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bato 13 Aug : 09:11 Just received my new Iron Maiden CD; check it out yourself...
bato 26 Jun : 08:53 It's been a been quiet on these pages in the last two weeks, but it is mostly due to the moving of the chief editor and one another member of the Staff. More info soon.
bato 10 Jun : 19:54 Next week's metal events in Denmark: Guns n' Roses on monday and KISS on wednesday, both at 'Gigantium' Aalborg.
bato 26 May : 08:57 It is terrible and I'm scared who might be next: Pete Steele, Dio & now Grey :(
WESna 24 May : 23:48 Another great musician passed away Paul Grey #2 1972-2010, Slipknot WTF with this 2010???
The following is the list of the best metal/rock releases for 2009 by all seven permanent writers at Metal Revolution Webzine. Please do remember this is subjective opinion of ours & it is not open for any form for further discussion. If you want to see our top-release list for 2006 look here, 2007 here & 2008 here.
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY BATO:
01: Goatwhore – Carving Out The Eyes of God (Metal Blade) (Carving Out The Eyes of God sounds like a requiem for your own suicide. It is angry and blasphemic release, yet not following all black metal clichés that majority of black metal bands are following these days.)
02: Job For A Cowboy – Ruination (Metal Blade) (This most recent record from Job For A Cowboy is even stronger and more mature than its predecessor Genesis. With Ruination, Job For A Cowboy proves that they are here to stay, to entertain and to tell their story. Ruination can be recommended for any fan of modern death metal.)
03: Headkase - The Worm County Circus (Self-released) (Best self-released album in 2009. The Worm County Circus is one of the most original albums I have heard lately. It has something for everyone; something to dance to, create to, mosh to, scream to, love to, break up to, sing along to and die to. Or put differently; The Worm County Circus is an album that every music fan on earth should own – simply amazing for a debut.)
04: Warpath – Damnation (Self-released) (Damnation is one of the finest modern Thrash metal releases I’ve heard lately without any gimmicks and unnecessary bullshit – it is simple and straight forward modern day thrash metal and I anticipate a great future for these UK-folks.)
06: Kreator – Hordes of Chaos (SPV/Steamhammer) (Sometimes words are just not enough to describe the feeling of listening to the new material of your favorite band. After more than 20 years listening to thousands of metal albums, Kreator still manages to surprise me with yet another strong, furious and intense album. Simply one of the best albums of their long career.)
07: Synestesia – Feeniks (Kampas) (Yet another melo-death from Finland with all the lyrics sung in their native language, but here stops all the parallels to other similar acts. Feeniks is an excellent album with awesome production and with haunting choruses, stunning harmonies, inclusion of both male and female vocals, frantic guitar leads, this is just a monster album that deserves the attention of every metal fan on the planet.)
08: Dies Irae – The Art of the Endless Creation (Metal Mind) (The Art of the Endless Creation is Dies Irae’s latest brand new release that brings outstanding musicianship, superb metal compositions, spirit and devastatingly perfect technique all pressed together on a CD called Sculpture of Stone and a DVD with 105 minutes of playing time including a concert at Metalmania Festival from Katowice/Poland.)
09: Europe – Last Look At Eden (Universal) (With Last Look At Eden the band once again cements its position as the absolute leaders on European and Scandinavian Hard Rock scene. Last Look At Eden is packed with undeniably skilled song-writing and musicianship never seen before on this soil.)
10: Megadeth – Endgame (Roadrunner) (After more than 25 years of Megadeth and more than a 30-year long musical career Dave Mustaine is stronger than ever before. It feels like both him and Megadeth are at the top of their game and I really applaud him for that.)
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY SIMONA: 01: Rammstein - Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da (UNI) (This German band has always fascinated me. All of their albums; including Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da always consist of well played tracks, aggressive industrial-rock littered riffs, combined with double bass drumming, provoking lyrics and hard pumping drums . And the best of it all, its Germans langue, and that’s make this album special.) 02: Type O Negative – Dead Again (Steamhammer/SPV) (Re- released great album for The Brooklyn guys. Dead Again is a 10-song musical melodic journey into the darkest depths of the human condition. Lyrics are about death, love, insanity, mayhem and worst nightmares. Steele and Co. gives the listeners are feeling where you don’t want to be interrupted. There is an injection of melodic, dark, aggressive elements there.)
03: Nirvana- Live At Reading (Geffen/Universal) (You fell nostalgic the first time you put this CD to play. Here you hear a chaotic rock n' roll master class combined with psychedelic tunes. Kurt hoarse and stoned voice sounds pretty cool combined with contrasting song dynamics and apathetic or angst-filled lyrics.)
04: Agathodaimn – Phoenix (Massacre) (This one from the Germans is a master piece. They deliver a dark, brutal and melodic sound combined with the evil growls of Ashtrael, and the rest of the crew. On Phoenix you will not hear soft ballads, only dark majestic atmosphere and some depressive elements mixture with black metal.)
