2018 Album Of The Year
goes to CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE with their album Covenant
See below for mini review...
PAST
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
2019
????
Contenders could possibly be... Impellitteri! Sacred Warrior! Rage Of Angels (yes THAT one!), Saint, Detritus, Trytan, Diviner, Bloodgood and Omega Highway are working on new albums too. This could be a great year for metal!!!!
2018
Chaotic Resemblance - Covenant Almost awarded Bride's Snake Eyes album of the year, because it captures alot of their golden age. But Chaotic Resemblance release this album and it blows me away! Totally brilliant rock album, with a great look and great sound! Other greats - Stryper - God Damn Evil; Bride - Snake Eyes; Tourniquet - Gazing At Medusa; Big Chris & D'Bare Bones Band
Chaotic Resemblance - Riot Anthem
2017
All For The King - All For The King I've only done this once before
(in 2008) but again this year I'm going to have to award two albums as
the album of the year. Both albums are incredibly good. All For The
King is top notch stuff, with very catchy lyrics. It's hard rock and
loud! Ten songs and although the album is under 40 minutes long every
song is punchy and memorable. Well worth seeking out this release! Other greats - D.O.G. - Unleashed; Axilia - Still No Prophet...?; Cell 9 - The Devils Feast; XT - Saved By The Blood (See below)
All For The King - Samples
2017
Signum Regis - Decennium Primum Another great album by Signum
Regis. This one has ten blistering tracks, and there's no room for
fillers at all! Power metal, and great vocals make this a real top
notch album. Best songs for me are Kingdom Of Light & The Future
King. But let's be frank about this, they're all pretty awesome so
what's not to like! Other greats - D.O.G. - Unleashed; Axilia - Still No Prophet...?; Cell 9 - The Devils Feast; XT - Saved By The Blood (See above)
Signum Regis - Damnatio Ad Bestias
2016
Theocracy - Ghost Ship
They've done it yet
again! Matt and the band have produced another mind-blowing album that
will definitely be my album of the year! This time around they've moved
a little bit away from progressive metal and moved more in to a melodic
style. The songs are shorter, but are as catchy as anything. Also
there is not a dull track on here, everything works flawlessly. Other
greats - Skillet; Stairwar; Michael Sweet; Big Chris & D'Bare Bones Band; Disciple - Long Live The Rebels
Theocracy - Paper Tiger
2015
Signum Regis - Through The Storm Another EP! And another album with the word Storm in it!
Anyway, enough of that, this is a great EP and apart from the
last track which is just a cover I think this EP really packs
a punch. Power metal all the way, with some great lyrics. Other
greats - Deth Enemy - Unmovable; Stryper - Fallen; Scandinavian
Metal Praise
Signum Regis - My Guide In The Night
2014 Messenger - Perfect Storm It's only an EP, but with songs this good it claimed number
one spot for the year. Messenger's second EP packs a punch and
is good classic metal with great lyrics and great vocals. It
faced stiff competition from Disciple's Attack album which was
yet another good album from those guys, but Messenger pulled
through. Other
greats - Disciple - Attack; Northern Flame - Glimpse Of Hope,
Razorigami
Messenger - I Need You Now
2013
Razorigami - Weathering the Winter of the Soul
Out of completely nowhere comes this
amazing album. Razorigami comes along and it's a brilliant album
of soaring vocals, great hooks and exceptional lyrics. Classic
hard rock all the way!
Other
greats - Stryper, Sacred Warrior, Mission Of One, Bloodgood,
Scott Stapp, Bride, All Hail The Power... too many to mention!!!!!
Not Available
2012 Disciple - O God Save Us All Disciple
win with their wonderful album 'O God Save Us All.' They produced
yet another superb album that is equally as good as Horseshoes
and Handgrenades (my favourite album of 2010). It is basically
excellently produced hard/modern rock with a lyrical style that
again hits the nail on the head. Long may they do this style
of music! Other
greats - Saint - Desperate Night; John Schlitt - The Greater
Cause
Disciple - The One
2011
Theocracy - As The World Bleeds Well, what can be said other than WOW!!!
