Post by GL on Jan 2, 2012 12:14:49 GMT -5
While it wasn't a spectacular year for the genre, this actually turned into a somewhat decent year overall that managed to contain enough memorable albums to make the year enjoyable in the long run. While not really having too many stand-out releases, the fact that it's got a lot of good ones makes it certainly worth a look and has a bit of potential in that there's some pretty good groups in the studio for this upcoming year that it might be more worthwhile in the upcoming year despite a solid round of albums for the time being.
10. Almah-Motion
On the more Progressive side of the genre, the Brazilians still manage to release a pretty heavy and enjoyable release that mixes the technicality with some fine thrashing spread throughout. Injecting some melodic sensibilities from time-to-time manages to make the sections where they let loose all the more dynamic, and again with that dose of technicality mixed in with the music, creates a diverse, sonically interesting release that really captures a lot of different emotions, which is well-suited to the lyrics and makes the band just a little more enjoyable. The diversity in the style of songs, though, tends to clash with the vocals, as the deeper-register and mild inclusions of screams and near-Death Metal growls is a little out-of-place on a Power Metal release that typically has the more soaring, operatic style, and the lack of range also comes across as somewhat of an issue, but nevertheless this is a fine release worthy of placement here.
9. Pagan’s Mind-Heavenly Ecstasy
A pretty impressive release, the Melodic/Progressive Norwegians manage to capture all their best attributes here with a solid, if not exactly mind-blowing release that really satisfies instead of impresses. Still full of their explosive lead-guitarwork and a pounding rhythm section, sonically this one steps up the game in terms of sonic enjoyment with some of their best-crafted songs that still retain a lot of their past technicality while making them more accessible by enhancing their melodiousness yet still in keeping with their past glories. The problem here, though, lies in the mere fact that instead of being one that really wows and demands repeated listens, it gives a hint of satisfaction without really going out-of-its-way to do anything else, as while the songs are finely crafted this doesn’t have too many features which really sink in and really draw the attention back for repeated listens, settling in to just be a quick satisfaction style of album instead. It’s a fine quality but one that won’t keep it anywhere else but here on the list.
8. Stratovarius-Elysium
While it may not have the same exact history as with their past efforts, the lack of drama surrounding this one when it was released actually works pretty well in just letting it sink it like their past works. Granted, there’s still some more drama to come from it, but it doesn’t manage to detract what is an almost-duplicated release from their past, with their classy and almost precision-like style of Symphonic Power Metal that sounds like Beethoven and Bach played at hyper-speeds with the technically-precise solos, dexterous drumming and lock-step rhythms played out with their soaring vocals over the top of it all, which is almost like a wondrous return to their past efforts that made them so good when they first started out. Bringing back the large, operatic choruses is a fine choice as well, and it’s nice to be able to see the group engaging in this kind of style again despite the lack of power they had in the delivery back then which keeps this down somewhat. Still, this is a fine return to form and should see them well in their future.
7. Hammerfall-Infected
Having grown into their position of the more Melodic end of the Power Metal spectrum, this one here continues on with their rather catchy new sound with a fine release here. Continuing to make their retro-80s style work well for them in the case of fine mid-tempo grooves, harmonic vocals, pounding drums and adequate if not exactly stellar soloing that seems strangely to really hamper the group almost due to the fact that the mid-tempo style really doesn’t really let them bust out, with the feeling that the band really wants to pour on some speed but feels a bit restrained at times in the slower groove. This is mostly found when it comes time for the solo, whereas the rest of the time this isn’t much of an issue. This is just a minor issue, but one that really doesn’t detract from a rather fun and enjoyable release.
