Favourite albums of 2017

Albums below the top 50 and in no particular order:

Newman - Aerial
Superbly slick melodic rock from Newman as always.

Tommy Vitaly - Indivisible
Neoclassical shred metal mixed with normal melodic metal. Some songs have vocals and others just shredding and melodies.

Awaken the Giant - Black & Blue [EP]
Modern rock EP. Good vocals, heavy riffs and a few core emo elements but minimal. Enjoy the catchy songs a lot.

Ra's Dawn - From The Vile Catacombs
Heavy and melodic mid paced thrash with power metal overtones. The heavy crystal clear sound makes the album very listenable indeed.

Mastodon - Emperor of Sand
Heavy and melodic groove metal with ever busy drums. Some mesmerising moments of epic bliss. A solid and enjoyable Mastodon album.

Razorblade Messiah - Ride the Razor
Great little classic metal ep. Trad metal riffs with melodic vocals and decent songs. Fists in the air!

Arf Of Anarchy - The Madness
Modern rock with Scott Stapp. Catchy and very good for the most part. Hard hitting with angsty, melodramatic vocals from Stapp is the order of the day.

Night ranger - Don't Let Up
Some very good melodic tunes and a couple of bluesy rough numbers which I don't like. Overall pleasing melodic rock, good vocals and strong melodies. 

NоVоN - Thе Wаrrіоr's Fаtе
Hilarious and fun true metal from the German brothers of steel! Featuring the best song title of the year - Push, Push for Metal!

Bonfire - Byte the Bullet
I've never known a great deal about Bonfire but I think this maybe their best album yet. Melodic rock/metal at its Germanic best is what's on offer here. Very enjoyable stuff!

Place Vendome - Close to the Sun
Took a couple of plays but I like this in the end. Granted Miki Kiske's warbling will put off most people but there are some cool tunes here. The guitar work is also very awesome and melodic.

Edenbridge - The Great Momentum
I've always liked Edenbrdge and I love Sabine's vocals. She's one of my fave female singers by far. Just love her voice and my love affair continues strong on this disk.

Coastland Ride - Distance
This is very soft but very good Scandi AOR. Very lush instrumentation, lovely crystal clear production and sweet melodic vocals. Won't be the best AOR album I'll hear this year but good enough.

Stamina - System of Power
Don't recall a lot about this band but this album is great if you ask me. Very melodic, very catchy melodic power with the odd prog tendency but mainly just melody after melody. Very big surprise and very enjoyable.

Striker - st
I didn't like the last album it just didn't work for me. Now I like'm again. This is great. Good solid melodies from the singer.

Theory - The Art Of Evil
A new band playing heavy power metal something like Nevermore/Communic mix. The vocals are heavy and full throated but still melodic. Riffs are melodic and very enjoyable.

Deaf Havana - All These Countless Nights
Stepping out of my comfort zone but these songs and vocals are too good to ignore. This is an uplifting alternative rock album and much lighter than other modern rock bands I like. However the melodies are very addictive and cool as is the dreamy laid back vibe.

Firewind - Immortals
Welcome return for Gus and Co. Basse fits like a glove and Gussy sounds energised with a bunch of cool new tunes.

Grave Digger - Healed By Metal
Been bored by last couple of GD albums but I begrudgingly have to say I like Healed By Metal. It pounds and wrecks with heavy hitting power metal all over. Bolt even manages to sound like Lemmy at times which is a bit cool though I don't know if it was on purpose as a tribute or just natural.

Cellador - Off The Grid
Really much better than their last album which was good in itself. The singer has some superb melodies.

Confess - Haunters
Melodic Swedish glam metal. Like a slightly softer Hardcore Superstar but with a lot of cool tuneage.

Adrenaline Rush - Soul Survivor
You know what, even this gal's painfully average pop vocals can't stop this from rocking pretty hard. The full throttle riffs and music just rules.

Labyrinth - Architecture of a God
I wish it had more energetic songs but the quality is still there. It's just a more relaxed kind of Labyrinth and not power metal fixated. The song Stardust and Ashes is completely amazing though and I wish there were more tunes like that one.

Ancestry - Transitions
Nice power from Mexico. Probably closest to old Stratovarius in many ways. For a band with no profile from a power metal backwater it's definitely a job well done.

No Resolve - Unity
Modern rock has been good to me and every thing I look for in modern music is present and correct. Epic, room filling melodies from the singer and a booming thick production with the riffing. I even like the haunting ballads on this album.

Exos - Time For a Change
Very cool project which I know very little about. The album features various semi-famous and underground power metal singers each handling a song but it's the song material that wins the day. Very enjoyable.

Pride of Lions - Fearless
Some great tunes especially when Toby sings alone but the album as a whole is possibly a bit borderline namby pamby. If you like a more theatrical Survivor styled AOR you should like it though.

Painful Pride - Lost Memories
Rather catchy melodic metal from this band I've never heard of. Some very nice tunes and some so so ones. Overall pretty enjoyable melodic heavy metal.

Damnations Day - A World Awakens
Great progpower. Very good vocals, very decent but not totally amazing songs. Production is totally great though. First album was good but this is better still. Overall vibe is solid as hell.

Paladine - Finding Solace
Very decent epic metal with so so vocals. But I enjoyed most of this anyway.

Ayreon - The Source
Perhaps the heaviest and most melodic Ayreon album ever. I have liked random Ayreon songs in the past but never a full album. That has changed. This is almost a masterpiece as far as Ayreon goes. This is a double cd so I can't say I like everything but I liked 80% at least and probably the first time I can say that about any Ayreon album. Great vocals from all the cast too.

Aviator Shades - This Is What We Do
Fun hard rock with sweet riffs and vocals.

Wayward Sons - Ghosts of yet to come
Catchy hard rock. Plenty cool tunes.

Smash Into Pieces - Rise And Shine
Very cool modern rock with great vocals. Sweden come up trumps for me again after the solid last cd. The songs are just very catchy and I can see myself playing them over and over.

The Mantle - st
Didn't realise this was Kenny G's boy but I like this. I don't really listen to instrumental metal but this thing is awesome. Melody is put at the forefront of every tune. Guitarwork is superb and fluid.

Victorius - Heart Of The Phoenix
Quality Freedom call style power metal. Vocals could be better but they're OK enough and the songs are very happy go lucky and enjoyable in any case. Thumbs up from this power metal diehard!

Skarlett Riot - Regenerate
Great songs, very memorable. Her voice is a little girly for my taste. But I can't deny the songs because they are ace.

Sinner - Tequila Suicide
I don't really recall liking any Sinner albums a lot in the past. They were good but nothing I needed to immerse myself in. Which makes this all the more strange. I really like this album! It's really quite good indeed. It's like a heavier Thin Lizzy in places.

Dragony - Lords of the Hunt EP
Great little ep. Nice melodic power stuff until their next album.

Seven Kingdoms - Decennium
Well this is rather enjoyable. Her vocals are a bit girly but the melodies are very catchy. I just wish she sounded more manly if that makes sense. Still very good though.

Toxpack - Schall Und Rausch
I love this somehow. Punk street metal - very heavy very catchy! Good mix of attitude filled street music but no rap.

Dream Tröll - The Knight of Rebellion
Rather unique sounding UK melodic power metal. Not amazing but pretty enjoyable and brings a smile to my face.

Taberah - Sinner's Lament
Very good heavily riffed power metal. Choruses could be bigger but this mostly rules.

Siamese - Shameless
Very dreamy and melodic modern rock with smooth soft vocals which are almost poppy like Timberlake or something! Still some of these songs are very catchy and addictive with the mix of heavy riffs and soft melodies from the singer.

Wind Rose - Stonehymn
Epic and mighty sounding warrior metal. Some great moments but others pass by without gaining much favour with me but I may end up liking this heroic outfit in the end. There are plenty of great chest beating moments and a cool heavy sound.

Pyramaze - Contingent
At first I was a bit dubious about this but by the end I realised the band is still great as ever. The melodies are strong and memorable. The production could be a bit sharper but it's minor really which is a bit odd since Jacob Hansen is amazing at sounding huge on all his other production work. If you like melody in your metal then you need Pyramaze - simples!

