MetalReviews

Awards 2010

13 reviewers shared their picks for 2010.

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Danny

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 2.
  5. 2.
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  7. 3.
  8. 3.
  9. 3.
  10. 4.
    Grave Digger - The Clans Will Rise Again
  11. 4.
    Grave Digger - The Clans Will Rise Again
  12. 4.
    Grave Digger - The Clans Will Rise Again
  13. 5.
  14. 5.
  15. 5.
  16. 6.
  17. 6.
  18. 6.
  19. 7.
  20. 7.
  21. 7.
  22. 8.
  23. 8.
  24. 8.
  25. 9.
  26. 9.
  27. 9.
  28. 10.
  29. 10.
  30. 10.
  31. 11.
  32. 11.
  33. 11.
  34. 12.
  35. 12.
  36. 12.
  37. 13.
  38. 13.
  39. 13.
  40. 14.
  41. 14.
  42. 14.
  43. 15.
  44. 15.
  45. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 2.
    Crashdiet - Generation Wild
  5. 2.
    Crashdiet - Generation Wild
  6. 2.
    Crashdiet - Generation Wild
  7. 3.
  8. 3.
  9. 3.
  10. 4.
    Dawn Of Silence - Wicked Saint Or Righteous Sinner
  11. 4.
    Dawn Of Silence - Wicked Saint Or Righteous Sinner
  12. 4.
    Dawn Of Silence - Wicked Saint Or Righteous Sinner
  13. 5.
  14. 5.
  15. 5.

Alex

Top Albums

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

Surprises of the Year

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

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
    Grave Digger - The Clans Will Rise Again
  8. 4.
    Grave Digger - The Clans Will Rise Again
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.

Aleksie

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  4. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  5. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  6. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  7. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  8. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  9. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  10. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  11. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  12. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  13. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  14. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  15. 1.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — From devastation to haunting calm, my perennial AOTY-snatchers did it again.
  16. 2.
  17. 2.
  18. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  19. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  20. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  21. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  22. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  23. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  24. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  25. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  26. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  27. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  28. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back after a semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  29. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back to the skies after the semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  30. 2.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Roaring back to the skies after the semi-great A Twist In The Myth, Blind Guardian delivered the epic goods in spades once again.
  31. 3.
  32. 3.
  33. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally locking into a new brilliant groove. Let's hope they won't drop the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  34. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally locking into a new brilliant groove. Let's hope they won't drop the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  35. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally locking into a new brilliant groove. Let's hope they won't drop the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  36. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally locking into a new brilliant groove. Let's hope they won't drop the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  37. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally locking into a new brilliant groove. Let's hope they won't drop the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  38. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  39. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  40. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  41. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  42. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  43. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  44. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  45. 3.
    Spock's Beard - X — California's premium progsters finally catching the mightiest of second winds. Let's hope they keep up the momentum and quickly head back into the studio.
  46. 4.
  47. 4.
  48. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  49. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  50. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  51. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  52. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  53. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  54. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  55. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  56. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  57. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  58. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  59. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  60. 4.
    Sabaton - Coat of Arms — No other album hoisted the fists and pints (and intriguing tidbits of war history) as effectively as this one. White Death would be proud.
  61. 5.
  62. 5.
  63. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopia + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  64. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopia + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  65. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  66. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  67. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  68. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  69. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  70. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  71. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  72. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  73. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  74. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  75. 5.
    Star One - Victims of the Modern Age — Scifi-dystopias + proggy heavy metal = utter and total win.
  76. 6.
  77. 6.
  78. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions break out into a full-blown metallic splendor with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  79. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions break out into a full-blown metallic splendor with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  80. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions break out into a full-blown metallic splendor with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  81. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions break out into a full-blown metallic splendor with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  82. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions break out into a full-blown metallic splendor with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  83. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions break out into a full-blown metallic splendor with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  84. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (although I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  85. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (even though I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  86. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (even though I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  87. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (even though I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  88. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (even though I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  89. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (even though I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  90. 6.
    Ihsahn - After — Ihsahn's post-Emperor ambitions finally break out into a full-blown metallic splendor (even though I really liked angL too) with savage beauty and saxophone solos for all - brilliant!
  91. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners
  92. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners
  93. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  94. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  95. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  96. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  97. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  98. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  99. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  100. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  101. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  102. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  103. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  104. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  105. 7.
    Helloween - 7 Sinners — Best throughout-quality album from the veteran Krauts since Time of the Oath, and that's something because I've liked a lot from that between-space.
  106. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A.
  107. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A.
  108. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  109. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  110. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  111. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  112. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  113. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  114. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  115. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  116. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  117. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  118. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  119. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  120. 8.
    Marty Friedman - Bad D.N.A. — So it actually is possible to mix übercatchy metallic riffage with computerized sounds and samples this well? My hat is off, Marty - J-rock style!
  121. 9.
  122. 9.
  123. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  124. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  125. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  126. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  127. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  128. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  129. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  130. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  131. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  132. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  133. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  134. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  135. 9.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — The ol' warhorses follow up Of Frost and War in brutal fashion, and I'm loving it - the best death metal of the year.
  136. 10.
  137. 10.
  138. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  139. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  140. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  141. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  142. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  143. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  144. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  145. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  146. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  147. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  148. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  149. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  150. 10.
    Stam1na - Viimeinen Atlantis — Social commentary metal made fun the Finnish way - the finest from my homeland in 2010.
  151. 11.
  152. 11.
  153. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  154. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  155. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  156. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  157. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  158. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  159. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  160. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  161. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  162. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  163. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  164. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  165. 11.
    Avantasia - Angel of Babylon — Out of Tobias' magnum opus, this part became my favourite with the slight edges in melodic grandeur and overall majesty.
  166. 12.
  167. 12.
  168. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  169. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  170. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  171. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  172. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  173. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  174. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  175. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  176. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  177. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  178. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  179. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  180. 12.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Gotta love your occasional dose of instrumental wizards exploding heads en masse with compositional madness, and Atheist pulled it off better than anyone this year.
  181. 13.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind
  182. 13.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind
  183. 13.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. Lovely riffage!
  184. 13.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. Lovely riffage!
  185. 13.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. Lovely riffage!
  186. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  187. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  188. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  189. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  190. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  191. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  192. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  193. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  194. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  195. 13.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  196. 14.
  197. 14.
  198. 14.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  199. 14.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  200. 14.
    Overkill - Ironbound — After a slew of alright records and commendable persistence, the east coast skullcrushers blitzed us with a helluva showing - excellent!
  201. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  202. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  203. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  204. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  205. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  206. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  207. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  208. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  209. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  210. 14.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. Lovely riffage!
  211. 15.
  212. 15.
  213. 15.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. More lovely riffage!
  214. 15.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. More lovely riffage!
  215. 15.
    Heathen - The Evolution Of Chaos — If not counting Overkill, the best thrash offering of the year. More lovely riffage!
  216. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  217. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  218. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  219. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  220. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  221. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  222. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  223. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  224. 15.
    Sons of Liberty - Brushfires of the Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!
  225. 15.
    Sons Of Liberty - Brush-Fires Of The Mind — Social commentary made convincing and heartfelt the American way - no mean feat at all. More lovely riffage!

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  5. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  6. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  7. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  8. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  9. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  10. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  11. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  12. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  13. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  14. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  15. 1.
    Triosphere - The Road Less Travelled — Biggest surprise potential I heard all year.
  16. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghost
  17. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghost
  18. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghost
  19. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  20. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  21. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  22. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  23. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  24. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  25. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  26. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  27. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  28. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  29. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  30. 2.
    Instanzia - Ghosts — Canadian power metal? Heck, seems it can be really good.
  31. 3.
  32. 3.
  33. 3.
  34. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant thrash all around.
  35. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  36. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  37. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  38. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  39. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  40. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  41. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  42. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  43. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  44. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  45. 3.
    The Jasser Arafats - Condemnation — Tasty, vibrant death/thrash all around.
  46. 4.
  47. 4.
  48. 4.
  49. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  50. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  51. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  52. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  53. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  54. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  55. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  56. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  57. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  58. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  59. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  60. 4.
    Barren Earth - Curse of the Red River — Maybe not such a surprise with the experienced players involved, but this still came out even better than I expected.
  61. 5.
  62. 5.
  63. 5.
  64. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  65. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  66. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  67. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  68. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  69. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  70. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  71. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  72. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  73. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  74. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.
  75. 5.
    Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition — After the lackluster Exhibit A, a very pleasing return to form.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  5. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  6. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  7. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  8. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  9. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  10. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  11. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  12. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  13. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  14. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  15. 1.
    Tarot - Gravity Of Light — Another classic example of the curse of consistently awesome bands - when they put out an album that is "just" good, real good at times, it leaves a sour taste.
  16. 2.
  17. 2.
  18. 2.
  19. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how uninspired this sounded.
  20. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how uninspired this sounded.
  21. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how uninspired this sounded.
  22. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded.
  23. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded.
  24. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded.
  25. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded.
  26. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded. Should probably give this another try.
  27. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded. Should probably give this another try.
  28. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded. Should probably give this another try.
  29. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded. Should probably give this another try.
  30. 2.
    Charred Walls Of The Damned - Charred Walls Of The Damned — Considering the mega-tantalizing line-up of the group, very dissapointed how mediocre this sounded. Should probably give this another try.
  31. 3.
  32. 3.
  33. 3.
  34. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  35. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  36. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  37. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  38. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  39. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  40. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  41. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  42. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  43. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  44. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  45. 3.
    Suicidal Angels - Dead Again — A blistering debut album was unfortunately followed with more of the same that just didn't bring the same ooomph.
  46. 4.
  47. 4.
  48. 4.
  49. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  50. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  51. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  52. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  53. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  54. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  55. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  56. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  57. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  58. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  59. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.
  60. 4.
    Enemy Of The Sun - Caedium — Unlike I anticipated, slightly simplifying the chaotic zanyness of the debut album didn't produce a better album.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Keep it metal!
  2. 0
    — Keep it metal!
  3. 0
    — Honourable mentions: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Keep it metal!
  4. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-it honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught very little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  5. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-it honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught very little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  6. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  7. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  8. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  9. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  10. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  11. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  12. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  13. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  14. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-
  15. 0
    — Lemme get some just-missed-the-best-of-list honourable mentions out of the way first: Gamma Ray - To The Metal! Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier Annihilator - Annihilator Forbidden - Omega Wave Jon Oliva's Pain - Festival Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse Overall, 2010 was a roorback of power metal and melodic metal in general for me after a year or so during which I thought the more extreme varieties were bringing the goods more often. As such, I caught surprisingly little top notch death metal this year. Let's see who ascends the throne this year - C'mon progressive thrash metal!! Anyhoo, a happy new year to all y'all! Keep it brutal! -Aleksi-

Goat

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  2. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  3. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  4. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  5. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  6. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  7. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  8. 1.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It was really the only possible choice. A remarkable and astonishing album that has never strayed far from my playlist since I first heard it.
  9. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  10. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  11. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  12. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  13. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  14. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  15. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  16. 2.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — As condescending as Charles was about it in his best-of list, Enslaved here prove yet again just why they are one of the best bands in Black Metal. Long may their path continue to reap such rewards for us all.
  17. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  18. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  19. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  20. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  21. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  22. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  23. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  24. 3.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — I didn't expect this to be this good, but there you go, the filthy black metallers making an album as much metal as it is black.
  25. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  26. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  27. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  28. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  29. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  30. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  31. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  32. 4.
    The Meads Of Asphodel - The Murder Of Jesus The Jew — A proper follow-up to Damascus Steel that builds on its strongest points and marks the Meads' name as one of the brightest lights in the underground.
  33. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  34. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  35. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  36. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  37. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  38. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  39. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  40. 5.
    Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here — Sadness at its most beautiful, Anathema have struggled to make their voice heard in recent years. This should change that, a simply lovely album.
  41. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  42. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  43. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  44. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  45. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  46. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  47. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  48. 6.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The moment I heard Tom's unmistakable 'UGH!' at the start of this album, I knew it would be brilliant. And it is.
  49. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  50. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  51. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  52. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  53. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  54. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  55. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  56. 7.
    The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis — More independent, more experimental, more metal - Dillinger again prove they are one of the most exciting acts around.
  57. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this proves why.
  58. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  59. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  60. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  61. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  62. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  63. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  64. 8.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — A remarkable album from a remarkable project, Krieg are at the forefront of USBM, and this explains why.
  65. 9.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Unjustly criticised by some for not being up to the high standards set by Mabool, ORwarriOR is still a great album in its own right. With a daft name, of course.
  66. 9.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Unjustly criticised by some for not being up to the high standards set by Mabool, ORwarriOR is still a great album in its own right. With a daft name, of course.
  67. 9.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Unjustly criticised by some for not being up to the high standards set by Mabool, ORwarriOR is still a great album in its own right. With a daft name, of course.
  68. 9.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Unjustly criticised by some for not being up to the high standards set by Mabool, ORwarriOR is still a great album in its own right. With a daft name, of course.
  69. 9.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Unjustly criticised by some for not being up to the high standards set by Mabool, ORwarriOR is still a great album in its own right. With a daft name, of course.
  70. 9.
    Ihsahn - After — The Emperor returns with his best solo work, a masterly combination of Post-Black Metal, Prog and wonking saxophone.
  71. 9.
    Ihsahn - After — The Emperor returns with his best solo work, a masterly combination of Post-Black Metal, Prog and wonking saxophone.
  72. 9.
    Ihsahn - After — The Emperor returns with his best solo work, a masterly combination of Post-Black Metal, Prog and wonking saxophone.
  73. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral have never written better songs, sounded more joyous and life-affirming.
  74. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  75. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  76. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  77. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  78. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  79. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  80. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Lee and the boys have some fun here, but never at the listener's expense. Cathedral are at the top of their game, rarely writing better songs, never sounding more joyous and life-affirming.
  81. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  82. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  83. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  84. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  85. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  86. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  87. 11.
    Solefald - Norrøn Livskunst — The Norwegian wizards have done it again!
  88. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  89. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  90. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  91. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  92. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  93. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  94. 12.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — The title says it all. Rock's most unappreciated band releases another masterpiece.
  95. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  96. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  97. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  98. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  99. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  100. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  101. 13.
    Canopy - Menhir — A project which has grown to great heights, Menhir is the sound of Death Metal done to perfection. The bar is set even higher for the next one, guys...
  102. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  103. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  104. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  105. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  106. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  107. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  108. 14.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Following its predecessor up perfectly, Neige does it again. Great stuff.
  109. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.
  110. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.
  111. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.
  112. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.
  113. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.
  114. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.
  115. 15.
    Atheist - Jupiter — A great comeback for a great band.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing — A band I discovered almost by accident, The Pineapple Thief offer a promising modern prog style all of their own, with a very enjoyable album.
  2. 1.
    The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing — A band I discovered almost by accident, The Pineapple Thief offer a promising modern prog style all of their own, with a very enjoyable album.
  3. 1.
    The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing — A band I discovered almost by accident, The Pineapple Thief offer a promising modern prog style all of their own, with a very enjoyable album.
  4. 1.
    The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing — A band I discovered almost by accident, The Pineapple Thief offer a promising modern prog style all of their own, with a very enjoyable album.
  5. 1.
    The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing — A band I discovered almost by accident, The Pineapple Thief offer a promising modern prog style all of their own, with a very enjoyable album.
  6. 1.
    The Pineapple Thief - Someone Here Is Missing — A band I discovered almost by accident, The Pineapple Thief offer a promising modern prog style all of their own, with a very enjoyable album.
  7. 2.
    In Vain - Mantra — Excellent prog-death from Norway, In Vain prove that there's always something else worthy of discovery in the underground.
  8. 2.
    In Vain - Mantra — Excellent prog-death from Norway, In Vain prove that there's always something else worthy of discovery in the underground.
  9. 2.
    In Vain - Mantra — Excellent prog-death from Norway, In Vain prove that there's always something else worthy of discovery in the underground.
  10. 2.
    In Vain - Mantra — Excellent prog-death from Norway, In Vain prove that there's always something else worthy of discovery in the underground.
  11. 2.
    In Vain - Mantra — Excellent prog-death from Norway, In Vain prove that there's always something else worthy of discovery in the underground.
  12. 2.
    In Vain - Mantra — Excellent prog-death from Norway, In Vain prove that there's always something else worthy of discovery in the underground.
  13. 3.
    Imperium Dekadenz - Procella Vadens — Germanic black metal par excellence. Do not ignore this.
  14. 3.
    Imperium Dekadenz - Procella Vadens — Germanic black metal par excellence. Do not ignore this.
  15. 3.
    Imperium Dekadenz - Procella Vadens — Germanic black metal par excellence. Do not ignore this.
  16. 3.
    Imperium Dekadenz - Procella Vadens — Germanic black metal par excellence. Do not ignore this.
  17. 3.
    Imperium Dekadenz - Procella Vadens — Germanic black metal par excellence. Do not ignore this.
  18. 3.
    Imperium Dekadenz - Procella Vadens — Germanic black metal par excellence. Do not ignore this.
  19. 4.
    Odem Arcarum - Outrageous Reverie Above The Erosion Of Barren Earth — Or this! More brilliant Black Metal from Germany.
  20. 4.
    Odem Arcarum - Outrageous Reverie Above The Erosion Of Barren Earth — Or this! More brilliant Black Metal from Germany.
  21. 4.
    Odem Arcarum - Outrageous Reverie Above The Erosion Of Barren Earth — Or this! More brilliant Black Metal from Germany.
  22. 4.
    Odem Arcarum - Outrageous Reverie Above The Erosion Of Barren Earth — Or this! More brilliant Black Metal from Germany.
  23. 4.
    Odem Arcarum - Outrageous Reverie Above The Erosion Of Barren Earth — Or this! More brilliant Black Metal from Germany.
  24. 4.
    Odem Arcarum - Outrageous Reverie Above The Erosion Of Barren Earth — Or this! More brilliant Black Metal from Germany.
  25. 5.
    Carach Angren - Death Came Through A Phantom Ship — Black Metal with a sense of style Cradle have been lacking for years, these guys know what they're doing.
  26. 5.
    Carach Angren - Death Came Through A Phantom Ship — Black Metal with a sense of style Cradle have been lacking for years, these guys know what they're doing.
  27. 5.
    Carach Angren - Death Came Through A Phantom Ship — Black Metal with a sense of style Cradle have been lacking for years, these guys know what they're doing.
  28. 5.
    Carach Angren - Death Came Through A Phantom Ship — Black Metal with a sense of style Cradle have been lacking for years, these guys know what they're doing.
  29. 5.
    Carach Angren - Death Came Through A Phantom Ship — Black Metal with a sense of style Cradle have been lacking for years, these guys know what they're doing.
  30. 5.
    Carach Angren - Death Came Through A Phantom Ship — Black Metal with a sense of style Cradle have been lacking for years, these guys know what they're doing.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — Surprised to find that I wasn't surprised by this, as I usually am by Cephalic Carnage albums. The sound of a band on autopilot.
  2. 1.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — The sound of a band on autopilot.
  3. 1.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — The sound of a band on autopilot.
  4. 1.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — The sound of a band on autopilot.
  5. 1.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — The sound of a band on autopilot.
  6. 1.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — The sound of a band on autopilot.
  7. 2.
    Kiuas - Lustdriven — A unique band start to sound like everyone else.
  8. 2.
    Kiuas - Lustdriven — A unique band start to sound like everyone else.
  9. 2.
    Kiuas - Lustdriven — A unique band start to sound like everyone else.
  10. 2.
    Kiuas - Lustdriven — A unique band start to sound like everyone else.
  11. 2.
    Kiuas - Lustdriven — A unique band start to sound like everyone else.
  12. 2.
    Kiuas - Lustdriven — A unique band start to sound like everyone else.
  13. 3.
    Mandrake - Innocence Weakness — Following up a great album with an average one will never win you many fans.
  14. 3.
    Mandrake - Innocence Weakness — Following up a great album with an average one will never win you many fans.
  15. 3.
    Mandrake - Innocence Weakness — Following up a great album with an average one will never win you many fans.
  16. 3.
    Mandrake - Innocence Weakness — Following up a great album with an average one will never win you many fans.
  17. 3.
    Mandrake - Innocence Weakness — Following up a great album with an average one will never win you many fans.
  18. 3.
    Mandrake - Innocence Weakness — Following up a great album with an average one will never win you many fans.
  19. 4.
    Soulfly - Omen — After the excellent Conquer, we get... this. Meh.
  20. 4.
    Soulfly - Omen — After the excellent Conquer, we get... this. Meh.
  21. 4.
    Soulfly - Omen — After the excellent Conquer, we get... this. Meh.
  22. 4.
    Soulfly - Omen — After the excellent Conquer, we get... this. Meh.
  23. 4.
    Soulfly - Omen — After the excellent Conquer, we get... this. Meh.
  24. 4.
    Soulfly - Omen — After the excellent Conquer, we get... this. Meh.
  25. 5.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Weak stuff from a band who we've come to expect better of.
  26. 5.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Weak stuff from a band who we've come to expect better of.
  27. 5.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Weak stuff from a band who we've come to expect better of.
  28. 5.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Weak stuff from a band who we've come to expect better of.
  29. 5.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Weak stuff from a band who we've come to expect better of.
  30. 5.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Weak stuff from a band who we've come to expect better of.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Disiplin - Radikale Randgruppe — Disco totaliterianismo!
  2. 1.
    Disiplin - Radikale Randgruppe — Disco totaliterianismo!
  3. 1.
    Disiplin - Radikale Randgruppe — Disco totaliterianismo!
  4. 1.
    Disiplin - Radikale Randgruppe — Disco totaliterianismo!
  5. 1.
    Disiplin - Radikale Randgruppe — Disco totaliterianismo!
  6. 1.
    Disiplin - Radikale Randgruppe — Disco totaliterianismo!
  7. 2.
    The Acacia Strain - Wormwood — Mosho repetitivo!
  8. 2.
    The Acacia Strain - Wormwood — Mosho repetitivo!
  9. 2.
    The Acacia Strain - Wormwood — Mosho repetitivo!
  10. 2.
    The Acacia Strain - Wormwood — Mosho repetitivo!
  11. 3.
    Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime — Leftovers for a loser's lunch.
  12. 3.
    Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime — Leftovers for a loser's lunch.
  13. 3.
    Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime — Leftovers for a loser's lunch.
  14. 3.
    Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime — Leftovers for a loser's lunch.
  15. 4.
    Landmine Marathon - Sovereign Descent — Bolt Thrower but bad, and with a girl singing. Exactly.
  16. 4.
    Landmine Marathon - Sovereign Descent — Bolt Thrower but bad, and with a girl singing. Exactly.
  17. 4.
    Landmine Marathon - Sovereign Descent — Bolt Thrower but bad, and with a girl singing. Exactly.
  18. 4.
    Landmine Marathon - Sovereign Descent — Bolt Thrower but bad, and with a girl singing. Exactly.
  19. 5.
    Severe Torture - Slaughtered — The epitome of soulless death metal tripe. Look elsewhere for your meaty needs.
  20. 5.
    Severe Torture - Slaughtered — The epitome of soulless death metal tripe. Look elsewhere for your meaty needs.
  21. 5.
    Severe Torture - Slaughtered — The epitome of soulless death metal tripe. Look elsewhere for your meaty needs.
  22. 5.
    Severe Torture - Slaughtered — The epitome of soulless death metal tripe. Look elsewhere for your meaty needs.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — 2010 was a great year for metal, as proved by the albums listed above. They're just a fraction of what I could have listed, and many agonising minutes were spent wondering which album to place where, whether I could rightfully leave artists off altogether. Obviously I have done, and I feel bad, as the likes of Dark Tranquillity, 1349, Fear Factory, Abigor, Deftones, Aborym, Burzum, Hate, High On Fire, Rotting Christ, Soilwork, Orphaned Land and Drudkh all released great albums that I enjoyed a lot. This doesn't include bands that I suspect have released great albums that I havne't yet bent my ears around properly, Blind Guardian and Deathspell Omega two of my most shameful gaps. Despite being such a good year for metal, it's been the nearest yet I came to giving up on the genre and this site, as the two are quite close in my mind. Regular readers can't help but notice that my weekly contributions have dropped like a stone - and not just because of a busy life otherwise, although that's certainly a factor. I think I would have come to quickly regret leaving, yet there's no doubt the desire was there, however briefly, meaning that the new year will see a lot of soul-searching as to what I want from metal, and what I'm getting from it. That's how you know the top 15 are really good, incidentally - these albums, amongst others, helped save my metal soul. Where will my metal soul be in a year's time? Who knows, as long as I'm enjoying the journey I'm happy to wait and see. Here's to 2011.
  2. 0
    — 2010 was a great year for metal, as proved by the albums listed above. They're just a fraction of what I could have listed, and many agonising minutes were spent wondering which album to place where, whether I could rightfully leave artists off altogether. Obviously I have done, and I feel bad, as the likes of Dark Tranquillity, 1349, Fear Factory, Abigor, Deftones, Aborym, Burzum, Hate, High On Fire, Rotting Christ, Soilwork, Orphaned Land and Drudkh all released great albums that I enjoyed a lot. This doesn't include bands that I suspect have released great albums that I havne't yet bent my ears around properly, Blind Guardian and Deathspell Omega two of my most shameful gaps. Despite being such a good year for metal, it's been the nearest yet I came to giving up on the genre and this site, as the two are quite close in my mind. Regular readers can't help but notice that my weekly contributions have dropped like a stone - and not just because of a busy life otherwise, although that's certainly a factor. I think I would have come to quickly regret leaving, yet there's no doubt the desire was there, however briefly, meaning that the new year will see a lot of soul-searching as to what I want from metal, and what I'm getting from it. That's how you know the top 15 are really good, incidentally - these albums, amongst others, helped save my metal soul. Where will my metal soul be in a year's time? Who knows, as long as I'm enjoying the journey I'm happy to wait and see. Here's to 2011.

