MetalReviews

Awards 2014

6 reviewers shared their picks for 2014.

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Alex

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Primordial - Where Greater Men Have Fallen — After long contemplation this one takes the honors. The passion is unmatched
  2. 1.
    Primordial - Where Greater Men Have Fallen — After long contemplation this one takes the honors. The passion is unmatched
  3. 2.
    Vintersorg - Naturbål — Best since Cosmic Gensis
  4. 2.
    Vintersorg - Naturbål — Best since Cosmic Gensis
  5. 3.
    Battleroar - Blood of Legends — Epic, melodic and powerful
  6. 3.
    Battleroar - Blood of Legends — Epic, melodic and powerful
  7. 4.
    Sargeist - Feeding the Crawling Shadows — Breaking no new ground, but fantastic catchiness given raw riff simplicity
  8. 4.
    Sargeist - Feeding the Crawling Shadows — Breaking no new ground, but fantastic catchiness given raw riff simplicity
  9. 5.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — I missed their full force on the two prior albums, but this one delivered entirely
  10. 5.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — I missed their full force on the two prior albums, but this one delivered entirely
  11. 6.
    Arkona - Yav — Whatever others say, I think this one revealed a darker symphonic side
  12. 6.
    Arkona - Yav — Whatever others say, I think this one revealed a darker symphonic side
  13. 7.
    Martyrdöd - Elddop — Hardcore punk album of the year
  14. 7.
    Martyrdöd - Elddop — Hardcore punk album of the year
  15. 8.
    Pestilential Shadows - Ephemeral — Oppressive black slab
  16. 8.
    Pestilential Shadows - Ephemeral — Oppressive black slab
  17. 9.
    Ribspreader - Meathymns — This one may be too simple straightforward death metal for many, but Rogga Johansson touched the right buttons with me here
  18. 9.
    Ribspreader - Meathymns — This one may be too simple straightforward death metal for many, but Rogga Johansson touched the right buttons with me here
  19. 10.
    Cult of Fire - Ctvrta Symfonie Ohne — It is not how long the record is, or whether you are in between the genres, when you deliver powerful music, you make my list
  20. 10.
    Cult of Fire - Ctvrta Symfonie Ohne — It is not how long the record is, or whether you are in between the genres, when you deliver powerful music, you make my list
  21. 11.
    Sleeping Pulse - Under the Same Sky — For thinking man prog rock Mick Moss of Antimatter got the right project going
  22. 11.
    Sleeping Pulse - Under the Same Sky — For thinking man prog rock Mick Moss of Antimatter got the right project going
  23. 12.
    A Sound of Thunder - The Lesser Key of Solomon — Proud to have supported their Kickstarter campaign
  24. 12.
    A Sound of Thunder - The Lesser Key of Solomon — Proud to have supported their Kickstarter campaign
  25. 13.
    Ainulindale - Nevrast — This one came after I reviewed Nebelung (one step below) and asked to be reviewed. No regrets I agreed
  26. 13.
    Ainulindale - Nevrast — This one came after I reviewed Nebelung (one step below) and asked to be reviewed. No regrets I agreed
  27. 14.
    Nebelung - Palingenesis — As I am maturing (read, get older) more and more quiet folk records are bound to creep into my list
  28. 14.
    Nebelung - Palingenesis — As I am maturing (read, get older) more and more quiet folk records are bound to creep into my list
  29. 15.
    King of Asgard - Karg — In the absence of Amon Amarth record this one will have to fill that niche
  30. 15.
    King of Asgard - Karg — In the absence of Amon Amarth record this one will have to fill that niche

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Dinner Music for the Gods - Beautiful and Treacherous — Progressive jazzy instrumental surprise of the year
  2. 1.
    Dinner Music for the Gods - Beautiful and Treacherous — Progressive jazzy instrumental surprise of the year
  3. 2.
    Evergrey - Hymn For The Broken — After almost hanging it up ... they did not
  4. 3.
    Lake of Tears - By the Black Sea — A strong live record with all the right selections
  5. 4.
  6. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Dodsferd - The Parasitic Survival of the Human Race — Unlike Sargeist, primitive and punk gone boring
  2. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — Expected more after all the praise
  3. 3.
    Death Penalty - Sign of Times — Cathedral riff writing did not materialize and vocals even worse

