 |
Here we stand at the end of yet another year in the world of Metal, and this was definitely one of the most memorable. 2005 saw a blitz of triumphs, including stunning releases from bands like OPETH, NEVERMORE, DARK TRANQUILLITY, KREATOR, PRIMAL FEAR, HYPOCRISY, MERCENARY and NILE, just to touch the tip of the iceberg. Then there were those certain events that sparked controversy and had metalheads screaming bloody murder, the most publicized being the IRON MAIDEN/Sharon Osbourne fiasco. We were also dealt some unforeseen tragedies. The Metal industry lost some of its greatest men: longtime VOIVOD guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour, ex-METAL CHURCH frontman David Wayne, BATHORY leader Thomas "Quorthon" Forsberg, WINDIR frontman Terje "Valfar" Bakken, NASUM guitarist Mieszko A. Talarczyk, and longtime VADER drummer Krzysztof "Doc" Raczkowski. They are gone, but certainly not forgotten; they live on forever through their music.
It's always a challenge when it comes to summarizing the year into one single feature because there are literally hundreds of releases to dissect. So after several hours of mathematical torture, the results are in and the scribes of METALEATER have cast judgment upon this year's best and worst, along with relaying our highest expectations for 2006. Earning the coveted title of "Spin Of The Year" is OPETH's brilliant creation, "Ghost Reveries", followed by a trail of others that we feel are among the 30 best Metal titles put out in the last year. So without further ado, METALEATER presents our 2005 recap!
|
METALEATER Spin Of The Year
OPETH
Ghost Reveries
[Roadrunner]
|
|
METALEATER's TOP 30 METAL RELEASES OF 2005
#1 - OPETH - Ghost Reveries [Roadrunner]
#2 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor [Century Media]
#3 - DARK TRANQUILLITY - Character [Century Media]
#4 - KREATOR - Enemy Of God [SPV/Steamhammer]
#5 - MOONSORROW - Verisäkeet [Spinefarm]
#6 - KORPIKLAANI - Voice Of Wilderness [Napalm Records]
#7 - OLD MAN'S CHILD - Vermin [Century Media]
#8 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#9 - MERCENARY - 11 Dreams [Century Media]
#10 - ARCH ENEMY - Doomsday Machine [Century Media]
#11 - NILE - Annihilation Of The Wicked [Relapse]
#12 - PRIMAL FEAR - Seven Seals [Nuclear Blast]
#13 - NAGLFAR - Pariah [Century Media]
#14 - CRYPTOPSY - Once Was Not [Century Media]
#15 - MASTERPLAN - Aeronautics [AFM Records]
#16 - BIOMECHANICAL - The Empires Of The Worlds [Elitist/Earache]
#17 - CHILDREN OF BODOM - Are You Dead Yet? [Spinefarm]
#18 - DESTRUCTION - Inventor Of Evil [AFM Records]
#19 - EXODUS - Shovel Headed Kill Machine [Nuclear Blast]
#20 - DARKANE - Layers Of Lies [Nuclear Blast]
#21 - BEHEMOTH - Demigod [Olympic Recordings]
#22 - DEW-SCENTED - Issue IV [Nuclear Blast]
#23 - KAMELOT - The Black Halo [SPV/Steamhammer]
#24 - HATE ETERNAL - I, Monarch [Earache]
#25 - STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - Alien [Century Media]
#26 - ABORTED - The Archaic Abattoir [Olympic Recordings]
#27 - DEMONS & WIZARDS - Touched by The Crimson King [SPV/Steamhammer]
#28 - JUDAS PRIEST - Angel Of Retribution [Epic]
#29 - BRUCE DICKINSON - Tyranny Of Souls [Sanctuary]
#30 - OVERKILL - ReliXIV [Spitfire] |
|
Tony Antunovich
|
|
|
#1 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor
[Century Media]
|
|
#2 - OPETH - Ghost Reveries [Roadrunner]
#3 - DARK TRANQUILLITY - Character [Century Media]
#4 - KREATOR - Enemy Of God [SPV/Steamhammer]
#5 - MERCENARY - 11 Dreams [Century Media]
#6 - PRIMAL FEAR - Seven Seals [Nuclear Blast]
#7 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#8 - ARCH ENEMY - Doomsday Machine [Century Media]
#9 - KAMELOT - The Black Halo [SPV/Steamhammer]
#10 - OLD MAN'S CHILD - Vermin [Century Media]
#11 - NAGLFAR - Pariah [Century Media]
#12 - MASTERPLAN - Aeronautics [AFM Records]
#13 - DEW-SCENTED - Issue IV [Nuclear Blast]
#14 - NILE - Annihilation Of The Wicked [Relapse]
#15 - DARKANE - Layers Of Lies [Nuclear Blast]
#16 - CRYPTOPSY - Once Was Not [Century Media]
#17 - GOD DETHRONED - The Lair Of The White Worm [Metal Blade]
