Here is a rundown of 2009 releases I enjoyed the most.
 
Especially two albums stood out in 2009. Cage and Redemption both released absolutely amazing and near-perfect albums. It was a fierce competition but in the end Redemption's Snowfall on judgment Day takes the prize of my album of the year. It won out compared to Cage's Science of Annihilation due to much better production and the deeply moving songs.
 
Album of the Year - Redemption - Snowfall on Judgment Day (Progressive Metal)
Progressive Metal in the best way possible. The album grows and gains a life of its own as the songs evolve and rise further and further with each listen. It's been a long time since so much emotion has been packed into an album.  Read full review
 
2. Cage - Science of Annihilation (Furios Power Metal)
Pure aggression wrapped up in total metal fury from start to finish. The fine thing is that the band never forgets the melody. The result is some fantastic memorable songs. Not even the albums lackluster mastering can kill songs as good as these.  Here's to the hope that 2010 will bring a remastered version with the db level turned down by 10. Read full review
 
3. W.E.T. - W.E.T. (Melodic Hard Rock)
The best melodic Hard Rock album of the year. There is something special about this one. Jeff Scott Soto's voice is fantastic, the production is great and the musicians play with surprising detail and flair, rounding off a brilliant package. Read full review by Tommy or Alanna
 
4. Cain's Offering - Gather The Faithful (Symphonic Power Metal)
An ultra melodic power metal symphony with Timo Kotipelto delivering his finest performance yet, bringing a fragile emotional touch to the album which contrasts nicely with the powerful music. I love the opening of My Queen of Winter as the melody line sets the mood right away and through the album one highlight after another pops up. More Than Friends, Oceans of Regret, Into the Blue and Dawn of Solace are other favorites. Outstanding stuff. Read full review by Tommy
 
5. Wolf - Ravenous (Heavy Metal)
Wolf was my discovery of the year. 11 powerful tracks delivered with total conviction. Every single song has something to offer and the album never gets boring, it just blasts you in the head with one heavy song after another. I prowled the Sweden Rock festival CD shops for the earlier Wolf albums and grabbed all four as soon as I found them. I have yet to sit down and listen to them and for that I have numerous excuses but I'm sure that 2010 will be another great year of discovering Wolf. Read full review
 
6. Powerwolf - Bible of the beast (Heavy Metal)
This pack of even more powerful wolves are led by Attila (the bun), a man with a gracefully huge voice. The result is steel solid metal with funny lyrics and infectious songs that won't leave your head. Ressurection by erection... aahhh... Gotta love it. 
 
7. Spin Gallery - Embrace (AOR)
Fluffy and sweet AOR softness. The album embraces the listener with warmth and chilling emotions.  
 
8. Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings (Proggressive Metal)
6 new songs confirmed that Dream Theater still have the power to impress and surprise. Even if the lyrics to The Count of Tuscany don't quite work in a convincing way. Read full review by Tommy
 
9. Guilt Machine - On This Perfect Day (Progressive Rock)
Arjen Lucassen delivered an atmospheric and alltogether enticing album which took time to get into but delivered a memorable experience. Read full review
 
10. Fairyland - Score To A New Beginning (Symphonic Power Metal)
What better way to tide over the wait for the next Rhapsody album? Suggestions are welcome but this is my recommendation. Rousing and excellent. 
 
11. DGM - Frame (Progressive Power Metal)
Compact and powerful, DGM delivered a finely executed blast of detailed power metal. Read full review
 
12. Cirrha Niva - For Moments Never Done (Progressive Metal)
Eight years after the weird and wonderful Liaison de la Morte, the Dutch progressive metal band was back with something quite different. They have changed their sound considerably and they have a new vocalist. The result is progressive metal of the intense kind. Read full review
 
13. Cheap Trick - The Latest (Rock)
Solid and infectous but it's clearly the more melodic songs that make the album. Sick Man of Europe, California Girl and Alive work more as interludes between the really good stuff than memorable songs. Read full review by Michael
 
14. Bon Jovi - The Circle (Rock)
No pretentions, just good natured rock. Read full review by Sandra
 
 
Best non-metal album
Tori Amos - Abnormally Attracted to Sin
 
 
A few of my favorite songs of 2009
 
Redemption - Black and White World
So moving, so perfect. 8 minutes have never passed this quickly. For the full experience be sure to listen to Sapphire and Memory off the previous two Redemption albums first.
 
Cage - Die Glocke
My vote for the most powerful song of the year. The power of Sean Peck's vocals is astounding. I don't think I will ever tire of those verse lines. Completely out of this world. In the end Die Glocke overtook Operation Overlord as my favorite, again it was a fierce competition and Operation Overlord deserves a medal as well.
 
Dream Theater - Wither
It's hard to hear this song without singing along. Great atmospheric song and the video that accompanies it fits perfectly.  
 
Wolf - Curse You Salem
My favorite chorus of 2009? I think so, although Whisky Psycho Hellions is close behind.
 
W.E.T. - One Day at a Time
My favorite ballad of 2009. Just superb.

Written by Steen
Tuesday, January 5, 2010