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Hard Tension - Fear and Guilt — The dudes probably don't take themselves seriously anyway
  2. 2.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Epitomy of what I don't like about melodeath/metalcore crossover

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — I am surprised I am still at it, reviewing at the best pace I can. A lot of shorter releases and unusual genre choices were my listening preferences in 2014, since I am so pressed for time I just can't find myself being fair without properly delving into longer releases. And then, when I find what I like (Primordial, Vintersorg), I tend to not let go, so the little time I have for everything else gets even shorter. My very special thanks to all of the bands, labels, promoters and PR firms who have fed me/us with the material. I know we owe you coverage. Perennially and constantly. To promise that we will do better means we need to have more writers. Therein lies the segue - thanks to all of the MR colleagues who have stuck it with us in these years past. Without you it would have been long gone ...

Goat

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Opeth - Pale Communion — The only 2014 metal album (yes, metal) that I scored over 90, this is a beautiful prog album from a band who challenge themselves and us.
  2. 1.
    Opeth - Pale Communion — The only 2014 metal album (yes, metal) that I scored over 90, this is a beautiful prog album from a band who challenge themselves and us.
  3. 1.
    Opeth - Pale Communion — The only 2014 metal album (yes, metal) that I scored over 90, this is a beautiful prog album from a band who challenge themselves and us.
  4. 1.
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  29. 4.
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  32. 4.
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  37. 4.
  38. 5.
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  40. 5.
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  47. 6.
  48. 6.
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  50. 6.
  51. 6.
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  54. 6.
  55. 6.
  56. 7.
    Triptykon - Melana Chasmata — I was harsh on this album. Yes, it's still too long, but yes, it's still pretty great.
  57. 7.
    Triptykon - Melana Chasmata — I was harsh on this album. Yes, it's still too long, but yes, it's still pretty great.
  58. 7.
  59. 7.
  60. 7.
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  64. 7.
  65. 8.
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  74. 9.
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  92. 11.
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  101. 12.
    Bolzer - Soma — Lol, two song EPs receiving so much praise. The album had better be damn good after all this hype, boys.
  102. 12.
    Bolzer - Soma — Lol, two song EPs receiving so much praise. The album had better be damn good after all this hype, boys.
  103. 12.
  104. 12.
  105. 12.
  106. 12.
  107. 12.
  108. 12.
  109. 12.
  110. 13.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done right.
  111. 13.
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  116. 13.
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  120. 14.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOOM
  121. 14.
  122. 14.
  123. 14.
  124. 14.
  125. 14.
  126. 14.
  127. 14.
  128. 14.
  129. 14.
  130. 15.
    Godflesh - A World Lit Only By Fire — A terrific comeback from JKB. He never lost it.
  131. 15.
    Godflesh - A World Lit Only By Fire — A terrific comeback from JKB. He never lost it.
  132. 15.
    Godflesh - A World Lit Only By Fire — A terrific comeback from JKB. He never lost it.
  133. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE
  134. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE
  135. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE
  136. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE
  137. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE
  138. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE
  139. 15.
    GODFLESH - A WORLD LIT ONLY BY FIRE

