Post by slayrrr666 on Jan 1, 2015 12:40:30 GMT -5
Well, in contrast to the Thrash ranking this one turned out to be quite simple and rather set-up almost from the outset as there wasn't too many surprises to be found here as the year went along. Granted, the surprise we did get was incredibly overwhelming and certainly deserved placement here regardless, the biggest factor involved in this one was the fact of where to put everything and get a general order rather than who was going to be on it which makes this quite possibly the least surprising one here as it's really ranking order rather than who's here that gets this one going.
10. Rhapsody of Fire-Dark Wings of Steel
A rather strange placement here, not only being one of my favorite bands in the genre but also because this exemplifies the best example yet of how I do my rankings as this one is good for ’14 rankings, being released here on Dec. 3, 2013 so it just barely makes the cut here in two different counts. Still, there’s a lot here that really works on this one beyond the line-up controversy which is the main reason in checking out this effort as this does indeed feel like a band release without their founding members which is responsible for the album’s single most identifiable note in the loss of the neoclassical melodies and grandiose technical prowess that was placed throughout raging Speed Metal styles that was wrapped into an infectious medieval-based symphonic orchestra and that was all sorts of impressive to get through. The line-up change still keeps that last element of their trademark sound in here though it’s just not as devout and urgent as it once was, now the band coming off more like their own imitators than the leaders of this wave which is quite disheartening as they were so good at this to begin with that it holds the band down somewhat but still doesn’t come close to toppling what the band is capable of which leaves them here in this spot.
9. Persuader-The Fiction Maze
Well, the wait is finally over and the Swedes have finally gotten around to their long-awaited opus after a near eight-year break which must’ve been spent honing and refining this latest masterpiece to their catalog. It’s all here that made the band work so well in the past, as this is their classic mid-80s German Power Metal brought to the fore with unconventional buzzsaw guitar riffs, aggressive rhythms and the continued usage of just-barely Melodic Death Metal elements brought in with the use of their humming riff-work and harsher vocals than most other Power Metal bands would dare dream of infusing into their sound. Filled to the brim with high-energy rockers and sprinkled in with the necessary cheesy power ballads loaded with epic keyboards and over-the-top vocal choirs, there’s definitely a varied and well-rounded assault here that generally leaves a vastly-enjoyable experience overall, though the reason for placement back in this section of the list is due to one rather frowning style in that the album doesn’t really leave a great first impression. This one doesn’t hit with the same immediacy or impact that others do elsewhere in here which certainly causes this to be included here but not where it really could’ve gone.
8. Grave Digger-Return of the Reaper
It seems time has given these Germans a lot of perspective as to what they should do with themselves as this one comes off as one of their best in recent years, echoing exactly what made them so good in their glory years. That ever-present German-style riff-work is in full-force here by constantly flying all over the place generating the kind of energy and enthusiasm bands many years their junior have a hard time matching with this unleashing vicious riff after riff with that killer speed-metal style that works so well with their crunch-heavy guitar-tone, bolstered by aggressive tempos and that ever-present hoarse vocals of Mr. Boltendhal that carries on so excessively well here. Add to that the insanely catchy choruses, plenty of energy and a fine sense of when to ease off the throttle and go for the mid-range epic makes this quite a highly enjoyable effort overall, although one drawback to be found here in something they’ve clearly been well-versed in before being that the solos just aren’t as dynamic and flashy as they’ve usually been. While the band has always had a killer axe-man upfront to really overwhelm with their soloing before, here it remains more firmly on the classy side of the scale which does hinder this one somewhat. This, though, easily continues their recent string of good-to-great albums in this latest run and certainly positions itself quite nicely here on the list.
7. Falconer-Black Moon Rising
After a minor misstep in the last album that left their more folk-ish parts of their sound so totally in the forefront that their raging Power Metal sound was almost completely left off the record, this thankfully reverses that with a more hard-hitting and enjoyable release. Bringing their ripping guitar-work back up-front and injecting some speed into the mix, managing to be a lot more up-beat and intense throughout with a far more involved effort to thrash away with furious Speed-Metal type riff-work on more tracks throughout. Whether it be with sweeping, high-speed riffing combined with furious, pounding drumming or just simple melodies spiced up along the main rhythms here, this is a lot more of a true Power Metal album, which is where this scores so well as this is some of the fastest material written in the bands’ catalog yet are still providing that classic power metal vibe with Speed Metal velocity thrown into the mix as well. On top of that, there’s the medieval-sounding folk metal thrown into the mix that gives this a rather colorful, warm atmosphere throughout that has plenty of natural melodies bouncing off the harder, heavier Power Metal patterns on the other tracks and the odd instrumentation, plodding paces and lush, full sounds all combine with those blistering, tight Power Metal rhythms for a truly all-encompassing and engrossing effort that truly earns it’s placement here.
