Top 10 for 2005

TheBigBlack's Rock Top 10

[A-66 | R-173]

Tommy Lee
Tommyland, The Ride

Rock | Album | 9 August 2005

I hate to list it here - but it's in. Besides the fact the man sports the greatest horse-sized donga the rock world has ever seen; he also appears to be able to write (and sing) great pop-rock. The single 'Good Times' was thrashed on radio for weeks before I realised who it was and thought the song a little trashy - but like the rest of the album, it's VERY catchy. Expect no Motley Crue here, this is way more polished and radio friendly.

[A-90 | R-1487]

Alice Cooper
Dirty Diamonds

Classic Rock | Album | 4 July 2005

'Hey everyone - Alice Cooper has recorded an album that is a return to form. It's 'Welcome To My Nightmare - Part 2'!' - That's what the rumour was. The verdict? This ain't anything like Nightmare, or would it ever sit on the shelf alongside it - but the old man has finally made up his mind where he wants to sit musically, which is good, because he made the right choice. This is just a good classic sounding hard rock album, done the way only Alice can do it. Good for him. Now, he just needs to get a reality TV show.

[A-956 | R-5276]

Corrosion Of Conformity
In The Arms Of God

Metal (Sludge) | Album | 5 April 2005

Pepper Keenan is Lord Stoner. This is great stuff. Thick and sludgy - straight outta New Orleans. Is this possibly the best COC album? It could be, although I do prefer that slightly heavier style they played in the early 90s. Currently on tour with Disturbed heckling nu-metal audiences into submission all over America.

[A-845 | R-4094]

Iommi
Fused

Heavy Metal | Album | 11 July 2005

The riff master Tony Iommi is back, but this time not foolish enough to call his latest hard rock solo album 'Black Sabbath' - as he should have done from 1983 until 1997. Often Sabbath ring-in vocalist Glen Hughes is back, and the results is a nice slab of modern (although often nostalgic) hard rock. He may not be number 1 on my list, but he doesn't need to be - he is happy just being worshipped as a guitarist these days, not as a God.

[A-624 | R-3613]

Audioslave
Out Of Exile

Alternative Rock | Album | 23 May 2005

They are nearly there, I think? Are we too critical of Audioslave (and hypodermic friendly cousin Velvet Revolver)? Maybe - but the press does continue to tell us they are 'supergroups' - so it's their fault, not ours. Things just seem to gel nicer on this album than the debut - almost like the boys have found their groove. Possibly the next will be the stroke of genius we expected of the debut, or maybe this band more than any other have proven that the sum of the parts doesn't mean crap when some are in imperial, and one is in metric?

[A-13 | R-5676]

Foo Fighters
In Your Honor

Alternative Rock | Album | 14 June 2005

This could have been higher in The 10. Dave Grohl - take off the pantyhose, put down the feather pillows, and send Jack Black home - we need to talk. What is with that second CD of half-cut Cat Stevens wannabe tunes? Disc 1 offers us what is possibly the best Fooey album yet, with strong riffs and rhythms - and then I get a Norah Jones duet? Dave - put away the acoustic. It was bad enough that you have given the world 'Walking After You'. Learn from that mistake, please - and plug back in.

[A-874 | R-4185]

Wolfmother
Wolfmother

Hard Rock | Album | 31 October 2005

I'm sure Flavor Flav and Terminator X were singing 'Don't Believe The Hype' when this one was released, but surprisingly I was very impressed. I don't go much for the 'look at my authentic afro and flares' look, but the music here is da bomb! There are shades of every major hard rock band of the late 60s/early 70s here, but the music remains original anyway. If anything is wrong, it's that the whiny vocals wear a little thin after an hour or so - but musically it's magic.

[A-930 | R-4366]

Green Carnation
The Quiet Offspring

Gothic Metal | Album | 22 February 2005

Are they metal or rock? Considering the bands beginnings (as a death metal band back in 1990), compared to the sound of the band today (a radio friendly prog powerhouse) - and let me know before next year's Top 10 please. This album is their lightest (and least metal) to date and is very close to the format of a standard rock band's album - either way, the song writing is every bit as catchy as ever.