#18 - KORPIKLAANI - Voice Of Wilderness [Napalm Records]
#19 - BEHEMOTH - Demigod [Olympic Recordings]
#20 - STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - Alien [Century Media]
#21 - BRUCE DICKINSON - Tyranny Of Souls [Sanctuary]
#22 - JUDAS PRIEST - Angel Of Retribution [Epic]
#23 - OVERKILL - ReliXIV [Spitfire]
#24 - BIOMECHANICAL - The Empires Of The Worlds [Elitist/Earache]
#25 - EXODUS - Shovel Headed Kill Machine [Nuclear Blast] |
TOP 5 DISAPPOINTMENTS
#1 - GZR - Ohmwork [Sanctuary]
#2 - NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Third World Genocide [SPV/Steamhammer]
#3 - CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - In The Arms Of God [Sanctuary]
#4 - DESPISED ICON - The Healing Process [Century Media]
#5 - MESHUGGAH - Catch 33 [Nuclear Blast] |
TOP 5 LIVE SHOWS OF 2005
#1 - HATE ETERNAL w/KRISIUN/INTO ETERNITY - The Red Room, Vancouver
#2 - STRATOVARIUS w/INTO ETERNITY - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#3 - VADER w/DECAPITATED/DEW-SCENTED - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#4 - HAMMERFALL/EDGUY - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
#5 - GIGANTOUR - Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver |
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - INTO ETERNITY - A new album will be released in 2006. The foundation of Tim Roth and Rob Doherty is solidified with new blood Stu Block (vocals), Adam Sagan (drums), and Troy Bleich (bass). Can they capitalize? I'd voice a resounding YES. These guys are among Metal's most talented and they WILL deliver another masterpiece.
#2 - ANTHRAX - Joey's back; Spitz is back; the chemistry is there. One question: what more do you need? Time for a new studio album.
#3 - KATAKLYSM - Extreme? Yes indeed. This one should set the Metal world ablaze.
#4 - CANNIBAL CORPSE - The masters of Death Metal are coming back with "Kill" in March. Will it be better than "The Wretched Spawn"? We'll find out.
#5 - The complete disappearance of all things "Nu". It's nearly dead anyway.
|
|
Corey Bonnett
|
|
|
#1 - KREATOR - Enemy Of God
[SPV/Steamhammer]
|
|
#2 - EXODUS - Shovel Headed Kill Machine [Nuclear Blast]
#3 - DESTRUCTION - Inventor Of Evil [AFM Records]
#4 - ANDRALLS - Inner Trauma [Marquee Records]
#5 - OPETH - Ghost Reveries [Roadrunner]
#6 - MERCENARY - 11 Dreams [Century Media]
#7 - SAVAGE CIRCUS - Dreamland Mirror [Dockyard 1]
#8 - NIGHTRAGE - Descent Into Chaos [Century Media]
#9 - DEVILDRIVER - The Fury Of Our Maker's Hand [Roadrunner]
#10 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor [Century Media]
#11 - ANNIHILATOR - Schizo Deluxe [AFM Records]
#12 - PRIMAL FEAR - Seven Seals [Nuclear Blast]
#13 - PRO-PAIN - Prophets Of Doom [Candlelight]
#14 - HATE ETERNAL - I, Monarch [Earache]
#15 - KAMELOT - The Black Halo [SPV/Steamhammer]
#16 - BEHEMOTH - Demigod [Olympic Recordings]
#17 - DECEASED - As The Weird Travel On [Relapse]
#18 - CRYPTOPSY - Once Was Not [Century Media]
#19 - OLD MAN'S CHILD - Vermin [Century Media]
#20 - GOAT HORN - Threatening Force [Independent]
#21 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#22 - ARCH ENEMY - Doomsday Machine [Century Media]
#23 - CANDLEMASS - Candlemass [Nuclear Blast]
#24 - CHILDREN OF BODOM - Are You Dead Yet? [Spinefarm]
#25 - BATTLELORE - Third Age Of The Sun [Napalm Records] |
TOP 5 DISAPPOINTMENTS
#1 - NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Third World Genocide [SPV/Steamhammer]
#2 - RITUAL CARNAGE - I, Infidel [The End Records]
#3 - PAIN - Dancing With The Dead [Stockholm Records]
#4 - PRESTO BALLET - Peace Among The Ruins [InsideOut Music]
#5 - EDGUY - Superheroes [Nuclear Blast] |
TOP 5 LIVE SHOWS OF 2005
#1 - KREATOR w/VADER/THE AUTUMN OFFERING - Station 4, St. Paul
#2 - MOTÖRHEAD - Warp 9, Thunder Bay
#3 - ALL THAT REMAINS w/AS I LAY DYING/THROWDOWN - Warp 9, Thunder Bay
#4 - BEHEMOTH w/NECRONOMICON - Warp 9, Thunder Bay
#5 - QUO VADIS w/AUGURY - Warp 9, Thunder Bay |
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - INTO ETERNITY - Not yet titled, but this is going to be killer!
