In Flames live in Vancouver
METALEATER.COM
February 4, 2012
Metaleater 2008 Recap

Take a look at the world we live in - a world where the majority of the population thinks that Heavy Metal is dead, and whoever listens to it must be stuck in the past. My personal response to anyone who believes that would be "Give your head a shake!" and then encourage them to take a 360 degree turnaround and see that Metal is stronger than it has ever been. That's seemingly been the progressive pattern we've been seeing for years now. The '80s were undoubtedly the most popular years for Metal, but I can't help but be excited for Metal's future, especially now. The evidence is all around us - I mean kids are wearing more IRON MAIDEN shirts, loyal fans are still going to shows, more bands are forming across the globe, songs from acts like DRAGONFORCE, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, METALLICA and SLAYER (and several others) are being included in popular video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and so on. With all these things happening and a whole lot more, I think it's safe to say that Metal isn't going anywhere.

That being said, 2008 was another tremendous year for Metal on many fronts. Not even a struggling economy could stop the machine from steamrolling onwards. There were more releases, more tours (many of them with several acts on the bill), more big festivals (especially in Europe) and more bands doing what they do best - putting out morsels of kick-ass Metal for all of us to eat. Hearty albums were aplenty this year. TESTAMENT returned after an 11-year absence with "The Formation Of Damnation", arguably one of their best albums ever. We at METALEATER were so impressed with the Bay Area thrashers' latest effort that we unanimously decided that it be named "Spin Of The Year 2008". TESTAMENT weren't the only veteran band to put out new material - DOKKEN came band strong with "Lightning Strikes Again", METALLICA defied the odds with "Death Magnetic", JUDAS PRIEST returned with "Nostradamus", AC/DC came off a long vacation with "Black Ice", and perhaps the most anticipated release (also the longest wait in history) was GUNS N' ROSES' "Chinese Democracy". Whether any of these titles made their way into your stereo or not, it is commendable that the artists who created them managed to put them out in the first place. But that is why Metal is as strong as it is - it's a passion, something that cannot be broken.

This passion is shared by all who love Metal and what it stands for. The musicians who play it, the producers that make/arrange it, the fans who listen to it, the businesses and media outlets that promote it, the promoters that organize the tours, and so on. One such individual that I want to mention is Adrian "The Energizer" Bromley. Adrian was a prominent journalist/publicist who lived, ate and breathed Metal. He dedicated himself to promoting the music that he loved and spent his career as founder of Unrestrained! Magazine and co-founder of Chronicles Of Chaos webzine, a well as collaborator with other establishments. He served as a publicist for The End Records and later went on to form his own Ixmati Media, where he worked with several labels and their bands. Adrian sadly passed away in his sleep on December 7, 2008 at just 37 years old. I never met Adrian in person, but I spoke to him many times and he worked closely with METALEATER for a number of years. The world lost a great human being and Metal lost one of its finest advocates. He will be sadly missed.

As we look back on 2008 with a strong sense of accomplishment, we also turn and stare at 2009 straight in the face, and welcome the new and exciting things that lie ahead. All of us here at METALEATER raise our fist and send a mighty "Hail" and "thank you" to each and every one of you, both first time and frequent readers, who rely on METALEATER to provide the most accurate, informative, and entertaining content we can deliver to you. I can promise you that we have a lot of new things planned for this year and the wait will be well worth it. Prepare yourselves...

On behalf of the METALEATER family, all the best to you and yours in 2009.