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done right.
  2. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done right.
  3. 1.
  4. 1.
  5. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done so, so right.
  6. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done so, so right.
  7. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done so, so right.
  8. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done so, so right.
  9. 1.
    Hannes Grossmann - The Radial Covenant — Prog-death done so, so right.
  10. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
  11. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
  12. 2.
  13. 2.
  14. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
  15. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
  16. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
  17. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
  18. 2.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — DOOOOOM
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  32. 4.
    Pyrrhon - The Mother of Virtues — I'm still not sure if I actually like this album, but it's brain-melting enough to cause plenty of surprise, at the very least.
  33. 4.
    Pyrrhon - The Mother of Virtues — I'm still not sure if I actually like this album, but it's brain-melting enough to cause plenty of surprise, at the very least.
  34. 4.
    Pyrrhon - The Mother of Virtues — I'm still not sure if I actually like this album, but it's brain-melting enough to cause plenty of surprise, at the very least.
  35. 4.
    Pyrrhon - The Mother of Virtues — I'm still not sure if I actually like this album, but it's brain-melting enough to cause plenty of surprise, at the very least.
  36. 4.
    Pyrrhon - The Mother of Virtues — I'm still not sure if I actually like this album, but it's brain-melting enough to cause plenty of surprise, at the very least.
  37. 5.
  38. 5.
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  44. 5.
  45. 5.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  2. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  3. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  4. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  5. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  6. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  7. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  8. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  9. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  10. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  11. 1.
    Mysticum - Planet Satan — A hellish comeback. Hellishly boring!
  12. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  13. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  14. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  15. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  16. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  17. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  18. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  19. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  20. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  21. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  22. 2.
    Anaal Nathrakh - Desideratum — The formula is wearing thin, despite attempts to patch the holes with electronics.
  23. 3.
    Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun — Pretty lame that this once-great band once was one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  24. 3.
    Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun — Pretty lame that this once-great band once was one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  25. 3.
    Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun — Pretty lame that this once-great band once was one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  26. 3.
    Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun — Pretty lame that this once-great band once was one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  27. 3.
    Mastodon - Once More 'Round The Sun — Pretty lame that this once-great band once was one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  28. 3.
    MASTODON - ONCE MORE 'ROUND THE SUN — Pretty lame that this once-great band once was one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  29. 3.
    MASTODON - ONCE MORE 'ROUND THE SUN — Pretty lame that this once-great band used to be one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  30. 3.
    MASTODON - ONCE MORE 'ROUND THE SUN — Pretty lame that this once-great band used to be one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  31. 3.
    MASTODON - ONCE MORE 'ROUND THE SUN — Pretty lame that this once-great band used to be one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  32. 3.
    MASTODON - ONCE MORE 'ROUND THE SUN — Pretty lame that this once-great band used to be one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  33. 3.
    MASTODON - ONCE MORE 'ROUND THE SUN — Pretty lame that this once-great band used to be one of metal's most important. Now, the only thing that's controversial about them is the twerking in their music videos.
  34. 4.
  35. 4.
  36. 4.
  37. 4.
  38. 4.
    Anubis Gate - Horizons — Aside from the poor production, the complexity and spirit that made earlier releases from this band seems to be gone, which is a real shame.
  39. 4.
    Anubis Gate - Horizons — Aside from the poor production, the complexity and spirit that made earlier releases from this band seems to be gone, which is a real shame.
  40. 4.
    Anubis Gate - Horizons — Aside from the poor production, the complexity and spirit that made earlier releases from this band seems to be gone, which is a real shame.
  41. 4.
    Anubis Gate - Horizons — Aside from the poor production, the complexity and spirit that made earlier releases from this band seems to be gone, which is a real shame.
  42. 4.
    Anubis Gate - Horizons — Aside from the poor production, the complexity and spirit that made earlier releases from this band seems to be gone, which is a real shame.
  43. 5.
  44. 5.
  45. 5.
    1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos — Massive Cauldron of yawn, more like. The new Slipknot was more interesting than this.
  46. 5.
    1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos — Massive Cauldron of yawn, more like. The new Slipknot was more interesting than this.
  47. 5.
    1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos — Massive Cauldron of yawn, more like. The new Slipknot was more interesting than this.
  48. 5.
    1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos — Massive Cauldron of yawn, more like. The new Slipknot was more interesting than this.
  49. 5.
    1349 - Massive Cauldron of Chaos — Massive Cauldron of yawn, more like. The new Slipknot was more interesting than this.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Babymetal - Babymetal — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  2. 1.
    Babymetal - Babymetal — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  3. 1.
    Babymetal - Babymetal — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  4. 1.
    Babymetal - Babymetal — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  5. 1.
    Babymetal - Babymetal — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  6. 1.
    BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  7. 1.
    BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  8. 1.
    BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  9. 1.
    BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  10. 1.
    BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  11. 1.
    BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL — Feel free to get into metal through Japanese children dancing to bad melodeath, just don't expect me to like it.
  12. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, just incredibly sad.
  13. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, just incredibly sad.
  14. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, just incredibly sad.
  15. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, just incredibly sad.
  16. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, just incredibly sad.
  17. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, just incredibly sad.
  18. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, but there's no 'Depressing Tragedy' section.
  19. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, but there's no 'Depressing Tragedy' section.
  20. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, but there's no 'Depressing Tragedy' section.
  21. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, but there's no 'Depressing Tragedy' section.
  22. 2.
    Nachtmystium - The World We Left Behind — A poor album from an artist who managed to destroy a good reputation and steal from his fans in order to feed an addiction. It's not a joke at all, really, but there's no 'Depressing Tragedy' section.
  23. 3.
    Fozzy - Do You Want To Start A War — Hey, hey, Y2J, remember to put some metal in that pop metal, mmkay?
  24. 3.
    Fozzy - Do You Want To Start A War — Hey, hey, Y2J, remember to put some metal in that pop metal, mmkay?
  25. 3.
    Fozzy - Do You Want To Start A War — Hey, hey, Y2J, remember to put some metal in that pop, mmkay?
  26. 3.
    Fozzy - Do You Want To Start A War — Hey, hey, Y2J, remember to put some metal in that pop, mmkay?
  27. 3.
    IN FLAMES - SIREN CHARMS — As if this band could get any worse, they go and release this. IN FAILS, morelike!
  28. 3.
    IN FLAMES - SIREN CHARMS — As if this band could get any worse, they go and release this. IN FAILS, morelike!
  29. 3.
    IN FLAMES - SIREN CHARMS — As if this band could get any worse, they go and release this. IN FAILS, morelike!
  30. 4.
    IN FLAMES - SIREN CHARMS — As if this band could get any worse, they go and release this. IN FAILS, morelike!
  31. 4.
    IN FLAMES - SIREN CHARMS — As if this band could get any worse, they go and release this. IN FAILS, morelike!

