TOUR DATES

INTERVIEWS

CD REVIEWS

LIVE REVIEWS

PHOTOGRAPHY

COMPETITIONS

FEATURES

CONTACT INFO

METAL LINKS

TOP ALBUMS OF 2008

TOP 10 - OLIVER CASS Unlike last year’s black streak of misery, this list is relatively diverse. In alphabetical order; Arkona - Ot serdca k nebu (Napalm Records) Technically this should have been on last year’s list as I got the 2007 Russian Sound Age edition, albeit a bit too late. An utterly brilliant combination of folk, Death, Doom and Black Metal, resulting in the creation of a beautiful but wild record. Aura Noir – Hades Rise (Peaceville Records) Filthy Black Thrash Rock ‘n’ Roll! A great come-back album after Aggressor’s near brush with death. Catchy, black-lined and festering in filth – lovely! Bloodbath – Unblessing the Purity EP (Peaceveille Records) I didn’t expect these Swedes to come back with such a savage EP! Memorable, short and sweet; worth buying for ‘Blasting the Virgin-born’ alone, though there are no fillers. Hail of Bullets – Of Frost and War (Metal Blade) Another Death Metal super-group, though this time made of members of Asphyx, Gorefest and Thanatos. I’m not the biggest fan of old school Death Metal, but found this to be a very strong and enjoyable listen. The chunky, cavernous Death riffage and Martin van Drunen’s distinct cries certainly make this album the success that it is. Krv – Ponor (Non Salvation/Atrium Torngi) Dark, obscure and marvellous. Krv hail from Sarajevo, Bosnia and produce some of the most memorable music I’ve heard from the Black Metal underground. Their links to Norway’s Koldbrann can be vaguely traced through their style of Black Metal, though for the most part they have developed their own interesting direction. Speaking of Koldbrann, their mainman, Mannevond guests on the track ‘Bundet til Masten’. Metallica – Death Magnetic (Vertigo) Here we have the band who converted me 9.5 years ago (yes alright, I’m just a whippersnapper). After the mid 90’s abominations and ‘St Anger’, ‘Tallica have finally released another very good album. ‘Death Magnetic’ saw them clawing back to their older days though not entirely sticking to them. There are more than hints of the ‘Load’ and ‘Re-load’ era but it would have been pointless to produce a straight repeat of their 80’s magic; they’re a different band after all. Their best album in my opinion since the ‘...Justice’ days. Thank you Metallica! Opeth – Watershed (Roadrunner Records) For once an Opeth album isn’t number one, it’s just ‘in’ my best of list. I haven’t decided whether it’s one of their more favourable releases yet, but I was pleased Mr Akerfeldt again pushed the boat out and experimented further with new sounds. Amongst other things, blast-beats in ‘The Lotus Eater’, hurrah!! Septic Flesh – Communion (Season of Mist) I remember not being able to stop playing the promo version of this when I received it to review, and knew it would be a part of this list. The entire album is so well composed and structured it almost sounds perfect. This is also an excellent example of how to use an orchestra within an Extreme Metal context and carry it off with class. Avant-garde Death Metal indeed. Vader – XXV (Regain Records) I wouldn’t usually include a ‘best of’ in one of these lists, but this is absolutely worthy of inclusion. How often do bands re-compose and re-record songs from their 25 year history for such a release? Well I for one don’t hear of it, but Peter decided that was exactly what was to be done for this and I wholeheartedly commend him for it. ‘XXV’ is of course the end of another era for Vader, and a very well thought-out package it is. The two CDs feature 25 songs mostly taken from their older records, sharpened up and presented to us in furious fashion. Private Pleasure Gabriella Cilmi – Lessons to be Learned I’ve never been opposed to listening to the most un-Metal things and found this to be an unusually good Pop album. She’s got a lovely voice and can certainly write a decent tune - ‘Sweet about me’ is the proof. ...and don’t worry, the new Take That doesn’t follow :p Most anticipated albums of 2009 With the exception of Arkona and Vader this list has become blacker than a coal mine at midnight. Other than Secrets of the Moon, it’s alphabetical. Secrets of the Moon – Privilegivm 1349 - TBA Antaeus/Katharsis split EP Arkona - Goi, Rode, Goi! Drudkh - TBA Endstille – TBA Shining - Klagopsalmer Vader – Necropolis Live performance of the year Secrets of the Moon – Hamburg Kaiserkeller 30/5/2008. Secrets annihilated practically every gig I’d been to for the past 3-5 years with this performance. It was like the early days all over again for me. Thanks must go to Secrets for being such a bloody passionate live band. Festival of the year Party San 2008 Not having been to any open-air-festivals other than Wacken, it was a little odd going to something on a much smaller scale, but I had a great time in the end. Festival performance of the year Endstille – Party San 08/08/2008 They were savage, monotonous and created an atmosphere you could have cut with a knife. Seeing Iblis pouring a bottle of blood over himself was quite a spectacle too.

