[Forcefedfreak]

You guys don't think this year was good for metal? There were some awesome releases in 09, but I thought this year was just as good!
 
Some of my favorites from this year:
 
Agalloch

 
 
The Ocean

 
 
In Mourning

 
 
Holy Grail

 
 
Ion Dissonance

 

[dspang]

+1 on the Ion Dissonance Track.  Cursed was a major return to form for them.  Though it was also a really good blending of styles from their old days and the Minus the Herd album.  Excellent overall.

 

[BobSaysHi]

Quote:

1. The Sword - Warp Riders
2. Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit
3. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
4. Horseback - The Invisible Mountain
5. Bonobo - Black Sands (not metal, but w/e)
 
Overall, I was disappointed with metal this year. I'd only give Warp Riders and Marrow an 8/10.

I've changed my mind. I got the Melvins/Isis Split Vinyl for Christmas, and that would have to be number 1 for me.

 

[Trogdor]

Just bought 2 tix to see Agalloch in March...definitely gonna be on my list....still working on it.

 

[Trogdor]

2010 Top 7 List:
 

1. At the Edge of Time (Blind Guardian)

 
     Probably their best release since Nightfall.  Songs like Valkyries, War of the Thrones, and Sacred Worlds are just instant Blind Guardian classics.
 

1. We Are The Void (Dark Tranquillity)

 
     As DaveBSC stated, after all these years, these guys still have it.  It starts very strong and ends very strong with some filler in the middle.
 

1. The Panic Broadcast (Soilwork)

 
     Okay, the last Soilwork album blew.  This one completely rocks.  I think Soilwork is back on track.  The Panic Broadcast is not revolutionary but its a solid release.
 

1. Marrow Of The Spirit (Agalloch)

 
     Its Agalloch.  They really don't do bad releases from what I can tell.  I am a new fanboy but they just rock.  The album isn't as good as Ashes but its again a good release.  Its worth it just for the track, The Watcher's Monolith!
 

1. Kvelertak (Kvelertak)

 
     Surprised, shocked, and amazed.  This has to be one of the best releases this year.  I discovered this album via this very thread and all I can say is WOW.  Please check out this album if you haven't already done so.
 

1. Kalmah (12 Gauge)

 
     Yeah its not Swampsong or Waltz but its a decent album.  I don't think the production is nearly as bad as some have reported and let's face it, its still Kalmah.  These guys are very talented at what they do.
 

1. Order Of The Black (Black Label Society)

  
     Great album by Zakk.  Modern day Black Sabbath with a lot of catchy riffs and cool solos.  Just a great American Heavy Metal album. 
 
Most disappointed:
 

1. Poetry for the Poison (Kamelot)

 
This album just sucks.  I don't know how to be nice with this one.  The Zodiac is ridiculous and the last few concept tracks are short and obnoxious.  I love this band, I think Youngblood is very underrated but this is not nearly what it should be.  With Roy having some kind of nervous breakdown, this band really needs to dig deep, regroup, and evolve the Karma/Black Halo sound.
 
I didn't include any live albums (Opeth, Megadeth, and Meshuggah come to mind).
 
I probably forgot something or someone...
 
 
 

 

[Kiiskinen]

Some personal recommendations, mostly from the underground of Southern-Finland. It's uncanny how even a small country like this has so many great bands that most people -- even metal fanatics -- from other countries don't know about. I mean everyone knows Nightwish or CoB, but they are not close to being the best stuff FInland has to offer (not to even mention HIM.. barf). Just makes me wonder how many great metal bands that I don't know of there are in other countries.
 
Profane Omen - Superpowertrip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdpJApDkI_w
 
Misery Inc. - Hymn For Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rr07xSWPyc
 
myGRAIN - W.I.F
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5q0vOzBKR4
 
Kill the Romance - Inner Cell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyxMU2DbdLY
 
Velcra - My Law
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSgklqzWGxs
 
Lullacry - Perfect Tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abtjk_RLeaY
 
Full Diesel - K.I.A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyc_tDtHNss

 

[Trogdor]

Quote:

I agree that last year was awesome for metal, and because of that the year seemed kind of bland in comparison. The only metal cd that I've heard that truly stood out as being worth mentioning, was fragments of form and function by Allegaeon. Sure lawless darkness is pretty good for black metal, and triosphere's cd the road less traveled grows on more every time I listen to it. Oh yeah. One other cd did come out this year that I loved, the 2010 remaster of valley of the damned by dragon force.

So icant make a top ten but a top 3??
1. Fragments of Form and Function by Allegaeon
2. Valley of the Damned by Dragonforce
3. The Road Less Travelled by Triosphere

Though until writing this article I was convinced that Evanglelion came out this year, but a quick check with wikipedia ruined that for me

That Triosphere album rocks!  I just downloaded it and am listening to it now....its very Heavy Metal (the 80s movie)....

 

[Tiges]

Caliber 666

 

[MrMet]

Quote:

You guys don't think this year was good for metal? There were some awesome releases in 09, but I thought this year was just as good!
 
Some of my favorites from this year:
 
Agalloch

 
 
The Ocean

 
 
In Mourning

 
 
Holy Grail

 
 
Ion Dissonance

wow i was really impressed with in mourning. sounded really, REALLY good.

 

[Trogdor]

Agreed, I have to check out In Mourning, thanks for that...

 

[DaveBSC]

Quote:

Agreed, I have to check out In Mourning, thanks for that...

Monolith is a great record, but IMO Shrouded Divine is a bit better still.
 
 

 

[Angelbelow]

 
Another solid 2010 release IMO.

 

[Cianyx]

Atlantean Kodex's The Golden Bough snags top place for me. It is the most glorious work of metal ever since Manowar

 

[Trogdor]

Quote:

Atlantean Kodex's The Golden Bough snags top place for me. It is the most glorious work of metal ever since Manowar

Listening to them now actually after your post (on YT)....very cool, better than Manowar IMO.  The vocal style is not my cup of tea (at least on first listen) but the music is cool.  Definitely have a few new ones for the new year, Atlantean Kodex, Triosphere, and In Mourning.

 

[Bullseye]

High On Fire - Snakes for the Divine is a great album IMO.