. Which would all count for naught if it wasn't any good, of course. Luckily it is, and it'd be a great shame indeed if Wrest does make good on his threats to lay the <b>Leviathan</b> name to rest for good.
  57. 6.
    4353 — So, here it is at last, after over a year of delays and legal battles. Which would all count for naught if it wasn't any good, of course. Luckily it is, and it'd be a great shame indeed if Wrest does make good on his threats to lay the <b>Leviathan</b> name to rest for good.
  58. 6.
    4353 — So, here it is at last, after over a year of delays and legal battles. Which would all count for naught if it wasn't any good, of course. Luckily it is, and it'd be a great shame indeed if Wrest does make good on his threats to lay the <b>Leviathan</b> name to rest for good.
  59. 6.
    4353 — So, here it is at last, after over a year of delays and legal battles. Which would all count for naught if it wasn't any good, of course. Luckily it is, and it'd be a great shame indeed if Wrest does make good on his threats to lay the <b>Leviathan</b> name to rest for good.
  60. 6.
    4353 — So, here it is at last, after over a year of delays and legal battles. Which would all count for naught if it wasn't any good, of course. Luckily it is, and it'd be a great shame indeed if Wrest does make good on his threats to lay the <b>Leviathan</b> name to rest for good.
  61. 7.
  62. 7.
    4445
  63. 7.
    4396
  64. 7.
    4396
  65. 7.
    4396 — A little bit of a grower for me (despite finding it a little flawed in my review, it's been one of my most played records of the year), <b>Protest The Hero</b> are very much a young band with a lot of momentum behind them. And when they're coming off a record as good as <i>Fortress</i>, the sky really is the limit.
  66. 7.
    4396 — A little bit of a grower for me (despite finding it a little flawed in my review, it's been one of my most played records of the year), <b>Protest The Hero</b> are very much a young band with a lot of momentum behind them. And when they're coming off a record as good as <i>Fortress</i>, the sky really is the limit.
  67. 7.
    4396 — A little bit of a grower for me (despite finding it a little flawed in my review, it's been one of my most played records of the year), <b>Protest The Hero</b> are very much a young band with a lot of momentum behind them. And when they're coming off a record as good as <i>Fortress</i>, the sky really is the limit.
  68. 7.
    4396 — A little bit of a grower for me (despite finding it a little flawed in my review, it's been one of my most played records of the year), <b>Protest The Hero</b> are very much a young band with a lot of momentum behind them. And when they're coming off a record as good as <i>Fortress</i>, the sky really is the limit.
  69. 7.
    4396 — A little bit of a grower for me (despite finding it a little flawed in my review, it's been one of my most played records of the year), <b>Protest The Hero</b> are very much a young band with a lot of momentum behind them. And when they're coming off a record as good as <i>Fortress</i>, the sky really is the limit.
  70. 7.
    4396 — A little bit of a grower for me (despite finding it a little flawed in my review, it's been one of my most played records of the year), <b>Protest The Hero</b> are very much a young band with a lot of momentum behind them. And when they're coming off a record as good as <i>Fortress</i>, the sky really is the limit.
  71. 8.
  72. 8.
    4695
  73. 8.
    4445
  74. 8.
    4445
  75. 8.
    4445 — Any fears that <b>Opeth's</b> output would suffer after the departure of both Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez were easily allayed by the first crushing chord of <i>Heir Apparent</i>. <i>Watershed</i> may be a little more obtuse after the more accessible <i>Ghost Reveries</i>, but it's just as strong, and remarkable for a band on their ninth album.
  76. 8.
    4445 — Any fears that <b>Opeth's</b> output would suffer after the departure of both Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez were easily allayed by the first crushing chord of <i>Heir Apparent</i>. <i>Watershed</i> may be a little more obtuse after the more accessible <i>Ghost Reveries</i>, but it's just as strong, and remarkable for a band on their ninth album.
  77. 8.
    4445 — Any fears that <b>Opeth's</b> output would suffer after the departure of both Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez were easily allayed by the first crushing chord of <i>Heir Apparent</i>. <i>Watershed</i> may be a little more obtuse after the more accessible <i>Ghost Reveries</i>, but it's just as strong, and remarkable for a band on their ninth album.
  78. 8.
    4445 — Any fears that <b>Opeth's</b> output would suffer after the departure of both Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez were easily allayed by the first crushing chord of <i>Heir Apparent</i>. <i>Watershed</i> may be a little more obtuse after the more accessible <i>Ghost Reveries</i>, but it's just as strong, and remarkable for a band on their ninth album.
  79. 8.
    4445 — Any fears that <b>Opeth's</b> output would suffer after the departure of both Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez were easily allayed by the first crushing chord of <i>Heir Apparent</i>. <i>Watershed</i> may be a little more obtuse after the more accessible <i>Ghost Reveries</i>, but it's just as strong, and remarkable for a band on their ninth album.
  80. 8.
    4445 — Any fears that <b>Opeth's</b> output would suffer after the departure of both Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez were easily allayed by the first crushing chord of <i>Heir Apparent</i>. <i>Watershed</i> may be a little more obtuse after the more accessible <i>Ghost Reveries</i>, but it's just as strong, and remarkable for a band on their ninth album.
  81. 9.
  82. 9.
  83. 9.
    4695
  84. 9.
    4695
  85. 9.
    4695 — <b>Cynic</b> clearly missed the memo about reunions being a pale imitation of former glories. <i>Traced In Air</i> picks straight up after <i>Focus</i>, as if the last fifteen years never even happened, and the fact that their music still sounds fresh today shows just how ahead of their time they were back in 1993. Let's hope we don't have to wait another fifteen years for the next one.
  86. 9.
    4695 — <b>Cynic</b> clearly missed the memo about reunions being a pale imitation of former glories. <i>Traced In Air</i> picks straight up after <i>Focus</i>, as if the last fifteen years never even happened, and the fact that their music still sounds fresh today shows just how ahead of their time they were back in 1993. Let's hope we don't have to wait another fifteen years for the next one.
  87. 9.
    4695 — <b>Cynic</b> clearly missed the memo about reunions being a pale imitation of former glories. <i>Traced In Air</i> picks straight up after <i>Focus</i>, as if the last fifteen years never even happened, and the fact that their music still sounds fresh today shows just how ahead of their time they were back in 1993. Let's hope we don't have to wait another fifteen years for the next one.
  88. 9.
    4695 — <b>Cynic</b> clearly missed the memo about reunions being a pale imitation of former glories. <i>Traced In Air</i> picks straight up after <i>Focus</i>, as if the last fifteen years never even happened, and the fact that their music still sounds fresh today shows just how ahead of their time they were back in 1993. Let's hope we don't have to wait another fifteen years for the next one.
  89. 9.
    4695 — <b>Cynic</b> clearly missed the memo about reunions being a pale imitation of former glories. <i>Traced In Air</i> picks straight up after <i>Focus</i>, as if the last fifteen years never even happened, and the fact that their music still sounds fresh today shows just how ahead of their time they were back in 1993. Let's hope we don't have to wait another fifteen years for the next one.
  90. 9.
    4695 — <b>Cynic</b> clearly missed the memo about reunions being a pale imitation of former glories. <i>Traced In Air</i> picks straight up after <i>Focus</i>, as if the last fifteen years never even happened, and the fact that their music still sounds fresh today shows just how ahead of their time they were back in 1993. Let's hope we don't have to wait another fifteen years for the next one.
  91. 10.
  92. 10.
  93. 10.
    4572
  94. 10.
    4572
  95. 10.
    4572 — After the slightly underwhelming <i>Fire & Water</i>, <b>Thrice</b> hit back twice as strong with <i>Air & Earth</i>. <i>Air</i> is a collection of some of the strongest rock songs of the year, while the acoustic <i>Earth</i> disc more than justifies the asking price in its' own right. And, seeing as a portion of the profits go to charity, you really have no excuse not to pick this up.
  96. 10.
    4572 — After the slightly underwhelming <i>Fire & Water</i>, <b>Thrice</b> hit back twice as strong with <i>Air & Earth</i>. <i>Air</i> is a collection of some of the strongest rock songs of the year, while the acoustic <i>Earth</i> disc more than justifies the asking price in its' own right. And, seeing as a portion of the profits go to charity, you really have no excuse not to pick this up.
  97. 10.
    4572 — After the slightly underwhelming <i>Fire & Water</i>, <b>Thrice</b> hit back twice as strong with <i>Air & Earth</i>. <i>Air</i> is a collection of some of the strongest rock songs of the year, while the acoustic <i>Earth</i> disc more than justifies the asking price in its' own right. And, seeing as a portion of the profits go to charity, you really have no excuse not to pick this up.
  98. 10.
    4572 — After the slightly underwhelming <i>Fire & Water</i>, <b>Thrice</b> hit back twice as strong with <i>Air & Earth</i>. <i>Air</i> is a collection of some of the strongest rock songs of the year, while the acoustic <i>Earth</i> disc more than justifies the asking price in its' own right. And, seeing as a portion of the profits go to charity, you really have no excuse not to pick this up.
  99. 10.