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Hopefully 2015 will be better. If for some reason you're the type of person who looks for pop recommendations from metal websites, then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2.
  2. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal, and my lists reflect that. Sure, the likes of Decapitated released perfectly serviceable records, but is that really what we're calling the best of the year? Hopefully 2015 will be better, and produce more outright gems than merely 'pretty okay' records. If for some reason you're the type of person who looks for pop recommendations from metal websites, then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2.
  3. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal, and my lists reflect that. Sure, the likes of Decapitated released perfectly serviceable records, but is that really what we're calling the best of the year? Hopefully 2015 will be better, and produce more outright gems than merely 'pretty okay' records. If for some reason you're the type of person who looks for pop recommendations from metal websites, then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2.
  4. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal, and my lists reflect that. Sure, the likes of Decapitated released perfectly serviceable records, but is that really what we're calling the best of the year? Hopefully 2015 will be better, and produce more outright gems than merely 'pretty okay' records.

    (If for some reason you're the type of person who looks for non-metal recommendations from metal websites, then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2.)

  5. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Hopefully 2015 will be better.

    (If for some reason you're the type of person who looks for pop recommendations from metal websites, then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2. )
  6. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Hopefully 2015 will be better.

    (If for some reason you're the type of person who looks for pop recommendations from metal websites, then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2. )
  7. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Sure, we had plenty of pretty okay albums from the likes of Decapitated, Behemoth, and Mayhem, but is that the best we can hope for, albums that are pretty okay? Metal should stir the blood, and aside from the above, my blood was more often than not unstirred. Hopefully 2015 will be better, and we can chalk 2014 up to water-treading.

    (If you're the type of person who looks for non-metal recommendations from metal websites (not that I've done a great deal to dissuade this in the past, I know) then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2 was the best hip-hop album of the year (sorry Body Count))
  8. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Sure, we had plenty of pretty okay albums from the likes of Decapitated, Behemoth, and Mayhem, but is that the best we can hope for, albums that are pretty okay? Metal should stir the blood, and aside from the above, my blood was more often than not unstirred. Hopefully 2015 will be better, and we can chalk 2014 up to water-treading.