Tony Antunovich
Director

METALEATER's Top 30 Metal Releases Of 2008

METALEATER Spin Of The Year 2008

TESTAMENT - The Formation Of Damnation
  1. TESTAMENT - The Formation Of Damnation [Nuclear Blast]
  2. INTO ETERNITY - The Incurable Tragedy [Century Media]
  3. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  4. OPETH - Watershed [Roadrunner]
  5. ELUVEITIE - Slania [Nuclear Blast]
  6. CRADLE OF FILTH - Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder [Roadrunner]
  7. UNLEASHED - Hammer Battalion [SPV/Steamhammer]
  8. DISMEMBER - Dismember [Regain]
  9. HATE ETERNAL - Fury And Flames [Metal Blade]
  10. BLOODBATH - The Fathomless Mastery [Century Media]
  11. ENSLAVED - Vertebrae [Nuclear Blast]
  12. MISERY INDEX - Traitors [Relapse]
  13. DEATH ANGEL - Killing Season [Nuclear Blast]
  14. FIREWIND - The Premonition [Century Media]
  15. METALLICA - Death Magnetic [Warner Bros.]
  16. ZIMMERS HOLE - When You Were Shouting At The Devil... We Were In League With Satan [Century Media]
  17. SOTHIS - De Oppresso Liber [Candlelight]
  18. SCAR SYMMETRY - Holographic Universe [Nuclear Blast]
  19. GAMMA RAY - Land Of The Free II [SPV/Steamhammer]
  20. GRAVE - Dominion VIII [Regain]
  21. WARREL DANE - Praises To The War Machine [Century Media]
  22. LEGION OF THE DAMNED - Feel The Blade [Massacre]
  23. SOULFLY - Conquer [Roadrunner]
  24. EXMORTUS - In Hatred's Flame [Heavy Artillery]
  25. DEVIAN - Ninewinged Serpent [Century Media]
  26. THE HAUNTED - Versus [Century Media]
  27. PSYCROPTIC - Ob(Servant) [Nuclear Blast]
  28. AXEL RUDI PELL - Tales Of The Crown [SPV/Steamhammer]
  29. DESTRUCTION - D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. [AFM]
  30. MOTÖRHEAD - Motörizer [SPV/Steamhammer]

Tony Antunovich

Top 25 Releases Of 2008

  1. TESTAMENT - The Formation Of Damnation [Nuclear Blast]
  2. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  3. SOTHIS - De Oppresso Liber [Candlelight]
  4. HATE ETERNAL - Fury And Flames [Metal Blade]
  5. DOKKEN - Lightning Strikes Again [Rhino]
  6. OPETH - Watershed [Roadrunner]
  7. BLOODBATH - The Fathomless Mastery [Century Media]
  8. FIREWIND - The Premonition [Century Media]
  9. CRADLE OF FILTH - Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder [Roadrunner]
  10. INTO ETERNITY - The Incurable Tragedy [Century Media]
  11. ENSLAVED - Vertebrae [Nuclear Blast]
  12. UNLEASHED - Hammer Battalion [SPV/Steamhammer]
  13. AXEL RUDI PELL - Tales Of The Crown [SPV/Steamhammer]
  14. GAMMA RAY - Land Of The Free II [SPV/Steamhammer]
  15. SOULFLY - Conquer [Roadrunner]
  16. ELUVEITIE - Slania [Nuclear Blast]
  17. ORIGIN - Antithesis [Relapse]
  18. ABIGAIL WILLIAMS - In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns [Candlelight]
  19. DEVIAN - Ninewinged Serpent [Century Media]
  20. KEEP OF KALESSIN - Kolossus [Nuclear Blast]
  21. PSYCROPTIC - Ob(Servant) [Nuclear Blast]
  22. WARREL DANE - Praises To The War Machine [Century Media]
  23. MOTÖRHEAD - Motörizer [SPV/Steamhammer]
  24. ABYSMAL DAWN - Programmed To Consume [Relapse]
  25. SCAR SYMMETRY - Holographic Universe [Nuclear Blast]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. JUDAS PRIEST - Nostradamus [Epic Records] - Extremely disappointing to even have to list this here, but what's more is it's extremely nauseating to listen to. I had to struggle to get through the first disc let alone the entire album. As one of the forefathers of Heavy Metal, I expected a lot more from a band that I absolutely love. Very boring and disappointing to say the least.
  2. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy [Geffen] - We waited nearly 15 years for this? This is NOT GUNS N' ROSES at all, rather a failed initiative on Axl Rose's part. Too little, too late.
  3. The tragic passing of Metal journalist/publicist Adrian "The Energizer" Bromley. May you rest in peace, brother.
  4. AC/DC - Black Ice [Columbia] - They are one of the most popular veteran Hard Rock bands on the planet, but they've been doing the same thing over and over and over for decades, and this one is no different.
  5. CRYPTOPSY - The Unspoken King [Century Media] - I'm not sure what happened here, but this album is absolutely terrible. Where is Lord Worm when they need him? Oh right, he is gone... again.

