#23 - Top of 2012

Rush - Clockwork Angels (Roadrunner)

In number 23, come the legendary Prog-fathers Rush with their final album (to date) in "Clockwork Angels". This album is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of Rush, as much as their impeccable craftsmanship, keeping them musically relevant so many years after the height of their musical fame. Rush, as one would expect from a band of their caliber, do not stay stagnant here, but continue to evolve their sound and create  songs that sound at the same time both familiar and new, progressing their sound but keeping the essence of what made them the giants that they truly are.

There are a number of etraordinary tracks including the opener "Caravan", the title song and the epic closer "The Garden", but as with all Rush records it is difficult to find a song lacking in any meaningful way.A solid album which might very well be the final work of one of the most talented bands that have ever graced the prog rock scene.


93/100

Below is a live performance of the final track "The Garden"

#24 - Top of 2012

Storm Corrosion - Storm Corrosion (Roadrunner)

In number 24, we are introduced to Storm Corrosion, a collaborative project between Mikael Akerfeldt (the vocalist of Opeth) and Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree. The project came about after a long collaboration and friendship between the two and is an amalgam of the creative output from both into a cohesive music project.

The album opens with a blend of keyboards and vocals, in a song which is about the tale of a hangman bidding farewell to his victim. It's an intriguing opener with a lot going on; it's also one of the few tracks with a "traditional" song structure, unlike the rest of the songs here.The title track is beautiful, with soft guitar strumming, flute tones, and Wilson's vocals adding an ethereal dimension to it. with a dramatic shift halfway through the song leading to more challenging prog sounds."Hag" is a somber and threatening song reminiscent of recent output from Opeth , "Happy" follows up in much the same manner with the follow-up "Lock Howl" being a rather unusually upbeat instrumental. The closer, "Ljudet Innan" is a slow-paced song, very evocative of Porcupine Tree and sounds the most personal moment of the album rounding out the experience. This is an excellent collaborative album but might be challenging to someone not versed with either the work of Wilson or with modern progressive rock harmonics.


93/100

#25 - Top of 2012

Wintersun - Time I (Nuclear Blast Records)

Wintersun was initially a side project of Ensiferum's vocalist, Jari Mäenpää who recorded the first album of the band along with Kai Hahto (drums). "Time I" is the second album of the symphonic/ melodic band from Finland who has since gained new members; Teemu Mäntysaari (in guitars and backing vocals) and Jukka Koskinen (bass and backing vocals). The record is full with amazing orchestrations and choruses which make the songs sound epic, and although there are few songs in the album each stands out for a different reason. Starting with the instrumental songs " When Time Fades Away", moving to the powerful "Sons of Winter and Stars"(which spans over 13 minutes!), the amazing "Land of Snow and Sorrow", back to another unique instrumental song "Darkness and Frost" and finally wrapping up with the amazing " Time" (which gave its name to the album), this is an amazing 40 minute journey. Though some might call it "not metal enough", I think that the listener cannot deny the captivating atmosphere that fills this ambitious album making it deservedly one of the more intriguing albums of 2012.


93/100

Below is a video with a live performance of the song "Time".

#26 - Top of 2012

Woods of Ypres - Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light (Earache Records)

Woods of Ypres were a duo from Canada that played what can be described as goth/doom prog metal. This is lamentably their last release as their singer David Gold passed away about a month before this album was released in a car crash (December 2011/ January 2012).
"Woods 5" is their best release, where they were able to further escape the norms of their original Doom Metal roots and progress into refining their own sound. The atmosphere is captivating and there is a clear emerging dark lyricism. The album is heavily influenced by the "greats" of the genre like Katatonia, Paradise Lost and old Anathema while retaining a firm personal style.
 The melodies of the songs are addictive, deeply melancholic, reflecting the fragile psyche of Gold.  Heavy metal riffing alternates with prog rock catchy choruses and the alternations of "heavy" parts with the more mainstream is done very skilfully, without impacting the quality of the songs.
 "Death Is Not An Exit", "Travelling Alone", "Adora Vivos" and "Kiss My Ashes (Goodbye)" are the best moments of the album with lyrics that are balancing (somewhat ironically) between life and death.
 An excellent final output from a band that progressed its sound and tried to be creative in an otherwise very stagnant genre.




93/100

Below is the audio track for "Career Suicide (Is not Real Suicide)"

#27 - Top of 2012

Lagerstein - Drink 'Til We Die (Independent)

In number 27, we have Lagerstein, an Aussie band belonging in the "noble" pirate folk genre. "Drink til We Die" is the debut album of the band and was released independently. Although not a big name or very well-known in their own subgenre, Lagerstein manage to produce an excellent record with references to excessive drinking and pirating the world, while at the same time sounding fresh and not too cliche or repeating the endeavors of similar bands.
The album with the starts with the heavy " The Rum Thieves" which sets the tone with great choruses and riffs, followed by the equally entertaining "Dreaded Skies" and the more melodic "Harpoon the Sun" and "Nightmare Ship". The record is filled with energy (as expected by pirates!) that will make you want to join the party with the highlights being the "Pirate Music Piracy" and the "Plunderberg"! The party is wrapped up with two great cover versions of "Beer" (by Reel Big Fish) and "I Am on a Boat" (by The Lonely Island)!