    (If you're the type of person who looks for non-metal recommendations from metal websites (not that I've done a great deal to dissuade this in the past, I know) then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2 was the best hip-hop album of the year (sorry Body Count))
  9. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Sure, we had plenty of pretty okay albums from the likes of Decapitated, Behemoth, and Mayhem, but is that the best we can hope for, albums that are pretty okay? Metal should stir the blood, and aside from the above, my blood was more often than not unstirred. Hopefully 2015 will be better, and we can chalk 2014 up to water-treading.

    (If you're the type of person who looks for non-metal recommendations from metal websites (not that I've done a great deal to dissuade this in the past, I know) then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2 was the best hip-hop album of the year (sorry Body Count))
  10. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Sure, we had plenty of pretty okay albums from the likes of Decapitated, Behemoth, and Mayhem, but is that the best we can hope for, albums that are pretty okay? Metal should stir the blood, and aside from the above, my blood was more often than not unstirred. I spent most of the time it took to put this list together wondering where to put At The Gates' comeback At War With Reality - I'm still disappointed by it, but after hearing the songs live it's grown on me considerably, so it doesn't really deserve an official 'disappointment of the year' slot. Anyway, hopefully 2015 will be better, and we can chalk 2014 up to water-treading.

    (If you're the type of person who looks for non-metal recommendations from metal websites (not that I've done a great deal to dissuade this in the past, I know) then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2 was the best hip-hop album of the year (sorry Body Count))
  11. 0
    — Call me harsh, but I don't think that 2014 was a particularly great year for metal. Sure, we had plenty of pretty okay albums from the likes of Decapitated, Behemoth, and Mayhem, but is that the best we can hope for, albums that are pretty okay? Metal should stir the blood, and aside from the above, my blood was more often than not unstirred. I spent most of the time it took to put this list together wondering where to put At The Gates' comeback At War With Reality - I'm still disappointed by it, but after hearing the songs live it's grown on me considerably, so it doesn't really deserve an official 'disappointment of the year' slot. Anyway, hopefully 2015 will be better, and we can chalk 2014 up to water-treading.

    (If you're the type of person who looks for non-metal recommendations from metal websites (not that I've done a great deal to dissuade this in the past, I know) then Nicole Atkins' Slow Phaser album was a terrific collection of catchiness. Also, Run The Jewels 2 was the best hip-hop album of the year (sorry Body Count))

Charles

Top Albums

  1. 1.
  2. 1.
  3. 1.
  4. 2.
    Triptykon - Melana Chasmata — Way better than the debut, in my view, which I think I overrated.
  5. 2.
    Triptykon - Melana Chasmata — Way better than the debut, in my view, which I think I overrated.
  6. 2.
    Triptykon - Melana Chasmata — Way better than the debut, in my view, which I think I overrated.
  7. 3.
  8. 3.
  9. 3.
  10. 4.
  11. 4.
  12. 4.
  13. 5.
    Sun Worship - Elder Giants — Probably the most obscure thing on here- disappointing that absolutely nobody else seems to listen to this band.
  14. 5.
    Sun Worship - Elder Giants — Probably the most obscure thing on here- disappointing that absolutely nobody else seems to listen to this band.
  15. 5.
    Sun Worship - Elder Giants — Probably the most obscure thing on here- disappointing that absolutely nobody else seems to listen to this band.
  16. 6.
  17. 6.
  18. 6.
  19. 7.
  20. 7.
  21. 7.
  22. 8.
  23. 8.
  24. 8.
  25. 9.
  26. 9.
  27. 9.
  28. 10.
  29. 10.
  30. 10.
  31. 11.
  32. 11.
  33. 11.
  34. 12.
  35. 12.
  36. 12.
  37. 13.
    Opeth - Pale Communion — I sort of agree with those people that complain about Opeth becoming too much of a 'Heritage' act (har har). But this album sounds so pretty.
  38. 13.
    Opeth - Pale Communion — I sort of agree with those people that complain about Opeth becoming too much of a 'Heritage' act (har har). But this album sounds so pretty.
  39. 13.
    Opeth - Pale Communion — I sort of agree with those people that complain about Opeth becoming too much of a 'Heritage' act (har har). But this album sounds so pretty.
  40. 14.
  41. 14.
  42. 14.
  43. 15.
    Petrychor - Makrokosmos — Personally I prefer Effigies and Epitaphs, but nonetheless this is an essential project to get acquainted with.
  44. 15.
    Petrychor - Makrokosmos — Personally I prefer Effigies and Epitaphs, but nonetheless this is an essential project to get acquainted with.
  45. 15.
    Falls of Rauros - Believe in No Coming Shore — Can't believe I didn't get round to reviewing this.