Tyrants by Night - A Taste of Patience
They sound like Iced Earth but sped up and much more thrashy. Good melodic vocals too but it's all about riffs and there's freaking loads of 'em! Tyrants by Night are well worth a listen for any power/thrash fan.

Horisont - About Time
Retro 70s rock isn't really my thing but I really enjoyed this. Sounds like The Who mixed with Thin Lizzy and a very high pitched singer. Rather fun and authentic 70s, boogie rock.

Night Demon - Darkness Remains
This is great old school trad. Good riffs, reasonable vox, and headbangable songs. I'm in.

VHÄLDEMAR - Old King's Visions
Nice little comeback ep from this band who I haven't heard a peep from in years. There is power, pace and melody with a gruff singer. Actually he sounds like a dead ringer for old Nightmare singer Jo Amore.

Ravage - Return Of The Spectral Rider
Very good trad power metal with loads of gallop. Good solid vocals too. True metal joy!

Soulspell - The Second Big Bang
Very good power metal extravaganza. Singers galore and all turn in a solid effort. Perhaps not as good as Avantasia but it's not so far away after all.

Ironflame - Lightning Strikes the Crown
Yeah I like this. Normal true power metal. Good vocals and chest beating songs about being metal. Good melodies good production. Ticks all my boxes.

Wolfchant - Bloodwinter
Didn't really know the band before but the Viking, medieval, melodic folk death thing works very well here. Love the semi operatic vocals that make the choruses stand out more. Imagine a more folky Amon Amarth with clean booming vocals in the choirs and you have Wolfchant.

Excalion - Dream Alive
Very decent melodic power but I'm not sure I have a feeling yet for the vocal melodies. In the end after a few plays the class shines through and it makes the list with ease.

Santa Cruz - Bad Blood Rising
Some very good songs from the Fins and a couple of duff ones too but still makes it for the sheer fun of the great tunes.

Satin - It's About Time
Superb clean cut soft AOR. Great vocals and great guitars. Ballads are a bit namby pamby, duff but I can always skip. Love the rest from Tom Satin.

Souldrinker - War Is Coming
Yes it's pure heavy metal! Very much sounding like classic Mystic Prophecy even the lady sounds like RD Liapakis, mainman of MP.

Starblind - Never Seen Again
Maiden worship. Very enjoyable although the singer like their last album can be annoying with his OTT whining. However musically the band is pure late 80s Maiden. Somewhere in Time/Seventh Son era.

Von Hertzen Brothers - War Is Over
Loved their last and their new album is even more ambitious and epic. It's adventurous and very melodious with lush vocals and always interesting songs. I will have plenty more listens of this epic album of modern rock.

Hell In The Club - See You On The Dark Side
First time liking this Italian band. Very good slightly glam metal but not so much because then I wouldn't like it not being a glam fan.

Ember Falls - Welcome To Ember Falls
Modern metal ala Amaranthe but much heavier and no female vocals. Some wicked melodic choruses \and great riff passages all round. One horrible song with rapping but I'll forgive them that shocking error! :-)

Metalian - Midnight Rider
Catchy old school metal ala Maiden/Priest with a very rough sound.

Anthriel - Transcendence
Very cool melodic prog/power. A bit long winded but many majestic moments.

Ten - Gothica
Dramatic as always. Quality melodic music and much better than Isla De Muerta and I've always loved Gary's voice.

Stallion - From the Dead
Old school 80s fixated speed/thrash metal - raw but fun.

Forefather - Tales From a Cloud-Born Land
Had no idea the English pagan twins were releasing an EP. Then suddenly here it is and as usual it's totally epic. Glad they released this epic pagan melodic metal!

Jorn - Life on Death Road
Some very good songs from Jorn. I like the fact that it doesn't plod so much like much of his solo albums. This is quite fast and energetic on many occasions. Enjoyable effort if not totally amazing either.

Kee of Hearts - st
Very cool melodic rock. Great vocals and very cool tunes.

Martina Edoff - We Will Align
Much harder edged but still very melodic album from this sassy Swedish lady.

Wizard - Fallen Kings
Not amazing but someone has to hold up the flag for true metal after Majesty's great effort earlier in the year. Some great chest beating moments!

Accept - The Rise of Chaos
I like it. It's fun heavy metal. Simple enough really.

Kryptonite - st
Great melodic rock project. very enjoyable music and catchy songs.

Eagleheart - Reverse
Yeah quality Czech power metal - not often you'll be saying that! Great quality production and acceptable vocals from the guy.

Fire Strike - Slaves of Fate
Female fronted Maiden style trad metal. Fun if throwaway.

Blazon Stone - Down In The Dark
Great RW worship even the vocals are pure Rolf.

Jack Starr’s Burning Starr - Stand Your Ground
Jack returns once in a blue moon with an album of true cult heavy metal. This album is an enjoyable listen held together superbly by vocals from Todd Michael Hall if I'm not wrong. Some triumphant melodies but production is a bit raw or flat by today's standards.

Wraith - Revelation
80s trad throwback. Heavy riffs and melodic vocals. Enjoyable but not amazing but good enough to be included.

Galderia - Return of the Cosmic Men
I may have been hasty in my initial dismissal of this. It's actually rather enjoyable happy power. Very OTT, just the way I like it really. The singer when singing on his own is average but the choirs are epic and chest beating.

Altair - Descending A Devilish Comedy
Very good prog power. Vocals so so but I can get by. Music is class with a sweet production.

Valor - Arrogance- The Fall
Really enjoyed this melodic power metal from Greece. Voice could be a little better but he'll do and the melodies are cool and catchy enough from him.

10 Years - (How to Live) As Ghosts
Very good modern rock. Not that heavy but I enjoy many of the songs with a lot of memorable vocal melodies. Fills my modern rock needs nicely.

Metalite - Heroes In Time
Obviously a guilty pleasure this cheese fest dance metal. Who can admit in public liking this overly sugary and poppy stuff? Well me! It's catchy, hard to resist and executed expertly even though you need to go a week without sugar after spoon fulls of this stuff!

Air Raid - Across The Line
Enjoyable trad held back by just average vocals. Great riffs though and cool tunes though.

Atoms to Ashes - Through the Storm (EP)
Modern rock with pop edge. Should hate it but damn it's catchy!

Code Red - Incendiary
Super slick melodic rock from Swedish experts of the game.

Adelitas Way - Notorious
Very catchy modern melodic rock. Very big choruses.

CyHra - Letters To Myself
Super slick and catchy with a whole host of poppy melodies everywhere. Basically a second Amaranthe minus chick and growls.

Absolva - Defiance
A very good trad metal album from the Appleton bros here in the UK. Very strong effort for fans of melodic heavy metal.

Early Grey - Rock For Life
Enjoyable melodic rock from the Russians whose debut I liked a lot from last year. Nice vocals too.

Operus - Cenotaph
Out of the blue semi operatic, Candian power metal. Great effort too with an awesome mid range singer. Epic and lush music driven by energy and vocal histrionics. I'm happy with this unknown band!

Panzer - Fatal Command
Enjoyable classic German metal. Imagine if Destruction played more like Accept. Rocks right?

Prospekt - The Illuminated Sky
Very good prog metal from the UK. Vocals could be a little better but belting music.

Defecto - Nemesis
Very good and catchy melodic prog/power.

Phantom 5 - Play To Win
Why did I ignore this for a few weeks?? This is bloody great melodic hard rock and typically Germanic. Great stuff for me and miles better than their average debut.

Saints of Sin - Welcome to the Circus
English band playing fun as hell melodic hard rock. The guitars rip hard and the songs are very fun and super cheesy.

Crom - When Northmen Die
Very good folky power. Nice vocals too.

Aerodyne - Breaking Free
Pretty catchy melodic hard rock.

And now for the big Top 50 in reverse order:

50. Walpyrgus - Walpyrgus Nights
Very good melodic classic trad metal. Great vox too.

49. Vhäldemar - Against All Kings
They released an ep earlier in the year and now here's the fantastic new album. Great mix between Primal Fear, Grave Digger and Manowar! Hail!

48. Secret Sphere - The Nature of Time
Just a superb singing performance from Mr Luppi. He has an accent but I just love his style. Music is solid and the songs are enjoyable.

47. Gothminister - The Other Side
I'm the last person to listen to eurogoth but this album immediately caught my ear. It sounds like Pete Steele fronting Rammstein with something more Eurovision catchy even. Very enjoyable!

