Post by GL on Dec 31, 2010 15:46:34 GMT -5
Power Metal-As I rightfully predicted last year, the dearth of releases from main acts was mainly due to the touring cycle coming up on the wrong year, so with many of the biggest acts back in the studio, we got a quality selection this time out. That overall led to this year’s crop of albums being among my favorites of the year, although that could also be due to the fact I ranked these the most recently and are still more familiar with them, but no matter, this was a great year for Power Metal that, unfortunately, I see slowing down somewhat due to the fact that, since the main acts just released stuff, they’re out on the road and we’ll be getting the second tier effort this year, but there’s always some surprises here and there so hopefully that’ll happen, but right now it’s not looking likely.
10. Dream Evil-In the Night
A bit of a throw-back album to the mid-80s Heavy Metal scene, these guys are becoming one of the main exponents of consistently catchy, up-tempo fiery Power Metal with tons of melody, lots of sing-a-long choruses and an infectious stretch through the performances that stand out quite nicely and allow the band a little identity. While some would call the lyrics goofy and cheesy, it’s all apart of the show and manages to go hand-in-hand with the music performed underneath it all. While none of these guys will ever be called superb musicians, it’s sometimes as important to have a good time as it is to showcase your skill-level, and nowhere is that on brighter display than on this fine opus.
9. Dark Moor-Ancestral Romance
A long-overlooked band in the genre, this one is a perfectly done Melodic Power Metal opus that mixes in gorgeous female vocals and Gothic Metal overtones to produce a fine album. Filled with the sparkling melodies of Power Metal and the poetic aspects of the former, they’re a rather unusual act in that result in a great listen and a welcome addition to the usual grandiose and bombastic approaches so many use. There’s nothing really wrong here, they take a great style and do it well, but the mid-tempo style on the majority of the tracks makes it feel a little underwhelming on repeat listens and like the band is in need of some energy, but you could do worse in the style.
8. Avantasia-The Wicked Symphony/Angel of Babylon
Granted, there’s two albums listed here, but they’re packaged together, so they’re ranked together. Yet another guest-filled Power Metal opus from the Edguy main-man, dropping many of the Symphonic elements that made the first ones so much fun and heading more in a melodic side, Wicked Symphony is the adventurous one of the two, and might be the more cohesive and enjoyable, yet Angel of Babylon does have it’s own moments of grandeur as well and has more distinction in the track selection as well, and overall they’re a rather enjoyable if slightly exhaustive experience going back-to-back, yet well worth it for fans of the guests or Tobias’ projects in general.
7. Freedom Call-Legend of the Shadowking
More on the melodic side of Symphonic Power Metal, I’ve always thought they were an unjustly overlooked act in the style. This is yet another strong album in their collection, full of those instantly memorable German-born and breed melodies that are so infectious, passionate playing and great variety ranging from the full-throttle to the mid-paced singles and a few ballads thrown in, which is somewhat the style but here they manage to not make it sound like lemons following the herd but their own trademark style. This is somewhat of a lower mix that doesn’t sound as bombastic as they usually have which makes this one rank so low on the list, but this is still another in a long line of quality German metal.
6. Blind Guardian-At The Edge of Time
Wow, what a return to form this one turned out to be. Finally realizing no one really enjoyed the everything-including-the-kitchen-sink approach to Symphonic Power Metal, the Guardians return to form with what made them good in the first place, simple melodies played at full-throttle speeds. That was always a specialty of Hansi’s, and it’s nice to know he can still do that from time-to-time without resorting to overblown approaches. With grand songs ranging from ultrafast leads, riffs and solos to more standard chords and riffs, it all sounds amazing and the tone the guitars have here is just fantastic, perhaps Hansi’s best vocal performance in ages and a superb mix that allows the keyboard and guitars to shine flawlessly, it’s a fantastic return to form. The drumming is a minor problem, buried way too low compared to the others, but its’ a nagging comment on a great album.
5. Helloween-7 Sinners
The Pumpkin-masters return from a slightly disappointing effort to present perhaps their best album since Rabbit Don’t Come Easy, or even The Dark Ride. In fact, Dark Ride is perhaps the closest comparison to be made with this one, in terms of song-writing ability and performance-quality, while the mix is easily as strong as Rabbit. The main focus on this one is the insane drumming, which is perhaps some of the best of the year and it’s thunderous, complex and utterly memorable, yet there’s more to love here, from the frenzied guitar work, memorable vocals and a nice addition of keyboards make for a quality release from a long-time stalwart and easy placement here.