AHOY!

 92/100

Below is the live version of the song "Pirate Music Piracy".

 

#28 - Top of 2012

Manowar - The Lord of Steel (Magic Circle Music)

What can anyone say to describe Manowar? You either love them or hate them! Since their first album (Battle Hymns) in 1982, Manowar have been keeping true to their musical style which can be simply described as heavy power metal. Throughout the years, they have not chosen their style or attitude, and their album "The Lord of Steel" is another proof that Manowar can always make the listener to sing along as if they were in a live concert! The songwriting is simple but full of manly riffs and strong choruses, starting with a blasting opening song “The Lord of Steel”.
The record is full with catchy songs like "Born in a Grave", "Touch the Sky" and the Manowar classic "Hail, Kill and Die"! So "Manowarior" or not, if you are into "true" heavy metal, this album (along with almost all Manowar's albums) is bound to be an enjoyable and energetic experience!


92/100

The band doesn't tend to release video-clips for their albums, so below there is a video from a live performance for the song "The Lord of Steel"!

#29 - Top of 2012

Lothloryen - Raving Soul Society (Shinigami Records) 

Lothloryen (who are named after Lothlórien, the elven forest realm in JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth) is a very interesting melodic power metal band from Brazil, which despite their strong Blind Guardian vibes, bring their own folk elements in the equation. "Raving Soul Society is the third studio album by Lothloryen and it explores the concept of psychological problems and insanity! The clear powerful vocals by Daniel Felipe (which sound like an amazing version of Hansi Kursch's distinct voice) fit perfectly with the strong guitar riffs by Tim Alan Wagner and Leko Soares, as well as excellent keyboards by Leo Godde. The album is full of heavier songs like "Face Your Insanity" and "When Madness Calls", song with interesting and catchy tunes like "Hypnerotomachia" and "Burning Jacques ", and an amazing closing folk ballad "My Old Tavern" (which is bound to make feel nostalgic about Blind Guardian's “The Bard’s Song (In The Forest)”! Although, the influences of the band are obvious, Lothloryen manage to transcend them and create a very interesting power metal album!



92/100

Below is the official music video that was released for the song "Face Your Insanity".

#30 - Top of 2012

Galneryus - Angel of Salvation (VAP)

In number 30 of the top albums for 2012, we find the 2012 album from Osakan Neoclassical J-Metal band Galneryus. This has been hailed as their best studio work to date which is an impressive feat on its own, given the fact that before this, Galneryus have released another 7 full-length albums and a considerable number of EPs and singles. The band faced uncertainty for a period of a couple of years after the departure of original vocalist Yama-B, but was able to find a successor of equal caliber in  Masatoshi Ono. Ono is the one who truly delivers in this album mixing his voice perfectly with the neoclassical guitar sounds and the power metal vibe of the rest of the band. Some of the highlights of the album include the eponymous epic, the instrumental "Longing" and "Hunting for your Dream", a highly energetic piece who gained fame as the opening track of the well-beloved anime "Hunter X Hunter". Drumming throughout the record are also immaculate with Junichi doing an amazing straightforward job. Overall, an excellent album truly representative of the J-Metal scene at its best with one of the better known bands of the genre delivering an explosive music album.

92/100

Below is the Music Video for "Hunting for your Dream".

# 31-Top of 2012

Myrkvar- As en Bloed (Shiver Records)

Kicking off the retrospective into the top 31 top albums for 2012,
we begin with Dutch folk metallers Myrkvar. Myrkvar released their debut album after 2 demos in 2008. This is their second album and just a little while ago released a new EP which was their first venture after almost 4 years of silence. "As en Bloed" starts with intro song "Noodlot" but does not waist time and quickly becomes stronger with "Voorspelling" and "Nagelschip". "Gjallarhoorn" has some interesting vocals by the lead vocalist Hrabnilaz (and the rest of the band with backing vocals) and an amazing violin piece by Fusilan at the end of the song! The album moves to another quick paced song "Asenbloed" and then to the pleasant surprise of "Twistengod" where clean vocals have been added giving a different tone, which carries on in "Balders dood" as well! The second part of the album has a range of interesting songs including "Widars wraak" and "Donderslag" while it is wrapped up with "Uit as herrezen", an excellent track with piano elements and great heavy drums!


92/100

Below is the official music video for the song "Gjallarhoorn".