46. Arrayan Path - Dawn Of Aquarius
Very very good indeed. Enjoyable melodic power with oriental elements as always from the Cypriots. Some parts are a little long winded for me but overall very happy with their effort and especially the beautiful production and oriental guitar melodies.

45. Galneryus - Ultimate Sacrifice
Amazing as always. Shredding, ultra melodic, Japanese style power/speed metal. Sho, the vocalist is easily my fave Japanese vocalist. High and smooth as silk. I only wish he had confidence to sing in all English but I guess their Japanese fans won't accept that. Some of the English sung choral parts are truly epic bliss.

44. Red Eyes - The Red Album
The riffs on this unknown band's album plain rule! The vocals are good not great but acceptable. The songs rock and like I said the riffs on this bad boy rock like hell.

43. Nickelback - Feed the Machine
The best Nickelback album by far. Melodic, catchy modern rock with a big, hefty guitar sound. Good, memorable songs.

42. Inglorious - II
The vocals make this band what they are. This is a solid blues rock band but boy is the singer bloody great. His melodies are so soulful and engaging. Without him I'd pass on Inglorious but he just adds something great and memorable to the songs.

41. Within Silence - Return From The Shadows
Can't recall the history with these guys at all but this is right up my alley. Great melodies all over the shop and very nice production in this melodic metal band.

40. Wildness - Wildness
Absolutely top class Scandi AOR. Love it! So lush and easy on the ear.

39. Cats In Space - Scarecrow
Are you a fan of 70s lush harmonics? Then you need this album. Some fantastic songs and glorious harmonies. Just like pouring sugar down your ear holes!

38. Art Nation - Liberation
Much heavier than their last album but even better. Great songs with huge choruses. One for Eclipse fans to pump out loud whenever they get tired of Eclipse..as if that's possible!

37. The Unity - st
The album is mostly bloody great. They've exceeded expectations although with the people involved it's not so surprising. The choruses are very catchy. Could do with a bit more pace sometimes to boost the energy but the vocals are awesome. The Love Might Kill guy is superb, he's absolutely the star of the show here.

36. Mean Streak - Blind Faith
This is great stuff. Very enjoyable catchy heavy metal and oh so typically Scandi melodic heavy metal.

35. Cryonic Temple - Into The Glorious Battle
Great true power metal, epic qualities and great choruses and solid vocals. Surprised to like this so much but like it a lot I do.

34. Houston - III
Superb AOR again. Amazing songs. Love Houston, One of the best Swedish AOR bands along with Work of Art and Heat of course. Note I didn't say Eclipse who I don't consider a true AOR band. Eclipse is just the best band period haha!

33. Unleash The Archers - Apex
Their best and most confident effort by far. Great power metal overall. Very good vocals. Very surprised I like it so much.

32. H.E.A.T - Into The Great Unknown
Plenty of great tunes and a couple of departures but I don't mind them at all. The band is firing as hard as ever.

31. The Ferryman - st
Very good indeed but I slightly prefer his own Freefall project. Still this is the best vehicle I've heard for Ronnie's vocals by far. Some killer tunes and a few that pass me by without too much fanfare.

30. Serenity - Lionheart
Just a real great power metal band these days. Love this epic and bombastic power metal!

29. Need - Hegaiamas:A song for freedom
This is some immense shit right here. I am so surprised. The story is a bit out there but it's all about the riffs for me. They are truly humongous and the vocals are pretty good too.

28. As Lions - Selfish Age
Featuring Bruce's son, ex metalcore boy grows up in new band. Very nice epic melodies throughout and no stupid screaming. Some huge rock anthems here.

27. Crazy Lixx - Ruff Justice
Great old school melodic rock/metal with a little sleaze but not too much. Some of the songwriting is pure 80s inspired. Like 80s Ozzy. Possibly their best album yet.

26. Fozzy - Judas
Easily the most commercial and hook ridden Fozzy album yet. Going for the big radio hits but still with huge weight in the riffs. Thumbs up for the wrestler dude here!

25. Blaze Bayley - Endure and Survive
Best Blaze album since almost forever. Welcome back Mr Bayley! Looking forward to part 3 of this trilogy.

24. DragonForce - Reaching into Infinity
A truly great 'Force album. One of their very best. They are trying to be a bit thrashier and it works a treat but still with super melodic choruses. I'd call this warp speed, hyper melodic
power/thrash!

23. Amberian Dawn - Darkness Of Eternity
The Nightwish clones can do no wrong in my eyes. Love singer Capri's voice. She's a delight!

22. Bloodbound - War Of Dragons
If this album said Sabaton on the front and had Joakim as front man no one would bat an eyelid. In fact people would probably be raving over it saying Sabaton have released one of their best albums in their career. For me this is one of the best albums in Bloodbound's career especially on the albums without Urban Breed.

21. Keldian - Darkness and Light
Good to see these guys back. Very melodic and uplifting as always but heavier than their usual sound. The songs are very catchy and anthemic.

20. The Night Flight Orchestra - Amber Galactic
Very good 80s retro rock. Their best album no doubt. Some lush grooving and sweet retro melodies. Amazing production too.

19. Brothers of Metal - Prophecy of Ragnarök
Amazing newcomer band. Female vox, male rough vox but not harsh. Songs are amazing odes to metal and Swedish myths. Some wonderful melodies. Gods of War - one of the songs of the year no doubt. Great newcomer band!

18. Majesty - Rebels
Damn! The best Majesty album ever! I am amazed at this album. It's perfection in true metal form!I literally love every song here. Cheesy, true metal at its finest level. Manowar have been usurped and their crown has been taken over by Majesty. Hail to Majesty!

17. Brother Firetribe - Sunbound
Of course it's totally loveable. Lush, richly produced melodic rock with superb melodic vocals. Very listenable and a fantastic release you can listen to over and over again.

16. Tokyo Motor Fist - st
Melodic rock project with Ted Poley comes up trumps. Some fantastic happy go lucky songs on display all with Ted's high pitched vocals. Much better than his solo album from last year. This is just hella fun!

15. Power Quest - Sixth Dimension
Waited with baited breath and disappointed I was not. Highly enjoyable melodic power metal with songs that stay firmly fixed in the brain. Thanks to Steve and co for resurrecting the Quest!

14. Almanac - Kingslayer
A superb follow up to the debut from Victor and crew. Better, heavier and more melodic in every way.

13. Threshold - Legends Of The Shires
Never let anyone down. Even though I was worried about them dropping Wilson I needn't have been as returning singer Morgan is in fine form. Songs are amazingly great as always. Production is superb.

12. Beast in Black - Beserker
So Anton Kabanen left the beast and created the beast! But there's room for everyone in my book.This is a great start for the band. Much heavier and faster than his previous band but still with many of the same traits too.

11. Kobra And The Lotus - Prevail I
As a massive fan of Kobra's last album I was looking forward to this immensely. I'll spend a lot of time with this epic record that's for sure. Almost undoubtedly their best album so far and I look forward to Prevail II.

10. Voyager - Ghost Mile
Album kicks ass plain and simple. Melody, riffs. crunch and vocal candy!

09. Gods Of Silence - Neverland
Superb melodic and heavy stuff. Can't find any fault. Constant plays from me for this album ever since I first played it. Especially love the full throated singer's epic melodies.

08. One Desire - st
An incredible debut album from these Finns. Fantastic music and songs, melodic AOR in all its anthemic glory. Some mesmerising tuneage that demands repeat plays.

07. Battle Beast - Bringer of Pain
Axing the man song writer in your band is not normally a wise move but you know what they've actually pulled it off. This is a great record. It's a little different than Unholy Savior. It's a little rockier and less power metal in places. Sort of more tongue in cheek too. Noora is of course the star of the show. She's totally amazing. Lover her loads!

06. Serious Black - Magic
Melodies not as immediate as Mirrorworld but still amazing in their own right. One thing I do know is that the production is actually way heavier and better than the last album. Plus the album starts to reveal more and more of its charms the more you listen. Superb vocals from Urban once again.

05. The Dark Element - st
What can I say but just a wonderful listen for anyone who enjoys melodies in their Nightwish inspired metal.

