Staff Top 10 Lists
J. A. Burt
2008
2009
Deathstalker
2009
Chris
2009
Dinah
2009
Phil A.
2009
Matt
2008
2009
Ilmarinen
2008
The Stream
2009
Lynora
2009
Rottenbucher
2008
2009
M. J.
2008
2009
Peter
2008
2009
Kesh
2009
Jesse
2008
2009
Staff Top 10 Lists
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STAFF TOP TEN PICKS
STAFF TOP TEN PICKS
STAFF TOP TEN PICKS
Sonata Arctica reminded us of the caffeine-influenced technical Finnish power metal that they were once famous for. The album is very enjoyable overall.  It has tight production, and new guitarist Elias Viljanen proves himself an able successor to Jani Liimatainen.
Sonata Arctica - Days of Grays
10
BAND'S WEBSITE
MYSPACE
Suffocation - Blood Oath
9
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Definitely a triumphant debut on Nuclear Blast for these seasoned death metallers, Blood Oath is masterfully produced and is ridiculously brutal. Drummer Mike Smith is as precise as always with his fast-paced blast beats, while the riffs and vocals are trademark Suffocation. A great death metal album all around.
Skeletonwitch - Breathing the Fire
8
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Breathing the Fire is a surprisingly catchy fusion of thrash, death, and black metal. The production really brings out the vintage feel that these Ohioans bring to the table. Overall very impressive and definitely a noteworthy release of 2009.
Killswitch Engage - Killswitch Engage
7
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Much more metal than previous KSE releases, their self-titled album has something for everyone. Although the lyrical content was not as metal as my other picks (i.e. Blood Oath, etc.) the production was excellent and the overall sound was a great leap forward from previous releases.
Slayer - World Painted Blood
6
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
World Painted Blood was actually a step back, but in a good way, of course: Slayer's "classic" sound a la Seasons of the Abyss successfully reanimated for 2009. Heavier and faster than Christ Illusion, World Painted Blood proved that these metal legends still have something left. Crunchy riffs, kick drumming, and Kerry King's solos make these metal veterans' album thoroughly enjoyable.
Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings
5
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Some people might not agree that DT's release belongs here, but I haven't heard any substantive reasons why. Overall the musicianship on this album was excellent.  Mike Portnoy can function in a limitless number of time signatures and John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess demonstrate complete ownership over their solos, which are very complex at times. Despite the short track list, the album was very strong and deserves more recognition.
Kreator - Hordes of Chaos
2
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
These German veterans deserve high accolades for their newest release. The album is high-energy from start to finish, very much due to the great drumming, while close to every track contains serious shreddage. This album proves that aging thrashers do not have to slow down the tempo!
Megadeth - Endgame
4
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Andy Sneap was crucial in helping Dave Mustaine bring classic pre-Countdown to Extinction Megadeth sound back to life. Faster than anything Mustaine's band has released in the past ten years, the direction taken in Endgame  was definitely a change for the better. The blistering solos and kick drumming will surely bring a smile to the faces of old-school Megadeth fans.
Hammerfall - No Sacrifice, No Victory
3
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
Hammerfall has done it once again with their latest release. A staple in the power metal genre, these Swedes cranked out a winner, complete with technical guitar solos, Joacim Cans' unmistakable voice, and the usual awesomeness that Hammerfall is known for. Highly recommended if it passed under anyone's radar.
Manowar - Thunder in the Sky EP
1
MYSPACE
BAND'S WEBSITE
I have been eagerly awaiting Manowar's follow-up to Gods of War for quite some time. Not only were the tracks on Thunder in the Sky faster than those on Gods of War, but elements such as double bass drumming and Karl Logan's wickedly fast sweep-picking made this EP well worth the wait. Whether or not you think it's cheesy, these Western NY-based power metallers are definitely headed in the right direction for their full-length.
2009
The Stream
Please check out Peter's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
2009
2009
Please check out Jesse's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
Please check out Peter and Deathstalker's full reviews in the REVIEWS ARCHIVE.
Please check out Rottenbucher's full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
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TO THE TOP
Please check out my full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
Please check out Chris' full review by clicking on the album artwork to the left.
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