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Best albums

- Steel Panther - Feel The Steel
I had not heard too much of Old Skool, but once I saw the video for "Death To All But Metal", I was hooked. Then, after watching "Fat Girl" and "Community Property", I was totally sold! This album is the epitome of the '80s "Hair Band" heavy sound, with an homage to Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Slaughter, Poison, and some of the most XXX rated lyrics ever! The music is top notch, and the songs are so memorable. I have even convinced die hard old schoolers to check out this act, and they too are most pleased! Now, I just need to see them play live!

- Heaven & Hell - The Devil You Know
Heaven & Hell have created a solid blend of music sure to satiate any fan of Sabbath's Dio era. Almost every classic music enthusiasts is ready for a break from Ozzy's wearisome presence. Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell are separate entities; an antimony of altruistic fervour; winnowed by fevered eidetic alacrity. Enjoy this for what is, a rubric in the black gospel of time and not an adulteration.

- Ensiferum - From Afar
This album has just blown me away. Ensiferum are the bastard offspring of Metallica and Amorphis. They are now honoured rivals with Amon Amarth and their ilk. This album cleary demonstrates their capability as musicians of the highest caliber and mettle might.

- Impaler - Cryptozoology: Creatures Of God?
These Minnesota Horror Mettle mavens have been creating their mayhem and madness for over 25 years, with no sign of abating. Led by the "Tall, Dark, & Gruesome": Bill Lindsey, these Punk Goths have created their most Metal album to date, with members new and old present. This is their very first conceptual release, as well. I highly recommend getting to know these lords of darkness and the mystical macabre they malevolently create.

- WolfMother - Cosmic Egg
Wolfmother have captured the essence of the '70s in every respect. The bookends to their library of inspiration can be found in Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. The rubrics to reconnaissance are etched in the archives of Acid Rock. The old oak shelves, which store the vital information, are built upon the solid foundation of Aerosmith, Queen, Nazareth, Uriah Heep, April Wine, Thin Lizzy, UFO, and their ilk. The dark, cosmic, egregious stories and moon lore are painted with the atmospheric pentimento presence of Pink Floyd, charged by the high voltage of AC/DC.

Biggest disappointments

- The Tragic Death Of Michael Jackson
Forgot about all the media hype! Michael Jackson is the undisputed "King Of Pop". He is the soul reason why all of our favourite acts gained popularity via MTV in the '80s. He even employed Eddie Van Halen, and Slash for wicked guitar work, and you just cannot beat it! Long live the thrill of "Jacko"!

- New Albums By Megadeth and Slayer
I totally disagree with most Metalheads! The new Megadeth was not all that great, 'Cryptic Writings' is far better! The songs were not that much of a departure than what Dave has been writing so far. It is just that now Chris Broderick was given a chance to shine. New Slayer was also a step back. I sympathize with Tom's back surgery, and the cancellation of the big Thrash Tour, but the album, and the ridiculous packaging were all overblown.

- Judas Priest And Whitesnake Live
For me, this was the most anticipated show of the summer. Unfortunately, it was a total let down. I love the most recent Whitesnake album, but most of these songs were ignored live. David Coverdale bragged about the 25th Anniversary of 'Slide It In', but never played the song. His vocals were so strained, and a few nights later he lost his voice, altogether. Speaking of vocals, Rob Halford's was in full form, but he could not remember half of the songs on 'British Steel', like "The Rage", "Steeler", etc., or even "Freewheel Burning" for that matter. His choice of wardrobe was less Metal God, and more homo fad, with his family jewels dangling from his unitard. I think Rob wanted to present his own whitesnake, for his male companions; ignoring the steel cry for vengeance of his fellow band mates.

- The Inactivity Of Our Metal Covenant Staff
It was a difficult year for me, with fatal illness, and family concerns; but, I did my best to keep the site alive. I was sad to hear that Thomas and Hawk were retiring, as they had even influenced me before I joined almost five years ago. I wish Thomas all the best with his new love, and new home, self built. I send my blessing to Hawk and his family, and his future pursuits. I am just curious what happened to Lord Randall? Did he even contribute one CD review? Thankfully, Jukuun and Martin have proved valid and productive new additions. Nate, you are such an excellent writer, please make use of your talent more. I wish Allie all the best, as she is now working for Victory Records. I am grateful that I was able to recommend you and Nate. Here's to a more productive 2010.

- The Music Of Metal In General
Perhaps I am showing my age, but the Metal Milieu sure has changed since I first became a dedicate. I have been enjoying the music and madness for over three decades, but so many of today's bands just do not appeal to me. Recently, Wendy, some friends, and I played the "Metal Mental Meltdown" trivia board game, and we were amazed how many acts that were once considered Metal, are now really viewed as being Classic and Hard Rock. My taste is much more in line with Eddie Trunk and the dudes on "That Metal Show". All these harsh vocals, breakdowns, hardcore, brutal riffs, may be redefining the sound and style of the genre, much to our lament. I prefer my Metal with all the classic elements. I have grown increasingly more tolerant of some bands, of whom I once despised; but overall, the newest bands do very little for me. Lately, I have been ensconced in rediscovering acts from the early '90s who I once dismissed, but now really enjoy, like The Cult, Soul Asylum, Soundgarden, Gin Blossms, etc.

Best live concerts

1. Metallica/Lamb Of God/Gojira

2. AC/DC/The Answer


3. "Warriors Of Metal Festival" featuring: Aska, Twisted Tower Dire, Lunarium, Eternal Legacy, Zephaniah, etc.

4. Skid Row

5. Auburn Records 25th Anniversary Show featuring: Shok Paris, Destructor, Breaker, Wretch, Attaxe, H.A.T.E., etc.