6. Sinbreed-Shadows
You knew a pedigree such as this wasn’t capable of leaving the mediocrity of the debut as their calling card, and so it comes to past that this near-supergroup of Germans would band together to make for a much, much more satisfying assault on their subsequent release which is rewarding for us here. That means this is one of the best throwback assaults to the mid-80s that was released this year, providing some of the thrashiest, most speed-inflected numbers in the scene all graced by an aggressive rhythm section, plenty of absolutely killer melodies and a dynamic drumming display that pounds and bashes with abandon in the best part of their traditional past as this one comes to the fight loaded with an array of Thrash-influenced vibes that are consistently enjoyable and energetic. Balanced by a modern sensibility in the production and a rather enjoyable, raspy-throated vocalist who definitely brings plenty of power to the table, there’s not a whole lot to dislike here beyond the decision of including the acoustic ballad as the final track to this when the rest of the numbers were pure, unadulterated burners, but those full-throttle burners are more than enough to compensate and earn it’s placement here.
5. Gamma Ray-Empire of the Dead
Perseverance has always been one of Kai’s best attributes and after the near-disaster last year which might have prevented this masterpiece from ever reaching us, said perseverance prevailed and we indeed have this unabashed killer of classic German Power Metal at our hands. Still marching to the beat of his celestial drum, the sci-fi sounding tales within here are among the best collection of tracks he’s ever pinned as this one manages to include everything from the massive, swirling epics full of multi-textured hooks, impassioned mid-tempo numbers filled with speed and groove and those devastating and unrelenting speed-metal monsters that the band perfected in the mid-90s when they were at their peak, and those tracks here certainly rival those insanely lofty heights and sometimes succeed in overcoming them which is a testament to their prowess at creating memorable hooks and melodies within their selections. Going back to that era by producing the band’s more traditional stances in the epic opener and mid-tempo, crushingly heavy workouts alongside the typically aggressive speed-fueled assaults it really makes a big connection to their past as well. Loaded with killer riffs, flashy solos and not much filler material at all, this is among the best they’ve ever sounded and are certainly gaining back the sound and feel of their glory years in grand fashion.
4. Noble Beast-Noble Beast
This is a debut? Not only is that unexpected but it certainly makes the rest of the incredulous acts around it all the more unwilling in their belief that something like this could be produced on the first try. This is an utterly glorious release, relishing all the hallmarks and conventions of the genre without ever once feeling like a retread of past clichés or traditions, instead delivering rock-solid Power Metal with both Euro and American flavors and all wrapping it together in their own identity to boot. Echoing the European sense of melody, there’s scores of melodic lines running down each and every song with plenty of memorable rhythms and catchy, recognizable choruses that are from those early years. Likewise, the use of hooks, rhythms and tremolo-picked riffing is straight from the American scene as the mix makes for a dynamically-heavy Trad Metal feel on the majority of the tracks which is quite a feat in and of itself, and along the way this is mixed with baritone vocals and aggressive tempos. This combines into an overwhelmingly enjoyable effort that remains listenable, epic and melodic without being overdone or loss of any impact generated from this collaboration and the end result is enjoyable, dynamic and some of the most promising material to come from the scene in quite a long time. Definitely one to watch in the future.
3. Iron Savior-Rise of the Hero
Leading the charge for the Germans not only in the scene but also here as they’ve tended to dominate the list comes this well-respected and long-running act. Being one of the genre’s forefathers, it’s pretty easy what to expect here as this plays much like the majority of their albums being loaded with that tight, crunchy Speed-Metal riff-work alongside the bands’ penchant for writing hook-filled, dynamic melodies into those riffs which makes for perfectly rousing and energetic affairs. With the melodic rhythms and glorious backing vocals that still has as much to do with the German scene in their heyday all coming together with those sturdy Speed-Metal chops, there’s such a rousing display here that’s far more bouncy than the vast majority of their work. Alone, these feature wouldn’t mean much in the surface of it all but the added benefit of doing it all in such a dominating fashion as they do here is where this one scores rather nicely, making the music that much more energetic and forceful being a big part of the impact behind this release and certainly allows for such a high placement here on the list.
