Once again Metal Covenant's staff members have voted for their favorites from the year that has passed, and here are the results from another great year of metal music. Six staff members helped contribute with their own personal favourites, which made this list possible. //Niklas, December 2008

	1. Amon Amarth - Twilight Of The Thunder God Excerpt from the review: While I wish I could say something more insightful and complex about the nuances of it, the fact of the matter is that Twilight Of The Thunder God is just a straight-up, solid record. This album is almost impossible not to bang your head to. The riffs and melodic leads are so infectious you can't really help but get drawn in by the energy of its songs. You will almost certainly have many of these tunes stuck in your head for hours after this disc has spun down. Read the full review »»
	2. Metallica - Death Magnetic Excerpt from the review: Everything aside, Death Magnetic is the best anyone could have realistically expected from Metallica. The material written here is as close to going back to their thrash roots as we can likely expect. Were it not for the production, Death Magnetic would have likely ranked higher for me. Despite that, the songwriting cannot be denied and is certainly heavy, musical, hooky, and has its moments that will remind you of those halcyon days of the 80's. Read the full review »»
	3. Testament - The Formation Of Damnation Excerpt from the review: The new and highly awaited album has truly a classic and unmistakable Testament sound to it, a sound they have forged through the years making them have a unique touch. This is the past and the present represented at the same time. The old-school thrash of Testament is present, and at the same time the album is a perfect continuation of their former release. This is The Gathering meets Practice What You Preach in the new millennium. My dear friends, Testament has returned - bow to the masters. Read the full review »»
	4. Opeth - Watershed Watershed takes the ghostly atmosphere from the previous album Ghost Reveries one step further, and makes this for occasionally rather scary, and always fascinating, listening. With great tracks like Coil, Heir Apparent and Porcelain Heart, this is an album that keeps on growing with each spin, and it also marks one of their most progressive efforts to date." (sorry, no review yet)
	5. Warrel Dane - Praises To The War Machine Excerpt from the review: What Warrel serves outside of Nevermore is modern heavy metal with a raw edge yet an elegant sense for the melodic. There is also a high dose of emotion in the music, but of course, much of that comes naturally from his voice. To wrap it all up I have to say that this is a very strong album, with many highlights and no weak spots at all. A solid impression is what I get and if this holds up after even more listening, which I believe it will, this might be a strong candidate for the album of the year. My final words have to be; go buy, now! Read the full review »»
	6. Judas Priest - Nostradamus Excerpt from the review: Rob avoids his shrill cries, but he utilizes his voice in a very unique manner. Scott may stray from double bass, but his drumming is quite pronounced. Hell, I even hear Ian's echo, which is rare indeed. Glen & Ken still shred, but with more reserve and a stronger synth aesthetic. With repeat rotations, careful scrutiny, an open heart, an eager mind, and fealty to the future of Mankind, no true Priest fan shall be disappointed. I implore you to see, feel, hear, and evolve with the Hell Patrol Tyrants of Tradition, the true Sentinels of Steel. Read the full review »»
	7. Sabaton - The Art Of War Excerpt from the review: The panzer battalion from Sweden is back with another release, riding on the wave of the past years' success. And I'll be damned if they with The Art Of War have not created their best album so far. Sabaton has taken it one step further within the realm of their sound and the result is very pleasant. You should safely be able to buy this one unheard if you already are an initiated fan. It will bring you Sabaton as you know and like them, but with an even better edge to it. Read the full review »»
	8. Tiamat - Amanethes Excerpt from the review: This is indeed a diverse album, which picks the best bits and pieces from Tiamat's long and colorful career. The foundation is still gothic rock with electronic effects and gloomy vocals, but Edlund's singing voice is harsher than usual, and there is a feeling of death throughout all the songs. Amanethes is definitely one of the strongest releases of the year so far, and I'm happy to say that the band didn't lose the opportunity to show the world who is still number one in the realm of gothic metal. It's been a long time, but Tiamat are here again, and it was definitely worth the wait. Read the full review »»
	9. Avantasia - The Scarecrow Excerpt from the review: This is concept-wise completely separated from the Metal Opera and stands on its own feet. Once again Sammet has managed to gather more or less the crème de la crème of the vocalists in the genre. Participating this time is none less than Roy Khan, Jørn Lande, Alice Cooper, Michael Kiske, Oliver Hartmann, Bob Catley and Amanda Somerville. Additional musicians are Kai Hansen and Rudolf Schenker on guitar, playing occasional small parts. Read the full review »»
	10. In Flames - A Sense Of Purpose Upon the first few listens, A Sense Of Purpose might not sound as appealing as its predecessor Come Clarity, but in the long run this is the superior album. Except from the eight minute-piece The Chosen Pessimist there might not be that much new on display, just what In Flames have always produced during the years: melodic death metal with enough catchiness and edge to keep the listener hooked for a very long time. (sorry, no review yet)

Runner-ups:

11. Stormwarrior - Heading Northe
12. Sister Sin - Switchblade Serenades
13. Guillotine - Blood Money
14. Ayreon - 01011001
15. Machinae Supremacy - Overworld
16. Vader - XXV
17. Tesla - Forever More
18. Draconian - Turning Season Within
19. Black Stone Cherry - Folklore And Superstition
20. Satyricon - The Age Of Nero

Individual toplists for 2008:

Tommy »»
Thomas »»
Hawk »»
David »»
Niklas »»
Mozzy »»
MettleAngel »»