04. Lionville - A World of Fools
I'm basically listening to a Work of Art album in all but name and I'm as happy as a pig in shit! The album is truly fantastic. Lars Safsund is a Godly singer and thankfully he's super busy on loads of albums. For now the new Lionville is a disk to be treasured until the next Work of Art album hits.

03. Harem Scarem - United
Wow this is just superb. Could be my fave HS record ever. People always go on about Mood Swings but this newie is bad ass and also very heavy sounding for HS. HS will surprise people with this release trust me. About as good as melodic rock can get in 2017.

02. Orden Ogan - Gunmen
Amazing stuff. Monumentally huge choirs that make you feel truly engaged with the melodies. Epic true, hero metal with a great theme. They even pull it off live. The band can do no wrong it seems.

01. Eclipse - Monumentum
I started with 9/10 and moved impossibly close to 10 without quite getting there. Is it better than Armageddonize and Bleed and Scream? Maybe not but with Eclipse I know I'm guaranteed sheer musical pleasure from beginning to end. Some spectacular tunes and even the average ones just straight up kick ass! In a year with some amazing albums listening to Eclipse still brought me the most happiness. What a band Eclipse is. What a song writer Erik is. The boy is a genius tunesmith pure and simple!


And now a list of my most enjoyed and played songs of the year of all styles

Top 50 songs of the year:

50. Houston - Everlasting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47w8AnfJmK4
49. Beast in Black - Blind and Frozen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N4tXf3Ensw
48. Amberian Dawn - Dragonflies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAtNx1Xu50w
47. Power Quest - Face The Raven https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGk1-2EMTyY
46. Warbringer - Remain Violent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGl-RT7KX7g
45. Undrask - Longhammer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct0fPv4gVJM
44. Gods of Silence - Wonderful Years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb4YhxcOqRI
43. Deaf Havana - Sing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtedHQEqv4
42. Newman - Don't Wake The Lion - not on youtube
41. Dragonforce - Ashes of the Dawn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFeBkHJUZDg
40. Hell In the Club - A Melody, A Memory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuKQR8yP2rg
39. Gothminister - Ich Will Alles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7G7c-qCRGo
38. Siamese - Ablaze https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPh64bCvRng
37. Smash Into Pieces - YOLO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plFu9ksp4jY
36. Threshold - Stars and Satellites https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMbnECa3CJ4
35. Heat - Bastard of Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l15ZVAbolvs
34. Coastland Ride - Nation of Grace - not on youtube
33. Kobra and the Lotus - You Don't Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHc-c9hJMrU
32. National Suicide - Take Me To the Dive Bar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOjK27sHCK8
31. Mastodon - Show Yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUGda7GdZPQ
30. Gods of Silence - You Mean Nothing More to Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Bm0-mkNQs
29. Kreator - Totalitarian Terror https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb7kmUfMazc
28. Cats in Space - Felix and the Golden Sun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JBKIpO6wjg
27. Art Nation - Ghost Town https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVZbNj426KU&t=14s
26. Lionville - Image of Your Soul - not on youtube
25. Ten - Travellers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o928owvqcc4
24. Pride of Lions - In Caricature https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO0svYKSgqM
23. Nickelback - Feed The Machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKgfcd6lqp4
22. Harem Scarem - United https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li7mOYvRo-4
21. Majesty - Iron Hill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-edniM1qdm4
20. Tokyo Motor Fist - Shameless https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3pyYMK1SnM
19. Voyager - This Gentle Earth (1981) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wctlthSB-A
18. Obituary - It Lives - only whole album on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vElthOB3JqU
17. Harlott - Extinction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pQJoA5cky4
16. Harem Scarem - Sinking Ship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkFPM24l-ZE
15. Battle Beast - Familiar Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3k7r_U8b40
14. Brother Firetribe - Indelible Heroes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6KO1U8NXPo
13. Inglorious - I Don't Need Your Loving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=876QYRiF5Ck
12. Thershold - Small Dark Lines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9NCuOe4zJk
11. Eclipse - Killing Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNV6_47U0xo
10. As Lions - White Flags https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os4Pwi_gwt8
09. Voyager - Misery is only Company https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3K4_4Bpn6M
08. Forefather - One Blood and One Bone - whole ep only https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50VVX3y54Bg
07. Lionville - I Will Wait https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nafc04EeXsc
06. Brothers of Metal - Gods Of War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxpstanInw
05. Orden Ogan - Gunman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPm46Qgyn24
04. Serious Black - Now You'll Never Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfMhp_kTsPA
03. Orden Ogan - Fields of Sorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gagRay7VK8
02. One Desire - Hurt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMwLOHbVgTE
01. Eclipse - Born to Lead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m29KxXCd4A

Top 50 Recommended Albums of 2016

It's that time again folks. Another year has absolutely flown by and as usual I can safely say it's been a great year for fans of melody in metal and rock. The albums above the top 50 are given without ranking. I don't like them all the same of course but we'd be splitting hairs with ranking so I'll just list them in no particular order.

Overland - Contagious
I love Steve Overland's vocals but I was slightly disappointed in this at first but it grew on me. Steve still sounds amazing of course. It's not as good as his last album Epic though.

Sellsword - An Now We Ride
A recent release from this unknown UK power metal band. Very much in the Falconer vein but unfortunately not as good as I was hoping. Still good enough to easily make my list though. Well worth a listen for any of epic underground melodic metal music.

Thunder and Lighting - The Ages Will Turn
Another recent release from this power metal outfit with little to no profile. But boy is this shit heavy. Sitting firmly in the heavier waters of power metal that's for sure. I am somewhat reminded of last year's magical Diviner only it's just not as good. The riffs are heavy and mean though so it's easy to like.

ABO - Bucket List
Swedish melodic rock guy with some very cool tunes. Nice female vocals here and there too. Totally unheralded but a very pleasant outing.

Axel Rudi Pell - Game of Sins
ARP albums used to penetrate my top 20-30 albums easy but they just don't have that staying power any more. Having said that this one is much better than the one before. Still not as good as the late 90s early 2000s material though. Hearing Johnny sing is always good though!

Rage of Angels - Thre Devil's New Tricks
Getting Rob Moratti on vocals was a good move for this band. Love the smooth melodies in this hard edged melodic band. Good solid album.

Agonizer - Visions of the Blind
Cool guitars and a lot of melody. Vocals a bit rough but I actually like him strangely. His melodies are infectious. Guitar melodies remind me of Bodom.

Dyscordia - Words in Ruin.
Heavy Belgian prog/power with some heavy vocals as well as cleans. Perfectly played and produced with a lot of crushing riffs.

Endless - The Truth, The Chaos, The Insanity
This should be second or third division really but ends up scraping into the first by the skin of its teeth. That means it ain't amazing but still enjoyable. Production sounds a bit mixed for my ears. I love the guitars though and vocals are acceptable too. Makes the list..just.

Mystic Prophecy - War Brigade.
I am a huge fan of early to mid period MP but latter albums seemed to be focused less on melodic song writing and more on power and heavy groove. Well this album brings it back a touch. I still don't like it as much as those pre 2010 albums but I can't deny the ground shaking power. I don't like Lia's Devil's Train project and there are one or two influences from that creeping into MP which I don't like but when the band tears up the riffs, then who ain't gonna 'ead bang?!

Paragon - Hell Beyond Hell.
After a long absence German power metallers Paragon return with a bang. The album sounds very similar to their previous material but the years away haven't dampened their spirit one iota. If anything the pedal is put to the metal even harder and faster and they sound even more energised. Plus they still have that knack for writing a bombastic chorus. Welcome back!

Sinbreed - Master Creator.
The second Sinbreed album is a slight disappointment compared to the debut. The initial play had me thinking that but a subsequent outing had me pulling mean faces in the street as I was pumping this one out! Not a step forward probably but more of a sideways lurch from the debut but still the band can deliver what power junkies want and then some.

Votum - Ktonik
Not my usual thing but something about this album is enchanting. Dark and brooding melody for when you're feeling a bit melancholic. That doesn't happen to me very often at all but I never felt the urge to switch these miserable Polish fuckers off when I was listening to their album so in the list it goes.

The New Black - A Monster's Life.
Enjoyable modern melodic rock. Not amazing but never felt the urge to skip. Everything is acceptable by my standards of modern rock.