    4572 — After the slightly underwhelming <i>Fire & Water</i>, <b>Thrice</b> hit back twice as strong with <i>Air & Earth</i>. <i>Air</i> is a collection of some of the strongest rock songs of the year, while the acoustic <i>Earth</i> disc more than justifies the asking price in its' own right. And, seeing as a portion of the profits go to charity, you really have no excuse not to pick this up.
  100. 10.
    4572 — After the slightly underwhelming <i>Fire & Water</i>, <b>Thrice</b> hit back twice as strong with <i>Air & Earth</i>. <i>Air</i> is a collection of some of the strongest rock songs of the year, while the acoustic <i>Earth</i> disc more than justifies the asking price in its' own right. And, seeing as a portion of the profits go to charity, you really have no excuse not to pick this up.
  101. 11.
  102. 11.
  103. 11.
    4560
  104. 11.
    4560
  105. 11.
    4560
  106. 11.
    4560 — 2007 was a slightly funny year for <b>Boris</b>, being a awful lot less prolific than usual. 2008 saw a return to business as usual, and <i>Smile</i> is a storming tour around every facet of <b>Boris'<b> heavy psych-rock.
  107. 11.
    4560 — 2007 was a slightly funny year for <b>Boris</b>, being a awful lot less prolific than usual. 2008 saw a return to business as usual, and <i>Smile</i> is a storming tour around every facet of <b>Boris'<b> heavy psych-rock.
  108. 11.
    4560 — 2007 was a slightly funny year for <b>Boris</b>, being a awful lot less prolific than usual. 2008 saw a return to business as usual, and <i>Smile</i> is a storming tour around every facet of <b>Boris'<b> heavy psych-rock.
  109. 11.
    4560 — 2007 was a slightly funny year for <b>Boris</b>, being a awful lot less prolific than usual. 2008 saw a return to business as usual, and <i>Smile</i> is a storming tour around every facet of <b>Boris'</b> heavy psych-rock.
  110. 11.
    4560 — 2007 was a slightly funny year for <b>Boris</b>, being a awful lot less prolific than usual. 2008 saw a return to business as usual, and <i>Smile</i> is a storming tour around every facet of <b>Boris'</b> heavy psych-rock.
  111. 12.
  112. 12.
  113. 12.
    4508
  114. 12.
    4508
  115. 12.
    4508
  116. 12.
    4508 — An album I'm somewhat embarrased to say I haven't listened to as much as I should have, <b>Decrepit Birth</b> take you back to 1993 for some death metal that the late, great Chuck Schuldiner would be proud of.
  117. 12.
    4508 — An album I'm somewhat embarrased to say I haven't listened to as much as I should have, <b>Decrepit Birth</b> take you back to 1993 for some death metal that the late, great Chuck Schuldiner would be proud of.
  118. 12.
    4508 — An album I'm somewhat embarrased to say I haven't listened to as much as I should have, <b>Decrepit Birth</b> take you back to 1993 for some death metal that the late, great Chuck Schuldiner would be proud of.
  119. 12.
    4508 — An album I'm somewhat embarrased to say I haven't listened to as much as I should have, <b>Decrepit Birth</b> take you back to 1993 for some death metal that the late, great Chuck Schuldiner would be proud of.
  120. 12.
    4508 — An album I'm somewhat embarrased to say I haven't listened to as much as I should have, <b>Decrepit Birth</b> take you back to 1993 for some death metal that the late, great Chuck Schuldiner would be proud of.
  121. 13.
  122. 13.
  123. 13.
    4748
  124. 13.
    4748
  125. 13.
    4748
  126. 13.
    4748 — A moment of greatness from the criminally weak UKBM scene (how many <b>Cradle Of Filth</b> rip-offs do we need?). <b>Winterfylleth</b> are a far more exciting proposition, playing epic, folky black metal that really is world class.
  127. 13.
    4748 — A moment of greatness from the criminally weak UKBM scene (how many <b>Cradle Of Filth</b> rip-offs do we need?). <b>Winterfylleth</b> are a far more exciting proposition, playing epic, folky black metal that really is world class.
  128. 13.
    4748 — A moment of greatness from the criminally weak UKBM scene (how many <b>Cradle Of Filth</b> rip-offs do we need?). <b>Winterfylleth</b> are a far more exciting proposition, playing epic, folky black metal that really is world class.
  129. 13.
    4748 — A moment of greatness from the criminally weak UKBM scene (how many <b>Cradle Of Filth</b> rip-offs do we need?). <b>Winterfylleth</b> are a far more exciting proposition, playing epic, folky black metal that really is world class.
  130. 13.
    4748 — A moment of greatness from the criminally weak UKBM scene (how many <b>Cradle Of Filth</b> rip-offs do we need?). <b>Winterfylleth</b> are a far more exciting proposition, playing epic, folky black metal that really is world class.
  131. 14.
  132. 14.
  133. 14.
    4710
  134. 14.
    4710
  135. 14.
    4710
  136. 14.
    4710 — I'm sure some of you will run for cover at Mr Aaron Funk's latest offering, but those who stay will be certainly get a treat, It's one of his more intense releases, taking in a more jungle-influenced sound. If you're like me and love challenging music in all its' forms, <i>Detrimentalist</i> could well be your entry into the exciting world of breakcore.
  137. 14.
    4710 — I'm sure some of you will run for cover at Mr Aaron Funk's latest offering, but those who stay will be certainly get a treat, It's one of his more intense releases, taking in a more jungle-influenced sound. If you're like me and love challenging music in all its' forms, <i>Detrimentalist</i> could well be your entry into the exciting world of breakcore.
  138. 14.
    4710 — I'm sure some of you will run for cover at Mr Aaron Funk's latest offering, but those who stay will be certainly get a treat, It's one of his more intense releases, taking in a more jungle-influenced sound. If you're like me and love challenging music in all its' forms, <i>Detrimentalist</i> could well be your entry into the exciting world of breakcore.
  139. 14.
    4710 — I'm sure some of you will run for cover at Mr Aaron Funk's latest offering, but those who stay will be certainly get a treat, It's one of his more intense releases, taking in a more jungle-influenced sound. If you're like me and love challenging music in all its' forms, <i>Detrimentalist</i> could well be your entry into the exciting world of breakcore.
  140. 14.
    4710 — I'm sure some of you will run for cover at Mr Aaron Funk's latest offering, but those who stay will be certainly get a treat, It's one of his more intense releases, taking in a more jungle-influenced sound. If you're like me and love challenging music in all its' forms, <i>Detrimentalist</i> could well be your entry into the exciting world of breakcore.
  141. 15.
  142. 15.
  143. 15.
    4469
  144. 15.
    4469
  145. 15.
    4469
  146. 15.
    4469
  147. 15.
    4469 — <b>Nachtmystium's</b> dip into more straightforward, catchier territory may have angered some, but most lesser mortals will be felled by the likes of the rage-fuelled <i>Your True Enemy</i>. Elsewhere, a more psychedelic touch abounds, particularly in the unusual keyboards and Gilmour-esque soloing.
  148. 15.
    4469 — <b>Nachtmystium's</b> dip into more straightforward, catchier territory may have angered some, but most lesser mortals will be felled by the likes of the rage-fuelled <i>Your True Enemy</i>. Elsewhere, a more psychedelic touch abounds, particularly in the unusual keyboards and Gilmour-esque soloing.
  149. 15.
    4469 — <b>Nachtmystium's</b> dip into more straightforward, catchier territory may have angered some, but most lesser mortals will be felled by the likes of the rage-fuelled <i>Your True Enemy</i>. Elsewhere, a more psychedelic touch abounds, particularly in the unusual keyboards and Gilmour-esque soloing.
  150. 15.
    4469 — <b>Nachtmystium's</b> dip into more straightforward, catchier territory may have angered some, but most lesser mortals will be felled by the likes of the rage-fuelled <i>Your True Enemy</i>. Elsewhere, a more psychedelic touch abounds, particularly in the unusual keyboards and Gilmour-esque soloing.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    4682
  3. 1.
    4682
  4. 1.
    4682
  5. 1.
    4682
  6. 1.
    4682
  7. 1.
    4682 — <b>Have A Nice Life</b> came out of nowhere this year with an ambitious double album that sounds like <b>Interpol</b> squaring off to <b>Xasthur</b>. <i>Deathconsciousness</i> may be overlong and flawed, but it's highs are some of the best songs released this year.
  8. 1.
    4682 — <b>Have A Nice Life</b> came out of nowhere this year with an ambitious double album that sounds like <b>Interpol</b> squaring off to <b>Xasthur</b>. <i>Deathconsciousness</i> may be overlong and flawed, but it's highs are some of the best songs released this year.
  9. 1.
    4682 — <b>Have A Nice Life</b> came out of nowhere this year with an ambitious double album that sounds like <b>Interpol</b> squaring off to <b>Xasthur</b>. <i>Deathconsciousness</i> may be overlong and flawed, but it's highs are some of the best songs released this year.
  10. 1.
    4682 — <b>Have A Nice Life</b> came out of nowhere this year with an ambitious double album that sounds like <b>Interpol</b> squaring off to <b>Xasthur</b>. <i>Deathconsciousness</i> may be overlong and flawed, but it's highs are some of the best songs released this year.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
  13. 2.
  14. 2.
    4280
  15. 2.
    4280
  16. 2.
    4280
  17. 2.
    4681 — Despite the fairly stock black metal imagery, <b>Grim Landscape</b> manage to play a firmly orthodox for of black metal without every seeming contrived. What a great shame they're utterly unknown, then.
  18. 2.
    4681 — Despite the fairly stock black metal imagery, <b>Grim Landscape</b> manage to play a firmly orthodox for of black metal without every seeming contrived. What a great shame they're utterly unknown, then.
  19. 2.
    4681 — Despite the fairly stock black metal imagery, <b>Grim Landscape</b> manage to play a firmly orthodox for of black metal without every seeming contrived. What a great shame they're utterly unknown, then.
  20. 2.
    4681 — Despite the fairly stock black metal imagery, <b>Grim Landscape</b> manage to play a firmly orthodox for of black metal without every seeming contrived. What a great shame they're utterly unknown, then.
  21. 3.
  22. 3.
  23. 3.
  24. 3.
    4608
  25. 3.
    4608
  26. 3.
    4608