#1 - Top of 2013

Ayreon - The Theory of Everything (Inside Out Records)

Arjen Anthony Lucassen is back with his ever-changing and unique project Ayreon, adding another musical chapter to his work with the amazing drummer Ed Warby. This is the first Ayreon project after a prolonged period of silence, with a brand new concept and a brand new cast.
"The Theory of Everything" is an immaculate concept album, with guest appearances from a number of artists (who have not previously appeared in Ayreon), which is bound to make you into an "Ayreonaught"! The story is about an autistic student (portrayed by Tommy Karevik, current lead vocalist of Kamelot and of Seventh Wonder fame), whose genius or capacity to be a "Prodigy" is discovered by his "Teacher" (portrayed by JB Christoffersson, lead vocalist, guitarist and main man of Grand Magus) and later taken advantage by his "Father" (portrayed by the astounding Michael Mills,vocalist of Toehider), his "Psychiatrist" (portrayed by John Wetton of Asia) and his "Rival" (portrayed by Marco Hietala, bassist/vocalist of Nightwish and singer of Tarot); all of which are using the "Prodigy" for their own purposes. The story is also enhanced by the roles of the "Mother" (portrayed by Cristina Scabbia, singer of Lacuna Coil) and the "Girl" (portrayed by Sara Squadrani, singer of folk/power metal band Ancient Bards) who try to support the "Prodigy". Without talking about specific songs that would unveil spoilers about the outcome of the story, the album is an amazing journey through its instrumental tracks and musical interludes as well, such as the song "Progressive waves" and "The Eleventh Division" where there are even more guest appearances in keyboards by Rick Wakeman (Yes), Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Steve Hackett (Genesis). 
In terms of progress in comparison to previous Ayreon outputs, this is album is also defined by Mr Ls trademark guitar and keyboard sounds which are further boosted by Troy Donockley's pipe sound and various additional orchestra performers that provide the background soundtrack to this amazing adventure.

The outcome of this amalgam, created by the perfect combination of amazing performances by all the artists that participate and the beautiful story unraveling within, make this album by far our choice for best record of 2013!



100/100

Below is a taste of the album:

#2 - Top of 2013

Spock's Beard - Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep (Inside Out Records)

Slowly closing on the best album of 2013, on number 2 we find the best SB album after the departure of Neal Morse. This is also the first  album since the departure of Drummer/Singer Nick D'Virgilio . How will newcomer Ted Leonard (Enchant) be able to follow in the footsteps of two exceptional prog vocalists? (Morse and D'Virgilio)?

 The piano introduction, the guitar and the keyboard melody  that follows in "Hiding Out", which opens the disc, could not be a better reassurance that «The more things change, the more they stay the same» . The melodies are here, the prog is here, the catchy chorus is here ... Spock's Beard are (still) here! And while the groovy "I Know Your Secret" is reminiscent of the first albums after Neal Morse departed,  "A Treasure Abandoned" erases any doubt that the band has become a better and tighter group in the absence of D'Virgilio! The mid-tempo and more emotional "Submerged" is where Leonard truly shows the capabilities of his voice, while "Afterthoughts", is another extremely enjoyable venture. Breaking the cliché that the penultimate track of a record is usually the worst of it,  "Something Very Strange" is the crowning jewel of "Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep". Epic sound, impressive melodies, another EXTREMELY  catchy chorus and excellent background vocal tracks."Waiting For Me", which closes the album is what could be defined as a "classic Beard» song (co-written by Neal Morse!).


Overall the record remains very prog at its roots but also melodic and catchy.

Truly their best work since Neal's' departure and a banging way to start a new era for the band. Their follow up was also excellent and has been included in the top list for 2015. An essential record for all prog fans.


97/100

Below is the music video for Submerged

#3 - Top of 2013

Steven Wilson - The Raven that Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) (Kscope)

Steven Wilson is the visionary mind behind Porcupine Tree and the inspiration for Opeth's change of style since the mid-00's . He is also one of the two musicians behind Blackfield, that played a more radio-friendly version of prog with moderate success back in 2005. In his personal discography, he has produced a number of excellent records with "The Raven who refused to Sing" being in my humble opinion, simply the most inspired among them. Wilson in this record partially redefined his personal sound and produced a progressive record that will remain as a testament to one of the most talented progressive rock minds of the new millennium.

 The record starts with "Luminol" which  is one of the best songs written by Mr Wilson.  "Drive Home" is quickly reminiscent of melancholic aspects of Porcupine Tree, the impressive "Holy Drinker" is  a psychedelic / space / fusion abyss with epic vocals, "Pin Drop" sounds at times as a modernized Pink Floyd . "Watchmaker" is the most comprehensive from a  melodic point of view and confirms that when Wilson decides to play prog clearly he is the best there is at it. Finally, the record closes with the ethereal self-titled song and prompts for a repeat of the whole album from a refreshed point of view.

From the three personal albums Steven Wilson recorded in this decade, this is truly the best one and a progressive masterpiece worthy of all praise coming its way.


97/100


Below is the eerie music video from the ethereal title track.