Best albums

1. Mastodon - Crack The Skye
Just like one year ago, it didn't require much thought to decide who was to have the honour of claiming top spot. Like Opeth, Mastodon is an extraordinary band which usually produces masterful albums. This release was no different; once again a concept album with obscure lyrics, Crack The Skye offered a fascinating journey through different musical landscapes once one took the time to sit down and listen to it carefully. While intricate and dynamic, the compositions were magnificent; containing beautiful melodies, huge riffs, breathtaking musicianship and bags of spellbinding, expressive emotions.

2. Candlemass - Death Magic Doom
With this one, Candlemass managed to create a monster of a metal album, prompting many - including band leader Leif Edling himself - to rank it as the band's best since their classic debut. Death Magic Doom comprised some absolutely colossal riffs and the song material was marvellous, with epic, majestic numbers such as The Hammer Of Doom, The Bleeding Baroness and House of 1000 Voices. Also, the brilliant contribution of singer Robert Lowe once and for all buried the ghost of one certain former vocalist.

3. Megadeth - Endgame
Those who had heard it reported that Megadeth's upcoming CD was a true return to former glories, reminiscent of the mega-classic Rust In Peace. In the end, Endgame didn´t quite reach those dizzying heights, but it was nevertheless an amazing thrash metal record. Its content had a striking vitality; a fire and aggression courtesy of fantastic riffs and jaw-dropping, blistering guitar work by main man Dave Mustaine and latest recruit Chris Broderick. As for the song material, it did not include an anthem such as, say, Symphony Of Destruction, but it was of a very high standard throughout the disc.

4. Alice In Chains - Black Gives Way To Blue
The announcement that a new record from Alice In Chains, without deceased original singer Layne Stayley, was on its way had many doubting the outcome. Surely, no one can have expected that it would stand up very well to the releases of the last decade. But remarkably, that is exactly what it did; the comeback was a tremendously crafted piece of work, full of great tunes - heavy as well as subtle ones. But most of all, Black Gives Way To Blue showcased an irresistible, genuine character of heart and soul, penetrating through to the most cold-hearted of human beings - especially apparent in the tear-inducing title track.

5. Behemoth - Evangelion
After a few listens, the Poles' new effort simply grew and grew. A torrent of relentless death metal brutality which attacks the listener, the music was performed with a conviction which was extremely forceful, to the point it was almost frightening. Even more remarkable, then, that they managed to apply this extremity and still create appealing songs. A most impressive release which will expand Nergal and co's already considerable stature even further.

Runner-ups: Paradise Lost - Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us, Napalm Death - Time Waits For No Slave, Katatonia - Night Is The New Day, W.E.T. - W.E.T., Hardcore Superstar - Beg For It, Steel Panther - Feel The Steel

Best live concerts

1. Faith No More, Download Festival
The second gig by this seminal band since their celebrated reformation was a true privilege to witness; it was nothing but a fantastic performance which left me overwhelmed to an extent I have rarely experienced before.

2. Testament, Islington Academy, London
Branded beforehand as an exclusive occasion, it was a special gig indeed: the thrash gods played their two first albums in their entirety! I hardly have to say anything more to emphasise just how awesome this night was.

3. Def Leppard, Download Festival
The finale of 2009's Download Festival couldn't have been more perfect. With a superb, crowd-pleasing show, also memorable because of Joe Elliot's touching tribute to Rick Allen, Def Leppard proved that they are still one of the undisputable giants of hard rock.

4. Y&T, Sala, Sweden
The legendary Californians delivered a marvellous, extensive set, packed with brilliant tunes. In addition, the sense of community between the likable band members, playing with passion and sincerity, and their loyal fans was a sight to behold.

5. Nile, Scala, London
A breathtaking display of bone-crushing brutality and astonishing musical skill, performed by a truly innovative band within their genre.