#2 - KATAKLYSM - In The Arms Of Devastation
#3 - CELTIC FROST - Monotheist
#4 - SODOM - TBA
#5 - KALMAH - The Black Waltz
|
|
Ciaran Meeks
|
|
|
#1 - OPETH - Ghost Reveries
[Roadrunner]
|
|
#2 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor [Century Media]
#3 - KORPIKLAANI - Voice Of Wilderness [Napalm Records]
#4 - MASTERPLAN - Aeronautics [AFM Records]
#5 - DARK TRANQUILLITY - Character [Century Media]
#6 - NILE - Annihilation Of The Wicked [Relapse]
#7 - NOVEMBERS DOOM - The Pale Haunt Departure [The End Records]
#8 - BEHEMOTH - Demigod [Olympic Recordings]
#9 - MOONSORROW - Verisäkeet [Spinefarm]
#10 - CRYPTOPSY - Once Was Not [Century Media]
#11 - ABORTED - The Archaic Abattoir [Olympic Recordings]
#12 - NAGLFAR - Pariah [Century Media]
#13 - MERCENARY - 11 Dreams [Century Media]
#14 - ARCH ENEMY - Doomsday Machine [Century Media]
#15 - STORMWARRIOR - Northern Rage [Magick Records]
#16 - JUDAS PRIEST - Angel Of Retribution [Epic]
#17 - BRUCE DICKINSON - Tyranny Of Souls [Sanctuary]
#18 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#19 - KREATOR - Enemy Of God [SPV/Steamhammer]
#20 - CHILDREN OF BODOM - Are You Dead Yet? [Spinefarm]
#21 - EUROPE - Start From The Dark [T&T/Sanctuary]
#22 - SABATON - Primo Victoria [Black Lodge]
#23 - DARKEST HOUR - Undoing Ruin [Victory Records]
#24 - SOULFLY - Dark Ages [Roadrunner]
#25 - DEMONS & WIZARDS - Touched by The Crimson King [SPV/Steamhammer]
|
TOP 5 DISAPPOINTMENTS
#1 - NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Third World Genocide [SPV/Steamhammer]
#2 - NORTHER - Solution 7 [Spinefarm]
#3 - DESPISED ICON - The Healing Process [Century Media]
#4 - PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT - Left In Grisly Fashion [Neurotic Records]
#5 - PATHS OF POSSESSION - Promises In Blood [Metal Blade] |
TOP 5 LIVE SHOWS OF 2005
#1 - HAMMERFALL/EDGUY - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
#2 - APOCALYPTICA - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#3 - OVERKILL w/INFERNAL MAJESTY - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#4 - STRATOVARIUS w/INTO ETERNITY - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#5 - BEHEMOTH w/NECRONOMICON @ The Red Room, Vancouver |
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - The final, unceremonious, and very necessary demise of all things 'Core'.
#2 - More and more success and exposure for European acts here in North America as folks over here discover just how great the overseas pool of Metal talent really is!
#3 - (In a thematic continuation of Point #2) The sadly inevitable, yet ultimately predictable 'watering down' and mass consumption of already-established acts to make way for the legions of upcoming hungry new acts chomping at the bit for their own piece of the Metal pie.
#4 - Melodic/Symphonic Black/Death Metal erupts into the next hot trend in 'Heavy Music'. DIMMU BORGIR and IN FLAMES shirts in a mall boutique near you very soon!
