#19 - Top of 2017

Astral Doors - Black Eyed Children (Metalville)

Starting back in 2002, the heavy metallers Astral Doors have a long and busy discography with Black Eyed Children being their 8th full length album! "We Cry Out" sets the tone straight away with heavy riffs and the unique voice of lead singer Nils Patrik Johansson (also known from his work with Wuthering Heights)! "God Is the Devil", "Tomorrow's Dead" (one the highlights of the album) and "Lost Boy"could definitely be Dio's next hit-tracks with catchy choruses and more classic heavy metal riffs! "Die on Stage" is also full of an 80's feeling with another great chorus made for sing-alongs during lives (and at home) while "Suburban Song" has an amazing accoustic-guitar intro and interesting post-chorus riffs. "Slaves to Ourselves" has a more intense power feel & a more highlighted keyboard without missing the necessary guitar interlude! The title-song "Black Eyed Children" (reaching almost 9 minutes has all the key elements of a classic heavy metal song) is a great album-closing track that is full of guitar tunes blending perfectly with Johansson's theatrical vocals!


93.5/100


Below is the official video for the song "We Cry Out".

'#20 - Top of 2017

Mastodon - Emperor of the Sand (Reprise Records)

The last years have been turbulent for Mastodon on a personal level, as both Bill Kelleher's mother and Troy Sander's wife were diagnosed with cancer. But instead of letting these personal problems drag them down, the band turned them on their head and  used them as inspiration for "Emperor of the Sand", an album conceptually based around cancer! A very few bands would dare try approach such a subject and even fewer would succeed without sounding either corny or dismissive. However, Mastodon not only succeeds in approaching their subject matter in a very pensive and metaphorical manner, they at the same time delivered one of the best albums of 2017 (and among the best of their career).  The main concept is about a wanderer condemned to die, and the themes of going through painful experiences such as chemotherapy, hope for survival and acceptance are woven lyrically within the narrative. There is a cohesion in the music as well, with all pieces utilising the full musical range of the band and the thee vocalists' interplay allowing no boredom. Highlights of the album include "Show Yourself", "Steambreather" and the epic closer "Jaguar God", but there every song has the quality of being excellent within the context of the album and as a standalone track. Another great release by Mastodon that is more than a sum of its parts.

93.5/100

Below are the music videos for "Show Yourself" and "Steambreather"

#21 - Top of 2017

Below - Upon a Pale Horse (Metal Blade Records)

On number 21, another entry from Sweden (which had an amazing year music-wise) with the second full length album from Below. The record oozes an epic doom vibe that is perfectly portrayed by both the title and the cover art that set the tone before the dark intro song "The Plague Within" starts! The heavy riffs and the high-pitched theatrical vocals by the band's lead singer Zeb in "Disappearing into Nothing" is followed by an amazing guitar solo interlude that are reminiscent of Candlemass (with Messiah). The guitar-based "The Coven" adds some heavier tones and more awesome guitars by Berg and Paud while the title song "Upon a Pale Horse" reaching at over 9 minutes (as it should) is definitely the highlight track starting with creepy narration from Alan Averill of Primordial (!) that lead to an amazingly creepy chorus and heavy drumming by Doc! "Suffer in Silence" further showcases Zeb's incredible vocal abilities combining doom with Queensryche vibes before ending with some great acoustic guitars to transition to the epic-heavy "Hours of Darkness".  The headbanging "1000 Broken Bones" is full of blasting drumming and the heavy-metal "We Are All Slaves" flawlessly wraps up the album. Upon a Pale Horse is an amazing heavy doom record from a band that definitely has a lot to offer in the future!


93.5/100

Below is the music video for "Disappearing into nothing".