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. IRON MAIDEN - Live After Death [Universal Music]
  2. DIMMU BORGIR - The Invaluable Darkness [Nuclear Blast]
  3. GAMMA RAY - Hell Yeah! The Awesome Foursome - Live In Montreal [SPV/Steamhammer]
  4. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Centuries Of Torment: The First 20 Years [Metal Blade]

Top Live Shows Of 2008

  1. IRON MAIDEN - Vancouver, BC - Pacific Coliseum
  2. AMON AMARTH, ENSIFERUM, BELPHEGOR, THE ABSENCE - Vancouver, BC - Croatian Cultural Centre

High Expectations For 2009

  1. IRON MAIDEN - Bruce Dickinson said that there would be a new album out in 2009 sometime. That alone would make 2009 one fo Metal's best years. I have a distinct feeling that it will be a return to the classic sound that made them who they are.
  2. SOTHIS - This band is by far the best Black Metal band on the North American continent. With "De Oppresso Liber" already out, they have a lot of reason to tour across the States, Canada and the rest of the world.
  3. ANTHRAX - Alright, they're recording the new album with new vocalist Dan Nelson. Let's get this thing out already!
  4. HEAVEN AND HELL - Iommi, Dio, Butler and Appice are working on a brand new album. This should be exciting.
  5. New albums from LAMB OF GOD, IMMORTAL, PRIMAL FEAR, U.D.O. etc.

Brian Davis

Top 25 Releases Of 2008

  1. INTO ETERNITY - The Incurable Tragedy [Century Media]
  2. BIOMECHANICAL - Cannibalised [Earache Records]
  3. SCAR SYMMETRY - Holographic Universe [Nuclear Blast]
  4. OPETH - Watershed [Roadrunner]
  5. ZIMMERS HOLE - When You Were Shouting At The Devil... We Were In League With Satan [Century Media]
  6. NERVECELL - Preaching Venom [Music Master]
  7. RUSTMINE - Self Destruct [Independent]
  8. DEVIAN - Ninewinged Serpent [Century Media]
  9. HATE ETERNAL - Fury And Flames [Metal Blade]
  10. THE HAUNTED - Versus [Century Media]
  11. PSYCROPTIC - Ob(Servant) [Nuclear Blast]
  12. KRISIUN - Southern Storm [Century Media]
  13. AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE - Total Brutal [Metal Blade]
  14. ABORTED - Strychnine.213 [Century Media]
  15. ARSIS - We Are The Nightmare [Nuclear Blast]
  16. KATAKLYSM - Prevail [Nuclear Blast]
  17. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  18. WARREL DANE - Praises To The War Machine [Century Media]
  19. TO-MERA - Delusions [Candlelight]
  20. MESHUGGAH - Obzen [Nuclear Blast]
  21. BEHEMOTH - Ezkaton EP [Metal Blade]
  22. KEEP OF KALESSIN - Kolossus [Nuclear Blast]
  23. FIREWIND - The Premonition [Century Media]
  24. IMAGIKA - Feast For The Hated [Locomotive]
  25. HACKNEYED - Death Prevails [Nuclear Blast]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. Vocalist Christian Älvestam leaving/quitting and/or being fired from SCAR SYMMETRY. However it went down, the result was one of the most versatile and talented vocalists in all of Metal suddenly vacating his seat in one of Metal's best new bands just weeks after having created one of the best Metal albums of all time. Didn't see that one coming.
  2. Drummer Joey Kamka's dismissal from the great AUTUMN'S END. The man survived a motorcycle accident that severed his brain stem and beat all odds by returning to the drum kit. But something was different, something was missing, and though they were like brothers, his actions and words finally resulted in his dismissal by the band. Here's to Joey in hopes he'll get back to who he was for the simple sake of his own wellbeing, and to AUTUMN'S END for carrying on after the hardest decision of their lives as a band.
  3. ICED EARTH, a band that has been a disappointment for several consecutive years now, proving that even bringing Matt Barlow back into the fold was not enough to override John Schaffer's ego and redundantly nauseating triplet riff rehashes.
  4. CRYPTOPSY - The Unspoken King [Century Media] - What the hell happened to this band? They have one of the best guitarists AND drummers in all of Metal, yet they for some reason picked a singer so bad you have to do a double or even triple take to see if this is even the same band. Horrible, horrible, horrible album. The worst thing is, as Metal veterans they should have known better. But c'est la vie.
  5. The fact that someone is still paying NICKELBACK to keep putting out the same album for the umpteenth time; even more depressing is how many idiots are still buying this crap.