TOP 10 - LARS CHRISTIANSEN Alestorm – Captain Morgan’s Revenge (Napalm Records) Do you remember the time when metal used to be about fun and japes? Before all that black metal came along and turned everyone into po-faced grumps? Alestorm do too. Luckily, they also like pirates quite a bit too, which is nice. This album rocked my socks to such an extent this year that I thought about sawing off a leg, poking an eye out and going off on some mad adventure off the coast of Somalia. “YOU HAVE A WOMAN’S HAND MY LORD!“ said Captain Redbeard Rum from Blackadder. He wasn’t talking about these salty sea dogs, though. Yarrr! Forefather – Steadfast (Seven Kingdoms) Anglo-Saxon brothers Wulfstan and Athelstan sure know how to keep a metaller waiting for their best album. But, over ten years since formation, they finally created their masterpiece – and what an awesome album it is too. Bonus points for having a track called ‘Brunanburh’, which, strangely enough, is the same sound an old guy I work with makes when clearing his catarrh filled head. Decrepit Birth - Diminishing Between Worlds (Nuclear Blast) Despite being decrepit, these guys can still play their instruments to an amazing level of skill (thank those arthritis wonder medicines). Tired of being Suffocation worshippers, these guys decided to do their best late period Death impression, albeit a pumped up steroid fuelled version with warp spasming, shit spewing pustules and nasty, jagged spikes. Killer! Aura Noir – Hades Rise (Peaceville Records) A quick trip out of a forth floor building head first didn’t stop Aggressor and co creating a deathly thrash album of the highest quality this year either. These naughty Norwegians certainly know how to ‘old school’ it up when they want to create a stir in MY pants. Eldrig – Mysterion (Supernal Music) I’d been eager to hear the latest installation of Eldrig Van See’s solo work away from his home of Fanisk, and I was not left disappointed by this, his third album. As bombastic as Shaggy (well, he was Mr Bombastic – it wasn’t a musical reference), and as musically honed as the likes of Bal Sagoth and Summoning mashed up on some horrid underground black metal skag – this is an album of epic proportions. Esoteric – The Maniacal Vale (Season Of Mist) Got a spare hour and three quarters on your hands? Then you could do worse than checking out Esoteric’s most recent trip into cold, stony isolation. They’ve even been kind enough to spread it over two discs so those too weak willed to sit through its epic doom filled entirety can take short naps and tea breaks in between. Jolly good of them if you ask me. Grand Magus – Iron Will (Rise Above Records) Having lost the majority of their early doominess (for the better, in my opinion), Grand Magus decided to go full on metal for Iron Will. I’m talking ‘fist pumping, chest beating’ metal here, none of this flimsy Kit Kat wrapper nonsense that Metal Blade have been releasing loads of recently. Septic Flesh – Communion (Season Of Mist) Eugh, imagine having Septic Flesh. It’d be all green and manky. Thankfully, the members in the band photo all look Septicaemia free. I’m happy to say that their music isn’t stinky and off-colour either, but after listening to it a few times in a row at a ludicrous volume, I did have quite bad earache. Perhaps I should ring Claims Direct? Where there’s a blame there’s a claim. Rotten Sound – Cycles (Spinefarm Records) Have you ever had one of those moments when you find yourself wondering what it’d be like if you were invincible whilst being repeatedly shot in the head? No? Me neither. Honest. Rotten Sound’s Cycles gives a jolly good impression of what it might be similar to though. Maybe. Celestia - Frigidiis Apotheosia: Abstinencia Genesiis (Apparitia Recordings) I just put this in because the title was long. Just kidding, Celestia returned triumphant with their frosty, depressing blackened dirges just in time before the credit crunch kicked in and made everyone depressed anyway. Howling and cavernous, just like Janet Street-Porter’s mouth.