Thomas

Top Albums

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

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — As you guys can see, 2010 wasn't much to write home about for me, partly because I'm getting more and more picky and partly because I simply find most of what's released nowadays extremely average and hard to find joy in. Here's to a better 2011. Anyway, this was my last year as a reviewer for the site, and I would like to thank all my fellow reviewers and especially Alex, Zadok (Goat) and Chris for guidance and understanding. Keep up the good work and keep metalreviews.com the best metal reviewing site on the web for many years to come. You guys rock.

Charles

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But whilst Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing metal album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive spirit that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  2. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But whilst Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing metal album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive spirit that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  3. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But whilst Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing metal album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive spirit that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  4. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But whilst Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing metal album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive spirit that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  5. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing metal album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive spirit that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  6. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  7. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  8. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  9. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  10. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  11. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  12. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  13. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  14. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  15. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  16. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — This was a good year for saxophones in metal. But Shining's Blackjazz left the instrument curiously under-used (despite having the word 'jazz' in the title) and Solefald continued their irritating and twee usage of the instrument. So it was left to Ihsahn's amazing album to show how unexpected instrumentation in metal can really work. This isn't the only thing to note about it, of course. It's just that the way he used it was symptomatic of the progressive flair that illuminated After. This has the same creative spirit as Cynic's Traced in Air but channels it into some genuine extremity, and that puts it in quite a special position.
  17. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year lists is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead?
  18. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year lists is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead?
  19. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year lists is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead?
  20. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year lists is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead?
  21. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year lists is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead?
  22. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead?
  23. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  24. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  25. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  26. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  27. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  28. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  29. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  30. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  31. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  32. 2.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — The idea that this record would not feature highly in just about anybody with ears' end of year list is inconceivable. It misses out on the top spot, though, because it is a little inconsistent. There is no reason for A Thousand Lies to be on this album. Why put in some thrash when you are so clearly not making a thrash album? Why not stick the tunes from the Shatter EP on instead? Still.... Brilliant.
  33. 3.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — There isn't much to say about this: death metal played with consummate mastery.
  34. 3.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — There isn't much to say about this: death metal played with consummate mastery.
  35. 3.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — There isn't much to say about this: death metal played with consummate mastery.
  36. 3.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — There isn't much to say about this: death metal played with consummate mastery.
  37. 3.
  38. 3.
  39. 3.
  40. 3.
  41. 3.
  42. 3.
  43. 3.
  44. 3.
  45. 3.
  46. 3.
  47. 3.
  48. 3.
  49. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal conservatives sad, and therefore me happy! A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music quite like this.
  50. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal conservatives sad, and therefore me happy! A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music quite like this.
  51. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal conservatives sad, and therefore me happy! A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music quite like this.
  52. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal conservatives sad, and therefore me happy! A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music quite like this.
  53. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal conservatives sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music quite like this.
  54. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  55. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  56. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  57. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  58. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  59. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  60. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  61. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  62. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  63. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  64. 4.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Continuing to make black metal purists sad, and therefore me happy. A slightly frustrating album at times, but I stand by the statement made in my review a thousand times over: no black metal band is currently capable of producing music this energisingly chaotic.
  65. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if I don't listen that often, it is comforting to have the CD in the house.
  66. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if I don't listen that often, it is comforting to have the CD in the house.
  67. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if I don't listen that often, it is comforting to have the CD in the house.
  68. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if I don't listen that often, it is comforting to have the CD in the house.
  69. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if I don't listen that often, it is comforting to have the CD in the house in its cool little cardboard case.
  70. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  71. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  72. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  73. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  74. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  75. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  76. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  77. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity, with its cool little cardboard case, is something to take pleasure in.
  78. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity is something to take pleasure in.
  79. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity is something to take pleasure in.
  80. 5.
    Murmuüre - Murmuüre — This was a short and strange oozing of 'outsider black metal' which, having given it a stingy mark in my review, I realised I could not live without. Even if listening to it requires a quite particular mood, the existence of such an oddity is something to take pleasure in.
  81. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, because I was so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever! Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  82. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, because I was so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever! Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  83. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, because I was so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever! Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  84. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, because I was so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever! Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  85. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, because I was so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  86. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  87. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  88. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  89. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  90. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  91. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their big gong.
  92. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their funny cloaks and big gong.
  93. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their funny cloaks and big gong.
  94. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their funny cloaks and big gong.
  95. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their funny cloaks and big gong.
  96. 6.
    Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth — Goat told me at the time that he thought I was overrating this record, as a reaction to being so fed up with listening to 'traditional' (i.e. utterly devoid of imagination) black metal. But you're wrong, Goat! I love this deeply eccentric and jubilantly eclectic album now more than ever. Especially after seeing them live, with their funny cloaks and big gong.
  97. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  98. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  99. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  100. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  101. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  102. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  103. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  104. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  105. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  106. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  107. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  108. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  109. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But listening to it the other day everything just clicked again. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  110. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But after more recent listens it sort of re-clicked. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  111. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But after more recent listens it sort of re-clicked. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  112. 7.
    Twilight - Monument to Time End — I went off this for a long time, and almost left it off this list entirely. But after more recent listens it sort of re-clicked. Better than Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini!
  113. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness. Stupid album name, though.
  114. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness. Stupid album name, though.
  115. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness. Stupid album name, though.
  116. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness. Stupid album name, though.
  117. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  118. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  119. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  120. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  121. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  122. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  123. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  124. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  125. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  126. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  127. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  128. 8.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — This sort of thing is far too tuneful for me. But somehow, the exquisite construction of the melodies and the riffs- the latter in particular always seeming to be at the perfect tempo and the perfect level of heaviness- won my favour. Stupid album name, though.
  129. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  130. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  131. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  132. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  133. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  134. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  135. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  136. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  137. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  138. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  139. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  140. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  141. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that album cover. And thank goodness! What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  142. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that brilliant album cover. What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  143. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that brilliant album cover. What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  144. 9.
    Thou - Summit — I got so fed up with reviewing middling sludge albums that I ignored this. Then I was tempted back by that brilliant album cover. What makes this so good is the invention of the textures used. Those piano lines on Grissecon...
  145. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  146. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  147. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  148. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  149. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  150. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  151. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  152. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  153. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  154. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  155. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  156. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  157. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  158. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  159. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  160. 10.
    Cathedral - The Guessing Game — Doom and rap, together at last! Who knew we were missing so much?
  161. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why?
  162. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why?
  163. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why?
  164. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why?
  165. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? Still, shove it on the list because it has some almighty grooves.
  166. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  167. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  168. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  169. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  170. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  171. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  172. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  173. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal album I've ever heard.
  174. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal fusion I've ever heard.
  175. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal fusion I've ever heard.
  176. 11.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — In the end I felt slightly disappointed by this. You are led by a highly skilled saxophonist, so why did you leave out the rapidfire unison sax and rhythm lines on your cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man? Why? And why doesn't this bother anyone else? Still, shove it on the list because, despite being initially misled by the title, it is maybe the best techno-metal fusion I've ever heard.
  177. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  178. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  179. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  180. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  181. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  182. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  183. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  184. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  185. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  186. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  187. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  188. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  189. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  190. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — Yes, well. This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  191. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — Yes, well. This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  192. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — Yes, well. This should go in because it's a very clever record with some stunning moments. I don't understand quite the level of awe this band attracts, however. Still, I could listen to the first few minutes of Lightening all day. That's just as well because when you listen to the whole track it seems to go on that bloody long.
  193. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you!
  194. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you!
  195. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you!
  196. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you!
  197. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  198. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  199. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  200. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  201. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  202. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  203. 13.
    Master - The Human Machine — It's not what you can do for your country, it's what your country can do for you! Oh yes.
  204. 13.
  205. 13.
  206. 13.
  207. 13.
  208. 13.
  209. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  210. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  211. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  212. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  213. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  214. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  215. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  216. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  217. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  218. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  219. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  220. 14.
    Melechesh - The Epigenesis — A little hit and miss, this record. But at their best Melechesh still sound phenomenal. The title track is endlessly evocative, and one of my very favourite metal tunes of the year.
  221. 14.
    Book of Sand - Destruction, Not Reformation — There is something particularly addictive about this record, though it's hard to say exactly what. It is not, however, for everybody. In fact I'd go so far as to say it will barely appeal to anybody. But I find it oddly powerful.
  222. 14.
    Book of Sand - Destruction, Not Reformation — There is something particularly addictive about this record, though it's hard to say exactly what. It is not, however, for everybody. In fact I'd go so far as to say it will barely appeal to anybody.
  223. 14.
    Book of Sand - Destruction, Not Reformation — There is something particularly addictive about this record, though it's hard to say exactly what. It is not, however, for everybody. In fact I'd go so far as to say it will barely appeal to anybody.
  224. 14.
    Book of Sand - Destruction, Not Reformation — There is something particularly addictive about this record, though it's hard to say exactly what. It is not, however, for everybody. In fact I'd go so far as to say it will barely appeal to anybody.
  225. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. And you may be interested to know that in the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'Frenchest black metal record known to man'.
  226. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. And you may be interested to know that in the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'Frenchest black metal record known to man'.
  227. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. And you may be interested to know that in the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'Frenchest black metal record known to man'.
  228. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. And you may be interested to know that in the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'Frenchest black metal record known to man'.
  229. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. And you may be interested to know that in the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'Frenchest black metal record known to man'.
  230. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  231. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  232. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  233. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  234. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  235. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  236. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  237. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  238. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  239. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.
  240. 15.
    Pensees Nocturnes - Grotesque — I left Vacuum off my list in 2009 by a whisker, and I told myself if Grotesque was an improvement there was no way I could justify not finding a space for Vaerohn. This is such a mad album. Interestingly, the accordion breakdowns in Monosis enable it to challenge Mystic Forest's Romances for the title of 'the world's Frenchest black metal'.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  2. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  3. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  4. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  5. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  6. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  7. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  8. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  9. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  10. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  11. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  12. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  13. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  14. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  15. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  16. 1.
    Angst Skvadron - Sweet Poison — I must say, I was not aware that the guy from Urgehal has such an eccentric and lovable sci-fi side project.
  17. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album seemingly influenced by Tool and Elton John... and it was really good!
  18. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album seemingly influenced by Tool and Elton John... and it was really good!
  19. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album seemingly influenced by Tool and Elton John... and it was really good!
  20. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album seemingly influenced by Tool and Elton John... and it was really good!
  21. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album seemingly influenced by Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  22. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  23. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  24. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  25. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  26. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  27. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  28. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  29. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!
  30. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!?
  31. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!?
  32. 2.
    The Ocean - Heliocentric — You may not have been surprised but I bloody was. The shouty sludge band I got very bored by when they supported Opeth and Cynic released an album fusing Tool and Elton John? And it was really good!?
  33. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  34. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  35. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  36. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  37. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  38. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  39. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  40. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  41. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  42. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  43. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  44. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  45. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  46. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here instead. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  47. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here instead. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  48. 3.
    Menace Ruine - Union of Irreconcilables — Oh, how close I came to putting this deeply unhappy slab of blackened noise in my top 15. Still, I'd never heard the band before so it's surprising, right? Then it can go here instead. But having now picked up 2008's beautifully batshit Cult of Ruins I can see why longer term followers of the group might have been disappointed.
  49. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  50. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  51. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  52. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  53. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  54. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  55. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  56. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  57. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  58. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  59. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  60. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  61. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  62. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  63. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  64. 4.
    Vit - - — Actually, it isn't at all surprising that the North American underground is producing such great black metal, is it? We've known that for a while. This is fantastic, and a great find by Jaime.
  65. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  66. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  67. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  68. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  69. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  70. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  71. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  72. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  73. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  74. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  75. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  76. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  77. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  78. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  79. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.
  80. 5.
    Al-Namrood - Estorat Taghoot — Such a huge improvement on their last record.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  2. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  3. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  4. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  5. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  6. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  7. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  8. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before. Oh, hang on, what about...
  9. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  10. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  11. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  12. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  13. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  14. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  15. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  16. 1.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — What's that, Drudkh? I'm sorry I nodded off. Still, perhaps it's unfair calling it a disappointment. I nodded off in Microcosmos and Estrangement as well. I wasn't really disappointed by anything else. No bands I'd expected great things from released any howlers, and the crap records I heard were by bands I either new were crap, or had never listened to before.
  17. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is all about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.
  18. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is all about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.
  19. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is all about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.
  20. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is really about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.
  21. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is really about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.
  22. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is really about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.
  23. 2.
    Burzum - Belus — This year, the iconic figure in black metal returned to show us what this music is really all about. Turns out what it is really about is playing the same thing over, and over, and over again, for a long time. Maybe Drudkh were onto something after all.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    The Way of Purity - Crosscore — This is silly.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — If you're interested, I have quite a lot of opinions still to express.

    I had intended to present you with some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out. I chose to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have taken the number one spot.

  2. 0
    — If you're interested, I have quite a lot of opinions still to express.

    I had intended to present you with some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out. I chose to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have taken the number one spot. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that simply must be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary featured perhaps the best individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellosws behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some more appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal. They then proceeded to hurt my ears.

  3. 0
    — If you're interested, I have quite a lot of opinions still to express.

    I had intended to present you with some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out. I chose to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have taken the number one spot. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that simply must be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary featured perhaps the best individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellosws behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some more appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain when I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include. Jupiter was good but there has been better this year. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose albums has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest long enough. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  4. 0
    — I had intended to present you with some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out. I chose to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have taken the number one spot. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellosws behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some more appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest long enough. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  5. 0
    — I had intended to present you with some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have taken the number one spot. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellosws behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest long enough. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a 90+ score from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  6. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellosws behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest long enough. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  7. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellosws behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest long enough. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  8. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest apart from a couple of endlessly-repeatable tracks. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  9. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest apart from a couple of endlessly-repeatable tracks. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  10. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. netra's Melancolie Urbaine was absolutely fascinating, and had I received the promo earlier in the year it might have forced its way onto this list (which I had already completed by the time I heard it). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest apart from a couple of endlessly-repeatable tracks. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  11. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was good but a bit too depressing for me. netra's Melancolie Urbaine was absolutely fascinating, and had I received the promo earlier in the year it might have forced its way onto this list (which I had already completed by the time I heard it). I love Canopy's Menhir, though it arrived a little too late to receive enough listening to make the list (got it in the end though, thanks Crast!). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores two that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest apart from a couple of endlessly-repeatable tracks. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  12. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was super but a bit too depressing for me. I love Canopy's Menhir, though it arrived a little too late to receive enough listening to make the list (got it in the end though, thanks Crast!). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores to that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium, whose album has great moments but doesn't sustain the interest apart from a couple of endlessly-repeatable tracks. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  13. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was super but a bit too depressing for me. I love Canopy's Menhir, though it arrived a little too late to receive enough listening to make the list (got it in the end though, thanks Crast!). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores to that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium and Melechesh, both of whose albums have great moments but perhaps aren't quite strong enough overall (I will add that Epigenesis was in the list until I developed a sudden soft spot for Book of Sand). And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  14. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was super but a bit too depressing for me. I love Canopy's Menhir, though it arrived a little too late to receive enough listening to make the list (got it in the end though, thanks Crast!). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores to that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium and Melechesh, both of whose albums have great moments but in my view aren't quite strong enough overall. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias.

  15. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was super but a bit too depressing for me. I love Canopy's Menhir, though it arrived a little too late to receive enough listening to make the list (got it in the end though, thanks Crast!). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores to that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium and Melechesh, both of whose albums have great moments but in my view aren't quite strong enough overall. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias. To quote Charlie Brooker: That's it, now go away.

  16. 0
    — I had intended to make some very important modifications to this top 15, but in the end I wussed out, choosing to stick to the rules of only including full albums. If not, the split release between Ash Borer and Fell Voices would have finished very highly indeed. Maybe not for the Ash Borer side, but for the Fell Voices one, which is a truly staggering quarter-hour of black metal. That isn't the only non-proper release that needs to be mentioned. I would also have given a high ranking to Wormlust's scary demo, Svarthol. Ghast's Terrible Cemetary EP featured my favourite individual riff of the year in O Akhea Rheon. And those clever Dutch fellows behind Terzij de Horde also deserve some appreciation.

    So, what about some honourable mentions? Here goes. A Forest of Stars released a really distinctive and original album of Victorian England-themed black metal. Ehnahre got me salivating with curiosity over their Schoenberg-derived 12-tone death metal, and then reeling in aural pain once I actually heard it. Slough Feg's album was really good, and 2010 also saw two particularly fine doom-death releases in the form of works by Hooded Menace and Acid Witch. Mekong Delta released a Mekong Delta album. Krieg's The Isolationist was super but a bit too depressing for me. I love Canopy's Menhir, though it arrived a little too late to receive enough listening to make the list (got it in the end though, thanks Crast!). And it's possible Panopticon's On the Subject of Morality would have made it if I'd had chance to listen to it enough. When I eventually 'got' Collapse I rued not including it in 2009's list, so we'll see.

    A few big releases I gave high scores to that I didn't include: Jupiter was good but there has been better this year and I just didn't end up loving it enough. Ditto Nachtmystium and Melechesh, both of whose albums have great moments but in my view aren't quite strong enough overall. And Negura Bunget's record, in hindsight, features too many long stretches of not much happening despite getting a score of 90 from me at the time.

    Oh yes, and my Personality of the Year award goes to Mancan from Ecnephias. To quote Charlie Brooker: That's it, now go away.

Khelek

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  2. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  3. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  4. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  5. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  6. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  7. 1.
    Deftones - Diamond Eyes — These guys never disappoint me
  8. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this as much as NWFT, it is still an excellent album
  9. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this as much as NWFT, it is still an excellent album
  10. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this as much as NWFT, it is still an excellent album
  11. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this as much as NWFT, it is still an excellent album
  12. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this quite as much as No World For Tomorrow, it is still an excellent album
  13. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this quite as much as No World For Tomorrow, it is still an excellent album
  14. 2.
    Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow — While I didn't enjoy this quite as much as No World For Tomorrow, it is still an excellent album
  15. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — While not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to an impressive catalog
  16. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — While not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to an impressive catalog
  17. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — While not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to an impressive catalog
  18. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — While not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to an impressive catalog
  19. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — Not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to a very impressive catalog
  20. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — Not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to a very impressive catalog
  21. 3.
    Angra - Aqua — Not as heavy as their last album, Aqua is another great addition to a very impressive catalog
  22. 4.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of potential
  23. 4.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of potential
  24. 4.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of potential
  25. 4.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of potential
  26. 4.
    Overkill - Ironbound — One of my favorite veteran thrash bands, this album slays
  27. 4.
    Overkill - Ironbound — One of my favorite veteran thrash bands, this album slays
  28. 4.
    Overkill - Ironbound — One of my favorite veteran thrash bands, this album slays
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of songwriting talent and the potential for great things
  34. 5.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of songwriting talent and the potential for great things
  35. 5.
    Kvelertak - Kvelertak — A young band with tons of songwriting talent and the potential for great things
  36. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  37. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  38. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  39. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  40. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  41. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  42. 6.
    Dark Tranquillity - We Are The Void — Definitely their best album since Character
  43. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  44. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  45. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  46. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  47. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  48. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  49. 7.
    Year Long Disaster - Black Magic; All Mysteries Revealed — Just a fun, energetic hard rock album
  50. 8.
  51. 8.
  52. 8.
  53. 8.
  54. 8.
  55. 8.
  56. 8.
  57. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  58. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  59. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  60. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  61. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  62. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  63. 9.
    Spiritual Beggars - Return To Zero — An old-school stoner metal band returns with a killer album
  64. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  65. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  66. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  67. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  68. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  69. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  70. 10.
    Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog — A slower take on their sound, this album has really grown on me
  71. 11.
  72. 11.
  73. 11.
    Ion Dissonance - Cursed — If you want chaos and violence in the form of music in 2010, this is it
  74. 11.
    Ion Dissonance - Cursed — If you want chaos and violence in the form of music in 2010, this is it
  75. 11.
    Ion Dissonance - Cursed — If you want chaos and violence in the form of music in 2010, this is it
  76. 12.
    Black Label Society - Order Of The Black
  77. 12.
    Black Label Society - Order Of The Black
  78. 12.
  79. 12.
  80. 12.
  81. 13.
  82. 13.
    Fireball Ministry - Fireball Ministry — Catchy, heavy, and memorable - everything that stoner metal should be
  83. 13.
    Fireball Ministry - Fireball Ministry — Catchy, heavy, and memorable - everything that stoner metal should be
  84. 13.
    Fireball Ministry - Fireball Ministry — Catchy, heavy, and memorable - everything that stoner metal should be
  85. 13.
    Fireball Ministry - Fireball Ministry — Catchy, heavy, and memorable - everything that stoner metal should be
  86. 14.
  87. 14.
  88. 14.
  89. 14.
  90. 14.
  91. 15.
  92. 15.
  93. 15.
  94. 15.
  95. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Quest For Fire - Lights From Paradise — Strange yet very listenable
  2. 1.
    Quest For Fire - Lights From Paradise — Strange yet very listenable
  3. 1.
    Quest For Fire - Lights From Paradise — Strange yet very listenable
  4. 1.
    Quest For Fire - Lights From Paradise — Strange yet very listenable
  5. 1.
    Quest For Fire - Lights From Paradise — Strange yet very listenable
  6. 1.
    Quest For Fire - Lights From Paradise — Strange yet very listenable
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
  13. 3.
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
    Burial Chamber - Left To Decay — Old-school, no-frills death metal
  17. 3.
    Burial Chamber - Left To Decay — Old-school, no-frills death metal
  18. 3.
    Burial Chamber - Left To Decay — Old-school, no-frills death metal
  19. 4.
  20. 4.
  21. 4.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
    Ephemeral Sun - Harvest Aorta — Intriguing instrumental metal

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
    Woe Of Tyrants - Threnody — It's tough when a young band with a ton of potential disappoints you
  5. 1.
    Woe Of Tyrants - Threnody — It's tough when a young band with a ton of potential disappoints you
  6. 1.
    Woe Of Tyrants - Threnody — It's tough when a young band with a ton of potential disappoints you
  7. 1.
    Woe Of Tyrants - Threnody — It's tough when a young band with a ton of potential disappoints you
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
    Soilwork - The Panic Broadcast — Although definitely better than their last release, I still found this to be quite inconsistent
  11. 2.
    Soilwork - The Panic Broadcast — Although definitely better than their last release, I still found this to be quite inconsistent
  12. 2.
    Soilwork - The Panic Broadcast — Although definitely better than their last release, I still found this to be quite inconsistent
  13. 2.
    Soilwork - The Panic Broadcast — Although definitely better than their last release, I still found this to be quite inconsistent
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
    Ozzy Osbourne - Scream — Ozzy has had an enormous impact on my musical taste, but like many fans I can't stomach his newer albums
  17. 3.
    Ozzy Osbourne - Scream — Ozzy has had an enormous impact on my musical taste, but like many fans I can't stomach his newer albums
  18. 3.
    Ozzy Osbourne - Scream — Ozzy has had an enormous impact on my musical taste, but like many fans I can't stomach his newer albums
  19. 3.
    Ozzy Osbourne - Scream — Ozzy has had an enormous impact on my musical taste, but like many fans I can't stomach his newer albums
  20. 4.
  21. 4.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
    Monster Magnet - Mastermind — This album had a handful of good moments, but left me wanting much more
  24. 4.
    Monster Magnet - Mastermind — This album had a handful of good moments, but left me wanting much more
  25. 4.
    Monster Magnet - Mastermind — This album had a handful of good moments, but left me wanting much more

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.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I also got more into the doom/stoner genre as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned and Orwell also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.
  2. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I also got more into the doom/stoner genre as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.
  3. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I also got more into the doom/stoner genre as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.
  4. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I also got more into the doom/stoner genre as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.
  5. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge/stoner metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I also got into the traditional doom genre more as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.
  6. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge/stoner metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I also got into the traditional doom genre more as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.
  7. 0
    — Metal lost several excellent and iconic vocalists in 2010. Being a big fan of Type O Negative, I was sad to hear of the passing of the great Peter Steele. Then only a short month later the death of the legendary Ronnie James Dio was another shock to the metal world. I still have trouble believing both of these great talents that I grew up listening to are gone. On a brighter note, there were some great albums released. My love of the sludge/stoner metal genre grew as I explored bands like Weedeater, Kylesa, and Rwake. I got deeper into the traditional doom genre more as well, which I found very enjoyable. I have not forgotten my love for great melodeath, though 2010 was somewhat of a slow year for it. Dark Tranquillity's We Are The Void was one of the few that really caught my attention, with God Dethroned also releasing solid material. As always, looking forward to what the new year will bring.

