2008 saw alot of very good albums and a few let down disappointments. Overall, there were some quality releases that deserve a second look before you just shelve everything once and for all.. and some that may last for a lifetime as something special.... the list is in no way in any kind of special order, other than the top album, which is *the* top album, at least in my opinion. Harem Scarem's "Hope" was the ultimate rock oriented release of the past year and nothing else even came close to claiming that title (though some had strong charms that suggested and pleaded their cases otherwise).
HAREM SCAREM - HOPE
If you write off Harem Scarem's "Hope" as being yet another entry in the sea of melodic rock albums, then you missed the point and ignored one of the best discs- if not THE best disc - of 2008. Catchy riffs, exquisite choruses, and honest vocals can get you a long way, but to be truly great and among the must-have albums you have to strive for more and "Hope" does it. It is not just that it lives in the dying shadow of the last gasp from the Harem Scarem name. It may be their final fling but that is not what makes it so alluring. It is the prevailing sense of mortality. It acknowledges our fleeting lifespans, small and infinitesimal in the grand scheme of the workings of the universe, but also encourages us to embrace that for all its worth and to live and love with all that we are. Never in a heavy handed way or where you are feeling preached to, its natural, effortless, a byproduct of the songs rather than the absolute focus. There is also an uncanny ability to make you crave/want/need/require more. To listen again, all the while making your blood burn in your veins and you feel truly, completely alive. "Hope" is about all of that, the pains of love and life- conquering the trials and moving on so we keep "living every day like there's no turning back". And that, more than anything makes it worthy of being the necessary album to own from 2008.
MARCELLO VESTRY
It's not exactly the most original or complicated album on the block but it has an essential component that others very obviously lack- a great deal of spirit. The disc is out to show you a good time. The songs are about attractive women, super fast cars and romance- the stuff of a full, happy life really. It's that familiarity mingled with snazzy choruses and top shelf musicianship that makes this a keeper.
NORTHERN KINGS - RETHRONED
The relentless sirens call lure of four singers, swapping lines on one track was enough to reel me in- hook line and sinker. Tony Kakko also puts in a once-in-a-lifetime achievement award for his absolutely brilliant rendition of "Nothing Compares To U", which completely changes one's view of the song in general. Who knew it could be done with such deep well of rousing soul gripping emotion?
KIP WINGER - FROM THE MOON TO THE SUN
The very opposite of the Marcello/Vestry effect is this extremely human album. Yet its the darker side of reality that we are often faced with on a daily basis rather than the few blissful escapist moments that is the signature getaway that Marcello/Vestry provides. Dark, weighty, thought provoking music which forces you to reflect on life in a variety of ways. Not only that, it contains one of the most moving pieces of the past few years, the simply brilliant "Nothing".
AYREON - 01011001
A massive double disc packed to the limit with progressive pretentiousness in a particularly attractive package. For every maddeningly noodling moment there is an equal one that is sheer brilliance shining. Jorn Lande's presence is absolutely amazing,but everyone else puts in their fair share of nice vocal turns. Arjen is to be commended once again for his magical use of musicians, composing an intricate story that has suitably moving music to match. Its metal's closest offering to a Sci-Fi Hollywood blockbuster, even going so far as to include an array of the brightest stars of the genre.
FROM THE INSIDE - VISIONS
Here, again, its tempting to over analyze the music but this is simply another fun project that is sleek, well balanced and hums like a shiny new, souped up supercar. Under the bonnet is a sporty, flashy little racer that has heart and emotion underneath the shine. Of special note is the vocals of Vaughn as he charms so effortlessly with truly amazing vocals, rich in that buttery smoothness and absolute mastery of his range. The lyrics are often fun, playful and unexpected as with favorites such as "Push Me Off" and "Telemetry".
BOB CATLEY - IMMORTAL
The clever designs from Magnum Karlsson matched up by the silvery charms of Bob Catley create his best solo effort in years. The album's construction from medieval, mystical metal makes a kind of miraculous magic. Catley's previous album was pretty darn run-of-the-mill, but this one makes a case for his spectacular comeback.
JORN LANDE - LONELY ARE THE BRAVE
By sheer force of will, Lande lays commands vocally that are unshakable absolute. He grows in power a persuasion every year that passes by. While his music is in itself nothing overly unique - a thunderous mixture boiling down to the majestic heavy grace of Dio and the subtle blues base and melodic characteristics of Rainbow. A left field veering into Whitesnakey territory as the mood shifts. Ah but its Jorn himself who seems born to give voice to the music and transcends it above the mere pedestrian, elevating it into the realm of fascinating, compelling and completely memorable.
HOUSE OF LORDS - COME TO MY KINGDOM
This is an album that you likely don't even recall much less its release date or anything in depth such as that. There are no real standouts that leave you breathless and begging for more. None of that at all. Yet it is an extremely solid release- one that everytime you do happen to remember its existence its always a surprisingly pleasurable experience. Nothing is overly fancy, though there are big choruses and glowing axework abound (handled by a current pet favorite of mine - Jimi Bell).
STARBREAKER - LOVE'S DYING WISH
A bit of a wait for this one and...its not quite what was anticipated but even yet it is still very damn good. Karlsson...well, the man is a genius of a writer and his guitar style is absolutely delightful. Harnell at the pipes in a rather forceful turn of the mic and music that treads a depressed, dark and edgy modern ground. It makes the album something rather special, and a contender for the future but quite enarmoured with the now. A classy, and very metal release.