TOP 10 - CHRIS DAVISON Note to readers: This list does not involve any re-releases nor E.P. Releases. This is good for all the bands below. This is not so good for bands that are called Candlemass, who otherwise would have had an extremely strong showing in this years list! Ereb Altor – By Honour (Ihate records) Bathory. Doom. Two great metal motifs, but what would happen if you squeezed them together in some kind of unholy mud-wrestle and then recorded the resultant audio outfit? You'd get this – so epic the front cover ought to have Mike Patton in a bowling hat and boxing gloves rapping on it. Badly. Majestic, languid Viking hymns that linger in the mists. Vader – XXV (Regain Records) I know, I know, re-recorded material can often be filler, but for a band that has never sounded so slick and professional, this was just as viable an option as new studio material. Bringing modern firepower to some archaic songs has revitalised their back catalogue. The double-disc edition should be required listening for any neophyte death metal fan. Spearhead – Decrowning the Irenarch (Invictus Productions) Easily the most essential and compelling band in the British underground today. This leviathan release took the concept of warfare and conflict to blistering new levels. Taking black and death metal influences along with a careful and thought provoking attention to detail, Spearhead produced a stone cold classic. Alestorm – Captain Morgans Revenge (Napalm Records) Ok, Ok, so this is essentially Turisas as funnelled through a filter consisting of equal parts McEwans export and cheese, but this was the feel-good soundtrack to my summer. The material here is probably best heard at a summer festival while extremely drunk, but does sound nether the less like a band on the ascendancy. Fall of the Idols – The séance (Ihate Records) You've got your drone-doom, your death-doom and your stoner-doom. Then you've got your TRUE DOOM. Fall of the Idols are so TRUE they can only truly be written about in big, bold CAPITAL LETTERS. No gimmicks, no frills and no compromise. Fall of the Idols are heavier than you and your mates, and if you argue they will come around and fill you in. Slowly. Unleashed – Hammer Battalion Unleashed (SPV) While they call Six Feet Under the AC/DC of death metal, Unleashed have (not so) quietly become the Motorhead of death metal, with this amazing continuation of the strong form begun with “Midvinterblut”. Pacy, unrelenting and unashamedly groovy death metal, this takes Mjolnir to any number of MySpace Morbid Angel copyists and smashes them directly over the head. Viking brutality has never sounded so vital. E-Force – Modified Poison (Thundering Records) Fact: There were 67364 thrash records released this year. Fact: 67351 of them were complete and utter garbage. Fact: This was by far the best thrash album of 2008, and the finest top-ten release featuring Eric Forrest in this list. Viking Skull – Doom Gloom Heartache and Whiskey (Powerage Records) I was so prepared to hate this on the grounds that it featured an ex-member of Raging Speedhorn and a current member of Cky that I was completely unprepared when it turned out to be the best god damn combination of rock and metal this year. Does exactly what it says on the tin? Well, maybe so, but add a side order of “awesome”. Kiuas – New Dark Age (Spinefarm) This was one of the absolute gems released this year. A magnificent release that overpowered almost everything from any genre, not just power metal. Taking influences from all metal, this is heavier, catchier, and more...erm...Kiuas-er than their previous works. The Gates of Slumber – Conqueror (Ihate Records) Ihate records may have gone off the boil a little bit this year compared to last, but The Gates of Slumber were not prepared to let them go unrepresented in this “best of 2008” list. Full of traditional heavy metal, this smelled of denim, leather and Saxon back patches. Mixing doom with unashamed revelry in sword and sorcery, flashing blades metal, this was the be-paunched purists aural equivalent of a wet dream.

TOP 10 - ANDREW DOHERTY Arkan – Hilal (Season Of Mist) Furious and intense Death Metal meets traditional Middle Eastern sounds. The theme is sinister, so is the music, and we’re in the middle of an awesome experience. Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver (Sensory Records) I “discovered” this long-standing band at ProgPower Europe. “Dark Deceiver” is not just technical metal of the highest quality. On top of that the riffs are hooky and the singer adds a further dimension to take it to great musical heights. Devilish Impressions - Diabolicanos Act III Armageddon (Conquer Records). I willingly admit to involvement with Devilish Impressions but this album is the successful culmination of an ongoing 10 year project to bring a modern atmospheric blackness into our world. Mercenary – Architect Of Lies (Century Media) It sounds like Mercenary always do, so it’s heavily progressive, commercial and catchy, but this time with a greater mix of vocal styles and more emphasis on aggression. The sort of album which can obsess you. Zonaria – The Cancer Empire (Candlelight) A great mix of Swedish heaviness and Polish-style symphonic blackness. Carcigenous indeed. Eluveitie – Slania (Nuclear Blast) A sight to behold of stage with all their mediaeval and modern instruments, Swiss band Eluveitie capture all their Celtic energy on “Slania”. Ananta - In Media Res (Symbol Musik) Thumping modern metal from this French band. Bright, great tempo, and full of variety, “In Media Res” is an album which invites involvement. Enslaved – Vertebrae (Indie) Typically expansive and tight, Enslaved have branched out into a more progressive sphere. The fire still sweeps darkly through the earth, though. Dark Fortress – Eidolon (Century Media) When Germans do Black Metal, they do it properly. “Eidolon” is a prime example. In spite of losing their talismanic lead singer since “Seance”, Dark Fortress imperiously maintain the tradition of Total War through Black Metal. Unearth – The March (Metal Blade) A really tight and catchy piece of Metalcore from the Americans. Very fluid and audience-pleasing.