Kyle

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection.
  3. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection. Buy or die, folks.
  4. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection. Buy or die, folks.
  5. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection. Buy or die, folks.
  6. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection. Buy or die, folks.
  7. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection. Buy or die, folks.
  8. 1.
    Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough — Heavy Metal, Epic Metal, Doom Metal; whatever you want to call it, Atlantean Kodex's debut The Golden Bough is synonymous with perfection. Buy or die, folks.
  9. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  10. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  11. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  12. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  13. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  14. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  15. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  16. 2.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Thrash metal the way it SHOULD be done! Ironbound is not only one of the best thrash albums in recent years, but also one of Overkill's best albums, ever.
  17. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  18. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  19. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  20. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  21. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  22. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  23. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  24. 3.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — More black metal than Pink Floyd for this outing, Enslaved continues to tastefully evolve and makes another unique and amazing record.
  25. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  26. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  27. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  28. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  29. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  30. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  31. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  32. 4.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — Not quite as exhilarating as 2008's Sagas, but Rekreatur still turns out to be the best folk metal album of the year.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2011 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  35. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2011 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  36. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2011 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  37. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2011 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  38. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2011 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  39. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2010 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  40. 5.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The best pure black metal album of the year, bar none. No other album in 2010 has done a more masterful job of capturing the essence of the genre.
  41. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  42. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  43. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  44. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  45. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  46. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  47. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  48. 6.
    Heljareyga - Heljareyga — Masterful progressive folk / power metal brought to us by Tyr's frontman. Definitely the biggest surprise of 2010!
  49. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  50. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  51. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  52. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  53. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  54. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  55. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  56. 7.
    Wuthering Heights - Salt — Fails to meet the masterful standard set by Wuthering Height's previous album, The Shadow Cabinet... but just by a hair.
  57. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  58. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  59. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  60. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  61. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  62. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  63. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  64. 8.
    Angra - Aqua — Angra returns after four years sounding like they never went away. Beautiful, melodic, and exciting.
  65. 9.
  66. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to this as Esparistera Daimones as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  67. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to Esparistera Daimones as much as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place for it here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  68. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to Esparistera Daimones as much as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place for it here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  69. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to Esparistera Daimones as much as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place for it here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  70. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to Esparistera Daimones as much as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place for it here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  71. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to Esparistera Daimones as much as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place for it here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  72. 9.
    Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones — Admittedly, I didn't listen to Esparistera Daimones as much as I wanted, but I listened to it enough to easily justify a place for it here. A rare and unnerving gem, this one is.
  73. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  74. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  75. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  76. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  77. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  78. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  79. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  80. 10.
    Atheist - Jupiter — Simply put, this is one of the most fascinating reunion albums ever made. Atheist hasn't lost an ounce of talent.
  81. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  82. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  83. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  84. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  85. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  86. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  87. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  88. 11.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — A masterpiece blending of black metal and shoegaze. Easily the most ethereal sounding record of the year.
  89. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  90. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  91. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  92. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  93. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  94. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  95. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  96. 12.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — Dark Fortress has never been a very remarkable band, but Ylem changes that. It's diverse, well-written, and isn't afraid to explore territories rarely traversed in black metal.
  97. 13.
  98. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  99. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  100. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  101. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  102. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  103. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  104. 13.
    Fleshgod Apocalypse - Mafia — Is it an EP? Yes. Does it fucking rock? Most definitely yes. I'll take more Fleshgod any day, in any form.
  105. 14.
  106. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  107. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  108. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  109. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  110. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  111. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  112. 14.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Fantastic sophomore album, and a HUGE improvement on Winterfylleth's pretty good debut. Folky black metal at its best.
  113. 15.
    Sigh - Scenes From Hell — One of the most twisted Sigh offerings to date, but also one of the best.
  114. 15.
    Sigh - Scenes From Hell — One of the most twisted Sigh offerings to date, but also one of the best.
  115. 15.
    Impaled Nazarene - Road to the Octagon — One of IE's best albums to date, Road to the Octagon is a perfect summary of the best parts of the band's sound.
  116. 15.
    Impaled Nazarene - Road to the Octagon — One of IE's best albums to date, Road to the Octagon is a perfect summary of the best parts of the band's sound.
  117. 15.
    Impaled Nazarene - Road to the Octagon — One of IE's best albums to date, Road to the Octagon is a perfect summary of the best parts of the band's sound.
  118. 15.
    Impaled Nazarene - Road to the Octagon — One of IE's best albums to date, Road to the Octagon is a perfect summary of the best parts of the band's sound.
  119. 15.
    Impaled Nazarene - Road to the Octagon — One of IE's best albums to date, Road to the Octagon is a perfect summary of the best parts of the band's sound.
  120. 15.
    Impaled Nazarene - Road to the Octagon — One of IE's best albums to date, Road to the Octagon is a perfect summary of the best parts of the band's sound.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Sinbreed - When Worlds Collide — Really cool old school speed / power metal!
  2. 1.
    Sinbreed - When Worlds Collide — Really cool old school speed / power metal!
  3. 1.
    Sinbreed - When Worlds Collide — Really cool old school speed / power metal!
  4. 1.
    Sinbreed - When Worlds Collide — Really cool old school speed / power metal!
  5. 1.
    Sinbreed - When Worlds Collide — Really cool old school speed / power metal!
  6. 1.
    Sinbreed - When Worlds Collide — Really cool old school speed / power metal!
  7. 2.
    Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time — These guys could very well end up being the next big thing in power metal. If a mix of Dragonforce and Rhapsody sounds appealing to you, you'll likely really enjoy Pathfinder.
  8. 2.
    Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time — These guys could very well end up being the next big thing in power metal. If a mix of Dragonforce and Rhapsody sounds appealing to you, you'll likely really enjoy Pathfinder.
  9. 2.
    Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time — These guys could very well end up being the next big thing in power metal. If a mix of Dragonforce and Rhapsody sounds appealing to you, you'll likely really enjoy Pathfinder.
  10. 2.
    Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time — These guys could very well end up being the next big thing in power metal. If a mix of Dragonforce and Rhapsody sounds appealing to you, you'll likely really enjoy Pathfinder.
  11. 2.
    Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time — These guys could very well end up being the next big thing in power metal. If a mix of Dragonforce and Rhapsody sounds appealing to you, you'll likely really enjoy Pathfinder.
  12. 2.
    Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time — These guys could very well end up being the next big thing in power metal. If a mix of Dragonforce and Rhapsody sounds appealing to you, you'll likely really enjoy Pathfinder.
  13. 3.
    White Wizzard - Over the Top — Very well-done traditional / melodic heavy metal.
  14. 3.
    White Wizzard - Over the Top — Very well-done traditional / melodic heavy metal.
  15. 3.
    White Wizzard - Over the Top — Very well-done traditional / melodic heavy metal.
  16. 3.
    White Wizzard - Over the Top — Very well-done traditional / melodic heavy metal.
  17. 3.
    White Wizzard - Over the Top — Very well-done traditional / melodic heavy metal.
  18. 3.
    White Wizzard - Over the Top — Very well-done traditional / melodic heavy metal.
  19. 4.
    Wrath And Rapture - Wrath And Rapture — Melodeath + Prog + Power + Metalcore = Wrath and Rapture. I assure you, this EP is not nearly as bad as it sounds on paper.
  20. 4.
    Wrath And Rapture - Wrath And Rapture — Melodeath + Prog + Power + Metalcore = Wrath and Rapture. I assure you, this EP is not nearly as bad as it sounds on paper.
  21. 4.
    Wrath And Rapture - Wrath And Rapture — Melodeath + Prog + Power + Metalcore = Wrath and Rapture. I assure you, this EP is not nearly as bad as it sounds on paper.
  22. 4.
    Wrath And Rapture - Wrath And Rapture — Melodeath + Prog + Power + Metalcore = Wrath and Rapture. I assure you, this EP is not nearly as bad as it sounds on paper.
  23. 4.
    Wrath And Rapture - Wrath And Rapture — Melodeath + Prog + Power + Metalcore = Wrath and Rapture. I assure you, this EP is not nearly as bad as it sounds on paper.
  24. 4.
    Wrath And Rapture - Wrath And Rapture — Melodeath + Prog + Power + Metalcore = Wrath and Rapture. I assure you, this EP is not nearly as bad as it sounds on paper.
  25. 5.
    The Wounded Kings - The Shadow Over Atlantis — DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Metal in the vein of Reverand Bizarre.
  26. 5.
    The Wounded Kings - The Shadow Over Atlantis — DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Metal in the vein of Reverand Bizarre.
  27. 5.
    The Wounded Kings - The Shadow Over Atlantis — DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Metal in the vein of Reverand Bizarre.
  28. 5.
    The Wounded Kings - The Shadow Over Atlantis — DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Metal in the vein of Reverand Bizarre.
  29. 5.
    The Wounded Kings - The Shadow Over Atlantis — DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Metal in the vein of Reverand Bizarre.
  30. 5.
    The Wounded Kings - The Shadow Over Atlantis — DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Metal in the vein of Reverand Bizarre.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony — I really liked The Scarecrow, but this simply doesn't approach the quality I expect from an Avantasia album.
  2. 1.
    Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony — I really liked The Scarecrow, but this simply doesn't approach the quality I expect from an Avantasia album.
  3. 1.
    Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony — I really liked The Scarecrow, but this simply doesn't approach the quality I expect from an Avantasia album.
  4. 1.
    Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony — I really liked The Scarecrow, but this simply doesn't approach the quality I expect from an Avantasia album.
  5. 1.
    Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony — I really liked The Scarecrow, but this simply doesn't approach the quality I expect from an Avantasia album.
  6. 1.
    Avantasia - The Wicked Symphony — I really liked The Scarecrow, but this simply doesn't approach the quality I expect from an Avantasia album.
  7. 2.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
  13. 3.
    Volbeat - Beyond Hell / Above Heaven — The formula's growing stale guys... time to shake things up a bit on your next album.
  14. 3.
    Volbeat - Beyond Hell / Above Heaven — The formula's growing stale guys... time to shake things up a bit on your next album.
  15. 3.
    Volbeat - Beyond Hell / Above Heaven — The formula's growing stale guys... time to shake things up a bit on your next album.
  16. 3.
    Volbeat - Beyond Hell / Above Heaven — The formula's growing stale guys... time to shake things up a bit on your next album.
  17. 3.
    Volbeat - Beyond Hell / Above Heaven — The formula's growing stale guys... time to shake things up a bit on your next album.
  18. 3.
    Volbeat - Beyond Hell / Above Heaven — The formula's growing stale guys... time to shake things up a bit on your next album.
  19. 4.
    Gamma Ray - To The Metal! — Half-fantastic, half-filler.
  20. 4.
    Gamma Ray - To The Metal! — Half-fantastic, half-filler.
  21. 4.
    Gamma Ray - To The Metal! — Half-fantastic, half-filler.
  22. 4.
    Gamma Ray - To The Metal! — Half-fantastic, half-filler.
  23. 4.
    Gamma Ray - To The Metal! — Half-fantastic, half-filler.
  24. 4.
    Gamma Ray - To The Metal! — Half-fantastic, half-filler.
  25. 5.
    Dream Evil - In The Night — Yeah, I just wasn't feeling this one. A major step down from United.
  26. 5.
    Dream Evil - In The Night — Yeah, I just wasn't feeling this one. A major step down from United.
  27. 5.
    Dream Evil - In The Night — Yeah, I just wasn't feeling this one. A major step down from United.
  28. 5.
    Dream Evil - In The Night — Yeah, I just wasn't feeling this one. A major step down from United.
  29. 5.
    Dream Evil - In The Night — Yeah, I just wasn't feeling this one. A major step down from United.
  30. 5.
    Dream Evil - In The Night — Yeah, I just wasn't feeling this one. A major step down from United.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — "Kill! Burn! Waste the wenches! Hark the herald! The King wants blood!" Yeah, and I want blood too after hearing this ear-destroying piece of shit.
  2. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — "Kill! Burn! Waste the wenches! Hark the herald! The King wants blood!" Yeah, and I want blood too after hearing this ear-destroying piece of shit.
  3. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — "Kill! Burn! Waste the wenches! Hark the herald! The King wants blood!" Yeah, and I want blood too after hearing this ear-destroying piece of shit.
  4. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — "Kill! Burn! Waste the wenches! Hark the herald! The King wants blood!" Yeah, and I want blood too after hearing this ear-destroying piece of shit.
  5. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — "Kill! Burn! Waste the wenches! Hark the herald! The King wants blood!" Yeah, and I want blood too after hearing this ear-destroying piece of shit.
  6. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — "Kill! Burn! Waste the wenches! Hark the herald! The King wants blood!" Yeah, and I want blood too after hearing this ear-destroying piece of shit.
  7. 2.
    <b>Hellyeah</b> released a new album this year, right? Well, if I had listened to it, it would've gone in this space.
  8. 2.
    <b>Hellyeah</b> released a new album this year, right? Well, if I had listened to it, it would've gone in this space.
  9. 2.
    <b>Hellyeah</b> released a new album this year, right? Well, if I had listened to it, it would've gone in this space.
  10. 2.
    <b>Hellyeah</b> released a new album this year, right? Well, if I had listened to it, it would've gone in this space.
  11. 2.
    <b>Hellyeah</b> released a new album this year, right? Well, if I had listened to it, it would've gone in this space.
  12. 3.
    <b>Mike Portnoy</b> - <i>All Black Clouds, No Silver Linings</i> (also known as <i>De-Railed Train of Thought</i>) — Seriously Mike, what's your fucking deal?
  13. 3.
    <b>Mike Portnoy</b> - <i>All Black Clouds, No Silver Linings</i> (also known as <i>De-Railed Train of Thought</i>) — Seriously Mike, what's your fucking deal?
  14. 3.
    <b>Mike Portnoy</b> - <i>All Black Clouds, No Silver Linings</i> (also known as <i>De-Railed Train of Thought</i>) — Seriously Mike, what's your fucking deal?
  15. 3.
    <b>Mike Portnoy</b> - <i>All Black Clouds, No Silver Linings</i> (also known as <i>De-Railed Train of Thought</i>) — Seriously Mike, what's your fucking deal?
  16. 3.
    <b>Mike Portnoy</b> - <i>All Black Clouds, No Silver Linings</i> (also known as <i>De-Railed Train of Thought</i>) — Seriously Mike, what's your fucking deal?

Tyler

Top Albums

  1. 1.
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  96. 8.
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  100. 8.
  101. 8.
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  103. 8.
  104. 8.
  105. 9.
  106. 9.
  107. 9.
  108. 9.
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  118. 9.
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  126. 10.
  127. 10.
  128. 10.
  129. 10.
  130. 10.
  131. 10.
  132. 10.
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  134. 11.
  135. 11.
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  138. 11.
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  188. 14.
  189. 15.
    — Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  190. 15.
    — Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  191. 15.
    — Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  192. 15.
    — Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  193. 15.
    — Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  194. 15.
  195. 15.
  196. 15.
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  198. 15.
  199. 15.
  200. 15.
  201. 15.
  202. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 1.
  6. 1.
  7. 1.
  8. 1.
  9. 1.
  10. 1.
  11. 1.
  12. 1.
  13. 1.
  14. 1.
  15. 1.
  16. 2.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  17. 2.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  18. 2.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  19. 2.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  20. 2.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  21. 2.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  22. 2.
  23. 2.
  24. 2.
  25. 2.
  26. 2.
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
  31. 3.
  32. 3.
  33. 3.
  34. 3.
  35. 3.
  36. 3.
  37. 3.
  38. 3.
  39. 3.
  40. 3.
  41. 3.
  42. 3.
  43. 3.
  44. 3.
  45. 3.
  46. 4.
  47. 4.
  48. 4.
  49. 4.
  50. 4.
  51. 4.
  52. 4.
  53. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  54. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  55. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  56. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  57. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  58. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  59. 4.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Also includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  60. 5.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  61. 5.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  62. 5.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  63. 5.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  64. 5.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  65. 5.
    Shrapnel - Hellbound — Includes Mhorgl- Antinomian
  66. 5.
  67. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis
  68. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  69. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  70. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  71. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  72. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q
  73. 5.
    Lower Than Atlantis- Far Q

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — See the explanation for all of these "dissapointments" below
  4. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — See the explanation for all of these "dissapointments" below
  5. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — See the explanation for all of these "dissapointments" below
  6. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — See the explanation for all of these "dissapointments" below
  7. 1.
    Ihsahn - After — See the explanation for all of these "dissapointments" below
  8. 1.
  9. 1.
  10. 1.
  11. 1.
  12. 1.
  13. 1.
  14. 1.
  15. 1.
  16. 1.
  17. 2.
  18. 2.
  19. 2.
  20. 2.
  21. 2.
  22. 2.
  23. 2.
  24. 2.
  25. 2.
  26. 2.
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
  31. 2.
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  34. 3.
  35. 3.
  36. 3.
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  77. 5.
  78. 5.
  79. 5.
  80. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Guns N Roses- Chinese Democracy — Yes, still
  2. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  3. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  4. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  5. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  6. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  7. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  8. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  9. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  10. 1.
    Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent — Best album with "joke" in the name
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  13. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  14. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  15. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  16. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  17. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  18. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  19. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  20. 2.
    Bullet For My Valentine - Fever — Hot Topic robots sent here to corrupt our youth. Fuck them.
  21. 3.
    Drown in Solitude- Cold Sense of Suffering — Keep Elephants out of metal, 2011
  22. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  23. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  24. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  25. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  26. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  27. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  28. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  29. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  30. 3.
    Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons — Joke's on you, Darkthrone rule, as does Circle the Wagon.
  31. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  32. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  33. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  34. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  35. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  36. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  37. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  38. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  39. 4.
    Escape the Fate- Escape the Fate — See Bullet for my Valentine comment. Fuck these guys too
  40. 5.
    Disturbed- Asylum — Except noone is really laughing anymore (hear that, Korn and Limp Bizkit?)
  41. 5.
    Disturbed- Asylum — Except noone is really laughing anymore (hear that, Korn and Limp Bizkit?)
  42. 5.
    Disturbed- Asylum — Except noone is really laughing anymore (hear that, Korn and Limp Bizkit?)
  43. 5.
    Disturbed- Asylum — Except noone is really laughing anymore (hear that, Korn and Limp Bizkit?)
  44. 5.
    Disturbed- Asylum — Except noone is really laughing anymore (hear that, Korn and Limp Bizkit?)
  45. 5.
    Disturbed- Asylum — Except noone is really laughing anymore (hear that, Korn and Limp Bizkit?)

