MetalReviews

Awards 2012

11 reviewers shared their picks for 2012.

← 2011 2013 →

Chris

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7916 — While expectations where high and maybe the album lacks content, Sons of Winter and Stars is the best song of all the known universes AFAIK :)
  3. 1.
    7916 — While expectations where high and maybe the album lacks content, Sons of Winter and Stars is the best song of all the known universes AFAIK :)
  4. 1.
    7916 — While expectations where high and maybe the album lacks content, Sons of Winter and Stars is the best song of all the known universes AFAIK :)
  5. 1.
    7916 — While expectations where high and maybe the album lacks content, Sons of Winter and Stars is the best song of all the known universes AFAIK :)
  6. 1.
    7916 — While expectations where high and maybe the album lacks content, Sons of Winter and Stars is the best song of all the known universes AFAIK :)
  7. 1.
    7916 — While expectations where high and maybe the album lacks content, Sons of Winter and Stars is the best song of all the known universes AFAIK :)
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
    7938 — One of the best Hard Rock albums of all time, enough said !
  10. 2.
    7938 — One of the best Hard Rock albums of all time, enough said !
  11. 2.
    7938 — One of the best Hard Rock albums of all time, enough said !
  12. 2.
    7938 — One of the best Hard Rock albums of all time, enough said !
  13. 2.
    7938 — One of the best Hard Rock albums of all time, enough said !
  14. 2.
    7938 — One of the best Hard Rock albums of all time, enough said !
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
    7583 — Some might find it too cheesy, but to accuse Freedom Call to be cheesy is not understanding the band nor style they play. A grandiose album that gets better with each and every listen !
  17. 3.
    7583 — Some might find it too cheesy, but to accuse Freedom Call to be cheesy is not understanding the band nor style they play. A grandiose album that gets better with each and every listen !
  18. 3.
    7583 — Some might find it too cheesy, but to accuse Freedom Call to be cheesy is not understanding the band nor style they play. A grandiose album that gets better with each and every listen !
  19. 3.
    7583 — Some might find it too cheesy, but to accuse Freedom Call to be cheesy is not understanding the band nor style they play. A grandiose album that gets better with each and every listen !
  20. 3.
    7583 — Some might find it too cheesy, but to accuse Freedom Call to be cheesy is not understanding the band nor style they play. A grandiose album that gets better with each and every listen !
  21. 3.
    7583 — Some might find it too cheesy, but to accuse Freedom Call to be cheesy is not understanding the band nor style they play. A grandiose album that gets better with each and every listen !
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
    7700 — A masterpiece from a classic band
  24. 4.
    7700 — A masterpiece from a classic band
  25. 4.
    7700 — A masterpiece from a classic band
  26. 4.
    7700 — A masterpiece from a classic band
  27. 4.
    7700 — A masterpiece from a classic band
  28. 4.
    7700 — A masterpiece from a classic band
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
    7685 — Who said Hard-Rock is dead ? Listen to this album and you'll understand that it's still alive and kicking :)
  31. 5.
    7685 — Who said Hard-Rock is dead ? Listen to this album and you'll understand that it's still alive and kicking :)
  32. 5.
    7685 — Who said Hard-Rock is dead ? Listen to this album and you'll understand that it's still alive and kicking :)
  33. 5.
    7685 — Who said Hard-Rock is dead ? Listen to this album and you'll understand that it's still alive and kicking :)
  34. 5.
    7685 — Who said Hard-Rock is dead ? Listen to this album and you'll understand that it's still alive and kicking :)
  35. 5.
    7685 — Who said Hard-Rock is dead ? Listen to this album and you'll understand that it's still alive and kicking :)
  36. 6.
  37. 6.
    7592 — It's not every day you can drastically change your style and still come on top, Iron Fire's new opus is a true tour-de-force, congrats !
  38. 6.
    7592 — It's not every day you can drastically change your style and still come on top, Iron Fire's new opus is a true tour-de-force, congrats !
  39. 6.
    7592 — It's not every day you can drastically change your style and still come on top, Iron Fire's new opus is a true tour-de-force, congrats !
  40. 6.
    7592 — It's not every day you can drastically change your style and still come on top, Iron Fire's new opus is a true tour-de-force, congrats !
  41. 6.
    7592 — It's not every day you can drastically change your style and still come on top, Iron Fire's new opus is a true tour-de-force, congrats !
  42. 6.
    7592 — It's not every day you can drastically change your style and still come on top, Iron Fire's new opus is a true tour-de-force, congrats !
  43. 7.
  44. 7.
    7715 — Awesome album from the Guitar player of Accept, playing something more Melodic Metal with a great collection of songs
  45. 7.
    7715 — Awesome album from the Guitar player of Accept, playing something more Melodic Metal with a great collection of songs
  46. 7.
    7715 — Awesome album from the Guitar player of Accept, playing something more Melodic Metal with a great collection of songs
  47. 7.
    7715 — Awesome album from the Guitar player of Accept, playing something more Melodic Metal with a great collection of songs
  48. 7.
    7715 — Awesome album from the Guitar player of Accept, playing something more Melodic Metal with a great collection of songs
  49. 7.
    7715 — Awesome album from the Guitar player of Accept, playing something more Melodic Metal with a great collection of songs
  50. 8.
  51. 8.
    7968 — AOR done right !
  52. 8.
    7968 — AOR done right !
  53. 8.
    7968 — AOR done right !
  54. 8.
    7968 — AOR done right !
  55. 8.
    7968 — AOR done right !
  56. 8.
    7968 — AOR done right !
  57. 9.
  58. 9.
    7671 — Another great release from the masters of Heavy Metal, it's so great that this band can still deliver albums of this caliber after so many years !
  59. 9.
    7671 — Another great release from the masters of Heavy Metal, it's so great that this band can still deliver albums of this caliber after so many years !
  60. 9.
    7671 — Another great release from the masters of Heavy Metal, it's so great that this band can still deliver albums of this caliber after so many years !
  61. 9.
    7671 — Another great release from the masters of Heavy Metal, it's so great that this band can still deliver albums of this caliber after so many years !
  62. 9.
    7671 — Another great release from the masters of Heavy Metal, it's so great that this band can still deliver albums of this caliber after so many years !
  63. 9.
    7671 — Another great release from the masters of Heavy Metal, it's so great that this band can still deliver albums of this caliber after so many years !
  64. 10.
  65. 10.
    7637 — Another Rage album, another grand album, enough said, Rage doesn't know how to fail, one of the most underrated bands (they should be as famous as Metallica imho), EXTREMELY productive band, that release killer albums for decades... Except one or two sub-par release, Rage almost always consistently delivers killer material, this album is no exception
  66. 10.
    7637 — Another Rage album, another grand album, as simple as that ! Rage doesn't know how to fail, one of the most underrated bands (they should be as famous as Metallica imho), EXTREMELY productive band, that release killer albums for decades... Except one or two sub-par release, Rage almost always consistently delivers killer material, this album is no exception
  67. 10.
    7637 — Another Rage album, another grand album, as simple as that ! Rage doesn't know how to fail, one of the most underrated bands (they should be as famous as Metallica imho), EXTREMELY productive band, that release killer albums for decades... Except one or two sub-par release, Rage almost always consistently delivers killer material, this album is no exception
  68. 10.
    7637 — Another Rage album, another grand album, as simple as that ! Rage doesn't know how to fail, one of the most underrated bands (they should be as famous as Metallica imho), EXTREMELY productive band, that release killer albums for decades... Except one or two sub-par release, Rage almost always consistently delivers killer material, this album is no exception
  69. 10.
    7637 — Another Rage album, another grand album, as simple as that ! Rage doesn't know how to fail, one of the most underrated bands (they should be as famous as Metallica imho), EXTREMELY productive band, that release killer albums for decades... Except one or two sub-par release, Rage almost always consistently delivers killer material, this album is no exception
  70. 10.
    7637 — Another Rage album, another grand album, as simple as that ! Rage doesn't know how to fail, one of the most underrated bands (they should be as famous as Metallica imho), EXTREMELY productive band, that release killer albums for decades... Except one or two sub-par release, Rage almost always consistently delivers killer material, this album is no exception
  71. 11.
  72. 11.
    7683 — A great album, new singer isn't all that but fits the band well, and I like the new, less busy sound. The music breathes in this new opus and gives us something a little different but still great at the same time
  73. 11.
    7683 — A great album, new singer isn't all that but fits the band well, and I like the new, less busy sound. The music breathes in this new opus and gives us something a little different but still great at the same time
  74. 11.
    7683 — A great album, new singer isn't all that but fits the band well, and I like the new, less busy sound. The music breathes in this new opus and gives us something a little different but still great at the same time
  75. 11.
    7683 — A great album, new singer isn't all that but fits the band well, and I like the new, less busy sound. The music breathes in this new opus and gives us something a little different but still great at the same time
  76. 11.
    7683 — A great album, new singer isn't all that but fits the band well, and I like the new, less busy sound. The music breathes in this new opus and gives us something a little different but still great at the same time
  77. 11.
    7683 — A great album, new singer isn't all that but fits the band well, and I like the new, less busy sound. The music breathes in this new opus and gives us something a little different but still great at the same time
  78. 12.
  79. 12.
    7956 — It may not top Black Halo or Karma, but it's the best thing since, the last two albums have been utter disappointment for me, so it's good to see Kamelot on the right path again. I miss Khan but the new singer is pretty good !
  80. 12.
    7956 — It may not top Black Halo or Karma, but it's the best thing since, the last two albums have been utter disappointment for me, so it's good to see Kamelot on the right path again. I miss Khan but the new singer is pretty good !
  81. 12.
    7956 — It may not top Black Halo or Karma, but it's the best thing since, the last two albums have been utter disappointment for me, so it's good to see Kamelot on the right path again. I miss Khan but the new singer is pretty good !
  82. 12.
    7956 — It may not top Black Halo or Karma, but it's the best thing since, the last two albums have been utter disappointment for me, so it's good to see Kamelot on the right path again. I miss Khan but the new singer is pretty good !
  83. 12.
    7956 — It may not top Black Halo or Karma, but it's the best thing since, the last two albums have been utter disappointment for me, so it's good to see Kamelot on the right path again. I miss Khan but the new singer is pretty good !
  84. 12.
    7956 — It may not top Black Halo or Karma, but it's the best thing since, the last two albums have been utter disappointment for me, so it's good to see Kamelot on the right path again. I miss Khan but the new singer is pretty good !
  85. 13.
  86. 13.
  87. 13.
  88. 13.
    7668 — Still waiting for Sabaton to make a bad album :), Carolus Rex is a great album, and I was thoroughly impressed with it, however I must admit I rarely listen to it now...
  89. 13.
    7668 — Still waiting for Sabaton to make a bad album :), Carolus Rex is a great album, and I was thoroughly impressed with it, however I must admit I rarely listen to it now...
  90. 13.
    7668 — Still waiting for Sabaton to make a bad album :), Carolus Rex is a great album, and I was thoroughly impressed with it, however I must admit I rarely listen to it now...
  91. 13.
    7668 — Still waiting for Sabaton to make a bad album :), Carolus Rex is a great album, and I was thoroughly impressed with it, however I must admit I rarely listen to it now...
  92. 14.
  93. 14.
  94. 14.
  95. 14.
  96. 14.
  97. 14.
  98. 14.
  99. 15.
  100. 15.
  101. 15.
  102. 15.
  103. 15.
  104. 15.
  105. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7846 — Probably my favorite album of the year, an amazing surprise and the beginning hopefully of a great career for this awesome Canadian band
  3. 1.
    7846 — Probably my favorite album of the year, an amazing surprise and the beginning hopefully of a great career for this awesome Canadian band
  4. 1.
    7846 — Probably my favorite album of the year, an amazing surprise and the beginning hopefully of a great career for this awesome Canadian band
  5. 1.
    7846 — Probably my favorite album of the year, an amazing surprise and the beginning hopefully of a great career for this awesome Canadian band
  6. 1.
    7846 — Probably my favorite album of the year, an amazing surprise and the beginning hopefully of a great career for this awesome Canadian band
  7. 1.
    7846 — Probably my favorite album of the year, an amazing surprise and the beginning hopefully of a great career for this awesome Canadian band
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
    7670 — A great new contender in the Power / Prog category
  10. 2.
    7670 — A great new contender in the Power / Prog category
  11. 2.
    7670 — A great new contender in the Power / Prog category
  12. 2.
    7670 — A great new contender in the Power / Prog category
  13. 2.
    7670 — A great new contender in the Power / Prog category
  14. 2.
    7670 — A great new contender in the Power / Prog category
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
  21. 3.
    Die From Sorrow - Journey of Sadness — Excellent Chinese melodeath, a true surprise, review to come...
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7714 — While it's a goodish album, I really expected more...
  3. 1.
    7714 — While it's a goodish album, I really expected more...
  4. 1.
    7714 — While it's a goodish album, I really expected more...
  5. 1.
    7714 — While it's a goodish album, I really expected more...
  6. 1.
    7714 — While it's a goodish album, I really expected more...
  7. 1.
    7714 — While it's a goodish album, I really expected more...
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
    7980 — I might have been a little harsh with them but after the fantastic From Afar, an album that proved that Ensiferum can stand tall without Jari, well this is utterly disappointing. Bad timing to try and experiment imho....
  10. 2.
    7980 — I might have been a little harsh with them but after the fantastic From Afar, an album that proved that Ensiferum can stand tall without Jari, well this is utterly disappointing. Bad timing to try and experiment imho....
  11. 2.
    7980 — I might have been a little harsh with them but after the fantastic From Afar, an album that proved that Ensiferum can stand tall without Jari, well this is utterly disappointing. Bad timing to try and experiment imho....
  12. 2.
    7980 — I might have been a little harsh with them but after the fantastic From Afar, an album that proved that Ensiferum can stand tall without Jari, well this is utterly disappointing. Bad timing to try and experiment imho....
  13. 2.
    7980 — I might have been a little harsh with them but after the fantastic From Afar, an album that proved that Ensiferum can stand tall without Jari, well this is utterly disappointing. Bad timing to try and experiment imho....
  14. 2.
    7980 — I might have been a little harsh with them but after the fantastic From Afar, an album that proved that Ensiferum can stand tall without Jari, well this is utterly disappointing. Bad timing to try and experiment imho....
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
  21. 3.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7646 — The worse album from the band, some good ideas but an awful production, clearly an album to cash-in that tarnishes the image of Running Wild in my eyes.
  3. 1.
    7646 — The worse album from the band, some good ideas but an awful production, clearly an album to cash-in that tarnishes the image of Running Wild in my eyes.
  4. 1.
    7646 — The worse album from the band, some good ideas but an awful production, clearly an album to cash-in that tarnishes the image of Running Wild in my eyes.
  5. 1.
    7646 — The worse album from the band, some good ideas but an awful production, clearly an album to cash-in that tarnishes the image of Running Wild in my eyes.
  6. 1.
    7646 — The worse album from the band, some good ideas but an awful production, clearly an album to cash-in that tarnishes the image of Running Wild in my eyes.
  7. 1.
    7646 — The worse album from the band, some good ideas but an awful production, clearly an album to cash-in that tarnishes the image of Running Wild in my eyes.
  8. 2.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
  13. 2.
  14. 2.
  15. 3.
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
  21. 3.
  22. 4.
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 5.
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
    — 2012 has been a good year metal-wise. I don't have much else to say, except I'm looking forward to 2013, and it started incredible with Helloween's newest album ! I look forward to the part II of Wintersun's Time, hoping it won't be delayed to 2014 ! I also hope to hear a new album from Crimson Shadows though that's probably wishful thinking. But who knows :). I also hope the new Avantasia album will be good, I'm not excepting a contender of the first two Avantasia, these days are gone, and I really hope Tobias will make more Power Metal releases like he did, and why not re-record Vain Glory Opera with an opera, and a better production. But also wishful thinking on my part I'm sure. I wish you all a wonderful 2013 Metal year !
  3. 0
    — 2012 has been a good year metal-wise. I don't have much else to say, except I'm looking forward to 2013, and it started incredible with Helloween's newest album ! I look forward to the part II of Wintersun's Time, hoping it won't be delayed to 2014 ! I also hope to hear a new album from Crimson Shadows though that's probably wishful thinking. But who knows :). I also hope the new Avantasia album will be good, I'm not excepting a contender of the first two Avantasia, these days are gone, and I really hope Tobias will make more Power Metal releases like he did, and why not re-record Vain Glory Opera with an opera, and a better production. But also wishful thinking on my part I'm sure. I wish you all a wonderful 2013 Metal year !
  4. 0
    — 2012 has been a good year metal-wise. I don't have much else to say, except I'm looking forward to 2013, and it started incredible with Helloween's newest album ! I look forward to the part II of Wintersun's Time, hoping it won't be delayed to 2014 ! I also hope to hear a new album from Crimson Shadows though that's probably wishful thinking. But who knows :). I also hope the new Avantasia album will be good, I'm not excepting a contender of the first two Avantasia, these days are gone, and I really hope Tobias will make more Power Metal releases like he did, and why not re-record Vain Glory Opera with an opera, and a better production. But also wishful thinking on my part I'm sure. I wish you all a wonderful 2013 Metal year !
  5. 0
    — 2012 has been a good year metal-wise. I don't have much else to say, except I'm looking forward to 2013, and it started incredible with Helloween's newest album ! I look forward to the part II of Wintersun's Time, hoping it won't be delayed to 2014 ! I also hope to hear a new album from Crimson Shadows though that's probably wishful thinking. But who knows :). I also hope the new Avantasia album will be good, I'm not expecting a contender of the first two Avantasia, these days are gone, and I really hope Tobias will make more Power Metal releases like he did, and why not re-record Vain Glory Opera with an opera, and a better production. But also wishful thinking on my part I'm sure. I wish you all a wonderful 2013 Metal year !
  6. 0
    — 2012 has been a good year metal-wise. I don't have much else to say, except I'm looking forward to 2013, and it started incredible with Helloween's newest album ! I look forward to the part II of Wintersun's Time, hoping it won't be delayed to 2014 ! I also hope to hear a new album from Crimson Shadows though that's probably wishful thinking. But who knows :). I also hope the new Avantasia album will be good, I'm not expecting a contender of the first two Avantasia, these days are gone, and I really hope Tobias will make more Power Metal releases like he did, and why not re-record Vain Glory Opera with an opera, and a better production. But also wishful thinking on my part I'm sure. I wish you all a wonderful 2013 Metal year !
  7. 0
    — 2012 has been a good year metal-wise. I don't have much else to say, except I'm looking forward to 2013, and it started incredible with Helloween's newest album ! I look forward to the part II of Wintersun's Time, hoping it won't be delayed to 2014 ! I also hope to hear a new album from Crimson Shadows though that's probably wishful thinking. But who knows :). I also hope the new Avantasia album will be good, I'm not expecting a contender of the first two Avantasia, these days are gone, and I really hope Tobias will make more Power Metal releases like he did, and why not re-record Vain Glory Opera with an opera, and a better production. But also wishful thinking on my part I'm sure. I wish you all a wonderful 2013 Metal year !

