AC/DC. Backtracks (CD + DVD)
It's cool having these rarities on a single CD, songs as Cold Hearted Man and Big Gun are really good (the soundtrack to Last Action Hero still amazes me...I won't even get started when it comes to the movie though). The live CD is OK and some of the videos on "Family Jewels 2" are quite fun too.
 
Asia. Omega
Smooth and extremely harmonious, a strong album that slowly opens up.
 
Avantasia. The Wicked Symphony
Fantastic disc. Rich and melodic without pushing it, classic in some way and with brilliant vocals from a bunch of amazing singers. It's simply impossible to get tired of listening to Runaway Train.
 
Avantasia. Angel Of Babylon
It has a few songs that lack lasting appeal but the ones that click are truly amazing, like the metallic blast of Angel Of Babylon or the epic Journey To Arcadia.
 
Harem Scarem. Mood Swings
Classic Melodic Hard Rock, just a splendid disc.
 
Newman. The Art of Balance
It took some time to settle in but with Stay With Me and Find My Heart the album has two beautiful songs you can always revisit.
 
Pain Of Salvation. One Hour By The Concrete Lake
Clever, challenging and deeply intriguing.
 
Pain Of Salvation. BE
You can't compare this to anything but most importantly it offers excellent music with a melancholic centre, slowly dragging you in.
 
Pretty Maids. Pandemonium
Another mix of power and melody from the Danish veterans. Not their best album but good enough to have been in heavy rotation for weeks now.
 
Queensrÿche. Promised Land (Re-release)
Not fantastic or easy to get under your skin, but there's something fascinating luring in the dark.
 
Rhapsody Of Fire. The Frozen Tears Of Angels
The speak-over promo version almost spoils the fun so I haven't been listening to it that much, but it's clearly a pretty good album with a classic Rhapsody approach, no complaints in that direction.
 
Sabaton. Coat Of Arms
With all guns blazing, strong determination and a massive amount of vigour Sabaton steadily destroy your speaker system with military precision. Nice to hear a Power Metal album of this quality, not too many of those around anymore.
 
Savatage. The Wake Of Magellan (Re-release)
Listening to this album always brings along the most comfortable feeling, almost healing in character. The story, atmospheres and harmonies are no less than extraordinary. The re-release has a chilling Somewhere In Time/Alone You Breathe mix with Jon Oliva in all his glory. I know Jon is getting tired of the reunion questions but we only ask out of pure love for the music Jon, so what about it :)
 
Symphony X. V
It has this almost cold and distant atmosphere, but somehow it fits the story and overall expression of the vast musical journey. Pick out one instrument to follow and you most likely will be truly amazed by the tightness of these guys.

Written by Tommy
Sunday, May 9, 2010