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Ok, so first thing that I must address: those "dissappointments" up there. You might gave noticed that that list is made up of critically acclaimed, beloved 2010 releases. But truth is, I didn't listen to any releases in 2010 that I was truly dissappointed by. My only real dissappointments were the albums that I did not get to listen to. So what I have listed are five of the albums that I had very little, if any, time with; there are many more albums than the five I listed. Unfortunately, there is never enough time to get around to listening to all of the new albums that I want to, regardless of the buzz surrounding them. Hopefully, I'll find the time to check them out in 2011, but as with every year, there were plenty of 2010 releases that I SHOULD listen to but inevitably won't.
  2. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year.
  3. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year.
  4. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's metal is the unifying theme in so much I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is.
  5. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's best metal is the unifying theme in so much of what I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is. Unfortunately, 2010 will forever be a year remembered as much for the tragedies that shook the metal world as the album's that were released within it. We recently passed the one year anniversary of James "The Rev" Sullivan's death (drummer for Avenged Sevenfold), and Chi Cheng of Deftones remains in the coma he entered after his car accident in 2008. In 2010, some of the most notable losses suffered by the metal world were Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Paul Grey (Slipknot), and the great Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), among others. Each one shook the metal world to its core. I won't try to eulogize them or offer some deep introspection of the value of life or the legacies we leave behind; it has been done plenty of times this year, so there is nothing that I can really add at the moment. What I will say is this: if your're a metal fan, and you lost a hero this year (or ever in your life time, for that matter), you still feel it. You know you do. I haven't gone a single day without thinking about at least one of them. When I hear one of the many anecdotes that make Dio sound like the Coolest Cat on Earth, or watch videos from Slipknot's wild live shows, or listen to BLOODY FUCKING KISSES, I can't help but to feel a sense of loss for these people I have never met. And regardless of the reaction that many of this site's readers had to my review of Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare, I'm not sure that anyone with a pulse can't be a little haunted by The Rev's goodbye on Fiction. I remember getting goosebumps when listening to that song for the first time. I remember discussing the song with a friend soon after I had heard the song and read the lyrics. I was honestly shaken by the forboding message in that song's lyrics; I believe my quote in the conversation had been "he fucking knew that he was going to die." I was moved, shocked, saddened, and horrified all at once. I popped Nightmare into my CD player for the first time in months last weekend, and I had an epiphany: that is a damn good album. I feel like I should be about to unveil my grand point, but I'm not sure that I have one. But I suppose their is a lesson to be learned from Avenged Sevenfold, like them or not. They lost someone very near and dear to them. Within a year, they had completed their loved one's final work, his masterpiece, and given it to the world. The album went number one in places, but the band is still reeling. Read any recent review by them, and that is apparent. They truly don't know where to go next; hell, they kicked out Mike Portnoy. So allow me to blow this up a bit and expand. It's 2011 now, and many of us aren't really sure what is next. Maybe 2010 was a great year for you, maybe it was a terrible one, and maybe it was somewhere in between. And yet we must solider on, leaving some of the ones we love behind, whether they are musical heroes that have passed, or in my case, family members that I will soon leave behind for college. But Enslaved had a lyric this year that I have adapted as something of a life philosophy since reading it. It comes from the song Ethica Odini off of the album Axioma Ethica Odini, and this it is: "Honor Life. When Life has ceased, welcome the dawn." Now, I'd like to list some of my own highlights from this year: Song of the year: Don't Look Back- Kylesa Honorable Mentions: Fiction- Avenged Sevenfold Blodtorst- Kvelertak Ride Into Obsession- Blind Guardian Coming Home- Iron Maiden Raven King- Killing Joke The Power is Mine- Shrapnel Crucify Me- Bring Me the Horizon Final Exit- Fear Factory Solsagan- Finntroll Farewell, Mona Lisa- The Dillinger Escape Plan Ethica Odini- Enslaved Rocket Skates- Deftones Gateways- Dimmu Borgir We Are the Undead- Cancer Bats Cover of the year: Sabotage (Beastie Boys)- Cancer Bats Honorable Mention: The Crystal Ship (The Doors)- Emptiness Unobstructed Best New Band: Kvelertak Biggest Breakthrough/Band to watch: Cancer Bats Comeback of the year: Deftones Most Douchey Band: Bullet for my Valentine Vocal Performance of the year: Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) on Ride Into Obsession (At the Edge of Time) Shredder Award: Matt Pike (High On Fire) on the album Snakes for the Divine
  6. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's best metal is the unifying theme in so much of what I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is. Unfortunately, 2010 will forever be a year remembered as much for the tragedies that shook the metal world as the album's that were released within it. We recently passed the one year anniversary of James "The Rev" Sullivan's death (drummer for Avenged Sevenfold), and Chi Cheng of Deftones remains in the coma he entered after his car accident in 2008. In 2010, some of the most notable losses suffered by the metal world were Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Paul Grey (Slipknot), and the great Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), among others. Each one shook the metal world to its core. I won't try to eulogize them or offer some deep introspection of the value of life or the legacies we leave behind; it has been done plenty of times this year, so there is nothing that I can really add at the moment. What I will say is this: if your're a metal fan, and you lost a hero this year (or ever in your life time, for that matter), you still feel it. You know you do. I haven't gone a single day without thinking about at least one of them. When I hear one of the many anecdotes that make Dio sound like the Coolest Cat on Earth, or watch videos from Slipknot's wild live shows, or listen to BLOODY FUCKING KISSES, I can't help but to feel a sense of loss for these people I have never met. And regardless of the reaction that many of this site's readers had to my review of Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare, I'm not sure that anyone with a pulse can't be a little haunted by The Rev's goodbye on Fiction. I remember getting goosebumps when listening to that song for the first time. I remember discussing the song with a friend soon after I had heard the song and read the lyrics. I was honestly shaken by the forboding message in that song's lyrics; I believe my quote in the conversation had been "he fucking knew that he was going to die." I was moved, shocked, saddened, and horrified all at once. I popped Nightmare into my CD player for the first time in months last weekend, and I had an epiphany: that is a damn good album. I feel like I should be about to unveil my grand point, but I'm not sure that I have one. But I suppose their is a lesson to be learned from Avenged Sevenfold, like them or not. They lost someone very near and dear to them. Within a year, they had completed their loved one's final work, his masterpiece, and given it to the world. The album went number one in places, but the band is still reeling. Read any recent review by them, and that is apparent. They truly don't know where to go next; hell, they kicked out Mike Portnoy. So allow me to blow this up a bit and expand. It's 2011 now, and many of us aren't really sure what is next. Maybe 2010 was a great year for you, maybe it was a terrible one, and maybe it was somewhere in between. And yet we must solider on, leaving some of the ones we love behind, whether they are musical heroes that have passed, or in my case, family members that I will soon leave behind for college. But Enslaved had a lyric this year that I have adapted as something of a life philosophy since reading it. It comes from the song Ethica Odini off of the album Axioma Ethica Odini, and this it is: "Honor Life. When Life has ceased, welcome the dawn." Now, I'd like to list some of my own highlights from this year: Song of the year: Don't Look Back- Kylesa Honorable Mentions: Fiction- Avenged Sevenfold Blodtorst- Kvelertak Ride Into Obsession- Blind Guardian Coming Home- Iron Maiden Raven King- Killing Joke The Power is Mine- Shrapnel Crucify Me- Bring Me the Horizon Final Exit- Fear Factory Solsagan- Finntroll Farewell, Mona Lisa- The Dillinger Escape Plan Ethica Odini- Enslaved Rocket Skates- Deftones Gateways- Dimmu Borgir We Are the Undead- Cancer Bats Cover of the year: Sabotage (Beastie Boys)- Cancer Bats Honorable Mention: The Crystal Ship (The Doors)- Emptiness Unobstructed Best New Band: Kvelertak Biggest Breakthrough/Band to watch: Cancer Bats Comeback of the year: Deftones Vocal Performance of the year: Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) on Ride Into Obsession (At the Edge of Time) Shredder Award: Matt Pike (High On Fire) on the album Snakes for the Divine Douches of the Year: Bullet for My Valentine Best album art: Kvelertak-Kvelertak Albums to watch out for in 2011: Down, Trivium, Metallica, Opeth, Machine Head, Amon Amarth, Devildriver, Soundgarden (?), Van Halen (?), Manowar, ect. Band that needs to get back together and do a show in Cleveland, Ohio- Emperor Tour that I am most pissed about because they passed up Cleveland- Alice in Chains, Deftones, Mastodon Best Metal DVD release- Until the Light Takes Us Best Show that I went to: IRON MAIDEN!!! Show that I am most excited for in 2011 so far- Manowar's first US show in 6 years, at the Agora in Cleveland. Fuck Yes. HAVE A GREAT YEAR, EVERYBODY. KEEP IT FUCKING METAL!
  7. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's best metal is the unifying theme in so much of what I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is. Unfortunately, 2010 will forever be a year remembered as much for the tragedies that shook the metal world as the album's that were released within it. We recently passed the one year anniversary of James "The Rev" Sullivan's death (drummer for Avenged Sevenfold), and Chi Cheng of Deftones remains in the coma he entered after his car accident in 2008. In 2010, some of the most notable losses suffered by the metal world were Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Paul Grey (Slipknot), and the great Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), among others. Each one shook the metal world to its core. I won't try to eulogize them or offer some deep introspection of the value of life or the legacies we leave behind; it has been done plenty of times this year, so there is nothing that I can really add at the moment. What I will say is this: if your're a metal fan, and you lost a hero this year (or ever in your life time, for that matter), you still feel it. You know you do. I haven't gone a single day without thinking about at least one of them. When I hear one of the many anecdotes that make Dio sound like the Coolest Cat on Earth, or watch videos from Slipknot's wild live shows, or listen to BLOODY FUCKING KISSES, I can't help but to feel a sense of loss for these people I have never met. And regardless of the reaction that many of this site's readers had to my review of Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare, I'm not sure that anyone with a pulse can't be a little haunted by The Rev's goodbye on Fiction. I remember getting goosebumps when listening to that song for the first time. I remember discussing the song with a friend soon after I had heard the song and read the lyrics. I was honestly shaken by the forboding message in that song's lyrics; I believe my quote in the conversation had been "he fucking knew that he was going to die." I was moved, shocked, saddened, and horrified all at once. I popped Nightmare into my CD player for the first time in months last weekend, and I had an epiphany: that is a damn good album. I feel like I should be about to unveil my grand point, but I'm not sure that I have one. But I suppose their is a lesson to be learned from Avenged Sevenfold, like them or not. They lost someone very near and dear to them. Within a year, they had completed their loved one's final work, his masterpiece, and given it to the world. The album went number one in places, but the band is still reeling. Read any recent review by them, and that is apparent. They truly don't know where to go next; hell, they kicked out Mike Portnoy. So allow me to blow this up a bit and expand. It's 2011 now, and many of us aren't really sure what is next. Maybe 2010 was a great year for you, maybe it was a terrible one, and maybe it was somewhere in between. And yet we must solider on, leaving some of the ones we love behind, whether they are musical heroes that have passed, or in my case, family members that I will soon leave behind for college. But Enslaved had a lyric this year that I have adapted as something of a life philosophy since reading it. It comes from the song Ethica Odini off of the album Axioma Ethica Odini, and this it is: "Honor Life. When Life has ceased, welcome the dawn." Now, I'd like to list some of my own highlights from this year: Song of the year: Don't Look Back- Kylesa Honorable Mentions: Fiction- Avenged Sevenfold Blodtorst- Kvelertak Ride Into Obsession- Blind Guardian Coming Home- Iron Maiden Raven King- Killing Joke The Power is Mine- Shrapnel Crucify Me- Bring Me the Horizon Final Exit- Fear Factory Solsagan- Finntroll Farewell, Mona Lisa- The Dillinger Escape Plan Ethica Odini- Enslaved Rocket Skates- Deftones Dimmu Borgir- Dimmu Borgir Gateways- Dimmu Borgir We Are the Undead- Cancer Bats Cover of the year: Sabotage (Beastie Boys)- Cancer Bats Honorable Mention: The Crystal Ship (The Doors)- Emptiness Unobstructed Best New Band: Kvelertak Biggest Breakthrough/Band to watch: Cancer Bats Comeback of the year: Deftones Vocal Performance of the year: Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) on Ride Into Obsession (At the Edge of Time) Shredder Award: Matt Pike (High On Fire) on the album Snakes for the Divine Douches of the Year: Bullet for My Valentine Best album art: Kvelertak-Kvelertak Albums to watch out for in 2011: Down, Trivium, Metallica, Opeth, Machine Head, Amon Amarth, Devildriver, Soundgarden (?), Van Halen (?), Manowar, ect. Band that needs to get back together and do a show in Cleveland, Ohio- Emperor Tour that I am most pissed about because they passed up Cleveland- Alice in Chains, Deftones, Mastodon Best Metal DVD release- Until the Light Takes Us Best Show that I went to: IRON MAIDEN!!! Party song of the year: Mjod-Kvelertak Honorable Mention: Party Wounds- Rolo Tomassi Worst song of the Year: Fever- Bullet for My Valentine
  8. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's best metal is the unifying theme in so much of what I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is. Unfortunately, 2010 will forever be a year remembered as much for the tragedies that shook the metal world as the album's that were released within it. We recently passed the one year anniversary of James "The Rev" Sullivan's death (drummer for Avenged Sevenfold), and Chi Cheng of Deftones remains in the coma he entered after his car accident in 2008. In 2010, some of the most notable losses suffered by the metal world were Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Paul Grey (Slipknot), and the great Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), among others. Each one shook the metal world to its core. I won't try to eulogize them or offer some deep introspection of the value of life or the legacies we leave behind; it has been done plenty of times this year, so there is nothing that I can really add at the moment. What I will say is this: if your're a metal fan, and you lost a hero this year (or ever in your life time, for that matter), you still feel it. You know you do. I haven't gone a single day without thinking about at least one of them. When I hear one of the many anecdotes that make Dio sound like the Coolest Cat on Earth, or watch videos from Slipknot's wild live shows, or listen to BLOODY FUCKING KISSES, I can't help but to feel a sense of loss for these people I have never met. And regardless of the reaction that many of this site's readers had to my review of Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare, I'm not sure that anyone with a pulse can't be a little haunted by The Rev's goodbye on Fiction. I remember getting goosebumps when listening to that song for the first time. I remember discussing the song with a friend soon after I had heard the song and read the lyrics. I was honestly shaken by the forboding message in that song's lyrics; I believe my quote in the conversation had been "he fucking knew that he was going to die." I was moved, shocked, saddened, and horrified all at once. I popped Nightmare into my CD player for the first time in months last weekend, and I had an epiphany: that is a damn good album. I feel like I should be about to unveil my grand point, but I'm not sure that I have one. But I suppose their is a lesson to be learned from Avenged Sevenfold, like them or not. They lost someone very near and dear to them. Within a year, they had completed their loved one's final work, his masterpiece, and given it to the world. The album went number one in places, but the band is still reeling. Read any recent review by them, and that is apparent. They truly don't know where to go next; hell, they kicked out Mike Portnoy. So allow me to blow this up a bit and expand. It's 2011 now, and many of us aren't really sure what is next. Maybe 2010 was a great year for you, maybe it was a terrible one, and maybe it was somewhere in between. And yet we must solider on, leaving some of the ones we love behind, whether they are musical heroes that have passed, or in my case, family members that I will soon leave behind for college. But Enslaved had a lyric this year that I have adapted as something of a life philosophy since reading it. It comes from the song Ethica Odini off of the album Axioma Ethica Odini, and this it is: "Honor Life. When Life has ceased, welcome the dawn." Now, I'd like to list some of my own highlights from this year: Song of the year: Don't Look Back- Kylesa Honorable Mentions: Fiction- Avenged Sevenfold Blodtorst- Kvelertak Ride Into Obsession- Blind Guardian Coming Home- Iron Maiden Raven King- Killing Joke The Power is Mine- Shrapnel Crucify Me- Bring Me the Horizon Final Exit- Fear Factory Solsagan- Finntroll Farewell, Mona Lisa- The Dillinger Escape Plan Ethica Odini- Enslaved Rocket Skates- Deftones Dimmu Borgir- Dimmu Borgir Gateways- Dimmu Borgir We Are the Undead- Cancer Bats Cover of the year: Sabotage (Beastie Boys)- Cancer Bats Honorable Mention: The Crystal Ship (The Doors)- Emptiness Unobstructed Best New Band: Kvelertak Biggest Breakthrough/Band to watch: Cancer Bats Comeback of the year: Deftones Vocal Performance of the year: Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) on Ride Into Obsession (At the Edge of Time) Shredder Award: Matt Pike (High On Fire) on the album Snakes for the Divine Douches of the Year: Bullet for My Valentine Best album art: Kvelertak-Kvelertak Albums to watch out for in 2011: Down, Trivium, Metallica, Opeth, Machine Head, Amon Amarth, Devildriver, Soundgarden (?), Van Halen (?), Manowar, ect. Band that needs to get back together and do a show in Cleveland, Ohio- Emperor Tour that I am most pissed about because they passed up Cleveland- Alice in Chains, Deftones, Mastodon Best Metal DVD release- Until the Light Takes Us Best Show that I went to: IRON MAIDEN!!! Party song of the year: Mjod-Kvelertak Honorable Mention: Party Wounds- Rolo Tomassi Worst song of the Year: Fever- Bullet for My Valentine
  9. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's best metal is the unifying theme in so much of what I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is. Unfortunately, 2010 will forever be a year remembered as much for the tragedies that shook the metal world as the album's that were released within it. We recently passed the one year anniversary of James "The Rev" Sullivan's death (drummer for Avenged Sevenfold), and Chi Cheng of Deftones remains in the coma he entered after his car accident in 2008. In 2010, some of the most notable losses suffered by the metal world were Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Paul Grey (Slipknot), and the great Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), among others. Each one shook the metal world to its core. I won't try to eulogize them or offer some deep introspection of the value of life or the legacies we leave behind; it has been done plenty of times this year, so there is nothing that I can really add at the moment. What I will say is this: if your're a metal fan, and you lost a hero this year (or ever in your life time, for that matter), you still feel it. You know you do. I haven't gone a single day without thinking about at least one of them. When I hear one of the many anecdotes that make Dio sound like the Coolest Cat on Earth, or watch videos from Slipknot's wild live shows, or listen to BLOODY FUCKING KISSES, I can't help but to feel a sense of loss for these people I have never met. And regardless of the reaction that many of this site's readers had to my review of Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare, I'm not sure that anyone with a pulse can't be a little haunted by The Rev's goodbye on Fiction. I remember getting goosebumps when listening to that song for the first time. I remember discussing the song with a friend soon after I had heard the song and read the lyrics. I was honestly shaken by the forboding message in that song's lyrics; I believe my quote in the conversation had been "he fucking knew that he was going to die." I was moved, shocked, saddened, and horrified all at once. I popped Nightmare into my CD player for the first time in months last weekend, and I had an epiphany: that is a damn good album. I feel like I should be about to unveil my grand point, but I'm not sure that I have one. But I suppose their is a lesson to be learned from Avenged Sevenfold, like them or not. They lost someone very near and dear to them. Within a year, they had completed their loved one's final work, his masterpiece, and given it to the world. The album went number one in places, but the band is still reeling. Read any recent review by them, and that is apparent. They truly don't know where to go next; hell, they kicked out Mike Portnoy. So allow me to blow this up a bit and expand. It's 2011 now, and many of us aren't really sure what is next. Maybe 2010 was a great year for you, maybe it was a terrible one, and maybe it was somewhere in between. And yet we must solider on, leaving some of the ones we love behind, whether they are musical heroes that have passed, or in my case, family members that I will soon leave behind for college. But Enslaved had a lyric this year that I have adapted as something of a life philosophy since reading it. It comes from the song Ethica Odini off of the album Axioma Ethica Odini, and this it is: "Honor Life. When Life has ceased, welcome the dawn." Now, I'd like to list some of my own highlights from this year: Song of the year: Don't Look Back- Kylesa Honorable Mentions: Fiction- Avenged Sevenfold Blodtorst- Kvelertak Ride Into Obsession- Blind Guardian Coming Home- Iron Maiden Raven King- Killing Joke The Power is Mine- Shrapnel Crucify Me- Bring Me the Horizon Final Exit- Fear Factory Solsagan- Finntroll Farewell, Mona Lisa- The Dillinger Escape Plan Ethica Odini- Enslaved Rocket Skates- Deftones Dimmu Borgir- Dimmu Borgir Gateways- Dimmu Borgir We Are the Undead- Cancer Bats Cover of the year: Sabotage (Beastie Boys)- Cancer Bats Honorable Mention: The Crystal Ship (The Doors)- Emptiness Unobstructed Best New Band: Kvelertak Biggest Breakthrough/Band to watch: Cancer Bats Comeback of the year: Deftones Vocal Performance of the year: Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) on Ride Into Obsession (At the Edge of Time) Shredder Award: Matt Pike (High On Fire) on the album Snakes for the Divine Douches of the Year: Bullet for My Valentine Best album art: Kvelertak-Kvelertak Albums to watch out for in 2011: Down, Trivium, Metallica, Opeth, Machine Head, Amon Amarth, Devildriver, Soundgarden (?), Van Halen (?), Manowar, ect. Band that needs to get back together and do a show in Cleveland, Ohio- Emperor Tour that I am most pissed about because they passed up Cleveland- Alice in Chains, Deftones, Mastodon Best Metal DVD release- Until the Light Takes Us Best Show that I went to: IRON MAIDEN!!! Party song of the year: Mjod-Kvelertak Honorable Mention: Party Wounds- Rolo Tomassi Worst song of the Year: Fever- Bullet for My Valentine
  10. 0
    — First thing I must address: the "dissappointments". In 2010, I can honestly say that there was a not a single album that I "dissappointement". The biggest dissappointments I have are instead the albums that I never got around to, or the albums that I spent only a little time with. Obviously, those five I listed are great albums, and there are many, many more great 2010 releases that I didn't get around to, as there are every year. Until now, I never realized how hard it was to actually make an album of the year list. Usually, at this time of the year, my friends and I just name a few albums that we liked. But to actually compile a concrete, ordered list is an entirely different beast. This was my first experience with such a process, this being my first year with Metal Reviews. The difficulty was compounded with the fact that I discovered more bands and more genres of music this year than I had in all of the previous years of my life. And if I had to pick one word to sum up this year for me, it would be this: Scandanavian. Yes, the epicenter for much of the world's best metal is the unifying theme in so much of what I have listened to this year. Norwegian black metal, Swedish death metal, Finnish folk metal; more music that shaped my musical year came from that region than from any other area. Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth, Celtic Frost, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Entombed, Kvelertak, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. These are all bands that I fell in love with this year, among numerous others from the forests and mountains that gave us vikings, skiing, and nifty sweaters. How appropriate, then, that I have placed four albums from the region in my top 15 list, and that my number one album of the year is the debut from the Norwegian band Kvelertak. Speaking of which, what a story Kvelertak are! In a year that such established Scandanavian acts as Enslaved, Burzum, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, and Finntroll released phenomanal albums, I find it incredible that I can honestly say that my favorite release of the year is at the moment utterly unknown in my country (the US). Their eponymous debut kicks more ass than I can describe with words, and I've only listened to it front to back once; that's how goddamn powerful it is. Unfortunately, 2010 will forever be a year remembered as much for the tragedies that shook the metal world as the album's that were released within it. We recently passed the one year anniversary of James "The Rev" Sullivan's death (drummer for Avenged Sevenfold), and Chi Cheng of Deftones remains in the coma he entered after his car accident in 2008. In 2010, some of the most notable losses suffered by the metal world were Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Paul Grey (Slipknot), and the great Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), among others. Each one shook the metal world to its core. I won't try to eulogize them or offer some deep introspection of the value of life or the legacies we leave behind; it has been done plenty of times this year, so there is nothing that I can really add at the moment. What I will say is this: if your're a metal fan, and you lost a hero this year (or ever in your life time, for that matter), you still feel it. You know you do. I haven't gone a single day without thinking about at least one of them. When I hear one of the many anecdotes that make Dio sound like the Coolest Cat on Earth, or watch videos from Slipknot's wild live shows, or listen to BLOODY FUCKING KISSES, I can't help but to feel a sense of loss for these people I have never met. And regardless of the reaction that many of this site's readers had to my review of Avenged Sevenfold's Nightmare, I'm not sure that anyone with a pulse can't be a little haunted by The Rev's goodbye on Fiction. I remember getting goosebumps when listening to that song for the first time. I remember discussing the song with a friend soon after I had heard the song and read the lyrics. I was honestly shaken by the forboding message in that song's lyrics; I believe my quote in the conversation had been "he fucking knew that he was going to die." I was moved, shocked, saddened, and horrified all at once. I popped Nightmare into my CD player for the first time in months last weekend, and I had an epiphany: that is a damn good album. I feel like I should be about to unveil my grand point, but I'm not sure that I have one. But I suppose their is a lesson to be learned from Avenged Sevenfold, like them or not. They lost someone very near and dear to them. Within a year, they had completed their loved one's final work, his masterpiece, and given it to the world. The album went number one in places, but the band is still reeling. Read any recent review by them, and that is apparent. They truly don't know where to go next; hell, they kicked out Mike Portnoy. So allow me to blow this up a bit and expand. It's 2011 now, and many of us aren't really sure what is next. Maybe 2010 was a great year for you, maybe it was a terrible one, and maybe it was somewhere in between. And yet we must solider on, leaving some of the ones we love behind, whether they are musical heroes that have passed, or in my case, family members that I will soon leave behind for college. But Enslaved had a lyric this year that I have adapted as something of a life philosophy since reading it. It comes from the song Ethica Odini off of the album Axioma Ethica Odini, and this it is: "Honor Life. When Life has ceased, welcome the dawn." Now, I'd like to list some of my own highlights from this year: Song of the year: Don't Look Back- Kylesa Honorable Mentions: Fiction- Avenged Sevenfold Blodtorst- Kvelertak Ride Into Obsession- Blind Guardian Coming Home- Iron Maiden Raven King- Killing Joke The Power is Mine- Shrapnel Crucify Me- Bring Me the Horizon Final Exit- Fear Factory Solsagan- Finntroll Farewell, Mona Lisa- The Dillinger Escape Plan Ethica Odini- Enslaved Rocket Skates- Deftones Dimmu Borgir- Dimmu Borgir Gateways- Dimmu Borgir We Are the Undead- Cancer Bats Cover of the year: Sabotage (Beastie Boys)- Cancer Bats Honorable Mention: The Crystal Ship (The Doors)- Emptiness Unobstructed Best New Band: Kvelertak Biggest Breakthrough/Band to watch: Cancer Bats Comeback of the year: Deftones Vocal Performance of the year: Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) on Ride Into Obsession (At the Edge of Time) Shredder Award: Matt Pike (High On Fire) on the album Snakes for the Divine Douches of the Year: Bullet for My Valentine Best album art: Kvelertak-Kvelertak Albums to watch out for in 2011: Down, Trivium, Metallica, Opeth, Machine Head, Amon Amarth, Devildriver, Soundgarden (?), Van Halen (?), Manowar, ect. Band that needs to get back together and do a show in Cleveland, Ohio- Emperor Tour that I am most pissed about because they passed up Cleveland- Alice in Chains, Deftones, Mastodon Best Metal DVD release- Until the Light Takes Us Best Show that I went to: IRON MAIDEN!!! Party song of the year: Mjod-Kvelertak Honorable Mention: Party Wounds- Rolo Tomassi Worst song of the Year: Fever- Bullet for My Valentine