Theocracy creat some beautifully crafted progressive metal. Matt
Smith, has yet again proven that he's a mastercraftsman when it
comes to producing top notch albums. And now he has a complete
band behind him Theocracy's newest album just thumps home brilliance
from start to finish. Other
greats - Sarepta - Smokin' Vineyard; Golden Resurrection - Man..Mission
Theocracy - I Am
2010
Disciple - Horseshoes & Handgrenades Disciple have been going for year
and years, but this is their best lyrically. I rate it as their
best album they've done, even though "Back Again"
was an awesome album, and quite a bit heavier, this one really
delivers on all fronts. Passion, quality and laden with hooks
proves that you don't have to be incredibly heavy to be excellent.
Other
greats - Golden Resurrection - Glory To My King
Disciple - Deafening
2009
Bride - Tsar Bomba Bride release their 2009 album, and
although it's not their heaviest it still packs a punch and proves
that Dale can sing with all the power of a true metal vocalist.
Lots of tracks, lots of styles. It almost lost out to ReinXeed's
brilliant 'Higher' album, but Bride's surefootedness in the world
of christian rock makes them stand out from the crowd. Other greats - ReinXeed - 'Higher'; Stryper 'Murder By Pride'
Bride - When I Was A Kid
2008 Seventh Avenue - Terium
Seventh Avenue have done it again in producing
a top class classic metal album. More tracks than before, and
a longer album aswell. What's so amazing about SA is they keep
getting better with each album. Eternals got 9.5 out of 10 and
this is better! I've listened to it countless times and it's still
stuck in my cd player. Other greats - See below!
Seventh Avenue - New Era
2008 Theocracy - Mirror Of Souls
Well, what can I say, but WOW! 2008 is
the year when there HAS to be a split for best album. Terium
is absolutely great, but Mirror Of Souls is equally as good.
Matt Smith returns for his sophomore album, and even though
there's only 8 songs it's enough to keep any metal head happy
for months. Almost 70 minutes of metal bliss. Other greats - See above!
Theocracy - Absolution Day
2007
Boarders - The World Hates Me
Total suprise to find this band, who are
from Italy. Never heard of them, but once I'd listened to their
3 songs on myspace I was hooked. Thing is, all their songs are
absolutely great. Similar to Megadeth, but some songs have some
high pitched lines in them. Just the kind of album I crave! Lyrics
are good too. Other greats - Bride 'Skin For Skin'
Boarders - Never Alone
2006
Saint - The Mark
Saint have released many great albums and
this really is their peak. Saint are known for their apocalyptic
style and this album is exactly what it's all about. It's the
book of Revelation. Saint nail their image totally.
Other greats -
2005
Rob Rock - Holy Hell
Rob did some amazing albums with Chris Impellitteri
and nothing else he's done has been quite as good. That was until
now. Holy Hell really puts Robs name on the map. His vocals are
truly amazing and just the opening track alone shows how powerful
the songs, and his vocals are. Other greats - Whitecross '1987'
Rob Rock - Lion Of Judah
2004
Seventh Avenue - Eternals
Seventh Avenue have their second album
on my list. Eternals is the best album they've done
to 2004. Herbie's vocals have improved again, and Mike writes
some great lyrics. Other greats -
Seventh Avenue - Domination Of Sin
2003
Harmony - Dreaming Awake
Interesting album this one. From Scandanvia
comes this melodic and quite relaxing metal album. If ever there's
a time when you want to listen to metal, but nothing heavy, then
put this on and you'll be pleasantly surprised! Too many instumentals
for my liking, but the songs are just awesome. Other greats - Theocracy 'S/T'; Dreamquest 'The Release'
Harmony - Without You
2002
Seventh Avenue - Between The Worlds
Some of the tracks from the german classic/epic
metal masters aren't to my taste, but others are so good that
it beat many good albums to the top of the pile. Herbie sounds
the best to date and the lyrics keep getting better. Other greats -
2001
Warrior - The Code Of Life
Rob Rock again, for the 3rd time. Just goes
to show that where ever he goes you can pretty much guarantee
a top notch album. Bruce from Iron Maiden co-writes one of the
songs, which is an added bonus, but Rob, who writes most of them
(and from a christian perspective) shows us where his heart really
is!!! Other greats -
2000
Alice Cooper - Brutal Planet
Alice Cooper? Is he a christian? Enough
already! This album is Alice the way I like to hear him. Lyrics
that are clearly showing that there is a God and that it's not
being good that gets you to heaven. Love Alice's vocals, and because
of the lyrics this makes it my favourite by him. Other greats -
1999
Omega Highway - Love
In a year when hardly any great christian
hard rock or metal comes out, this album turns up. It may be slightly more raw than Alice Cooper, Impellitteri or Warrior, but those lyrics really are a cut
above the rest. It's rock/hard rock with a cool kind of sound
and bucket loads of passion. Other greats -
1998
Impellitteri - Eye Of The Hurricane
Impellitteri's second album in my list.