TOP 10 - ANDY DUKE Severed Savior – Servile Insurrection (Willowtip Records) Quality release. Brutal, technical metal that gives you are hard kick in the balls, and doesn’t wait for you to get your breath back before brutalising you some more. Brain Drill – Apocalyptic Feasting (Metal Blade Records) Geeze! This album is bloody amazing! Fast, in your face stuff. You’d think this lot would have been around since the beginning of death metal......cos they’re up there with the best! Krisiun – Southern Storm (Century Media) Once again, here we have some reliable punishing malevolent music from the guys from, Brazil. Consistent and excellent, as always. This one hits the nail right on the head! Deeds of Flesh – Of What’s to Come (Unique Leader Records) As you would expect from these boys, an album of aggression, quality songwriting and tip-top production to give you one of 2008’s best brutal death metal releases. Detrimentum – Embracing the Deformity (Grindethic Records) Top stuff from the Brits. Heavy as hell and non-stop like a steamroller slowly crushing you from legs to head, this album is a gem encased in a rotting carcass of putrid flesh. Dyscarnate – Annihilate to Liberate (Self Released) The boys from Horsham have done good. Brilliant in the live arena and growing in maturity musically by the year, this brutal death metal band from England are one to watch out for! Desecration – Forensix (Metal Age Records) The Welsh boys have come back and given us a clinical display of fast paced, crushing metal. An excellent production to boot means that Forensix is one of the better releases of the year. Cynic- Traced in Air (Season of Mist) Well. I thought that there was no way they’d even get anywhere near the same class as Focus. Erm....I was wrong. Awesome music that is a must have in anyone’s metal collection. Dismember – Dismember (Regain Records) Simple, no frills, down the line, what you see is what you get Dismember and it works! Bloodbath – Unblessing the Purity EP (Peaceville Records) Yep! I’ve chosen the EP above the album. Why? This EP is about as good as EPs get and the four tracks in total are top quality, and in my opinion outshone the album which was later released.

TOP 10 - MARTIN HARRIS Nachtmystium – Assassins (Candlelight Records) Sabaton – The Art Of War (Black Lodge Records) Cult Of Luna – Eternal Kingdom (Earache Records) Satyricon – The Age Of Nero (Roadrunner Records) Dismember – Dismember (Regain Records) Hail Of Bullets – Of Frost And War (Metal Blade) Paganizer – Carnage Junkie (XTreem Music) Septic Flesh – Communion (Season Of Mist) Enslaved – Vertebrae (Indie Records) Opeth – Watershed (Roadrunner Records)

TOP 10 - LUCI HERBERT Gama Bomb – Citizen Brain (Earache Records) Crack open a brew and wreck you neck to this piece of thrash that will warp you back to the days when the NES ruled supreme! Thrash at its fastest, silliest and funnest (sic). Todesbonden – Sleep Now, Quiet Forest (Prophecy Productions) If it were possible to depict a solitary wander through autumnal foliage in musical form then Todesbonden have surely captured it here with this rich tapestry of beguiling melodies and bewitching vocals. Mesmerising! Aura Noir – Hades Rise (Peaceville Records) This list would simply be incomplete without this aggressive piece of thrashed-up blackened filth shot straight out of the bowels of Satan himself. If you can resist the brazen swagger of ‘Gaping Grave Awaits’ then you are a better wo/man than I. Septic Flesh – Communion (Season Of Mist) This bombastic offering takes us through dramatic extremes of contrast as the light makes the dark appear all the more intense. Truly resplendent! Warrel Dane – Praises To The War Machine (Century Media Records) This solo effort from the voice of Nevermore came as quite a surprise. A sophisticated, soulful release with the kind of beauty that unravels more with each listen. Opeth – Watershed (Roadrunner Records) This Swedish juggernaut continues to grow with this stunning array of compositions that bring together warmth, darkness and devastation in equal measures, while Akerfelt’s vocals blend effortlessly throughout. Poisonblack – A Dead Heavy Day (Century Media Records) Ville Laihiala brought us this rather striking album that combines melancholy with enough of a crunch to make the banks shed a tear or two. This one seemed to sneak into my cerebral cortex with such subtlety that I didn’t see it coming, and has stayed there ever since. Sub Rosa – Strega (I Hate Records) A truly haunting and hypnotic record by these Utah doomettes. Get swept away by the sheer etherealness as you become engulfed in the overwhelming mass of fuzz. Lovely stuff. Zwartketterij – Cult Of The Necro Thrasher (Displeased Records) This one came early in the year but it hasn’t been forgotten. With its infectious ditties about raising hell to heavy metal and chopping up bitches with chainsaws, it’s a bit like Gama Bomb but with corpse paint. Just good old, filthy necro fun! Destruction – DEVOLUTION (AFM Records) The titans of Germanic thrash are back with their best album since The Antichrist, as Schmier & co dish up this platter of thrash that is full of animosity and with a somewhat atavistic approach. There’re a couple of weak points but it thrashes hard enough to make it worthy of a place in my top 10. Near misses: Kampfar – Heimgang (Napalm Records) Testament – The formation of Damnation (Nuclear Blast) Battlelore – The Last Alliance (Napalm Records) Bonded By Blood – Feed The Beast (Earache Records) Surprise of the year: Exodus – Let There Be Blood (Nuclear Blast)