[A-335 | R-2036]

The Mars Volta
Frances The Mute

Alternative Rock | Album | 1 March 2005

I was never a huge prog-rock fan until the last few years. I don't know if my tastes got broader, or if the music got better - but there is a whole lotta prog in The 10 this year. I didn't like this as much as 'De-Lousing The Comatorium', but I think that is mainly due to its predecessor starting with a bigger bang. This is a little less accessible, but a masterwork still. Who ever said heroin was bad?

[A-157 | R-1211]

Porcupine Tree
Deadwing

Progressive Rock | Album | 28 March 2005

Much like their brothers in crime Opeth, Steven Wilson's Porcupine Tree can do no wrong. This album is not as melodic as predecessor 'In Absentia'. The first 2 tracks are riff heavy monsters before moving into a ballad or two, and the usual Pink Floyd flavoured grooves and progressive fills. Just when you think they have written their masterpiece, the next album is better.

TheBigBlack's Rock Honourable Mentions

[A-201 | R-1430]

Alanis Morissette
Jagged Little Pill Acoustic

Rock | Album | 13 June 2005

Although I'm not a huge fan of her recent works, a young Alanis 10 years ago produced a brilliant major label debut with 'Jagged Little Pill'. Now older, uglier, and nowhere near as popular (due to her choice to no longer include songwriters on her albums, but instead write everything herself - who remembers vomiting to 'Thank You India.'?), Alanis has made the bold move of re-recording the entire album acoustically, even bringing original writer/producer Glen Ballard back on board to play all the instruments. There's nothing new here, but it's still quite refreshing to hear these songs reworked.

[A-527 | R-3181]

Limp Bizkit
The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)

Nu Metal | E.P. | 2 May 2005

This would likely have made the Top 10 if it hadn't been for that crappy no E.P. rule. With Borland back on strings, and Mr. Durst suddenly realising the world was laughing at him, not with him, the band are sleek and angry. This is some of the best (and possibly only) riff-work Borland has ever done, and the first 2 tracks just blow the listener away. Apart from the 1 or 2 songs where Red Hat Fred thinks we actually like to hear his bad white-boy rap, rather than hoarse raspy vocals, this is quite unforgiving from start to finish. A shame it doesn't look like we will ever see 'The Unquestionable Truth (Part 2 - Chinese Democracy)'.

TheBigBlack's Rock Dishonourable Mentions

[A-365 | R-2237]

Billy Corgan
TheFutureEmbrace

Alternative Rock | Album | 21 June 2005

Can this even be in rock? I'm not sure where it goes. I don't seem to have a 'poo' category, so rock will have to do. If it wasn't bad enough that Billy chose to rape the name of Smashing Pumpkins by producing the utterly forgettable girly-pop sounds of Machina I & II, he has now smeared his own solo career with an even worse version of the same electro-crud. Lay down and die Billy. Maybe the buzzards will find something worth chewing on, but I must say I don't anymore.

[A-112 | R-741]

Nine Inch Nails
[With_Teeth]

Rock (Industrial) | Album | 3 May 2005

I don't know what I was expecting here. With all the rave and anticipation, I actually found this quite tired and bland. I don't know if Trent has what it takes anymore. Megafans - email all death threats to my work email address, thanks. And now he is working on an album of trashy remixes of this album. Bored or something is he? I certainly am.

[A-607 | R-3566]

Korn
See You On The Other Side

Nu Metal | Album | 6 December 2005

The soul of this band is gone. I don't mean Head leaving, but that was certainly a big part of it, but I just feel that each album has a little less feeling than the one before. A bonus point I guess for not making another paint by numbers like the last two albums, but surely a band that gets a 20 million dollar advance from their label can produce better 'music' than this. Obviously not.

[A-684 | R-3679]

Bernard Fanning
Tea & Sympathy

Alternative Rock | Album | 31 October 2005

I will give Bernard Fanning the prize for best video of the year for 'Wish You Well'. Apart from that, this is just pure shit-smelling boredom. Hopefully he will learn a fourth and maybe even a fifth chord for his next solo album, if he happens to think we deserve more of his greatness that is. Hopefully instead he turns recluse, and just fucks off.