Rob's vocals yet again prove he's one of the best in the business,
and Chris' blistering solos are world class. All tracks are either
great or better, and there's a bonus cd added to the album which
adds to the listening pleasure. Other greats - Bride 'Oddities'
1997
New Jerusalem - S/T
Not a great year for metal (the mid late
nineties weren't the best as the world was still interested
in grunge) but New Jerusalem produced a different and varied
album. Some tracks work brilliantly, whilst others are not so
good. Hard Rock, sometimes feeling like Guns N Roses, sometimes
a million miles away! Other greats - Saviour Machine 'Legend Part 1'
1996
Impellitteri - Screaming Symphony
Great name for an album! Great album! Only
nine tracks, but when the nine are this good, who cares! Chris
Impelliteri proves that his speed on the solos is pretty much
world class. Metal all the way! Other greats -
1995
Siloam - Dying To Live
Sometimes accused of being over produced,
Siloam's second album is slick and smooth hard rock. Not as heavy
as most other albums on this list, it still is very memorable
and has plenty of hooks throughout. Other greats -
1994
Barren Cross - Rattle Your Cage
Oh, the mid nineties weren't agreat time
from metal. Grunge was the new thing and it just seemed to destroy
the true metal scene. Bands from the 80's that reformed changed
their style to suit. But not Barren Cross! They released an amazing
album which sounded every bit like their 80's stuff. Classic metal
all the way! Other greats - Bride 'Scarecrow Messiah'
1993
Stairway - No Rest: No Mercy
Stairway are one of the few remaining Christian
metal albums from the UK. They're still kicking out great albums
and this (which was their first) is brilliant. It's their best
apart from Interregnum (2010) which finally relegated this great
album to second place in the Stairway discography. Classic sounds
and classic artwork from Rodney Matthews. Other greats -
1992
Bride - Snakes In The Playground
The album that opened Bride to the world.
They've moved away from their almost thrash metal ways of Live
To Die and to a lesser extent Silence Is Madness, and release
a Guns N Roses style hard rock album. And it goes down a storm.
Dales sings like he could bring the house down!
Other greats -
1991
Sacred Warrior - Obsessions
Sacred Warrior aren't my favourite band,
but this album just works so well. Every track is great, and Ray
sings just in the right way that it's not abrasive but truly spellbinding.
The lyrics are bold too, and here is an album that I don't have
to press skip once! Other greats -
Sacred Warrior - Kamikazee
1990
Tourniquet - Stop The Bleeding
Guy Ritter hits the world with his vocals
that no one had ever heard of at the time (in the christian metal
world). His range was amazing from growls to high pitched squeals.
Ted Kirkpatrick on drums, and Gary Lenaire on guitars brings together
and awesome partnership that would last for 3 albums, and stun
the metal world of it's day. Other greats - Holy Soldier 'S/T'; Stryper 'Against The
Law'
Tourniquet - Ready Or Not
1989
Bride - Silence Is Madness
Wonderful album by Bride. Not as intense
as their previous album (Live to Die) this still packs a punch
and has great artwork aswell. Every track (bar one) is furious
and loud and the christian metal scene can rejoice in a landmark
release from the longest serving christian metal bands around. Other greats - X-Sinner 'Get It'
Bride - Under The Influence
1988
Neon Cross - S/T
Loud high pitched metal from Neon Cross.
They've only done a couple of albums, and this one is one that'll
pin you to the ground and make you listen to it again and again.