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. OPETH - The Roundhouse Tapes [Peaceville]
  2. NEVERMORE - The Year Of The Voyager [Century Media]
  3. CLUTCH - Full Fathom Five [Weathermaker Music]
  4. LACUNA COIL - Visual Karma [Century Media]

Top Live Shows Of 2008

  1. Tyranny And Bloodshred Tour (ARCH ENEMY, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DIVINE HERESY, FIREWIND) - Seattle, WA - El Corazon - Not only did all bands perform well, but Angela Gossow stopped their set to call my 7 year old daughter to the stage, introduced her to the crowd, gave her a personalized autographed belt, and dedicated a song to her. How could any parent not remember such a night for as long as they live? Thank you, Angela.
  2. IRON MAIDEN - White River Amphitheater - Auburn, WA
  3. INTO ETERNITY/SYMPHONY X - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
  4. RUSTMINE - Portland, OR - Ash Street Saloon - This band has always treated METALEATER like family. And they're guaranteed to put on a great show every single time.
  5. DEAD SOUL FUNERAL - Seattle, WA - Studio 7 - Anyone in attendance would have been shocked to know it was the band's first show ever; they played and sounded like pure professionals. Great things are on the horizon for DSF, you'll see.

High Expectations For 2009

  1. GOD DETHRONED - Passiondale - This band always delivers, and with their current flare for concept albums these past few efforts, the World War I theme of "Passiondale" and the band's uncanny ability with riffs and melody should make this one a great release.
  2. The newest monster from AUTUMN'S END, this time with the added kick of Neil Kernon working his studio magic with the guys. This one already smells like a winner. Hopefully a record deal for these geniuses is on the horizon as well.
  3. A new disc from RUSTMINE? They are indeed working hard, so it's safe to get hopes up that a complete product will be ready sometime in 2009.
  4. NERVECELL - bring the crushing brilliance of "Preaching Venom" to American stages. Please. I'm not to proud to beg if that will help…
  5. BIOMECHANICAL - If I keep putting them in my expectation list year after year, eventually they will tour the US, and I will finally shut up about it. I'll even pay your bar tab for the night, John - what do you say?

Corey Bonnett

Top 25 Releases Of 2008

  1. TESTAMENT - The Formation Of Damnation [Nuclear Blast]
  2. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  3. INTO ETERNITY - The Incurable Tragedy [Century Media]
  4. CRADLE OF FILTH - Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder [Roadrunner]
  5. BLOODBATH - The Fathomless Mastery [Century Media]
  6. DISMEMBER - Dismember [Regain]
  7. DEATH ANGEL - Killing Season [Nuclear Blast]
  8. THE SCOURGER - Dark Invitation To Armageddon [Stay Heavy Records]
  9. LEGION OF THE DAMNED - Feel The Blade [Massacre]
  10. GRAVE - Dominion VIII [Regain]
  11. MYGRAIN - Signs Of Existence [Spinefarm]
  12. COFFINS - Buried Death [20 Buck Spin]
  13. MISERY INDEX - Traitors [Relapse]
  14. OPETH - Watershed [Roadrunner]
  15. UNLEASHED - Hammer Battalion [SPV/Steamhammer]
  16. EXMORTUS - In Hatred's Flame [Heavy Artillery]
  17. HATE ETERNAL - Fury And Flames [Metal Blade]
  18. CHROME DIVISION - Booze, Broads And Beelzebub [Nuclear Blast]
  19. ORIGIN - Antithesis [Relapse]
  20. HIBRIA - The Skull Collectors [Remedy Records]
  21. DISFEAR - Live The Storm [Relapse]
  22. MOTÖRHEAD - Motörizer [SPV/Steamhammer]
  23. OMNIUM GATHERUM - The Redshift [Candlelight]
  24. DESTRUCTION - D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. [AFM]
  25. TRIVIUM - Shogun [Roadrunner]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. CRYPTOPSY - The Unspoken King [Century Media]
  2. ICED EARTH - The Crucible Of Man [SPV/Steamhammer]
  3. JUDAS PRIEST - Nostradamus [Epic Records]
  4. EXODUS - Let There Be Blood [Zaentz Records]
  5. METALLICA - Death Magnetic [Warner Bros.]