Theander Expression - Wonderful Anticipation
Last year's Care of Night blew me away with a wonderful AOR record and TE comes close to it but not quite in the end. Still a very nice AOR record. I enjoy almost all of this soothing melodic rock music.

Lost Brethren - Cosmological Constant
Technical instrumental metal. I played this a few times and never felt the urge to skip. The music was interesting and melodic enough to keep me listening.

Perseus - A Tale Whispered In The Night
Another debut Italian power metal band. This is a modern day concept story and the hero's name is Nathan lol. The music is built around his life from rise to downfall and rising again or some such thing. The music is typical power metal but the singer is very good and has goodish melodies. Not a world beater but I was happy as a pm junkie card carrier to listen a few times.

Tremonti - Dust
Well I heard some great songs but you know what? Cauterize was better. According to Tremonti himself, Dust was gonna blow Cauterize out of the water with more powerful songs but I'm not sure about that. It does sound a bit heavier in places but I feel the melodies were more hooky and immediate in the earlier album. Good companion piece to Cauterize and I'm glad he's so prolific.

Hypersonic - Existentia
Very melodic Italian power metal with a crystal clear production. Enjoyable and smile inducing but very cheesy of course.

Massive Wagons - Welcome to the World
So underrated this unknown UK band. I'm not sure why no one gives a shit. They have a knack for memorable tunes that many bands could learn from. They play fairly standard pub rock but the singer's melodies are very infectious. Please someone - give a shit!

PEO - Welcome to the Party
Nice quality AOR project from old timers in the Swedish scene, well it's mainly one man, Peo himself. Guys knows the AOR song book...backwards.

Universal Mind Project - The Jaguar Priest
Melodic progressive metal project extravaganza. Very diverse but very melodic always. Interesting for people who like varied projects of power and progressive metal.

Derdian - Revolution Era
Italian power metal extravaganza. Very good quality, lots of guest singers all doing a great job in their respective songs. Strong melodies throughout. Maybe it's only for the power metal diehards but I'll be one of those till they stop making the damn thing!

Jorn - Heavy Rock Radio
OK it's not a proper album but I still enjoy Jorn's versions. I just like hearing the man sing. Pop songs, rocks songs whatever.

Wings Of Destiny - Kings of Terror
I can't off hand remember where these guys are from but it's in central America somewhere so not exactly a hot bed of power metal but by heck this album has a lot of quality. Everything from production to musicianship is of a good standard as is the singer.

Monument - Hair of the Dog
UK trad metallers with a very Maiden inspired release. I love how the singer sounds so English in the way he pronounces the words, sometimes even sounding very camp! The music is fun, rapid melodic shred metal with happy go lucky Maidenesque melodies.

Poem - Skein Syndrome
This sort of eclectic prog is not normally my bag and I don't love everything on it but I do love a few songs and most of all the singer's voice is totally captivating at times with epic and towering melodies.

Early Grey - Secrets of the Heart
Very odd band with a gory cover but they play classic melodic rock with a polished production. Strangely they are Russians! The singer has no noticeable accent and sings in a very pleasant voice. The production is also perfect. In the end it's down to the songs and Early Grey have some good ones and a few average ones as well. Still I somehow enjoyed playing this and came back a few times. The lyrics are sometimes really stupid and funny as well, though
because his voice is crystal clear and he has no accent you can hear every word haha!

Kissin' Dynamite - Generation Goodbye
Melodic hard rockers return with an interesting follow up to their already cool previous album. Making them a socially aware party hard rock band if you will. Not so much of the mindless party anthems, but they are trying to add some kind of sarcasm to the proceedings about how everyone is fixated on social media. I don't like all the tunes but when they're good I like them a lot they are fun.

Fury - Lost in Space
Melodic trad metal from the UK. Interesting stuff with a lot of Maidenesque melody. Just how I like it basically. Good singer too.

Delain - Moonbathers
Melody is king in this band. I love Charlotte's sweet vocals and the symphony aspects are a little heavier than before and it's not always so poppy. Maybe their best album yet.

Gemini Syndrome - Memento Mori
Delving into Disturbed territory for some modern bouncy metal with huge sound and melodic vocals. I like it but don't love but it's a damn good listen as far as delving into modern waters goes.

Running Wild - Rapid Foray
Unfortunately the production is a bit below par but The songs are good but not amazingly better than Resilient. There are still some great Rock n Rolf riffs that will have you tapping you toe or raising a fist. There are some ideas that he rips himself off of but that's normal for Rolf so nothing to moan about. I love RW and I'm glad he's still trying hard old Rolf!

Charred Walls of the Damned - Creatures Watching Over The Dead
Another big WTF moment when you press play. This is some serious shit. Power metal with death metal drumming mayhem from Mr Christy! Even Ripper sounds fuckin' possessed. And what about the songs..wow there is coolness and melody and memorability! I think I recall liking the last Charred disk but not this much. This was an intense listen to speedy ball busting power metal by guys who are veterans at this game! Don't ignore CWOTD!

Eternal Champion - The Armor of Ire
Super cult, fist pumping epic metal from the underground. Vokills like old Jon Oliva and super arcane true metal sounds ala Manilla Road, old Sava and old Manowar. Cool underground shit from the depths!

King Company - One For The Road
Classy, heavy melodic rock from Finland with Pasi from Thunderstone on vocals doing a very good job indeed. This is a real solid listen for fans of Whitesnake and other classic rock bands with pretty cool, melodic songs all the way.

Miss Behaviour - Ghost Play
Melodic rock AOR from Sweden. Of course it's very good. Singer could be better but he's not terrible just not perfect. Production is superb and the songs are memorable.

Narnia - st
The Jesus crew are back and sounding good! Don't love all the songs but when they put to the pedal to the metal and Christian does his best Rob Rock impression I'm bang there and ready to praise hail Jesus! Oh and the lyrics are like wow..Stryper actually has nothing on these guys. Nothing cryptic or subtle about their worship though!

Ragdoll - Back to Zero
I was gonna leave this out as I wasn't sure but have decided to leave it in. This band plays modern rock with heavy groovin' riffs and decent songs with quite nice melodies come chorus time. Not amazing always and has filler but I must admit I didn't wanna leave it out so it keeps its place.

Another Lost Year - Alien Architect
Melodic modern rock. Good heavy guitars and clean vocals with decent catchiness and melody. I'm always on the look out for catchy modern rock and ALY fits the bill pretty well.

Art of Dying - Nevermore
I believe they are Aussies but I could be wrong. These guys are another modern alterna band and have a knack for big choruses. This is only a 5 track ep but has some really great tunes for the post grunge age. The last song really sucks though. Lame tune lads.

Demon - Cemetery Junction
Well this is a surprise as I didn't even know Demon were making an album their profile is so low. Anyway I am very pleasantly surprised by this effort. Dave Hill's vocals are a bit iffy here and there as is the production which is a little on the rough side. I am also not a fan of the ballads but there's plenty of melody and catchy song writing here as you would expect from a band with a 35 year career.

Hardline - Human Nature
Johny Gioeli can sing the phone book and make it sound good to use that old cliche. The guy is blessed with a very powerful yet superbly melodic voice. The new Hardline showcases his talents very well indeed. The songs are all very good to great but not totally amazing either, but the standard is maintained throughout and therefore the album easily makes the list.

Poets of the Fall - Clearview
Finnish pop rockers return again and I love it again. These guys find it difficult to write a really bad song. They just have a knack for a melody or hook that few bands can muster. Sure they're a bit light and you have to forget about heavy metal for a while but isn't it good to that for a while? PotF will help you in that case.

RavenEye - Nova
This should not really be my thing at all but I find myself addicted to about half of the tunes for this three piece blues rock outfit from the UK. Production is a bit too raw for my tastes but I love some of these tunes damn it. So catchy and memorable. The other half goes meandering and bluesy and doesn't hold my attention so much but I can't stop playing the energy laden tunes like lead single Hero.

Sinnergod - st
Completely unknown low profile band from Northern England with a really surprisingly good album. A production sound that a band with 5 albums under their belts would be proud of and a sense of song writing and memorability not to be sniffed at. These guys play soaring modern gothic metal with epic choruses. The sound is huge and special kudos to the singer for refraining from screaming. A big surprise and more people need to now about Sinnergod. Not my usual style of music but it's hard to find much fault in this debut effort.