  27. 3.
    4608 — I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were expecting a step up from <i>St Anger</i>. I certainly wasn't expecting songs as powerful as <i>All Nightmare Long</i> and <i>The Judas Kiss</i>, Not perfect by any means, but for a band who've spent a fairly extended period in the wilderness, this is a welcome comeback.
  28. 3.
    4608 — I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were expecting a step up from <i>St Anger</i>. I certainly wasn't expecting songs as powerful as <i>All Nightmare Long</i> and <i>The Judas Kiss</i>, Not perfect by any means, but for a band who've spent a fairly extended period in the wilderness, this is a welcome comeback.
  29. 3.
    4608 — I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were expecting a step up from <i>St Anger</i>. I certainly wasn't expecting songs as powerful as <i>All Nightmare Long</i> and <i>The Judas Kiss</i>, Not perfect by any means, but for a band who've spent a fairly extended period in the wilderness, this is a welcome comeback.
  30. 3.
    4608 — I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were expecting a step up from <i>St Anger</i>. I certainly wasn't expecting songs as powerful as <i>All Nightmare Long</i> and <i>The Judas Kiss</i>, Not perfect by any means, but for a band who've spent a fairly extended period in the wilderness, this is a welcome comeback.
  31. 4.
  32. 4.
  33. 4.
  34. 4.
    4722
  35. 4.
    4722
  36. 4.
    4722
  37. 4.
    4722 — A pretty solid effort from a band I'd written off after the fairly dull <i>Now, Diabolical</i>
  38. 4.
    4722 — A pretty solid effort from a band I'd written off after the fairly dull <i>Now, Diabolical</i>
  39. 4.
    4722 — A pretty solid effort from a band I'd written off after the fairly dull <i>Now, Diabolical</i>
  40. 4.
    4722 — A pretty solid effort from a band I'd written off after the fairly dull <i>Now, Diabolical</i>
  41. 5.
  42. 5.
  43. 5.
  44. 5.
  45. 5.
  46. 5.
    4651
  47. 5.
    4651 — After hearing a good chunk of this through a younger sibling, this collection of incredibly catchy modern rock songs managed to worm their way into my head. I couldn't hate this if I tried.
  48. 5.
    4651 — After hearing a good chunk of this through a younger sibling, this collection of incredibly catchy modern rock songs managed to worm their way into my head. I couldn't hate this if I tried.
  49. 5.
    4651 — After hearing a good chunk of this through a younger sibling, this collection of incredibly catchy modern rock songs managed to worm their way into my head. I couldn't hate this if I tried.
  50. 5.
    4651 — After hearing a good chunk of this through a younger sibling, this collection of incredibly catchy modern rock songs managed to worm their way into my head. I couldn't hate this if I tried.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4711
  2. 1.
    4711
  3. 1.
    4711
  4. 1.
    4711
  5. 1.
    4711
  6. 1.
    4711
  7. 1.
    4711
  8. 1.
    4711 — After <i>The Cult Is Alive</i> and <i>F.O.A.D</i> seemed to mark something of a comeback for <b>Darkthrone</b>, they decided to spoil it all by releasing what sounds like a collection of riffs not good enough for the last album. Thumbs down.
  9. 1.
    4711 — After <i>The Cult Is Alive</i> and <i>F.O.A.D</i> seemed to mark something of a comeback for <b>Darkthrone</b>, they decided to spoil it all by releasing what sounds like a collection of riffs not good enough for the last album. Thumbs down.
  10. 1.
    4711 — After <i>The Cult Is Alive</i> and <i>F.O.A.D</i> seemed to mark something of a comeback for <b>Darkthrone</b>, they decided to spoil it all by releasing what sounds like a collection of riffs not good enough for the last album. Thumbs down.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
    4443
  13. 2.
    4443
  14. 2.
    4443
  15. 2.
    4443
  16. 2.
    4443
  17. 2.
    4443
  18. 2.
    4443 — Surely a band associated with Toby Driver can't suck this hard?
  19. 2.
    4443 — Surely a band associated with Toby Driver can't suck this hard?
  20. 2.
    4443 — Surely a band associated with Toby Driver can't suck this hard?
  21. 3.
  22. 3.
  23. 3.
  24. 3.
    4459
  25. 3.
    4459
  26. 3.
    4459
  27. 3.
    4459
  28. 3.
    4459 — Despite their legendary status, <b>Belphegor</b> wear out their welcome pretty quick this time round.
  29. 3.
    4459 — Despite their legendary status, <b>Belphegor</b> wear out their welcome pretty quick this time round.
  30. 3.
    4459 — Despite their legendary status, <b>Belphegor</b> wear out their welcome pretty quick this time round.
  31. 4.
  32. 4.
  33. 4.
  34. 4.
    4838
  35. 4.
    4838
  36. 4.
    4838
  37. 4.
    4838
  38. 4.
    4838 — Not bad by any means, but a bit lacking coming from the man who released <i>Nattestid Ser Porten Vid</i>.
  39. 4.
    4838 — Not bad by any means, but a bit lacking coming from the man who released <i>Nattestid Ser Porten Vid</i>.
  40. 4.
    4838 — Not bad by any means, but a bit lacking coming from the man who released <i>Nattestid Ser Porten Vid</i>.
  41. 5.
  42. 5.
  43. 5.
  44. 5.
  45. 5.
  46. 5.
  47. 5.
  48. 5.
  49. 5.
  50. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    4797
  2. 1.
    4797
  3. 1.
    4797
  4. 1.
    4797
  5. 1.
    4797
  6. 1.
    4797
  7. 1.
    4797
  8. 1.
    4797 — <b>Head</b> somehow saves <b>Woods Of Ypres</b> from the wooden spoon with one of those rare albums that manages to do literally <i>everything</i> wrong.
  9. 1.
    4797 — <b>Head</b> somehow saves <b>Woods Of Ypres</b> from the wooden spoon with one of those rare albums that manages to do literally <i>everything</i> wrong.
  10. 1.
    4797 — <b>Head</b> somehow saves <b>Woods Of Ypres</b> from the wooden spoon with one of those rare albums that manages to do literally <i>everything</i> wrong.
  11. 2.
    4536
  12. 2.
    4536
  13. 2.
    4536
  14. 2.
    4536
  15. 2.
    4536
  16. 2.
    4536
  17. 2.
    4536
  18. 2.
    4536 — An album bad enough to almost kill black metal outright.
  19. 2.
    4536 — An album bad enough to almost kill black metal outright.
  20. 2.
    4536 — An album bad enough to almost kill black metal outright.
  21. 3.
    4406
  22. 3.
    4406
  23. 3.
    4406
  24. 3.
    4406
  25. 3.
    4406
  26. 3.
    4406
  27. 3.
    4406
  28. 3.
    4406 — Well, it's a curio at the very least. <b>Cryptopsy's</b> staggering own goal may have been one of the most embarrasing moments of the year, but as with the infamous <i>St Anger</i>, there's a peverse enjoyment to be gleaned from watching a once-mighty band piss all over their legacy.
  29. 3.
    4406 — Well, it's a curio at the very least. <b>Cryptopsy's</b> staggering own goal may have been one of the most embarrasing moments of the year, but as with the infamous <i>St Anger</i>, there's a peverse enjoyment to be gleaned from watching a once-mighty band piss all over their legacy.
  30. 3.
    4406 — Well, it's a curio at the very least. <b>Cryptopsy's</b> staggering own goal may have been one of the most embarrasing moments of the year, but as with the infamous <i>St Anger</i>, there's a peverse enjoyment to be gleaned from watching a once-mighty band piss all over their legacy.
  31. 4.
  32. 4.
  33. 4.
  34. 4.
  35. 4.
  36. 4.
  37. 4.
  38. 4.
  39. 4.
  40. 4.
  41. 5.
  42. 5.
  43. 5.
  44. 5.
  45. 5.
  46. 5.
  47. 5.
  48. 5.
  49. 5.
  50. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
  4. 0
  5. 0
  6. 0
  7. 0
  8. 0
  9. 0
  10. 0
    — </HEAD> <BODY LANG="en-GB" DIR="LTR"> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0cm">Well, that was 2008, and it was an interesting year at the very least. <B>Metallica </B><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">made something of a comeback, </SPAN><B>Crytopsy</B><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium"> made a desperate grab towards the Metal Hammer crowd, and </SPAN><I><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">Chinese Democracy</SPAN></I><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium"> proved that it was a lot more interesting when it wasn't actually released. Most notably for me of course, I started writing for the fine institution that is Metal Reviews. And as corny it is to say it, it genuinely has changed my life. I've heard so much new music since my tenure here started, and what's more, it's also completely changed the way I look at music. I may not have got it right all the time (look at my reviews of </SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">Voyager </SPAN></I><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">and </SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">Thirteen Blues For Thirteen Moons </SPAN></I><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">for proof), but generally I've had a blast (although pulling my hair out attempting to review the new </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><B>Horna </B></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">was not a highlight of my year). 2009 has brought us great new releases from </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><B>Animal Collective </B></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">and </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><B>Absu</B></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium"> already this year, and it's set to bring us more from the likes of </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><B>Mastodon</B></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">, </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><B>Immortal </B></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">and </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><B>Wolves In The Throne Room</B></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"><SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">. With any luck I'll get to write about some of these, and I hope you enjoy reading the reviews as much as I'll enjoy listening to them. Oh, and of course, thanks to the team for making me very welcome here, particularly Zadok for showing me the ropes.</SPAN></SPAN></P> </BODY> </HTML>