[A-308 | R-3716]

The Original Angels Band [The Angels]
Live At The Basement

Hard Rock | Album | 19 September 2005

To be straight about it, this is a fucking disgrace. I mean, honestly, why would you take the name of an Australian institution, open up it's mouth, and crap straight down it's throat? In case you hadn't heard (as it really wasn't that bigger news - i.e. no one cared.) The Angels reformed WITHOUT Doc Neeson as their original line-up, with the original bass player on vocals. Why? They are retarded. Clearly. The music is uninspired, the vocals are just plain fucking terrible, and the soul of the band is just not there. You couldn't remove someone like Jimmy from Chisel, could you? This is no different. If I were rich, I'd have these people killed. Actually - tortured, then killed.

mk's Rock Top 10

A disclaimer for the list below is that considering I spent 90% of my year on metal, there isn't much to report on the Rock side of things. There will be releases I have missed, but don't let this detract from my number 1 - definitely a good quality release.

[A-13 | R-5676]

Foo Fighters
In Your Honor

Alternative Rock | Album | 14 June 2005

OK - I'll admit it. This scraped into my rock listing as there wasn't much else and I listened to it twice. It's pretty much your standard stuff from the Foos, which in this day and age is a good thing.

[A-527 | R-3181]

Limp Bizkit
The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)

Nu Metal | E.P. | 2 May 2005

This band could be so much more if it wasn't for Durst up front. Wes is a welcome return and you can hear his solid work throughout the album - apart from the stoopid rap song half way through. Seriously though, this album has a brilliant start and vibe to it, but the Durst 'wailing' does get a bit much in the end.

[A-930 | R-4366]

Green Carnation
The Quiet Offspring

Gothic Metal | Album | 22 February 2005

Similar to Limp Bizkit, the album has some ripper tracks at the start but fades away at the end.

[A-624 | R-3613]

Audioslave
Out Of Exile

Alternative Rock | Album | 23 May 2005

Morello is a God. Cornell is Jesus. So what's so wrong with this band? I think I've finally realised I've been spending my time just looking for a hint of those 'Jesus Christ Pose' screams from Cornell and I need to face the fact that ain't gonna happen. So just sit back Stuey and enjoy this incarnation. I did and I liked it.

[A-96 | R-4257]

F5
A Drug For All Seasons

Metal | Album | 13 September 2005

At least give me a chance to explain before sending the barrage of tomatoes in my direction. Yes, this is the evil guy from that band he used to play in with Mustaine (I dare not mention the band name as it'll breach to copyright laws Mustaine put on him) but Dave Ellefson's contribution to metal is undeniable. Dare I say, this somewhat 'radio friendly' debut is a breath of fresh air. Some great tunes in there and definitely a change of direction for the ex-Megadeth bass player. (Damn, I said it. Mustaine will be after me...). OK - Release the tomatoes!!!

[A-845 | R-4094]

Iommi
Fused

Heavy Metal | Album | 11 July 2005

They're old, but so what. Everything else on your body may sag as you get older but at least your fingers don't, otherwise we wouldn't have got this fine piece of guitar work from Iommi. Backed up by Hughes this is a great combo. I now hear that Hughes is going to write his own solo and have Iommi play on it, and then Geezer will have Hughes and Iommi play on his next solo effort. And I also hear in the pipes that Bill Ward is interested in getting his solo career going, with guest appearances from Geezer, Iommi and Hughes... heh? Hang on a sec.

[A-594 | R-3486]

Black Label Society
Mafia

Heavy Metal | Album | 8 March 2005

The Chapter remains strong. He's pumping out the work of late but another mouthful of catchy tunes leaves me left with no more room. I might have to do the sultana trick and place his next album (reported for release this year) up my nose.

[A-1003 | R-4552]

Audrey Horne
No Hay Banda

Post-Grunge Rock | Album | 7 April 2005

This is sounding a little predictable. Maybe it's me still holding onto the past. But this is in parts close to a Mike Patton Faith No More release. Crazy name for a band but as the reference to FNM suggests a catchy and addictive release.