#22 - Top of 2017

Big big train - Grimspound (English Electric Records)

2017 was quite a product year for progressive rock giants Big Big Train. They released not one but two full length albums! And while "the Second Brightest Star" contains mainly re-interpretations and leftovers from the latest very entertaining period of the band, Grimspound is a force to be reckoned! The album, as all the albums of the band since 2009, speaks about the English countryside and the past of the country, recounted through the lens of nostalgia. "Brave Captain" tells the tale of captain Albert Ball, fallen hero of the first world war. "Experimental Gentlemen", pays tribute to those that left Britain to explore the new worlds and "Mead Hall in Winter" speaks about pioneers who created the steam engine, dreamed about going to the moon and became archaeologists to unearth the forgotten past. As always with Big Big Train, the music acts as a folk/prog companion to the stories, blending the storytelling with seemingly immaculate 'oldprog' forms, drawing inspiration from Genesis, Marillion and even Jethro Tull, when Longdon uses his flute.  The songwriting standards of the album remain on the same high level as the latest releases of the band ("English Electric Part II", "Folklore"), and despite not getting there on being exactly the timeless masterpiece that "English Electric Part I" was, it nevertheless is an excellent prog release worth the time of any and all progressive rock fans!

93.5/100

Below are the music videos for "As the Crow Flies" and "Experimental Gentlemen"

#23 - Top of 2017

Bloodbound - War of Dragons (AFM Records)

The next entry comes from Sweden, with Bloodbound's 7th full length album "War of Dragons" that is as power metal (with an Rhapsody/Italian-like cheesy feeling) as it sounds! Patrick J Selleby's vocals blend perfectly with the symphonic/ orchestral elements and amazing guitar riffs by Tomas & Henrik Olsson!
"Battle In the Sky" with its awesome & intense drumming gives off strong Rhapsody vibes with a chorus made for sing-alongs and stories about dragons & magic (nothing else is needed)-making it the one of the highlights of the record! "War of Dragons", which gave the album its title, is a full symphonic epic blast with another amazingly catchy chorus and the essential guitar solos! The epic "Stand and Fight" which starts with a Sabaton-like feeling is equally powerful while "Silver Wings" is an interesting flute-based change of pace! "King of Swords" is another quick-paced blast and "Symphony Santana" adds a more pompous theatrical element. The records ends with the totally feel-good "Dragons Are Forever", another amazing song for sing-alongs that will stick to your mind and will definitely make you want to see the band perform live!


93.25/100

Below is the official video clip for the song "Battle In the Sky".

#24 - Top of 2017

Hällas - Excerpts from a Future Past (The Sign Records)

Retro rock/metal has been gaining in popularity the last 5 or so years. No band exemplifies what that genre can achieve better than Hällas. This is the band's debut album and it's certainly one of the most interesting debuts of 2017. The albums kicks off with the solemn intro of the "Astral Seer", before breaking into a Blue Oyster Cult riff, with rough and mellow vocals by Tommy Alexandersson. "Repentance" has more of a Uriah Heep vibe with a very old-school main NWOBHM riff. The instrumental Nerbulon's Tower that follows acts as a chill out intro to "The Golden City of Semira" that starts with a beautiful riff and low vocals and has beautiful intricate riffing that playfully flirts with prog rock. "Star Rider" is a true rock with evocative emotional riffs and a beautiful chorus that is bound to get stuck in your head long after you hear the song. "Shadow of the Templar" is a Uriah Heep epic, clocking at almost 8 minutes, followed by another epic, with more Deep Purple references, "Illusion Sky" with awesome epic keyboard-led melodies, which closes out the album. If you love any of the above-mentioned bands or if you are simply a fan of melodic rock with epic touches, then you should definitely seek out and buy this awesome album that is bound to keep you company many cold nights!




93.2/100



Below is the music video for "Star Rider" featuring excerpts from the awesome 1921 movie "The Phantom Carriage".

#25 - Top of 2017

Trial - Motherless (Metal Blade Records)

Trial is a Swedish heavy metal which released their third full length album in 2017, under the title "Motherless". The record sets the tone with the heavy but melodic "Motherless" showcasing epic vocals by lead vocalist, Linus Johansson along with great guitar riffs (and solo) and drumming! "In Empyrean Labour" is a more epic addition that adds a more complex note to the album! "Cold Comes the Night" has a King Diamond feel (in terms of the vocals and themes of the song) that is perfectly mixed with some awesome guitar solos! The pace is slowed down with the heavier "Juxtaposed" that again highlights the amazing & clear vocals by Linus Johanssan. "Aligerous Architec" is an interesting darker epic metal track that wraps up the first section with a  call to arms. The three track finale incorporating "Birth", "Embodiment" and "Rebirth" showcases the diversity of the band's musical and lyrical skills; this musical journey starts by setting up an eerie vibe before moving to melodic & heavy tunes and finally the more lyrical final song which is filled with sounds by a range of musical instruments, played by the skilled multi-instrumentalist Alexander Ellström!  Overall, Motherless is a great heavy metal album with a progressive twist & guitar harmonies that is definitely worth a listen!