Thomas

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4666 — The mighty vikings are back with an album that slays everything in its way. Fantastic.
  2. 1.
    4666 — The mighty vikings are back with an album that slays everything in its way. Fantastic.
  3. 1.
    4666 — The mighty vikings are back with an album that slays everything in its way. Fantastic.
  4. 2.
    4664 — Awesome record by the former doom metallers.
  5. 2.
    4664 — Awesome record by the former doom metallers.
  6. 2.
    4664 — Awesome record by the former doom metallers.
  7. 3.
    4502 — My first encounter with these guys. I was absolutely blown away
  8. 3.
    4502 — My first encounter with these guys. I was absolutely blown away
  9. 3.
    4502 — My first encounter with these guys. I was absolutely blown away
  10. 4.
    4358 — Great modern hard-rock.
  11. 4.
    4358 — Great modern hard-rock.
  12. 4.
    4358 — Great modern hard-rock.
  13. 5.
    4780 — Awesome Swedish Prog Metal
  14. 5.
    4780 — Awesome Swedish Prog Metal
  15. 5.
    4780 — Awesome Swedish Prog Metal
  16. 6.
    4689 — More please!
  17. 6.
    4689 — More please!
  18. 6.
    4689 — More please!
  19. 7.
    4486 — Another good one from these guys
  20. 7.
    4486 — Another good one from these guys
  21. 7.
    4486 — Another good one from these guys
  22. 8.
    4787 — Great Prog from the US
  23. 8.
    4787 — Great Prog from the US
  24. 8.
    4787 — Great Prog from the US
  25. 9.
    4367 — Great!
  26. 9.
    4367 — Great!
  27. 9.
    4367 — Great!
  28. 10.
    4840 — Tankard delivers as usual
  29. 10.
    4840 — Tankard delivers as usual
  30. 10.
    4840 — Tankard delivers as usual
  31. 11.
    4720 — Another solid effort from these Norwegians.
  32. 11.
    4720 — Another solid effort from these Norwegians.
  33. 11.
    4720 — Another solid effort from these Norwegians.
  34. 12.
    4280 — Very Nice
  35. 12.
    4280 — Very Nice
  36. 12.
    4280 — Very Nice
  37. 13.
    4503 — Score!
  38. 13.
    4503 — Score!
  39. 13.
    4503 — Score!
  40. 14.
    4760 — Nice Power Metal from Austria.
  41. 14.
    4760 — Nice Power Metal from Austria.
  42. 14.
    4760 — Nice Power Metal from Austria.
  43. 15.
    Norma Jean - The Anti-Mother — Spectacular hardcore!
  44. 15.
    4934 — Spectacular hardcore!
  45. 15.
    4934 — Spectacular hardcore!