Jared

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  2. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  3. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  4. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  5. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  6. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  7. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  8. 1.
    Novembers Doom - Bled White — Easily one of Novemebers Dooms' absolute best. They seem to rarely, if ever, disappoint.
  9. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  10. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  11. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  12. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  13. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  14. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  15. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  16. 2.
    Battleaxe - Heavy Metal Sanctuary — Battleaxe returns and delivers the best heavy metal had to offer this year.
  17. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  18. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  19. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  20. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  21. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  22. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  23. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  24. 3.
    Nightbringer - Ego Dominus Tuus — Chaotic, brutal, and a hellishly delicious good time. The type of black metal I was yearning for this year.
  25. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  26. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  27. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  28. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  29. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  30. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  31. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  32. 4.
    Soen - Tellurian — A bit of a curve ball band for me, but one of the most progressive metal albums I've enjoyed in a long time.
  33. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig this year.
  34. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig this year.
  35. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig this year.
  36. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig this year.
  37. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig this year.
  38. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig this year.
  39. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig as well.
  40. 5.
    Edguy - Space Police-Defenders Of The Crown — Definitely the most fun album to come out this year. It was also an absolute pleasure to be able to interview lead guitarist Jens Ludwig about the new album.
  41. 6.
  42. 6.
  43. 6.
  44. 6.
  45. 6.
  46. 6.
  47. 6.
  48. 6.
  49. 7.
  50. 7.
  51. 7.
  52. 7.
  53. 7.
  54. 7.
  55. 7.
  56. 7.
  57. 8.
  58. 8.
  59. 8.
  60. 8.
  61. 8.
  62. 8.
  63. 8.
  64. 8.
  65. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  66. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  67. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  68. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  69. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  70. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  71. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  72. 9.
    The Flight of Sleipnir - V. — One of the best albums to end the year. A potent stoner and doom metal journey from start to finish.
  73. 10.
  74. 10.
  75. 10.
  76. 10.
  77. 10.
  78. 10.
  79. 10.
  80. 10.
  81. 11.
  82. 11.
  83. 11.
  84. 11.
  85. 11.
  86. 11.
  87. 11.
  88. 11.
  89. 12.
  90. 12.
  91. 12.
  92. 12.
  93. 12.
  94. 12.
  95. 12.
  96. 12.
  97. 13.
  98. 13.
  99. 13.
  100. 13.
  101. 13.
  102. 13.
  103. 13.
  104. 13.
  105. 14.
  106. 14.
  107. 14.
  108. 14.
  109. 14.
  110. 14.
  111. 14.
  112. 14.
  113. 15.
  114. 15.
  115. 15.
  116. 15.
  117. 15.
  118. 15.
  119. 15.
  120. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  2. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  3. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  4. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  5. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  6. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  7. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  8. 1.
    Mantar - Death by Burning — Who knew two guys could sound heavier than a five piece band? These guys completely rock the house.
  9. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  10. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  11. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  12. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  13. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  14. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  15. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  16. 2.
    Dark Legacy - Ad Extremum Epilogue — From a cover band, to a darkened symphonic black and death metal rise, these guys are off to a solid start.
  17. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  18. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  19. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  20. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  21. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  22. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  23. 3.
    Lvcifyre - Svn Eater — It may not have been their debut, but these guys totally surprised me with their black and death metal brute force.
  24. 4.
  25. 4.
  26. 4.
  27. 4.
  28. 4.
  29. 4.
  30. 4.
  31. 5.
  32. 5.
  33. 5.
  34. 5.
    Dust Bolt - Awake the Riot — A group of young and talented thrashers to keep an eye on.
  35. 5.
    Dust Bolt - Awake the Riot — A group of young and talented thrashers to keep an eye on.
  36. 5.
    Dust Bolt - Awake the Riot — A group of young and talented thrashers to keep an eye on.
  37. 5.
    Dust Bolt - Awake the Riot — A group of young and talented thrashers to keep an eye on.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  2. 1.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  3. 1.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  4. 1.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  5. 1.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  6. 1.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  7. 1.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  8. 1.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  9. 2.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  10. 2.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  11. 2.
    The Unguided - Fragile Immortality — Metalcore, more so than the melodic death metal it claims to be.
  12. 2.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  13. 2.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  14. 2.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  15. 2.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.
  16. 2.
    Behemoth - The Satanist — A solid record from one of my all-time favorite bands, but I felt this one to be highly overrated.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  2. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  3. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  4. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  5. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  6. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  7. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!
  8. 0
    — 2014 felt to be a bit stale in my opinion. While there were many solid records, and few extremely memorable ones, I felt it to be overall lacking unfortunately this year. However, I do have high hopes for 2015 and wish everyone the absolute best this year!