[A-283 | R-1750]

Volbeat
The Strength, The Sounds, The Songs

Metal | Album | 25 September 2005

A late bloomer in the list I must admit, but while on the subject of catchy, this is brilliant. For memory they're from Scandinavia, so why the hell are they pumping out the rock. Just to be different I guess. The name for one is. But what more can I say - I LOVE it!!

mk's Rock Dishonourable Mentions

[A-335 | R-2036]

The Mars Volta
Frances The Mute

Alternative Rock | Album | 1 March 2005

The award definitely goes to The Mars Volta for yet again making their music completely inaccessible. What the hell is with the track listings and all the weird shite. I wanna like them, I really do.

[A-874 | R-4185]

Wolfmother
Wolfmother

Hard Rock | Album | 31 October 2005

Hello and goodbye. Certain to follow in the path of their predecessors The Vines and Jet, they'll fall into obscurity once the hype dies down, so why bother getting interested.

TheBigBlack's Metal Top 10

[A-211 | R-8374]

Soulfly
Dark Ages

Groove Metal | Album | 4 October 2005

Max Cavalera is back. I'll say it again. Max Cavalera is back. A true godfather of thrash and death, Max has finally completely found his Soulfly groove. Throw out all the bullshit Sean Lennon and Fred Durst duets, strip the music back, and tip in a big bucket of pigslops and anger - and you get the album that should have appeared after Sepultura's 'Roots'. About time Max.

[A-1237 | R-5077]

The Project Hate MCMXCIX
Armageddon March Eternal (Symphonies Of Slit Wrists)

Death Metal | Album | 5 October 2005

I only heard The Project Hate MCMXCIX about 18 months ago, but was hooked pretty fast. Death Metal mixed with other contemporary styles, and operatic female vocals probably sounds pretty cliche - but these guys seem to know how to do it well. This is the band's most varied composition yet.

[A-134 | R-915]

Candlemass
Candlemass

Doom Metal | Album | 22 May 2005

Although one of my most anticipated of the year, this album shocked me. I was a huge fan of early CM, and the reuniting of this 'classic' line-up suggested a quality slab of killer doom metal. But this is something else. The riffs are thick and fast - there's not much doom here - more modern thrash, and the production is big. A brilliant return to my ears.

[A-533 | R-3225]

Akercocke
Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone

Death Metal (Blackened) | Album | 10 October 2005

I'm not really sure if Akercocke is a Black Metal or a Death Metal band anymore. The line seems to blur more with each album from these suit-wearing Englishmen. Either way, this is still as compelling and original as their first 3 albums, and even with the quality production they still manage to drip with evil. Bring on an Aussie tour soon me thinks.

[A-1291 | R-5219]

Sargeist
Disciple Of The Heinous Path

Death Metal | Album | 30 September 2005

Quality Finnish black metal? No. It can't be. It is. Well, it is pretty much just a early Darkthrone clone - But their early stuff still stands as some of the best black metal anyway, so mimic away I guess. The production is raw, but not so grim the music can't be appreciated. Fantastic stuff.

[A-1284 | R-5200]

Old Man's Child
Vermin

Black Metal | Album | 14 October 2005

I have never been a big fan of OMC as I find Galder's side project to always sound too much like second rate Dimmu Borgir album, but this one is different. This is quality atmospheric black metal, made the way symphonic BM should be. Not too orchestrated - just right.

[A-441 | R-2750]

Nevermore
This Godless Endeavour

Thrash Metal | Album | 26 July 2005

I didn't go into my first listen expecting much. I mean, they are a great band, and have always been great musicians, but they have pretty much written the same album 5 times over. I press play and the only word that comes to mind is 'wow' (think of Neo in 'The Matrix'). This album is a monster. Track one rips off your head and craps down your throat, but it taste like mature cheese rather than poop. This is the same Nevermore, but heavier and faster than ever before. I think this is how I had wished they had always sounded, but never did. About time they got with MY program.

[A-192 | R-1370]

Judas Priest
Angel Of Retribution

Heavy Metal | Album | 23 February 2005

We all thought it would be a good laugh, right? A new Judas Priest album. The return of Halford (in his cheek-less leather chaps) on vocals. What the fuck went wrong? JP moved from 1982 to 2005 and showed the world they are still the masters. This was one of my anticipated albums of the year - but I only thought it would be good for nostalgia's sake. Turns out that a long break from the band was all Rob Halford needed. And now he's back. Strap on the leather mofos.