6. Iron Savior-The Landing
A fine return from one of the German originators, this one is old-school to-the-bone and really does an amazing job of capturing what made them one of the unsung heroes of the genre. Filled with fantastic solos, some fine production work on the guitars to give them a fantastic old-school crunch that could’ve come straight out of the 80s, a decent if unimposing drum sound and Pete’s irrepressible vocals that make the old-school turn all the more familiar if slightly repetitious of their past work. It’s all the same-old-stuff coming out here as what was in their earlier releases, and while a better-sounding production might be the only difference, those might not be enough to sway some out but that’s a pretty fine album being missed over if that’s the case. It’s a middle-of-the-road affair from the group, so that’s another little point to get over, but theres a lot to like and it’s got enough to really work in the right conditions.
5. Brainstorm-On the Spur of the Moment
After a somewhat-disappointing last album, the mighty Germans launch back with another superb album that manages to go back to their past with a fun, if slightly overlong release that manages to gain back some momentum they had previously. With some fine, solid guitar-riffs, chunky double-bass blasting and absolutely amazing vocals all carrying along a grand tradition of their past with some fantastic moments, this sound is just plain fun to hear them going back to. Keeping up the great tradition of full-throttle thrashers that are insanely energetic, heavier mid-tempo grooves and epics all spiced up with great solos, precision-sharp musicianship and a nod to catchiness, things are all wrapped up in a solid, sturdy release that fits well here in the Top 5 of the list.
4. Cage-Supremacy of Steel
The newest band to throw itself into “Best Judas Priest Imitator,” and which may in fact be the best, this one is a true beast of an album that continues their relentless march up the Power Metal echelon into the realm of the best. Filled first-and-foremost by the ever-present and relentless shriek of Sean Peck, who wails and falsettos as if auditioning for the replacement in King Diamond, the high-pitched shrieks take some getting used to but fit the blasting, thrashing music better than a glove, as the band themselves are no slouches either. Filled with scorching solos, searing riffs and perhaps the best drum tone they’ve ever as they sound more forceful and powerful than ever before especially on the near-constant double-bass pounding, it all creates a whirlwind of speed and enthusiasm that should see them moving up the ranks rather quickly.
3. Rhapsody of Fire-From Chaos to Eternity
Once again, the off-stage antics of one of the best bands in the genre has managed to overshadow their recorded off-put for the second year in a row, a crying shame as this is a simply glorious release as to be expected from such a band. Once again the seemingly God-like Luca Turilli leads this one to ever-greater heights, as his riffs and epic solos are just so pleasing to the ear and undeniably infectious make for such a satisfying listen all on their own before the grandiosity belted out by the rest of the band shoves it all down with undeniable enthusiasm and energy that it sounds as it did at their peak around the turn at the millennium. It’s all present here, from the absolutely thunderous and dexterous drumming, lush keyboard flourishes that add both an element of epicness and the speed atop which Fabio’s soaring vocals create an absolutely amazing atmosphere even during the Italian tracks. Another winning album, just too bad about the band’s uncertainty.
2. Dragonland-Under the Grey Banner
A much-more recent release but one that still manages to maintain enough steam and power to rank up here in the upper half of the list and nearly unseating the number-one voted album, a clear indication of how good this release was. Always one of my personal favorites for the style, this one turned out to a total winner in every regard, as the usual touch of class with their Symphonic style is taken to the extra degree here with the full-on majesty of the experience, from the interludes and the atmospheric keyboards to the utter rampage the band goes on when letting loose with those pounding drums, absolutely ripping guitar solos and insanely catchy riffs taken to the extra degree than what was done in the past just keeps this one from getting boring, which is what makes this release so much fun and could be a launching pad for them into the upper echelons of the genre.
1. Power Quest-Blood Alliance
An absolutely beautiful and glorious Symphonic release, this may be due to the weak field but it’s still not that difficult to give them the honor as this is a pretty enjoyable and impressive entry that really has a lot of wonderful moments and parts to it. By amping up the speed considerably, this one leaves a lot more lasting impression and manages to keep the energy level high during the bombastic moments that are scattered across with much more emphasis than before. The guitar-work is simply stellar, with furious leads, beautiful solos and a simply beautiful tone that fits the style and tone quite well, and the impressive drumming makes for some rather outstanding times. With fantastic keyboards and some fine vocal work (even if they seem a little too low for the style) this here is a rather fun release that manages to take the top spot here.