93/100

Below is the lyric video for the song "Motherless".

#26 - Top of 2017

Revelations - Gatekeeper (Independent)

Gatekeeper is the debut album of the up and coming Swedish band Revelations, released independently in 2017. Revelations combine classical NWOBHM riffing and musicality, Doom metal/Black Sabbath influences with a more rock attitude in vocals, courtesy of their excellent singer Lasse Gudmundsson. Gatekeeper kicks off with the powerfull "Disillusion", with clear classic heavy metal vibes. The ensuing track, "Shooting Angels" kicks off with more of a rock and roll vibe, and progresses as more of a track off the depths of NWOBHM legacy. In "Son of Morning" the band slows down considerably and emanates the epic doom essence of Candlemass! "Nowhere near the Sun"is an intense instrumental interlude and "Everything to lose" is a more rocking tune, with a rebellious attitude. "Grip of Darnkness" starts dark and slow, exploding into a heavy metal riffing festival later on. "Timebomb" again shifts into a more hard rocking tune.  "Strange Dreams" is a straight heavy metal tune that complements its predecessor very nicely. The album goes out with "Gatekeeper", whereby the speed drops one last time for the final epic doom track of the album. For fans of NWOBHM and Doom metal, check these guys out, they are definitely worth your time, certainly a very unique blend of the two genres! You can get their album here!


93/100

Below are the music videos for "Strange Dreams" and "Grip of Darkness"

#27 - Top of 2017

Walpyrgus - Walpyrgus Nights (Cruz del Sur Music)

Next up on the list of the best albums for 2017, is another interesting heavy metal band, this time from the US, Walpyrgus. This is their debut album, released under the title "Walpyrgus Nights". The record starts with the amazingly catchy "The Dead of Night" with its great vocals & darker riffs before moving to the classic heavy metal "Somewhere Under Summerwind" while the uplifting and feel-good "Dead Girls" (despite its title) picks up the pace and speed of the guitar riffs! "Lauralone" and "Palmystry" have an 80's Iron Maiden feel both in terms of mood and cool riffs. "She Lives" is also energetic giving some more space for the keyboards to be heard and "Light of a Torch" adds the necessary cover of a classic but not widely known song by Witch Cross. The record wraps up with the song that gave it its title "Walpyrgus Nights", truly a highlight of the album. The package of this awesome record would not be complete without the awesome cover artwork by Gustavo Sazes, which complements the album immaculately. One of the best heavy metal records of the year!



92.5/100

Below is the lyric video for "Dead Girls"

#28 - Top of 2017

Quoth the Raven - Behind Closed Doors (Standalone)

Quoth the Raven is a relatively obscure heavy metal band from Australia which is worth checking out! It is a solo project by Gary Max, with a little help from Shane Turville on drums.
"What's Yours is Mine" is a very interesting opening track that showcases straight away the great vocals by Gary Max and some progressive elements that add to the track. "Of All Things" is a taking a heavier turn with more intense drumming and aggressive & quick-paced singing (and a lot of rhythm changes). "Nothing's Forever" is an awesome track which starts with the necessary narration of of Edgar Alan Poe's text ending with "Quoth the raven nevermore..."; the track has a darker doom feel with its slow-paced riffs and more theatrical vocals! "Devil in Me" highlights Max's guitar skills while "Lost Again" is the ballad of the record that is a nice change in pacing before moving to the more classic heavy metal "Bold"! "Behind Closed Doors", which is also the title track, wraps up an interesting release that definitely surpasses the expectations, delivering a healthy dose of dynamic heavy metal. You can buy the record on Google play here or on iTunes here.