Danny

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    7938
  2. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  3. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  4. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  5. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  6. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  7. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  8. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  9. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  10. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  11. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  12. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  13. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  14. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  15. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  16. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  17. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  18. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  19. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  20. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  21. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  22. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  23. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  24. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  25. 1.
    7938 — Redefining Melodic Heavy Metal.
  26. 2.
    7668
  27. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  28. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  29. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  30. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  31. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  32. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  33. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  34. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  35. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  36. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  37. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  38. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  39. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  40. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  41. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  42. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  43. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  44. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  45. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  46. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  47. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  48. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  49. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  50. 2.
    7668 — Another masterpiece. Three in a row now.
  51. 3.
    7685
  52. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  53. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  54. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  55. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  56. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  57. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  58. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  59. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  60. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  61. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  62. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  63. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  64. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  65. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  66. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  67. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  68. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  69. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  70. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  71. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  72. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  73. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  74. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  75. 3.
    7685 — The Melodic Hard Rock album of the year.
  76. 4.
    7716
  77. 4.
    7945 — Hell, what took me so long to discover Joe ?!?
  78. 4.
    7945 — Hell, what took me so long to discover Joe ?!?
  79. 4.
    7945 — Hell, what took me so long to discover Joe ?!?
  80. 4.
    7945 — Hell, what took me so long to discover Joe ?!?
  81. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  82. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  83. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  84. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  85. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  86. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  87. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  88. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  89. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  90. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  91. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  92. 4.
    7945 — Blind Guardian is back.
  93. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  94. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  95. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  96. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  97. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  98. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  99. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  100. 4.
    7945 — The real Blind Guardian is back?
  101. 5.
  102. 5.
    7671
  103. 5.
    7671
  104. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  105. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  106. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  107. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  108. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  109. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  110. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  111. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  112. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  113. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  114. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  115. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  116. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  117. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  118. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  119. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  120. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  121. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  122. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  123. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  124. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  125. 5.
    7671 — Two in a row. Keep on going guys.
  126. 6.
  127. 6.
    7592
  128. 6.
    7592
  129. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  130. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  131. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  132. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  133. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  134. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  135. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  136. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  137. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  138. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  139. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  140. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  141. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  142. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  143. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  144. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  145. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  146. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  147. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  148. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  149. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  150. 6.
    7592 — Respect. Almost new style, same fist in your face.
  151. 7.
  152. 7.
    7496
  153. 7.
    7496
  154. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  155. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  156. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  157. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  158. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  159. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  160. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  161. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  162. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  163. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  164. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  165. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  166. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  167. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  168. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  169. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  170. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  171. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  172. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  173. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  174. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  175. 7.
    7496 — They are !!!
  176. 8.
  177. 8.
    7916
  178. 8.
    7916
  179. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  180. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  181. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  182. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  183. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  184. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  185. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  186. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  187. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  188. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  189. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  190. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  191. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  192. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  193. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  194. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  195. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  196. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  197. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  198. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  199. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  200. 8.
    7916 — Time ... was long.
  201. 9.
  202. 9.
    7715
  203. 9.
    7715
  204. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  205. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  206. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  207. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  208. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  209. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  210. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  211. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  212. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  213. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  214. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  215. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  216. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  217. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  218. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  219. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  220. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  221. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  222. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  223. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  224. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  225. 9.
    7715 — Herman, keep some good tracks for the next Accept record.
  226. 10.
  227. 10.
    7689
  228. 10.
    7689
  229. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  230. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  231. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  232. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  233. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  234. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  235. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  236. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  237. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  238. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  239. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  240. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  241. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  242. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  243. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  244. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  245. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  246. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  247. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  248. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  249. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  250. 10.
    7689 — As always. Touchdown.
  251. 11.
  252. 11.
    7700
  253. 11.
    7700
  254. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  255. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  256. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  257. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  258. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  259. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  260. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  261. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  262. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  263. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  264. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  265. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  266. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  267. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  268. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  269. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  270. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  271. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  272. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  273. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  274. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  275. 11.
    7700 — What a come back !!!
  276. 12.
  277. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal
  278. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal
  279. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  280. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  281. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  282. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  283. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  284. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  285. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  286. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  287. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  288. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  289. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  290. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  291. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  292. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  293. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  294. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  295. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  296. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  297. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  298. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  299. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  300. 12.
    Bloodbound - In The Name Of Metal — You cannot miss this one. They deserve your attention.
  301. 13.
  302. 13.
    7892
  303. 13.
    7892
  304. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  305. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  306. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  307. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  308. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  309. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  310. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  311. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  312. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  313. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  314. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  315. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  316. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  317. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  318. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  319. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  320. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  321. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  322. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  323. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  324. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  325. 13.
    7892 — Swedish Black Sabbath. Heavy, Doomish.
  326. 14.
  327. 14.
    8039
  328. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  329. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  330. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  331. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  332. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  333. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  334. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  335. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  336. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  337. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  338. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  339. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  340. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  341. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  342. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  343. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  344. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  345. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  346. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  347. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  348. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  349. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  350. 14.
    Kiss - Monster — Giant Monster.
  351. 15.
  352. 15.
    7968
  353. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  354. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  355. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  356. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  357. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  358. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  359. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  360. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  361. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  362. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  363. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  364. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  365. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  366. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  367. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  368. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  369. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  370. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  371. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  372. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  373. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  374. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)
  375. 15.
    7968 — Eye of the tiger :-)

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  4. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  5. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  6. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  7. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  8. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  9. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  10. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  11. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  12. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  13. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  14. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  15. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  16. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  17. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  18. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  19. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  20. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  21. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  22. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  23. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  24. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  25. 1.
    Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight — What took me so long to discover Joe ?!
  26. 2.
  27. 2.
    8050
  28. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia.
  29. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia.
  30. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia.
  31. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia.
  32. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT, Jimmi Jamison.
  33. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT, Jimmi Jamison.
  34. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT, Jimmi Jamison.
  35. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT, Jimmi Jamison.
  36. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT, Jimmi Jamison.
  37. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison reunited.
  38. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  39. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  40. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  41. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  42. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  43. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  44. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  45. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  46. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  47. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  48. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  49. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  50. 2.
    Sunstorm - Emotional Fire — Almost as good as Asia, HEAT and Jimi Jamison united.
  51. 3.
  52. 3.
  53. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  54. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  55. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  56. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  57. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  58. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  59. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  60. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  61. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  62. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  63. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything
  64. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  65. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  66. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  67. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  68. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  69. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  70. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  71. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  72. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  73. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  74. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  75. 3.
    Blessed By A Broken Heart - Feel The Power — Title tells everything.
  76. 4.
  77. 4.
  78. 4.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  79. 4.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  80. 4.
    8039
  81. 4.
    8039
  82. 4.
    8039
  83. 4.
    8039
  84. 4.
    8050 — And almost pass like it never exist. Released in October guys !!!
  85. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  86. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  87. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  88. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  89. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  90. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  91. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  92. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  93. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  94. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  95. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  96. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  97. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  98. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  99. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  100. 4.
    8039 — King Diamond new album ?
  101. 5.
  102. 5.
  103. 5.
    8039
  104. 5.
    8039
  105. 5.
    8039 — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  106. 5.
    8039 — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  107. 5.
    8039 — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  108. 5.
    8039 — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  109. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  110. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  111. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  112. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  113. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  114. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  115. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  116. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  117. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  118. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  119. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  120. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  121. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  122. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  123. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  124. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?
  125. 5.
    Tank - War Nation — NWOBHM at its best. Who said Saxon?