TOP 10 - CHRIS KEE Demiurg - Hate Chamber (Mascot Records) Hate Eternal – Fury And Flames (Metal Blade) The More I See – The Unholy Feast (Transcend Media) Nevermore – The Year Of The Voyager (Century Media) The Gates Of Slumber – Conqueror (I Hate) Leviathan – Massive Conspiracy Against All Life (Moribund Records) Forefather – Steadfast (Seven Kingdoms) Bloodbath – The Fathomless Mastery (Peaceville) Hammers Of Misfortune – Fields/Church Of Broken Glass (Profound Lore) Motorhead – Motorizer (SPV) Near misses and honourable mentions… Deicide – Til Death Do Us Part (Earache) Uriah Heep – Wake The Sleeper (Sanctuary) Battlelore – The Last Alliance (Napalm Records) The Lamp Of Thoth – Portents, Omens And Dooms (Miskatonic)

TOP 10 - LEE KIMBER Draconian - Turning Season Within (Napalm Records) Bloodbath - The Fathomless Mastery (Peaceville) Opeth - Watershed (Roadrunner records) Amon Amarth - Twilight Of The Thunder God (Metal Blade) Gojira - The Way Of All Flesh (Listenable Records) Esoteric - The Maniacal Vale (Season Of Mist) Testament - The Formation Of Damnation (Nuclear Blast) Metallica - Death Magnetic (Vertigo/Universal) Cynic - Traced In Air (Season Of Mist) Keep Of Kalessin - Kolossus (Indie Recordings)