92.5/100

 Below the official video for the song "What's Yours is Mine".

#29 - Top of 2017

 Dream spirit - General triumphant (Totemism Productions)

梦灵 or Dream Spirit are back with a new album after the intriguing Jiangshan that acted as a personal gateway to the band. Dream Spirit are a very interesting folk metal band from China, mixing traditional folk elements, with local colour and metal elements. There is a trend of bands from the far east that utilise their traditional music and incorporate metal elements to it, like Dream Spirit or Tenggen Cavalry. Despite the fact that the album is sung in Chinese in its entirety, it is a very engaging experience for the western listener as well. From little can be discerned about the songs, their general theme is historical with specific reference to the rich military history of China, with music that matches that feeling impeccably. Highlights of the record are the opener "Go out to Battle" (塞下 ), the epic "Morbid Souls" (伤寒) and the closer "Song of Triumph" (凯歌). You can find the album at the band's bandcamp here, and as a pioneering member of a scene that is on the rise, they are 100% worth it.

92.25/100

Below is the live video for the song "Go out to Battle".

#30 - Top of 2017

Burning Shadows - Truth in legend (Independent)

On number 30, is the third full-length album by Burning Shadows, a power/heavy metal band with themes about mythology & phantasy, Tolkien  & Lovecraft! Right from the start there is an epic feel to the record with "Day of Darkness" sounding like a call to arms while "Southwind" is an equally heavy epic song with an awesome guitar interlude! "Sworn to Victory" is a heavier/ simpler track with a cool manly chorus, "From the Stars" gives of some serious Hansi vibes (Blind Guardian) and "Truth in Legend" adds some intense guitar riffs! "The Blessed" is one of the highlight of record with an amazing keyboard intro that allow for the great vocals by Tom Davy to be better heard and overall adds a more melodic note to the album!


92.2/100

Below is the official video for the song "Sworn in Victory".

#31 - Top of 2017

Solstafir - Berdreyminn  (Seasons of Mist)

Solstafir in their new endeavour  continue along the same post rock path that begun with "Otta".  Oli Palmason has been replaced by Jon Hallgrimsson  behind the drumming kit, but the band continues their streak of remarkably wonderful releases and their music, as always tries to reflect the Icelandic landscape and the internal struggles of the people of that distant and icy land. The band follows the same recipe with "Otta", but also evolves, adding new elements in their songs throughout the album.
Almost every song in the album is over six minutes in duration, allowing the band to evolve the soundscapes they became famous for. Adalbjorn may not be the best singer in the world, but his vocals continue to be distinct and expressive and compliment the otherworldly music of the band impeccably. The highlights of the record include the melancholic and dynamic opener "Silfur-Refur", the melodic "Isafold",  the solemn "Hula" and the almost darkwave-driven "Blajfall". An essential release for every cold winter morning (ever).


92.1/100

Below are the music videos for "Silfur-Refur" and "Hula".

#32 - Top of 2017

Aeternam - Ruins of Empires (Independent)

There have been many worthy bands with oriental influences that have drawn attention to their excellent craftmanship in the last 15 years. Among the most prominent are the brutal pioneers of the scene, Orphaned Land and the more radio-friendly Myrath. Aeternam are clearly more at home with the former, rather than the latter, releasing their 3rd full length album, feature a healthy mix of oriental sound and melodic death metal in equal doses. Ruins of Empires is their first album in 5 years and is an impressive return for the band, a few months before Orphaned Land also releasing their new record "Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs". Ruins of Empires kicks off with the melodic "Damascus Gate", before shifting gears with "Paropamisadae" unleashing a death metal fury. "Sun Shield" leans on a more symphonic death metal side, eschewing the oriental elements and alternates between symphonic clean passages and thrashing death metal. "Keeper of Shangri-La" is a beautifully crafted acoustic breather, with influences ranging from European to far-eastern folk music and symphonic elements mixed throughout. "Fallen is the Simulacrum of Bel" kicks off with a choral part eerily reminiscent of Therion and influences to Swedish symphonic giants are evident throughout the track's guitar lines, truly a great song. "Colossus" blends the metalcore influences of the band with symphonic elements and intricate riffing. The follow-up "Nightfall on Numidia", brings back the oriental elements, and acts as a relaxing oriental break, with additional female vocals provided by Hind Fazazi of Manahil.  The following "Praetor of Mercury" switches again to melodic death metal, with clear influences from Septic Flesh . The closer Zadyin Arga, attempts to unify the elements present across the record, featuring everything from typical death metal breakdowns, oriental vocal lines, symphonic keys, infectious melodies and cool solos, bringing the album to a glorious end. Check the album out and support the band at their Bandcamp page here.