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  6. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  7. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  8. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  9. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  10. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  11. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  12. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  13. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  14. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  15. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  16. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  17. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  18. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  19. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  20. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  21. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  22. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  23. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  24. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  25. 1.
    No new Metallica album. We are dying since 2008. FIVE YEARS !!! — Enough - 2013 shall be !!
  26. 2.
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  31. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  32. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  33. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  34. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  35. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  36. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  37. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  38. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  39. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  40. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  41. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  42. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  43. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  44. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  45. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  46. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  47. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  48. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  49. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  50. 2.
    7646 — Actually I like it, just this is not a Running Wild album, this is a Giant X one. Wrong casting, ugly wrong casting !!!!!
  51. 3.
  52. 3.
  53. 3.
  54. 3.
  55. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  56. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  57. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  58. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  59. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  60. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  61. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  62. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  63. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  64. 3.
    7942 — Hey, its still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  65. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  66. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  67. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  68. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  69. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  70. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  71. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  72. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  73. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  74. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  75. 3.
    7942 — Hey, it's still good, but Gus has done much better in the past. Yellow card as we say in soccer.
  76. 4.
  77. 4.
  78. 4.
  79. 4.
  80. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  81. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  82. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  83. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  84. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  85. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  86. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  87. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  88. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  89. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  90. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  91. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  92. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  93. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happend?
  94. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened?
  95. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened? Clash of the band yes ...
  96. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened? Clash of the band yes ...
  97. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened? Clash of the band yes ...
  98. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened? Clash of the band yes ...
  99. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened? Clash of the band yes ...
  100. 4.
    7791 — Ouffff, what happened? Clash of the band yes ...
  101. 5.
  102. 5.
  103. 5.
  104. 5.
  105. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  106. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  107. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  108. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  109. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  110. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  111. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  112. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  113. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  114. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  115. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  116. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  117. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  118. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  119. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  120. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  121. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  122. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  123. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  124. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...
  125. 5.
    7714 — Steve, we miss you. Good stuff, but ...

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  6. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  7. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  8. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  9. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  10. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  11. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  12. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  13. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  14. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  15. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  16. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  17. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  18. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  19. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  20. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  21. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  22. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  23. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  24. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  25. 1.
    7646 — By far !!!!
  26. 2.
  27. 2.
  28. 2.
  29. 2.
  30. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  31. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  32. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  33. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  34. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  35. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  36. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  37. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  38. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  39. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  40. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  41. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  42. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  43. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  44. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  45. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  46. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  47. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  48. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  49. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  50. 2.
    7862 — Ok, I gave it one shot only. Still, a good joke. Aaaah the music industry.
  51. 3.
  52. 3.
  53. 3.
  54. 3.
  55. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  56. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  57. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  58. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  59. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  60. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  61. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  62. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  63. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  64. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  65. 3.
    7790 — Ah this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger.
  66. 3.
    7790 — Ooooohhh this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  67. 3.
    7790 — Ooooohhh this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  68. 3.
    7790 — Ooooohhh this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  69. 3.
    7790 — Ooooohhh this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  70. 3.
    7790 — Ooooohhh this bass .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  71. 3.
    7790 — Ooohhh this bass ssssound .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  72. 3.
    7790 — Ooohhh this bass ssssound .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  73. 3.
    7790 — Ooohhh this bass ssssound .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  74. 3.
    7790 — Ooohhh this bass ssssound .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  75. 3.
    7790 — Ooohhh this bass ssssound .... that kills a superb album. Who said St- Anger?
  76. 4.
  77. 4.
  78. 4.
  79. 4.
  80. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  81. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  82. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  83. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  84. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  85. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  86. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  87. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  88. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  89. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  90. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  91. 4.
    7980 — Unsung for sure ...
  92. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  93. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  94. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  95. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  96. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  97. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  98. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  99. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  100. 4.
    7980 — It will stay Unsung ...
  101. 5.
  102. 5.
  103. 5.
  104. 5.
  105. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  106. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  107. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  108. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  109. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  110. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  111. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  112. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  113. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  114. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  115. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  116. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes.
  117. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  118. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  119. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  120. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  121. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  122. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  123. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  124. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!
  125. 5.
    7669 — Their worst idea since ... Voodoo Vibes. Still a good joke!

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
  4. 0
  5. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  6. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  7. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  8. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  9. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  10. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  11. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  12. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  13. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  14. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  15. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  16. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  17. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  18. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  19. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  20. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  21. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Period.
  22. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Long LIVE my family. Long LIVE my friends. And thank you Helloween for this great and unbelievable Asshole song. Each time I am in face of my stupid boss, I sing this song inside. This is Metal :-) Long LIVE all of you, thank you for reading our reviews. Period.
  23. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Long LIVE my family. Long LIVE my friends. And thank you Helloween for this great and unbelievable Asshole song. Each time I am in face of my stupid boss, I sing this song inside. This is Metal :-) Long LIVE all of you, thank you for loyalty. Period.
  24. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Long LIVE my family. Long LIVE my friends. And thank you Helloween for this great and unbelievable Asshole song. Each time I am in face of my stupid boss, I sing this song inside. This is Metal :-) Long LIVE all of you, thank you for loyalty. Period.
  25. 0
    — Long LIVE Heavy Music Stuff. Long LIVE my family. Long LIVE my friends. And thank you Helloween for this great and unbelievable Asshole song. Each time I am in face of my stupid boss, I sing this song inside. This is Metal :-) Long LIVE all of you, thank you for loyalty. Period.

Alex

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    7867 — Call me crazy, but I think this was one hell of an effort
  2. 1.
    7867 — Call me crazy, but I think this was one hell of an effort
  3. 2.
    7760 — And now to my Ukrainian picks of the year ... they did not disappoint, both Khors and Munruthel, I could just switch places b/t these two
  4. 2.
    7760 — And now to my Ukrainian picks of the year ... they did not disappoint, both Khors and Munruthel, I could just switch places b/t these two
  5. 3.
    7883 — See the comment for Khors
  6. 3.
    7883 — See the comment for Khors
  7. 4.
    7616 — Energy brimming to the top in this grindcore package
  8. 4.
    7616 — Energy brimming to the top in this grindcore package
  9. 5.
    7746 — Heavy and beautiful
  10. 5.
    7746 — Heavy and beautiful
  11. 6.
    7650 — Call me crazy again
  12. 6.
    7650 — Call me crazy again
  13. 7.
    7632 — Putting both death and melodic in the same sentence properly
  14. 7.
    7632 — Putting both death and melodic in the same sentence properly
  15. 8.
    7934 — I felt total connection with this album
  16. 8.
    7934 — I felt total connection with this album
  17. 9.
    7680 — Once in a while, when my mood is right, I can have a softer side
  18. 9.
    7680 — Once in a while, when my mood is right, I can have a softer side
  19. 10.
    7799 — The comeback is on, right?
  20. 10.
    7799 — The comeback is on, right?
  21. 11.
    7898 — Metal or not, I am a fan, and not ashamed of it
  22. 11.
    7898 — Metal or not, I am a fan, and not ashamed of it
  23. 12.
    7671 — There is still gun powder in these old bags
  24. 12.
    7671 — There is still gun powder in these old bags
  25. 13.
    7574 — I liked this better than Alcest, but the latter Les Voyages De L'Ame deserves to be mentioned here (a clever way to use 1 slot to list two albums)
  26. 13.
    7574 — I liked this better than Alcest, but the latter Les Voyages De L'Ame deserves to be mentioned here (a clever way to use 1 slot to list two albums)
  27. 14.
  28. 14.
    7840 — Significant jump forward for this Danish crew
  29. 15.
  30. 15.
    7736 — Significantly better than I thought it would be, melodies are infectious

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7591 — My "discovery of the year" classic heavy metal band
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
    7769 — Melodic black metal with some folky touches
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
    7630 — In the year when Dark Tranquillity does not release an album, this was solid melodic death metal
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
    7986 — Could have been #15 in the alist above, but I got it a spot here
  9. 5.
  10. 5.
    7599 — I am surprised myself that I am following these folks

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7892 — I could not put Firewood down, this is no Firewood
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
    7782 — Creative crisis? But the live show I saw this year was great
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
    7601 — Loss had me in tears
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
    7702 — Not as bad as some say, but not their best either
  9. 5.
  10. 5.
    7980 — See above

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7767
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0