Jaime

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s) — Unrelelenting, heavy, viscious. Everything black metal should be by a band that aren't exactly in that genre. I will never tire of praising this band.
  2. 1.
    Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s) — Unrelelenting, heavy, viscious. Everything black metal should be by a band that aren't exactly in that genre. I will never tire of praising this band.
  3. 1.
    Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s) — Unrelelenting, heavy, viscious. Everything black metal should be by a band that aren't exactly in that genre. I will never tire of praising this band.
  4. 1.
    Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s) — Unrelelenting, heavy, viscious. Everything black metal should be by a band that aren't exactly in that genre. I will never tire of praising this band.
  5. 2.
    Mar de Grises - Streams Inwards — Absolutely stunning album that a huge number of bands should take hints from.
  6. 2.
    Mar de Grises - Streams Inwards — Absolutely stunning album that a huge number of bands should take hints from.
  7. 2.
    Mar de Grises - Streams Inwards — Absolutely stunning album that a huge number of bands should take hints from.
  8. 2.
    Mar de Grises - Streams Inwards — Absolutely stunning album that a huge number of bands should take hints from.
  9. 3.
    Ihsahn - After — His last two solo albums were just "alright" for me. This one though just hit the nail on the head straight away.
  10. 3.
    Ihsahn - After — His last two solo albums were just "alright" for me. This one though just hit the nail on the head straight away.
  11. 3.
    Ihsahn - After — His last two solo albums were just "alright" for me. This one though just hit the nail on the head straight away.
  12. 3.
    Ihsahn - After — His last two solo albums were just "alright" for me. This one though just hit the nail on the head straight away.
  13. 4.
    11 As In Adversaries - The Full Intrepid Experience of Light — It was a good year for French bands without question. Another left-field and hard to define album but works in so many ways.
  14. 4.
    11 As In Adversaries - The Full Intrepid Experience of Light — It was a good year for French bands without question. Another left-field and hard to define album but works in so many ways.
  15. 4.
    11 As In Adversaries - The Full Intrepid Experience of Light — It was a good year for French bands without question. Another left-field and hard to define album but works in so many ways.
  16. 4.
    11 As In Adversaries - The Full Intrepid Experience of Light — It was a good year for French bands without question. Another left-field and hard to define album but works in so many ways.
  17. 5.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It's just mindboggling. A tough listen for the unprepared but once you get into it it'll stay stuck in your head. Blackjazz Deathtrance is just fantastic.
  18. 5.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It's just mindboggling. A tough listen for the unprepared but once you get into it it'll stay stuck in your head. Blackjazz Deathtrance is just fantastic.
  19. 5.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It's just mindboggling. A tough listen for the unprepared but once you get into it it'll stay stuck in your head. Blackjazz Deathtrance is just fantastic.
  20. 5.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — It's just mindboggling. A tough listen for the unprepared but once you get into it it'll stay stuck in your head. Blackjazz Deathtrance is just fantastic.
  21. 6.
    Les Discrets - Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées — Another French band. I put this higher than Alcest due to the fact that it struck a chord with me a lot quicker than Alcest did. It's easier to get into but has the same sort of listening experience.
  22. 6.
    Les Discrets - Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées — Another French band. I put this higher than Alcest due to the fact that it struck a chord with me a lot quicker than Alcest did. It's easier to get into but has the same sort of listening experience.
  23. 6.
    Les Discrets - Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées — Another French band. I put this higher than Alcest due to the fact that it struck a chord with me a lot quicker than Alcest did. It's easier to get into but has the same sort of listening experience.
  24. 6.
    Les Discrets - Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées — Another French band. I put this higher than Alcest due to the fact that it struck a chord with me a lot quicker than Alcest did. It's easier to get into but has the same sort of listening experience.
  25. 7.
    The Ocean - Anthropocentric — As far as concept albums go then this is a doozy. Epic in all the right ways and overshadows the band's other album of the year completely.
  26. 7.
    The Ocean - Anthropocentric — As far as concept albums go then this is a doozy. Epic in all the right ways and overshadows the band's other album of the year completely.
  27. 7.
    The Ocean - Anthropocentric — As far as concept albums go then this is a doozy. Epic in all the right ways and overshadows the band's other album of the year completely.
  28. 7.
    The Ocean - Anthropocentric — As far as concept albums go then this is a doozy. Epic in all the right ways and overshadows the band's other album of the year completely.
  29. 8.
    Cloudkicker - Beacons — Talking of epic concept albums, Cloudkicker hit the mark as well. The man knows no bounds and just gets better and better with each release.
  30. 8.
    Cloudkicker - Beacons — Talking of epic concept albums, Cloudkicker hit the mark as well. The man knows no bounds and just gets better and better with each release.
  31. 8.
    Cloudkicker - Beacons — Talking of epic concept albums, Cloudkicker hit the mark as well. The man knows no bounds and just gets better and better with each release.
  32. 8.
    Cloudkicker - Beacons — Talking of epic concept albums, Cloudkicker hit the mark as well. The man knows no bounds and just gets better and better with each release.
  33. 9.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Kinda commented about this when talking about Les Discrets as all the same things apply. An excellent album
  34. 9.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Kinda commented about this when talking about Les Discrets as all the same things apply. An excellent album
  35. 9.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Kinda commented about this when talking about Les Discrets as all the same things apply. An excellent album
  36. 9.
    Alcest - Écailles De Lune — Kinda commented about this when talking about Les Discrets as all the same things apply. An excellent album
  37. 10.
    Tesseract - Concealing Fate — It took them bloody long enough to bring something out! But it was well worth the wait, and their full length will definitely be on this list next year.
  38. 10.
    Tesseract - Concealing Fate EP — It took them bloody long enough to bring something out! But it was well worth the wait, and their full length will definitely be on this list next year.
  39. 10.
    Tesseract - Concealing Fate EP — It took them bloody long enough to bring something out! But it was well worth the wait, and their full length will definitely be on this list next year.
  40. 10.
    Tesseract - Concealing Fate EP — It took them bloody long enough to bring something out! But it was well worth the wait, and their full length will definitely be on this list next year.
  41. 11.
    Canopy - Menhir — Proving that Sweden can still innovate when it comes to death metal. These just so many things right with this album and hopefully the masses (and labels) will pick up on it soon.
  42. 11.
    Canopy - Menhir — Proving that Sweden can still innovate when it comes to death metal. These just so many things right with this album and hopefully the masses (and labels) will pick up on it soon.
  43. 11.
    Canopy - Menhir — Proving that Sweden can still innovate when it comes to death metal. These just so many things right with this album and hopefully the masses (and labels) will pick up on it soon.
  44. 11.
    Canopy - Menhir — Proving that Sweden can still innovate when it comes to death metal. These just so many things right with this album and hopefully the masses (and labels) will pick up on it soon.
  45. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — While not as good as their previous albums Enslaved still manage to deliver the goods as always.
  46. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — While not as good as their previous albums Enslaved still manage to deliver the goods as always.
  47. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — While not as good as their previous albums Enslaved still manage to deliver the goods as always.
  48. 12.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — While not as good as their previous albums Enslaved still manage to deliver the goods as always.
  49. 13.
    Mantric - The Descent — Formed from the ashes of Extol, they pick up most, if not all of the bands good parts and lots more. Deep and intricate at points, heavy at others, soaring everywhere else.
  50. 13.
    Mantric - The Descent — Formed from the ashes of Extol, they pick up most, if not all of the bands good parts and lots more. Deep and intricate at points, heavy at others, soaring everywhere else.
  51. 13.
    Mantric - The Descent — Formed from the ashes of Extol, they pick up most, if not all of the bands good parts and lots more. Deep and intricate at points, heavy at others, soaring everywhere else.
  52. 13.
    Mantric - The Descent — Formed from the ashes of Extol, they pick up most, if not all of the bands good parts and lots more. Deep and intricate at points, heavy at others, soaring everywhere else.
  53. 14.
    Mose Giganticus - Gift Horse — It's just a fun, short album that's filled to the brim with energy that you can either casually nod your head to or just go nuts with.
  54. 14.
    Mose Giganticus - Gift Horse — It's just a fun, short album that's filled to the brim with energy that you can either casually nod your head to or just go nuts with.
  55. 14.
    Mose Giganticus - Gift Horse — It's just a fun, short album that's filled to the brim with energy that you can either casually nod your head to or just go nuts with.
  56. 14.
    Mose Giganticus - Gift Horse — It's just a fun, short album that's filled to the brim with energy that you can either casually nod your head to or just go nuts with.
  57. 15.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Proving that good black metal doesn't just come from the mainland of the continent.
  58. 15.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Proving that good black metal doesn't just come from the mainland of the continent.
  59. 15.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Proving that good black metal doesn't just come from the mainland of the continent.
  60. 15.
    Winterfylleth - The Mercian Sphere — Proving that good black metal doesn't just come from the mainland of the continent.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Vit - - — This came straight out of nowhere. An USBM album that screams atmosphere and fulfils that black metal vibe that a huge number of those bands seem to miss when I'm listening to them.
  2. 1.
    Vit - - — This came straight out of nowhere. An USBM album that screams atmosphere and fulfils that black metal vibe that a huge number of those bands seem to miss when I'm listening to them.
  3. 1.
    Vit - - — This came straight out of nowhere. An USBM album that screams atmosphere and fulfils that black metal vibe that a huge number of those bands seem to miss when I'm listening to them.
  4. 1.
    Vit - - — This came straight out of nowhere. An USBM album that screams atmosphere and fulfils that black metal vibe that a huge number of those bands seem to miss when I'm listening to them.
  5. 2.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — Got to be honest, this was my first Drudkh album and I was pleasantly surprised with it. The vocals didn't exactly fit the music, but the latter was undoubtedly the star here.
  6. 2.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — Got to be honest, this was my first Drudkh album and I was pleasantly surprised with it. The vocals didn't exactly fit the music, but the latter was undoubtedly the star here.
  7. 2.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — Got to be honest, this was my first Drudkh album and I was pleasantly surprised with it. The vocals didn't exactly fit the music, but the latter was undoubtedly the star here.
  8. 2.
    Drudkh - Handful Of Stars — Got to be honest, this was my first Drudkh album and I was pleasantly surprised with it. The vocals didn't exactly fit the music, but the latter was undoubtedly the star here.
  9. 3.
    Salome - Terminal — Ball crushingly heavy and utterly menacing to boot.
  10. 3.
    Salome - Terminal — Ball crushingly heavy and utterly menacing to boot.
  11. 3.
    Salome - Terminal — Ball crushingly heavy and utterly menacing to boot.
  12. 3.
    Salome - Terminal — Ball crushingly heavy and utterly menacing to boot.
  13. 4.
    Howl - Full of Hell — This band play the whole "stoner doom" (what a horrible phrase...) like monsterous veterans of the genre on their first album. The follow up will hopefully continue on from here.
  14. 4.
    Howl - Full of Hell — This band play the whole "stoner doom" (what a horrible phrase...) like monsterous veterans of the genre on their first album. The follow up will hopefully continue on from here.
  15. 4.
    Howl - Full of Hell — This band play the whole "stoner doom" (what a horrible phrase...) like monsterous veterans of the genre on their first album. The follow up will hopefully continue on from here.
  16. 4.
    Howl - Full of Hell — This band play the whole "stoner doom" (what a horrible phrase...) like monsterous veterans of the genre on their first album. The follow up will hopefully continue on from here.
  17. 5.
    Fejd - Eifur — Because, quite frankly, it's a ballsy move to put out something like this. It's metal that's not metal, go figure.
  18. 5.
    Fejd - Eifur — Because, quite frankly, it's a ballsy move to put out something like this. It's metal that's not metal, go figure.
  19. 5.
    Fejd - Eifur — Because, quite frankly, it's a ballsy move to put out something like this. It's metal that's not metal, go figure.
  20. 5.
    Fejd - Eifur — Because, quite frankly, it's a ballsy move to put out something like this. It's metal that's not metal, go figure.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Agalloch - Marrow of The Spirit — The moment an Agalloch album fails to hook me within the first minute it the moment that something isn't right. It may just need more time to settle in, but for now this is a pretty painful let down from a band that I expect so much from.
  2. 1.
    Agalloch - Marrow of The Spirit — The moment an Agalloch album fails to hook me within the first minute it the moment that something isn't right. It may just need more time to settle in, but for now this is a pretty painful let down from a band that I expect so much from.
  3. 1.
    Agalloch - Marrow of The Spirit — The moment an Agalloch album fails to hook me within the first minute it the moment that something isn't right. It may just need more time to settle in, but for now this is a pretty painful let down from a band that I expect so much from.
  4. 1.
    Agalloch - Marrow of The Spirit — The moment an Agalloch album fails to hook me within the first minute it the moment that something isn't right. It may just need more time to settle in, but for now this is a pretty painful let down from a band that I expect so much from.
  5. 2.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Compared to Ocean Land it's just lacking and didn't sink in at all.
  6. 2.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Compared to Ocean Land it's just lacking and didn't sink in at all.
  7. 2.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Compared to Ocean Land it's just lacking and didn't sink in at all.
  8. 2.
    Orphaned Land - The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR — Compared to Ocean Land it's just lacking and didn't sink in at all.
  9. 3.
    Ludicra - The Tenant — I really don't get all the praise this band are getting. Nothing here really seems all that special compared to other bands out there in the genre.
  10. 3.
    Ludicra - The Tenant — I really don't get all the praise this band are getting. Nothing here really seems all that special compared to other bands out there in the genre.
  11. 3.
    Ludicra - The Tenant — I really don't get all the praise this band are getting. Nothing here really seems all that special compared to other bands out there in the genre.
  12. 3.
    Ludicra - The Tenant — I really don't get all the praise this band are getting. Nothing here really seems all that special compared to other bands out there in the genre.
  13. 4.
    Slough Feg - The Animal Spirits — As with Agalloch, I expected something from this band and they just didn't deliver it. A real shame too as it's not a bad album.
  14. 4.
    Slough Feg - The Animal Spirits — As with Agalloch, I expected something from this band and they just didn't deliver it. A real shame too as it's not a bad album.
  15. 4.
    Slough Feg - The Animal Spirits — As with Agalloch, I expected something from this band and they just didn't deliver it. A real shame too as it's not a bad album.
  16. 4.
    Slough Feg - The Animal Spirits — As with Agalloch, I expected something from this band and they just didn't deliver it. A real shame too as it's not a bad album.
  17. 5.
    Periphery - Periphery — When you listen to the instrumental tracks that were created under Misha Mansoor's Bulb banner you think they're fantastic. It's amazing how much damage the vocals have done to mute that feeling of awe. Again, not a bad album but given a choice between this and the instrumental versions then it's an easy pick.
  18. 5.
    Periphery - Periphery — When you listen to the instrumental tracks that were created under Misha Mansoor's Bulb banner you think they're fantastic. It's amazing how much damage the vocals have done to mute that feeling of awe. Again, not a bad album but given a choice between this and the instrumental versions then it's an easy pick.
  19. 5.
    Periphery - Periphery — When you listen to the instrumental tracks that were created under Misha Mansoor's Bulb banner you think they're fantastic. It's amazing how much damage the vocals have done to mute that feeling of awe. Again, not a bad album but given a choice between this and the instrumental versions then it's an easy pick.
  20. 5.
    Periphery - Periphery — When you listen to the instrumental tracks that were created under Misha Mansoor's Bulb banner you think they're fantastic. It's amazing how much damage the vocals have done to mute that feeling of awe. Again, not a bad album but given a choice between this and the instrumental versions then it's an easy pick.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — Just no. Not funny in the slightest. Not good in any real way.
  2. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — Just no. Not funny in the slightest. Not good in any real way.
  3. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — Just no. Not funny in the slightest. Not good in any real way.
  4. 1.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — Just no. Not funny in the slightest. Not good in any real way.
  5. 2.
    WIVE - PVLL — Yea... it suffers from the one thing that no music should be labeled with. It's fucking boring. And that violin, Jesus H. Christ in a wheelbarrow race.
  6. 2.
    WIVE - PVLL — Yea... it suffers from the one thing that no music should be labeled with. It's fucking boring. And that violin, Jesus H. Christ in a wheelbarrow race.
  7. 2.
    WIVE - PVLL — Yea... it suffers from the one thing that no music should be labeled with. It's fucking boring. And that violin, Jesus H. Christ in a wheelbarrow race.
  8. 2.
    WIVE - PVLL — Yea... it suffers from the one thing that no music should be labeled with. It's fucking boring. And that violin, Jesus H. Christ in a wheelbarrow race.
  9. 3.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Sadly Therion have stuck to the same route they chose on that... thing Gothic Kabbalah. Seems like there's now way back now.
  10. 3.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Sadly Therion have stuck to the same route they chose on that... thing Gothic Kabbalah. Seems like there's now way back now.
  11. 3.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Sadly Therion have stuck to the same route they chose on that... thing Gothic Kabbalah. Seems like there's now way back now.
  12. 3.
    Therion - Sitra Ahra — Sadly Therion have stuck to the same route they chose on that... thing Gothic Kabbalah. Seems like there's now way back now.
  13. 4.
    Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2 — To put it bluntly, I've taken shits that have more depth than this band and were far more evil to boot. Don't bother with the "oh they're trying something different so it must be your fault for not getting it" lines. This is The Emperor's New Clothes in musical form.
  14. 4.
    Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2 — To put it bluntly, I've taken shits that have more depth than this band and were far more evil to boot. Don't bother with the "oh they're trying something different so it must be your fault for not getting it" lines. This is The Emperor's New Clothes in musical form.
  15. 4.
    Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2 — To put it bluntly, I've taken shits that have more depth than this band and were far more evil to boot. Don't bother with the "oh they're trying something different so it must be your fault for not getting it" lines. This is The Emperor's New Clothes in musical form.
  16. 4.
    Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2 — To put it bluntly, I've taken shits that have more depth than this band and were far more evil to boot. Don't bother with the "oh they're trying something different so it must be your fault for not getting it" lines. This is The Emperor's New Clothes in musical form.
  17. 5.
    Hellyeah - Stampede — ...Really?
  18. 5.
    Hellyeah - Stampede — ...Really?
  19. 5.
    Hellyeah - Stampede — ...Really?
  20. 5.
    Symphorce - Unrestricted — Just bad. I'm glad that this isn't going to be the future for power metal, but the sad fact that people still put out albums like this under that banner will keep dragging the genre down.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Sadly there were a few albums I had to leave of the list such as Kylesa, Triptykon, Star One, Chimp Spanner, Powerglove and Anathema. I honestly didn't expect the list to be so difficult to pick but the last five were a struggle. A noticable poor showing from power metal this year but hopefully Stratovarius's new album will remedy that next year. A good year for French bands as well it seems and, finally, some decent British (or English, if you're really picky) bands breaking through in the form of Tesseract and Winterfylleth. Naturally, one can't go without mentioning the number of deaths that have rocked the scene this year. It has been a bad year to lose the likes of Dio and Pete Steele, even Paul Gray. Regardless of how you view Slipknot, for a large number of people they served as a gateway into our choice of music and such a thing cannot be overlooked. Hopefully the next year will be better in that regard if nothing else. A thanks is in order towards my writing colleagues for allowing me to join the team and all that in entails. I don't really have much else to say, I kind of suck at these sort of things. So aye, to 2011!
  2. 0
    — Sadly there were a few albums I had to leave of the list such as Kylesa, Triptykon, Star One, Chimp Spanner, Powerglove and Anathema. I honestly didn't expect the list to be so difficult to pick but the last five were a struggle. A noticable poor showing from power metal this year but hopefully Stratovarius's new album will remedy that next year. A good year for French bands as well it seems and, finally, some decent British (or English, if you're really picky) bands breaking through in the form of Tesseract and Winterfylleth. Naturally, one can't go without mentioning the number of deaths that have rocked the scene this year. It has been a bad year to lose the likes of Dio and Pete Steele, even Paul Gray. Regardless of how you view Slipknot, for a large number of people they served as a gateway into our choice of music and such a thing cannot be overlooked. Hopefully the next year will be better in that regard if nothing else. A thanks is in order towards my writing colleagues for allowing me to join the team and all that in entails. I don't really have much else to say, I kind of suck at these sort of things. So aye, to 2011!
  3. 0
    — Sadly there were a few albums I had to leave of the list such as Kylesa, Triptykon, Star One, Chimp Spanner, Powerglove, Anathema even a proclaimed album of the year in Haken. I honestly didn't expect the list to be so difficult to pick but the last five were a struggle. A noticeable poor showing from power metal this year but hopefully Stratovarius's new album will remedy that next year. A good year for French bands as well it seems and, finally, some decent British (or English, if you're really picky) bands breaking through in the form of Tesseract and Winterfylleth. Naturally, one can't go without mentioning the number of deaths that have rocked the scene this year. It has been a bad year to lose the likes of Dio and Pete Steele, even Paul Gray. Regardless of how you view Slipknot, for a large number of people they served as a gateway into our choice of music and such a thing cannot be overlooked. Hopefully the next year will be better in that regard if nothing else. A thanks is in order towards my writing colleagues for allowing me to join the team and all that in entails. I don't really have much else to say, I kind of suck at these sort of things. So aye, to 2011!
  4. 0
    — Sadly there were a few albums I had to leave of the list such as Kylesa, Triptykon, Star One, Chimp Spanner, Powerglove, Anathema even a proclaimed album of the year in Haken. I honestly didn't expect the list to be so difficult to pick but the last five were a struggle. A noticeable poor showing from power metal this year but hopefully Stratovarius's new album will remedy that next year. A good year for French bands as well it seems and, finally, some decent British (or English, if you're really picky) bands breaking through in the form of Tesseract and Winterfylleth. Naturally, one can't go without mentioning the number of deaths that have rocked the scene this year. It has been a bad year to lose the likes of Dio and Pete Steele, even Paul Gray. Regardless of how you view Slipknot, for a large number of people they served as a gateway into our choice of music and such a thing cannot be overlooked. Hopefully the next year will be better in that regard if nothing else. A thanks is in order towards my writing colleagues for allowing me to join the team and all that in entails. I don't really have much else to say, I kind of suck at these sort of things. So aye, to 2011!

