Article - Various Artists - Steen's Favorite Albums of 2010

This is a rundown of my 12 favorite albums released in 2010. Read. Buy. Listen. Enjoy! (Just a suggestion)

Since I missed a lot of albums this year you are very welcome to let me know your favorites below.

1. Album of the Year: Virgin Steele - The Black Light Bacchanalia (Heavy Metal)
Virgin Steele returned with an album that is brilliant in every way. It is different from what they have done before but only they could have made it. I love the, I don't know what other word to use but tender, way David Defeis sings throughout the album as it gives the album a very special feel. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something black, this album is a glorious marriage of all the elements that make Virgin Steele so unique. The Black Light Bacchanalia brings power, glory and inspiration to the soul and what more can you really ask for in music?
Listening tip: Necropolis (He Answers Them With Death)

2. Pain of Salvation - Road Salt Part 1 - (Progressive Rock) - Read my review
Different, surprising, wonderful.
Listening tip: Sisters

3. Enuff Z'nuff - Dissonance (Hard Rock) - Read my review
Dissonance finally got a proper release. The album endures and is just as strong as it was when I first heard to two years ago even if the four bonus tracks or rearranged song order don't do the album any favors.
Listening tip: Joni Lynn

4. Sabaton - Coat Of Arms (Power Metal) - Read my review
Bombastic as hell. The best pure power metal release of the year.
Listening tip: Screaming Eagles

5. Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape (Progressive Metal) - Read my review
A real highlight appeared near the end of the year. Progressive metal with a positive attitude, wonderful melodies and a fantastic singer.
Listening tip: The Angelmaker

6. Star One - Victims of the Modern Age (Progressive Metal) - Read my review
Another handful of sci-fi adventures told through engaging music. Just lean back and enjoy.
Listening tip: Digital Rain

7. Kamelot - Poetry for the Poisoned (Heavy Metal) - Read review by Alanna
Lush atmospheres, beautiful melodies and sudden bursts of power make for a very special album and one that keeps growing. Kamelot have developed in an exciting direction and delivered a mature and quite extraordinary album.
Listening tip: The Zodiac

8. Pretty Maids - Pandemonium (Heavy Metal) - Read my review
Pretty Maids released their strongest album since Spooked.
Listening tip: Cielo Drive

9. Asia - Omega (Melodic Rock) - Read review by Alanna
Believe it or not, this was my first acquaintance with Asia. I was blown away (no pun intended) right away by the pure melodic bliss and a certain atmosphere that ran through the songs and seemed to define the band. I have now started backtracking the Asia catalogue to much delight.
Listening tip: I Believe

10. Masterplan - Time to Be King (Heavy/Power Metal)
Jorn Lande.... the name should strike respect into the chords of even the most equilibristic of vocalists, his voice often being likened to none other than the amazing DIO (R.I.P.). Anyway, he was back in Masterplan and the band took a step back towards reclaiming the throne they climbed with their amazing debut. The album is strong and powerful with a handful of songs standing out.
Listening tip: Blue Europa

11. Blind Guardian - At The Edge of Time (Symphonic Power Metal)
It is a pleasant feeling to know that Blind Guardian are still here, stronger and more inspired than they have sounded in a while. At The Edge of Time is a great mix of early and late Blind Guardian, a strong album and a step in the right direction but there's still some way to their best works.
Listening tip: A Voice in the Dark

12. Pathfinder - Beyond The Space Beyond The Time (Symphonic Power Metal) - Read review by Alanna
Debut of the Year! Pathfinder sounds like the fiery incarnation of a hot night between Rhapsody and Lost horizon. There are several areas where the band can improve and grow but this debut shows incredible potential.
Listening tip: The Whisper of Ancient Rocks

Surprise of the year
Manowar decided to re-record their classic debut, Battle Hymns. The jury is still out on that one.

Favorite Songs of 2010
Pain of Salvation - Sisters
Enuff Z'nuff - Joni Lynn
Virgin Steele - Necropolis (He Answers them with Death)
Sabaton - Screaming Eagles