Andy

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Mare Cognitum - Phobos Monolith — Really can't stop raving about this one
  2. 1.
    Mare Cognitum - Phobos Monolith — Really can't stop raving about this one
  3. 2.
    John Gallow - Violet Dreams — Love it or hate it, you'll end up doing one or the other enthusiastically. I do the former.
  4. 2.
    John Gallow - Violet Dreams — Love it or hate it, you'll end up doing one or the other enthusiastically. I do the former.
  5. 3.
    Riot - Unleash the Fire — This album quite literally transcends death. Even with their main guy no longer with us (RIP Mark), the band still releases probably the best album they've done since Thundersteel.
  6. 3.
    Riot - Unleash the Fire — This album quite literally transcends death. Even with their main guy no longer with us (RIP Mark), the band still releases probably the best album they've done since Thundersteel.
  7. 4.
    Fallujah - The Flesh Prevails — Listened to it after Neill gave it a low score, but I personally loved it
  8. 4.
    Fallujah - The Flesh Prevails — Listened to it after Neill gave it a low score, but I personally loved it
  9. 5.
    Falconer - Black Moon Rising — Listening to this one again, I'm still impressed.
  10. 5.
    Falconer - Black Moon Rising — Listening to this one again, I'm still impressed.
  11. 6.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — These guys only get better (and heavier) with each album.
  12. 6.
    Conan - Blood Eagle — These guys only get better (and heavier) with each album.
  13. 7.
    Corrosion Of Conformity - IX — Probably the best CoC album since Pepper Keenan left.
  14. 7.
    Corrosion Of Conformity - IX — Probably the best CoC album since Pepper Keenan left.
  15. 8.
  16. 8.
  17. 9.
  18. 9.
  19. 10.
  20. 10.
  21. 11.
  22. 11.
  23. 12.
  24. 12.
  25. 13.
  26. 13.
  27. 14.
  28. 14.
  29. 15.
  30. 15.

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Goatcraft - The Blasphemer — Weird but cool, and as unexpected as it was pleasant to hear.
  2. 1.
    Goatcraft - The Blasphemer — Weird but cool, and as unexpected as it was pleasant to hear.
  3. 2.
    Ainulindale - Nevrast — This, too, caught my fancy after reading Alex's review.
  4. 2.
    Ainulindale - Nevrast — This, too, caught my fancy after reading Alex's review.

Disappointments

  1. 1.
    Moonland - Moonland — I can't exactly say I had high expectations, but after listening to it, I am disappointed to find that anyone would produce such an album.
  2. 1.
    Moonland - Moonland — I can't exactly say I had high expectations, but after listening to it, I am disappointed to find that anyone would produce such an album.

Joke of the Year

  1. 1.
    Alestorm - Sunset on the Golden Age — A group that doesn't take itself seriously...and still remains funny at times.
  2. 1.
    Alestorm - Sunset on the Golden Age — A group that doesn't take itself seriously...and still remains funny at times.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    —

    2014 had some disappointments to it (my colleague Goat had some downhearted moments in his awards, which he posted a day before me), but I missed a lot of them. Continuing a trend I've noticed in the past few years, we're getting more gems released by individual artists; three out of five of my top picks are small projects, and two are by individuals, though we had some established acts releasing some good albums as well. On top of that, at least two older bands, Riot and Corrosion of Conformity turned out some new material that I could say was truly excellent and worthy of their glory days. So sure, we've had a few duds this year, but I don't feel like I got terribly disappointed.

