Favorite albums of 2008 Here's a run through of my 10 favorite albums of 2008 along with a few other tidbits. I will try to make it quick and fast, just as I experienced 2008, a year that flew by.
1. Ayreon - 01011001 - Read ReviewAyreon created yet another fascinating album. So many singers and so much detail that it took up a good chunk of 2008's listening time. It will be interesting to see where Ayreon goes from here.
2. Enuff Z'nuff - Dissonance - Read Review In case you didn't know, I'm quite fond of Enuff Z'nuff. I was lucky enough to get hold of this strictly limited edition of their (hopefully) forthcoming album and it turned out to be a highlight of the year as well as a highlight in the band's career. Dissonance? No way.
3. Ray Wilson - Propaganda ManTowards the end of the year Ray Wilson delivered an album which marries the dark atmosphere from his latest Stiltskin album with the acoustic renderings of his solo albums. Alltogether it is an effective and wonderful album that comes highly recommended, especially if you like his previous works.
A full review is coming soon.
4. Neal Morse - Lifeline - Read Review A very personal album where thoughts, ideals and beliefs are laid bare in a way that makes the music come alive with emotion. Since I reviewed the album it has stayed in my playlist and continued to grow.
5. Jon Oliva's Pain - Global Warning - Read Review For a long time Savatage fan like me Jon Oliva delivered a heartwarming album with Global Warning. Incorporating elements from his whole career the album somehow succeeds in being both old-school and fresh. Great stuff.
6. Pyramaze - Immortal - Read Review Immortal marked the return of Matthew Barlow and it is a power metal highlight of the year. Great atmospheres and superb playing all around.
7. Sabaton - The Art of WarAmbitious and successful power metal album from the Sabaton guys. If there's one wish I have it's that they tone down the keyboard layers a bit and bring some extra guitar power to the front.
8. Bob Catley - Immortal - Alanna's review Up there with the best Bob Catley albums. Filled with energy and awesome melodies, Magnus Karlsson and Bob Catley prove to be a good fit. Middle Earth is still ranks as my favorite solo album of his though.
9. Brother Firetribe - Heart Full of Fire - Brian's reviewInfectous blend of Metal and AOR.
10. Hello Madness - Light and Life after duskA very nice surprise from Alejandro Milán, former keyboard player of Stream of Passion. I'll leave any further description for my soon coming review.
A few of many memorable songs from the past year Jon Oliva's Pain - Firefly -
Album review An instant favorite, Firefly showcases both the emotional and the powerful side of Jon Oliva's voice. The way the song builds tension is fantastic and to this day I still get chills while listening to it.
Pyramaze - Caramon's Poem -
Album review A song inspired by the Dragonlance saga usually has me at the first note. Caramon's Poem stands as a fitting tribute. The song captures a specific atmosphere, the chorus is incredibly powerful and I just cannot get enough of Morten Sørensen's excellent way of handling the drums.
Enuff Z'nuff - Joni Lynn -
Album review Vintage Enuff Z'nuff. 'Nuff said
Ray Wilson - FrequencyIt's hard to describe how much power is crammed into this relaxed moody song. There is something in the melody and the way the song builds which is very special.
Avantasia - I don't believe in your love - Album reviewGreat tension filled song. I still can't get enough of the chorus.
Dezperadoz - Days of Thunder - Album ReviewWell executed and extremely enjoyable piece of western flavoured hard rock.
Most memorable concerts Manowar at the Magic Circle Festival Avantasia, Primal Fear and Sabaton -
Live at Sweden Rock 2008 Nightwish at Wacken Open Air -
Tommy's Review Abbatizers and Find Lizzy - Live at
Skanderborg Festival 2008 - 1am on a summer night, bare feet in piles of mud after 4 hours of pouring rain. Ok, not really.