Aleksie

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    7804
  2. 1.
    7804
  3. 1.
    7804 — An unbelievable piece of ultimo-party hard rock after a layoff that many reasonably thought would be permanent.
  4. 1.
    7804 — An unbelievable piece of ultimo-party hard rock after a layoff that many reasonably thought would be permanent.
  5. 1.
    7804 — An unbelievable piece of ultimo-party hard rock after a layoff that many reasonably thought would be permanent.
  6. 1.
    7804 — An unbelievable piece of ultimo-party hard rock after a layoff that many reasonably thought would be permanent.
  7. 1.
    7804 — An unbelievable piece of ultimo-party hard rock after a layoff that many reasonably thought would be permanent.
  8. 1.
    7804 — An unbelievable piece of ultimo-party hard rock after a layoff that many reasonably thought would be permanent.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
    7923
  11. 2.
    7923 — Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, heavy metal, smooth jazziness, ambient, acoustic balladry, layers upon layers of vocal power forming a melodic flood, hell even a touch of modern dance music which I generally despise… the Wizard of Canada brings something for everyone in grand fashion. Most of all plenty of rocking, of course.
  12. 2.
    7923 — Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, heavy metal, smooth jazziness, ambient, acoustic balladry, layers upon layers of vocal power forming a melodic flood, hell even a touch of modern dance music which I generally despise… the Wizard of Canada brings something for everyone in grand fashion. Most of all plenty of rocking, of course.
  13. 2.
    7923 — Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, heavy metal, smooth jazziness, ambient, acoustic balladry, layers upon layers of vocal power forming a melodic flood, hell even a touch of modern dance music which I generally despise… the Wizard of Canada brings something for everyone in grand fashion. Most of all plenty of rocking, of course.
  14. 2.
    7923 — Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, heavy metal, smooth jazziness, ambient, acoustic balladry, layers upon layers of vocal power forming a melodic flood, hell even a touch of modern dance music which I generally despise… the Wizard of Canada brings something for everyone in grand fashion. Most of all plenty of rocking, of course.
  15. 2.
    7923 — Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, heavy metal, smooth jazziness, ambient, acoustic balladry, layers upon layers of vocal power forming a melodic flood, hell even a touch of modern dance music which I generally despise… the Wizard of Canada brings something for everyone in grand fashion. Most of all plenty of rocking, of course.
  16. 2.
    7923 — Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, heavy metal, smooth jazziness, ambient, acoustic balladry, layers upon layers of vocal power forming a melodic flood, hell even a touch of modern dance music which I generally despise… the Wizard of Canada brings something for everyone in grand fashion. Most of all plenty of rocking, of course.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
    Neal Morse
  19. 3.
    Neal Morse - Momentum — America’s prog rock master supreme keeps up the equally supreme work no matter how busy he keeps with his solo albums. A whirlwind of instru-mental ownage coupled with bursts of catchy melodies that will put their hooks in you should you give them the chance.
  20. 3.
    Neal Morse - Momentum — America’s prog rock master supreme keeps up the equally supreme work no matter how busy he keeps with his solo albums. A whirlwind of instru-mental ownage coupled with bursts of catchy melodies that will put their hooks in you should you give them the chance.
  21. 3.
    Neal Morse - Momentum — America’s prog rock master supreme keeps up the equally supreme work no matter how busy he keeps with his solo albums. A whirlwind of instru-mental ownage coupled with bursts of catchy melodies that will put their hooks in you should you give them the chance.
  22. 3.
    Neal Morse - Momentum — America’s prog rock master supreme keeps up the equally supreme work no matter how busy he keeps with his solo albums. A whirlwind of instru-mental ownage coupled with bursts of catchy melodies that will put their hooks in you should you give them the chance.
  23. 3.
    Neal Morse - Momentum — America’s prog rock master supreme keeps up the equally supreme work no matter how busy he keeps with his solo albums. A whirlwind of instru-mental ownage coupled with bursts of catchy melodies that will put their hooks in you should you give them the chance.
  24. 3.
    8053 — America’s prog rock master supreme keeps up the equally supreme work no matter how busy he keeps with his solo albums. A whirlwind of instru-mental ownage coupled with bursts of catchy melodies that will put their hooks in you should you give them the chance.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
    7668
  27. 4.
    7668 — The Swedes known for their impeccable handling of war history within mind-blowing bursts of power metal roar into 2012 with their most epic, choir-drenched record yet that is above all else remarkable in just how brilliant it makes the Swedish language sound (the Limited 2-CD or Swedish edition of the album in this case, of course). A heroic accomplishment in the eyes and ears of someone based in Eastern Finland. It’s also one of the real growers that just gets better with time.
  28. 4.
    7668 — The Swedes known for their impeccable handling of war history within mind-blowing bursts of power metal roar into 2012 with their most epic, choir-drenched record yet that is above all else remarkable in just how brilliant it makes the Swedish language sound (the Limited 2-CD or Swedish edition of the album in this case, of course). A heroic accomplishment in the eyes and ears of someone based in Eastern Finland. It’s also one of the real growers that just gets better with time.
  29. 4.
    7668 — The Swedes known for their impeccable handling of war history within mind-blowing bursts of power metal roar into 2012 with their most epic, choir-drenched record yet that is above all else remarkable in just how brilliant it makes the Swedish language sound (the Limited 2-CD or Swedish edition of the album in this case, of course). A heroic accomplishment in the eyes and ears of someone based in Eastern Finland. It’s also one of the real growers that just gets better with time.
  30. 4.
    7668 — The Swedes known for their impeccable handling of war history within mind-blowing bursts of power metal roar into 2012 with their most epic, choir-drenched record yet that is above all else remarkable in just how brilliant it makes the Swedish language sound (the Limited 2-CD or Swedish edition of the album in this case, of course). A heroic accomplishment in the eyes and ears of someone based in Eastern Finland. It’s also one of the real growers that just gets better with time.
  31. 4.
    7668 — The Swedes known for their impeccable handling of war history within mind-blowing bursts of power metal roar into 2012 with their most epic, choir-drenched record yet that is above all else remarkable in just how brilliant it makes the Swedish language sound (the Limited 2-CD or Swedish edition of the album in this case, of course). A heroic accomplishment in the eyes and ears of someone based in Eastern Finland. It’s also one of the real growers that just gets better with time.
  32. 4.
    7668 — The Swedes known for their impeccable handling of war history within mind-blowing bursts of power metal roar into 2012 with their most epic, choir-drenched record yet that is above all else remarkable in just how brilliant it makes the Swedish language sound (the Limited 2-CD or Swedish edition of the album in this case, of course). A heroic accomplishment in the eyes and ears of someone based in Eastern Finland. It’s also one of the real growers that just gets better with time.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
    7726
  35. 5.
    7726 — The best trio this world has ever heard with their best dose of proggy heavy rock in at least 20 years (and the years in between were great too, this is just more awesome).
  36. 5.
    7726 — The best trio this world has ever heard with their best dose of proggy heavy rock in at least 20 years (and the years in between were great too, this is just more awesome).
  37. 5.
    7726 — The best trio this world has ever heard with their best dose of proggy heavy rock in at least 20 years (and the years in between were great too, this is just more awesome).
  38. 5.
    7726 — The best trio this world has ever heard with their best dose of proggy heavy rock in at least 20 years (and the years in between were great too, this is just more awesome).
  39. 5.
    7726 — The best trio this world has ever heard with their best dose of proggy heavy rock in at least 20 years (and the years in between were great too, this is just more awesome).
  40. 5.
    7726 — The best trio this world has ever heard with their best dose of proggy heavy rock in at least 20 years (and the years in between were great too, this is just more awesome).
  41. 6.
  42. 6.
    7563
  43. 6.
    7563 — Long time champions of atmospheric doom metal of our northern variety, Swallow the Sun finally hits it out of the park with their fifth studio album that is their most melodic and I feel synth-filled work to date. Something just makes this album click better than their previous, commendable-in-themselves records that have felt good but not great. Maybe it’s the added emphasis on melodies. But don’t be fooled, there are still crushing riffs aplenty!
  44. 6.
    7563 — Long time champions of atmospheric doom metal of our northern variety, Swallow the Sun finally hits it out of the park with their fifth studio album that is their most melodic and I feel synth-filled work to date. Something just makes this album click better than their previous, commendable-in-themselves records that have felt good but not great. Maybe it’s the added emphasis on melodies. But don’t be fooled, there are still crushing riffs aplenty!
  45. 6.
    7563 — Long time champions of atmospheric doom metal of our northern variety, Swallow the Sun finally hits it out of the park with their fifth studio album that is their most melodic and I feel synth-filled work to date. Something just makes this album click better than their previous, commendable-in-themselves records that have felt good but not great. Maybe it’s the added emphasis on melodies. But don’t be fooled, there are still crushing riffs aplenty!
  46. 6.
    7563 — Long time champions of atmospheric doom metal of our northern variety, Swallow the Sun finally hits it out of the park with their fifth studio album that is their most melodic and I feel synth-filled work to date. Something just makes this album click better than their previous, commendable-in-themselves records that have felt good but not great. Maybe it’s the added emphasis on melodies. But don’t be fooled, there are still crushing riffs aplenty!
  47. 6.
    7563 — Long time champions of atmospheric doom metal of our northern variety, Swallow the Sun finally hits it out of the park with their fifth studio album that is their most melodic and I feel synth-filled work to date. Something just makes this album click better than their previous, commendable-in-themselves records that have felt good but not great. Maybe it’s the added emphasis on melodies. But don’t be fooled, there are still crushing riffs aplenty!
  48. 6.
    7563 — Long time champions of atmospheric doom metal of our northern variety, Swallow the Sun finally hits it out of the park with their fifth studio album that is their most melodic and I feel synth-filled work to date. Something just makes this album click better than their previous, commendable-in-themselves records that have felt good but not great. Maybe it’s the added emphasis on melodies. But don’t be fooled, there are still crushing riffs aplenty!
  49. 7.
  50. 7.
    7751
  51. 7.
    7751 — Doom. DOOM. Epic DOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM! And so much awesome molten metal riffage. If this is the almighty Candlemass’ final studio record as the band has alluded, they went out in grand style. ‘Nuff said.
  52. 7.
    7751 — Doom. DOOM. Epic DOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM! And so much awesome molten metal riffage. If this is the almighty Candlemass’ final studio record as the band has alluded, they went out in grand style. ‘Nuff said.
  53. 7.
    7751 — Doom. DOOM. Epic DOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM! And so much awesome molten metal riffage. If this is the almighty Candlemass’ final studio record as the band has alluded, they went out in grand style. ‘Nuff said.
  54. 7.
    7751 — Doom. DOOM. Epic DOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM! And so much awesome molten metal riffage. If this is the almighty Candlemass’ final studio record as the band has alluded, they went out in grand style. ‘Nuff said.
  55. 7.
    7751 — Doom. DOOM. Epic DOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM! And so much awesome molten metal riffage. If this is the almighty Candlemass’ final studio record as the band has alluded, they went out in grand style. ‘Nuff said.
  56. 7.
    7751 — Doom. DOOM. Epic DOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM! And so much awesome molten metal riffage. If this is the almighty Candlemass’ final studio record as the band has alluded, they went out in grand style. ‘Nuff said.
  57. 8.
  58. 8.
    Overkill
  59. 8.
    7615 — East Coast thrash veteran Overkill revived its fortunes with the Ironbound-album a few years back and the follow up The Electric Age keeps that engine running hot and very heavy. Guitar riffs wield by like a swarm of flying scythes why the rhythms are kept appropriately brutal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s throat-maiming vocals are still among the most evil in the business. Mosh-tastic.
  60. 8.
    7615 — East Coast thrash veteran Overkill revived its fortunes with the Ironbound-album a few years back and the follow up The Electric Age keeps that engine running hot and very heavy. Guitar riffs wield by like a swarm of flying scythes why the rhythms are kept appropriately brutal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s throat-maiming vocals are still among the most evil in the business. Mosh-tastic.
  61. 8.
    7615 — East Coast thrash veteran Overkill revived its fortunes with the Ironbound-album a few years back and the follow up The Electric Age keeps that engine running hot and very heavy. Guitar riffs wield by like a swarm of flying scythes why the rhythms are kept appropriately brutal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s throat-maiming vocals are still among the most evil in the business. Mosh-tastic.
  62. 8.
    7615 — East Coast thrash veteran Overkill revived its fortunes with the Ironbound-album a few years back and the follow up The Electric Age keeps that engine running hot and very heavy. Guitar riffs wield by like a swarm of flying scythes why the rhythms are kept appropriately brutal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s throat-maiming vocals are still among the most evil in the business. Mosh-tastic.
  63. 8.
    7615 — East Coast thrash veteran Overkill revived its fortunes with the Ironbound-album a few years back and the follow up The Electric Age keeps that engine running hot and very heavy. Guitar riffs wield by like a swarm of flying scythes why the rhythms are kept appropriately brutal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s throat-maiming vocals are still among the most evil in the business. Mosh-tastic.
  64. 8.
    7615 — East Coast thrash veteran Overkill revived its fortunes with the Ironbound-album a few years back and the follow up The Electric Age keeps that engine running hot and very heavy. Guitar riffs wield by like a swarm of flying scythes why the rhythms are kept appropriately brutal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s throat-maiming vocals are still among the most evil in the business. Mosh-tastic.
  65. 9.
  66. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order
  67. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order - Veniversum — Downright sublime technical death metal with aggression as much as melody and wicked playing chops as much as raw animal ferocity. The harsh roars are great and the occasional clean vocals bring awesome dynamics. Their previous album Diagnosis was already a superb offering of Necroticism/Heartwork-era Carcass mixed in with their own stylings. Veniversum progresses from there with considerable leaps and in my books, makes this troupe easily the best death metal band that Finland has to offer these days.
  68. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order - Veniversum — Downright sublime technical death metal with aggression as much as melody and wicked playing chops as much as raw animal ferocity. The harsh roars are great and the occasional clean vocals bring awesome dynamics. Their previous album Diagnosis was already a superb offering of Necroticism/Heartwork-era Carcass mixed in with their own stylings. Veniversum progresses from there with considerable leaps and in my books, makes this troupe easily the best death metal band that Finland has to offer these days.
  69. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order - Veniversum — Downright sublime technical death metal with aggression as much as melody and wicked playing chops as much as raw animal ferocity. The harsh roars are great and the occasional clean vocals bring awesome dynamics. Their previous album Diagnosis was already a superb offering of Necroticism/Heartwork-era Carcass mixed in with their own stylings. Veniversum progresses from there with considerable leaps and in my books, makes this troupe easily the best death metal band that Finland has to offer these days.
  70. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order - Veniversum — Downright sublime technical death metal with aggression as much as melody and wicked playing chops as much as raw animal ferocity. The harsh roars are great and the occasional clean vocals bring awesome dynamics. Their previous album Diagnosis was already a superb offering of Necroticism/Heartwork-era Carcass mixed in with their own stylings. Veniversum progresses from there with considerable leaps and in my books, makes this troupe easily the best death metal band that Finland has to offer these days.
  71. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order - Veniversum — Downright sublime technical death metal with aggression as much as melody and wicked playing chops as much as raw animal ferocity. The harsh roars are great and the occasional clean vocals bring awesome dynamics. Their previous album Diagnosis was already a superb offering of Necroticism/Heartwork-era Carcass mixed in with their own stylings. Veniversum progresses from there with considerable leaps and in my books, makes this troupe easily the best death metal band that Finland has to offer these days.
  72. 9.
    De Lirium’s Order - Veniversum — Downright sublime technical death metal with aggression as much as melody and wicked playing chops as much as raw animal ferocity. The harsh roars are great and the occasional clean vocals bring awesome dynamics. Their previous album Diagnosis was already a superb offering of Necroticism/Heartwork-era Carcass mixed in with their own stylings. Veniversum progresses from there with considerable leaps and in my books, makes this troupe easily the best death metal band that Finland has to offer these days.
  73. 10.
  74. 10.
    7648
  75. 10.
    7648 — The Finnish supergroup knocks another one out of the park with their melodic deathprogdoomy cauldron of headcrushing and ominous eastern vibes. Very yummy stuff.
  76. 10.
    7648 — The Finnish supergroup knocks another one out of the park with their melodic deathprogdoomy cauldron of headcrushing and ominous eastern vibes. Very yummy stuff.
  77. 10.
    7648 — The Finnish supergroup knocks another one out of the park with their melodic deathprogdoomy cauldron of headcrushing and ominous eastern vibes. Very yummy stuff.
  78. 10.