92/100

Below is the music video for the opener "Damascus Gate".

#33 - Top of 2017

Elvenking - Secrets of the Magic Grimoire (AFM Records)

Secrets of the Magic Grimoire is a record that brings back the melodic power metal elements that Elvenking are amazing at! The clear vocals by Damna and the hyped guitars riffs by Aydan & Rafahel showcase all the great elements of Italian folk cheesiness that were significantly less prominent in its predecessor, "The Pagan Manifesto". "Invoking the Woodland Spirit"is an excellent example of this return to form, with great orchestration and a very catchy chorus that doesn't overshadow the melodic guitars. This is a very strong album with highlights including the catchy "The One We Shall Follow" and the majestic "A Grain of Truth" with its great keyboard and unique vocals (both growls and clean vocals with some female guest vocals adding to the song), while "The Horned Ghost and the Sorcerer" and "The Wolves Will Be Howling Your Name" (with its great riffs!) are two amazing folk/epic entries reminiscent of previous awesome albums by Elvenking. "The Voynich Manuscript" and "A Cloak of Dusk" are also honourable mentions of folk greatness, with the latter melodically wrapping up a great (Italian) folk record!


92/100

Below is the official video clip for the song "Invoking the Woodland Spirit" and the lyric video for the song "Draugen's Malestorm".

#34 - Top of 2017

Wintersun - The forest seasons (Nuclear Blast)

Wintersun, the melodic death band led by Jari Mäenpää (known from Ensiferum) are back with a great melodic concept album, following the amazing "Time I". The four songs of the record, drawing inspiration from Vivaldi's four seasons, change their tone and imagery according to the depicted season and its weather. The first song "Awaken from the Dark Slumber (Spring)" is a great starting point for the album with great orchestration and brutal vocals without missing on the clean vocals and epicness. "The Forest that Weeps (Summer)" is based on amazing guitar riffs, starting soft before going to the heavy side, with the help of an impressive instrumental section. "Eternal Darkness (Autumn)" starts with the sound of a storm brewing in the background before going into full growls and intense drumming. The record wraps up with "Loneliness (Winter)", combining a more lyrical approach with a sorrowful chorus, appropriate for the representing season. Overall, a great example of melodic death metal record with an underlying  conceptual theme, showing that even though Wintersun started as a side project it still graced us with another engaging and thought-provoking release!

92/100


Below is the official lyric videos for the 4 seasons.

#35 - Top of 2017

 Old Season - Beyond the Black (Pure Steel Records)

Beyond the black is the second full length album of Epic metallers Old Season from Kildare, Ireland. Before hearing this album, I had never heard of the band, and boy did they blow me away. Their music has an ageless quality to it, with heavy and epic elements mixed in, in equal quantities to produce one of the best epic releases in 2017.  The band has a new singer compared to their previous release, John Bonham, with vocals lines that are clearly meant as a homage to NWOBHM sound. "River of Cepha", "Elegy" and the astonishing closer "Nevermore"rank as the most epic and grandiose moments of the album, while tracks like "Scavenger" and "Journeyman", serve as a link to a more straight/in-your-face aspect of the band that seems to be more in line with the new direction of the band, that although straying from its epic roots, still delivers some epic thrills! A surefire recommendation for fans of epic metal, as well as those that enjoy their music old-school.


91.5/100


Below is the audio track for the opener "A New Dawn".