10. Almah-Motion
On the more Progressive side of the genre, the Brazilians still manage to release a pretty heavy and enjoyable release that mixes the technicality with some fine thrashing spread throughout. Injecting some melodic sensibilities from time-to-time manages to make the sections where they let loose all the more dynamic, and again with that dose of technicality mixed in with the music, creates a diverse, sonically interesting release that really captures a lot of different emotions, which is well-suited to the lyrics and makes the band just a little more enjoyable. The diversity in the style of songs, though, tends to clash with the vocals, as the deeper-register and mild inclusions of screams and near-Death Metal growls is a little out-of-place on a Power Metal release that typically has the more soaring, operatic style, and the lack of range also comes across as somewhat of an issue, but nevertheless this is a fine release worthy of placement here.
9. Pagan’s Mind-Heavenly Ecstasy
A pretty impressive release, the Melodic/Progressive Norwegians manage to capture all their best attributes here with a solid, if not exactly mind-blowing release that really satisfies instead of impresses. Still full of their explosive lead-guitarwork and a pounding rhythm section, sonically this one steps up the game in terms of sonic enjoyment with some of their best-crafted songs that still retain a lot of their past technicality while making them more accessible by enhancing their melodiousness yet still in keeping with their past glories. The problem here, though, lies in the mere fact that instead of being one that really wows and demands repeated listens, it gives a hint of satisfaction without really going out-of-its-way to do anything else, as while the songs are finely crafted this doesn’t have too many features which really sink in and really draw the attention back for repeated listens, settling in to just be a quick satisfaction style of album instead. It’s a fine quality but one that won’t keep it anywhere else but here on the list.
8. Stratovarius-Elysium
While it may not have the same exact history as with their past efforts, the lack of drama surrounding this one when it was released actually works pretty well in just letting it sink it like their past works. Granted, there’s still some more drama to come from it, but it doesn’t manage to detract what is an almost-duplicated release from their past, with their classy and almost precision-like style of Symphonic Power Metal that sounds like Beethoven and Bach played at hyper-speeds with the technically-precise solos, dexterous drumming and lock-step rhythms played out with their soaring vocals over the top of it all, which is almost like a wondrous return to their past efforts that made them so good when they first started out. Bringing back the large, operatic choruses is a fine choice as well, and it’s nice to be able to see the group engaging in this kind of style again despite the lack of power they had in the delivery back then which keeps this down somewhat. Still, this is a fine return to form and should see them well in their future.
7. Hammerfall-Infected
Having grown into their position of the more Melodic end of the Power Metal spectrum, this one here continues on with their rather catchy new sound with a fine release here. Continuing to make their retro-80s style work well for them in the case of fine mid-tempo grooves, harmonic vocals, pounding drums and adequate if not exactly stellar soloing that seems strangely to really hamper the group almost due to the fact that the mid-tempo style really doesn’t really let them bust out, with the feeling that the band really wants to pour on some speed but feels a bit restrained at times in the slower groove. This is mostly found when it comes time for the solo, whereas the rest of the time this isn’t much of an issue. This is just a minor issue, but one that really doesn’t detract from a rather fun and enjoyable release.
6. Iron Savior-The Landing
A fine return from one of the German originators, this one is old-school to-the-bone and really does an amazing job of capturing what made them one of the unsung heroes of the genre. Filled with fantastic solos, some fine production work on the guitars to give them a fantastic old-school crunch that could’ve come straight out of the 80s, a decent if unimposing drum sound and Pete’s irrepressible vocals that make the old-school turn all the more familiar if slightly repetitious of their past work. It’s all the same-old-stuff coming out here as what was in their earlier releases, and while a better-sounding production might be the only difference, those might not be enough to sway some out but that’s a pretty fine album being missed over if that’s the case. It’s a middle-of-the-road affair from the group, so that’s another little point to get over, but theres a lot to like and it’s got enough to really work in the right conditions.
