#1 - Top of 2017

Ayreon - The Source (Mascot Label Group)

And finally for the best album of 2017, the new epic adventure of Ayreon in "The Source"! Having somewhat left their main space-sci-fi story-line in the "Theory of Everything" album, instead presenting a more down to earth concept there, here the space epic element returns in full force. The story-line starts at the distant past in planet Alpha and acts, in essence, a prequel to the main Ayreon story so far. The cast comprises of ten influential individuals of the planet: the Historian  (James LaBrie from Dream Theater), the President (Russen Allen from Symphony X & Adrenaline Mob), the Opposition Leader (Tommy Karevik from Kamelot & Seventh Wonder), the Chemist (Tommy Giles Rogers from Between the Buried and Me), the Counsellor (Simone Simons from Epica),   the Prophet (Nils K Rue from Pagan's Mind), the Captain (Tobias Sammet from Edguy & Avantasia), the Astronomer (Hansi Kursch from Blind Guardian), the Diplomat (Michael Eriksen from Circus Maximus) , the Biologist (Floor Jansen from Nightwish)   and their faithful android TH-1 (Mike Mills from Toehider), along with a cameo vocal appearance from Zaher Zorgati (Myrath) and guest solos from Paul Gilbert  (Mr Big) and Guthrie Govan (ex-Asia).

The (double) album starts with "The Day that the World Breaks Down" a bombastic epic song introducing the main cast. "Everybody Dies" and "Run Apocalypse Run" are another two bombastic and heavy songs fro the first album, while "The Star of Sirrah" is a truly space opera epic and "All that was" is a renaissance folk hymn. In the second album, the protagonists leave to find a new planet after the old one is destroyed and find themselves in Planet Y where they adapt to living beneath the waves of the oceanic planet. Highlights from this album include the dynamic opener "Aquatic Race", the heavy/operatic "Deathcry of a race", the quietly solemn "The Source Will Flow" as well as the final trilogy of songs ("Journey to Forever", "The Human Compulsion", "March of  the Machines") which pave the way back to the original story. A true masterpiece, in a continuous streak of excellent albums from Arjen Lucassen and without a doubt the best and highest recommended release of 2017.

100/100

Below are the lyric videos for "The Day that the World breaks down", "Everybody Dies", "Run Apocalypse Run" and the music video for "The Source Will Flow".

 

#2 - Top of 2017

Toehider - Good (Bird's Robe Records)

One step before the best album of 2017,  "Good" by Toehider s good evidence that you can have good prog music in 2017 (i) without sounding retro, (ii) while having fun making it and (iii) by further evolving from previous material. The album kicks off with the short interlude musings of the acoustic title track ("Good")  and then the second track "(funnythings)" a speedy chaotic track which sets the pace for the album. The next track draws from more commercial sources and it ("The Conversation is over") successfully combines catchy pop with grandiose elements and an infectious tune to boot. "Millions of Musketeers" again is more proggy with a more complex structure with riffing almost reminiscent of progressive metal! The prog metal feeling continues to be featured heavily in the epic "How do Ghosts work?" which combines personal experiences, nonsensical ponderings and excellent riffing with almost a hint of the Devin Townsend Project in terms of musical flow.  "DAN vs EGG" is a "joke" song which acts as an acoustic interluding after the beating from the two previous tracks and acts as a segway to the proggy semi-acoustic  "I've Been So Happy Living Down Here in the Water". The album closes out unconventionally (as if Toehider would have it any other way) with "It's so Fikkis!" blending prog rock and AOR and even latin hints and closes out another fucking great release by the band. Hats off!


98/100

Below are the music videos for "This Conversation is over", "How do Ghosts work?" and the "unofficial video" for "DAN vs EGG".

#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".

#6 - Top of 2017

Sons of Crom - The Black Tower (Nordvis)

The black tower is an amazing epic heavy metal album brought to us by the extraordinary duo Iiro Sarkki (in vocals and drums) and Janne Posti (in vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards), who go by the name "Sons of Crom". The record is split into two sections with 4 songs each, and although it goes only slightly over 40 minutes, it is filled with memorable and extremely diverse tracks! "Steps of Doom" is a very interesting intro song which sounds like it is taken from a fantasy movie or game and sets an epic tone for an adventure. "In Fire Reborn" is another epic song with some intense vocal lines that blend seamlessly with imposing choral parts.  The riff-based "Fall of Pandemonium" (with its awesome guitar and violin melodic lines) and the melodic "Legacy" (with a great accoustic guitar background blending with some stunning and powerful vocals) finish off the first half of the album. The second part is equally epic with the Bathoresque  "Black Wings Up High", the galloping "Summoning the Starborn" which picks-up the rhythm without losing in terms of heaviness and the amazing "Viimeinen Laki", which is the only track in Finnish, but evokes an emotional response regardless of the understanding of the lyrics! "Rebirth of the Sun" is a great instrumental tune that is filled with sorrowful violin tunes and closes a very interesting and unique (for today's standards) release. And to paraphrase a black-haired bare-chested fellow "By this axe they rule"!

95.8/100

Below is the audio track for the song "Black Wings Up High".