TOP 10 - WOJTEK KUTYLA Cynic - Traced in air (Season Of Mist) Absolute king. Must-have, legend coming back to life. If you are into heavy music and you don’t know Cynic, shame on you. This is one of the most original and progressive bands around; powered by the genius of guitarist Paul Masvidal, bass virtuoso Sean Malone and drum hero Sean Reinert, Cynic delivered an ultimate masterpiece. A perfect blend of classical, delicate tones, jazzy chords and kick-ass, brutal attacks. Their previous record, “Focus” set the standard for unexplored things in metal genre; “Traced in air” is no different, and it will be remembered for a long time, I suppose. If there is one bad thing I could say about Cynic, it goes to Mr. Malone (who does not perform live): dude, you suck. I know people travelling around the world after Cynic on tour to see you playing and… you don’t give a damn. You’re a genius, but you still suck. Ok, rant is over. Akphaezya - Anthology II (Ascendance) This is something which completely blew me away. French band of weirdos, playing a totally unique mix of avant-garde metal, heavily influenced by jazz, trip-hop, electronica and some other shit I can’t even name. Fantastic Nehl Aelin on vocals here, my personal surprise of the year. Don’t be fooled by amateur-ish cover of this record; if you have ears opened wide, you may like it or even love it. Genghis Tron - Board up the house (Relapse) I didn’t like their previous records too much. They were interesting, but bit too grindcore for my taste; very, very brutal and uncontrolled, while being very synthetic at the same time. And then, “Board up the house” came and it washed out all my bad thoughts about these dudes. Seeing them live was like a religious experience, too. Electronica taken to the extreme - and it sounds great. Fantastic record. Atrox - Binocular (Season Of Mist) Pack of the old friends of mine, metallers from Norway. In the old days, the most extraordinary band in the metal underworld, with enigmatic and strange Monika Edvarsen (of the Holy Edvarsen ;) performing vocal duties. Nowadays, they are not so crazy anymore, but they still play very interesting and challenging music. Rune, their new vocalist has an absolutely fantastic voice and Eivind with Rune, Tor-Arne and Erik are kick ass too. Still, they’re pretty much unique and well worth listening to. Check these blokes live if you will have a chance - it’s a mind-blowing experience. Lunatic Soul - Self titled (K Scope) Praised by myself a lot of times, this is the ultimate dark, sweet and seductive liquorice stick :D Not sure what to say about this one anymore, as I have said it all before. Meshuggah - obZen (Nuclear Blast) Wohohooo, now that’s an ultimate mindfuck. Heavy, technical, selective, very powerful record. Great lyrically too, as you could expect from Haake (who, wrote the lyrics as well as drumming). If I want to wake up in the morning, I listen to Meshuggah. They are better than the cup of coffee - even if it’s Kopi Luwak. Ha ha. Opeth - Watershed (Roadrunner) Whenever Opeth release something, I am not scared of listening to it for the first time. I know that this will be top quality stuff and that I won’t know what to say about it. Same happened with “Watershed“; it’s such an intense, dramatic and intelligent record that I am not sure if I can just say that I simply like it. It’s more than this. Beauty and the beast. Textures – Silhouettes (Listenable) When I have listened to the samples which Stef Broks, Textures drummer played to me from his mp3 player during the show in Sheffield (back in 2007), I wasn’t expecting such an intense record. The things he played were mellow, ambient melodies of electronic space… And then bang, it goes “Silhouettes” with this crazy, controlled polyrhythmic chaos. Mmmm. Doughnuts. A Ninja Slob Drew Me - One Week In Sand (Self Released) Sometimes we don’t have to look far away to find amazing music. DJ Brown, eight-string bass musician is the creator of this extraordinary, soothing piece of electronic, eclectic music. Support Dan and buy his cd. It’s worth 10 times the price (so maybe buy ten?) Septic Flesh - “Communion” (Season Of Mist) I was sceptic (not septic ;) at first, but it grown in me. Very entertaining. Great vocals, from the bottom of Hell, probably. Symphonic additions are rather funny, but it’s still very worth checking out and giving it a chance. First track rules.

TOP 10 - RICHARD LAWSON I didn’t find this year a particularly great one for new releases. In fact I would go so far as to say I was generally disappointed by what 2008 had to offer, although this may be due to my own expectations of certain bands than their ability to deliver. One disc stood head and shoulders above all others for me this year. I have played it at least once every day since it was released. Hail of Bullets – Of Frost and War…. (Metal Blade) A death metal master class in the Nazi invasion of Russia in 1941 that is epic and brutal in equal measure. Comprised of members of longstanding Dutch metal legends Pestilence, Thanatos, Asphyx and Gorefest in my opinion this disc from Hail of Bullets surpasses all of their collective output. Musically brilliant and, for a history graduate like myself who specialized in this subject, lyrically it demonstrates an incredible depth of knowledge on the part of vocalist Martin Van Drunen. I also had a clear second favourite album. Withered – Folie Circulaire (Prosthetic Records) The second release from Atlanta’s second best band (the first being Mastodon) is a swirling epic of unrelenting blackened doom with elements of grind thrown in for good measure that will hopefully get them a decent UK tour support in 2009. As to the rest I wouldn’t presume to put them in any order at all. Soulfly – Conquer (Roadrunner) More brutal tribal rhythms on album number six from Max Cavalera and crew. Thankfully like everything he does lately the emphasis has moved away from the tribal and back towards the brutal. Amon Amarth – Twilight of the Thunder God (Metal Blade) A disappointing follow up to ‘With Oden on Our Side’ in almost every way but still better than any of the other bands in this genre who are following in their wake. War of Ages – Arise and Conquer (Facedown Records) Christian metalcore from the USA and nobody is more surprised than me that this makes it into my favourite albums of the year. Packed full of metal riffs and hardcore swagger I have played this a lot since reviewing it. Move over Killswitch because you’ve been dis-Engage-d. AC/DC – Black Ice (Columbia) OK so it doesn’t have Bon Scott on vocals and it isn’t as good as ‘Back in Black’ but it’s the first album in 8 years from the greatest guitar duo in hard rock history. Oh yeah, and it does have some decent tunes on it. Bring on the tour is all I can say. Master – Slaves to Society (Twilight) The latest release from founding fathers of the 80’s extreme metal scene that influenced bands like Benediction, Napalm Death, Pestilence and Carcass, but all that has seemingly been forgotten. All hail Paul Speckmann for producing albums this good against a background of apathy and diminishing returns. Death Angel – Killing Season (Nuclear Blast) A welcome return from my favourite 1980’s young upstarts after a 4 year hiatus. More chilled than in their heyday but Mark Osequeda still has a great voice, ably backed by the rest of the gang playing on some well crafted songs. Testament – The Formation of Damnation (Nuclear Blast) Me and Testament go way back into the mists of time when they were called Legacy. I still have the demo cassettes to prove it in the attic somewhere. I saw them more times than I can recall and bought all their records until ‘Souls of Black’ when I lost interest. The fact that I bought this CD 18 years later indicates what a triumphant return to form this is. I’ve just realised that’s only 9 CDs but I guess the fact I cannot bring a 10th to mind indicates the dearth of quality produced, for me at least, in 2008 – here is hoping to a better 2009.