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4674 — Not what you'd expect from a bunch of established black metallers. Great!
  2. 1.
    4674 — Not what you'd expect from a bunch of established black metallers. Great!
  3. 1.
    4674 — Not what you'd expect from a bunch of established black metallers. Great!
  4. 2.
    4781 — Winner of Terrorizer's "Best Unsigned Band of 08 award". Deserved."
  5. 2.
    4781 — Winner of Terrorizer's "Best Unsigned Band of 08 award". Deserved."
  6. 2.
    4781 — Winner of Terrorizer's "Best Unsigned Band of 08 award". Deserved."
  7. 3.
    4508 — I'm not surprised taht this is good. I'm surprised that I actually like this alot!
  8. 3.
    4508 — I'm not surprised taht this is good. I'm surprised that I actually like this alot!
  9. 3.
    4508 — I'm not surprised that this is good. I'm surprised that I actually like this alot!
  10. 4.
    4800 — Nice surprise from Italy
  11. 4.
    4800 — Nice surprise from Italy
  12. 4.
    4800 — Nice surprise from Italy
  13. 5.
    4400 — Another band I shouldn't like, but highly enjoyed.
  14. 5.
    4400 — Another band I shouldn't like, but highly enjoyed.
  15. 5.
    4400 — Another band I shouldn't like, but really enjoyed.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4725 — Meh. This wasn't nearly as good as I expected.
  2. 1.
    4725 — Meh. This wasn't nearly as good as I expected.
  3. 1.
    4725 — Meh. This wasn't nearly as good as I expected.
  4. 2.
    4445 — Ghost Reveries please.
  5. 2.
    4445 — Ghost Reveries please.
  6. 2.
    4445 — Ghost Reveries please.
  7. 3.
    4438 — Sloopy playing, boring songs. Nowhere near Armada.
  8. 3.
    4438 — Sloopy playing, boring songs. Nowhere near Armada.
  9. 3.
    4438 — Sloopy playing, boring songs. Nowhere near Armada.
  10. 4.
    4785 — Even though I rated them pretty high in the review, this is nowhere near the quality of their previous efforts.
  11. 4.
    4785 — Even though I rated them pretty high in the review, this is nowhere near the quality of their previous efforts.
  12. 4.
    4785 — Even though I rated them pretty high in the review, this is nowhere near the quality of their previous efforts.
  13. 5.
    4608 — Meh.. Better, but they still have a long way to go.
  14. 5.
    4608 — Meh.. Better, but they still have a long way to go.
  15. 5.
    4608 — Meh.. Better, but they still have a long way to go.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    4708 — Awful
  2. 1.
    4708 — Awful
  3. 1.
    4708 — Awful
  4. 2.
    4721 — Now this is a fucking joke. Even though I was curious
  5. 2.
    4721 — Now this is a fucking joke. Even though I was curious
  6. 2.
    4721 — Now this is a fucking joke. Even though I was curious
  7. 3.
    4617 — Yes... Bash me.
  8. 3.
    4617 — Yes... Bash me.
  9. 3.
    4617 — Yes... Bash me.
  10. 4.
    4406 — My first impression of Cryptopsy was not good.
  11. 4.
    4406 — My first impression of Cryptopsy was not good.
  12. 4.
    4406 — My first impression of Cryptopsy was not good.
  13. 5.
    4844 — Not as awful as their previous stuff. But still.
  14. 5.
    4844 — Not as awful as their previous stuff. But still.
  15. 5.
    4844 — Not as awful as their previous stuff. But still.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — This has been a great year for me and for the music I love the most. I'm really glad I started to review for the site, which has given me more time with the music I love and the opportunity to do interviews with my heroes as well as getting hold of loads of new stuff that otherwise would've gone unheard of. I want to thank the entire team for making me feel welcome, and especially Zadok and Chris for their guidance.
  2. 0
    — This has been a great year for me and for the music I love the most. I'm really glad I started to review for the site, which has given me more time with the music I love and the opportunity to do interviews with my heroes as well as getting hold of loads of new stuff that otherwise would've gone unheard of. I want to thank the entire team for making me feel welcome, and especially Zadok and Chris for their guidance.
  3. 0
    — This has been a great year for me and for the music I love the most. I'm really glad I started to review for the site, which has given me more time with the music I love and the opportunity to do interviews with my heroes as well as getting hold of loads of new stuff that otherwise would've gone unheard of. I want to thank the entire team for making me feel welcome, and especially Zadok and Chris for their guidance.

Pete

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4357
  2. 2.
    4677
  3. 3.
    4566
  4. 4.
    4445
  5. 5.
    4701
  6. 6.
    4456
  7. 7.
    4327
  8. 8.
    4951
  9. 9.
    4898
  10. 10.
    4736
  11. 11.
    4319
  12. 12.
    4843
  13. 13.
    4651
  14. 14.
    4485
  15. 15.
    4750

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4537
  2. 2.
    4868
  3. 3.
    4242
  4. 4.
    4844
  5. 5.
    4513

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4900
  2. 2.
    4341
  3. 3.
    4472
  4. 4.
    4330
  5. 5.
    4811

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    4961
  2. 2.
    4744
  3. 3.
    5003
  4. 4.
    4684
  5. 5.
    4638

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0

Jerrol

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4357
  2. 1.
    4357
  3. 2.
    4638
  4. 2.
    4638
  5. 3.
    4445
  6. 3.
    4445
  7. 4.
    4736
  8. 4.
    4736
  9. 5.
    4358
  10. 5.
    4358
  11. 6.
    4554
  12. 6.
    4554
  13. 7.
    4677
  14. 7.
    4677
  15. 8.
    4617
  16. 8.
    4617
  17. 9.
    4486
  18. 9.
    4486
  19. 10.
    4456
  20. 10.
    4456
  21. 11.
    4204
  22. 11.
    4204
  23. 12.
    4860
  24. 12.
    4860
  25. 13.
    4720
  26. 13.
    4720
  27. 14.
    4470
  28. 14.
    4470
  29. 15.
    4566
  30. 15.
    4566

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4835 — Possibally my favorite debut CD in the last few years.
  2. 1.
    4835 — Possibally my favorite debut CD in the last few years.
  3. 2.
    4608 — It did not completely suck.
  4. 2.
    4608 — It did not completely suck.
  5. 3.
    4948 — Great debut. Can't wait for the next album.
  6. 3.
    4948 — Great debut. Can't wait for the next album.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    4701 — After eight years I was (for some odd reason) expecting something fresh instead of just a rehash of old. Hell, I liked the Airbourne album more.
  2. 1.
    4701 — After eight years I was (for some odd reason) expecting something fresh instead of just a rehash of old. Hell, I liked the Airbourne album more.
  3. 2.
    4566 — When I bought this CD I was hoping I was buying the album of the year. It unfortunatly bearly sqeeked into my top 15. Overall a let down in my book.
  4. 2.
    4566 — When I bought this CD I was hoping I was buying the album of the year. It unfortunatly bearly sqeeked into my top 15. Overall a let down in my book.
  5. 3.
    4472 — After the first spin I hated it, after a few more spins I learned to love it...unfortunally after a few more I hated it again.
  6. 3.
    4472 — After the first spin I hated it, after a few more spins I learned to love it...unfortunally after a few more I hated it again.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
    — 2008 was a strange year for me. Having spent most of my time looking for older metal offerings, I lost touch briefly with the current metal situation. I still kept up some but I normally purchase around 150-200 CDs of current releases. When I compiled my CDs for this years awards I realized that I had only gotten around 50 this year, so my favorites now will possibly not be my favorites for 2008 in the future. Fortunately, I have been given the chance to review for my long time favorite review site so things will definitely be different for 2009. I want to thank the entire MetalReviews staff for this opportunity and hope to be able to contribute more to this site in the coming year. May Heavy Metal continue to reign supreme in 2009!