05: Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue (Virgin/EMI) (It’s a strong and genial rock album, just like in the early days of AIC. The insane voice of William DuVall combined with pummeling riffs, and expansive guitar textures really sounds pretty genial. It’s damm sure that Alice In Chains have returned with respect and justice served.)
06: Arch Enemy - The Root of All Evil (Century Media) (I just love this metal woman. Her strong, aggressive and brutal growls on this album really plow me away. The guitar riffs are strong and dynamic, the drums are fast and heavy, and there are heavily distorted guitars. It’s a album that you can hear over and over again.)
07: Hermh - Cold Blood Messiah (Regain) (It can not be any more dark and melodic than this one. It’s a masterpiece from Polan black metal band Hermh. The sound consists of quick and blasphemous drum-beat, melodic guitar riffs and fast tempos. It’s a release you must hear and enjoy.)
08: The Burning – Rewakening (Massacre) (A fantastic and stunning release from The Burning. Evil, aggressive and brutality combined with distorted bass-sound it’s what it sounds like. There are nothing more to say then spend your bells and let the music destroy your brain.)
09: Foo Fighters – Greatest Hits (SME) (The album opens with a melancholy little acoustic arrangement, and then follows by Dave Grohl aggressive and quick voice. The sound of the rocking guitar back beat laid down by elements of rhythm section from the electric bass guitar, fast drums, and keyboard instruments simply makes me go insane. A good and solid rock album with lots of heavy and fast guitar riffs).
10: AC/DC - Backtracks (SME) (I have waiting to hear this new album from the guys. It’s a kicking album with the old tracks like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Highway to Hell”. And as we all know that ACDC’s releases also consist of heavy use of distorted electric guitars, bass guitar, drums and keyboard combined with the screaming and powerful voice by Agnus Young)
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY ZOKA:
01: Mastodon – Crack The Skye (Reprise) (Mastodon has created the best album of their carrier and simply a perfect heavy metal record)
02: Therapy? – Crooked Timber (Demolition) (The band that never stops experimenting has just created something very new, fresh and unexpected and this combined with great performance and songwriting results in of the best albums of their impressive career)
03: Porcupine Tree – The Incident (Roadrunner) (The most important band of this decade delivers again. With no compromise and some of the best musical minds around, the Porcupine Tree have created yet another musical and emotional rollercoaster ride of the highest class) 04: Mando Diao – Give Me Fire (Universal) (By hiring a hip hop producer and by breaking free for genre clichés, these Swedes have created just about perfect rock album)
05: The Mars Volta – Octahedron (WarnerBros) (The lords of “more is more” have created an album that all about “less is more”. Mellow, melancholic and gorgeously weird, it’s still undeniably The Mars Volta)
06: Miosis - Albedo Adaptation (Lion) (Just like the music itself the sound of each instrument is cleverly thought through not just for creating an original sound of individual instruments but very importantly; for creating a very good and interesting sonic experience)
07: OSI – Blood (InsideOut) (Moore and Matheos had proved before that they are truly talented musicians with a vision. OSI had grown into one of the best, genre blurring projects out there)
08: Indukti – IDMEN (InsideOut) (One of the things that make this album so outstanding is that this musicianship never steals the picture from creativity, atmosphere and just overall feel of this album – and while the influences are apparent, this album is undeniably Indukti)
09: Steven Wilson - Insurgentes (Headphone Dust) (One of the brightest, most creative and most productive minds in music industry, has created an album of pure atmosphere, dynamics and unexpected turns)
10: Soil – Picture Perfect (AFM) (There was never doubt about this band’s potential, but it’s with Picture Perfect that they sound like a mature band that has just created an outstanding, rock record – the best one of their career)
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY THOR:
01: Shadow Gallery - Digital Ghosts (InsideOut) (Mike Baker was incredible; he will be missed. The new singer sounds about as much as Geoff Tate as you could possibly get away with, but he is a good fit for Shadow Gallery, and I really enjoy his performance here. The guest vocalists deliver the goods, too. As always, Shadow Gallery bring awesome vocal harmonies and fantastic, majestic melodies in spades, and there seems to be a bit more oomph and power behind some of their riffs now than there used to be. If you like progressive metal, you shouldn't pass this one up) 02: Anubis Gate - The Detached (Locomotive) (From concept to execution, The Detached is top notch prog-power. With a unique storyline, great vocals, spirited playing and choruses that are guaranteed to drill their way straight into your brain, this is solid, solid stuff. I gave The Detached more spins in 2009 than any other album)
04: Mastodon - Crack the Skye (Reprise) (I appreciate the alterations Mastodon have made to their sound. The new vocal approaches add many new dimensions to their compositions, which were plenty complex already, and the musicianship is beyond reproach. A fascinating listen)