#36 - Top of 2017

 Comedy of Errors - House of the mind (Self-Released)

After reforming in 2011, the neo-prog outfit released the awesome Disobey (2011) and followed it up with the impressive Fanfare and Fantasy (2013) and Spirit (2015). Their new album is consistent with their 2 year release schedule and, again, is an impressively consistent showcase of their sound. The first track ("Tachyon") really sets the pace, with the slow melodic intro giving way to a quicker tempo. The subsequent title track is a more complex and may seem disjointed the first couple of times but the more you listen to it the more you see the patterns and currently, is my favourite part of the album. This is followed by a nice instrumental track ("A Moment's Peace") and then the more simple (but in no way simplistic) "One Fine Day". The fifth track and final track, "Song of Wandering Jacomus" is another prog epic with spacey keyboards combining with solid guitar-work, reaching a climactic moment before fading away to bring forth the vocals (around the 5 minute mark). There are distinct symphonic elements throughout the music of Comedy of Errors and here they dominate their sound with classical elements mixed in the sound of the band. Overall, another brilliant album from these guys that show that dedication to their genre, mixed with the willingness to experiment can yield impressive results.



91.5/100



Below is an extended sampler from the new album.

#37 - Top of 2017

Taberah - Sinner's Lament (Rocket Distribution)

Sinner's Lament is the third full-length album of the Australian (actually Tasmanian!!!) heavy metallers Taberah. Right from the start the record catches the interest of the listener with the almost-8-minutes epic&ever-surprising "Sinner's Lament" (that gave the record its title). The headbanger "Harlott" has an infectious chorus made for sing-alongs while the instant-classic "Horizon" and the more epic "Child of Storm" (with another great guitar solo) also stand out. The "Dance of the Damned" (a personal favourite) adds a different element to the record with its hard rock classic guitar riffs and the clear vocals by Jono Barwick and the catchy choruses throughout. The album wraps-up with an enjoyably pumped-up speed/ heavy metal version of the classic "Hotel California" by the Eagles? Taberah succeed in creating something authentic with a NWOBHM attitude!

91.5/100 

Below is official video clips for the song "Child of Storm" and the amazing cover of "Hotel California"!

#38 - Top of 2017

Antioch - Antioch III: Wings and Warlocks (Independent)

From Ontario Canada, Antioch a classic heavy metal band reaches the Top with their second full-length album "Wings and Warlocks". The album perfectly captures the true 80's heavy metal vibe throughout, starting with the blasting opener "Wings of Pterodactyl Fire"! Nicholas Allaire's voice is an ideal fit with the songs, reaching the high notes and giving off an epic feel to every tack. The feeling of every song is infectious, with the epic/heavy "The Stand of Time" and the catchy "Where the Dagger Lies" being definite highlights of great guitar riffs, impressive vocals and solid song-writing (while "Return of the Warlock" adds a Judas Priest note)! Despite being on the relatively short side(clocking at about 40 minutes), the record showcases a great piece of heavy metal glory. You fool!



91.4/100 

Below is the audio tracks for "Heavy fire" and "Return of the Warlock."

#39 - Top of 2017

 Isildurs Bane & Steve Hogarth - Colors not found in nature (Ataraxia Music)

Everyone knows Steve as the voice behind Marillion for the last almost 30 years. This is a collaboration project between him and Swedish prog rockers Isildur's Bane which results in a creation that although similar to recent Marillion works, on account of Steve's distinct vocal lines, has more of an orchestral/70s prog feel than the distinct neo-prog feel of Marillion. The album is fairly short for a prog album (6 tracks spread across 41 minutes), but succeeds in being interesting by shifting gears between tracks, with the opener "Ice Pop" being a fast 70s prog piece, followed by "The Random Fires" which has a more modern & majestic approach to its prog attitude. This is followed up by the slow and introverted "Peripheral Vision" and the symphonic claustrophobia of "The Love and the Affair". This is followed by the melancholy of "Diamonds and Amnesia" and the album closes with the prog anthem "Incandescant".  A definitely must for all friends of Marillion and lovers of Swedish prog rock in the veins of Kaippa and Spock's Beard.




91.3/100

Below is an AMV for the melancholic "Peripheral Vision".