Charles

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4695 — I first realised how good this record was when I saw this band supporting <b>Opeth</b>, and it dawned on me that they were totally upstaging the group I consider to be one of my favourites of all time. No other band has a sound like this; capable of switching between ideas in split seconds and virtually every beat a masterclass in sonic craftsmanship. Let’s hope the next one comes along quicker than this did. Peerless.
  2. 1.
    4695 — I first realised how good this record was when I saw this band supporting <b>Opeth</b>, and it dawned on me that they were totally upstaging the group I consider to be one of my favourites of all time. No other band has a sound like this; capable of switching between ideas in split seconds and virtually every beat a masterclass in sonic craftsmanship. Let’s hope the next one comes along quicker than this did. Peerless.
  3. 1.
    4695 — I first realised how good this record was when I saw this band supporting <b>Opeth</b>, and it dawned on me that they were totally upstaging the group I consider to be one of my favourites of all time. No other band has a sound like this; capable of switching between ideas in split seconds and virtually every beat a masterclass in sonic craftsmanship. Let’s hope the next one comes along quicker than this did. Peerless.
  4. 1.
    4695 — I first realised how good this record was when I saw this band supporting <b>Opeth</b>, and it dawned on me that they were totally upstaging the group I consider to be one of my favourites of all time. No other band has a sound like this; capable of switching between ideas in split seconds and virtually every beat a masterclass in sonic craftsmanship. Let’s hope the next one comes along quicker than this did. Peerless.
  5. 2.
    4469 — In terms of the ongoing fusion of black metal to prog rock, this probably got a bit overshadowed in 2008 by <b>Enslaved</b>’s increasingly admired output. But this makes it in my top 15 and that doesn’t because <i>Assassins</i> is just way more fun. The exploratory meandering is kept rooted by down-to-earth, relentless anthems, meaning that this album withstands many repeated listens.
  6. 2.
    4469 — In terms of the ongoing fusion of black metal to prog rock, this probably got a bit overshadowed in 2008 by <b>Enslaved</b>’s increasingly admired output. But this makes it in my top 15 and that doesn’t because <i>Assassins</i> is just way more fun. The exploratory meandering is kept rooted by down-to-earth, relentless anthems, meaning that this album withstands many repeated listens.
  7. 2.
    4469 — In terms of the ongoing fusion of black metal to prog rock, this probably got a bit overshadowed in 2008 by <b>Enslaved</b>’s increasingly admired output. But this makes it in my top 15 and that doesn’t because <i>Assassins</i> is just way more fun. The exploratory meandering is kept rooted by down-to-earth, relentless anthems, meaning that this album withstands many repeated listens.
  8. 2.
    4469 — In terms of the ongoing fusion of black metal to prog rock, this probably got a bit overshadowed in 2008 by <b>Enslaved</b>’s increasingly admired output. But this makes it in my top 15 and that doesn’t because <i>Assassins</i> is just way more fun. The exploratory meandering is kept rooted by down-to-earth, relentless anthems, meaning that this album withstands many repeated listens.
  9. 3.
    4840 — This had to be in there, as 2008’s most enjoyable (and therefore best) thrash album. Normally I would demand more originality from something going into my top three, but <i>Thirst</i> deserves special admiration this year for emerging alongside countless imitators of the 80s thrash sound, and showing them all how it is done.
  10. 3.
    4840 — This had to be in there, as 2008’s most enjoyable (and therefore best) thrash album. Normally I would demand more originality from something going into my top three, but <i>Thirst</i> deserves special admiration this year for emerging alongside countless imitators of the 80s thrash sound, and showing them all how it is done.
  11. 3.
    4840 — This had to be in there, as 2008’s most enjoyable (and therefore best) thrash album. Normally I would demand more originality from something going into my top three, but <i>Thirst</i> deserves special admiration this year for emerging alongside countless imitators of the 80s thrash sound, and showing them all how it is done.
  12. 3.
    4840 — This had to be in there, as 2008’s most enjoyable (and therefore best) thrash album. Normally I would demand more originality from something going into my top three, but <i>Thirst</i> deserves special admiration this year for emerging alongside countless imitators of the 80s thrash sound, and showing them all how it is done.
  13. 4.
    4488 — <b>Tyr</b> were pretty much continuing where they left off with this record, but that becomes a very good thing when accompanied by songwriting that is this good. Not a single weak track, from what must surely be the best folk metal band in the world.
  14. 4.
    4488 — <b>Tyr</b> were pretty much continuing where they left off with this record, but that becomes a very good thing when accompanied by songwriting that is this good. Not a single weak track, from what must surely be the best folk metal band in the world.
  15. 4.
    4488 — <b>Tyr</b> were pretty much continuing where they left off with this record, but that becomes a very good thing when accompanied by songwriting that is this good. Not a single weak track, from what must surely be the best folk metal band in the world.
  16. 4.
    4488 — <b>Tyr</b> were pretty much continuing where they left off with this record, but that becomes a very good thing when accompanied by songwriting that is this good. Not a single weak track, from what must surely be the best folk metal band in the world.
  17. 5.
    Arghoslent - Hornets of the Pogrom
  18. 5.
    Arghoslent - Hornets of the Pogrom
  19. 5.
    Arghoslent - Hornets of the Pogrom
  20. 5.
    Arghoslent - Hornets of the Pogrom
  21. 6.
    4629 — The funereal doom sound can be pretty tiresome at times, as bands use the fact that they play long songs very slowly to present themselves as masters of sorrow and misery. Not so <b>Mourning Beloveth</b>, who are the real deal. This album is full of bleaker than bleak moods, conveyed by some of the heaviest riffs and the most overpowering sound this side of Jupiter.
  22. 6.
    4629 — The funereal doom sound can be pretty tiresome at times, as bands use the fact that they play long songs very slowly to present themselves as masters of sorrow and misery. Not so <b>Mourning Beloveth</b>, who are the real deal. This album is full of bleaker than bleak moods, conveyed by some of the heaviest riffs and the most overpowering sound this side of Jupiter.
  23. 6.
    4629 — The funereal doom sound can be pretty tiresome at times, as bands use the fact that they play long songs very slowly to present themselves as masters of sorrow and misery. Not so <b>Mourning Beloveth</b>, who are the real deal. This album is full of bleaker than bleak moods, conveyed by some of the heaviest riffs and the most overpowering sound this side of Jupiter.
  24. 6.
    4629 — The funereal doom sound can be pretty tiresome at times, as bands use the fact that they play long songs very slowly to present themselves as masters of sorrow and misery. Not so <b>Mourning Beloveth</b>, who are the real deal. This album is full of bleaker than bleak moods, conveyed by some of the heaviest riffs and the most overpowering sound this side of Jupiter.
  25. 7.
    4445 — Good old <b>Opeth</b>, thoroughly deserving of the success they are now enjoying many years into their career. <i>Watershed</i> doesn’t quite electrify me the same way as their earlier records did, but I was young then and I am jaded now. It’s still a great record, as their sound continues to evolve at a sedate pace, into something nobody will probably ever dare to imitate, it is so iconically theirs.
  26. 7.
    4445 — Good old <b>Opeth</b>, thoroughly deserving of the success they are now enjoying many years into their career. <i>Watershed</i> doesn’t quite electrify me the same way as their earlier records did, but I was young then and I am jaded now. It’s still a great record, as their sound continues to evolve at a sedate pace, into something nobody will probably ever dare to imitate, it is so iconically theirs.
  27. 7.
    4445 — Good old <b>Opeth</b>, thoroughly deserving of the success they are now enjoying many years into their career. <i>Watershed</i> doesn’t quite electrify me the same way as their earlier records did, but I was young then and I am jaded now. It’s still a great record, as their sound continues to evolve at a sedate pace, into something nobody will probably ever dare to imitate, it is so iconically theirs.
  28. 7.
    4445 — Good old <b>Opeth</b>, thoroughly deserving of the success they are now enjoying many years into their career. <i>Watershed</i> doesn’t quite electrify me the same way as their earlier records did, but I was young then and I am jaded now. It’s still a great record, as their sound continues to evolve at a sedate pace, into something nobody will probably ever dare to imitate, it is so iconically theirs.
  29. 8.
    4668 — In my opinion, maybe the purest distillation of what metal is at its heart on this list. Brutally primitive in some ways, and completely off the wall in others, tracks such as <i>Iron Night</i> and <i>The Stalker</i> are some of the best songs of 2009.