Wardrum - Awakening
Another in the quite long line of cool Greek power metal bands now. Their new album sees them continue in their true metal path with epic melodic metal. The singer needs to control the wailing at times, but since this is true metal we can forgive his over exertions at times!

Blazon Stone - War of the Roses
So RW already released this year and it was good but not amazing. Here's RW tribute act Blazon Stone to help us out further. It's about as good a RW copy as you're gonna get. The vocals are just not as good and characterful as the Captain but everything else rules.

Graham Bonnet Band - The Book
The last album was not my cuppa but this is so much better. Graham sounds half decent and the songs are very catchy. Well done old man!

Hemina - Venus
Not big on prog but this warm, fuzzy prog was easy on the ear and I wasn't bored. Very good instrumental skills in this band.

LeBrock - Action & Romance EP
A duo make a tribute EP to 80s soundtrack music and it sounds pretty cool and catchy!

Metal Law - Hellrider
Manowar is dust but metal is still the law! Manowar incarnate...works for me! \m/

Nightmare - Dead Sun
Surprised how heavy the Frenchies have got with the new gal singer. I miss Joe the old guy though, he had a lot more melody and character. Still this beast pounds and is enjoyable and very heavy power metal. I wish the melody was a little bit more memorable come chorus time.

Pretty Maids - Kingmaker
I wasn't 100% sold on this but I've come round. It's no Nordic Union but there are many good songs that leave the listener well satisfied.

Rising Steel - Return of the Warlord
Surprisingly cool trad metal between Priest and Manowar. Vocals could be a bit better but the riffs get my horns up and the songs are catchy for true metal fiends to bang to!

Sacred Gate - Countdown to Armageddon
I think I've heard these guys before and I don't remember them being this good. This has great mid tempo melodic riffs and baritone vocals. I'm happy and banging!

Silver Fist - Fe Ciega
The only foreign language album I've really been able to get into this year. These guys are like the Spanish Iced Earth. They still have the Maiden melody but also have thrashy riffs ala the 'Earth. These guys are fucking great checke'm out!

Sixx A.M. - Prayers For the Blessed
First time I've liked any of this band. The singing is really great and the songs are pretty good. I didn't feel the urge to skip. The "Without You" cover whilst ok I can do without. The song That's Gonna Leave a Scar is plain awesome.

The Silent Rage - The Dealist Scourge
Nice melodic power metal. Makes me happy-ish. :-)

Almanac - Tsar. 
Solid and heavy power with two great singers and some really cool songs. Victor is wicked on the riffage and I far preferred this to what Peavy did with Rage this year. I look forward how Victor progresses with the band next time.

White Widdow - Silhouette
Classy, pristine AOR. The shrill vocals sometimes gets iffy but I love most things about this, it's so polished and well executed.

Hammer King - King Is Rising
I remember these German's previous cd and I enjoyed its true metal but they've improved since then. They use Maidenesque gallop mixed with Hammerfall choirs to create their own brand of cheese! The singer is not the best but you know what it doesn't even matter that much. Chest beating power metal always works for me!

And here's my top 50 in reverse order:

50. Wild Rose - 4
When this was actually released, I ignored it for some reason. That was silly as this is really great. The Greek melodic rock/AORsters have a new singer who doesn't have an accent unlike their own guy and he delivers a great performance. If you don't like soft rock steer well clear but AOR fans can safely proceed without fear. An underrated Gem.
Best 3 songs: Desperate Heart, Love Can Change You and Love Games.

49. Eden's Curse - Cardinal
I am not sure if this is as good as the last album but it'll do. What I love about this is the production. It's really pin sharp and every member is heard perfectly. The song writing is above average but not completely amazing. If you are a fan of the band you can proceed without caution as EC deliver the goods once again without fail.
Best 3 songs: Prophets of Doom, Sell Your Soul and Messiah Complex.

48. Alter Bridge - The Last Hero
I expressed minor disappointment on first listen but if you persevere it does get better. I still stand by the opinion that this could be the least good AB album but it's still miles better than most modern rock out there. The songs are pretty solid but a couple of them flat out bore me, one being The Other Side. Don't get that tune at all. It's a bit strange that an AB album sits as low as 48 in my list but I hold the band in such high esteem that I cannot go much higher on this occasion.
Best 3 songs: Show Me A Leader. My Champion and Cradle To The Grave.

47. Soul Seller - Matter of Faith
Melodic rock/metal from Italy with a really cool singer. I don't remember their previous CD, but they've got a lot of new members including said singer who's the star of the show as far as I'm concerned. He really sings some great melodies on this disk. Melodic rock fans should be happy with this although the production could do with being a bit sharper and beefier which would've meant a higher placing for SS.
Best 3 songs: Tide Is Down, Get Away From The Light and Matter of Faith.

46. Hands Like Houses - Dissonants
Probably my most played album for the month of April and defo the album of that month. These Aussie boys play modern melodic rock with heavy riffs and great melodies. The singer's voice is a touch from the emo scene which would normally be a huge turn off but in this case he brings so many addictive melodies that I don't even care.
Best 3 songs: Perspectives, Colourblind and Glasshouse.

45. Treat - Ghost of Graceland
You know this album is a bit different than Coup de Grace. The title track is an amazing start but then I was a little disappointed in the rest. I heard good stuff but it was not as good as CdG by a long chalk. However repeated plays have started to reveal it's charms. The melodies are more under stated and not so in your face and a bit more modern than the classically old school CdG album.. Overall a worthy follow up to what was supposedly their swansong album. Glad their back in the end.
Best 3 songs: Ghost of Graceland, Inferno and Do Your Own Stunts

44. Spellcaster - Night Hides the World
These guys sound really young but their talent is limitless. They already sound very professional as far as power metal goes with a lot of great playing and crystal clear production values and most importantly of all a crystal clear singer. Spellcaster should make some waves in the already super crowded power metal waters if there's any justice.
Best 3 songs: Night Hides The World, I Live Again and The Accuser.

43. Twilight Force - Heroes of Mighty Magic
I had been looking forward to the second Twilight Force immensely since the great debut and initially I was truly disappointed in the powder puff production especially. But then the "magic" they speak of started to happen and I found myself being lost in a different world altogether. I started to feel the passion in the album that the band undoubtedly has. It's not a totally mind blowing album like I was expecting but it's the most glorious, over the top cheesy album of 2016 by far. I still think they have it in them to release an album that will bother my top 10 albums of the year in the future.
Best 3 songs: Powerwind, Flight of the Sapphire Dragon and Keepers of Fate. 

42. Raven's Gate - Blackstar Machinery
Very catchy, well played and sharply produced melodic power metal. Love the crystal clear melodic sound they create. The singer has a dodgy accent and a half but I forgive my eyetie bro! It will be dismissed by most PM fans which is a shame as they have what it takes to match if not better many of their peers in this genre of metal.
Best 3 songs: The New Wave, Powerlife and Nylibrium fields.

41. Rob Moratti - Transcendent
Loved Rob's debut solo album Victory from a few years ago and Trascendent is no different though it's not quite as good. Still very enjoyable and good enough though. Rob has perhaps the clearest voice in AOR today and the highest pitched as well of course. Some would call it weak even but I just love the way he sings. The songs are pretty good all the way but perhaps missing a real masterful gem but the more I listen the more I love. Sucker for shiny, happy, AOR
what can I say!
Best 3 songs: Answer of Life, I'm Back and Lost and Lonely.

40. Civil War - The Last Full Measure
The best CW album yet. They have lived in Sabaton's shadow but this time they are almost the equal of their former brothers in arms. I say almost because I still love Sabaton more but CW is great too now and we have two bands doing similar music. How about Sabaton/CW tour?
Best 3 songs: Road To Victory, Gladiator and The Last Full Measure.

39. Burning Point - The Blaze
The Finns returned with ex the Battle Beast singer on vocals which was a very good move for the band. She sounds very cool on these tunes and the melodies are strong and replay worthy. This Will do until the new Battle Beast in Feb 2017!
Best 3 songs: Master Them All, The Lie and Lost In Your Thoughts.