TOP 10 - PAUL MADDISON Iced Earth – The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II) – (SPV Records) Demiurg – The Hate Chamber (Mascot Records) Dismember – Dismember (Regain Records) Grand Magus – Iron Will (Rise Above Records) Driver – Sons of Thunder (Metal Heaven Records) Pathosray – Pathosray (Sensory Records) The More I See – The Unholy Feast (Transcend Media) Braindrill – Apocalyptic Feasting (Metal Blade) Bloodbath – The Fathomless Mastery (Peaceville) Rotten Sound – Cycles (Spinefarm Records) Notable exceptions: Pure Inc – Parasites & Worms (Dockyard 1 Records) Venomous Concept – Poisoned Apple (Century Media) Lethargy – Purification (Powerage Records) Ross the Boss – New Metal Leader (AFM Records)

TOP 10 - ELLEN SIMPSON Crom - Vengeance (Pure Steel Records) Crom’s “Vengeance” is my favourite album of the year, simply because I have NOT stopped playing it since it fell into my hands. Setting a new standard for epic metal, this powerful, accomplished, catchy, dramatic album is an absolute gem that will seduce even those who think power and catchiness aren’t their thing. Racing guitars, absolutely stunning vocals, evocative imagery and an intimate yet classy production combine to make “Vengeance” the ultimate fulfilment of Quorthon’s ‘Viking’ promise. Outstanding. Helheim - Kaoskult (Dark Essence Records) Helheim’s sixth album is so painstakingly written and cunningly structured that it easily withstands the test of multiple spins. Tricky and dark, “Kaoskult” melds old and new black metal into a shiveringly good listen, the individual elements of which are just as delicious as the whole. Enslaved - Vertebrae (Indie Recordings) Proving once again that intelligent metal need not be a crime, Enslaved have drawn deeply on their broad range of influences to write an album that provokes thought, awe and delight. A mind-bending fifty minutes of churning, layered evolution, “Vertebrae” is magnificent in its chiaroscuro, its contrasting fraught, clenched tension and dreamy expansiveness. Detrimentum - Embracing This Deformity (Grindethic Records) The debut full-length from a band long-time admired by British gig-goers, “Embracing This Deformity” is an aural orgasm of blackened death metal; all razor-sharp turns, fearsome production and glorious, glorious riffs. Watch them take off in 2009… Nefastus Dies - Urban Cancer (Candlelight Records) Jagged, crushing, relentless, raging, progressive and possessed of more atmosphere than should be legal, Nefastus Dies’s “Urban Cancer” snuck up on me without any warning at all, a cold, experimental beast that heralded second wave black metal into a new and frightening era in 2008. Clever, impressive and laden with threat, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone in search of the best new extreme metal. Aura Noir - Hades Rise (Peaceville Records) Aura Noir’s 2008 offering was exactly as expected- filthy, nasty and alcohol-sodden. Fierce and furious, the contemptuous, gutter-dwelling blackened thrash of “Hades Rise” melds swagger with intensity for an evil, backwards-looking treat. Elite - We Own The Mountains (Folter Records) Still under-appreciated despite seven years in action, Elite delivered a blinding album this year in the form of “We Own The Mountains”. More complex and atmospheric than its predecessors, yet still filled with classic black metal intensity, this release was modern without wandering into any unrecognisable territory, and features some frighteningly competent performances from all five members. Gorath - Misotheism (Descent Productions) While some bands can toss out albums every year without much thought, Belgium’s Gorath obviously put a whole lot of heart, soul and deep thought into “Misotheism”. From the intriguing lyrical concepts to the fluid guitar leads and varied vocal approaches, this album is a remarkably grown-up black metal effort that mixes up the viciousness and the beauty of human existence with sophisticated results. Omnium Gatherum - The Redshift (Candlelight Records) A coming of age album if ever there was one, “The Redshift” saw Omnium Gatherum internalise the lessons of their past three releases and then just up their game exponentially; fantastic riffs, excellent song-writing, pitch perfect sound and a career-making vocal performance from Jukka, “The Redshift” marks the moment when your appreciation of the OGs blooms into love. Hail of Bullets - Of Frost And War (Metal Blade Records) It’s Dutch! It’s noisy! It’s brutal! What the hell’s NOT to love about “Of Frost and War”? Old school death metal with superb lead guitar work and a swanky production job courtesy of Dan Swano, which just happens to be penned by some of the scene’s favourite veterans, “Of Frost and War” just crushes everything that stands in its way. As satisfying as food to the starving.