Crash

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Sigh - Scenes From Hell — Sigh is one of my absolute favorite bands. After Hangman's Hymn I didn't think there was much else that they could do with this style but they proved me wrong once again. Scenes From Hell is a gloriously bombastic album that never fails to get me going. Songs like Vanitas and The Soul Grave are among their best work. Cheers.
  2. 1.
    Sigh - Scenes From Hell — Sigh is one of my absolute favorite bands. After Hangman's Hymn I didn't think there was much else that they could do with this style but they proved me wrong once again. Scenes From Hell is a gloriously bombastic album that never fails to get me going. Songs like Vanitas and The Soul Grave are among their best work. Cheers.
  3. 1.
    Sigh - Scenes From Hell — Sigh is one of my absolute favorite bands. After Hangman's Hymn I didn't think there was much else that they could do with this style but they proved me wrong once again. Scenes From Hell is a gloriously bombastic album that never fails to get me going. Songs like Vanitas and The Soul Grave are among their best work. Cheers.
  4. 1.
    Sigh - Scenes From Hell — Sigh is one of my absolute favorite bands. After Hangman's Hymn I didn't think there was much else that they could do with this style but they proved me wrong once again. Scenes From Hell is a gloriously bombastic album that never fails to get me going. Songs like Vanitas and The Soul Grave are among their best work. Cheers.
  5. 2.
    Little Women - Throat — "This is what you should listen to if you want your brain scooped out of your skull and handed to you." - Anthony Fantano. This album is just pure unfiltered chaos. Somehow this musical word vomit somehow turns into music. It isn't something to like as much as something to experience.
  6. 2.
    Little Women - Throat — "This is what you should listen to if you want your brain scooped out of your skull and handed to you." - Anthony Fantano. This album is just pure unfiltered chaos. Somehow this musical word vomit somehow turns into music. It isn't something to like as much as something to experience.
  7. 2.
    Little Women - Throat — "This is what you should listen to if you want your brain scooped out of your skull and handed to you." - Anthony Fantano. This album is just pure unfiltered chaos. Somehow this musical word vomit somehow turns into music. It isn't something to like as much as something to experience.
  8. 2.
    Little Women - Throat — "This is what you should listen to if you want your brain scooped out of your skull and handed to you." - Anthony Fantano. This album is just pure unfiltered chaos. Somehow this musical word vomit somehow turns into music. It isn't something to like as much as something to experience.
  9. 3.
    Foxy Shazam - Foxy Shazam — Foxy Shazam make some of the most unapologetically fun music around. This is joy in music form.
  10. 3.
    Foxy Shazam - Foxy Shazam — Foxy Shazam make some of the most unapologetically fun music around. This is joy in music form.
  11. 3.
    Foxy Shazam - Foxy Shazam — Foxy Shazam make some of the most unapologetically fun music around. This is joy in music form.
  12. 3.
    Foxy Shazam - Foxy Shazam — Foxy Shazam make some of the most unapologetically fun music around. This is joy in music form.
  13. 4.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — Ghost is fucking awesome. This band is about as old school metal as it gets. Listen to this if you'd rather listen to Blue Oyster Cult than anything else.
  14. 4.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — Ghost is fucking awesome. This band is about as old school metal as it gets. Listen to this if you'd rather listen to Blue Oyster Cult than anything else.
  15. 4.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — Ghost is fucking awesome. This band is about as old school metal as it gets. Listen to this if you'd rather listen to Blue Oyster Cult than anything else.
  16. 4.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — Ghost is fucking awesome. This band is about as old school metal as it gets. Listen to this if you'd rather listen to Blue Oyster Cult than anything else.
  17. 5.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — A progressive black metal concept album about 2001: A Space Odyssey. Need I say more?
  18. 5.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — A progressive black metal concept album about 2001: A Space Odyssey. Need I say more?
  19. 5.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — A progressive black metal concept album about 2001: A Space Odyssey. Need I say more?
  20. 5.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — A progressive black metal concept album about 2001: A Space Odyssey. Need I say more?
  21. 6.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — This album is not Sagas. It actually is just Sagas Jr. But there are a good five songs on this album that are great and would fit right in on Sagas so I'll take it.
  22. 6.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — This album is not Sagas. It actually is just Sagas Jr. But there are a good five songs on this album that are great and would fit right in on Sagas so I'll take it.
  23. 6.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — This album is not Sagas. It actually is just Sagas Jr. This is not a great album, but it is a great collection of songs. And despite the fact that the album has no flow and no connection, the individidual songs by themselves are great.
  24. 6.
    Equilibrium - Rekreatur — This album is not Sagas. It actually is just Sagas Jr. This is not a great album, but it is a great collection of songs. And despite the fact that the album has no flow and no connection, the individidual songs by themselves are great.
  25. 7.
    Atheist - Jupiter — The only good technical death metal I heard this year. Atheist have a character about them that is impossible to replicate.
  26. 7.
    Atheist - Jupiter — The only good technical death metal I heard this year. Atheist have a character about them that is impossible to replicate.
  27. 7.
    Atheist - Jupiter — The only good technical death metal I heard this year. Atheist have a character about them that is impossible to replicate.
  28. 7.
    Atheist - Jupiter — The only good technical death metal I heard this year. Atheist have a character about them that is impossible to replicate.
  29. 8.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Somewhere, Abigail Williams decided to stop sucking and write good black metal. I admit that my first review of 93 was way too high. I'd give it an 85 now. Those extra points are the initial shock that this band could ever release something that I would actually like. Coolio.
  30. 8.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Somewhere, Abigail Williams decided to stop sucking and write good black metal. I admit that my first review of 93 was way too high. I'd give it an 85 now. Those extra points are the initial shock that this band could ever release something that I would actually like. Coolio.
  31. 8.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Somewhere, Abigail Williams decided to stop sucking and write good black metal. I admit that my first review of 93 was way too high. I'd give it an 85 now. Those extra points are the initial shock that this band could ever release something that I would actually like. Coolio.
  32. 8.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Somewhere, Abigail Williams decided to stop sucking and write good black metal. I admit that my first review of 93 was way too high. I'd give it an 85 now. Those extra points are the initial shock that this band could ever release something that I would actually like. Coolio.
  33. 9.
    Subhuman - Profondo Rozzo — Best thrash album of the year. Raw, dirty, and ugly. Subhuman are quick and to the point which is all that I ever ask of thrash.
  34. 9.
    Subhuman - Profondo Rozzo — Best thrash album of the year. Raw, dirty, and ugly. Subhuman are quick and to the point which is all that I ever ask of thrash.
  35. 9.
    Subhuman - Profondo Rozzo — Best thrash album of the year. Raw, dirty, and ugly. Subhuman are quick and to the point which is all that I ever ask of thrash.
  36. 9.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — Holy crap. This album is King Crimson writing the soundtrack to the matrix. I love it. Move this up to number 6, cuz I'm too lazy to do it.
  37. 10.
    Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse — There is a cover of Winnie the Pooh on this album.
  38. 10.
    Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse — There is a cover of Winnie the Pooh on this album.
  39. 10.
    Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse — There is a cover of Winnie the Pooh on this album.
  40. 10.
    Powerglove - Saturday Morning Apocalypse — There is a cover of Winnie the Pooh on this album.
  41. 11.
    Fear Factory - Mechanize — With Dino back and Hoglan at the kit, this is easily the best Fear Factory album since Obsolete. In fact, it's the only album since Obsolete worth listening to.
  42. 11.
    Fear Factory - Mechanize — With Dino back and Hoglan at the kit, this is easily the best Fear Factory album since Obsolete. In fact, it's the only album since Obsolete worth listening to.
  43. 11.
    Fear Factory - Mechanize — With Dino back and Hoglan at the kit, this is easily the best Fear Factory album since Obsolete. In fact, it's the only album since Obsolete worth listening to.
  44. 11.
    Fear Factory - Mechanize — With Dino back and Hoglan at the kit, this is easily the best Fear Factory album since Obsolete. In fact, it's the only album since Obsolete worth listening to.
  45. 12.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — Watain do one thing very well: Write catchy and accessible black metal. I never need more than a few songs at a time, but Watain never fails to satisfy.
  46. 12.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — Watain do one thing very well: Write catchy and accessible black metal. I never need more than a few songs at a time, but Watain never fails to satisfy.
  47. 12.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — Watain do one thing very well: Write catchy and accessible black metal. I never need more than a few songs at a time, but Watain never fails to satisfy.
  48. 12.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — Watain do one thing very well: Write catchy and accessible black metal. I never need more than a few songs at a time, but Watain never fails to satisfy.
  49. 13.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — If I had more time with this album it would easily have a higher rank, but truth be told it is not an easy album to figure out. It will take me many months before I'm comfortable giving it a final verdict, but there was no way that I could not include it on this list.
  50. 13.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — If I had more time with this album it would easily have a higher rank, but truth be told it is not an easy album to figure out. It will take me many months before I'm comfortable giving it a final verdict, but there was no way that I could not include it on this list.
  51. 13.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — I think that Deathspell really "understand" black metal. Like Mayhem's Ordo Ad Chao the album sounds like very little I have heard before, but it makes so much sense when put into the black metal frame of mind. There are bits that are a bit too drawn out and a little more variation would be nice, but when this album reaches the peaks it does, there are very few better musical moments this year.
  52. 13.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — I think that Deathspell really "understand" black metal. Like Mayhem's Ordo Ad Chao the album sounds like very little I have heard before, but it makes so much sense when put into the black metal frame of mind. There are bits that are a bit too drawn out and a little more variation would be nice, but when this album reaches the peaks it does, there are very few better musical moments this year.
  53. 14.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Definitely my least favorite of Guardian's albums. But still, this album has plenty of worthy material.
  54. 14.
    Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts — I've only heard this one a few times and you know what, it is not the most memorable album of the year by a longshot. I probably won't listen to it too often, but it is instantly gratifying and it's a nice change to hear James Labrie matched by some growling.
  55. 14.
    Mike Patton - Mondo Cane — Mike Patton can do no wrong. There, I said it. Actually to be fair, Patton can at least never be blamed for not doing exactly what he wants to do, for better or worse. In this case, he has made an extremely light and enjoyable album. The album gives him a chance to just sing. Something he has never done before. I don't love everything Patton releases, but I can never say I am less than surprised at his choices. Some songs like "Deep Down" get the repeat button quite a bit with me.
  56. 14.
    Mike Patton - Mondo Cane — Mike Patton can do no wrong. There, I said it. Actually to be fair, Patton can at least never be blamed for not doing exactly what he wants to do, for better or worse. In this case, he has made an extremely light and enjoyable album. The album gives him a chance to just sing. Something he has never done before. I don't love everything Patton releases, but I can never say I am less than surprised at his choices. Some songs like "Deep Down" get the repeat button quite a bit with me.
  57. 15.
    Nails - Unsilent Death — It's fourteen minutes long. I wish more grind bands would see what a good idea this is. Heavy, unrelenting, and brief. This is grindcore done great.
  58. 15.
    Nails - Unsilent Death — It's fourteen minutes long. I wish more grind bands would see what a good idea this is. Heavy, unrelenting, and brief. This is grindcore done great.
  59. 15.
    Nails - Unsilent Death — It's fourteen minutes long. I wish more grind bands would see what a good idea this is. Heavy, unrelenting, and brief. This is grindcore done great.
  60. 15.
    Nails - Unsilent Death — It's fourteen minutes long. I wish more grind bands would see what a good idea this is. Heavy, unrelenting, and brief. This is grindcore done great.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Little Women - Throat — Thank god that I got a recommendation about this. Completely took me by surprise.
  2. 1.
    Little Women - Throat — Thank god that I got a recommendation about this. Completely took me by surprise.
  3. 1.
    Little Women - Throat — Thank god that I got a recommendation about this. Completely took me by surprise.
  4. 1.
    Little Women - Throat — Thank god that I got a recommendation about this. Completely took me by surprise.
  5. 2.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — I only heard about this band a week ago, but their album is truly splendid.
  6. 2.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — I only heard about this band a week ago, but their album is truly splendid.
  7. 2.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — I only heard about this band a week ago, but their album is truly splendid.
  8. 2.
    Ghost - Opus Eponymous — I only heard about this band a week ago, but their album is truly splendid.
  9. 3.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — Another new band for me, this album completely took me by surprise.
  10. 3.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — Another new band for me, this album completely took me by surprise.
  11. 3.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — Another new band for me, this album completely took me by surprise.
  12. 3.
    Martriden - Encounter the Monolith — Another new band for me, this album completely took me by surprise.
  13. 4.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Like I said, I never thought I'd ever like anything by this band.
  14. 4.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Like I said, I never thought I'd ever like anything by this band.
  15. 4.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Like I said, I never thought I'd ever like anything by this band.
  16. 4.
    Abigail Williams - In the Absence of Light — Like I said, I never thought I'd ever like anything by this band.
  17. 5.
    Hemina - As We Know It — Quality prog. Let's hope the album uses their potential.
  18. 5.
    Hemina - As We Know It — Quality prog. Let's hope the album uses their potential.
  19. 5.
    Hemina - As We Know It — Quality prog. Let's hope the album uses their potential.
  20. 5.
    Hemina - As We Know It — Quality prog. Let's hope the album uses their potential.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Arcade Fire - The Suburbs — So, being that this band is hailed as the next Beatles I had to take a listen. It definitely isn't bad, but I can't fathom why this band gets the rep they do when there are plenty of indie bands writing catchier and more interesting music without the pretentious overtones. The Black Keys, Sigur Ros, Of Montreal etc. are all way more worthy of your time.
  2. 1.
    Arcade Fire - The Suburbs — So, being that this band is hailed as the next Beatles I had to take a listen. It definitely isn't bad, but I can't fathom why this band gets the rep they do when there are plenty of indie bands writing catchier and more interesting music without the pretentious overtones. The Black Keys, Sigur Ros, Of Montreal etc. are all way more worthy of your time.
  3. 1.
    Arcade Fire - The Suburbs — So, being that this band is hailed as the next Beatles I had to take a listen. It definitely isn't bad, but I can't fathom why this band gets the rep they do when there are plenty of indie bands writing catchier and more interesting music without the pretentious overtones. The Black Keys, Sigur Ros, Of Montreal etc. are all way more worthy of your time.
  4. 1.
    Arcade Fire - The Suburbs — So, being that this band is hailed as the next Beatles I had to take a listen. It definitely isn't bad, but I can't fathom why this band gets the rep they do when there are plenty of indie bands writing catchier and more interesting music without the pretentious overtones. The Black Keys, Sigur Ros, Of Montreal etc. are all way more worthy of your time.
  5. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — If you told me a year ago that I would hate the new Nevermore album I would burn your house down and kill your family.
  6. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — If you told me a year ago that I would hate the new Nevermore album I would burn your house down and kill your family.
  7. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — If you told me a year ago that I would hate the new Nevermore album I would burn your house down and kill your family.
  8. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — If you told me a year ago that I would hate the new Nevermore album I would burn your house down and kill your family.
  9. 3.
    Finntroll - Nifelvind — By no means a bad album, but Finntroll seem to have lost their fun. This album is good metal, but not the insane party band I fell in love with years ago.
  10. 3.
    Finntroll - Nifelvind — By no means a bad album, but Finntroll seem to have lost their fun. This album is good metal, but not the insane party band I fell in love with years ago.
  11. 3.
    Finntroll - Nifelvind — By no means a bad album, but Finntroll seem to have lost their fun. This album is good metal, but not the insane party band I fell in love with years ago.
  12. 3.
    Finntroll - Nifelvind — By no means a bad album, but Finntroll seem to have lost their fun. This album is good metal, but not the insane party band I fell in love with years ago.
  13. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Another album that is not bad, but a let down all the same. Rather than expanding on their sound this album is essentially a combination of their entire careers worth of sounds. That should be awesome, but in the end it just feels like their ideas are watered down. Songs about books just aren't as exciting as they used to be. Plus, the orchestra is a complete waste. This album should have been crazier and more bombastic than A Night at the Opera. In the end, it's Imaginations diet. Still good, but not great. And that is exactly what I expect from this band: Greatness.
  14. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Another album that is not bad, but a let down all the same. Rather than expanding on their sound this album is essentially a combination of their entire careers worth of sounds. That should be awesome, but in the end it just feels like their ideas are watered down. Songs about books just aren't as exciting as they used to be. Plus, the orchestra is a complete waste. This album should have been crazier and more bombastic than A Night at the Opera. In the end, it's Imaginations diet. Still good, but not great. And that is exactly what I expect from this band: Greatness.
  15. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Another album that is not bad, but a let down all the same. Rather than expanding on their sound this album is essentially a combination of their entire careers worth of sounds. That should be awesome, but in the end it just feels like their ideas are watered down. Songs about books just aren't as exciting as they used to be. Plus, the orchestra is a complete waste. This album should have been crazier and more bombastic than A Night at the Opera. In the end, it's Imaginations diet. Still good, but not great. And that is exactly what I expect from this band: Greatness.
  16. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Another album that is not bad, but a let down all the same. Rather than expanding on their sound this album is essentially a combination of their entire careers worth of sounds. That should be awesome, but in the end it just feels like their ideas are watered down. Songs about books just aren't as exciting as they used to be. Plus, the orchestra is a complete waste. This album should have been crazier and more bombastic than A Night at the Opera. In the end, it's Imaginations diet. Still good, but not great. And that is exactly what I expect from this band: Greatness.
  17. 5.
    Helloween - Seven Sinners — Helloween are incredibly hit or miss. This is more in the middle. Meh.
  18. 5.
    Helloween - Seven Sinners — Helloween are incredibly hit or miss. This is more in the middle. Meh.
  19. 5.
    Helloween - Seven Sinners — Helloween are incredibly hit or miss. This is more in the middle. Meh.
  20. 5.
    Helloween - Seven Sinners — Helloween are incredibly hit or miss. This is more in the middle. Meh.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I gave this album a high review because for it's genre, it's quite good. Unfortunately, the genre of absurdly tech death pretty much flat out sucks. There is no variety at all. A one trick pony with a pretty boring trick.
  2. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I gave this album a high review because for it's genre, it's quite good. Unfortunately, the genre of absurdly tech death pretty much flat out sucks. There is no variety at all. A one trick pony with a pretty boring trick.
  3. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I gave this album a high review because for it's genre, it's quite good. Unfortunately, the genre of absurdly tech death pretty much flat out sucks. There is no variety at all. A one trick pony with a pretty boring trick.
  4. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I gave this album a high review because for it's genre, it's quite good. Unfortunately, the genre of absurdly tech death pretty much flat out sucks. There is no variety at all. A one trick pony with a pretty boring trick.
  5. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — Nevermore have gone heavier and in the process dumbed down their songs, lyrics, and themes. I always said that they either needed to go into a more prog direction or a heavier direction. Unfortunately, being heavier meant writing bad songs.
  6. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — Nevermore have gone heavier and in the process dumbed down their songs, lyrics, and themes. I always said that they either needed to go into a more prog direction or a heavier direction. Unfortunately, being heavier meant writing bad songs.
  7. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — Nevermore have gone heavier and in the process dumbed down their songs, lyrics, and themes. I always said that they either needed to go into a more prog direction or a heavier direction. Unfortunately, being heavier meant writing bad songs.
  8. 2.
    Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy — Nevermore have gone heavier and in the process dumbed down their songs, lyrics, and themes. I always said that they either needed to go into a more prog direction or a heavier direction. Unfortunately, being heavier meant writing bad songs.
  9. 3.
    Star One - Victims of a Modern Age — I thought this album would rock. it sounded liek Arjen was going to finally make that really heavy metal album he always wanted to. Instead, it's just disc 3 of 1011100001100010100111000.
  10. 3.
    Star One - Victims of a Modern Age — I thought this album would rock. it sounded liek Arjen was going to finally make that really heavy metal album he always wanted to. Instead, it's just disc 3 of 1011100001100010100111000.
  11. 3.
    Star One - Victims of a Modern Age — I thought this album would rock. it sounded liek Arjen was going to finally make that really heavy metal album he always wanted to. Instead, it's just disc 3 of 1011100001100010100111000.
  12. 3.
    Star One - Victims of a Modern Age — I thought this album would rock. it sounded liek Arjen was going to finally make that really heavy metal album he always wanted to. Instead, it's just disc 3 of 1011100001100010100111000.
  13. 4.
    Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare — God dammit Mike Portnoy.
  14. 4.
    Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare — God dammit Mike Portnoy.
  15. 4.
    Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare — God dammit Mike Portnoy.
  16. 4.
    Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare — God dammit Mike Portnoy.
  17. 5.
    Me — For not hearing the new "Tallest Man on Earth" album. I don't know what's wrong with me, his last album was great and I straight up ignored this one. For shame.
  18. 5.
    Me — For not hearing the new "Tallest Man on Earth" album. I don't know what's wrong with me, his last album was great and I straight up ignored this one. For shame.
  19. 5.
    Me — For not hearing the new "Tallest Man on Earth" album. I don't know what's wrong with me, his last album was great and I straight up ignored this one. For shame. I also somehow never checked out the new Melvins and Melechesh albums, for shame on me.
  20. 5.
    Me — For not hearing the new "Tallest Man on Earth" album. I don't know what's wrong with me, his last album was great and I straight up ignored this one. For shame. I also somehow never checked out the new Melvins and Melechesh albums, for shame on me.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Every year I hear a handful of people say, "This wasn't a good year for metal." Well after hearing a good couple dozen albums this year I can say that it is never a bad year for metal. This year will not stand out in history for metal music, but there was plenty of stuff worth my time. Plus, with Dio and Peter Steele gone, Nergal contracting leukemia, and worst of all Mike Portnoy leaving Dream Theater we have all suffered losses. But we shall prevail as it is in the metal spirit.
  2. 0
    — Every year I hear a handful of people say, "This wasn't a good year for metal." Well after hearing a good couple dozen albums this year I can say that it is never a bad year for metal. This year will not stand out in history for metal music, but there was plenty of stuff worth my time. Plus, with Dio and Peter Steele gone, Nergal contracting leukemia, and worst of all Mike Portnoy leaving Dream Theater we have all suffered losses. But we shall prevail as it is in the metal spirit.
  3. 0
    — Every year I hear a handful of people say, "This wasn't a good year for metal." Well after hearing a good couple dozen albums this year I can say that it is never a bad year for metal. This year will not stand out in history for metal music, but there was plenty of stuff worth my time. Plus, with Dio and Peter Steele gone, Nergal contracting leukemia, and worst of all Mike Portnoy leaving Dream Theater we have all suffered losses. But we shall prevail as it is in the metal spirit.
  4. 0
    — Every year I hear a handful of people say, "This wasn't a good year for metal." Well after hearing a good couple dozen albums this year I can say that it is never a bad year for metal. This year will not stand out in history for metal music, but there was plenty of stuff worth my time. Plus, with Dio and Peter Steele gone, Nergal contracting leukemia, and worst of all Mike Portnoy leaving Dream Theater we have all suffered losses. But we shall prevail as it is in the metal spirit.

Tony

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Woe - Quietly, Undramatically — Great USBM from Philly
  2. 2.
    Watain - Lawless Darkness — The Swedes never disappoint
  3. 3.
    Overkill - Ironbound — Seeing them live again was awesome. Seeing them live performing the masterworks of Ironbound was a liberating expierience.
  4. 4.
    Krieg - The Isolationist — Maximum madness. I have come to expect a combination of brilliance and brutality from Krieg. Wrest on bass makes this album that much more powerful and star studded.
  5. 5.
    Hirax - Noise Chaos War — Great 3 EP compilation from Katon and his troupe of tough guys.
  6. 6.
    Gwar - Bloody Pit of Horror — More fun from the irreverant monstrosities.
  7. 7.
    Finntroll - Nifelvind — SOLSAGAN!!!
  8. 8.
    Dark Fortress - Ylem — This album bears the intensity and voraciousness that can match any BM but has the shine and craftsmanship worthy of the score and more.
  9. 9.
    Satanic Warmaster - Nachzehrer — Sargeist and SW are interchangeable here. Great work from the Finns in 2010
  10. 10.
    Sargeist - Let the Devil In — One of the outstanding Finnish releases of the year.
  11. 11.
    Burzum - Belus — The haggard villain is back from lockdown, releasing a great comeback.
  12. 12.
    Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier — It never gets old.
  13. 13.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Probably the only Power Metal band I care about anymore.
  14. 14.
    Aldaaron - Nous Reviendrons Immortels — Very good French BM.
  15. 15.
    Acrassicauda - Only the Dead See the End of War — Great to hear the fortitude of the Metal community even reaches Iraq

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime — That cover is so lame
  2. 2.
  3. 3.
  4. 5.
    Dimmu Borgir - Abrahadabra — They are descending down the path of Cradle of Filth...

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Note - Top 15 is not in order. 2009 was an excellent year for Metal. I entered 2010 with concerns about how the year could even come close to 2009. I was pleasantly surprised with some outstanding releases descending from Valhalla early in the Spring. It was a really fun first year with MR and I plan on continuing to review good work for all of you. Let's hope 2011 slays as much as the last 2 years, and plenty of great material hits my desk.