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. GET THRASHED: The Story Of Thrash Metal [Lightyear Entertainment]
  2. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Centuries Of Torment: The First 20 Years [Metal Blade]
  3. HATEBREED - Live Dominance [Koch]
  4. GAMMA RAY - Hell Yeah! The Awesome Foursome - Live In Montreal [SPV/Steamhammer]
  5. IRON MAIDEN - Live After Death [Universal Music]

Top Live Shows Of 2008

  1. ANONYMUS - Thunder Bay, ON
  2. GROSS MISCONDUCT - Thunder Bay, ON
  3. CRYPTOPSY, ORIGIN - Thunder Bay, ON

High Expectations For 2009

  1. A new album from IMMORTAL!
  2. LAMB OF GOD - Wrath [Epic]
  3. KREATOR - Hordes Of Chaos [SPV/Steamhammer]
  4. NAPALM DEATH - Time Waits For No Slave [Century Media]
  5. The new HEAVEN AND HELL!

Philip Wickstrand

Top 25 Releases Of 2008

  1. EQUILIBRIUM - Sagas [Nuclear Blast]
  2. HEIDEVOLK - Walhalla Wacht [Napalm Records]
  3. TVERD - Follow The Sun's Way [CD-Maximum]
  4. TİR - Land [Napalm Records]
  5. OPETH - Watershed [Roadrunner]
  6. GAMMA RAY - Land Of The Free II [SPV/Steamhammer]
  7. ELUVEITIE - Slania [Nuclear Blast]
  8. AGALLOCH - The White EP [Vendlus]
  9. METSATÖLL - Iivakivi [Nailboard Records]
  10. ENSLAVED - Vertebrae [Nuclear Blast]
  11. ARKONA - Ot Serdtsa K Nebu [Napalm Records]
  12. DAYLIGHT DIES - Lost To The Living [Candlelight]
  13. ZIMMERS HOLE - While You Were Shouting At The Devil... We Were In League With Satan [Century Media]
  14. FOREVER MOURNING - Emerging From The Shadows [Self-released]
  15. INTO ETERNITY - The Incurable Tragedy [Century Media]
  16. THAYER CABIN - Thayer Cabin [Terrorthrone]
  17. ALESTORM - Captain Morgan's Revenge [Napalm Records]
  18. POUYA MAHMOODI - Mehr [Faryaad Records]
  19. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  20. ZERO HOUR - Dark Deceiver [Sensory]
  21. STORMLORD - Mare Nostrum [Locomotive Records]
  22. SOTHIS - De Oppresso Liber [Candlelight]
  23. MINHYRIATH - Gondolyn [Black Tower Productions]
  24. LUNARIUM - Journeys, Fables And Lore [Farvahar Records]
  25. SCULPTURED - Embodiment [The End Records]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. NEVERMORE - Year Of The Voyager DVD [Century Media] - During the month of August in 2006, several of my friends and I made the drive from Portland to Seattle, a drive that I loathe and despise, to see NEVERMORE film a show for their forthcoming live DVD. We sat through several of the worst opening bands known to man, but in the end, NEVERMORE put on one hell of a show. We then began to wait for the DVD to be released. We waited... and waited... and then we waited some more. Finally the press release came that announced that the DVD would at long last be released in October of 2008, more than two years after the show was filmed. Except there was one small problem - there was no Seattle show listed on the two disc set and no explanation given for it's exclusion. My friends and I were just a little bit irritated by this turn of events. We eagerly waited for over two years and got nothing in return.
  2. Bands not growing as artists - As much as I love AMON AMARTH and KORPIKLAANI, they've been doing the same thing for way too long now without nearly enough growth. DRAGONFORCE have shown that they are the new AC/DC in that all their songs sound alike, with one small difference - AC/DC write songs that are catchy and one can still remember them for more than five minutes after hearing them. C'mon guys, let's all try to branch out just a little bit with your next albums.
  3. East End - What is the East End, you may ask? East End is a concert venue in my hometown of Portland, Oregon and it is, without question, the worst venue I have ever had the misfortune of stepping into. My adventures in and around that hellhole when I went to see SLOUGH FEG play there in November have become indelibly etched in my mind. First of all, SLOUGH FEG had been booked to play the East End a month and a half prior to the show taking place. So, of course, there is no form of advertising around town whatsoever until six days before the show. Then there's the choice of opening bands - WHITE LIGHTNING, a rather good Traditional Metal band from the Portland area, had been advertised. Their name was (misspelled) on the marquee outside the venue, which is how their vocalist found out they were being advertised, despite telling the idiots that booked this mess that they wouldn't be able to play because their bass guitarist had to work that night. Then there were the other two bands on the bill... seriously, who the hell thought it would be a good idea to book Indie Pop Rock bands on the same bill as SLOUGH FEG? I had to restrain myself from strangling the bouncer who said 'pretty cool idea, huh?' Then there was the venue itself - a tiny basement underneath a hipster bar that holds less than a hundred people. I've been to crappy, rundown Punk clubs bigger than this - and at least they aren't pretentious about what they're trying to be. Finally, at one in the morning, SLOUGH FEG started their set. After all the shenanigans and bullshit, they played a great set... except the house mic didn't work and if it hadn't been for the fact that I was standing five feet from Mike Scalzi, I wouldn't have been able to hear his vocals at all. I hope, with great sincerity, that the East End closes down before the end of 2009. After seeing shows in seventy venues, ranging from arenas to people's basements, the East End is far and away the most miserable place I have ever seen a show.
  4. HOLLENTHON - Opus Magnum [Napalm Records] - While this may be a good album on it's own merit, I was expecting something a little more along the lines of it's phenomenal predecessor, "With Vilest Of Worms To Dwell", which holds a place in my personal list of the top 25 albums of all time. Also, when one considers the fact that HOLLENTHON were originally supposed to release a new album five years ago, it's kind of a double whammy on the let down factor.
  5. The cost of CARCASS tickets - So let me get this straight; the show at El Corazon in Seattle cost $42 before service charges and handling fees are factored in??? What kind of shameless rip-off is that? And it wasn't just the Seattle show that was a rip-off, either - most dates on the tour were in the $40 range. Sorry, but no.