Not the greatest in terms of production, but still an album which
is compelling from start to finish. Other greats - Bride 'Live To Die'; Stryper 'In God We Trust'
1987
Petra - This Means War
Not Petras heaviest album (that would be
either 1988's On Fire or 2003's Jeykll and Hyde) this album still
rocks all the way through. Bob Hartman proves he can write some
amazing stuff, and the opening track alone gives it a true feeling
of power.. Other greats - Whitecross 'S/T'
1986 Stryper - To Hell With The Devil
Stryper go universal with this album. They
put themselves and christian metal on the map. Why did this album
do so much? Because it's truly a great album. The title track
sums up the album - thumping clear heavy metal with a message
of salvation in Christ. Other greats - Bride 'Show No Mercy'
1985
Stryper - Soldiers Under Command
Stryper released their first full album
in 1985. Michael has great vocals and the tracks give the glory
to God. At the time it was something new and amazing, and still
today it is a great album that many regard as Strypers best
effort. Other greats -
1984
Barnabas - Feel The Fire
One of Barnabas' strengths were their
lyrics, and Feel The Fire is the best of the bunch. With such
an awesome song as "Breathless Wonderment", this female
vocal, hard rock band really had to be the best of 1984's albums Other greats -
1983
Petra - Not Of This World
This was the
Petra album that first got me interested in Christian rock!
Grave Robber and Lift Him Up were great songs and Greg really
shows his vocal talents, while Bob and co. play their distinctive
rock which reaches the heavens! Other greats -
OTHER
ALBUMS OF QUALITY
Oh yes, there were plenty of albums released that almost made
it on to the table above, and these albums are worthy of a mention.
Some years only a few albums were even 'good' but other years
there were many great albums.
So although these albums below weren't the no.1 album of that
year, they were still very impressive. Here is a list of the
'almosts'.
1986
- Bride - Show No Mercy. This
is the year of Stryper's To Hell With The Devil, so unfortunately
Bride miss out. But if it weren't for that then Bride would
have won the album of the year. This is Bride's first album
and one that really put them on the map. Dale sings all the
high notes with ease and the passion and energy of the album
from start to finish is evident.
1988 - Bride - Live To Die. Bride keep producing
good albums, and this one is no exception. It's their most extreme
album, and almost goes into the thrash area. Dales vocals are
gold!
1989 - X-Sinner - Get It. What a great album this
was. It was said to be just an ACDC clone, but to my mind it's
better than ACDC, and all tracks were great. 1990 - Holy Soldier - S/T. Hair
metal. What more can you say! Fun, lively and Steven Patrick
sings in this own style that is very compelling.
1997 - Saviour Machine - Legend Part 1. Wonderful
gothic album that is a picture of the book of Revelation. Eric
Clayton on vocals proves that he has a top voice. It's not the
easiest album to get into, but if you start at the beginning
it's quite difficult to stop until the end.
1998 - Bride - Oddities. This album almost got album
of the year, but Impellitteri just pipped it at the post. In
my opinion this is Bride's best album lyrically. It's not metal,
but it's modern hard rock. But the lyrics are just head and
shoulders above anything else out that year.
2003 - Dreamquest - The Release. An independant album
which really caught my by surprise. It's not the longest album
in the world, but it's almost the fastest! They call it 'Adventure
Metal' and that pretty much sums up what the music is like!
2003 - Theocracy - S/T. Flippin' 'eck! What an album.
Matt Smith does what no one thought could be done. He creates
an album all by himself which sounds better than pretty much
any other album out around that time. It's progressive, it's
melodic, it's layered, it's got harmonies. And Matt did all
of it!!!!
2005 - Whitecross - 1987. A rerecording of their
stellar S/T album. This time round the production is better
and some of the tracks even sound better with Scott's lower
registered vocals.
2007 - Bride - Skin For Skin. Bride go back to their
metal ways with yet another great album. It's a bit more diverse
than their older metal offerings, but it's still a great return
to the heavy ways of old! 2010
- The other great albums that came out this year were...
Saint with their album Hell Blade (released in Dec '09,
but copyright says 2010)
Stairway with their album Interregnum (released in April) Audiovision with their
album Focus (April) Jerusalem with their album She (October)
ReinXeed with their album Majestic (October) Golden Ressurection with their album Glory To My King
(December) HB with their album The Jesus Metal Explosion (December) Newsboys with their album Born Again (I know it's not
metal, but it's great.)