4. Grave Digger-The Clans Will Rise Again
Apparently, this band doesn’t know the meaning of rest, as they appeared on last-year’s list with a similar barn-burner of an album, and this one is possibly better. Taking their usual attack, mixing Traditional Heavy/Power Metal with a sprinkle of keyboard flourishes and the rough-hewn vocals, the band plays with an enthusiasm and vigor rarely matched by bands half their age. Mixing in the full-throttle attacks with a few nicely-placed mid-tempo examples that allow for plenty of balance, they’ve also managed to showcase the long-lost art of the sing-a-long chorus made for the masses live-in-concert, which only adds to the fun. Another gem from a fantastic band.
3. Rhapsody of Fire-The Frozen Tears of Angels
One of the longest-sought-after records in the genre, I’ve been waiting for them to return to prominence for a long time and this is a perfect return to form after a misstep their first time out with the new name. Back to playing at ludicrous high speeds, bombastic solos, overbearing keyboards, Earth-shattering drums and grandiose vocals, it’s something that feels like they’re at their prime again, and really only the lower mix that never sounds as huge as their older stuff keeps this one down, as the melodies really need that space to flourish as intended, but this is still a master class of Symphonic Power Metal taught by the originators.
2. Kamelot-Poetry for the Poisoned
These guys have been favorites of mine for years, and are one of the oldest bands in the genre that I’ve been a fan of, so it’s of no real surprise that they continue to release quality after all these years. They just can’t seem to make a bad song, from their haunting melodies, forceful playing, breathtaking solos and passionate vocals, all whipped together with a variety of tempos and a magnificent production. With timely contributions from well-chosen special guests that actually make an impact instead of just being there for name recognition value, and overall this is one of many highlights in a long, varied career.
1. Gamma Ray-To the Metal
This was really tough as to not give it Album of the Year, but overall I’ll settle for number two if that means we have this kind of quality to listen to. This is just bombastic greatness delivered forcefully yet melodically, with virtuoso playing, break-neck speeds, impeccable performances and just outstanding sense of dynamics that makes for a rewarding listen no matter what happens. With an improved attention to fiery guitar pyrotechnics, this one makes a perfect air guitar moment, and the break-neck paces throughout allow for a fantastic time around. One of their best in years.
10. Dream Evil-In the Night
A bit of a throw-back album to the mid-80s Heavy Metal scene, these guys are becoming one of the main exponents of consistently catchy, up-tempo fiery Power Metal with tons of melody, lots of sing-a-long choruses and an infectious stretch through the performances that stand out quite nicely and allow the band a little identity. While some would call the lyrics goofy and cheesy, it’s all apart of the show and manages to go hand-in-hand with the music performed underneath it all. While none of these guys will ever be called superb musicians, it’s sometimes as important to have a good time as it is to showcase your skill-level, and nowhere is that on brighter display than on this fine opus.
9. Dark Moor-Ancestral Romance
A long-overlooked band in the genre, this one is a perfectly done Melodic Power Metal opus that mixes in gorgeous female vocals and Gothic Metal overtones to produce a fine album. Filled with the sparkling melodies of Power Metal and the poetic aspects of the former, they’re a rather unusual act in that result in a great listen and a welcome addition to the usual grandiose and bombastic approaches so many use. There’s nothing really wrong here, they take a great style and do it well, but the mid-tempo style on the majority of the tracks makes it feel a little underwhelming on repeat listens and like the band is in need of some energy, but you could do worse in the style.
8. Avantasia-The Wicked Symphony/Angel of Babylon
Granted, there’s two albums listed here, but they’re packaged together, so they’re ranked together. Yet another guest-filled Power Metal opus from the Edguy main-man, dropping many of the Symphonic elements that made the first ones so much fun and heading more in a melodic side, Wicked Symphony is the adventurous one of the two, and might be the more cohesive and enjoyable, yet Angel of Babylon does have it’s own moments of grandeur as well and has more distinction in the track selection as well, and overall they’re a rather enjoyable if slightly exhaustive experience going back-to-back, yet well worth it for fans of the guests or Tobias’ projects in general.
