Best albums
1. Behemoth - Evangelion
The Polish death machine have honed their songwriting to such extreme
levels on "Evangelion" that I'm left stupefied by what this
band is able to churn out. From the first to the last song this band treats
the listener to a real fiesta of quality metal.
2. Mastodon - Crack The Skye
A quintessential album from a band that's a sheer force, creating a vortex
of creativity with every album. "Crack The Skye" is best enjoyed
from start to finish - on repeat.
3. Impious - Death Domination
Pure power, pure death, pure quality from the Swedes returning
to old form, "Death Domination" raced like a bullet on to my
best of 2009 list on its release in November. Good song executed by good
musicians goes a really long way and this record easily belongs in the
top of last year's releases.
4. Converge - Axe To Fall
The album that makes me want to create a one man moshpit each time I listen
to it. Enough said.
5. Decadence - Chargepoint
A really strong album from one of the most interesting bands in Sweden
- no weak songs, and to top it off, Kitty Saric on the top of her game.
Runner-ups: The Red Chord - Fed Through
The Teeth Machine, Cattle Decapitation -
The Harvest Floor, Tribulation - The Horror,
Scar Symmetry - Dark Matter Dimensions, Amorphis
- Skyforger
Best live concerts
1. Opeth, KulturBolaget,
Malmö 18/2
The highlight of 2009 came early. No support acts, just 2 hours
from one of the most extraordinary bands on the planet. Magical!
2. Metallica, Forum, Copenhagen 27/7
James Hetfield in good shape goes a really long way! The frontman
dominates the stage with his presence, and enough songs from the band's
old days made this concert one to remember with joy.
3. Twisted Sister, Sweden Rock Festival, 4/6
"Stay Hungry" from start to finish coupled by an inspired
performance from the band that I never thought would make it onto a list
of mine. Sheer professionalism from a band that still is hungry made me
scream out of joy a rather cold night of the festival.
4. Behemoth, KulturBolaget,
Malmö 18/11
A demonic stagepresence by Nergal, with a strong selection of songs
executed with total exactness made the Poles concert at KB one of the
strongest ones of 2009.
5. Soilwork, Sweden Rock Festival, 6/6
Good songs, attitude, and Björn "Speed" Strid - three reasons
to why Soilwork shredded the stage on SRF.
Runner-ups: Entombed (KB Malmö
16/10), Scar Symmetry (KB Malmö 18/11),
Unleashed (Sweden Rock Festival 5/6), Europe
(Sweden Rock Festival 6/6)
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