Jake

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I'm afraid I'll have to respectfully but emphatically disagree with our own reviewer Crash; far from boring or repetitive, Decrepit Birth's third album Polarity is the best album of 2010. Guitarist and band leader Matt Sotelo would have been called a virtuoso back when being called a guitar virtuoso meant something, and here he leads his cohorts through winding compositions so strikingly different in length, mood and texture that the album stands as a testament to the boundless potential of death metal. On the surface, what we've got here is compelling enough: a technical death album that leans heavily on inventive shred guitar and makes the winning and distinguishing decision to draw far more influence from the late-period progressive albums of subgenre progenitors Death than is conventional. But peel back the skin and dissect the thing and you'll find that Polarity is woven together from bits of brutality, melody, technicality, groove, shred and old-fashioned riffage that would have separately been monumental achievements in their respective fields of metal, integrated with a steady hand and a discerning ear. It's a fulfillment of the promise of every aspect of death metal, and damn listenable to boot. If Mohammed Suicmez is ever planning on getting that third Necrophagist album out, these are the guys he'll have to beat to reclaim his tech-death throne—and I don't think he can do it.
  4. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I'm afraid I'll have to respectfully but emphatically disagree with our own reviewer Crash; far from boring or repetitive, Decrepit Birth's third album Polarity is the best album of 2010. Guitarist and band leader Matt Sotelo would have been called a virtuoso back when being called a guitar virtuoso meant something, and here he leads his cohorts through winding compositions so strikingly different in length, mood and texture that the album stands as a testament to the boundless potential of death metal. On the surface, what we've got here is compelling enough: a technical death album that leans heavily on inventive shred guitar and makes the winning and distinguishing decision to draw far more influence from the late-period progressive albums of subgenre progenitors Death than is conventional. But peel back the skin and dissect the thing and you'll find that Polarity is woven together from bits of brutality, melody, technicality, groove, shred and old-fashioned riffage that would have separately been monumental achievements in their respective fields of metal, integrated with a steady hand and a discerning ear. It's a fulfillment of the promise of every aspect of death metal, and damn listenable to boot. If Mohammed Suicmez is ever planning on getting that third Necrophagist album out, these are the guys he'll have to beat to reclaim his tech-death throne—and I don't think he can do it.
  5. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I'm afraid I'll have to respectfully but emphatically disagree with our own reviewer Crash; far from boring or repetitive, Decrepit Birth's third album Polarity is the best album of 2010. Guitarist and band leader Matt Sotelo would have been called a virtuoso back when being called a guitar virtuoso meant something, and here he leads his cohorts through winding compositions so strikingly different in length, mood and texture that the album stands as a testament to the boundless potential of death metal. On the surface, what we've got here is compelling enough: a technical death album that leans heavily on inventive shred guitar and makes the winning and distinguishing decision to draw far more influence from the late-period progressive albums of subgenre progenitors Death than is conventional. But peel back the skin and dissect the thing and you'll find that Polarity is woven together from bits of brutality, melody, technicality, groove, shred and old-fashioned riffage that would have separately been monumental achievements in their respective fields of metal, integrated with a steady hand and a discerning ear. It's a fulfillment of the promise of every aspect of death metal, and damn listenable to boot. If Mohammed Suicmez is ever planning on getting that third Necrophagist album out, these are the guys he'll have to beat to reclaim his tech-death throne—and I don't think he can do it.
  6. 1.
    Decrepit Birth - Polarity — I'm afraid I'll have to respectfully but emphatically disagree with our own reviewer Crash; far from boring or repetitive, Decrepit Birth's third album Polarity is the best album of 2010. Guitarist and band leader Matt Sotelo would have been called a virtuoso back when being called a guitar virtuoso meant something, and here he leads his cohorts through winding compositions so strikingly different in length, mood and texture that the album stands as a testament to the boundless potential of death metal. On the surface, what we've got here is compelling enough: a technical death album that leans heavily on inventive shred guitar and makes the winning and distinguishing decision to draw far more influence from the late-period progressive albums of subgenre progenitors Death than is conventional. But peel back the skin and dissect the thing and you'll find that Polarity is woven together from bits of brutality, melody, technicality, groove, shred and old-fashioned riffage that would have separately been monumental achievements in their respective fields of metal, integrated with a steady hand and a discerning ear. It's a fulfillment of the promise of every aspect of death metal, and damn listenable to boot. If Mohammed Suicmez is ever planning on getting that third Necrophagist album out, these are the guys he'll have to beat to reclaim his tech-death throne—and I don't think he can do it.
  7. 2.
    The Sword - Warp Riders
  8. 2.
    Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier — It's always a joy to hear from Iron Maiden, one of the oldest bands in heavy metal and easily the single greatest, but The Final Frontier exceeds even the considerable expectations that come with a Maiden release.The band haven't stopped being reliable for thirty years, and have been putting out consecutive fantastic offerings since the classic lineup reunited in 2000, but TFF is their best album since 1988's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and arguably what they've been building toward over their entire career. Like their prior post-reunion albums, TFF delivers a series of proggy, melodic epics, but bassist/perennial songwriter Steve Harris has brought the compositions back in touch with the hard-rock roots that were evident in the golden age albums, so that these songs are as much a culmination of 80s epics like Hallowed Be Thy Name and To Tame A Land and as they are a continuation of Maiden's work from the past decade. Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers rip out lightspeed bluesy solos as always, while drummer Nicko McBrain shows off his immense technical skill in the creation of inventive beats that bear in mind the lessons in dynamism learned on the albums of the 00s—and best of all, perhaps reinvigorated by the neoclassicist riffcrafting, Bruce Dickinson sounds like a young man again, leaping to high notes with the menace and resonant clarity that made him a legend and redefined hard rock singing in the 80s. The appealing darkness of the last album (A Matter Of Life And Death) is gone, but the energy of The Number Of The Beast is back, packaged together with the fierceness of Piece of Mind and Powerslave, the atmospheric ambition of Seventh Son, and the prog-rock noodling of Dance of Death. More than anything they've ever done, The Final Frontier is a celebration of Maiden's entire career. Nobody (including the band, from the looks of it) wants to see Iron Maiden come to an end, but The Final Frontier would have been the perfect final album, and not just for its title.
  9. 2.
    Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier — It's always a joy to hear from Iron Maiden, one of the oldest bands in heavy metal and easily the single greatest, but The Final Frontier exceeds even the considerable expectations that come with a Maiden release.The band haven't stopped being reliable for thirty years, and have been putting out consecutive fantastic offerings since the classic lineup reunited in 2000, but TFF is their best album since 1988's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and arguably what they've been building toward over their entire career. Like their prior post-reunion albums, TFF delivers a series of proggy, melodic epics, but bassist/perennial songwriter Steve Harris has brought the compositions back in touch with the hard-rock roots that were evident in the golden age albums, so that these songs are as much a culmination of 80s epics like Hallowed Be Thy Name and To Tame A Land and as they are a continuation of Maiden's work from the past decade. Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers rip out lightspeed bluesy solos as always, while drummer Nicko McBrain shows off his immense technical skill in the creation of inventive beats that bear in mind the lessons in dynamism learned on the albums of the 00s—and best of all, perhaps reinvigorated by the neoclassicist riffcrafting, Bruce Dickinson sounds like a young man again, leaping to high notes with the menace and resonant clarity that made him a legend and redefined hard rock singing in the 80s. The appealing darkness of the last album (A Matter Of Life And Death) is gone, but the energy of The Number Of The Beast is back, packaged together with the fierceness of Piece of Mind and Powerslave, the atmospheric ambition of Seventh Son, and the prog-rock noodling of Dance of Death. More than anything they've ever done, The Final Frontier is a celebration of Maiden's entire career. Nobody (including the band, from the looks of it) wants to see Iron Maiden come to an end, but The Final Frontier would have been the perfect final album, and not just for its title.
  10. 2.
    Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier — It's always a joy to hear from Iron Maiden, one of the oldest bands in heavy metal and easily the single greatest, but The Final Frontier exceeds even the considerable expectations that come with a Maiden release.The band haven't stopped being reliable for thirty years, and have been putting out consecutive fantastic offerings since the classic lineup reunited in 2000, but TFF is their best album since 1988's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and arguably what they've been building toward over their entire career. Like their prior post-reunion albums, TFF delivers a series of proggy, melodic epics, but bassist/perennial songwriter Steve Harris has brought the compositions back in touch with the hard-rock roots that were evident in the golden age albums, so that these songs are as much a culmination of 80s epics like Hallowed Be Thy Name and To Tame A Land and as they are a continuation of Maiden's work from the past decade. Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers rip out lightspeed bluesy solos as always, while drummer Nicko McBrain shows off his immense technical skill in the creation of inventive beats that bear in mind the lessons in dynamism learned on the albums of the 00s—and best of all, perhaps reinvigorated by the neoclassicist riffcrafting, Bruce Dickinson sounds like a young man again, leaping to high notes with the menace and resonant clarity that made him a legend and redefined hard rock singing in the 80s. The appealing darkness of the last album (A Matter Of Life And Death) is gone, but the energy of The Number Of The Beast is back, packaged together with the fierceness of Piece of Mind and Powerslave, the atmospheric ambition of Seventh Son, and the prog-rock noodling of Dance of Death. More than anything they've ever done, The Final Frontier is a celebration of Maiden's entire career. Nobody (including the band, from the looks of it) wants to see Iron Maiden come to an end, but The Final Frontier would have been the perfect final album, and not just for its title.
  11. 2.
    Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier — It's always a joy to hear from Iron Maiden, one of the oldest bands in heavy metal and easily the single greatest, but The Final Frontier exceeds even the considerable expectations that come with a Maiden release.The band haven't stopped being reliable for thirty years, and have been putting out consecutive fantastic offerings since the classic lineup reunited in 2000, but TFF is their best album since 1988's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and arguably what they've been building toward over their entire career. Like their prior post-reunion albums, TFF delivers a series of proggy, melodic epics, but bassist/perennial songwriter Steve Harris has brought the compositions back in touch with the hard-rock roots that were evident in the golden age albums, so that these songs are as much a culmination of 80s epics like Hallowed Be Thy Name and To Tame A Land and as they are a continuation of Maiden's work from the past decade. Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers rip out lightspeed bluesy solos as always, while drummer Nicko McBrain shows off his immense technical skill in the creation of inventive beats that bear in mind the lessons in dynamism learned on the albums of the 00s—and best of all, perhaps reinvigorated by the neoclassicist riffcrafting, Bruce Dickinson sounds like a young man again, leaping to high notes with the menace and resonant clarity that made him a legend and redefined hard rock singing in the 80s. The appealing darkness of the last album (A Matter Of Life And Death) is gone, but the energy of The Number Of The Beast is back, packaged together with the fierceness of Piece of Mind and Powerslave, the atmospheric ambition of Seventh Son, and the prog-rock noodling of Dance of Death. More than anything they've ever done, The Final Frontier is a celebration of Maiden's entire career. Nobody (including the band, from the looks of it) wants to see Iron Maiden come to an end, but The Final Frontier would have been the perfect final album, and not just for its title.
  12. 2.
    Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier — It's always a joy to hear from Iron Maiden, one of the oldest bands in heavy metal and easily the single greatest, but The Final Frontier exceeds even the considerable expectations that come with a Maiden release.The band haven't stopped being reliable for thirty years, and have been putting out consecutive fantastic offerings since the classic lineup reunited in 2000, but TFF is their best album since 1988's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and arguably what they've been building toward over their entire career. Like their prior post-reunion albums, TFF delivers a series of proggy, melodic epics, but bassist/perennial songwriter Steve Harris has brought the compositions back in touch with the hard-rock roots that were evident in the golden age albums, so that these songs are as much a culmination of 80s epics like Hallowed Be Thy Name and To Tame A Land and as they are a continuation of Maiden's work from the past decade. Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers rip out lightspeed bluesy solos as always, while drummer Nicko McBrain shows off his immense technical skill in the creation of inventive beats that bear in mind the lessons in dynamism learned on the albums of the 00s—and best of all, perhaps reinvigorated by the neoclassicist riffcrafting, Bruce Dickinson sounds like a young man again, leaping to high notes with the menace and resonant clarity that made him a legend and redefined hard rock singing in the 80s. The appealing darkness of the last album (A Matter Of Life And Death) is gone, but the energy of The Number Of The Beast is back, packaged together with the fierceness of Piece of Mind and Powerslave, the atmospheric ambition of Seventh Son, and the prog-rock noodling of Dance of Death. More than anything they've ever done, The Final Frontier is a celebration of Maiden's entire career. Nobody (including the band, from the looks of it) wants to see Iron Maiden come to an end, but The Final Frontier would have been the perfect final album, and not just for its title.
  13. 3.
  14. 3.
  15. 3.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — A World War II-themed death metal band is one of those ideas that's so good it was inevitable someone would try it—in fact, it's kind of amazing that it took until 2006 for one to form. Hail of Bullets have fulfilled the promise of the concept beautifully, though, turning it into something more than just a great opportunity for gore lyrics without losing sight of the old-school brutality the premise lends itself to. To paraphrase our fearless leader's review, their second album On Divine winds has an ear for both the glory of battle and the horror of war, but even if just for its riffs, it's not to be missed.
  16. 3.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — A World War II-themed death metal band is one of those ideas that's so good it was inevitable someone would try it—in fact, it's kind of amazing that it took until 2006 for one to form. Hail of Bullets have fulfilled the promise of the concept beautifully, though, turning it into something more than just a great opportunity for gore lyrics without losing sight of the old-school brutality the premise lends itself to. To paraphrase our fearless leader's review, their second album On Divine winds has an ear for both the glory of battle and the horror of war, but even if just for its riffs, it's not to be missed.
  17. 3.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — A World War II-themed death metal band is one of those ideas that's so good it was inevitable someone would try it—in fact, it's kind of amazing that it took until 2006 for one to form. Hail of Bullets have fulfilled the promise of the concept beautifully, though, turning it into something more than just a great opportunity for gore lyrics without losing sight of the old-school brutality the premise lends itself to. To paraphrase our fearless leader's review, their second album On Divine winds has an ear for both the glory of battle and the horror of war, but even if just for its riffs, it's not to be missed.
  18. 3.
    Hail Of Bullets - On Divine Winds — A World War II-themed death metal band is one of those ideas that's so good it was inevitable someone would try it—in fact, it's kind of amazing that it took until 2006 for one to form. Hail of Bullets have fulfilled the promise of the concept beautifully, though, turning it into something more than just a great opportunity for gore lyrics without losing sight of the old-school brutality the premise lends itself to. To paraphrase our fearless leader's review, their second album On Divine winds has an ear for both the glory of battle and the horror of war, but even if just for its riffs, it's not to be missed.
  19. 4.
  20. 4.
  21. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Nothing on At The Edge Of Time is new for power metal co-founders Blind Guardian, from the epic song lengths to the sweeping orchestral arrangements to the superhuman melodic belting of Hansi Kursch, but nothing needs to be—the band developed a truly spectacular sound long ago, and a new iteration of that sound is enough to excite anyone with an appreciation for melodic metal. Lest we forget, this is the band that did a concept album set in Midde-Earth and pulled it off--why would we ask them to change? Kursch is clearly one of Tolkien's immortal elves—how else to explain the unchanging sound of his magnificent voice over a twenty-five-year career?—and guitarist/composer Andre Olbrich has delivered another set of battle-ready but deeply emotional speed metal hymns, perhaps with a bit more menace in his soloing than usual. BG have been doing this for a long time, but they do it better than anyone else.
  22. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Nothing on At The Edge Of Time is new for power metal co-founders Blind Guardian, from the epic song lengths to the sweeping orchestral arrangements to the superhuman melodic belting of Hansi Kursch, but nothing needs to be—the band developed a truly spectacular sound long ago, and a new iteration of that sound is enough to excite anyone with an appreciation for melodic metal. Lest we forget, this is the band that did a concept album set in Midde-Earth and pulled it off--why would we ask them to change? Kursch is clearly one of Tolkien's immortal elves—how else to explain the unchanging sound of his magnificent voice over a twenty-five-year career?—and guitarist/composer Andre Olbrich has delivered another set of battle-ready but deeply emotional speed metal hymns, perhaps with a bit more menace in his soloing than usual. BG have been doing this for a long time, but they do it better than anyone else.
  23. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Nothing on At The Edge Of Time is new for power metal co-founders Blind Guardian, from the epic song lengths to the sweeping orchestral arrangements to the superhuman melodic belting of Hansi Kursch, but nothing needs to be—the band developed a truly spectacular sound long ago, and a new iteration of that sound is enough to excite anyone with an appreciation for melodic metal. Lest we forget, this is the band that did a concept album set in Midde-Earth and pulled it off--why would we ask them to change? Kursch is clearly one of Tolkien's immortal elves—how else to explain the unchanging sound of his magnificent voice over a twenty-five-year career?—and guitarist/composer Andre Olbrich has delivered another set of battle-ready but deeply emotional speed metal hymns, perhaps with a bit more menace in his soloing than usual. BG have been doing this for a long time, but they do it better than anyone else.
  24. 4.
    Blind Guardian - At The Edge Of Time — Nothing on At The Edge Of Time is new for power metal co-founders Blind Guardian, from the epic song lengths to the sweeping orchestral arrangements to the superhuman melodic belting of Hansi Kursch, but nothing needs to be—the band developed a truly spectacular sound long ago, and a new iteration of that sound is enough to excite anyone with an appreciation for melodic metal. Lest we forget, this is the band that did a concept album set in Midde-Earth and pulled it off--why would we ask them to change? Kursch is clearly one of Tolkien's immortal elves—how else to explain the unchanging sound of his magnificent voice over a twenty-five-year career?—and guitarist/composer Andre Olbrich has delivered another set of battle-ready but deeply emotional speed metal hymns, perhaps with a bit more menace in his soloing than usual. BG have been doing this for a long time, but they do it better than anyone else.
  25. 5.
  26. 5.
  27. 5.
    Bison B.C. - Dark Ages — You had no idea sludge metal could be this heavy. Bison B.C.'s sophomore album more than fulfills the potential of their good-but-not-great debut, zeroing in on the aspects that made its highlights work and crystallizing them over an entire LP. It was a good year for the stoner stuff, as this list will reflect, but BBC topped the heap with a collection sledgehammer riffs and piss-drunk wailing somehow woven together into dynamic prog epics.
  28. 5.
    Bison B.C. - Dark Ages — You had no idea sludge metal could be this heavy. Bison B.C.'s sophomore album more than fulfills the potential of their good-but-not-great debut, zeroing in on the aspects that made its highlights work and crystallizing them over an entire LP. It was a good year for the stoner stuff, as this list will reflect, but BBC topped the heap with a collection sledgehammer riffs and piss-drunk wailing somehow woven together into dynamic prog epics.
  29. 5.
    Bison B.C. - Dark Ages — You had no idea sludge metal could be this heavy. Bison B.C.'s sophomore album more than fulfills the potential of their good-but-not-great debut, zeroing in on the aspects that made its highlights work and crystallizing them over an entire LP. It was a good year for the stoner stuff, as this list will reflect, but BBC topped the heap with a collection sledgehammer riffs and piss-drunk wailing somehow woven together into dynamic prog epics.
  30. 5.
    Bison B.C. - Dark Ages — You had no idea sludge metal could be this heavy. Bison B.C.'s sophomore album more than fulfills the potential of their good-but-not-great debut, zeroing in on the aspects that made its highlights work and crystallizing them over an entire LP. It was a good year for the stoner stuff, as this list will reflect, but BBC topped the heap with a collection sledgehammer riffs and piss-drunk wailing somehow woven together into dynamic prog epics.
  31. 6.
  32. 6.
    The Sword - Warp Riders
  33. 6.
    The Sword - Warp Riders — The retro-metallers in The SwordWarp Riders, they move beyond the Sabbath-meets-Metallica bluesy heaviness of their first two and create an approach that is paradoxically an unmistakable tribute to bygone eras and one of the more original metal sound out there. By incorporating even more influence from 70s hard rock and, this time, introducing psychedelic concept-album nonsense in both the lyrics and the compositions, they've created a soundscape that can be enjoyed as a kickass heavy rocker or a cosmic head trip whose texture and energy earn the band a pass to be as indulgent as they want.
  34. 6.
    The Sword - Warp Riders — The retro-metallers in The SwordWarp Riders, they move beyond the Sabbath-meets-Metallica bluesy heaviness of their first two and create an approach that is paradoxically an unmistakable tribute to bygone eras and one of the more original metal sound out there. By incorporating even more influence from 70s hard rock and, this time, introducing psychedelic concept-album nonsense in both the lyrics and the compositions, they've created a soundscape that can be enjoyed as a kickass heavy rocker or a cosmic head trip whose texture and energy earn the band a pass to be as indulgent as they want.
  35. 6.
    The Sword - Warp Riders — The retro-metallers in The SwordWarp Riders, they move beyond the Sabbath-meets-Metallica bluesy heaviness of their first two and create an approach that is paradoxically an unmistakable tribute to bygone eras and one of the more original metal sound out there. By incorporating even more influence from 70s hard rock and, this time, introducing psychedelic concept-album nonsense in both the lyrics and the compositions, they've created a soundscape that can be enjoyed as a kickass heavy rocker or a cosmic head trip whose texture and energy earn the band a pass to be as indulgent as they want.
  36. 6.
    The Sword - Warp Riders — The retro-metallers in The Sword have been recording great stuff since their first album, but on their third, Warp Riders, they move beyond the Sabbath-meets-Metallica bluesy heaviness of their first two and create an approach that is paradoxically an unmistakable tribute to bygone eras and one of the more original metal sound out there. By incorporating even more influence from 70s hard rock and, this time, introducing psychedelic concept-album nonsense in both the lyrics and the compositions, they've created a soundscape that can be enjoyed as a kickass heavy rocker or a cosmic head trip whose texture and energy earn the band a pass to be as indulgent as they want.
  37. 7.
    Enforcer - Diamonds
  38. 7.
  39. 7.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — Immolation have always had a way of sneaking the emotional menace usually reserved for black and blackened metal into their lead-heavy, riff-driven death metal, and this year's Majesty and Decay, their eighth album, is one the best realizations of that so far, with an icy atmosphere that seems to lend the album a wordless ethos of glorified destruction. It's also a sublimely brutal album, bottom-heavy and fast the way death metal should be, and subtly more melodic than previous work by the band. It's original without calling attention to its originality, and deserves a spot on the shelf of any lover of old-fashioned death as much as it does among the soundscapes and manifestos of contemporary extreme metal.
  40. 7.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — Immolation have always had a way of sneaking the emotional menace usually reserved for black and blackened metal into their lead-heavy, riff-driven death metal, and this year's Majesty and Decay, their eighth album, is one the best realizations of that so far, with an icy atmosphere that seems to lend the album a wordless ethos of glorified destruction. It's also a sublimely brutal album, bottom-heavy and fast the way death metal should be, and subtly more melodic than previous work by the band. It's original without calling attention to its originality, and deserves a spot on the shelf of any lover of old-fashioned death as much as it does among the soundscapes and manifestos of contemporary extreme metal.
  41. 7.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — Immolation have always had a way of sneaking the emotional menace usually reserved for black and blackened metal into their lead-heavy, riff-driven death metal, and this year's Majesty and Decay, their eighth album, is one the best realizations of that so far, with an icy atmosphere that seems to lend the album a wordless ethos of glorified destruction. It's also a sublimely brutal album, bottom-heavy and fast the way death metal should be, and subtly more melodic than previous work by the band. It's original without calling attention to its originality, and deserves a spot on the shelf of any lover of old-fashioned death as much as it does among the soundscapes and manifestos of contemporary extreme metal.
  42. 7.
    Immolation - Majesty and Decay — Immolation have always had a way of sneaking the emotional menace usually reserved for black and blackened metal into their lead-heavy, riff-driven death metal, and this year's Majesty and Decay, their eighth album, is one the best realizations of that so far, with an icy atmosphere that seems to lend the album a wordless ethos of glorified destruction. It's also a sublimely brutal album, bottom-heavy and fast the way death metal should be, and subtly more melodic than previous work by the band. It's original without calling attention to its originality, and deserves a spot on the shelf of any lover of old-fashioned death as much as it does among the soundscapes and manifestos of contemporary extreme metal.
  43. 8.
  44. 8.
  45. 8.
    Enforcer - Diamonds — The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ended at some point around 1984, but it's lived on in pretty much every form of metal that;s come after, and in recent years it's finally begun to see the revival it deserves. Enforcer aren't the first young contemporary band to record original material in the NOWBHM style, but they're the first to take that revival beyond tribute-band glorification and really make a case that the music can be still be vital, not simply preserved. From piercing vocals to melodic grooves and galloping rhythms, everything on Diamonds was done in 1983, but Enforcer have recombined it all with more compassion and conviction than a novelty band could muster, and added just enough influence from mid-80s speed metal to keep the album from just spinning the genre's wheels. Just because the sound would have been at home in 1983 doesn't mean it isn't their own, and in addition to standing alone as a album worth your money and time, Diamonds is exciting for suggesting that the music of the past has a future.
  46. 8.
    Enforcer - Diamonds — The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ended at some point around 1984, but it's lived on in pretty much every form of metal that;s come after, and in recent years it's finally begun to see the revival it deserves. Enforcer aren't the first young contemporary band to record original material in the NOWBHM style, but they're the first to take that revival beyond tribute-band glorification and really make a case that the music can be still be vital, not simply preserved. From piercing vocals to melodic grooves and galloping rhythms, everything on Diamonds was done in 1983, but Enforcer have recombined it all with more compassion and conviction than a novelty band could muster, and added just enough influence from mid-80s speed metal to keep the album from just spinning the genre's wheels. Just because the sound would have been at home in 1983 doesn't mean it isn't their own, and in addition to standing alone as a album worth your money and time, Diamonds is exciting for suggesting that the music of the past has a future.