    7648 — The Finnish supergroup knocks another one out of the park with their melodic deathprogdoomy cauldron of headcrushing and ominous eastern vibes. Very yummy stuff.
  79. 10.
    7648 — The Finnish supergroup knocks another one out of the park with their melodic deathprogdoomy cauldron of headcrushing and ominous eastern vibes. Very yummy stuff.
  80. 10.
    7648 — The Finnish supergroup knocks another one out of the park with their melodic deathprogdoomy cauldron of headcrushing and ominous eastern vibes. Very yummy stuff.
  81. 11.
  82. 11.
    7851
  83. 11.
    7851 — Thrash metallic goodness with melodies to spare.
  84. 11.
    7851 — Thrash metallic goodness with melodies to spare.
  85. 11.
    7851 — Thrash metallic goodness with melodies to spare.
  86. 11.
    7851 — Thrash metallic goodness with melodies to spare.
  87. 11.
    7851 — Thrash metallic goodness with melodies to spare.
  88. 11.
    7851 — Thrash metallic goodness with melodies to spare.
  89. 12.
  90. 12.
    7916
  91. 12.
    7916 — A tornado of complex blasting put simply, just majestically grandiose melodic death metal, more epic than an army of samurai warriors equipped with jet packs.
  92. 12.
    7916 — A tornado of complex blasting put simply, just majestically grandiose melodic death metal, more epic than an army of samurai warriors equipped with jet packs.
  93. 12.
    7916 — A tornado of complex blasting put simply, just majestically grandiose melodic death metal, more epic than an army of samurai warriors equipped with jet packs.
  94. 12.
    7916 — A tornado of complex blasting put simply, just majestically grandiose melodic death metal, more epic than an army of samurai warriors equipped with jet packs.
  95. 12.
    7916 — A tornado of complex blasting put simply, just majestically grandiose melodic death metal, more epic than an army of samurai warriors equipped with jet packs.
  96. 12.
    7916 — A tornado of complex blasting put simply, just majestically grandiose melodic death metal, more epic than an army of samurai warriors equipped with jet packs.
  97. 13.
  98. 13.
    7675
  99. 13.
    7675 — Avantgardy Prog/Black goodness! Love them saxes!
  100. 13.
    7675 — Avantgardy Prog/Black goodness! Love them saxes!
  101. 13.
    7675 — Avantgardy Prog/Black goodness! Love them saxes!
  102. 13.
    7675 — Avantgardy Prog/Black goodness! Love them saxes!
  103. 13.
    7675 — Avantgardy Prog/Black goodness! Love them saxes!
  104. 13.
    7675 — Avantgardy Prog/Black goodness! Love them saxes!
  105. 14.
  106. 14.
    7661
  107. 14.
    7661 — Dutch prog maestro put his several awesome projects like Ayreon and Star One on hold for a literal solo album, that is an excellent mix of the usual 70s-style progressive rock romps, a few heavier steamrollers and oodles of psychedelic pop in the vein of late 60s Beatles and Pink Floyd’s lighter moments. Includes the cover tune of the year with his version of Frank Zappa’s I’m The Slime. Also, the pauses between songs on Disc 1 are narrated by Rutger Hauer. You sci-fi freaks know you have to get this one.
  108. 14.
    7661 — Dutch prog maestro put his several awesome projects like Ayreon and Star One on hold for a literal solo album, that is an excellent mix of the usual 70s-style progressive rock romps, a few heavier steamrollers and oodles of psychedelic pop in the vein of late 60s Beatles and Pink Floyd’s lighter moments. Includes the cover tune of the year with his version of Frank Zappa’s I’m The Slime. Also, the pauses between songs on Disc 1 are narrated by Rutger Hauer. You sci-fi freaks know you have to get this one.
  109. 14.
    7661 — Dutch prog maestro put his several awesome projects like Ayreon and Star One on hold for a literal solo album, that is an excellent mix of the usual 70s-style progressive rock romps, a few heavier steamrollers and oodles of psychedelic pop in the vein of late 60s Beatles and Pink Floyd’s lighter moments. Includes the cover tune of the year with his version of Frank Zappa’s I’m The Slime. Also, the pauses between songs on Disc 1 are narrated by Rutger Hauer. You sci-fi freaks know you have to get this one.
  110. 14.
    7661 — Dutch prog maestro put his several awesome projects like Ayreon and Star One on hold for a literal solo album, that is an excellent mix of the usual 70s-style progressive rock romps, a few heavier steamrollers and oodles of psychedelic pop in the vein of late 60s Beatles and Pink Floyd’s lighter moments. Includes the cover tune of the year with his version of Frank Zappa’s I’m The Slime. Also, the pauses between songs on Disc 1 are narrated by Rutger Hauer. You sci-fi freaks know you have to get this one.
  111. 14.
    7661 — Dutch prog maestro put his several awesome projects like Ayreon and Star One on hold for a literal solo album, that is an excellent mix of the usual 70s-style progressive rock romps, a few heavier steamrollers and oodles of psychedelic pop in the vein of late 60s Beatles and Pink Floyd’s lighter moments. Includes the cover tune of the year with his version of Frank Zappa’s I’m The Slime. Also, the pauses between songs on Disc 1 are narrated by Rutger Hauer. You sci-fi freaks know you have to get this one.
  112. 14.
    7661 — Dutch prog maestro put his several awesome projects like Ayreon and Star One on hold for a literal solo album, that is an excellent mix of the usual 70s-style progressive rock romps, a few heavier steamrollers and oodles of psychedelic pop in the vein of late 60s Beatles and Pink Floyd’s lighter moments. Includes the cover tune of the year with his version of Frank Zappa’s I’m The Slime. Also, the pauses between songs on Disc 1 are narrated by Rutger Hauer. You sci-fi freaks know you have to get this one.
  113. 15.
  114. 15.
    7667
  115. 15.
    7667 — Just barely edging Kreator's Phantom Antichrist for this final spot in the listed Top 15. The best grindcore around, with speed, groove and even a lil’ jazz to spare.
  116. 15.
    7667 — Just barely edging Kreator's Phantom Antichrist for this final spot in the listed Top 15. The best grindcore around, with speed, groove and even a lil’ jazz to spare.
  117. 15.
    7667 — Just barely edging Kreator's Phantom Antichrist for this final spot in the listed Top 15. The best grindcore around, with speed, groove and even a lil’ jazz to spare.
  118. 15.
    7667 — Just barely edging Kreator's Phantom Antichrist for this final spot in the listed Top 15. The best grindcore around, with speed, groove and even a lil’ jazz to spare.
  119. 15.
    7667 — Just barely edging Kreator's Phantom Antichrist for this final spot in the listed Top 15. The best grindcore around, with speed, groove and even a lil’ jazz to spare.
  120. 15.
    7667 — Just barely edging Kreator's Phantom Antichrist for this final spot in the listed Top 15. The best grindcore around, with speed, groove and even a lil’ jazz to spare.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    Standing Ovation
  3. 1.
    Standing Ovation - The Antikythera Mechanism — Easily my personal surprise of the year. Totally off-the-wall, cooky progressive metal with twisted laughter fills and instrumental zaniness to spare. Perhaps not for the weak of heart but for anyone interested in the entertaining sonic side of metal, a must-hear.
  4. 1.
    Standing Ovation - The Antikythera Mechanism — Easily my personal surprise of the year. Totally off-the-wall, cooky progressive metal with twisted laughter fills and instrumental zaniness to spare. Perhaps not for the weak of heart but for anyone interested in the entertaining sonic side of metal, a must-hear.
  5. 1.
    Standing Ovation - The Antikythera Mechanism — Easily my personal surprise of the year. Totally off-the-wall, cooky progressive metal with twisted laughter fills and instrumental zaniness to spare. Perhaps not for the weak of heart but for anyone interested in the entertaining sonic side of metal, a must-hear.
  6. 1.
    Standing Ovation - The Antikythera Mechanism — Easily my personal surprise of the year. Totally off-the-wall, cooky progressive metal with twisted laughter fills and instrumental zaniness to spare. Perhaps not for the weak of heart but for anyone interested in the entertaining sonic side of metal, a must-hear.
  7. 1.
    Standing Ovation - The Antikythera Mechanism — Easily my personal surprise of the year. Totally off-the-wall, cooky progressive metal with twisted laughter fills and instrumental zaniness to spare. Perhaps not for the weak of heart but for anyone interested in the entertaining sonic side of metal, a must-hear.
  8. 1.
    Standing Ovation - The Antikythera Mechanism — Easily my personal surprise of the year. Totally off-the-wall, cooky progressive metal with twisted laughter fills and instrumental zaniness to spare. Perhaps not for the weak of heart but for anyone interested in the entertaining sonic side of metal, a must-hear.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
    Oddland
  11. 2.
    Oddland - The Treachery of Senses — Progressive metal of an intriguingly modern variety. It’s got the kind of rhythmic angularity and quirkiness that Meshuggah branded in days gone by but they make things decidedly more melodic and occasionally atmospheric. All clean vocals so the grunt-factor isn’t there either. A seriously promising troupe of monsters of their instruments and a good start towards a sound of their own.
  12. 2.
    Oddland - The Treachery of Senses — Progressive metal of an intriguingly modern variety. It’s got the kind of rhythmic angularity and quirkiness that Meshuggah branded in days gone by but they make things decidedly more melodic and occasionally atmospheric. All clean vocals so the grunt-factor isn’t there either. A seriously promising troupe of monsters of their instruments and a good start towards a sound of their own.
  13. 2.
    Oddland - The Treachery of Senses — Progressive metal of an intriguingly modern variety. It’s got the kind of rhythmic angularity and quirkiness that Meshuggah branded in days gone by but they make things decidedly more melodic and occasionally atmospheric. All clean vocals so the grunt-factor isn’t there either. A seriously promising troupe of monsters of their instruments and a good start towards a sound of their own.
  14. 2.
    Oddland - The Treachery of Senses — Progressive metal of an intriguingly modern variety. It’s got the kind of rhythmic angularity and quirkiness that Meshuggah branded in days gone by but they make things decidedly more melodic and occasionally atmospheric. All clean vocals so the grunt-factor isn’t there either. A seriously promising troupe of monsters of their instruments and a good start towards a sound of their own.
  15. 2.
    Oddland - The Treachery of Senses — Progressive metal of an intriguingly modern variety. It’s got the kind of rhythmic angularity and quirkiness that Meshuggah branded in days gone by but they make things decidedly more melodic and occasionally atmospheric. All clean vocals so the grunt-factor isn’t there either. A seriously promising troupe of monsters of their instruments and a good start towards a sound of their own.
  16. 2.
    Oddland - The Treachery of Senses — Progressive metal of an intriguingly modern variety. It’s got the kind of rhythmic angularity and quirkiness that Meshuggah branded in days gone by but they make things decidedly more melodic and occasionally atmospheric. All clean vocals so the grunt-factor isn’t there either. A seriously promising troupe of monsters of their instruments and a good start towards a sound of their own.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
    7709
  19. 3.
    7709 — Getting tired of the progressivity yet? Sorry, but Humangod’s notably traditional, mix of Dream Theater/Shadow Gallery/Symphony X-style prog metal with plenty of melodies and instrumental widdlyness makes for a very commendable and promising EP. I mean hell, the disc has 2 songs, both over 10 minutes long that do not get boring. These guys take their prog seriously.
  20. 3.
    7709 — Getting tired of the progressivity yet? Sorry, but Humangod’s notably traditional, mix of Dream Theater/Shadow Gallery/Symphony X-style prog metal with plenty of melodies and instrumental widdlyness makes for a very commendable and promising EP. I mean hell, the disc has 2 songs, both over 10 minutes long that do not get boring. These guys take their prog seriously.
  21. 3.
    7709 — Getting tired of the progressivity yet? Sorry, but Humangod’s notably traditional, mix of Dream Theater/Shadow Gallery/Symphony X-style prog metal with plenty of melodies and instrumental widdlyness makes for a very commendable and promising EP. I mean hell, the disc has 2 songs, both over 10 minutes long that do not get boring. These guys take their prog seriously.
  22. 3.
    7709 — Getting tired of the progressivity yet? Sorry, but Humangod’s notably traditional, mix of Dream Theater/Shadow Gallery/Symphony X-style prog metal with plenty of melodies and instrumental widdlyness makes for a very commendable and promising EP. I mean hell, the disc has 2 songs, both over 10 minutes long that do not get boring. These guys take their prog seriously.
  23. 3.
    7498 — Holy progfest, Batman! Another great surprise name with excellent chops combined with an ear for melodies.
  24. 3.
    7498 — Holy progfest, Batman! Another great surprise name with excellent chops combined with an ear for melodies.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
    Antagonist Zero
  27. 4.
    Antagonist Zero - Doomed
  28. 4.
    Antagonist Zero - Doomed
  29. 4.
    Antagonist Zero - Doomed
  30. 4.
    Antagonist Zero - Doomed
  31. 4.
    7709 — Getting tired of the progressivity yet? Sorry, but Humangod’s notably traditional, mix of Dream Theater/Shadow Gallery/Symphony X-style prog metal with plenty of melodies and instrumental widdlyness makes for a very commendable and promising EP. I mean hell, the disc has 2 songs, both over 10 minutes long that do not get boring. These guys take their prog seriously.
  32. 4.
    7709 — Getting tired of the progressivity yet? Sorry, but Humangod’s notably traditional, mix of Dream Theater/Shadow Gallery/Symphony X-style prog metal with plenty of melodies and instrumental widdlyness makes for a very commendable and promising EP. I mean hell, the disc has 2 songs, both over 10 minutes long that do not get boring. These guys take their prog seriously.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
    Psychema – The Entry Point
  35. 5.
    Psychema – The Entry Point — Progressive metal with a very commendable knack for melodies, dynamics, aggression and atmosphere. Also notable that they dabble ever so slightly with some gothic moods, I’d say Paradise Lost-style. I generally have very few compliments for anything gothic in music but the fact that these guys pull those touches off makes it that much more impressive.
  36. 5.
    Psychema – The Entry Point — Progressive metal with a very commendable knack for melodies, dynamics, aggression and atmosphere. Also notable that they dabble ever so slightly with some gothic moods, I’d say Paradise Lost-style. I generally have very few compliments for anything gothic in music but the fact that these guys pull those touches off makes it that much more impressive.
  37. 5.
    Psychema – The Entry Point — Progressive metal with a very commendable knack for melodies, dynamics, aggression and atmosphere. Also notable that they dabble ever so slightly with some gothic moods, I’d say Paradise Lost-style. I generally have very few compliments for anything gothic in music but the fact that these guys pull those touches off makes it that much more impressive.
  38. 5.
    Psychema – The Entry Point — Progressive metal with a very commendable knack for melodies, dynamics, aggression and atmosphere. Also notable that they dabble ever so slightly with some gothic moods, I’d say Paradise Lost-style. I generally have very few compliments for anything gothic in music but the fact that these guys pull those touches off makes it that much more impressive.
  39. 5.
    Antagonist Zero - Doomed — Hodgepodge of doomy post/death/dark metal + melodies too.
  40. 5.
    Antagonist Zero - Doomed — Hodgepodge of doomy post/death/dark metal + melodies too.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
    7809 — Easily and by far the biggest disappointment of the year. Drag Ropes was a great appetizer and still a great song - the only one on this record. Maybe leave the red-wine-jams-and-sound-effect-noodling onto the demo reels and craft songs.
  5. 1.
    7809 — Easily and by far the biggest disappointment of the year. Drag Ropes was a great appetizer and still a great song - the only one on this record. Maybe leave the red-wine-jamming-and-sound-effect-noodling onto the demo reels or the rehearsal space's floor and craft actual songs, if there's a follow-up record.
  6. 1.
    7809 — Easily and by far the biggest disappointment of the year. Drag Ropes was a great appetizer and still a great tune - the only one on this record. Maybe leave the red-wine-jamming-and-sound-effect-noodling onto the demo reels or the rehearsal space's floor and craft actual songs, if there's a follow-up record.
  7. 1.
    7809 — Easily and by far the biggest disappointment of the year. Drag Ropes was a great appetizer and still a great tune - the only one on this record. Maybe leave the red-wine-jamming-and-sound-effect-noodling onto the demo reels or the rehearsal space's floor and craft actual songs, if there's a follow-up record.
  8. 1.
    7809 — Easily and by far the biggest disappointment of the year. Drag Ropes was a great appetizer and still a great tune - the only one on this record. Maybe leave the red-wine-jamming-and-sound-effect-noodling onto the demo reels or the rehearsal space's floor and craft actual songs, if there's a follow-up record.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
    7620 — A good record with definite highlights, but I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting much better.
  13. 2.
    7620 — A good record with definite highlights, but I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting much better.
  14. 2.
    7620 — A good record with definite highlights, but I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting much better.
  15. 2.
    7620 — A good record with definite highlights, but I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting much better.
  16. 2.
    7620 — A good record with definite highlights, but I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting much better.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
    7554 — Again, good album, not as much as I had hoped for.
  21. 3.
    7554 — Again, good album, not as much as I had hoped for.
  22. 3.
    7554 — Again, good album, not as much as I had hoped for.
  23. 3.
    7554 — Again, good album, not as much as I had hoped for.
  24. 3.
    7554 — Again, good album, not as much as I had hoped for.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 4.
  30. 4.
  31. 4.
  32. 4.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.
  36. 5.
  37. 5.
  38. 5.
  39. 5.
  40. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
    7854 — To be fair, more precisely that Aerosmith-cover tune amidst the originals...just absolutely dreadful.
  5. 1.
    7854 — To be fair, more precisely that Aerosmith-cover tune amidst the originals...just absolutely dreadful.
  6. 1.
    7854 — To be fair, more precisely that Aerosmith-cover tune amidst the originals...just absolutely dreadful.
  7. 1.
    7854 — To be fair, more precisely that Aerosmith-cover tune amidst the originals...just absolutely dreadful.
  8. 1.
    7854 — To be fair, more precisely that Aerosmith-cover tune amidst the originals...just absolutely dreadful.
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
  11. 2.
  12. 2.
  13. 2.
  14. 2.
  15. 2.
  16. 2.
  17. 3.
  18. 3.
  19. 3.
  20. 3.
  21. 3.
  22. 3.
  23. 3.
  24. 3.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 4.
  30. 4.
  31. 4.
  32. 4.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
  35. 5.
  36. 5.
  37. 5.
  38. 5.
  39. 5.
  40. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
  4. 0
  5. 0
  6. 0
  7. 0
    — Awesome year for heavy metal all across the genre board. Let it flow as good if not better in 2013! Keep it heavy! -AA-
  8. 0
    — Awesome year for heavy metal all across the genre board. Let it flow as good if not better in 2013! Keep it heavy! -AA-