  30. 8.
    4668 — In my opinion, maybe the purest distillation of what metal is at its heart on this list. Brutally primitive in some ways, and completely off the wall in others, tracks such as <i>Iron Night</i> and <i>The Stalker</i> are some of the best songs of 2008.
  31. 8.
    4668 — In my opinion, maybe the purest distillation of what metal is at its heart on this list. Brutally primitive in some ways, and completely off the wall in others, tracks such as <i>Iron Night</i> and <i>The Stalker</i> are some of the best songs of 2008.
  32. 8.
    4668 — In my opinion, maybe the purest distillation of what metal is at its heart on this list. Brutally primitive in some ways, and completely off the wall in others, tracks such as <i>Iron Night</i> and <i>The Stalker</i> are some of the best songs of 2008.
  33. 9.
  34. 9.
  35. 9.
    The Mars Volta - Bedlam in Goliath — Didn’t have to think too much about this... another excellent <b>Mars Volta</b> record.
  36. 9.
    The Mars Volta - Bedlam in Goliath — Didn’t have to think too much about this... another excellent <b>Mars Volta</b> record.
  37. 10.
  38. 10.
  39. 10.
    4508 — Technical death metal can end up pretty soulless if not done right, but <i>Diminishing Between Worlds</i> was. Plenty of feeling and melody run through this; my favourite album of its type in 2008.
  40. 10.
    4508 — Technical death metal can end up pretty soulless if not done right, but <i>Diminishing Between Worlds</i> was. Plenty of feeling and melody run through this; my favourite album of its type in 2008.
  41. 11.
  42. 11.
  43. 11.
    4459 — Ferocious and grim blackened death with a powerful and extremely catchy sound. Combined with nonsensical lyrics and a tongue in cheek style which doesn’t detract from the overall ambience. Nothing else is needed.
  44. 11.
    4459 — Ferocious and grim blackened death with a powerful and extremely catchy sound. Combined with nonsensical lyrics and a tongue in cheek style which doesn’t detract from the overall ambience. Nothing else is needed.
  45. 12.
  46. 12.
  47. 12.
    4400 — <b>Soilent Green</b> are a great band, and this record showcases their pretty singular mix of sludgy rage and compositional gymnastics perfectly. They generate riffs and songs that couldn’t have been dreamt up by anyone else.
  48. 12.
    4400 — <b>Soilent Green</b> are a great band, and this record showcases their pretty singular mix of sludgy rage and compositional gymnastics perfectly. They generate riffs and songs that couldn’t have been dreamt up by anyone else.
  49. 13.
  50. 13.
  51. 13.
    4921 — Remarkably easy and enjoyable to listen to, this is the first <b>Earth</b> album that I have listened to repeatedly because it pleases my ears, rather than because it might make me look like a learned sage of drone music. Supremely atmospheric and evocative.
  52. 13.
    4921 — Remarkably easy and enjoyable to listen to, this is the first <b>Earth</b> album that I have listened to repeatedly because it pleases my ears, rather than because it might make me look like a learned sage of drone music. Supremely atmospheric and evocative.
  53. 14.
  54. 14.
  55. 14.
    4769 — This deserves a lot of credit for both being wilfully strange, challenging and generally “avant-garde”, whilst simultaneously being a lot of fun. Very cool album with plenty of repeat value.
  56. 14.
    4769 — This deserves a lot of credit for both being wilfully strange, challenging and generally “avant-garde”, whilst simultaneously being a lot of fun. Very cool album with plenty of repeat value.
  57. 15.
  58. 15.
  59. 15.
    4511 — Ohhh, go on then... this album lasts about six and a half hours and I don’t think I’ve yet managed to get through it all in one go, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t get through far more ideas in that time than you’d give a band like this credit for. Good, good times.
  60. 15.
    4511 — Ohhh, go on then... this album lasts about six and a half hours and I don’t think I’ve yet managed to get through it all in one go, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t get through far more ideas in that time than you’d give a band like this credit for. Good, good times.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    4821 — Hopefully some people will have listened to this Indian band after I gave them a glowing review, in my very first week at the sight. If not, well, do so now. Heavily influenced by classic mid-period <b>Death</b>, but with the beginnings of a sound of their own as well, I hope that <b>Myndsnare</b> manage to attract more attention in 2009.
  4. 1.
    4821 — Hopefully some people will have listened to this Indian band after I gave them a glowing review, in my very first week at the sight. If not, well, do so now. Heavily influenced by classic mid-period <b>Death</b>, but with the beginnings of a sound of their own as well, I hope that <b>Myndsnare</b> manage to attract more attention in 2009.
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
    4837 — One other forumite has also been doing an admirable job of championing <b>Acid Witch</b>, who play a fairly original amalgamation of bluesy psychedelia and grim doomdeath. <i>Witchtanic Hellucinations</i> was their debut, and hopefully it won’t be long before we hear more from them.
  8. 2.
    4837 — One other forumite has also been doing an admirable job of championing <b>Acid Witch</b>, who play a fairly original amalgamation of bluesy psychedelia and grim doomdeath. <i>Witchtanic Hellucinations</i> was their debut, and hopefully it won’t be long before we hear more from them.
  9. 3.
  10. 3.
  11. 3.
    4722 — A very odd choice to put in a “surprises” list, but I gained a new appreciation for the band in 2008 that I never expected to find. This album seemed pretty average to me on first listens, but then I saw them live... I’ve seen an awful lot of live music, but I’ve never seen anything as powerful as <i>Mother North</i> that night. So, er, yeah, that’s not on this record, but tracks like <i>Black Crow on a Tombstone</i> also really gained a new lease of life as I started to understand them more.
  12. 3.
    4722 — A very odd choice to put in a “surprises” list, but I gained a new appreciation for the band in 2008 that I never expected to find. This album seemed pretty average to me on first listens, but then I saw them live... I’ve seen an awful lot of live music, but I’ve never seen anything as powerful as <i>Mother North</i> that night. So, er, yeah, that’s not on this record, but tracks like <i>Black Crow on a Tombstone</i> also really gained a new lease of life as I started to understand them more.
  13. 4.
  14. 4.
  15. 4.
    4608
  16. 4.
    4608
  17. 5.
  18. 5.
  19. 5.
    4419 — Supremely scuzzy doomdeath, again that nearly made the top 15. A heavy and oppressive sound, and neato zombie cover art.
  20. 5.
    4419 — Supremely scuzzy doomdeath, again that nearly made the top 15. A heavy and oppressive sound, and neato zombie cover art.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    4838 — Just not that interesting, not that atmospheric, not that many worthwhile riffs, too much aimless meandering. <b>Taake</b> can definitely do better than this.
  4. 1.
    4838 — Just not that interesting, not that atmospheric, not that many worthwhile riffs, too much aimless meandering. <b>Taake</b> can definitely do better than this.
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
    4822 — Actually, it really pains me to put this in the disappointments bit, because I do dig this album. But as those who read my review will know, <b>Behexen</b> are one of my favourite contemporary black metal artists and I was hoping for something to surpass <i>By the Blessing of Satan</i>, rather than fall into its shadow.
  8. 2.
    4822 — Actually, it really pains me to put this in the disappointments bit, because I do dig this album. But as those who read my review will know, <b>Behexen</b> are one of my favourite contemporary black metal artists and I was hoping for something to surpass <i>By the Blessing of Satan</i>, rather than fall into its shadow.
  9. 3.
  10. 3.
  11. 3.
    4717 — Actually, it really pains me to put this in the disappointments bit, because I do dig this album. But as those who read my review will know, <b>Behexen</b> are one of my favourite contemporary black metal artists and I was hoping for something to surpass <i>By the Blessing of Satan</i>, rather than fall into its shadow.
  12. 3.
    4717 — Actually, it really pains me to put this in the disappointments bit, because I do dig this album. But as those who read my review will know, <b>Behexen</b> are one of my favourite contemporary black metal artists and I was hoping for something to surpass <i>By the Blessing of Satan</i>, rather than fall into its shadow.
  13. 4.
  14. 4.
  15. 4.
    4784 — Might be a bit unpopular putting this in, but it just didn’t do it for me. Too much of it was mid-paced and “groove” influenced. The title track really, really worked live, however.
  16. 4.
    4784 — Might be a bit unpopular putting this in, but it just didn’t do it for me. Too much of it was mid-paced and “groove” influenced. The title track really, really worked live, however.
  17. 5.
  18. 5.
  19. 5.
    4392 — Yes, I like flamboyant, legs akimbo soloing, and if there is less of it, then I will probably like the album less. Sorry, <b>Glen</b>!
  20. 5.
    4392 — Yes, I like flamboyant, legs akimbo soloing, and if there is less of it, then I will probably like the album less. Sorry, <b>Glen</b>!