38. Dark Forest - Beyond the Veil
I was disappointed by their last album with the new singer but now I love DF again. This time the singer delivers a more confident performance although he's still not as good as the previous guy. The melody in the tunes is mesmeric however. The Maidenesque gallop and melody is unmatched by many bands. I can only think of Monument who does Maiden as good. DF are the kings of underground UK trad metal!
Best 3 songs: On The Edge of Twilight, Where The Arrow Falls and The Wild Hunt.

37. Final Chapter - Legions Of The Sun
This is some cool shit for this unknown band. Mix of male and female vocals but no tralllala happy stuff here. It's more forceful and epic sounding etc. The choruses are wind in the hair majestic variety, The kind of shit that goes down a storm on European metal stages in the summer. An unknown delivering the goods for PM junkies.
Best 3 songs: Trace of Fate, Garden of Fear and The Journey.

36. Mob Rules - Tales From Beyond.
Probably the best MR album ever and they've had some good ones although they've always been a bit second division to me. Now with this album they gain promotion to the top tier of German acts. This album is a near flawlessly produced affair with every member at the top of their game. The Maiden influence is strong but whilst Maiden can sound a bit flat, these guys have the chops and production that lifts them to spectacular highs. The album has dropped in favour with me over the last few months but it's still makes my top 50 with ease.
Best 3 songs: Dykemaster's Tale, Signs and The Healer

35. Grand Magus - Sword Songs
The Swedes are back with another fist pumping, anthemic, hero metal album. This thing has songs that put hairs on your chest! Manowar are dust but with bands like Grand Magus around we are in good hands. I find this album to be more enjoyable than their previous effort. Horns up!
Best 3 songs: Varangian. Forged in Iron and Born for Battle.

34. Amaranthe - Maximalism
So yes I want to hate it. But it's just not an option. It's even more poppy than ever but still the melodies are totally addictive. Take out guitars and growls and you're left with Britney meets Backstreet Boys. The growls don't really add anything IMO and I don't really know why they persist with them. Like I said you really wanna hate it and some can, but when you hear it, you just don't wanna turn off. Strangely enough the song that gets the most hate "That Song" is one
of my faves.
Best 3 songs: Boomerang, That Song and Endlessly.

33. Enbound - The Blackened Heart
When I played this I had no idea my good man Lars from Work of Art was singing! I literally adore the guy's vocals in his main band and he sounds nothing like that one here. He steps up the power whilst of course still sounding melodic as hell. Melodic metal heaven on this one. A couple of the songs are less interesting but when it's good it leaves you breathless.
Best 3 songs: Falling, Crossroad and Feel My Flame.

32. Symphonity - King of Persia
I forget exactly where these guys are from but they managed to get Herbie Langans from Sinbreed to do vocals instead of a local guy and that was a great move for the band. This really is a great effort by the band to create a conceptual epic power metal piece. Production is perfect and Herbie sings great. If you like power metal this album is worth your time indeed!
Best 3 songs: King Of Persia, The Choice and Children of The Light.

31. Cry of Dawn - st
A Frontiers project can sometimes fail but this one doesn't even come close to failure. The vocal master Mr Goran Edman turns in a spectacular performance with melody and song writing. There is a couple of ballads which whilst good are not my fave but when they up the tempo and let Goran do the business over the top then I'm in business too. Cry of Dawn is like this year's Find Me another cool Frontiers project.
Best 3 songs: Listen To Me, Tell It To My Heart and Life After Love.

30. Thunderstone - Apocalypse Again
I'm glad Rick Altzi is not singing on this album. Rick is a good singer but he's on way way too many albums and it's good to hear their old singer Pasi back again. The songs are all pretty strong and good. The album doesn't crush you with pm joy but keeps the grin on your face long enough for repeated plays.
Best 3 songs: Veterans of the Apocalypse, Fire and Ice and Wounds.

29. Meridian - Breaking the Surface
I love almost everything about this release and it's hard to find much fault at all. Great production, memorable songs and great vocals all the way. If you enjoy melody in metal then you need Meridian - simple as!
Best 3 songs: Hero Forever, Bricks To The Wall and Pure Celebration.

28. Astralion - Outlaw
The follow up album to a really great debut is always a difficult one but Astralion really nailed it in every aspect. A highly polished effort of melodic power metal majesty in the Stratovarius mould.
Best 3 songs: Deathphone, Black Adder and Nightmares Never Give Up.

27. Innerwish - st.
At first I was slightly disappointed in this compared to the brother band Diviner but now I can see that it friggin' rules. The singer is great and his melodies slowly get more and more contagious. I still say it's not as good as Diviner though. That band captured my true metal heart last year and Innerwish whilst still great did not quite reach Diviner levels. Still great!
Best 3 songs: Roll the Dice, Needles in My Mind, Rain of a Thousand Years.

26. Primitai - Night Brings Insanity
My UK homies delivered a great follow up that was perhaps not as good as the previous album but that album is a huge fave of mine. The new one is perhaps a little chunkier riff wise and a heavier vocal but perhaps less melodic, but still so cool to listen to. One of the best UK bands in existence in the melodic metal field.
Best 3 songs: Black Rider, Conclusion Foregone and Night Hunter.

25. Eternity's End - The Fire Within
A tech death guy turns out to be a melodic shred master supreme! This beast is tremendous. Neo-classical metal will have to go some to get any better than this album. Oh and I never thought I'd like Ian Parry so much. I tried his Rock Emporium album this month and it wasn't my cuppa. His performance on this however is astounding. Guy sounds like a monster born to sing over neo-classical similar to Boals but only 10 times better and I like Boals!
Best 3 songs: The Fire Within, Demonblade and Eagle Divine.

24. Great Master - Lion & Queen
This pretty much unknown pm band from Italy really delivered the goods this year. Well if not unknown, not huge anyway. I liked these guys' debut effort but Lion & Queen beats it with ease. This is blessed with memorable melodies throughout. No one else may like, understand, or care but I love Great Master!
Best 3 songs: Oldest, Stargate and Traveller of Time

23. The Defiants - st
A Frontiers project that brought together Danger Danger alumni to record a melodic rock album. Thankfully it all came together brilliantly with a superb vocal performance from ex DD man Paul Laine. The album has so many gems of pure ear candy that it's hard to find fault.
Best 3 songs: Love and Bullets, Waiting on a Heartbreak, Underneath the Stars

22. The Neal Morse Band - The Similtude of a Dream
This is astonishing! If you pardon the pun. Move over DT. Your former boy has you beat! OK so it's not exactly his, Mr Morse is the man responsible for this sprawling extravaganza but Portnoy must be given credit too. Hands down better than DT this year. Some of the album is a little namby pamby for me but the heavy prog sections are truly marvellous. Fucking epic Mr Morse you God freak!
Best 3 songs: Draw The Line, Slave To Your Mind and The Man In The Iron Cage.

21. Seven - Shattered
The second comeback of these old time brit AORsters and it's another huge one. Perfect crunchy production, yet crystal clear vocals on top and ace song writing. I think I might like the first comeback more but this is a perfect follow up and a must have for any AOR junkies out there.
Best 3 songs: Light of a 1000 Eyes, Last Illusion and World of Make Believe.

20. Serenity - Codex Atlanticus
This was a big surprise for me earlier on in the year as I enjoyed the album so much. It's very melodic and slightly progressive but the vocals from George are always very catchy and cool. Serenity knocked it out of the park this year!
Best 3 songs: Spirirt in the Flesh, Follow Me and Reason.

19. Evergrey - The Storm WIthin
I was slightly worried by first single Distance. It's good but it seemed to be not as good as King of Errors the lead single from the previous cd. Again I needn't have worried. The melodies soon become totally captivating. The song Passing Through is worth the admission price alone. Just another great Evergrey album.
Best 3 songs: Passing Through, Someday and The Lonely Monarch.

18. Sabaton - The Last Stand
There was a day and age when Sabaton albums would be a shoe in for mt top 5 albums. There was a freshness and energy that Sabaton had in those days and maybe some of that has been lost over the years but Sabaton is still Sabaton to the core on this album. They do what they do to the maximum but I think they have it in them to create another top 5 masterpiece. Still love Sabaton!
Best 3 songs: Last Dying Breath, Rorke's Drift and Hill 3234.