Goat

Top Albums

  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.
    7726 — It could only be the Canadians. Another amazing album from the best band in the world.
  16. 2.
  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.
    7904 — I worried, but I needn't have. The Dutch band have made a new masterpiece, a beautiful album that I will be playing for years and that I nearly put first...
  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.
    7734 — The most arresting atmospheric experience of the year, Elysian Blaze have set the bar higher for black metal.
  46. 4.
  47. 4.
  48. 4.
  49. 4.
  50. 4.
  51. 4.
  52. 4.
  53. 4.
  54. 4.
  55. 4.
  56. 4.
  57. 4.
  58. 4.
  59. 4.
    7953 — Norwegian's finest blacksmiths release another masterpiece.
  60. 4.
    7953 — Norwegian's finest blacksmiths release another masterpiece.
  61. 5.
  62. 5.
  63. 5.
  64. 5.
  65. 5.
  66. 5.
  67. 5.
  68. 5.
  69. 5.
  70. 5.
  71. 5.
  72. 5.
  73. 5.
    7578 — Japan's most mentalist black metal band, at their best.
  74. 5.
    7578 — Japan's most mentalist black metal band, at their best.
  75. 5.
    7578 — Japan's most mentalist black metal band, at their best.
  76. 6.
  77. 6.
  78. 6.
  79. 6.
  80. 6.
  81. 6.
  82. 6.
  83. 6.
  84. 6.
  85. 6.
  86. 6.
  87. 6.
    7578 — Japan's most mentalist black metal band, at their best.
  88. 6.
    7662 — Pike and co's heavy metal thunder continues to enthral.
  89. 6.
    7662 — Pike and co's heavy metal thunder continues to enthral.
  90. 6.
    7662 — Pike and co's heavy metal thunder continues to enthral.
  91. 7.
  92. 7.
  93. 7.
  94. 7.
  95. 7.
  96. 7.
  97. 7.
  98. 7.
  99. 7.
  100. 7.
  101. 7.
    7662 — Pike and co's heavy metal thunder continues to enthral.
  102. 7.
    7662 — Pike and co's heavy metal thunder continues to enthral.
  103. 7.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  104. 7.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  105. 7.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  106. 8.
  107. 8.
  108. 8.
  109. 8.
  110. 8.
  111. 8.
  112. 8.
  113. 8.
  114. 8.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  115. 8.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  116. 8.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  117. 8.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  118. 8.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  119. 8.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  120. 8.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  121. 9.
  122. 9.
  123. 9.
  124. 9.
  125. 9.
  126. 9.
  127. 9.
  128. 9.
  129. 9.
    7673 — Incredible album, death/grind perfection.
  130. 9.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  131. 9.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  132. 9.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  133. 9.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  134. 9.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  135. 9.
    7751 — Genuinely perplexed at the poor reaction to this, a brilliant slice of doom from the masters.
  136. 10.
  137. 10.
  138. 10.
  139. 10.
  140. 10.
  141. 10.
  142. 10.
  143. 10.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  144. 10.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  145. 10.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  146. 10.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  147. 10.
    7939 — British black metal continues to go from strength to strength
  148. 10.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  149. 10.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  150. 10.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  151. 11.
  152. 11.
  153. 11.
  154. 11.
  155. 11.
  156. 11.
  157. 11.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  158. 11.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  159. 11.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  160. 11.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  161. 11.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  162. 11.
    7934 — A compelling and weighty tome of doom from the masters that gets better with every listen.
  163. 11.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  164. 11.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  165. 11.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  166. 12.
  167. 12.
  168. 12.
  169. 12.
  170. 12.
  171. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  172. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  173. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  174. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  175. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  176. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  177. 12.
    7649 — Catchy and immediate, crushing and powerful, Koloss is an awesome statement of intent from Meshuggah.
  178. 12.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  179. 12.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  180. 12.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  181. 13.
  182. 13.
  183. 13.
  184. 13.
  185. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  186. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  187. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  188. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  189. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  190. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  191. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  192. 13.
    7909 — Not quite as good as the album before, but still top-notch death metal.
  193. 13.
    7919 — A crushing album that gets better on every listen.
  194. 13.
    7919 — A crushing album that gets better on every listen.
  195. 13.
    7919 — A crushing album that gets better on every listen.
  196. 14.
  197. 14.
  198. 14.
  199. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  200. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  201. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  202. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  203. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  204. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  205. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  206. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  207. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  208. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  209. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  210. 14.
    7745 — Big, bold, epic melodic death loveliness.
  211. 15.
  212. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  213. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  214. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  215. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  216. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  217. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  218. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  219. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  220. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  221. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  222. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  223. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  224. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!
  225. 15.
    7774 — This is true death metal, you bastards!

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  2. 1.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  3. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  4. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  5. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  6. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  7. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  8. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  9. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  10. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  11. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  12. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  13. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  14. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  15. 1.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  16. 2.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  17. 2.
    8024 — Czech black metal is alive and roaring! Expecting great things from this band in the future.
  18. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  19. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  20. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  21. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  22. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  23. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  24. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  25. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  26. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  27. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  28. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  29. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  30. 2.
    7622 — Swapping the deathcore elements in their sound to turn atmospheric, Abigail Williams proved their talent here.
  31. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  32. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  33. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  34. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  35. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  36. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  37. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  38. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  39. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  40. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  41. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  42. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  43. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  44. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  45. 3.
    7663 — Thunderous pop metal sure to put a grin on your face. It certainly did mine.
  46. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  47. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  48. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  49. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  50. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  51. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  52. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  53. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  54. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  55. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  56. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  57. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  58. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  59. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  60. 4.
    7896 — A pleasant surprise, I look forward to this band going from strength to strength.
  61. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  62. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  63. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  64. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  65. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  66. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  67. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  68. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  69. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  70. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  71. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  72. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  73. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  74. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!
  75. 5.
    7935 — Woo! More material from an excellent band that I'd pretty much forgotten about. Won't be doing so again!

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  2. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  3. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  4. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  5. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  6. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  7. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  8. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  9. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  10. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  11. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  12. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  13. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  14. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  15. 1.
    7651 — After two very good comeback albums from Varg, I felt he dropped the ball a little here.
  16. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  17. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  18. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  19. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  20. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  21. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  22. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  23. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  24. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  25. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  26. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  27. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  28. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  29. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  30. 2.
    7809 — That's it? Expected more from such a collaboration.
  31. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  32. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  33. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  34. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  35. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  36. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  37. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  38. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  39. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  40. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  41. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  42. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  43. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  44. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  45. 3.
    7572 — It's not bad, but nor is it great. "Boringly competent" sums it up well.
  46. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  47. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  48. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  49. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  50. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  51. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  52. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  53. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  54. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  55. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  56. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  57. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  58. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  59. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  60. 4.
    7620 — The sound of a band running on empty, Randy and co are going to have to do something very interesting to pique my attention again...
  61. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  62. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  63. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  64. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  65. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  66. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  67. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  68. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  69. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  70. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  71. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  72. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  73. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  74. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...
  75. 5.
    7767 — Was generous to this at the time, but it did make me wonder whether Al wouldn't be better off putting the band back on hold...

Joke 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.
  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. 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.
  54. 4.
  55. 4.
  56. 4.
  57. 4.
  58. 4.
  59. 4.
  60. 4.
  61. 5.
  62. 5.
  63. 5.
  64. 5.
  65. 5.
  66. 5.
  67. 5.
  68. 5.
  69. 5.
  70. 5.
  71. 5.
  72. 5.
  73. 5.
  74. 5.
  75. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one!
  2. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  3. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  4. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  5. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  6. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  7. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  8. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  9. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  10. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  11. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  12. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, Be'Lakor, and Nachtmystium is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  13. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, and Be'Lakor is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  14. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, and Be'Lakor is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise.
  15. 0
    — Not a bad one, all in all. Found it hard to pick albums for the 'joke' category, which either suggests I missed a lot or the year was a good one! I suspect the latter, given how hard it was to pick my top fifteen - quality was everywhere I looked, and that I cut out excellent releases from Nile, Ihsahn, Soulfly, and Be'Lakor is not to impugn on the reputations of those artists by any means. I have to point out too that written as this is with several important albums of 2012 not having yet passed my ears, the lack of mention here doesn't make it a poor one - apologies to Swans and Godspeed You! Black Emperor in particular for not lending your albums my time and praise. The top album may come as a bit of a surprise, but it's the one that shook my world the most, and those who have heard the top few will know what a difficult decision it was ultimately - they're all wonderful albums that more than deserve your ears. Ultimately, however, you can't beat Rush, despite my being literally unable to tell you how much I love that Gathering album - the Canadians are my favourite band, and although it took awhile to grow on me Clockwork Angels is yet another masterpiece in their amazing discog. Here's to 2013 and all the musical magic it will undoubtedly bring.

Charles

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    8004 — Haha. Damn right I put Stagnant Waters at number one. This is exactly what you would hope a mixture of DHG, Lugubrum, Shining (Norwegian version) and Virus would sound like.
  2. 1.
    8004 — Haha. Damn right I put Stagnant Waters at number one. This is exactly what you would hope a mixture of DHG, Lugubrum, Shining (Norwegian version) and Virus would sound like.
  3. 2.
    7727 — Great riffs and great songwriting on this record. A bit more adventurous than its predecessor, which I also thought was brilliant.
  4. 2.
    7727 — Great riffs and great songwriting on this record. A bit more adventurous than its predecessor, which I also thought was brilliant.
  5. 3.
    7667 — Contrary to what most people assume happens, I have got considerably angrier and more left wing as I have got older, and consequently I have loved Napalm Death more and more with every passing year. Genuine heroes of mine.
  6. 3.
    7667 — Contrary to what most people assume happens, I have got considerably angrier and more left wing as I have got older, and consequently I have loved Napalm Death more and more with every passing year. Genuine heroes of mine.
  7. 4.
    8019 — When I reviewed this album I rambled on about paneer curry, I think. To be honest, it probably deserves better.
  8. 4.
    8019 — When I reviewed this album I rambled on about paneer curry, I think. To be honest, it probably deserves better.
  9. 5.
    7675 — Yep, seems like Ihsahn is still good.
  10. 5.
    7675 — Yep, seems like Ihsahn is still good.
  11. 6.
    7570 — HAHAHA! Anarchist folk-grind for all!
  12. 6.
    7570 — HAHAHA! Anarchist folk-grind for all!
  13. 7.
    7868 — Koeppe wrote a great review of this, but I expressed my own thoughts in a vastly more longwinded form here: http://utopianblaster.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/panopticon-kentucky/
  14. 7.
    7868 — Koeppe wrote a great review of this, but I expressed my own thoughts in a vastly more longwinded form here: http://utopianblaster.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/panopticon-kentucky/
  15. 8.
    7653 — Abrasive and unfriendly Australian death metal.
  16. 8.
    7653 — Abrasive and unfriendly Australian death metal.
  17. 9.
    7594 — Good retro heavy metal tunes. I enjoyed this a lot.
  18. 9.
    7594 — Good retro heavy metal tunes. I enjoyed this a lot.
  19. 10.
    7507 — A completely charming album; sort of Hawkwind gone a little bit black metal, but in a whimsical way.
  20. 10.
    7507 — A completely charming album; sort of Hawkwind gone a little bit black metal, but in a whimsical way.
  21. 11.
    7761 — Great old-time doom.
  22. 11.
    7761 — Great old-time doom.
  23. 12.
    7540 — YES!
  24. 12.
    7540 — YES!
  25. 13.
    7708 — Death Deathdeath
  26. 13.
    7708 — Death Deathdeath
  27. 14.
    7525 — Sort of takes that whole 'blackened sludge' thing which has been trendy recently, and makes it into something darker and more oppressive.
  28. 14.
    7525 — Sort of takes that whole 'blackened sludge' thing which has been trendy recently, and makes it into something darker and more oppressive.
  29. 15.
    7561 — Well, looked at objectively I could see why someone would describe this album as being a bit crappy. Slow tempos and drum machines, and whatnot. But I really dug it. Nicely blackened grooves.
  30. 15.
    7561 — Well, looked at objectively I could see why someone would describe this album as being a bit crappy. Slow tempos and drum machines, and whatnot. But I really dug it. Nicely blackened grooves.