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
  9. 3.
  10. 3.
  11. 3.
  12. 3.
  13. 4.
  14. 4.
  15. 4.
  16. 4.
  17. 5.
  18. 5.
  19. 5.
  20. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
    — I appreciate being given the chance to write for metalreviews, and I appreciate all the e-friends I have made in the forums. Hopefully the stuff I do fits in here. Cheers, everyone!
  4. 0
    — I appreciate being given the chance to write for metalreviews, and I appreciate all the e-friends I have made in the forums. Hopefully the stuff I do fits in here. Cheers, everyone!

Khelek

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    4343
  2. 1.
    4343 — I have been an In Flames fan for a long time and I was disappointed with the last couple albums. I feel this one was a real breath of fresh air for the band.
  3. 1.
    4343 — I have been an In Flames fan for a long time and I was disappointed with the last couple albums. I feel this one was a real breath of fresh air for the band.
  4. 1.
    4343 — I have been an In Flames fan for a long time and I was disappointed with the last couple albums. I feel this one was a real breath of fresh air for the band.
  5. 2.
    4220
  6. 2.
    4220 — Another masterpiece of epic proportions, but I expect no less from mastermind Arjen Lucassen
  7. 2.
    4220 — Another masterpiece of epic proportions, but I expect no less from mastermind Arjen Lucassen
  8. 2.
    4220 — Another masterpiece of epic proportions, but I expect no less from mastermind Arjen Lucassen
  9. 3.
    4677
  10. 3.
    4677 — The Viking metal machine produces another classic album, although not as relentlessly catchy as With Oden On Our Side, it is excellent nonetheless.
  11. 3.
    4677 — The Viking metal machine produces another classic album, although not as relentlessly catchy as With Oden On Our Side, it is excellent nonetheless.
  12. 3.
    4677 — The Viking metal machine produces another classic album, although not as relentlessly catchy as With Oden On Our Side, it is excellent nonetheless.
  13. 4.
    4931
  14. 4.
    4931 — I just got into this band a couple months ago and I don't think I've heard any newer hard rock band that writes anything as original or has such a great, unique sound.
  15. 4.
    4931 — I just got into this band a couple months ago and I don't think I've heard any newer hard rock band that writes anything as original or has such a great, unique sound.
  16. 4.
    4931 — I just got into this band a couple months ago and I don't think I've heard any newer hard rock band that writes anything as original or has such a great, unique sound.
  17. 5.
    Eluveitie - Slania
  18. 5.
    Eluveitie - Slania — The perfect blend of folk and melodic death metal
  19. 5.
    Eluveitie - Slania — The perfect blend of folk and melodic death metal
  20. 5.
    Eluveitie - Slania — The perfect blend of folk and melodic death metal
  21. 6.
    4566
  22. 6.
    4566 — The solo album of Nevermore's extremely talented vocalist really impressed me with its combination of melody and heaviness.
  23. 6.
    4566 — The solo album of Nevermore's extremely talented vocalist really impressed me with its combination of melody and heaviness.
  24. 6.
    4566 — The solo album of Nevermore's extremely talented vocalist really impressed me with its combination of melody and heaviness.
  25. 7.
    4880
  26. 7.
    4880 — While not as impressive as some of their earlier work, this is still a solid gothic metal album.
  27. 7.
    4880 — While not as impressive as some of their earlier work, this is still a solid gothic metal album.
  28. 7.
    4880 — While not as impressive as some of their earlier work, this is still a solid gothic metal album.
  29. 8.
    4445
  30. 8.
    4445
  31. 8.
    4445
  32. 8.
    4445
  33. 9.
    4849
  34. 9.
    4849
  35. 9.
    4849
  36. 9.
    4849
  37. 10.
    4346
  38. 10.
    4346
  39. 10.
    4346
  40. 10.
    4346
  41. 11.
    4755
  42. 11.
    4755
  43. 11.
    4755
  44. 11.
    4755
  45. 12.
    4819
  46. 12.
    4819 — One of the few solid metalcore acts still out there kicking ass
  47. 12.
    4819 — One of the few solid metalcore acts still out there kicking ass
  48. 12.
    4819 — One of the few solid metalcore acts still out there kicking ass
  49. 13.
    4720
  50. 13.
    4720
  51. 13.
    4720
  52. 13.
    4720
  53. 14.
    4456
  54. 14.
    4456
  55. 14.
    4456
  56. 14.
    4456
  57. 15.
    4608
  58. 15.
    4608 — I almost feel guilty for liking this, but I can't help it! There will never be another ...And Justice For All, but I still enjoyed this album far more than their previous few.
  59. 15.
    4608 — I almost feel guilty for liking this, but I can't help it! There will never be another ...And Justice For All, but I still enjoyed this album far more than their previous few.
  60. 15.
    4608 — I almost feel guilty for liking this, but I can't help it! There will never be another ...And Justice For All, but I still enjoyed this album far more than their previous few.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    4701
  2. 1.
    4701 — I wasn't sure if the guys still had it in them, but they managed to record another kick ass hard rock album!
  3. 1.
    4701 — I wasn't sure if the guys still had it in them, but they managed to record another kick ass hard rock album!
  4. 1.
    4701 — I wasn't sure if the guys still had it in them, but they managed to record another kick ass hard rock album!
  5. 2.
    4844
  6. 2.
    4844 — While not as good as their first two records in my opinion, Shogun shows that the guys have stopped trying to prove themselves and just write some good, headbanging stuff.
  7. 2.
    4844 — While not as good as their first two records in my opinion, Shogun shows that the guys have stopped trying to prove themselves and just write some good, headbanging stuff.
  8. 2.
    4844 — While not as good as their first two records in my opinion, Shogun shows that the guys have stopped trying to prove themselves and just write some good, headbanging stuff.
  9. 3.
  10. 3.
    4888 — A surprisingly well executed blend of grind and deathcore that destroys everything in its path!
  11. 3.
    4888 — A surprisingly well executed blend of grind and deathcore that destroys everything in its path!
  12. 3.
    4888 — A surprisingly well executed blend of grind and deathcore that destroys everything in its path!
  13. 4.
  14. 4.
    4323 — I had never heard this power metal machine before, but you can be sure I'll be listening to more of their stuff after hearing this very enjoyable album
  15. 4.
    4323 — I had never heard this power metal machine before, but you can be sure I'll be listening to more of their stuff after hearing this very enjoyable album
  16. 4.
    4323 — I had never heard this power metal machine before, but you can be sure I'll be listening to more of their stuff after hearing this very enjoyable album
  17. 5.
  18. 5.
    4308 — Bleak, cold, atmospheric – everything that black metal should be
  19. 5.
    4308 — Bleak, cold, atmospheric – everything that black metal should be
  20. 5.
    4308 — Bleak, cold, atmospheric – everything that black metal should be

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown
  2. 1.
    Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown — The guitars get faster as the songwriting gets worse
  3. 1.
    Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown — The guitars get faster as the songwriting gets worse
  4. 1.
    Dragonforce - Ultra Beatdown — The guitars get faster as the songwriting gets worse
  5. 2.
    Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk
  6. 2.
    Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk — Bland, boring, unfortunately the band has been going in this direction for a while, but this was the first album that really had nothing for me.
  7. 2.
    Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk — Bland, boring, unfortunately the band has been going in this direction for a while, but this was the first album that really had nothing for me.
  8. 2.
    Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk — Bland, boring, unfortunately the band has been going in this direction for a while, but this was the first album that really had nothing for me.
  9. 3.
  10. 3.
  11. 3.
  12. 3.
    4632 — I really enjoyed The Archaic Abattoir and the two albums previous to that, but the most recent two have been mostly lackluster unfortunately
  13. 4.
  14. 4.
  15. 4.
  16. 4.
  17. 5.
  18. 5.
  19. 5.
  20. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    4959
  2. 1.
    4959
  3. 1.
    4959
  4. 1.
    4959
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
  9. 3.
  10. 3.
  11. 3.
  12. 3.
  13. 4.
  14. 4.
  15. 4.
  16. 4.
  17. 5.
  18. 5.
  19. 5.
  20. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
    — 2008 was another great year for metal. Some of my favorite bands released albums that were really great. I also began writing for this website late in the year and so far it has been quite enjoyable. From where I'm sitting it looks like 2009 will be even better!
  4. 0
    — 2008 was another great year for metal as some of my favorite bands released albums that were really great. I also began writing for this website late in the year and so far it has been quite enjoyable. From where I'm sitting it looks like 2009 will be even better!