Wow, Where does one start when talking about their favorite albums of 2005. Well, for one, there was a shitload of good music that came out. And there were some bad albums, which I ended up completely ignoring. So nothing has changed. But yet it is hard to really pick out what my top albums of the year were. Lots of things happened this past year, for example, my infamous whirlwind move to Cincinnati. There were quite a bit of albums that provided the soundtrack to this quick and eventful year. 2006 has already started on a good note, so why dwell on the past right. Nah, there were good times and good music, so here is what comes to my mind of what I felt were some of my favorite albums of 2005.


James Labrie - Elements of Persuasion
This one got much more play than Octavarium. I think that this more metallic stance proved to be Labrie's calling. He didn't become a carbon copy of DT in his own right, and more power to him. Rock on!!

Soul Sirkus - World Play
2005 will go down as the year that the Hashman delved a little too much into AOR, which is a good thing. I just hate that according to reports; this might be the only release from these guys.

Stride - Imagine
This is the way Progressive Metal should be; especially at a time when it has become a little overzealous with so-called "over-the-top" production and saturation of the market.

Kino - Picture
The best pop/rock release that I have heard in a long time. Most might argue that it is "prog-rock" but I say pop/rock, I just can't wait for the next one. Kevin Gilbert lives!!!!

Presto Ballet - Peace Among the Ruins
Kurdt Vanderhoof and Co. are pure genius. This gives Metal church a hell of a run, that's for sure. This is an album that really puts just straightforward balls to the wall hard rock back to the forefront.

Man on Fire - Habitat
Along with Kino's Picture, here is another album that features highly sophisticated pop/rock. "Habitat" is an improvement for the band. If there is one album by that band you want to get, this is it. I really didn't care too much for their other albums, but this one, really changed my tune about the band.

King's X - Ogre Tones
This is the album that fans have been writing for. Their best since Ear Candy. Even after years of fooling around, they still can prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

RPWL -The World Through My Eyes
One of the most moving records to ever bestow up the ears. The song "Roses" is one of those songs that really conveys emotion unlike no other.

Startovarius - Stratovarius
Whatever most people think about this "new direction" the band has taken, there is no denying that they have set a new standard for power metal. And all kidding aside, there is only so much of that constant double bass that we can take at once.

Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
Although this album had to grow on me, "Deadwing" really hit me once it sunk in. This album along with a lot of other PT reissues I was able to get my mitts on received heavy rotation in my player.


Most annoying song on 2005
"Because of You" by Kelly Clarkston.


Best thing I did for myself in 2005
"Stopped drinking sodas" I literally used to drink 3 or 4 Cokes a day.


Forecasts for 2006
New OSI, Magnitude 9, Rush, and Vox Tempus albums. I hope.


And Last but certainly not least

Best Book of 2005
Why it's the Alt.Culture.Guide V.2 of course (Ha Ha).

Written by Hashman
Sunday, February 5, 2006