2. Primal Fear-Delivering the Black
So it seems that the label change here has done the band wonders as now it seems near-impossible to think they were anywhere but Frontiers, and this might be their crowning achievement there. This is still the same beast from Nuclear Blast, as they’re essentially the second-best Judas Priest cover band in the world but rather than carrying that relentless guitar-hammering instead their traditional melodies and charging rhythms that are far more based on Power Metal lore than anything else. This is based on their more energetic offerings and plenty of rather urgent performances that have certainly been a part of that label change which is responsible for the energetic performances here and is mostly notable because of the dynamic drumming here which gives off a generally exciting feel that’s some of the most devastating and heavy of their career. There’s some utter speed-mongers alongside their trademark mid-tempo bruisers that make for some heavy, thumping variety all balanced by some fine ballads which truly makes this one of their all-time best and certainly the best on their current label. This one certainly has it all going for it on just about every label possible, with a gorgeous production highlighting stellar writing off impactful, enjoyable tracks bristling with speed and melody in some absolute precise performances from all includes, and it really cements the placement here on the list.
1. Ancient Bards-A New Dawn Ending
While this might possibly be the most controversial of all the best-of picks in these lists, this here is a stellar, absolutely glorious release highlighting the very best of Italian Symphonic Power Metal, taking the very essence of the style with ripping guitars speeding and buzzing at frantic tempos, thunderous double-bass drumming, shimmering keyboards and epic, glorious hymns of vocal choirs spouting majestic calls to glory that feel right at home from the genre’s glory days in the previous decade. What makes this one so impactful is that these elements from this bygone era is all wrapped together into such a highly enjoyable package filled with dynamic arrangements, lush keyboards and the sort of prowess to know how to arrange these into tracks that are lively and original where it really needs to be heard in order to understand where its’ going next. This is of great importance here not only generating plenty of strong emotional elements within, but also bringing out a grandiosity and bombast in the music sorely lacking in the scenes as a whole so those reason are enough to overcome stiff competition and earn this one the genre’s overall top spot.
10. Rhapsody of Fire-Dark Wings of Steel
A rather strange placement here, not only being one of my favorite bands in the genre but also because this exemplifies the best example yet of how I do my rankings as this one is good for ’14 rankings, being released here on Dec. 3, 2013 so it just barely makes the cut here in two different counts. Still, there’s a lot here that really works on this one beyond the line-up controversy which is the main reason in checking out this effort as this does indeed feel like a band release without their founding members which is responsible for the album’s single most identifiable note in the loss of the neoclassical melodies and grandiose technical prowess that was placed throughout raging Speed Metal styles that was wrapped into an infectious medieval-based symphonic orchestra and that was all sorts of impressive to get through. The line-up change still keeps that last element of their trademark sound in here though it’s just not as devout and urgent as it once was, now the band coming off more like their own imitators than the leaders of this wave which is quite disheartening as they were so good at this to begin with that it holds the band down somewhat but still doesn’t come close to toppling what the band is capable of which leaves them here in this spot.
9. Persuader-The Fiction Maze
Well, the wait is finally over and the Swedes have finally gotten around to their long-awaited opus after a near eight-year break which must’ve been spent honing and refining this latest masterpiece to their catalog. It’s all here that made the band work so well in the past, as this is their classic mid-80s German Power Metal brought to the fore with unconventional buzzsaw guitar riffs, aggressive rhythms and the continued usage of just-barely Melodic Death Metal elements brought in with the use of their humming riff-work and harsher vocals than most other Power Metal bands would dare dream of infusing into their sound. Filled to the brim with high-energy rockers and sprinkled in with the necessary cheesy power ballads loaded with epic keyboards and over-the-top vocal choirs, there’s definitely a varied and well-rounded assault here that generally leaves a vastly-enjoyable experience overall, though the reason for placement back in this section of the list is due to one rather frowning style in that the album doesn’t really leave a great first impression. This one doesn’t hit with the same immediacy or impact that others do elsewhere in here which certainly causes this to be included here but not where it really could’ve gone.
