3) Avantasia, Ghostlights (Nuclear Blast)
When I first listened to Ghostlights back in January, I knew this would be on my list of best albums. It received an incredible amount of positive feedback that brought Avantasia to North America for the first time and, of course, I was there, and it was one of the best shows of the year for me. Tobias Sammet has beyond proven to be a genius in power metal, and his Avantasia project is a pure example (still, check out Edguy!). It is a nearly flawless album and the strongest I have seen from Avantasia.
Album Highlights: “Mystery of a Blood Red Rose,” “Let the Storm Descend Upon You” “Draconian Love”
2) Gojira, Magma (Roadrunner)
Gojira’s Magma should be classified as the most powerful album of the year as it is one that captivates the bitter emotion after the loss of a loved one. Many questioned their softer and experimental direction, however, it has struck a depressing chord on me as it is purely about the loss of brother’s Joe and Mario Duplantier’s mother. After losing a parent, and seeing one die right before your eyes, your life is forever changed. It was the opening song “The Shooting Star” that started it all, “Avoid the darkness, stay away, stay out of sight,” where you are begging for your loved one to stay alive. It’s haunting, daring, and musically compelling and I managed to morph a few friends into Gojira fans.
Album Highlights: “The Shooting Star,” “Silvera,” “Only Pain”
1) Metallica – Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (Blackened)
Let the Metallica haters keep on hating. Yes, I understand Testament’s Brotherhood Of The Snake (Nuclear Blast) and the solid return of Megadeth with Dystopia (Tradecraft/Universal) were terrific releases and close contenders. However, after waiting eight years for a new Metallica album which feels longer than the wait for the return of Tool, Metallica has utterly surpassed my expectations. The promotion for this album was unbelievable as they provided secret shows for fans, early releases and the unheard of fact, which they premiered a music video for each song. Musically, the production quality is tight, catchy, and it is the only album that exists on my phone.
Album Highlights: “Atlas, Rise!,” “Dream No More,” “Spit Out The Bone”
Honorable Mentions:
Ihsan, Arktis (Candlelight Records)
Omnium Gatherum, Grey Heavens (Avalon)
Nervosa, Agony (Napalm)
Starkill, Shadow Sleep (Prosthetic Records)
Exmortus, Ride Forth (Prosthetic Records)