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.
    Everything you enjoyed
  2. 1.
    Everything you enjoyed
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Joke of the Year

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

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — This list has to be read with an obvious disclaimer: something happened in the latter segment of this year that meant I had severely less time to listen to and review new metal music- and even less money to spend on new albums. So, there are some really big releases that simply don’t get recognised here. Propagandhi are one of my all-time favourite bands, for example, and I have barely even heard Failed States. Similarly, I didn’t get a chance to write about the last Ash Borer record. This last one is especially disappointing, because there seems to be nobody else here that has any interest in this band, despite them being easily one of the best black metal bands of the moment. Normally, I would invest more effort in this list, listening repeatedly to the bands on it, trying to decide which should be at number nine or number ten, and so on. I have been completely unable to do that this year, because circumstances have made it difficult to spend the requisite amount of time blasting Putrevore, Ignivomous and Undergang. So, rather than my exhaustive attempt to compile what I think were the best fifteen albums of the year, here are fifteen albums that I really like that came out in 2012.
  2. 0
    — This list has to be read with an obvious disclaimer: something happened in the latter segment of this year that meant I had severely less time to listen to and review new metal music- and even less money to spend on new albums. So, there are some really big releases that simply don’t get recognised here. Propagandhi are one of my all-time favourite bands, for example, and I have barely even heard Failed States. Similarly, I didn’t get a chance to write about the last Ash Borer record. This last one is especially disappointing, because there seems to be nobody else here that has any interest in this band, despite them being easily one of the best black metal acts of the moment. Normally, I would invest more effort in this list, listening repeatedly to the bands on it, trying to decide which should be at number nine or number ten, and so on. I have been completely unable to do that this year, because circumstances have made it difficult to spend the requisite amount of time blasting Putrevore, Ignivomous and Undergang. So, rather than my exhaustive attempt to compile what I think were the best fifteen albums of the year, here are fifteen albums that I really like that came out in 2012.

Khelek

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Katatonia - Dead End Kings — What a phenomenal addition to the Katatonia catalogue. I'm not sure how this didn't get reviewed.
  2. 1.
    Katatonia - Dead End Kings — What a phenomenal addition to the Katatonia catalogue. I'm not sure how this didn't get reviewed.
  3. 1.
    Katatonia - Dead End Kings — What a phenomenal addition to the Katatonia catalogue. I'm not sure how this didn't get reviewed.
  4. 2.
    7999
  5. 2.
    7999
  6. 2.
    7999
  7. 3.
    7892
  8. 3.
    7892
  9. 3.
    7892
  10. 4.
    7787
  11. 4.
    7787
  12. 4.
    7787
  13. 5.
    7645
  14. 5.
    7645
  15. 5.
    7645
  16. 6.
    8030
  17. 6.
    8030
  18. 6.
    8030
  19. 7.
    7703
  20. 7.
    7703
  21. 7.
    7703
  22. 8.
    7732
  23. 8.
    7732
  24. 8.
    7732
  25. 9.
    7726
  26. 9.
    7726
  27. 9.
    7726
  28. 10.
    Coheed and Cambria - The Afterman: Ascension — Not as good as Black Rainbow, but still an excellent album.
  29. 10.
    Coheed and Cambria - The Afterman: Ascension — Not as good as Black Rainbow, but still an excellent album.
  30. 10.
    Coheed and Cambria - The Afterman: Ascension — Not as good as Black Rainbow, but still an excellent album.
  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.
    7841
  2. 1.
    7841
  3. 1.
    7841
  4. 2.
    7805
  5. 2.
    7805
  6. 2.
    7805
  7. 3.
    7890
  8. 3.
    7890
  9. 3.
    7890
  10. 4.
    7946
  11. 4.
    7946
  12. 4.
    7946
  13. 5.
    7938
  14. 5.
    7938
  15. 5.
    7938

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    7842 — I tried to get into this but so far it hasn't done much for me. It's not so much that it's a bad album, but I feel it's a big step down from Dead Reckoning. I miss Mac.
  2. 1.
    7842 — I tried to get into this but so far it hasn't done much for me. It's not so much that it's a bad album, but I feel it's a big step down from Dead Reckoning. I miss Mac.
  3. 1.
    7842 — I tried to get into this but so far it hasn't done much for me. It's not so much that it's a bad album, but I feel it's a big step down from Dead Reckoning. I miss Mac.
  4. 2.
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 3.
  8. 3.
  9. 3.
  10. 4.
  11. 4.
  12. 4.
  13. 5.
  14. 5.
  15. 5.

Joke of the Year

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

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — 2012 was a very busy year for me in my personal life, so I didn't get to listen to nearly as many albums as I had hoped (as evidenced by me only having a top 10 instead of 15, and my overall lack of consistent review output). However, I've heard a lot of excellent albums and seen some fantastic concerts, the highlights being Rammstein, Volbeat, and an unforgettable night with the legendary Rush. Cheers to all metal lovers, music is still alive and well.
  2. 0
    — 2012 was a very busy year for me in my personal life, so I didn't get to listen to nearly as many albums as I had hoped (as evidenced by me only having a top 10 instead of 15, and my overall lack of consistent review output). However, I've heard a lot of excellent albums and seen some fantastic concerts, the highlights being Rammstein, Volbeat, and an unforgettable night with the legendary Rush. Cheers to all metal lovers, music is still alive and well.
  3. 0
    — 2012 was a very busy year for me in my personal life, so I didn't get to listen to nearly as many albums as I had hoped (as evidenced by me only having a top 10 instead of 15, and my overall lack of consistent review output). That being said, I've heard a lot of excellent albums. I was also able to see some fantastic concerts, the highlights being Rammstein, Volbeat, and an unforgettable night with the legendary Rush. Cheers to all rock and metal lovers, our music is still alive and well!

Tony

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7851 — The vets return four years too late with another quality slab of Thrash!
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
    8008 — A perfect and long-awaited offering from Finland's coldest.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
    7586 — The guitars and vox are always razor sharp. The key here was Paul's drums. Torture was his best performance ever.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
    7697 — The symphonic elements can be a bit cheesy, but they add diversity and lend to the brilliance of the stories.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.
    7760 — Proud to be 12.5% Ukrainian!
  11. 6.
  12. 6.
    7689 — Another Thrash band whose mastery predates my lifetime. Awesome album.
  13. 7.
  14. 7.
    7612 — Some of the most harrowing BM ever released over an illustrious career. This brief return from hiatus is in good form.
  15. 8.
  16. 8.
    7679 — The "heaviest" Black Metal in Sweden. Mortuus delivery is terrific.
  17. 9.
  18. 9.
    7919 — I thought Addicts sucked. This one is a great return to form.
  19. 10.
  20. 10.
    7749 — George Kollias with one stroke discourages me and with one stroke leaves me in awe. He sets that bar even higher on At the Gate of Sethu.
  21. 11.
  22. 11.
    7615 — The years of the Thrash vets continues.
  23. 12.
  24. 12.
    7668 — One of the only Power Metal bands I truly enjoy. Great record from Sabaton.
  25. 13.
  26. 13.
    7916 — It took long enough!
  27. 14.
  28. 14.
    7601 — These guys haven't screwed up yet. A rare gem from the British scene.
  29. 15.
  30. 15.
    Winterfylleth - Threnody of Triumph — More British mastery.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7757 — I haven't been able to get into these guys. This might be a turning point.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
    8015 — The first "White Metal" albums I've enjoyed in a while.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7980 — Too safe.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
    7651 — I'm hoping he picks up the guitar next time through.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
    7782 — These guys have slowed down since their first few.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
    7633 — #1 on the private high school charts.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
    7801 — We need Lord Worm back.
  5. 3.
  6. 3.
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
  10. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
    — Maybe I don't deserve to fill this out since my reviews were so far and few this year. I'd say I've still maintained my collection and still know plenty about metal despite my sad lack of keystrokes. Kudos to the stalwarts on MR for keeping up with it and cheers to a brutal 2013.

Cory

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    7498
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
    7498
  4. 1.
    7498
  5. 1.
    7498
  6. 1.
    7498
  7. 1.
    7498
  8. 2.
    7661
  9. 2.
  10. 2.
    7661
  11. 2.
    7661
  12. 2.
    7661
  13. 2.
    7661
  14. 2.
    7661
  15. 3.
    7923
  16. 3.
  17. 3.
    7923 —
  18. 3.
    7923
  19. 3.
    7923
  20. 3.
    7923
  21. 3.
    7923
  22. 4.
    7851
  23. 4.
  24. 4.
    7851
  25. 4.
    7851
  26. 4.
    7851
  27. 4.
    7851
  28. 4.
    7851
  29. 5.
    7689
  30. 5.
  31. 5.
    7689
  32. 5.
    7689
  33. 5.
    7689
  34. 5.
    7689
  35. 5.
    7689
  36. 6.
    Overkill - The Electric Age
  37. 6.
  38. 6.
    Overkill - The Electric Age
  39. 6.
    Overkill - The Electric Age
  40. 6.
    7615
  41. 6.
    7615
  42. 6.
    7615
  43. 7.
    7726
  44. 7.
  45. 7.
    7726
  46. 7.
    7726
  47. 7.
    7726
  48. 7.
    7726
  49. 7.
    7726
  50. 8.
    7943
  51. 8.
  52. 8.
    7943
  53. 8.
    7943
  54. 8.
    7943
  55. 8.
    7943
  56. 8.
    7943
  57. 9.
    7956
  58. 9.
  59. 9.
    7956
  60. 9.
    7956
  61. 9.
    7956
  62. 9.
    7956
  63. 9.
    7956
  64. 10.
    7604
  65. 10.
  66. 10.
    7604
  67. 10.
    7604
  68. 10.
    Delain - We Are The Others
  69. 10.
    Delain - We Are The Others
  70. 10.
    Delain - We Are The Others
  71. 11.
    7764
  72. 11.
  73. 11.
    7764
  74. 11.
    7764
  75. 11.
    7764
  76. 11.
    7710
  77. 11.
    7710
  78. 12.
    7710
  79. 12.
  80. 12.
    7710
  81. 12.
    7710
  82. 12.
    7710
  83. 12.
    7764
  84. 12.
    7764
  85. 13.
    7490
  86. 13.
  87. 13.
    7490
  88. 13.
    7490
  89. 13.
    7604
  90. 13.
    7604
  91. 13.
    7604
  92. 14.
    7496
  93. 14.
  94. 14.
    7496
  95. 14.
    7496
  96. 14.
    7496
  97. 14.
    7490
  98. 14.
    7490
  99. 15.
    7744
  100. 15.
  101. 15.
    7744
  102. 15.
    7744
  103. 15.
    7490
  104. 15.
    7496
  105. 15.
    7496