TOP 10 - PHIL WILSON 2008 Roundup, in no particular order, these left a real impression on me… Sylosis – Conclusion of an Age (Nuclear Blast) True British pride, this is a young talented band that can challenge the greats, the world over! Expect much more from these guys. Slipknot – All Hope is Gone (Roadrunner) The older I get, the younger I feel, great stuff. Enslaved – Vertebrae (Indie Records) I know its everywhere in the polls, maybe the timing was perfect? Metallica – Death Magnetic (Warner) it was great to see this important band return to form. Guns And Roses – Chinese Democracy (Geffen) I actually hate GNR, its just good to see it come to an end, finally! Destination’s Calling – Invisible Walls (Silverwolf Productions) Great traditional metal, in vain of classic Queensryche, Euro style – no surprises, just excellent songs from start to finish. Favourite Live Moment - Iron Maiden at Wacken, just a very classy, and nostalgic moment, loved it!

TOP 10 - PETE WOODS It’s been a really difficult year as although there have been plenty of good albums there have been no absolute, definitive jaw clunkers. Firm favourites have put out albums that although perfectly fine are certainly not the best of their career making this years choices a real task. The year has also been memorable for groups flogging their tired and tested wares, doing it again for the money and if anyone is outraged about non-inclusion of the latest ACDC, GnR, Metallica and Motorhead albums I salute you, middle finger raised! Krisiun – Southern Storm (Century Media) Making number 9 in 2006 this year Southern Storm steams to the top of the pile. It’s a veritable powerhouse of pummelling, clinical death metal, which again sees the Brazilian trio delivering the goods with formidable aplomb. Drumming and guitar work on this is fantastic and this is an invigorating attack which goes for the throat sparing no mercy. Septic Flesh – Communion (Season Of Mist) Communion has been a firm favourite throughout the year. Combining demonic and divine blackened symphonic metal, with memorable songs, clean choral sweeps and brutality in all the right places makes this a sure fire winner. Two impressive live jaunts did not hurt either. Ayreon – 01011001 (Inside Out) From the start of 2008 Arjen Lucassen's epic double album prog odyssey has not been forgotten. With a cast list gathering the cream of the crop from metals ranks this is an astral trip and a half and a great trip into Ayreon's ever expansive universe. Ars Diavoli – Pro Nihilo Esse (Debemur Morti) Xasthur and Shining failed to deliver albums in 2008 but Villkacis from of all places Portugal did. This pretty much had everything I like about depressive, suicidal black metal within it and was the perfect album for being downright miserable to. Nachtmystium – Assassins Black Meddle Part One (Candlelight) USBM horde Nachtmystium definitely came of age with this, an album that combines progressive black metal with Hawkwind infatuated space rock. If this had not got quite so self indulgent in the second half it would have made number one! Opeth – Watershed (Roadrunner) There’s little to say here, it’s Opeth innit! Great songs from the ever more popular Swedes and an album that grows, thrives and blossoms in your heart. There is a reason why they are selling out bigger venues and becoming one of the genres most popular bands. Subrosa – Strega (I Hate) Timeless and ethereal psychedelic doom from a troupe of ladies out of Utah, Mormons to boot. There was something otherworldly about Strega, haunting even and it is an album that has religiously devoted my attention throughout the year. E-Force – Modified Poison (Thundering Records) The ex Voivod front man rages away through a completely underrated and under represented album of cyber thrash in a fashion his ex band have long since forgotten. Rrröööaaarrr, not half! Kampfar – Heimgang (Napalm) Glacial and enigmatic black metal from Norway and although debatably not as memorable as Kvass this still delivered the goods and chilled the bones on long cold winter nights. Aura Noir – Hades Rise (Peaceville) Carl-Michael Eide bounced back with both this and an excellent Virus album. It is the grunt fuelled black thrash from the ugliest band in the world which gets this placement though. Unleash The Demon uggggggh! Near Misses Dezperadoz – An Eye For An Eye (AFM) Blood Ceremony – Blood Ceremony (Rise Above) Atrox – Binocular (Season Of Mist) Krallice – Krallice (Profound Lore)

MTUK HOME