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STAFF TOP TEN PICKS
STAFF TOP TEN PICKS
STAFF TOP TEN PICKS
Ronnie James Dio's reunion with Black Sabbath was an extremely anticipated album, and it most definitely lived up to expectations.  The entire band is in top form, and the listener can tell the band is happy.  It's just a great rock'n'roll record.
Heaven and Hell - The Devil You Know
10
BAND'S WEBSITE
MYSPACE
Indukti - Idmen
9
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
This album came out of nowhere.  In fact I only heard it three days before compiling this list, but I haven't stopped listening to it since.  It's confusing, heavy, bizarre and, overall, unique.  It is a bit too Tool-oriented for me to get totally into it, but when is gets its teeth in you it doesn't let up.
Absu - Absu
8
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Another band on my list that came back with an album after a long hiatus.  Absu does a fantastic job of reminding you it never really went anywhere.  While it is still spastic Absu, there are some new elements on this self titled release that make it stand out more than their previous releases, most notably, the intensely catchy 'Amy'.
Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings
7
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
After a few albums that may have lost Dream Theater fans, Black Clouds and Silver Linings gives Dream Theater fans an album that flows together from beginning to end.  Where as the past three or so albums have some great highs and some bad lows, their 2009 effort is fluid, captivating and cohesive. 
Ensiferum - From Afar
6
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
From Afar is, at times, a paint-by-numbers effort, but when the band goes out on a limb, they are very successful, enough so to warrant a high ranking in albums I have heard this year.  It feels like Ensiferum have found their stride with this release after a few hiccups in their career.
Epica - Design Your Universe
5
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
As the female-fronted symphonic metal genre is getting bogged down with loads of mediocrity, Epica proves you can still have balls while writing gorgeous melodies.  While some of the lyrics are cringe-worthy, the album more than makes up for it in the wonderful balance it creates between the intense and the serene.
Drudkh - Microcosmos
2
MYSPACE
Drudkh's unique sound is in full force here after a lackluster previous album.  Microcosmos is a hypnotizing release.  Drudkh seems to be able to draw in a listener like no other band.  This album has it all: great solos, heavy riffs and brilliant vocals.  Drudkh's 2009 release also benefits from its ability to throw the listener for a loop.  The album not only has some jazz influence, but the bassist and drummer come more to the foreground than in previous efforts.  A completely satisfying listen.
Tyr - By the Light of the Northern Star
4
MYSPACE
From the opening track, Tyr makes it clear that they are out to prove that folk metal can be bad-ass.  

After a stumble with their previous effort, Tyr came out of the gates with this release with swords raised and chests pounding.  Their harmonies are, as always, top notch, and the musicianship continues to grow.  The overall attitude of the album goes back to their Ragnarok days and captivates the listener with ease.
Sonata Arctica - The Days of Grays
3
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Sonata Arctica seem to be fitting in comfortably with their new sound.  While this may anger traditional power metal fans, I find it refreshing.  Tony Kakko is still proving to be one of the best vocalists in the genre, and the rest of the band gets to show off their skills thanks to the more in-depth songwriting.  While the albums suffers a bit from its flow, The Days of Grays is a rewarding effort due to its melodic hooks, musicianship and unique sound.
Arkona - Goi, Rode, Goi!
1
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Arkona continues to only get better with each release.  Goi, Rode, Goi! has it all: beautiful melodies, jiggy riffs, and crushing atmosphere.  Masha is powerhouse who doesn't seem possible to be stopped.  Now that they are signed to Napalm, we can only hope for a tour.  Once this happens, Arkona will rightfully be the leader of the folk metal genre, and this album proves it.
Please check out Rottenbucher's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
2009
Deathstalker
Reviewer
Please check out Rottenbucher'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 my full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
Please check out Peter'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 Peter's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
2009
2009
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Please check out my full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
STAFF TOP 10 LISTS
Jesse: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
M.J.: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
J.A. Burt: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Peter: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Rottenbucher: 2008 2009 2010 2011
                               2012
Chris: 2009 2010 2011 2012
Roswell47: 2010 2011 2012
Phil A. Wickstrand: 2010 2011 2012
Garett: 2010 2011 2012
Greg: 2010 2011
Lynora: 2009 2010
The Stream: 2009 2010
Deathstalker: 2009
Ilmarinen:  2008
Matt:  2008  2009
Kesh:  2009
Dinah:  2009
Phil A.:  2009