Best albums

- System Of A Down - Mezmerize
I'm still in chock over the quality Mezmerize possesses. SOAD must be the most innovative metal band worth listening to since Faith No More. Freaked out but at the same time extremely catchy. I consider this to be the best release in this millennium so far.

- Soilwork - Stabbing The Drama
Sweden's finest once again managed to spoil us with another masterpiece. Björn Speed Stridh has developed to a world class shouter and from now on we can call Soilwork leaders, not followers!

- Nocturnal Rites - Grand Illusion
2005 was the year when Noc's released their best album to date. Quite fantastic given the thought the quality of their previous albums.

- Masterplan - Aeronautics
Regardless of what some might say, Aeronautics is without a doubt a melodic masterpiece for the masses. Almost as good as the incredible debut, just a Soulburn away…

- System Of A Down - Hypnotize
Can someone please tell me how the hell it's possible to release TWO albums with this insane quality from the beginning to the end, within six months? It's beyond my imagination anyway.

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Runner ups: Timeless Miracle - Into The Enchanted Chamber, Kamelot - The Black Halo, Savage Circus - Dreamland Manor, Sentenced - The Funeral Album, Morgana Lefay - Grand Materia, Allen/Lande - The Battle, Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
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Not albums but most worthy of mentioning are the DVD's:
- Evergrey - A Night To Remember
Extremely nice footage of a great show, and a lot of interesting extra material.

Biggest disappointments

- Masterplan @ Gates Of Metal
My hopes were high but got squashed like a bug. Their show was nothing more than a extremely efficient sleeping pill and Jorn's band presentation was embarrassing to say the least.

- Peter Wichers parting ways with Soilwork
This was very, very sad news for me personally but I hope and pray that the guys can maintain their fantastic quality without Peter in the band.

- Grave Digger - The Last Supper
A couple of great tracks but apart from that an uninspired effort from one of my old time favourite Germans.

- Shaaman - Reason
Considering the fantastic debut of Shaman this must be one of the biggest disappointments in quite some time. The quality gap between their two albums gives the name change legimity anyway.

Happiest/biggest news

- Hawk @ Metal Covenant
Joining the fantastic staff at Metal Covenant was of course this year's personal highlight!

Best live concerts

- Amon Amarth @ Gates Of Metal
With an awesome intensity and tightness beyond imagination the Vikings from Tumba, Sweden made the trip to Hultsfred more than worthwhile. I still wonder how I managed to survive The Pursuit Of Vikings.

- Nocturnal Rites @ Gates Of Metal
With an enormous response from the audience nothing could go wrong. When you get the feeling that you are their best audience ever, the band has really succeeded with their task. Fantastic!

- Kent @ Norra Fältet, Karlstad
I know you won't understand but I was there and felt the magic. Probably on my personal top-3 concerts, ever!