#3 - Top of 2017

Need - Hegaiamas: A Song for Freedom (Ikaros Records)

After the truly seminal "Orvam" (2014), which cemented Need as one of the best progressive metal acts in Greece and at the same time one of the rising stars of the genre in Europe, the band returned in 2017 with "Hegaiamas: A Song for Freedom", an album that not only reaffirmed their quality and inspiration, but at the same time progressed their music, further differentiating their personal identity from their influences and created a technically and musically excellent progressive metal album that acts as a culmination of all their efforts to date. The album opener, "Rememory" makes the intentions of the band known, with melodic riffing and vocal lines echoing the best moments of  Fates Warning, while the atmospheric interlude in the beginning acts as the start of a circle that will close only when the final note of the album is heard. "Alltribe" flows effortlessly from "Rememory" and is in the same melodic vein with  both songs acting as the opening act of the album. "Therianthrope" begins with more heavy riffing and follows more heavy prog forms from its predecessors with riffing influences from Dream Theater (Train of Thought era) and more harsh vocal lines inter-playing with traditional power-prog lyricism."Riverthane"' also follows with heavy riffing along the veins of its predecessor with its melodic lines hinting traces of oriental elements and the Pantera-like riffs  providing the necessary force to power through. The quiet interlude near the 5 minute mark of the song hints at the Nevermore influences of the band , filtered through their personal sound. "Tilikum" starts softly with the riffing building into a slower and more menacing song. There is an underlying darkness which is overlaid beautifully by the female vocalist, which along the different male vocal lines gives the song an ensemble feel. "IOTA" starts as a spoken piece with an argument between a male and a female voice with a soft piano piece behind them. This acts as a prologue and segway into the grandiose closer "Hegaiamas" with the word "Freedom" from the previous piece acting as the catalyst. The titular closer clocks at 22 minutes long and showcases the ability of the band to write a true prog metal epic with a main riff inspired by traditional Greek music forms and elements from all the aspects of the band intermarried beautifully. The haunting last few minutes of the song return to the beginning of the album bringing this progressive metal masterpiece to its end!

97.1/100

Below are the official videos for "Riverthane", "IOTA" and "Rememory"

#4 - Top of 2017

Crystal Viper - Queen of the Witches (AFM Records)

Crystal Viper blast their way into the top 5 of 2017 with the powerful vocals and guitars by the amazing Marta Gabriel, one of the best female vocalists in a metal band right now! Straight from the start "The Witch Is Back" showcases strong and impressive vocals along with heavy riffs (Andy Waves) and drum beats (Golem) with the pace being picked up in the "I Fear No Evil" (with an  epic closing riff). The heavier (Manowar-reminiscent) "When the Sun Goes Down"is a highlight and personal favourite which is followed by the melodic "Trapped Behind" an interesting ballad that acts as a transition to the galloping "Do or Die" (with guest guitars from Ross The Boss) and "Burn My Fire Burn" which are tailor-made for sing along in live concerts! "We Will Make It Last Forever" (with guest vocals by Steve Bettney from Saracen) is another amazing power ballad that acts as an emotional interlude before the striking "Rise of the Witch Queen" that perfectly closes the record and concludes for now the adventures of the queen of the witches who "rises from the fire" to "rule forevermore"!
The great Grim Reaper cover "See You in Hell" and the awesome album cover art by Andreas Marschall, who has worked with many metal bands including Blind Guardian and Grave Digger are the finishing touches to one of the best records in Crystal Viper back catalogue and a worthy number 4 for 2017!
 

97/100

Below are the music videos for the songs "The Witch Is Back" and "When the Sun Goes Down".

#5 - Top of 2017

Pain of Salvation - In the Passing light of day (Inside Out)

After a long hiatus, which saw the release of one Cover album, a serious operation that lead singer Daniel Gildenlow had to undergo, and changes to all members but Daniel and Leo (drums), Pain of Salvation are back with their 9th full length album after 6 years with (almost) no new material. And as always, the band delivers in spades!
Based on the experiences of Daniel's hospitalisation and his  long & hard road to recovery, the album sees the band return to its progressive metal roots, leaving the more acoustic side of the two equally great "Road Salt" albums somewhat aside and focus on its "harsher" side, bringing back memories of the excellent 2004 "Remedy Lane" album. The first track of the new endeavour "On a Tuesday", mixes the harder sound of the past with the warm colours of the band's recent endeavours in  a very organic way, which coupled with the personal tone of the lyrics marks a very dynamic return for the band. Things go even harder in"Tongue of God" where the coupling of voices between Daniel and Ragnar Zolberg creates a very dynamic and bombastic combination. "Meaningless" is a  very catchy song and is obviously put here to act as a connection between old and new fandom. "Silent Gold" is a more quiet piece and bridges the album, while at the same time providing the necessary breather. "Full Throat Tribe" is another great progressive metal track with excellent guitar lines.  The rest of the album flows within the narrative of reconciliation between the different eras of P.o.S: with the highlights being the proggy "Reasons"  and the epic & heartfelt"If this is the End". A return to form for the band, promising new and exciting explorations of prog space in the years to come.


96/100


Below are the music videos for "Meaningless" and "Reasons".