#5 - Another fantastic, yet criminally under-exposed and unheralded new release from underdog stalwarts AGALLOCH makes my #1 pick for '06.
|
|
Brian Davis
|
|
|
#1 - BIOMECHANICAL - The Empires Of The Worlds
[Elitist/Earache]
|
|
#2 - OPETH - Ghost Reveries [Roadrunner]
#3 - OLD MAN'S CHILD - Vermin [Century Media]
#4 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#5 - BLOODBATH - Nightmares Made Flesh [Century Media]
#6 - CLUTCH - Robot Hive/Exodus [DRT Entertainment]
#7 - DEW-SCENTED - Issue IV [Nuclear Blast]
#8 - DARKANE - Layers Of Lies [Nuclear Blast]
#9 - THE DUSKFALL - Lifetime Supply Of Guilt [Nuclear Blast]
#10 - CARNIVAL IN COAL - Collection Prestige [Elitist/Earache]
#11 - HAVOCHATE - Cycle Of Pain [Indecent Media]
#12 - MUCUS MEMBRANE - Shades Below [Hammermill]
#13 - DEMONS & WIZARDS - Touched by The Crimson King [SPV/Steamhammer]
#14 - ARCH ENEMY - Doomsday Machine [Century Media]
#15 - HATE ETERNAL - I, Monarch [Earache]
#16 - DRAGONLORD - Black Wings Of Destiny [New Media Studios]
#17 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor [Century Media]
#18 - GRAVEWORM - (N)Utopia [Nuclear Blast]
#19 - CRYPTOPSY - Once Was Not [Century Media]
#20 - NAGLFAR - Pariah [Century Media]
#21 - OVERKILL - ReliXIV [Spitfire]
#22 - ABORTED - The Archaic Abattoir [Olympic Recordings]
#23 - SANITY IN DEATH - Sanity In Death [Hammermill]
#24 - DARK TRANQUILLITY - Character [Century Media]
#25 - IMPALED - Death After Life [Century Media]
|
TOP 5 DISAPPOINTMENTS
#1 - CORROSION OF CONFORMITY - In The Arms Of God [Sanctuary Records]
#2 - SHINEDOWN - Us & Them [Atlantic]
#3 - TOOL - For not releasing an album. Damn youse guys for getting my hopes up! Get crackin', chop chop!
#4 - MEGADETH - For the disappointing announcement that MegaDave will continue to put out discs and try to call it MEGADETH, a pretentious concept which leads me to...
#5 - GUNS 'N' ROSES - For still not releasing that urban legend called "Chinese Democracy". |
TOP 5 LIVE SHOWS OF 2005
#1 - INTO ETERNITY - Pick a tour, any tour!
#2 - OPETH - El Corazon, Seattle
#3 - CLUTCH - El Corazon, Seattle
#4 - FEAR FACTORY w/STRAPPING YOUNG LAD/SOILWORK/DARKANE - El Corazon, Seattle
#5 - OVERKILL - Studio 7, Seattle |
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - A new TOOL album. We're coming on 5 years since the last album, which seems to be standard operating procedure, so we're definitely due. The boys from TOOL always deliver, so this album is just a classic waiting to happen.
#2 - The next addition to the INTO ETERNITY saga. These workaholic Canadians paid their dues non - stop for an entire year and established their presence throughout the world. Now prepare for the devastating follow-up to "Buried In Oblivion" that will prove once and for all that INTO ETERNITY is a band for the ages.
#3 - BIOMECHANICAL touring the US. Along with INTO ETERNITY, BIOMECHANICAL are the future of all things metal. I long for the day when they bring their devastating sound and presence to US soil.
#4 - DECAPITATED - Organic Hallucinosis [Earache]. Having already sampled a taste of the next release from one of Death Metal's most technical and respected bands, all I can say is finally holding that puppy in my grubby mitts will be like climbing the rope in gym class, only without the rope burn.
#5 - An overall explosion in touring for European bands on North American soil. Metal has been blown wide open this year (it's about friggin' time), bringing many phenomenal bands to our eyes for the first time ever (NIGHTRAGE, GOD DETHRONED, DARKANE, and DEW-SCENTED just to name a few), and the need for top-notch metal has grown to voracious, insatiable proportions; it's time to open the floodgates and let the onslaught of pure quality metal begin in earnest.
|
|
Wade O'Neill
|
My thoughts on a couple current events (in 2005):
On Tarja leaving NIGHTWISH: I'm in the minority here when I say that Tarja's departure from NIGHTWISH is actually good news. Aside from Tarja's wonderful work on "The Siren", the vocals were one of the many stale elements on the largely stale affair that was "Once". Her non-operatic style did not suit the heavy direction of "Once", and it sounded that the band were trying to be "Tarot". Watch her solo career flop like some beached dolphin, as we all know who the driving force behind NIGHTWISH really was. If the explosion of female-fronted operatic goth-metal bands has proven anything, it's that operatic vocalists are a nickel a dozen.