OTHER STUFF
Poley/Rivera - "Only Human"
excellent melodic album that was likely overlooked...
Brother Firetribe - "Heart Full of Fire"
didn't have the punch of the debut but still solid...
Leverage - "Blind Fire"
more great music featuring the voice of Pekka...
Royal Hunt - "Collision Course - Paradox II"
did not expect much here but was blown away...
Circle II Circle - "Delusions of Grandeur"
best CIIC album in quite awhile (ever?)
SONG OF THE YEAR
KIP WINGER - "Nothing"
It takes something special to be "Song of the Year". I believe that "Nothing" has that extra element, that unique ingredient - that makes you stop, think, listen and just absorb the music as water to parched skin and feel it pulse in your mind and through your blood. There is one particular moment that makes me catch my breath and sets my soul on fire everytime... a strong statement from a true musician.
The other songs of 2008
(in no particular order)
CHINA BLUE - "Crimes (of Passion)"
NORTHERN KINGS - "Kiss From A Rose"
THUNDER - "Retribution"
BROTHER FIRETRIBE - "Heart Full Of Fire"
EVERGREY - "Still Walk Alone"
BOB CATLEY - "End of the World"
FROM THE INSIDE - "Telemetry"
FROM THE INSIDE - "Push Me Off"
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT - "Locked Within the Crystal Ball"
MARCELLO VESTRY - "Gone"
LEVERAGE - "Don't Touch the Sun"
HAREM SCAREM - "Shooting Star"
ASIA - "Never Again"
JORN - "Promises"
WHITESNAKE - "Lay Down Your Love"
HOUSE OF LORDS - "Come to My Kingdom"
AYREON - "Comatose"
AYREON - "Beneath the Waves"
ROYAL HUNT - "Principles of Paradox"
POLEY/RIVERA - "Only Human"
DISAPPOINTMENTS AND TRAGEDIES
METALLICA - DEATH MAGNETIC
Why do we even get excited about a Metallica album anymore? "Load", "Reload", "St. Anger"- all rubbish really. Is it in hopes of a rebound to glory days? Perhaps, hopes always seem high and are equally let down upon each album's arrival. This latest clunker is everything you'd want - from a Metallica tribute band. Fast songs, Hetfield's signature growling, lightning riffs, the whole nine - even a uselessly long meandering "epic" and everyone would congratulate them and raise their giddy voices in praise if the band was NOT Metallica (well, maybe). But they are, and this disc is neither brilliant or even average. Somewhere below that if you burn those expectations to ashes and ruin and look at the CD minus its publicity fanboyism hooplah. It is boring. It is soulless. They are moving through the motions, but its obvious they don't care. The songs are dead weight and performed by musicians that simply don't give a damn about the music anymore. Could it be more obvious?
TRIVIUM - SHOGUN
Everyone wants these guys to replace the displaced kings of speedy mainstream thrashy metal, Metallica,and yes, this album has some tracks that could be considered as rightful claims to the crown. But there's the vocals. Which are absolute rubbish and shit smear an otherwise solid metal album. If the singer couldn't handle the vocal duties ( a point that is blaringly obnoxious as he growls through anything more taxing than "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"). They should have: hired a fill in to cover for his messy arse, or replace him altogether (so what if he's a major part of the band, he can write, or learn an instrument or something). Or they could have written the music so it would be suitable for his vocal "range". They did none of these things so the effort is totally wasted and the album ends up being garbage waste because of it.
EDGUY - TINNITUS SANCTUM
Tobi. This is so far below your standards you can't even see the light at the top from where this is situated. I know you probably had a blast writing and recording it, but now that its out of your system how about going out of your way to do something more in line with your talents (which are many). This disc is a bitter disappointment, an achingly average album and the whole package is just sad and beneath you - behind the mic and the songwriting pen. Oh and bonus points for the fact it could also turn up on a Tragedies of 2009 Rundown since it had a November European release, but a late January US one. So much potential....for a dual year back-to-back ridiculing.
LUCA TURILLI (and the absence of Dreamquest)
Your Dreamquest II album is done. Supposedly years ago. You could have done three more by now. Just put it out already. Self finance it. Find a publisher. Put some tracks on your website. Make some youtube videos. Just get some of it "out there" already. Thank you.
OF SPECIAL NOTE AND CONSIDERATION
The chick from Benedictum, VERONICA FREEMAN. She changes the way you view female vocalists. Hardly anyone else seems up to the task anymore after hearing her scorchingly awe inspiring pipes.
MAGNUM KARLSSON for being one of the masters of our musical genre at this time. His genius and talent has been apparent on such a wide assortment of discs including Starbreaker and Bob Catley, to just name two from this year.
DANNY VAUGHN for his amazingly smooth vocals for From the Inside and JORN LANDE for being a living legend singer that keeps gracing us with songs that change the perspective of our world.
WHITESNAKE for "Good to Be Bad", their first album in a decade and it keeps to the hard rock spirit of their past without mussing too much into the present pop charts like others have done (Def Leppard... sigh).
GUNS N ROSES and AXL for finally getting "Chinese Democracy" out. Though I have not heard it yet (the track on "Rock Band 2" was a major turnoff), they (he) still gets points for making a music in-joke come to life.
VIRGIN STEELE - LIFE AMONG THE RUINS gets the best 2008 rerelease award because its a major must-own album and has been off the market for an age and a half. Now that its been put out on the shelves again, there's no excuse not having this one loud and proud on your shelf. It's top notch stuff.
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