17. HammerFall - Built to Last
Well after the huge comeback of the last album the Swedish boys put the foot on the monitor once again and unleash the cheese! I love gang choirs and multi layered choruses and this album has 'em in spades! Hammerfall are on safe ground this time and deliver the goods as you would expect. Nothing major to say other than if you seek something new from the Hammers you'll be disappointed. This is Hammerfall at their most straight forward. Raise them high!
Best 3 songs: Hammer High, Built to Last and The Sacred Vow.

16. Freedom Call - Master of Light
The kings of happy metal return after the brilliant Beyond. Is it as good? Not sure as I thought Beyond was their best ever but this is not far behind. They had been in a complete lull but the inspiration has returned big time. Master of Light is a guaranteed fun ride of fist raising, happy metal!
Best 3 songs: Metal Is For Everyone, Masters of Light and Hail The Legend.

15. Veonity - Into The Void
Swedes Veonity are starting to make a name for themselves! The Swedes are back so soon and the album continues where the previous left with more bombastic, epic chest beating choruses than you can shake a stick at. I love a melodic gang or choir chorus me and Veonity deliver it by the bucket load and the songs are so bloody infectious it just puts a big cheesy grin on your face. Veonity FTW!
Best 3 songs: When Humanity Is Gone, Frozen and A New Dimension.

14. Theocracy - Ghost Ship
It's great to have Theocracy back again with a great new album. If you enjoy melodies and a strong story then you'll love this. Everything is pretty much perfect and the power metal fan will be left with a happy grin on their face by the end. Special mention to the choruses on this thing, they are just sublime.
Best 3 songs: Ghost Ship, The Wonder of It All and A Call To Arms.

13. Sunburst - Fragments of Creation 
This was release way back in February if I recall and it made some small waves in our community and by the Gods it's worth all the waves it made. This is very powerful prog/power mix with heavy guitars and the soulful Khan-esque vocals. Immediately very easy to like for any fan of melodic heavy metal and sits easy in my top 20.
Best 3 songs: Out of the World, Dementia and Reincarnation

12. Wisdom - Rise of the Wise.
Probably the best Hungarian power metal band ever with an extremely sing along new album. I like my choruses to be super catchy, almost pop if you will, and Wisdom does that and then some. Yes they are cheesy but I love true metal anthems and I love anything with high memorability factor and Wisdom wins the title for that hands down with this spectacular effort.
Best 3 songs: Raven's Night, Hero and Rise of the Wise.

11. Trick or Treat - Rabbit's Hill pt 2
Italians ToT return with the second part of the Rabbit's Hill saga based on the Watership Down books and it's a really great follow up I must admit. I liked part 1 but part 2 beats all ends up no sweat. The music is so well written and catchy as a power metal album should be. Star of the show is no doubt Alex Conti from Luca's Rhapsody. He turns in a performance that Kiske would have been proud of in his hey day with Helloween. Not many people will give ToT a chance but damn the album is a joy to listen to from start to finish.
Best 3 songs: Cloudrider, United and The Showdown.

10. DGM - The Passage
This album starts off with a one two punch that has you reeling! The two guitarists are absolute monsters. This reminds me of a mix between recent Symphony X and Pagan's Mind. Until the next PM album sate yourself with DG fuckin' M! This album is almost prog/power perfection. They could make the choruses a touch more memorable here and there but that'll be being real picky. A monster release.
Best 3 songs: The Secret 1 and 2, Animal.

09. Avantasia - Ghostlights
The inspiration was strong with Tobi on Ghostlights. He really pulled out all the stops to make the songs as good as they can be. All the singers performed admirably and the songs were both dramatic and memorable. Tobi will be struggling to top Ghostlights next time that's for sure.
Best 3 songs: Let The Storm Descend Upon You, Ghostlights and Babylon Vampires.

08. Iron Savior - Titancraft
Piet Sielck never lets me down. The guy is slowly taking over from Kai as the king of German power metal. Iron Savior albums in recent years are pretty regular and the quality always stays the same. The last album was brilliant but I think they've somehow managed to surpass it with Titancraft. I find this album to be highly enjoyable from start to finish. Heavy Metal at it's melodic best!
Best 3 songs: Titancraft, Beyond The Horizon, The Sun Won't Rise In Hell.

07. Nordic Union - st
This project featuring Erik from Eclipse and Ronnie Atkins from Pretty Maids was of course highly touted and anticipated by all melodic rock fans across the board and boy was it worth the wait! Anything Erik does turns to gold pretty much. I must admit first of all that I am not a huge fan of Ronnie's vocals but singing Erik's songs even he can't spoil with too much rasping. The album is not as good as Eclipse that's for certain but there are some golden tunes here with melody to die for. I can't really wait for the new Eclipse album in 2017.
Best 3 songs: The War Has Begun, Hypocrisy and 21 Guns.

06. Dynazty - Titanic Mass
This slowly grew on me and rapidly became my go to album for joy in 2017. The choruses on Renatus where way more immediate but this got better and better the more I played it. Nils Mols is just an amazing singer and is gonna be a huge star if he gets a bit more well known. He should do like a duet album with somebody in a Frontiers project or something so he can get more exposure. Or maybe Magnus Karlsson or Erik Martensson should write a solo album for him or something. It would be so cool. Right now Titanic Mass has won me over completely.
Best 3 songs: Untamer of Your Soul, Keys To Paradise and I Want To Live Forever.

05. Volbeat - Seal The Deal and Let's Boogie
Yes it's way more poppy but I still love it anyway. I just love the style of rock and roll boogie mixed with melodic metal. People complain about them going too soft but when they do it so well what's not to love. Plus they still have plenty of metal songs so Volbeat stays a huge part of my listening habits. Plus I've always loved Michael's voice and my love affair continues strong hehe!
Best 3 songs: The Devil's Beeding Crown, For Evigt, Seal the Deal and Let's Boogie

04. Primal Fear - Rulebreaker
The best and most consistent power metal band in existence. You can rely on Primal Fear not to let you down but Rulebreaker was a constant soundtrack to my music listening in 2016. The power and melody and most importantly the voice of melodic heavy metal, Mr Ralf Scheepers.
Best 3 songs: Bullets & Tears, We Walk Without Fear and Constant Heart

03. Myrath - Legacy
Tunisians Myrath delivered a melodic gem early on in the year and boy does this album have staying power. The vocal melodies are so infectious and memorable that you'll have trouble keeping them out of your brain all day! This really is a gorgeously produced and played album. The middle eastern aspects are perfectly executed and are a major factor in why the album has such appeal. Believer is probably the song of the year for me!
Best 3 songs: Believer, The Needle and Duat

02. Titanium - Atomic Number 22
I loved the debut album from the Polish Stratovarius and I was excited to see AN 22 was released from outta nowhere. I started playing the album and was immediately floored with a pristine production and a wondrous sense of melody that was unrelenting song after song. A wonderful vocal as well and I was as happy as in pig in the proverbial doodoo! This really is an incredible album for fans of bands like Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and any Scandi melodic metal band. This album will be ignored by most and that's a shame as it really is a great addition to the list of great power metal albums released over recent years.
Best 3 songs: Atomic Number 22, Torn Reality and Future of Mankind.

01. Serious Black - Mirrorworld
Here it is my number one album of the year. The amazing and fantastic sophomore album from Serious Black. The first album from this supergroup of sorts was very good in it's own right but I wasn't quite prepared for this effort. They've really outdone themselves with their sense of melody and power this time. Of course the star of the show is Swedish legend of the mic, Mr Urban Breed. His vocals are slightly different than usual being much softer and more melodic at times than his Tad Morose days. He can still bring in the power when required but he also uses the kind of melody that demands full attention. The album is probably not really heavy as the guitar tone is crystal clear and very sharp. What make this album so memorable is the consistently strong songwriting. Of course there was controversy in that the bonus tracks were many and plentiful and were some of the best tracks but of course this review is based on the full limited edition album. However I unfortunately  hastily ordered this from Amazon a while back, not realising or paying enough attention since I was ordering the normal version. I was a bit bummed about that, however the number of utterly memorable tunes made this a sublime listen throughout including of course some magical bonus tracks which I don't have on my CD. I think the band should send me a ltd edition version haha! So there you have it Urban Breed and crew delivered the ultimate this year in melodic power metal perfection as far as I was concerned. Next time put all the songs on one CD to stop idiots like me making that mistake again!
Best 3 songs: Castor Skies, Mirrorworld and This Machine Is Broken.