7. Freedom Call-Legend of the Shadowking
More on the melodic side of Symphonic Power Metal, I’ve always thought they were an unjustly overlooked act in the style. This is yet another strong album in their collection, full of those instantly memorable German-born and breed melodies that are so infectious, passionate playing and great variety ranging from the full-throttle to the mid-paced singles and a few ballads thrown in, which is somewhat the style but here they manage to not make it sound like lemons following the herd but their own trademark style. This is somewhat of a lower mix that doesn’t sound as bombastic as they usually have which makes this one rank so low on the list, but this is still another in a long line of quality German metal.
6. Blind Guardian-At The Edge of Time
Wow, what a return to form this one turned out to be. Finally realizing no one really enjoyed the everything-including-the-kitchen-sink approach to Symphonic Power Metal, the Guardians return to form with what made them good in the first place, simple melodies played at full-throttle speeds. That was always a specialty of Hansi’s, and it’s nice to know he can still do that from time-to-time without resorting to overblown approaches. With grand songs ranging from ultrafast leads, riffs and solos to more standard chords and riffs, it all sounds amazing and the tone the guitars have here is just fantastic, perhaps Hansi’s best vocal performance in ages and a superb mix that allows the keyboard and guitars to shine flawlessly, it’s a fantastic return to form. The drumming is a minor problem, buried way too low compared to the others, but its’ a nagging comment on a great album.
5. Helloween-7 Sinners
The Pumpkin-masters return from a slightly disappointing effort to present perhaps their best album since Rabbit Don’t Come Easy, or even The Dark Ride. In fact, Dark Ride is perhaps the closest comparison to be made with this one, in terms of song-writing ability and performance-quality, while the mix is easily as strong as Rabbit. The main focus on this one is the insane drumming, which is perhaps some of the best of the year and it’s thunderous, complex and utterly memorable, yet there’s more to love here, from the frenzied guitar work, memorable vocals and a nice addition of keyboards make for a quality release from a long-time stalwart and easy placement here.
4. Grave Digger-The Clans Will Rise Again
Apparently, this band doesn’t know the meaning of rest, as they appeared on last-year’s list with a similar barn-burner of an album, and this one is possibly better. Taking their usual attack, mixing Traditional Heavy/Power Metal with a sprinkle of keyboard flourishes and the rough-hewn vocals, the band plays with an enthusiasm and vigor rarely matched by bands half their age. Mixing in the full-throttle attacks with a few nicely-placed mid-tempo examples that allow for plenty of balance, they’ve also managed to showcase the long-lost art of the sing-a-long chorus made for the masses live-in-concert, which only adds to the fun. Another gem from a fantastic band.
3. Rhapsody of Fire-The Frozen Tears of Angels
One of the longest-sought-after records in the genre, I’ve been waiting for them to return to prominence for a long time and this is a perfect return to form after a misstep their first time out with the new name. Back to playing at ludicrous high speeds, bombastic solos, overbearing keyboards, Earth-shattering drums and grandiose vocals, it’s something that feels like they’re at their prime again, and really only the lower mix that never sounds as huge as their older stuff keeps this one down, as the melodies really need that space to flourish as intended, but this is still a master class of Symphonic Power Metal taught by the originators.
2. Kamelot-Poetry for the Poisoned
These guys have been favorites of mine for years, and are one of the oldest bands in the genre that I’ve been a fan of, so it’s of no real surprise that they continue to release quality after all these years. They just can’t seem to make a bad song, from their haunting melodies, forceful playing, breathtaking solos and passionate vocals, all whipped together with a variety of tempos and a magnificent production. With timely contributions from well-chosen special guests that actually make an impact instead of just being there for name recognition value, and overall this is one of many highlights in a long, varied career.
1. Gamma Ray-To the Metal
This was really tough as to not give it Album of the Year, but overall I’ll settle for number two if that means we have this kind of quality to listen to. This is just bombastic greatness delivered forcefully yet melodically, with virtuoso playing, break-neck speeds, impeccable performances and just outstanding sense of dynamics that makes for a rewarding listen no matter what happens. With an improved attention to fiery guitar pyrotechnics, this one makes a perfect air guitar moment, and the break-neck paces throughout allow for a fantastic time around. One of their best in years.