#7 - Top of 2017

Sorcerer - The Crowning of the Fire King (Metal Blade Records)

Sweden has given us another epic heavy metal album with Sorcerer releasing their second full-length album "The Crowning of the Fire King". "Sirens" is an amazing melodic but at the same time heavy-riffed track that serves as the perfect opening for the record.
The "Ship of Doom" is full of melodic guitar riffs by Kristian Niemann and Peter Hallgren. "Abandoned By the Gods" clearly showcases the awesome vocal capabilities of the lead singer Anders Engberg, who has an epic feel reminiscent of Dio and fits the heavy doom melodies. Highlights of the album and personal favourites are "The Devil's Incubus" with an epic and pompous chorus that definitely sticks to memory and the title-song "The Crowning of the Fire King" with its layers of eerie melodies! "Nattvaka" is an excellent mellow interlude, "Crimson Cross" definitely has a Candlemass vibe and "Unbearable Sorrow" (the longest track-spanning at almost 10 minutes) with the bass feeling like a ten ton hammer landing on your face. If you haven't had enough, there are two bonus tracks "Disciples of the Dark" and "Bringer of Misery" which act as the proverbial doom cherries on top of a hell of an album!


95.5/100

Below is the music video for the song "Sirens" and the lyric video for "The Devil's Incubus".

#8 - Top of 2017

Kaipa - Children of the Sounds (Century Media)

Kaipa are back after the excellent release of 2014's "Sattyg" and grace us with another treatise on how to combine  music craftmanship of the highest callibre with beautiful content, dressed in the colors of spring!  Starter "Children of the Sounds" is a classic Kaipa song drawing influences from their earlier periods along with some early "Flower Kings" vibe. "On the Edge of New Horizons" is the true masterpiece of the album and where the brilliance of the band truly shines. It keeps the listener on edge through many shifts and turns accompanied by  novel vocal lines, folk elements and instrumental orgies and a dramatic ending. Here one should note that the top-notch rhythm section of the band (Jonas Reingold and Morgan Agren) that acts as the glue that keeps it all together. Like a Serpentine is a more "earthy" piece, opening slow and building its pace more steadily. "The Shadowy Sunlight" mixes folk and eerie elements impecably and uses the vocals of Aleena Gibson to build an atmosphere around the piece that is not what one might expect from Kaipa, but a transedent experience nevertheless. The closer of the (almost) 1 hour album comes with "What's Behind the Fields", that is influenced more than anything else by rock legends Uriah Heep, once more bringing their influences to their own style and creating a song that along with "On the Edge of Horizons" will surely be included in the "Best of"album when the band retires.

95.4/100

Below are the lyric videos for "Children of the Sounds" and "What's behind the fields"

#9 - Top of 2017

Avatarium - Hurricanes and Halos (Nuclear Blast)

When Avatarium released their debut the world was stunned by the "female version of Candlemass" that Leif Edling created. Since then, the band has evolved by leaps and bounds and the third album veers the band straight into 70s hard rock with the doom influences of the past minimised, with their current feel being closer to Krux ("III") than Candlemass. In "Hurricanes And Halos" Leif Edling takes a backseat in performing and acts more as a mentor, with credit for the album being  shared between Edling (main composer) and Marcus Jidell (guitarist and producer) .
The inaugural "Into The Fire / Into The Storm" sets the tone for the album acting as a tribute to the great Deep Purple, while being a standalone great track at the same time. The next track ("Starless Sleep"), keeps the interest up by imbuing the album with a BOC feel. The next track also keeps the 70s levels consistent with  propably the most unique track of the record ("Medusa Child") with intense Led Zeppelin vibes. "The Sky at the bottom of the Sea" continues the trend of the album with paying trubute to Uriah Heep and is probably the least memorable here, nevertheless being a solid tribute to one  of Leif Edling's favorite bands. "When breath turns to air" is an introvert song which acts as a farewell from Markus Jidell to his father and is propably the most personally charged moment of the album. In the last song, "A kiss", the band comes  full circle with a very heavy Candlemass/Sabbath riff  that is here to remind us of the band's beginnings and give a heavy farewell until we meet again.


95.1/100


Below you can enjoy the music video for the "Starless Sleep".

#10 - Top of 2017

Mausoleum Gate - Into a Dark Divinity (Cruz del Sur Music)

In number 10 for 2017, another Finnish band, Mausoleum Gate with a very unique heavy metal release "Into a Dark Divinity". This is just the second album by the band formed in 2009 but it showcases a unique approach both in musical and lyrical themes. This is achieved by the a great combination of mellow vocals by the lead singer V-P Varpula and 70's inspired guitar riffs by Count LaFey and Kasperi Puranen along with typical heavy metal rhythm section (Wicked Ischanius and Oscar Razanez). "Condemned to Darkness" definitely sets the tone and high expectations that are met throughout the album which has no low moment, although it is on the short side clocking at only 42 minutes. The short but effective "Burn the Witches at Dawn" is an interesting change of pace and serves as a nice transition to the heavier and more epic "Apophis"and "Solomon’s Key"! The groovy "Horns" and the grandiose "Into a Dark Divinity" wrap up a unique heavy metal record which sets the tone for future work by the band.

95/100

Below is the lyric video for the song "Solomon's key".

If you like what you hear, you can order the album from here and help support and upcoming melodic heavy metal band.