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. THERION - Live Gothic [Nuclear Blast]
  2. TİR - Live At Wacken 2007 [Napalm Records]

Top Live Shows Of 2008

  1. Heathen Crusade 3 w/ MOONSORROW, ANCIENT RITES, METSATÖLL, WOODS OF YPRES, ULVEHEIM and more - St. Paul, MN - Station 4
  2. Paganfest USA w/ ENSIFERUM, TURISAS, TİR, ELUVEITIE, SUIDAKRA and OAKHELM - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
  3. Paganfest USA w/ ENSIFERUM, TURISAS, TİR, ELUVEITIE, SUIDAKRA and OAKHELM - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
  4. HELLOWEEN w/ GAMMA RAY and DIE BY DAY - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
  5. AGALLOCH w/ GRAYCEON and IN MEMORIAM - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey

High Expectations For 2009

  1. Heathen Crusade 4 - According to rumor (and I do emphasize that this is merely rumor at this conjecture), EINHERJER, AGALLOCH and MORRIGAN are already set to play the next installment of North America's finest annual festival.
  2. The return of YOB - Metal Blade may have proven to be a label operated by disloyal cowards who refuse to stand by their artists with the MIDDIAN debacle in late 2006, but Mike Scheidt will not have his artistic voice squashed by the undeserving. YOB have already signed a new recording contract with Profound Lore and I am eagerly anticipating the new material and live return of this legendary Doom band.
  3. Paganfest USA Part 2, featuring PRIMORDIAL, ELUVEITIE, MOONSORROW, KORPIKLAANI, SWASHBUCKLE and BLACKGUARD - Aside from the rather curious positioning of MOONSORROW, this is looking like one hell of a tour.
  4. The Pagan Knights tour, featuring TİR, ALESTORM & SUIDAKRA - It's like Paganfest USA '08 redux, which is a big plus in my book.
  5. New albums from OAKHELM, EALDATH and LAST EMPIRE - three of Portland, Oregon's absolute best.