05: Paradise Lost - Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us (Century Media) (Calling this a return to form wouldn't be accurate--Paradise Lost's soundscape has been constantly morphing and merging; their various eras are all quite different and divisive--but it sees the Brits further amping up the heaviness to great effect)
06: Riverside - Anno Domini High Definition (InsideOut) (Riverside's first standalone record sees the band firing on all cylinders. While the trilogy was overflowing with emotion, there were times where it tested my patience. With more emphasis on keys and much more immediacy to the music, Anno Domini High Definition is Riverside at their most accessible and, as far as I'm concerned, enjoyable)
07: Powerwolf - Bible of the Beast (Metal Blade) (As far as power metal anno 2009 is concerned, I haven't heard anything quite as epic and entertaining as this one. Don't let the sometimes silly lyrical themes fool you--this is some seriously grandiose stuff. The guys even enlisted the help of a choir to help Bible of the Beast achieve more of a church-like feel. They succeeded in a major way)
09: Transatlantic - The Whirlwind (InsideOut) (A new Transatlantic record was placed very high on my "things that would be as awesome as they are unlikely"-list. Was it all that I hoped for? Well, maybe. With this being, in theory, one 70+-minute long composition, it'll take a bit of time for every piece to fall into place. It's not quite there yet for me. It is good, though. Nice to see Portnoy playing drums instead of making cookie monster sounds)
10. Immortal - All Shall Fall (Nuclear Blast) (Although All Shall Fall is about as far from a revelation as you can get, it is a totally triumphant comeback album. Abbath and co. haven't lost a step)
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY PATRICK:
01: Devildriver -- Pray For Villains (Roadrunner) (Needless to say, I think Pray For Villains makes for the single greatest metal album of 2009. The natural culmination of endless amounts of effort and work boiling down to one album that, through and through, is as close to perfection as humanly possible. I expected great things from this album prior to its release; they were all met and exceeded.)
02: Amoral -- Show Your Colours (Spinefarm/Universal) (Well, I certainly did not expect to put this album on this list. As the review suggests, I was anything but impressed when I first gave it a spin. Much has changed since then and I have warmed up to the album, nay, I have come to love it. Cast of the shackles of my previous review (one's allowed to change his mind, ya?) and rejoice in an album of unimaginable depth.) 03: Soil -- Picture Perfect (AFM) This time, the review is an ample reflection of my feelings towards the album in question. To anyone who has heard it, it is bound to make an impact one way or the other (provided that you are familiar with Soil's previous work.) Pulling off a change of style that is often unsuited for that kind of band, Soil blends in perfectly and achieves something quite amazing with this album.)
04: Five Finger Death Punch -- War Is The Answer (Prospect Park) (FFDP are a relative newcomer to the market, in many aspects. This does not mean that they are lack-lust through lack of experience, no, it means that they have arrived in style and have no plans to leave. Awesome vocals protrude from each and every song and I have yet to meet anyone who does not like their work. Their second album outshines the first vastly, a feat indeed, knowing the volume of the old.)
05: The Poodles -- Clash Of The Elements (Blistering) (Glam rock? What IS he thinking -- I am sure you are asking yourself. The truth is that The Poodles manage something that precious few usually achieve; they produce something that cannot be argued against, something that cannot be disowned. Lacking the power of the heavier styles, they more than make up for it through sheer skill and determination to themselves and the genre.)
06: Psychopunch -- Death By Misadventure (Silverdust) (It is no secret that I often find myself attracted to the less heavy bands even though I am a huge fan of the dark arts of metal. Here, this is the case. They aren't hard, they aren't dark. They possess a boyish attitude, a rebellious approach to their music, making their punk rock feel genuine and interesting. Definitely not a bad album and I have listened to it many a time.)
07: Arkaea -- Years In Darkness (Century Media) (Take four members from two existing (relatively good) bands, mix them with a new approach, determination and add a great deal of innovation and you get Arkaea's album, Years In Darkness. Even to this day, I find myself dumbfounded at just how much I like their way with the music and the times I have stopped my iPod in shuffling to another artist cannot be counted on both hands.)
08: Arch Enemy -- The Root Of All Evil (Century Media) (Arch Enemy are known throughout the world for their hot singer who can match the best of them, in dark vocals and raw power. This IS one of their best qualities, but that does not mean their music isn't a close second. This album, the latest of a long list of good material, is well worth listening to if you are into the particular genre, liking Arch Enemy or not. They have certainly made a piece of good music here.)
09: Alice In Chains -- Black Gives Way To Blue (Virgin/EMI) (More needn't be said, right? Hah, well, okay, I guess that would make my job obsolete. The truth is that Alice In Chains has always been an interesting band and this is something I have always felt. Seeing them live a few years back I was only further intrigued and yes, this album lives up to anything one might expect from these would-be legends of rock.)