Surprises of the Year

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

Disappointments

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

Joke of the Year

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

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
    — Overall a strong year for metal, though perhaps weaker than years past. The lack of female fronted albums in my list definitely displays that my tastes have wandered away from that particular side of the house, while having four thrash albums in the top ten testifys to just how good a year it was for veteran thrashers (as well as my growing palate for the genre). On a personal note, 2013 promises new opportunities with a new chapter in my Air Force career beginning in NJ. My son Aaron just keeps on growing and becomes more of a joy every other day (days in which he is not being a complete pain in the ass), and I remain happily married to my wonderful wife Jessica now working on our third year (an eternity by Hollywood standards). I sincerely wish you all the best in whatever it is that you puruse during 2013! Best Wishes, Cory
  4. 0
    — Overall a strong year for metal, though perhaps weaker than years past. The lack of female fronted albums in my list definitely shows that my tastes have wandered away from that particular side of the house, while having four thrash albums in the top ten testifys to just how good a year it was for veteran thrashers (as well as my growing taste for the genre). On a personal note, 2013 promises new opportunities with another chapter in my Air Force career beginning in NJ. My son Aaron just keeps on growing and becomes more of a joy every other day (days in which he is not being a complete pain in the ass), and I remain happily married to my wonderful wife Jessica now working on our third year (an eternity by Hollywood standards). I sincerely wish you all the best in whatever it is that you puruse during 2013! Best Wishes, Cory
  5. 0
    — Overall a strong year for metal. The lack of female fronted albums in my list (aside from a stellar Delain album and the dual male/female vocals of Beyond the Bridge) definitely shows that my tastes have wandered away from that particular genre, while having four thrash albums in the top ten illustrates just how good a year it was for veteran thrashers. On a personal note, 2013 promises new opportunities with another chapter in my Air Force career beginning in NJ. My son Aaron just keeps on growing and becomes more of a joy every other day (days in which he is not being a complete pain in the ass), and I remain happily married to my wonderful wife Jessica now working on our third year (an eternity by Hollywood standards). I sincerely wish you all the best in whatever it is that you puruse during 2013!
  6. 0
    — Overall a strong year for metal. The lack of female fronted albums in my list (aside from a stellar Delain album and the dual male/female vocals of Beyond the Bridge) definitely shows that my tastes have wandered away from that particular genre, while having four thrash albums in the top ten illustrates just how good a year it was for veteran thrashers. On a personal note, 2013 promises new opportunities with another chapter in my Air Force career beginning in NJ. My son Aaron just keeps on growing and becomes more of a joy every other day (days in which he is not being a complete pain in the ass), and I remain happily married to my wonderful wife Jessica now working on our third year (an eternity by Hollywood standards). I sincerely wish you all the best in whatever it is that you puruse during 2013!
  7. 0
    — Overall a strong year for metal, at least from what I was able to listen to. The lack of female fronted albums in my list (aside from a stellar Delain album and the dual male/female vocals of Beyond the Bridge) definitely shows that my tastes have wandered away from that particular genre, while having four thrash albums in the top ten illustrates just how good a year it was for veteran thrashers. I am still astounded by just how much good music there is available, and look foward to expanding both my knowledge of metal and my tastes in the coming year. On a personal note, 2013 promises new opportunities with another chapter in my Air Force career beginning in NJ. My son Aaron just keeps on growing and becomes more of a joy every other day (days in which he is not being a complete pain in the ass), and I remain happily married to my wonderful wife Jessica now working on our third year (an eternity by Hollywood standards). I sincerely wish you all the best in whatever it is that you puruse during 2013!

Koeppe

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    7853 — Somehow this album surpassed efforts by the veterans, Converge and Cattle Decapitation, but without a doubt, it is the most straightforward, hard-hitting album to come out this year that regardless of my mood, it makes me want to mosh, break stuff, crack skulls, etc. The sheer weight that Jeff can put into a riff is like no other. Simply virtuosic in the elephant riff category that man is. Will it stand the test of time like Cattle Decap, Converge, Car Bomb and Pig Destroyer have demonstrated themselves as capable of doing? I don't know, but I do know if I wanted to hear one single album from this past year this very minute, it is this beast.
  2. 2.
    7673
  3. 3.
    7881
  4. 4.
    Car Bomb - w^w^^w^w — After a somewhat lengthy hiatus, these guys returned creating the mathcore that they left off with. I wish I had been able to review it before year's end, but it simply wasn't in the cards. What you have here is one of the forefathers of the new wave of technical/djent bands returning and demonstrating that they didn't use all the tricks in tehir bags and that they still have a thing or two to teach the neophytes of the genre.
  5. 5.
    7868
  6. 6.
    7924
  7. 7.
    7832 — Hate and vitriol like no other. They have truly outdone their past work with this effort, albeit the fact that it takes a while to sink in, once you digest it, this album is delightfully brutal.
  8. 8.
    7913 — Somewhat gimmick-y, but this album is truly a pleasure to listen to. From beginning to end, these guys do it right and they do it well. My review captures most of my thoughts, but I really do enjoy this album. And like <i>Kentucky</i>, it is something so totally different and new in light of the rest of the genres that it stands out and surely will for years to come.
  9. 9.
    7879 — Some good ol' hardcore right here. Chris Colohan is a veteran in the genre and this album really cements <b>Burning Love</b> as worthy of being the heir to <b>Cursed</b>. It is a fucking great album.
  10. 10.
    7897 — Metal made by metal? Industrial equipment in my industrial music? What is there not to like about <b>A&P</b>? Fans of <b>Jesu</b> should be all over this.
  11. 11.
    7603 — Straightforward, heavy-hitting badassery contained here. The best of all genres distilled into the perfect hard-hitting package. Why doesn't everybody love these guys?
  12. 12.
    Royal Thunder - CVI — Blues-y lady-fronted heavy metal? Sign me up. This album is just a blast. It may overstay its welcome, but that's not for lack of quality. You get your money's worth of great rockin' tracks. The fact that this might slip under some folks' radars is a travesty.
  13. 13.
    Blacklister - BLKLSTRS — Noise rock that was recommended to me by <b>Pig Destroyer</b>'s Facebook account equals awesome. The one song that will exemplify how you will feel about this album is <i>Trickfuck</i>. The band blends heavy riffs with the lackadaisical energy of grunge with the vocal performance of a half drunk, angry insane man. It's beautiful.
  14. 14.
    7827 — The kings of 21st century black metal release an EP that is better than any other straightforward black metal full-lengths released all year. Because that's how they do. If you haven't heard their whirling, entangling dissonance then you have done yourself an injustice.
  15. 15.
    7797 — I love <i>Yellow</i>. I don't care for <i>Green</i>. But seriously, <i>Yellow</i> is some of the greatest, catchiest metal to be written in the last twenty years. This is hair metal level of catchiness minus all the douchebaggery and injected with that level of anguish and forlorness that makes a great <b>Baroness</b> album.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    The Darkness - Hot Cakes — After a hiatus, this goofy band that most people here probably hate, which I kinda enjoy, released a decent hard rock album. Worth a listen every so often.
  2. 2.
    Mixhell - Exit Wound — Igor Cavalera and Greg Puciato combining to release a dance track? Why does this work so well and why do I love it so much?
  3. 3.
    Car Bomb - w^w^^w^w — I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they hadn't lost it after all these years.
  4. 4.
  5. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    7877 — When will they ever return to form? The last two albums have been utter trash. They make <i>Constellation of the Black Widow</i> look like genius.
  2. 2.
    Ash Borer - Cold of Ages — After blowing me away with that self-titled album, how did they become so boring?
  3. 3.
    7751 — Not saying this album is bad, but after loving <i>Death Magic Doom</i> so much, irrationally much, this album always just left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
  4. 4.
    7944 — The album isn't bad per se, but being marketed as the avant garde folk drone descended from <b>Reverend Bizarre</b> left me feeling like it should have done more.
  5. 5.
    Terrorizer - Horde of Zombies — After <i>World Downfall</i>, this? I'd rather have no <b>Terrorizer</b> than neutered <b>Terrorizer</b>.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Die Antwood - Ten$ion — The joke is on us, because this is actually really enjoyable. I get a kick out of this album and thoroughly enjoy all of its bad moments. Like Quentin Tarantino, these three have mastered the art of pastiche in postmodern art. The blending of references to Ludacris, Tiffany, Vanilla Ice, etc. laced in with their political-social commentary on the current state of South Africa over top the sickest dubstep beats is just too much. It should crash and burn, and I think many think that it did, but I love it.
  2. 2.
  3. 3.
  4. 4.
  5. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — A great year for metal, a great year for albums that push boundaries and buck the norm. There are so many songs and albums on this list that carried me through the year. If some of these slipped under your radar, I would strongly encourage rectifying that mistake. For your own sake, at least.

Andy

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Overkill - The Electric Age
  2. 1.
    7615
  3. 1.
    7615
  4. 2.
    7751
  5. 2.
    7751
  6. 2.
    7751
  7. 3.
    Pallbearer - Sorrow And Extinction — Pallbearer's debut album really belongs in the Surprises of the Year section too, as no one, especially me, saw it coming.
  8. 3.
    Pallbearer - Sorrow And Extinction — Pallbearer's debut album really belongs in the Surprises of the Year section too, as no one, especially me, saw it coming.
  9. 3.
    Pallbearer - Sorrow And Extinction — Pallbearer's debut album really belongs in the Surprises of the Year section too, as no one, especially me, saw it coming.
  10. 4.
    8045
  11. 4.
    8045
  12. 4.
    8045
  13. 5.
    7851
  14. 5.
    7851
  15. 5.
    7851
  16. 6.
    7689
  17. 6.
    7689
  18. 6.
    7689
  19. 7.
    7727
  20. 7.
    7727
  21. 7.
    7727
  22. 8.
    7746 — Some of this album's riffs and choruses are STILL rattling around in my head!
  23. 8.
    7746 — Some of this album's riffs and choruses are STILL rattling around in my head!
  24. 8.
    7746 — Some of this album's riffs and choruses are STILL rattling around in my head!
  25. 9.
    7569
  26. 9.
    7569
  27. 9.
    7569
  28. 10.
    7734
  29. 10.
    7734
  30. 10.
    7734
  31. 11.
    8015
  32. 11.
    8015
  33. 11.
    8015
  34. 12.
    7554
  35. 12.
    7554
  36. 12.
    7554
  37. 13.
    7894
  38. 13.
    7894
  39. 13.
    7894
  40. 14.
    7744
  41. 14.
    7744
  42. 14.
    7744
  43. 15.
    7745
  44. 15.
    7745
  45. 15.
    7745

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    7896
  2. 1.
    7896
  3. 1.
    7896
  4. 2.
    7986
  5. 2.
    7986
  6. 2.
    7986
  7. 3.
    7587
  8. 3.
    7587
  9. 3.
    7587
  10. 4.
    7846
  11. 4.
    7846
  12. 4.
    7846
  13. 5.
    7957
  14. 5.
    7957
  15. 5.
    7957

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    7613 — I expected a lot more from this band based on their earlier output. Their songs have simply gotten too slick and blastbeat-driven.
  2. 1.
    7613 — I expected a lot more from this band based on their earlier output. Their songs have simply gotten too slick and blastbeat-driven.
  3. 1.
    7613 — I expected a lot more from this band based on their earlier output. Their songs have simply gotten too slick and blastbeat-driven.
  4. 2.
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 3.
  8. 3.
  9. 3.
  10. 4.
  11. 4.
  12. 4.
  13. 5.
  14. 5.
  15. 5.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Steel Panther - Balls Out — I know, they're supposed to be a joke...but I cried instead of laughed. Definitely a novelty/party act.
  2. 1.
    Steel Panther - Balls Out — I know, they're supposed to be a joke...but I cried instead of laughed. Definitely a novelty/party act.
  3. 1.
    Steel Panther - Balls Out — I know, they're supposed to be a joke...but I cried instead of laughed. Definitely a novelty/party act.
  4. 2.
  5. 2.
  6. 2.
  7. 3.
  8. 3.
  9. 3.
  10. 4.
  11. 4.
  12. 4.
  13. 5.
  14. 5.
  15. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — 2012 was a great year for metal in general, especially doom and thrash metal. While I was hoping for more power metal albums, I was mostly doomed to disappointment...but to make up for it, Candlemass released one of its finest albums to date, we got a fifteenth Killing Joke album, there were endless black and doom metal gems released this year (including Pallbearer's left-field hit and an even stronger sophomore album from my state's own Witch Mountain), and best of all, an Overkill album that shows that their amazing comeback is no fluke. In 2013 I hope to see an even stronger trend towards innovation. Some of the newer acts are clearly maturing and coming up with some new ideas, and I can't wait to hear what they are up to. It seems that the field of metal keeps getting wider and more interesting (though maybe that's just my taste), and the sheer amount of good (and sometimes truly great) releases makes it difficult for me to choose even on a day-to-day basis what to listen to first. As a brand new reviewer I look forward to bringing you more of the dark fruits of the genre this year on a weekly basis, and I wish you all the very best in 2013.
  2. 0
    — 2012 was a great year for metal in general, especially doom and thrash metal. While I was hoping for more power metal albums, I was mostly doomed to disappointment...but to make up for it, Candlemass released one of its finest albums to date, we got a fifteenth Killing Joke album, there were endless black and doom metal gems released this year (including Pallbearer's left-field hit and an even stronger sophomore album from my state's own Witch Mountain), and best of all, an Overkill album that shows that their amazing comeback is no fluke. In 2013 I hope to see an even stronger trend towards innovation. Some of the newer acts are clearly maturing and coming up with some new ideas, and I can't wait to hear what they are up to. It seems that the field of metal keeps getting wider and more interesting (though maybe that's just my taste), and the sheer amount of good (and sometimes truly great) releases makes it difficult for me to choose even on a day-to-day basis what to listen to first. As a brand new reviewer I look forward to bringing you more of the dark fruits of the genre this year on a weekly basis, and I wish you all the very best in 2013.
  3. 0
    — 2012 was a great year for metal in general, especially doom and thrash metal. While I was hoping for more power metal albums, I was mostly doomed to disappointment...but to make up for it, Candlemass released one of its finest albums to date, we got a fifteenth Killing Joke album, there were endless black and doom metal gems released this year (including Pallbearer's left-field hit and a strong sophomore album from my state's own Witch Mountain), and best of all, an Overkill album that shows that their amazing comeback is no fluke. In 2013 I hope to see an even more prevalent trend towards innovation. Some of the newer acts are clearly maturing and coming up with some new ideas, and I can't wait to hear what they are up to. It seems that the field of metal keeps getting wider and more interesting (though maybe that's just my taste), and the sheer amount of good (and sometimes truly great) releases makes it difficult for me to choose even on a day-to-day basis what to listen to first. As a brand new reviewer I look forward to bringing you more of the dark fruits of the genre this year on a weekly basis, and I wish you all the very best in 2013.