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Initially, this was an album that I didn't expect to see in my top ten for 2008. Funny how a bit of time and critical evaluation can change your opinion. "The Swords of King Harald III" is the epitome of a great a folk/viking metal song and to my surprise; it is my favorite song of the year. Several other songs on Odes from the Past are stand outs as well but not of this same caliber. Two factors keep this album from being a stellar release - the drum machine and the compressed production. I will be looking forward to their next release In a Time of Legends.
Folkodia - Odes from the Past
10
MYSPACE
Manilla Road - Voyager
9
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Manilla Road continues to surprise and delight me. On Voyager, they took on an ambitious lyical concept and complemented it with an incredibly beautiful sonicscape. After 13 albums and almost 30 years the band continues to forge its own fiercely independent path. "Tree of Life" and "Blood Eagle", two of the strongest tracks, show an impressive mastery of their craft and skill as seasoned songwriters. Voyager is one of the year's most welcomed highlights.
Brainstorm - Downburst
8
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Brainstorm, consistent in their brand of thrashy power metal with classic leanings, have always been slugging it out among second tier rank bands. On Downburst they have finally ratcheted it up a notch or two to push themselves into the big leagues. Downburst flaunts much improved songwriting and musical adroitness. "Frozen" and "Protect me from Myself" are my favorite songs on Downburst. "Firewalk with Me" is a bit of a disappointment but hey, it's the hit single. What else can you expect?
Ironsword - Overlords of Chaos
7
MYSPACE
This has to be the best Manilla Road album that was never made. Ironsword, hailing from Portugal, is out to prove they are more than a Manilla Road knockoff band. Even though they have Mark Shelton lending some of his talents here, the band really does begin to step out of the shadow of their mentors and shine on their own. Overlords of Chaos is one of those releases you can't put too far from your CD player as you will soon be putting it back in. Heavy, in your face, and sublime. Superb.
Opeth - Watershed
6
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
The ever evolving enigma that is Opeth, resurfaced this year with a new found hunger and eagerness clearly evident on the release of Watershed. I felt the band was starting to lose some of it's edge or focus so-to-speak but Watershed shows the band is not out of ideas and is open to embracing some of the things that made My Arms Your Hearse and Still Life memorable. Watershed is not like those two in sound as much as in the spirit that personified those albums.  This is a welcome return indeed.
JANVS - Vega
5
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
I am the first to confess that I am not a big fan of black metal but every once in awhile there is a release that strikes a chord with me. Janvs' Vega quite unassumingly snuck into my conscious this year and never really left. Mesmerizing, hypnotic and captivating are words that describe what Janvs has created on Vega. This is about as close as you can get to a masterpiece. An emotional, challenging and rewarding listening experience.
Hammers of Misfortune - Church of Broken Glass / Fields
2
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
What do you say when a band releases a brilliant album? Nothing. You just go out and buy it. In the case of Hammers of Misfortune, you buy two. In actuality, these two albums come packaged together and for the price of one. Hammers of Misfortune are on a quite a roll. Despite their myriad of personal and musical differences they have succeeded in harnessing the energy from their discord and channeling it into their music. There is a lot of music to process and digest between the two releases and I am only beginning to recognize the full genius contained herein. Do yourself a favor and pick up Church of Broken Glass and Fields. Today.
Agalloch - The White EP
4
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Continuing their stream of requiems of understated beauty and grace, Agalloch celebrate all that we have come to expect from them on this mostly instrumental acoustic flavored EP. The warm toned piano playing throughout evokes mournful and sorrowful past times and yet conveys a sense of hope for what is to come. One cannot simply listen to The White EP without some sort of melancholic feelings.  The sound snippets, humming, and whispered vocals all play into the tone set by the music. A fine companion to the Grey EP. Devastatingly moving.
Cynic - Traced in Air
3
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
After a 15 year absence from the music scene, most bands would not attempt such an auspicious comeback as Cynic have determined with the release of Traced in Air. Picking up where they left off, Cynic take their sound, tweak it, and gallop off in a new and exciting direction while still maintaining some of the elements that made their groundbreaking debut such remarkable album. Cynic remains a force to be reckoned with as masters of unorthodox and obtuse musical compositions that have become their trademark. Let's hope that they don't wait another 15 years to release their next album.
Bigelf - Cheat the Gallows
1
On Cheat the Gallows, Bigelf welcome us to the “Gravest Show on Earth” but in reality it's the greatest show on earth. The self-proclaimed "Evil Beatles", give it all. This is a rock 'n roll extravaganza. It's like an exploding cornucopia of bands. Think of it as a mix of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple coupled with Pink Floyd, Uriah Heep, Queen and a generous dash of the Beatles to boot. Some might say that such a copious display of their influences would be a bad thing but that is not the case at all. In fact, this rich history of sound is, in part, what makes Bigelf so special. They are comforting and appealing yet shocking in their blatant  mimicry. Bigelf succeed where lesser bands have tried and failed. No question, this is great art and rock 'n roll. Cheat the Gallows transcends its influences and all genres. In the end, it's just absurdly brilliant.
Please check out Jesse's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
Please check out my full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
Please check out Jesse's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
2008
2008
2008
M. J.
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STAFF TOP 10 LISTS
Jesse - 2008 2009 2010 2011
M. J. - 2008 2009 2010 2011
J. A. Burt - 2008 2009 2010 2011
Peter - 2008 2009 2010 2011
Rottenbucher - 2008 2009 2010
                          2011
Chris - 2009 2010 2011
Roswell47 - 2010 2011
Phil A. Wickstrand - 2010 2011
Garett - 2010 2011
Greg -  2010 2011
Lynora - 2009 2010
The Stream - 2009 2010
Deathstalker -  2009
Ilmarinen -  2008
Matt -  2008  2009
Kesh -  2009
Dinah -  2009
Phil A. -  2009