I have made the big and quite ambitious decision that now it is time to give all my CD's a chance to be heard. My collection has grown over the years and way too many albums have been heard way too little. So I have decided to go through my entire collection, taking out an album each week and giving it a handful of listens. I plan on rating each album and giving it some comments along the way. So if you wonder why my playlist has a lot of albums by bands starting with A in the coming year then now you know why. A quick calculation shows that this project will be finished in 34 years... I may make some kind of epic article in the future or present these quick reviews in a different way but for now I'll just comment on each album in my regular playlist.
 
 
Abydos - The Little Boy´s Heavy Mental Shadow Opera About The Inhabitants Of His Diary
Maybe the most mental album title ever? Fortunately the album lives up to its title and brings an original and challenging 70 minutes of music. It's a wonderful album that is equally progressive, melodic and spellbinding. Andy Kuntz's vocal performance is enticing to say the least and brings emotional depth to the complex concept. Even though the songs are connected, each has its own identity and is an important brick in the, often musical-like, experience. Not surprising since the album is based on Andy's stage play, with him contributing lyrics, direction and vocal melodies while most of the music has been written by Michael Krauss and Stefan Glass, who is also responsible for the formidable and lively production which only adds to the wonder.
One word review: Fantabulous
Style: Progressive Metal
Favorite songs: God's Driftwood, Abydos, Far Away From Heaven, You Broken The Sun, Radio Earth, Silence, Wildflowersky, A boy named Fly.
Rating: 8/10
 
 
AC/DC - Highway To Hell (2003 Remaster)
The album has a prevailing amount of party rockers delivered with great energy and enthusiasm. There is an infectious groove to the album and after a few listens I was hooked and coming back for more. Something about this album just works.
Bon Scott sings his heart out, is in total control and shows no fear. He is all heart and brings a touch of magic into the album. Sadly the last AC/DC album with Bon Scott. My first but certainly not last of that era.
One word review: Compelling
Style: Rock n'Roll
Favorite songs: Highway to Hell, Touch Too Much, Walk All Over You, Night Prowler, Girls Got Rhythm.
Rating: 8/10
 
 
AC/DC - Back in Black (2003 Remaster)
The first AC/DC album with Brian Johnson on vocals and quite different from Highway to Hell. Hearing the two albums back to back a comparison is inevitable. There's less infectious energy in the vocals and a certain loss of charm. This is compensated for by intensity and sheer power.
The songs are well thought out, include a handful of classics and are all played with great enthusiasm and skill. I currently prefer the high energy and infectious charm of "the highway" but it is a close race and Back in Black ends up as being just as exceptional, only in a different and slightly darker way.
One word review: Honorable
Style: Rock n'Roll
Favorite songs: Let Me Put My Love Into You, Shoot To Thrill, You Shook Me All Night Long, Hells Bells, Back In Black, Have a Drink on Me.
Rating: 8/10
 
 
AC/DC - The Razor's Edge (2003 Remaster)
I bought this album on tape back in the early nineties so this remastered edition has been a nice trip down memory lane. Thunder, Fire, Money and Razor open the album in an explosive, forceful, melodic and intense way respectively. With Mistress the album takes a slide but the trilogy of Ready, Balls, Love puts the album back on the rise. Another great album where a handful of classics are served with much vigor.
Similar for all three 2003 remasters are interesting liner notes, especially for Back In Black and fine digipack wrapping.
One word review: Enduring
Style: Rock n'Roll
Favorite Songs: Money Talks, The Razor's Edge, Fire Your Guns, Are You Ready and last but certainly not least... Thunderstruck!  
Rating: 7/10
 
 
Blind Guardian - At The Edge of Time
Excellent album which mixes early and late Blind Guardian into an effective cocktail. Not on the same level as Imaginations... (my favorite) but on the right path. Superb booklet and artwork as well.
 
 
Pathfinder - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time
I got this highly anticipated release yesterday and have only listened to it once, though at full power. First impression: Wow! The fiery incarnation of a hot night between Rhapsody and Lost horizon.
 
 
Enuff Z'nuff  - Dissonance
Finally released worldwide, the official release of Dissonance is a fantastic album and a return to form as I wrote in my review of the Ltd. Edition of the album back in 2008. The album still holds up. The four bonus tracks are not essential but nice additions. The sound has been cleaned up considerably and it gives the album more punch. Unfortunately the lyrics are severely misspelled resulting in them losing meaning on occasion. A shame.
Since I wrote my original review Joni Lynn has become one of my all time favorite Enuff Z'nuff songs. A real gem.
Those who want to discover Enuff Z'nuff has a great place to start here.
 
 
Grave Digger - The Clans Will Rise Again
A fine album which shows Grave Digger still have tons of power to unleash. Powerful, melodic and enjoyable.
 
 
Sabaton - Coat of Arms / Primo Victoria / The Art of War / Attero Dominatus
I've been warming up for the Copenhagen concert tomorrow. Heavy, bombastic and filled with tension. I might just explode.
 
 
SkullFist - Heavier Than Metal
Highly promising 5-track EP of old school Heavy Metal.
 
 
Deep Purple - Burn
A great discovery.
 
 
Jaldaboath - Rise of the Heraldic Beasts
Quite silly medieval trumpet metal with a certain Python-esque humor. "Axe wielding Nuns" just might be the song title of the year. Instantly fun but it hasn't made a lasting impression yet.
 
 
Saviour Machine - Legend Part II
I'm still finding new things on this one.
 
 
Stan Bush - Everything
There are so many amazing songs in his catalogue.
 
 
CD purchases of the month
Treat - The Pleasure Principle
Pain of Salvation - Road Salt One - Limited Edition
Pathfinder - Beyond the space, Beyond the time
 

Written by Steen
Friday, September 24, 2010