  47. 8.
    Enforcer - Diamonds — The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ended at some point around 1984, but it's lived on in pretty much every form of metal that;s come after, and in recent years it's finally begun to see the revival it deserves. Enforcer aren't the first young contemporary band to record original material in the NOWBHM style, but they're the first to take that revival beyond tribute-band glorification and really make a case that the music can be still be vital, not simply preserved. From piercing vocals to melodic grooves and galloping rhythms, everything on Diamonds was done in 1983, but Enforcer have recombined it all with more compassion and conviction than a novelty band could muster, and added just enough influence from mid-80s speed metal to keep the album from just spinning the genre's wheels. Just because the sound would have been at home in 1983 doesn't mean it isn't their own, and in addition to standing alone as a album worth your money and time, Diamonds is exciting for suggesting that the music of the past has a future.
  48. 8.
    Enforcer - Diamonds — The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ended at some point around 1984, but it's lived on in pretty much every form of metal that;s come after, and in recent years it's finally begun to see the revival it deserves. Enforcer aren't the first young contemporary band to record original material in the NOWBHM style, but they're the first to take that revival beyond tribute-band glorification and really make a case that the music can be still be vital, not simply preserved. From piercing vocals to melodic grooves and galloping rhythms, everything on Diamonds was done in 1983, but Enforcer have recombined it all with more compassion and conviction than a novelty band could muster, and added just enough influence from mid-80s speed metal to keep the album from just spinning the genre's wheels. Just because the sound would have been at home in 1983 doesn't mean it isn't their own, and in addition to standing alone as a album worth your money and time, Diamonds is exciting for suggesting that the music of the past has a future.
  49. 9.
  50. 9.
  51. 9.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — Cephalic Carnage has long combined grindcore with technical death metal, but Misled By Certainty is a new mix, somehow moving farther toward either extreme—musically, the band sound more in touch than ever with the classic bombast of heavy metal (and the hideous freak-out riffs of death metal) while the sheer weirdness of the songs is even more in step than before with the tongue-in-cheek, experimental ethos of grindcore. The result is an album that seamlessly blends modern technicality, old-school death metal insanity and bizarre new ideas. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  52. 9.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — Cephalic Carnage has long combined grindcore with technical death metal, but Misled By Certainty is a new mix, somehow moving farther toward either extreme—musically, the band sound more in touch than ever with the classic bombast of heavy metal (and the hideous freak-out riffs of death metal) while the sheer weirdness of the songs is even more in step than before with the tongue-in-cheek, experimental ethos of grindcore. The result is an album that seamlessly blends modern technicality, old-school death metal insanity and bizarre new ideas. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  53. 9.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — Cephalic Carnage has long combined grindcore with technical death metal, but Misled By Certainty is a new mix, somehow moving farther toward either extreme—musically, the band sound more in touch than ever with the classic bombast of heavy metal (and the hideous freak-out riffs of death metal) while the sheer weirdness of the songs is even more in step than before with the tongue-in-cheek, experimental ethos of grindcore. The result is an album that seamlessly blends modern technicality, old-school death metal insanity and bizarre new ideas. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  54. 9.
    Cephalic Carnage - Misled By Certainty — Cephalic Carnage has long combined grindcore with technical death metal, but Misled By Certainty is a new mix, somehow moving farther toward either extreme—musically, the band sound more in touch than ever with the classic bombast of heavy metal (and the hideous freak-out riffs of death metal) while the sheer weirdness of the songs is even more in step than before with the tongue-in-cheek, experimental ethos of grindcore. The result is an album that seamlessly blends modern technicality, old-school death metal insanity and bizarre new ideas. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  55. 10.
    Shining - Blackjazz
  56. 10.
  57. 10.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Leave it to the French to make extreme metal avant-garde. Deathspell Omega have been gradually transforming from straightforward black metal into whatever the hell Paracletus is over several albums, and it's amazing to see them get there. Paracletus still has the dark and cold atmosphere of black metal, but there's nothing like a traditional riff on the album—there might not even be a riff of any kind, as the instruments somehow move in perfect tandem and unison through music that doesn't seem to have been written with any repeating patterns. Even without repetition, the thing is hypnotic—those old fears about rock music lulling kids into suggestible Satanic trances may have finally come true. It's a fascinating album in every respect; let's get some music professors to work on explaining it pronto, while the rest of us figure out how the fuck you headbang to this.
  58. 10.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Leave it to the French to make extreme metal avant-garde. Deathspell Omega have been gradually transforming from straightforward black metal into whatever the hell Paracletus is over several albums, and it's amazing to see them get there. Paracletus still has the dark and cold atmosphere of black metal, but there's nothing like a traditional riff on the album—there might not even be a riff of any kind, as the instruments somehow move in perfect tandem and unison through music that doesn't seem to have been written with any repeating patterns. Even without repetition, the thing is hypnotic—those old fears about rock music lulling kids into suggestible Satanic trances may have finally come true. It's a fascinating album in every respect; let's get some music professors to work on explaining it pronto, while the rest of us figure out how the fuck you headbang to this.
  59. 10.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Leave it to the French to make extreme metal avant-garde. Deathspell Omega have been gradually transforming from straightforward black metal into whatever the hell Paracletus is over several albums, and it's amazing to see them get there. Paracletus still has the dark and cold atmosphere of black metal, but there's nothing like a traditional riff on the album—there might not even be a riff of any kind, as the instruments somehow move in perfect tandem and unison through music that doesn't seem to have been written with any repeating patterns. Even without repetition, the thing is hypnotic—those old fears about rock music lulling kids into suggestible Satanic trances may have finally come true. It's a fascinating album in every respect; let's get some music professors to work on explaining it pronto, while the rest of us figure out how the fuck you headbang to this.
  60. 10.
    Deathspell Omega - Paracletus — Leave it to the French to make extreme metal avant-garde. Deathspell Omega have been gradually transforming from straightforward black metal into whatever the hell Paracletus is over several albums, and it's amazing to see them get there. Paracletus still has the dark and cold atmosphere of black metal, but there's nothing like a traditional riff on the album—there might not even be a riff of any kind, as the instruments somehow move in perfect tandem and unison through music that doesn't seem to have been written with any repeating patterns. Even without repetition, the thing is hypnotic—those old fears about rock music lulling kids into suggestible Satanic trances may have finally come true. It's a fascinating album in every respect; let's get some music professors to work on explaining it pronto, while the rest of us figure out how the fuck you headbang to this.
  61. 11.
  62. 11.
  63. 11.
    Ihsahn - After — For a more accessible example of black metal gone experimental, there's good old Ihsahn, who hasn't made anything that wasn't awesome since he helped to define black metal by starting Emperor all those years ago. His latest solo album continues in the vein of the first two—he's spoken of it as the completion of a trilogy—and fully realizes their mix of black metal, death metal, classic metal and prog rock with a knack for overwhelmingly harmonic melodies to create a bludgeoning, beautiful album. There's something for you here whether you like your metal straightforward or forward-thinking. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  64. 11.
    Ihsahn - After — For a more accessible example of black metal gone experimental, there's good old Ihsahn, who hasn't made anything that wasn't awesome since he helped to define black metal by starting Emperor all those years ago. His latest solo album continues in the vein of the first two—he's spoken of it as the completion of a trilogy—and fully realizes their mix of black metal, death metal, classic metal and prog rock with a knack for overwhelmingly harmonic melodies to create a bludgeoning, beautiful album. There's something for you here whether you like your metal straightforward or forward-thinking. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  65. 11.
    Ihsahn - After — For a more accessible example of black metal gone experimental, there's good old Ihsahn, who hasn't made anything that wasn't awesome since he helped to define black metal by starting Emperor all those years ago. His latest solo album continues in the vein of the first two—he's spoken of it as the completion of a trilogy—and fully realizes their mix of black metal, death metal, classic metal and prog rock with a knack for overwhelmingly harmonic melodies to create a bludgeoning, beautiful album. There's something for you here whether you like your metal straightforward or forward-thinking. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  66. 11.
    Ihsahn - After — For a more accessible example of black metal gone experimental, there's good old Ihsahn, who hasn't made anything that wasn't awesome since he helped to define black metal by starting Emperor all those years ago. His latest solo album continues in the vein of the first two—he's spoken of it as the completion of a trilogy—and fully realizes their mix of black metal, death metal, classic metal and prog rock with a knack for overwhelmingly harmonic melodies to create a bludgeoning, beautiful album. There's something for you here whether you like your metal straightforward or forward-thinking. Also, +5 for saxophone.
  67. 12.
  68. 12.
    High on Fire - Snakes For The Divine — High On Fire's brand of stoner metal has always been deliberately rough around the edges, and many were rightly troubled by their fifth album's offensively slick production at the hands of Greg Fidelman, who's becoming infamous for trying his damnedest to ruin metal albums (he also had a hand in the unlistenable wall of sound that was Metallica's Death Magnetic and the bizarre surf-rock twang of Slayer's World Painted Blood). But Matt Pike and company rose above it, proving that the strength of High On Fire was always in the songwriting and the playing—both of which have advanced here considerably—and not in the guitar fuzz. Snakes For The Divine would have been an even better album if it had the bassy fuzz Pike has been using since he perfected it in Sleep, but even without it, it's High On Fire's best to date.
  69. 12.
    High on Fire - Snakes For The Divine — High On Fire's brand of stoner metal has always been deliberately rough around the edges, and many were rightly troubled by their fifth album's offensively slick production at the hands of Greg Fidelman, who's becoming infamous for trying his damnedest to ruin metal albums (he also had a hand in the unlistenable wall of sound that was Metallica's Death Magnetic and the bizarre surf-rock twang of Slayer's World Painted Blood). But Matt Pike and company rose above it, proving that the strength of High On Fire was always in the songwriting and the playing—both of which have advanced here considerably—and not in the guitar fuzz. Snakes For The Divine would have been an even better album if it had the bassy fuzz Pike has been using since he perfected it in Sleep, but even without it, it's High On Fire's best to date.
  70. 12.
    High on Fire - Snakes For The Divine — High On Fire's brand of stoner metal has always been deliberately rough around the edges, and many were rightly troubled by their fifth album's offensively slick production at the hands of Greg Fidelman, who's becoming infamous for trying his damnedest to ruin metal albums (he also had a hand in the unlistenable wall of sound that was Metallica's Death Magnetic and the bizarre surf-rock twang of Slayer's World Painted Blood). But Matt Pike and company rose above it, proving that the strength of High On Fire was always in the songwriting and the playing—both of which have advanced here considerably—and not in the guitar fuzz. Snakes For The Divine would have been an even better album if it had the bassy fuzz Pike has been using since he perfected it in Sleep, but even without it, it's High On Fire's best to date.
  71. 12.
    High on Fire - Snakes For The Divine — High On Fire's brand of stoner metal has always been deliberately rough around the edges, and many were rightly troubled by their fifth album's offensively slick production at the hands of Greg Fidelman, who's becoming infamous for trying his damnedest to ruin metal albums (he also had a hand in the unlistenable wall of sound that was Metallica's Death Magnetic and the bizarre surf-rock twang of Slayer's World Painted Blood). But Matt Pike and company rose above it, proving that the strength of High On Fire was always in the songwriting and the playing—both of which have advanced here considerably—and not in the guitar fuzz. Snakes For The Divine would have been an even better album if it had the bassy fuzz Pike has been using since he perfected it in Sleep, but even without it, it's High On Fire's best to date.
  72. 13.
  73. 13.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — When a critically praised free jazz band meets and befriends the dudes in Enslaved, everyone wins. Norway's Shining took a hard left after touring with Enslaved, retooling their sound from a prog- and occasionally metal-influenced brand of jazz into an entirely new form of extreme metal, which the title of fifth album christens Blackjazz. You've heard a great deal of jazz-influenced extreme metal before, especially if you're into death metal, but this is closer to the other way around, and that's something entirely more novel. It also defies description, beyond “what the fuck is going on” and “+5 for saxophone.” It has to be heard to be believed—more importantly, it has to be heard. This could be the start of something new.
  74. 13.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — When a critically praised free jazz band meets and befriends the dudes in Enslaved, everyone wins. Norway's Shining took a hard left after touring with Enslaved, retooling their sound from a prog- and occasionally metal-influenced brand of jazz into an entirely new form of extreme metal, which the title of fifth album christens Blackjazz. You've heard a great deal of jazz-influenced extreme metal before, especially if you're into death metal, but this is closer to the other way around, and that's something entirely more novel. It also defies description, beyond “what the fuck is going on” and “+5 for saxophone.” It has to be heard to be believed—more importantly, it has to be heard. This could be the start of something new.
  75. 13.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — When a critically praised free jazz band meets and befriends the dudes in Enslaved, everyone wins. Norway's Shining took a hard left after touring with Enslaved, retooling their sound from a prog- and occasionally metal-influenced brand of jazz into an entirely new form of extreme metal, which the title of fifth album christens Blackjazz. You've heard a great deal of jazz-influenced extreme metal before, especially if you're into death metal, but this is closer to the other way around, and that's something entirely more novel. It also defies description, beyond “what the fuck is going on” and “+5 for saxophone.” It has to be heard to be believed—more importantly, it has to be heard. This could be the start of something new.
  76. 13.
    Shining (Nor) - Blackjazz — When a critically praised free jazz band meets and befriends the dudes in Enslaved, everyone wins. Norway's Shining took a hard left after touring with Enslaved, retooling their sound from a prog- and occasionally metal-influenced brand of jazz into an entirely new form of extreme metal, which the title of fifth album christens Blackjazz. You've heard a great deal of jazz-influenced extreme metal before, especially if you're into death metal, but this is closer to the other way around, and that's something entirely more novel. It also defies description, beyond “what the fuck is going on” and “+5 for saxophone.” It has to be heard to be believed—more importantly, it has to be heard. This could be the start of something new.
  77. 14.
  78. 14.
    Kylesa - Spiral Shadow — Here's a stoner metal album that commands you to get stoned. Kylesa have mastered the fuzzy wind-in-the-speakers heaviness that Matt Pike and Mastodon have made the standard grammar of the subgenre, but they're not just here to beat you over the head—they're also here to disorient you with strange and beautiful melodies perfectly suited to Spiral Shadow's Beetlejuice-in-Wonderland album cover. Kylesa were one of the most exciting live acts I saw last year, and the album somehow perfectly preserves the intensity and immediacy of a live show while still producing the textured and tactile sound that best suits stoner music of any kind. Whether you want to headbang or softly nod the night away, this one's worth your money.
  79. 14.
    Kylesa - Spiral Shadow — Here's a stoner metal album that commands you to get stoned. Kylesa have mastered the fuzzy wind-in-the-speakers heaviness that Matt Pike and Mastodon have made the standard grammar of the subgenre, but they're not just here to beat you over the head—they're also here to disorient you with strange and beautiful melodies perfectly suited to Spiral Shadow's Beetlejuice-in-Wonderland album cover. Kylesa were one of the most exciting live acts I saw last year, and the album somehow perfectly preserves the intensity and immediacy of a live show while still producing the textured and tactile sound that best suits stoner music of any kind. Whether you want to headbang or softly nod the night away, this one's worth your money.
  80. 14.
    Kylesa - Spiral Shadow — Here's a stoner metal album that commands you to get stoned. Kylesa have mastered the fuzzy wind-in-the-speakers heaviness that Matt Pike and Mastodon have made the standard grammar of the subgenre, but they're not just here to beat you over the head—they're also here to disorient you with strange and beautiful melodies perfectly suited to Spiral Shadow's Beetlejuice-in-Wonderland album cover. Kylesa were one of the most exciting live acts I saw last year, and the album somehow perfectly preserves the intensity and immediacy of a live show while still producing the textured and tactile sound that best suits stoner music of any kind. Whether you want to headbang or softly nod the night away, this one's worth your money.
  81. 14.
    Kylesa - Spiral Shadow — Here's a stoner metal album that commands you to get stoned. Kylesa have mastered the fuzzy wind-in-the-speakers heaviness that Matt Pike and Mastodon have made the standard grammar of the subgenre, but they're not just here to beat you over the head—they're also here to disorient you with strange and beautiful melodies perfectly suited to Spiral Shadow's Beetlejuice-in-Wonderland album cover. Kylesa were one of the most exciting live acts I saw last year, and the album somehow perfectly preserves the intensity and immediacy of a live show while still producing the textured and tactile sound that best suits stoner music of any kind. Whether you want to headbang or softly nod the night away, this one's worth your money.
  82. 15.
  83. 15.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — The transformation of black metal into an experimental music is an exciting international phenomenon, but for all this talk about Ihsahn and French people and saxophone, it's important to remember who's been at the center of that transformation from the beginning. Enslaved have always been ahead of the curve and a yardstick for the state of the black metal around, form their early twisted brutality to their incorporation of Viking imagery and ideology to their noise years and now to the progressive approach of Axioma Ethica Odini. It's likely they'll never cease to be leaders, and if AEO is any indication, they'll never cease to make great albums either. The good sound quality of this album might offend what Trve Kvlt diehards are left, but even they should have a hard time resisting the albums mix of harsh and clean vocals against melodic, chugging speed riffs and unpredictable structures.
  84. 15.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — The transformation of black metal into an experimental music is an exciting international phenomenon, but for all this talk about Ihsahn and French people and saxophone, it's important to remember who's been at the center of that transformation from the beginning. Enslaved have always been ahead of the curve and a yardstick for the state of the black metal around, form their early twisted brutality to their incorporation of Viking imagery and ideology to their noise years and now to the progressive approach of Axioma Ethica Odini. It's likely they'll never cease to be leaders, and if AEO is any indication, they'll never cease to make great albums either. The good sound quality of this album might offend what Trve Kvlt diehards are left, but even they should have a hard time resisting the album's mix of harsh and clean vocals against melodic, chugging speed riffs and unpredictable structures.
  85. 15.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — The transformation of black metal into an experimental music is an exciting international phenomenon, but for all this talk about Ihsahn and French people and saxophone, it's important to remember who's been at the center of that transformation from the beginning. Enslaved have always been ahead of the curve and a yardstick for the state of the black metal around, form their early twisted brutality to their incorporation of Viking imagery and ideology to their noise years and now to the progressive approach of Axioma Ethica Odini. It's likely they'll never cease to be leaders, and if AEO is any indication, they'll never cease to make great albums either. The good sound quality of this album might offend what Trve Kvlt diehards are left, but even they should have a hard time resisting the album's mix of harsh and clean vocals against melodic, chugging speed riffs and unpredictable structures.
  86. 15.
    Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini — The transformation of black metal into an experimental music is an exciting international phenomenon, but for all this talk about Ihsahn and French people and saxophone, it's important to remember who's been at the center of that transformation from the beginning. Enslaved have always been ahead of the curve and a yardstick for the state of the black metal around, form their early twisted brutality to their incorporation of Viking imagery and ideology to their noise years and now to the progressive approach of Axioma Ethica Odini. It's likely they'll never cease to be leaders, and if AEO is any indication, they'll never cease to make great albums either. The good sound quality of this album might offend what Trve Kvlt diehards are left, but even they should have a hard time resisting the album's mix of harsh and clean vocals against melodic, chugging speed riffs and unpredictable structures.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Well, as the newest member of the MetalReviews team, I'm still fairly starry-eyed about all of this. That's why I left Surprises, Disappointments and Jokes blank; I'm simply overwhelmed by the enormity of selecting that many albums when I haven't had my ear to the ground all year the way writing for this site is starting to allow me to--especially given my self- inflicted compulsion to write something about every album I listed.
  2. 0
    — Well, as the newest member of the MetalReviews team, I'm still fairly starry-eyed about all of this. That's why I left Surprises, Disappointments and Jokes blank; I'm simply overwhelmed by the enormity of selecting that many albums when I haven't had my ear to the ground all year the way writing for this site is starting to allow me to--especially given my self- inflicted compulsion to write something about every album I listed.
  3. 0
    — Well, as the newest member of the MetalReviews team, I'm still fairly starry-eyed about all of this. That's why I left Surprises, Disappointments and Jokes blank; I'm simply overwhelmed by the enormity of selecting that many albums when I haven't had my ear to the ground all year the way writing for this site is starting to allow me to--especially given my self- inflicted compulsion to write something about every album I listed. But joining up has been a fantastic decision, and not just because I'm getting free albums and opportunities to interview musicians; I love nothing more than heavy metal and talking about it has been my pastime of choice for years, so having a large and often appreciative audience for my musings on where the best metal is and why this music matters is extremely exciting to me, and I sincerely look forward to spending 2011 with you guys. As for 2010, it was a weird year for me musically--as I've noted a couple of times on the site, I'm a lover of thrash metal, which wasn't out in full force this year. Last year was an awesome year for thrash--I drew up a Top 15 of 2009 in my free time, and it had 8 thrash metal albums on it--but not one thrash album made it onto my 2010 list. Instead, we got lots of great epic-length stuff this year (I can't believe how many times I typed "prog" in that list), and multiple terrific contributions from experimental black metal, stoner metal, and retro-metal of various breeds. It was a good year to expand your metal horizons, which is something this position has already allowed me to do and which I anticipate I'll get to do much more in the coming months, so thank you all again, and here's to a 2011 full of great metal!
  4. 0
    — Well, as the newest member of the MetalReviews team, I'm still fairly starry-eyed about all of this. That's why I left Surprises, Disappointments and Jokes blank; I'm simply overwhelmed by the enormity of selecting that many albums when I haven't had my ear to the ground all year the way writing for this site is starting to allow me to, especially given my self-inflicted compulsion to write something about every album I listed. But joining up has been a fantastic decision, and not just because I'm getting free albums and opportunities to interview musicians; I love nothing more than heavy metal, and talking about it has been my pastime of choice for years, so having a large and often appreciative audience for my musings on where the best metal is and why this music matters is extremely exciting to me. I sincerely look forward to spending 2011 with you guys. As for 2010, it was a weird year for me musically--as I've noted a couple of times on the site, I'm a lover of thrash metal, which wasn't out in full force this year. Last year was an awesome year for thrash--I drew up a Top 15 of 2009 in my free time, and it had 8 thrash metal albums on it--but not one thrash album made it onto my 2010 list. Instead, we got lots of great epic-length stuff this year (I can't believe how many times I typed "prog" in that list), and multiple terrific contributions from experimental black metal, stoner metal, and retro-metal of various breeds. It was a good year to expand your metal horizons, which is something this position has already allowed me to do and which I anticipate I'll get to do much more in the coming months, so thank you all again, and here's to a 2011 full of great metal!
  5. 0
    — Well, as the newest member of the MetalReviews team, I'm still fairly starry-eyed about all of this. That's why I left Surprises, Disappointments and Jokes blank; I'm simply overwhelmed by the enormity of selecting that many albums when I haven't had my ear to the ground all year the way writing for this site is starting to allow me to, especially given my self-inflicted compulsion to write something about every album I listed. But joining up has been a fantastic decision, and not just because I'm getting free albums and opportunities to interview musicians; I love nothing more than heavy metal, and talking about it has been my pastime of choice for years, so having a large and often appreciative audience for my musings on where the best metal is and why this music matters is extremely exciting to me. I sincerely look forward to spending 2011 with you guys. As for 2010, it was a weird year for me musically--as I've noted a couple of times on the site, I'm a lover of thrash metal, which wasn't out in full force this year. Last year was an awesome year for thrash--I drew up a Top 15 of 2009 in my free time, and it had 8 thrash metal albums on it--but not one thrash album made it onto my 2010 list. Instead, we got lots of great epic-length stuff this year (I can't believe how many times I typed "prog" in that list), and multiple terrific contributions from experimental black metal, stoner metal, and retro-metal of various breeds. It was a good year to expand your metal horizons, which is something this position has already allowed me to do and which I anticipate I'll get to do much more in the coming months, so thank you all again, and here's to a 2011 full of great metal!
  6. 0
    — Well, as the newest member of the MetalReviews team, I'm still fairly starry-eyed about all of this. That's why I left Surprises, Disappointments and Jokes blank; I'm simply overwhelmed by the enormity of selecting that many albums when I haven't had my ear to the ground all year the way writing for this site is starting to allow me to, especially given my self-inflicted compulsion to write something about every album I listed. But joining up has been a fantastic decision, and not just because I'm getting free albums and opportunities to interview musicians; I love nothing more than heavy metal, and talking about it has been my pastime of choice for years, so having a large and often appreciative audience for my musings on where the best metal is and why this music matters is extremely exciting to me. I sincerely look forward to spending 2011 with you guys. As for 2010, it was a weird year for me musically--as I've noted a couple of times on the site, I'm a lover of thrash metal, which wasn't out in full force this year. Last year was an awesome year for thrash--I drew up a Top 15 of 2009 in my free time, and it had 8 thrash metal albums on it--but not one thrash album made it onto my 2010 list. Instead, we got lots of great epic-length stuff this year (I can't believe how many times I typed "prog" in that list), and multiple terrific contributions from experimental black metal, stoner metal, and retro-metal of various breeds. It was a good year to expand your metal horizons, which is something this position has already allowed me to do and which I anticipate I'll get to do much more in the coming months, so thank you all again, and here's to a 2011 full of great metal!