5. Brainstorm-On the Spur of the Moment
After a somewhat-disappointing last album, the mighty Germans launch back with another superb album that manages to go back to their past with a fun, if slightly overlong release that manages to gain back some momentum they had previously. With some fine, solid guitar-riffs, chunky double-bass blasting and absolutely amazing vocals all carrying along a grand tradition of their past with some fantastic moments, this sound is just plain fun to hear them going back to. Keeping up the great tradition of full-throttle thrashers that are insanely energetic, heavier mid-tempo grooves and epics all spiced up with great solos, precision-sharp musicianship and a nod to catchiness, things are all wrapped up in a solid, sturdy release that fits well here in the Top 5 of the list.
4. Cage-Supremacy of Steel
The newest band to throw itself into “Best Judas Priest Imitator,” and which may in fact be the best, this one is a true beast of an album that continues their relentless march up the Power Metal echelon into the realm of the best. Filled first-and-foremost by the ever-present and relentless shriek of Sean Peck, who wails and falsettos as if auditioning for the replacement in King Diamond, the high-pitched shrieks take some getting used to but fit the blasting, thrashing music better than a glove, as the band themselves are no slouches either. Filled with scorching solos, searing riffs and perhaps the best drum tone they’ve ever as they sound more forceful and powerful than ever before especially on the near-constant double-bass pounding, it all creates a whirlwind of speed and enthusiasm that should see them moving up the ranks rather quickly.
3. Rhapsody of Fire-From Chaos to Eternity
Once again, the off-stage antics of one of the best bands in the genre has managed to overshadow their recorded off-put for the second year in a row, a crying shame as this is a simply glorious release as to be expected from such a band. Once again the seemingly God-like Luca Turilli leads this one to ever-greater heights, as his riffs and epic solos are just so pleasing to the ear and undeniably infectious make for such a satisfying listen all on their own before the grandiosity belted out by the rest of the band shoves it all down with undeniable enthusiasm and energy that it sounds as it did at their peak around the turn at the millennium. It’s all present here, from the absolutely thunderous and dexterous drumming, lush keyboard flourishes that add both an element of epicness and the speed atop which Fabio’s soaring vocals create an absolutely amazing atmosphere even during the Italian tracks. Another winning album, just too bad about the band’s uncertainty.
2. Dragonland-Under the Grey Banner
A much-more recent release but one that still manages to maintain enough steam and power to rank up here in the upper half of the list and nearly unseating the number-one voted album, a clear indication of how good this release was. Always one of my personal favorites for the style, this one turned out to a total winner in every regard, as the usual touch of class with their Symphonic style is taken to the extra degree here with the full-on majesty of the experience, from the interludes and the atmospheric keyboards to the utter rampage the band goes on when letting loose with those pounding drums, absolutely ripping guitar solos and insanely catchy riffs taken to the extra degree than what was done in the past just keeps this one from getting boring, which is what makes this release so much fun and could be a launching pad for them into the upper echelons of the genre.
1. Power Quest-Blood Alliance
An absolutely beautiful and glorious Symphonic release, this may be due to the weak field but it’s still not that difficult to give them the honor as this is a pretty enjoyable and impressive entry that really has a lot of wonderful moments and parts to it. By amping up the speed considerably, this one leaves a lot more lasting impression and manages to keep the energy level high during the bombastic moments that are scattered across with much more emphasis than before. The guitar-work is simply stellar, with furious leads, beautiful solos and a simply beautiful tone that fits the style and tone quite well, and the impressive drumming makes for some rather outstanding times. With fantastic keyboards and some fine vocal work (even if they seem a little too low for the style) this here is a rather fun release that manages to take the top spot here.