Cage - Science of AnnihilationCage has released another devastating metal attack. I will wait with any judgment until I have a proper version of the album since the digital promo I received sucked so badly in sound quality that it didn't feel right to keep listening to it. However, even with the terrible sound quality my first impression of the music is amazing.
Primal Fear - 16.6 Before the devil knows you're deadThe new Primal Fear album has been anxiously awaited and it doesn't disappoint. It's varied, powerful, melodic and soars above their last album, New Religion. The addition of Magnus Karlsson seems to have given the band a creative burst though I long for a few more high speed tracks.
Gamma Ray - Heading for TomorrowThe first Gamma Ray album has a few misses but beside that it is solid entertainment. Good album.
Dogpound - IIIMy favorite hard rock band coming out of Sweden in the past years. Their first three albums have kept improving on their style and III is just excellent all around. The good thing about their songs is their lasting ability. III has kept improving since I first heard it two years ago. The band is in writing mode so look out for a new Dogpound album in 2009!
Megadeth - Rust in PeaceA classic and an unforgettable discovery back in the day.
Loverboy - Just Getting StartedThe perfect warm-up for a splendid summer.
Slayer - Decade of AggressionThis live album was my introduction to the band back in 1992. I was fascinated right away. Expendable Youth with its incredibly heavy leading riff, the crushing War Ensemble, the other worldly South of Heaven, the mentally insane Dead Skin Mask and the holocaust horror epic Angel of Death were the songs which peaked my interest initially and showed signs of something special. Compared to the original versions these live versions hold many favorite moments.
Cage - Hell DestroyerMy favorite album of 2007.
Still brilliant. Wolf - RavenousClassic Heavy Metal with bite.
Read the full review.
Riot - ThundersteelI wrote in my Wolf review that they were my discovery of the year. Well, here's another one. Riot's Thundersteel is awesome in every way. It's hard to explain but it has the feel of a classic even though I've only listened to it for a couple of months. There is just a special feel running through all the songs. Hard, fast, heavy, metal.
W.A.S.P. - The Headless ChildrenSo, I'm a bit late... This makes a good first impression. Potentially excellent with great vocal and guitar work.
Annihilator - Set the world on FireThe re-release is a good way to rediscover the album even if the sound doesn't differ much.
Thine - In TherapyIt was one of the first albums I
reviewed when the site went online back in 2002 and to the day I still pull it out for a listen. Splendid album that captures a unique atmosphere.
Edguy - Tinnitus SanctusA positive surprise from the first listen since I never really got into Rocket Ride and still hold Vain Glory Opera and Theater of Salvation in high reverence.
Not that this is a complete return to form but "The Pride of creation", "Nine Lives", "Wake up dreaming black", "Dragonfly" and "9-2-9" are great songs and have all been favorites at some point with "9-2-9" taking the first place at the moment with a superb drive and an incredibly hummable chorus. It's just great songs which get you in a good mood.
"Ministry of Saints" and "Speedhoven" come close to succeeding but miss something to convince completely. The element of surprise is missing, an original spark that makes things seem less calculated.
"Sex Fire Religion", "Thorn without a rose" and "Dead or rock" are mediocre, incredibly unoriginal and don't hold any lasting interest unless you favor Edguy as some kind of Whitesnake clone.
The band still has what it takes but they need to focus.
CD purchases of the monthCorin & Edman - Roc de Light
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Rainbow - Bent out of shape