8. Grave Digger-Return of the Reaper
It seems time has given these Germans a lot of perspective as to what they should do with themselves as this one comes off as one of their best in recent years, echoing exactly what made them so good in their glory years. That ever-present German-style riff-work is in full-force here by constantly flying all over the place generating the kind of energy and enthusiasm bands many years their junior have a hard time matching with this unleashing vicious riff after riff with that killer speed-metal style that works so well with their crunch-heavy guitar-tone, bolstered by aggressive tempos and that ever-present hoarse vocals of Mr. Boltendhal that carries on so excessively well here. Add to that the insanely catchy choruses, plenty of energy and a fine sense of when to ease off the throttle and go for the mid-range epic makes this quite a highly enjoyable effort overall, although one drawback to be found here in something they’ve clearly been well-versed in before being that the solos just aren’t as dynamic and flashy as they’ve usually been. While the band has always had a killer axe-man upfront to really overwhelm with their soloing before, here it remains more firmly on the classy side of the scale which does hinder this one somewhat. This, though, easily continues their recent string of good-to-great albums in this latest run and certainly positions itself quite nicely here on the list.
7. Falconer-Black Moon Rising
After a minor misstep in the last album that left their more folk-ish parts of their sound so totally in the forefront that their raging Power Metal sound was almost completely left off the record, this thankfully reverses that with a more hard-hitting and enjoyable release. Bringing their ripping guitar-work back up-front and injecting some speed into the mix, managing to be a lot more up-beat and intense throughout with a far more involved effort to thrash away with furious Speed-Metal type riff-work on more tracks throughout. Whether it be with sweeping, high-speed riffing combined with furious, pounding drumming or just simple melodies spiced up along the main rhythms here, this is a lot more of a true Power Metal album, which is where this scores so well as this is some of the fastest material written in the bands’ catalog yet are still providing that classic power metal vibe with Speed Metal velocity thrown into the mix as well. On top of that, there’s the medieval-sounding folk metal thrown into the mix that gives this a rather colorful, warm atmosphere throughout that has plenty of natural melodies bouncing off the harder, heavier Power Metal patterns on the other tracks and the odd instrumentation, plodding paces and lush, full sounds all combine with those blistering, tight Power Metal rhythms for a truly all-encompassing and engrossing effort that truly earns it’s placement here.
6. Sinbreed-Shadows
You knew a pedigree such as this wasn’t capable of leaving the mediocrity of the debut as their calling card, and so it comes to past that this near-supergroup of Germans would band together to make for a much, much more satisfying assault on their subsequent release which is rewarding for us here. That means this is one of the best throwback assaults to the mid-80s that was released this year, providing some of the thrashiest, most speed-inflected numbers in the scene all graced by an aggressive rhythm section, plenty of absolutely killer melodies and a dynamic drumming display that pounds and bashes with abandon in the best part of their traditional past as this one comes to the fight loaded with an array of Thrash-influenced vibes that are consistently enjoyable and energetic. Balanced by a modern sensibility in the production and a rather enjoyable, raspy-throated vocalist who definitely brings plenty of power to the table, there’s not a whole lot to dislike here beyond the decision of including the acoustic ballad as the final track to this when the rest of the numbers were pure, unadulterated burners, but those full-throttle burners are more than enough to compensate and earn it’s placement here.
5. Gamma Ray-Empire of the Dead
Perseverance has always been one of Kai’s best attributes and after the near-disaster last year which might have prevented this masterpiece from ever reaching us, said perseverance prevailed and we indeed have this unabashed killer of classic German Power Metal at our hands. Still marching to the beat of his celestial drum, the sci-fi sounding tales within here are among the best collection of tracks he’s ever pinned as this one manages to include everything from the massive, swirling epics full of multi-textured hooks, impassioned mid-tempo numbers filled with speed and groove and those devastating and unrelenting speed-metal monsters that the band perfected in the mid-90s when they were at their peak, and those tracks here certainly rival those insanely lofty heights and sometimes succeed in overcoming them which is a testament to their prowess at creating memorable hooks and melodies within their selections. Going back to that era by producing the band’s more traditional stances in the epic opener and mid-tempo, crushingly heavy workouts alongside the typically aggressive speed-fueled assaults it really makes a big connection to their past as well. Loaded with killer riffs, flashy solos and not much filler material at all, this is among the best they’ve ever sounded and are certainly gaining back the sound and feel of their glory years in grand fashion.