Ozzfest becomes Eggzfest: If anyone had egg on their face after this event it's Sharon. Although the traveling circus that is Ozzfest has never came Edmonton, all reviews I've read indicated that OZZY and SABBATH were getting outclassed and outperformed by MAIDEN each and every night. This is understandable, not only because MAIDEN is still a hungry creative force, with a new album coming out in 2006, but also because SABBATH are playing the same nostalgia-set they've been for years. The fact that Sharon took out her backstage feud on IRON MAIDEN and their fans was motivated by nothing other than jealousy. The fans paid good money (most of which went straight into the Osbourne's velvet-lined pockets) to see the show, and she had the audacity to sabotage it. Although Sharon is planning to get even more plastic surgery, what she needs even more is personality-surgery.
|
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - IRON MAIDEN - The next disc from IRON MAIDEN is supposed to be a concept album. Although I never really considered "Seventh Son" a true concept album, it is easily one of the best discs of all time. The new MAIDEN release might not deliver on that same level, but it will no doubt be a quality addition to my collection.
#2 - SINERGY - The album now has a name ("Sins Of The Past"), but a not a release date. Hopefully Alexi (Laiho) can take some time away from his inferior other band to finish what's hopefully a solid follow up to the best release of 2002.
#3 - METALUCIFER - Heavy Metal Bulldozer. This band is celebrating 10 years of heavy metal drilling. It's too bad they've released only two albums in that time. I pray to the metal gods (of steel) that this disc is worth the wait.
#4 - SUMMONING - Another album that should have been, but wasn't released. It's not a question of whether SUMMONING will deliver a quality album; it's a question of when.
#5 - MANOWAR - I hope they drop the Oldies covers and focus on just making a pounding metal disc in the vein of tracks like "A Call To Arms" and "Warriors Of The World", instead of Manoturds like "Fight For Freedom" and "American Trilogy". The new track "King Of Kings" sets the stage for a good album, but one that won't reach the heights of "Louder Than Hell" or those unbeatable first four.
|
|
Luc Ben Hayoun
|
|
|
#1 - CHILDREN OF BODOM - Are You Dead Yet?
[Spinefarm]
|
|
#2 - MORS PRINCIPIUM EST - The Unborn [Listenable Records]
#3 - DARK TRANQUILLITY - Character [Century Media]
#4 - CIRCUS MAXIMUS - The 1st Chapter [Sensory Records]
#5 - GRIMFIST - 10 Steps To Hell [Candlelight]
#6 - GAMMA RAY - Majestic [Sanctuary]
#7 - BRAINSTORM - Liquid Monster [Metal Blade]
#8 - MACHINE MEN - Elegies [Century Media]
#9 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#10 - MOONSORROW - Verisäkeet [Spinefarm]
#11 - PARAGON - Revenge [Magick Records]
#12 - EROL SORA - Demented Honour [Duration Records]
#13 - THUNDERSTONE - Tools Of Destruction [Nuclear Blast]
#14 - PRIMAL FEAR - Seven Seals [Nuclear Blast]
#15 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor [Century Media]
#16 - NON-HUMAN LEVEL - Non-Human Level [Listenable Records]
#17 - PAIN - Dancing With The Dead [Stockholm Records]
#18 - OLD MAN'S CHILD - Vermin [Century Media]
#19 - DESTRUCTION - Inventor Of Evil [AFM Records]
#20 - HELLOWEEN - Keeper Of The Seven Keys - The Legacy [SPV/Steamhammer]
#21 - KIUAS - The Spirit Of Ukko [Spinefarm]
#22 - KORPIKLAANI - Voice Of Wilderness [Napalm Records]
#23 - NAGLFAR - Pariah [Century Media]
#24 - HATESPHERE - The Sickness Within [SPV/Steamhammer]
#25 - BIOMECHANICAL - The Empires Of The Worlds [Elitist/Earache]
|
TOP 5 DISAPPOINTMENTS
#1 - STRYPER - Reborn [Big3 Records]
#2 - NATTEFROST - Terrorist [Season Of Mist]
#3 - FATES WARNING - X [Metal Blade]
#4 - BRAND NEW SIN - Recipe For Disaster [Century Media]
#5 - SHAPE OF DESPAIR - Illusion's Play [Season Of Mist] |
TOP 5 LIVE SHOWS OF 2005
#1 - CHILDREN OF BODOM w/AMON AMARTH/TRIVIUM - The Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver
#2 - VADER w/DECAPITATED/DEW-SCENTED - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#3 - OVERKILL w/INFERNAL MAJESTY - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#4 - STRATOVARIUS w/INTO ETERNITY - Richard's On Richards, Vancouver
#5 - HAMMERFALL/EDGUY - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver |
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - ANTHRAX - After the recent reunion, lets hope the Thrash pioneers will get back to the studio soon.