10: Killswitch Engage -- Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner) (I knew of them by name prior to seeing them live at Download '09. What a shame it was that I had not made it my business to listen to their music. Killswitch have made a ton of good songs over their time, this being their fifth album, and while I do not love it, I like it, a lot. There was always an edge to his voice that I found magnificent; this album has that and so much more.)
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY MELIISA:
01: Lamb of God - Wrath (Sony) (You cannot go wrong with Lamb of God. Blistering harsh metal, brutal in your face vocals, and unbelievable drumming make this one of the best releases of 2009.)
02: Megadeth - Endgame (Roadrunner) (Megadeth definitely goes back to their roots with this one. Mustaine's guitar playing has never sounded better and his angry politically charged lyrics can be heard throughout the album. THIS is true Megadeth.)
03: Obituary - Darkest Day (Candlelight) (This album proves Obituary only gets better with age. A great blend of their classic sound with a new modern twist.)
04: Mastodon - Crack the Skye (Reprise) (While not as heavy as others, this is an excellent album nonetheless. It is a personal album and quite introspective. Lyrically and musically it is very well written and composed, therefore, stands out as one of the best of 2009.)
05: WASP - Babylon (Demolition) (Great solid record by a classic 80's band. What's not to like about that? This is a must have for WASP fans.)
06: Kreator - Hordes of Chaos (Steamhammer) (This is a true thrash metal album from the masters. Fast and furious riffs and head banging beats make this an excellent release of 2009.)
07: Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue (Virgin) (The long awaited return of AIC will not disappoint you. Even with Staley gone, the album is still recognizably AIC. DuVall and Cantrell do an excellent job vocally and musically the albums is tops. If you haven't already, I strongly suggest you pick this up.) 08: Cannibal Corpse - Evisceration Plague (Metal Blade) (This is a brutal, dark, and heavy album just like their old stuff. They have stayed true to their sound and this album will be a favourite of all metal fans.)
09: Immortal - All Shall Fall (Nuclear Blast) (A great black metal album. Probably Immortal's best work to date. Every track off of this album is great.)
10: Hypocrisy - A Taste of Extreme Divinity (Nuclear Blast) (Another great release this year. Mind blowing heart pounding metal. There are a variety of rhythms on this album that will keep your interest and appeal to metal fans of all genres.)
TOP 10 RELEASES FOR YEAR 2009 BY LASSE:
01: Killswitch Engage - Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner) (For me simply the best album of 2009, as Killswitch engage has begone challenging Howard Jones so that he's no longer only screaming the words out loud, but he's now using vocals and regular singing, this have been both a surprising and amazing album.)
03: Amoral - Show Your Colors (Spinefarm) (Although I did not like this album as I heard it the first time, it has been reoccurring on my iPod and I have actually come to like this one, Ari Koivunen is the reason to why I don't like it and still cannot let it go, his voice reminds me of a High-school rock band but also it sends me begging for more!)
05: Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue (Virgin) (Although a relatively old band, these "old" fellas proves to us that they've still got the rock in their bodies with this album which is in the higher end of rock albums this year.)
06: 30 Seconds to Mars - This is War (Virgin) (The boys from 30stm has done it again, this album is a lot more quiet than it's predecessor A Beautiful Lie Jared Leto seems to be more home in this album, his voice is perfect for the music they've made this time and all in all they've exceeded themselves with this one. It just might be that the restlessness of Jared is the thing they need for success.)
07: Muse - The Resistance (Warner Bros) (I went to see these guys in "Parken", I was expecting a whole lot of this as I have bought the HAARP album which is live from Wimbledon and that live album is one of the best to ever be released, they gave me all I could ever had hoped for, the concert was brilliant and the Resistance proved as I had expected to be an album which simply is made for concerts, and although this isn't "heavy metal", the intermissions between the numbers which were quite a few, was filled with heavy metal beats and guitar riffs. Incredible concert, incredible album.)
08: Alestorm - Black Sails at Midnight (Napalm) (Yet again, I'm amazed and feeling heroic, another pirate "ballad" from Alestorm and everytime I listen to these guys I'm left with a smile and a feeling of adventurism, if every one of their albums are like this and it's predecessor, well then I'm going to come back for more.)
09: Porcupine Tree - The Incident (Roadrunner) (Although admittedly I haven't heard much of their old music, this album really got into me, I couldn't hear whether or not it was one song or a whole bunch of tracks, but this made it all so much better, it has a tense but damp mood to it. And it definitely is worth the time to listen to.)
10. Devildriver - Pray for Villains (Roadrunner) (Even though I'm not a big fan of Devildriver, this record ends up on my list due to the fact that I have never seen such amazing a circle pit as I did at download 2009, it was amazing, big thumbs up for that one guys!)