Luc Ben Hayoun

Top 25 Releases Of 2008

  1. MOONSORROW - Tulimyrsky EP [Spinefarm]
  2. ELUVEITIE - Slania [Nuclear Blast]
  3. MERCENARY - Architect Of Lies [Century Media]
  4. SATYRICON - The Age Of Nero [Roadrunner]
  5. KALMAH - For The Revolution [Spinefarm]
  6. WARREL DANE - Praises To The War Machine [Century Media]
  7. FIREWIND - The Premonition [Century Media]
  8. ENSLAVED - Vertebrae [Nuclear Blast]
  9. FALCHION - Chronicles Of The Dead [Massacre]
  10. EVERGREY - Torn [SPV/Steamhammer]
  11. DESTRUCTION - D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. [AFM]
  12. COMMUNIC - Payment Of Existence [Nuclear Blast]
  13. PAIN - Cynic Paradise [Nuclear Blast]
  14. LEGION OF THE DAMNED - Feel The Blade [Massacre]
  15. METALLICA - Death Magnetic [Warner Bros.]
  16. BOB CATLEY - Immortal [Frontiers]
  17. BLOODBATH - The Fathomless Mastery [Century Media]
  18. EDGUY - Tinnitus Sanctus [Nuclear Blast]
  19. AXEL RUDI PELL - Tales Of The Crown [SPV/Steamhammer]
  20. THE HAUNTED - Versus [Century Media]
  21. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  22. ABIGAIL WILLIAMS - In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns [Candlelight]
  23. KAMPFAR - Heimgang [Spinefarm]
  24. SOTHIS - De Oppresso Liber [Candlelight]
  25. REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE - New Era [Sanctuary]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. IMMORTAL - Still waiting for a new album!
  2. ANDROMEDA - The Immunity Zone - You guys can play! We all get it! Too technical, not enough melodies.
  3. X-WORLD/5 - New Universal Order - With such a line up, I was expecting so much more!
  4. FALCONER - Among Beggars And Thieves - You guys can do so much better.
  5. JUDAS PRIEST - Live in Vancouver, BC - Time to retire!

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. DIMMU BORGIR - The Invaluable Darkness [Nuclear Blast]
  2. DREAM THEATER - Chaos In Motion [Roadrunner]
  3. DREAM EVIL - Gold Medal In Metal [Century Media]
  4. Metal Blade - 25 Years In Video [Metal Blade]

Top Live Shows Of 2008

  1. IRON MAIDEN - Vancouver, BC - Pacific Coliseum
  2. METALLICA - Vancouver, BC - GM Place
  3. AMON AMARTH, ENSIFERUM, BELPHEGOR, THE ABSENCE - Vancouver, BC - Croatian Cultural Centre
  4. IN FLAMES - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom

High Expectations For 2009

  1. Wacken 2009 - Germany - 20 years of Wacken! It should be insane!
  2. New DEMONOID album.
  3. New ORPHANED LAND album.
  4. New IMMORTAL album (Still keeping my fingers crossed).
  5. More live shows from bands we haven't seen play yet!

Chris Akin

Top 10 Releases Of 2008

  1. VOLBEAT - Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil [Mascot]
  2. TESTAMENT - The Formation Of Damnation [Nuclear Blast]
  3. METALLICA - Death Magnetic [Warner Bros.]
  4. AIRBOURNE - Runnin' Wild [Roadrunner]
  5. DEATH ANGEL - Killing Season [Nuclear Blast]
  6. WHITESNAKE - Good To Be Bad [SPV/Steamhammer]
  7. THUNDER - Bang! [Self-Produced]
  8. BIG COCK - Motherload [Self-Produced]
  9. JEFF SCOTT SOTO - Beautiful Mess [Self-Produced]
  10. DOMINICI - O3: A TRILOGY (PART 3) [Inside Out USA]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. WHITE LION - Return Of The Pride [Frontiers] - Just embarrassing to call this WHITE LION. No Vito Bratta = No WHITE LION.
  2. TNT - Atlantis [Metal Heaven] - Sure, the name on the CD says TNT, but this is about as close to being TNT is the local band in your local bar is. This pop schlock album is a total embarrassment to the TNT name.
  3. JUDAS PRIEST - Nostradamus [Epic Records] - I love JUDAS PRIEST, but this over the top rock opera just, simply, flopped hard and wasn't what 90% of the real JUDAS PRIEST fans want from this band.
  4. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy [Geffen] - Nearly two decades and about 70 musicians, and the best we get is this midtempo turd. It's pathetic...far more so because it falsely calls itself GUNS N' ROSES.
  5. KISS - Jigoku Retsuden - Rerecorded KISS Classics with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. I've always said that if you erase Peter and Ace, you erase KISS. Consider them erased.