#2 - DRAGONFORCE - The new album "Inhuman Rampage" is coming.
#3 - INFERNAL MAJESTY - After the release of the excellent "One Who Points To Death" we only can hope these guys will be signed on a major label. They highly deserve it!
#4 - AKERCOCKE - Supposedly excellent, I can't wait to listen to it!
#5 - KHOLD new album, "Krek", is already out in Europe. Time for a North American release.
|
|
Joe Mason
|
|
|
#1 - MOONSORROW - Verisäkeet
[Spinefarm]
|
|
#2 - ULVER - Blood Inside [The End Records]
#3 - KORPIKLAANI - Voice Of Wilderness [Napalm Records]
#4 - 1349 - Hellfire [Candlelight]
#5 - GREEN CARNATION - The Quiet Offspring [The End Records]
#6 - HYPOCRISY - Virus [Nuclear Blast]
#7 - DARK TRANQUILLITY - Character [Century Media]
#8 - OPETH - Ghost Reveries [Roadrunner]
#9 - NILE - Annihilation Of The Wicked [Relapse]
#10 - TAAKE - ...Doedskvad [Perverted Taste]
#11 - ARCTURUS - Sideshow Symphonies [Seasons Of Mist]
#12 - STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - Alien [Century Media
#13 - OLD MAN'S CHILD - Vermin [Century Media]
#14 - APOCALYPTICA - Apocalyptica [Vertigo/Universal]
#15 - ARCH ENEMY – Doomsday Machine [Century Media]
#16 - DREAM THEATER - Octavarium [elektra/Warner]
#17 - NAGLFAR - Pariah [Century Media]
#18 - EPICA - Consign To Oblivion [Transmissi]
#19 - DARKANE - Layers Of Lies [Nuclear Blast]
#20 - WINTERFELL - The Veil Of Summer [Independently Released]
#21 - CRYPTOPSY - Once Was Not [Century Media]
#22 - NEVERMORE - This Godless Endeavor [Century Media]
#23 - PARADISE LOST - Paradise Lost [GUN]
#24 - DEMONS & WIZARDS - Touched By The Crimson King [SPV/Steamhammer]
#25 - RUMPLESTILTSKIN GRINDER - Buried In The Front Yard [Relapse]
|
TOP 5 DISAPPOINTMENTS
#1 - ARCTURUS - Sideshow Symphonies [Season Of Mist]
#2 - TRISTANIA - Ashes [SPV/Steamhammer]
#3 - CHILDREN OF BODOM - Are You Dead Yet? [Spinefarm]
#4 - MESHUGGAH - Catch 33 [Nuclear Blast]
#5 - SENTENCED - The Funeral Album [Century Media] |
TOP 5 LIVE SHOWS OF 2005
#1 - TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA - Mariner Arena, Baltimore
#2 - CRADLE OF FILTH - 9:30 Club, Washington DC
#3 - THERION - Jaxx, Springfield
#4 - MNEMIC - Jaxx, Springfield
#5 - STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - Recher Theater, Towson |
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2006
#1 - EMPEROR - They may say that they will not be writing new material, but the fact that these Norse legends have banded back together for a tour leaves the hope that their statements are just a ruse.
#2 - MORBID ANGEL - With David Vincent rejoining the band after the release of several sub-par albums, he may be the kick in the face these Death Metal gods need to get their act back in order.
#3 - WITCHERY - The band have not released an album since 2001's "Symphony For The Devil" and has been quiet since. They will be recording their new album in early '06 and want have it out before the end of the year.
#4 - MNEMIC - The best new act today released two albums in eighteen months and spent the better part of the year touring only to go home and strait back to work on another new album.
#5 - IN FLAMES - Anything will be better than their last album, right? If their February release bombs, it might be time to write off the band, for those who haven't done so already.
|
|
|