4. Noble Beast-Noble Beast
This is a debut? Not only is that unexpected but it certainly makes the rest of the incredulous acts around it all the more unwilling in their belief that something like this could be produced on the first try. This is an utterly glorious release, relishing all the hallmarks and conventions of the genre without ever once feeling like a retread of past clichés or traditions, instead delivering rock-solid Power Metal with both Euro and American flavors and all wrapping it together in their own identity to boot. Echoing the European sense of melody, there’s scores of melodic lines running down each and every song with plenty of memorable rhythms and catchy, recognizable choruses that are from those early years. Likewise, the use of hooks, rhythms and tremolo-picked riffing is straight from the American scene as the mix makes for a dynamically-heavy Trad Metal feel on the majority of the tracks which is quite a feat in and of itself, and along the way this is mixed with baritone vocals and aggressive tempos. This combines into an overwhelmingly enjoyable effort that remains listenable, epic and melodic without being overdone or loss of any impact generated from this collaboration and the end result is enjoyable, dynamic and some of the most promising material to come from the scene in quite a long time. Definitely one to watch in the future.
3. Iron Savior-Rise of the Hero
Leading the charge for the Germans not only in the scene but also here as they’ve tended to dominate the list comes this well-respected and long-running act. Being one of the genre’s forefathers, it’s pretty easy what to expect here as this plays much like the majority of their albums being loaded with that tight, crunchy Speed-Metal riff-work alongside the bands’ penchant for writing hook-filled, dynamic melodies into those riffs which makes for perfectly rousing and energetic affairs. With the melodic rhythms and glorious backing vocals that still has as much to do with the German scene in their heyday all coming together with those sturdy Speed-Metal chops, there’s such a rousing display here that’s far more bouncy than the vast majority of their work. Alone, these feature wouldn’t mean much in the surface of it all but the added benefit of doing it all in such a dominating fashion as they do here is where this one scores rather nicely, making the music that much more energetic and forceful being a big part of the impact behind this release and certainly allows for such a high placement here on the list.
2. Primal Fear-Delivering the Black
So it seems that the label change here has done the band wonders as now it seems near-impossible to think they were anywhere but Frontiers, and this might be their crowning achievement there. This is still the same beast from Nuclear Blast, as they’re essentially the second-best Judas Priest cover band in the world but rather than carrying that relentless guitar-hammering instead their traditional melodies and charging rhythms that are far more based on Power Metal lore than anything else. This is based on their more energetic offerings and plenty of rather urgent performances that have certainly been a part of that label change which is responsible for the energetic performances here and is mostly notable because of the dynamic drumming here which gives off a generally exciting feel that’s some of the most devastating and heavy of their career. There’s some utter speed-mongers alongside their trademark mid-tempo bruisers that make for some heavy, thumping variety all balanced by some fine ballads which truly makes this one of their all-time best and certainly the best on their current label. This one certainly has it all going for it on just about every label possible, with a gorgeous production highlighting stellar writing off impactful, enjoyable tracks bristling with speed and melody in some absolute precise performances from all includes, and it really cements the placement here on the list.
1. Ancient Bards-A New Dawn Ending
While this might possibly be the most controversial of all the best-of picks in these lists, this here is a stellar, absolutely glorious release highlighting the very best of Italian Symphonic Power Metal, taking the very essence of the style with ripping guitars speeding and buzzing at frantic tempos, thunderous double-bass drumming, shimmering keyboards and epic, glorious hymns of vocal choirs spouting majestic calls to glory that feel right at home from the genre’s glory days in the previous decade. What makes this one so impactful is that these elements from this bygone era is all wrapped together into such a highly enjoyable package filled with dynamic arrangements, lush keyboards and the sort of prowess to know how to arrange these into tracks that are lively and original where it really needs to be heard in order to understand where its’ going next. This is of great importance here not only generating plenty of strong emotional elements within, but also bringing out a grandiosity and bombast in the music sorely lacking in the scenes as a whole so those reason are enough to overcome stiff competition and earn this one the genre’s overall top spot.