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. Sam Dunn - Global Metal [Warner Home Video]
  2. IRON MAIDEN - Live After Death [Universal Music]

Top Live Shows Of 2008

  1. HEAVEN AND HELL, JUDAS PRIEST, TESTAMENT, MOTÖRHEAD - Chicago, IL
  2. IRON MAIDEN, LAUREN HARRIS - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center

High Expectations For 2009

  1. ANTHRAX - Yeah, the magic around this band is gone. But maybe that, with an unknown singer that's hungry, brings some fire back to this once great band.
  2. KREATOR - Hordes Of Chaos will prove once again that this unheralded band is far superior to just about any Thrash/extreme band out there.
  3. Ralf Scheepers solo album. This guy is so good in PRIMAL FEAR that it will be interesting to hear what he does outside of the framework of this brilliant band.
  4. EX DEO - KATAKLYSM vocalist Maurizo Iacono has a new project coming on Nuclear Blast that will absolutely dominate.
  5. SAXON touring the USA once again - Into The Labyrinth is a great album, and their return to the USA is fantastic.

Donald Rottenbucher

Top 25 Releases Of 2008

  1. UNLEASHED - Hammer Battalion [SPV/Steamhammer]
  2. MISERY INDEX - Traitors [Relapse]
  3. DISMEMBER - Dismember [Regain]
  4. SATAN'S HOST - Great American Scapegoat 666 [Moribund]
  5. SINISTER - The Silent Howling [Massacre Records]
  6. TESTAMENT - The Formation Of Damnation [Nuclear Blast]
  7. DECREPIT BIRTH - Diminishing Between Worlds [Unique Leader]
  8. SOULFLY - Conquer [Roadrunner]
  9. EXMORTUS - In Hatred's Flame [Heavy Artillery]
  10. CRADLE OF FILTH - Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder [Roadrunner]
  11. GRAVE - Dominion VIII [Regain]
  12. THE GATES OF SLUMBER - Conqueror [Profound Lore]
  13. MOTÖRHEAD - Motörizer [SPV/Steamhammer]
  14. SIX FEET UNDER - Death Rituals [Metal Blade]
  15. ALICE COOPER - Along Came A Spider [SPV]
  16. AMON AMARTH - Twilight Of The Thunder God [Metal Blade]
  17. LORD VICAR - Feel No Pain [The Church Within]
  18. CANDLEMASS - Lucifer Rising [Nuclear Blast]
  19. DESTRUCTION - D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. [AFM]
  20. CRIMINAL ELEMENT - Guilty As Charged [Sevared Records]
  21. MERCILESS DEATH - Realm Of Terror [Heavy Artillery]
  22. OBITUARY - Left For Dead [Candlelight]
  23. GUNS N' ROSES - Chinese Democracy [Geffen]
  24. YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE - Perpetual Flame (Koch]
  25. ORDER OF ENNEAD - Order Of Ennead [Earache]

Top Disappointments Of 2008

  1. BOLT THROWER's next album being put on indefinite hold.
  2. DEICIDE - Till Death Do Us Part [Earache] - This could of and should have been much better.
  3. ICED EARTH - The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part II) [SPV/Steamhammer] - This could of and should have been much better.
  4. JUDAS PRIEST - Nostradamus [Epic Records] - The most boring album ever released.
  5. METALLICA - Death Magnetic [Warner Bros] - Suprising, but much too little too late.
  6. Tom Gabriel Fischer for proving to be a drama queen throughout the year.
  7. KISS not taking off the make-up and bringing Bruce Kulick back for some Revenge-era goodness.

Top DVDs Of 2008

  1. CANNIBAL CORPSE - Centuries Of Torment: The First 20 Years [Metal Blade]
  2. IRON MAIDEN - Live After Death [Universal Music]

High Expectations For 2009

  1. New material from HEAVEN AND HELL, CANNIBAL CORPSE, MEGADETH, CANDLEMASS, OLD MAN'S CHILD and SUFFOCATION.
  2. Hopefully new material from SOLITUDE AETURNUS, IRON MAIDEN, DYING FETUS and CATHEDRAL.
  3. The return of MERCYFUL FATE or at least KING DIAMOND.
  4. Messiah Marcolin's solo effort.
  5. BOLT THROWER to actually record a new album.
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