    Even though I missed some of the disappointments of 2014, it pains me that I also missed -- thus far, anyway -- a number of albums I'd probably have enjoyed. I still haven't even heard Opeth's latest, for instance. Luckily, there's a way to remedy that. I recommend that you do the same and check some of these picks out this coming year if you haven't heard them yet.

    Happy 2015, folks!
  2. 0
    —

    2014 had some disappointments to it (my colleague Goat had some downhearted moments in his awards, which he posted a day before me), but I missed a lot of them. Continuing a trend I've noticed in the past few years, we're getting more gems released by individual artists; three out of five of my top picks are small projects, and two are by individuals, though we had some established acts releasing some good albums as well. On top of that, at least two older bands, Riot and Corrosion of Conformity turned out some new material that I could say was truly excellent and worthy of their glory days. So sure, we've had a few duds this year, but I don't feel like I got terribly disappointed. The surprises I got this year were in the non-metal category that managed to sneak into my listening queue due to their close affinity with metal.

    Even though I missed some of the disappointments of 2014, it pains me that I also missed -- thus far, anyway -- a number of albums I'd probably have enjoyed. I still haven't even heard Opeth's latest, for instance. Luckily, there's a way to remedy that. I recommend that you do the same and check some of these picks out this coming year if you haven't heard them yet.

    Happy 2015, folks!

Joel

Top Albums

  1. 1.
    Victorius - Dreamchaser — Also one of my biggest surprises of the year.
  2. 1.
    Victorius - Dreamchaser — Also one of my biggest surprises of the year.
  3. 2.
  4. 2.
  5. 3.
    Epica - The Quantum Enigma — Best Of Their Career
  6. 3.
    Epica - The Quantum Enigma — Best Of Their Career
  7. 4.
  8. 4.
  9. 5.
    Voyager - V — Showing why they are one of the most original bands out of Australia
  10. 5.
    Voyager - V — Showing why they are one of the most original bands out of Australia
  11. 6.
    Arch Enemy - War Eternal — A Great Return to Form
  12. 6.
    Arch Enemy - War Eternal — A Great Return to Form
  13. 7.
    Eldritch - Tasting The Tears — Best since Blackenday
  14. 7.
    Eldritch - Tasting The Tears — Best since Blackenday
  15. 8.
    Teramaze - Esoteric Symbolism — Another solid Australian Band
  16. 8.
    Teramaze - Esoteric Symbolism — Another solid Australian Band
  17. 9.
    Halcyon Way - Conquer — Best example of meshing modern and melodic in same package
  18. 10.
  19. 11.
    Xandria - Sacrificium — Even more symphonic, even better vocals thanks to Dianne Van Giersbergen
  20. 12.
    Anubis Gate - Horizons — Builds upon their self titled released
  21. 13.
    MindMaze - Back From The Edge — Melodic Power Progressive Metal from Pennsylvania USA
  22. 14.
    Hammerfall - (R)Evolution — An Re-Evolution of some sort!
  23. 15.
    Sonata Arctica - Pariah's Child — My most listened to SA disc since Winterheart's Guild

Surprises of the Year

  1. 1.
    Victorius - Dreamchaser — Speedy melodic Power Metal, one of the best of the year
  2. 2.
    Black Fate - Between Visions & Lies — From Greece w/ Melodic Power Metal
  3. 3.
    Ex Libris - Medea — Progressive and Symphonic Metal with Dianne Van Giersbergen(Xandria) on vocals
  4. 4.
    HESS - Hagalaz — Traditional Heavy Metal with its own original touch
  5. 5.

Words / Final Thoughts

  1. 0
    — My first full year of writing for MetalReviews has introduced me to many new bands. While I have preferred to review unsigned bands, I am happy I got the opportunity to review favorites as well, and live concerts as well. Honorable mentions should be named to a few bands I could name under my surprises of the year category. Two bands from my home state of Wisconsin, Arctic Sleep and Arbor.