This was another surprise for me, as Shadows Fall really seems to be coming into their own, incorporating some of the best Scandanavian sound into something fresh. "The Power of I and I" might be my favorite track of the year.
Vincent Eldefors - Tartarean Desire Webzine
1. Malevolent Creation - Warkult
Malevolent Creation is one of the longest running
death metal bands in the world and you always know
what to expect from them - first class material and
probably the best album they have ever released.
2. Carcass - Choice Cuts
Perhaps a compilation album does not belong in this
list but I have to make an exception because this is a
legendary legacy. No need explaining.
3. Samael - Reign Of Light
The Swiss brothers are always reliable but this time
they actually managed to surprise me. Industrial metal
at its best.
4. Deicide - Scars Of The Crucifix
After a few so and so albums, the controversial death
metal veterans are back to show the world that they
still have more to give.
5. Therion - Lemuria
No Therion album is the same as the previous one. This
one is perhaps darker and heavier than ever.
6. Kataklysm - Serenity In Fire
Few other bands manage to combine brutality, speed and
melody the way Canada's Kataklysm do.
7. Dargaard - Rise And Fall
Well, no metal here but I don't care. Dargaard is an
entity in its own and they deserve all the attention
they get. This is epic and mysterious music for those
who look for something out of the ordinary.
8. Dismember - Where Ironcrosses Grow
Well, death metal again... I can't help it but there
have been many great death metal releases this year.
Dismember is another quality act who always deliver.
The Iron Maiden nods spice things up.
9. Motörhead - Inferno
Well, it's not their best album but there are some
great songs here.
10. Nebelhexë - Laguz - Within The Lake
Nebelhexë is more or less a continuation of Hagalaz'
Runedance - shamanistic ambient music. This is her
most metallic work so far though and the music is
highly unique.
Steen Jepsen - RevelationZ Magazine
1. Orphaned Land - Mabool: The story of the Three Sons of Seven
This band from Israel created a genius album which has just about everything. If you like challenging music then this is where you should be.
2. Ayreon - The Human Equation
Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen was back with an album that drew out all the strong points of his earlier work. The result was a hugely enjoyable and long lasting voyage into a sea of emotions. The claustrophobic album of the year.