[A-348 | R-2144]

Exodus
Shovel Headed Kill Machine

Thrash Metal | Album | 4 October 2005

I will admit - this almost knocked Opeth off first place. Everyone knows I am a monster Exodus fan, but I was gravely concerned about this album. Firstly, replacing all but the one founding member of a band is bad news - especially when your last album was cited by fans and critics as possibly your best. But it has been done, and done well! I always knew ex-Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph would pound some life into things - but the big surprise is new comer Rob Dukes on vox. He has the style and range of Zetro, but is still his own voice. Finally, the music - another riffspitting shredfest, Exodus have again proved they created thrash, and will be kings of it forever. Amen. Can I get a hallelujah brothers and sisters?

[A-75 | R-306]

Opeth
Ghost Reveries

Death Metal (Progressive) | Album | 30 August 2005

Mikael Akerfedt is a genius. Simple as that. There is nobody that can write such a diverse set of tracks SO WELL in all streams of chosen music. Songs like 'The Grand Conjuration' and 'Ghost Of Perdition' are some of the heaviest tracks Opeth have recorded, coupled along with tracks like 'Isolation' and 'Atonement' - which are some of the lightest. Amazingly, it works beautifully. It's Brilliant. There is no other word. Buy or die wishing you did.

TheBigBlack's Metal Honourable Mentions

[A-1292 | R-5222]

Roadrunner United
The All-Star Sessions

Metal | Album + Video | 10 October 2005

In case you haven't heard, this is the Roadrunner Records 25th anniversary project. Four team captains (Dino of Fear Factory / Rob of Machine Head / Matt of Trivium / Joey of Slipknot) writing songs for other artists on the label. Although I am not a Trivium fan, Heafy is VERY impressive in capturing some of the genres nicely (including a great 'Cradle Of Filth' style black metal track with Dani Filth on vocals). This would probably have made the Top 10, but there were a couple of 'trendy' tracks included to make good singles (and have done so). You can't blame them - they are the label that signed every nu-metal band on the planet when it got trendy, and have started doing the same with the current screamo trend, but that's how you make money I guess. But there is no Nickelback here, and that's a relief (and surprise). Highlights? The solo track by Akerfeldt of Opeth (with Josh Silver of Type O Negative) is a winner (of course), as is the King Diamond track (again written by Heafy). And Glen Benton of Deicide doing 'Annihilation By The Hands Of God' is just magic. PS - The bonus 'making of' DVD is great too. Jeff Waters of Annihilator proves he wasn't lying when he claimed to be the fastest guitarist on the planet.

[A-172 | R-1240]

Ulver
Blood Inside

Black Metal | Album | 6 June 2005

This would be in the Top 10 easily - but where the hell do you categorise these boys now? Garm has again written a totally compelling soundtrack to your life, with far more 'cohesive' songs than the last few releases. Give it a listen in the dark - LOUD.

TheBigBlack's Metal Dishonourable Mentions

[A-594 | R-3486]

Black Label Society
Mafia

Heavy Metal | Album | 8 March 2005

I think Zakk needs to stop churning out 25 albums a decade, and maybe focus his song writing on just one every couple of years. There is nothing here we haven't heard him do a dozen or so times before - and he did them better the first 12 times. Yawn.

[A-219 | R-1528]

Fear Factory
Transgression

Metal (Industrial) | Album | 22 August 2005

There's not much can really be said about this that hasn't been complained about already all year by any FORMER Fear Factory fans. I shall be quick by summarizing - 1. A cover of a U2 song that still sounds like U2. What's up with that? 2. The new 'I can scream like a metalcore biatch' vocal style. What's up with that? 3. The clean production and nice tunes. What's up with that? 4. Again - A cover of a U2 song that still sounds like U2. What's up with that? Fear Factory is dead. R.I.P.

[A-298 | R-2087]

Ozzy Osbourne
Under Cover

Heavy Metal | Album | 1 November 2005

Sometimes it is time to rock, and sometimes it's time to stop rocking. Even Michael Jackson finally worked out that when you have given all the music you have, you stop giving music - or you turn into a circus clown. OK - bad example. He was always a clown. My point is, Ozzy hasn't learnt lesson this yet. Or is it Sharon that hasn't learnt this lesson yet? Either way, please stop making this POO. An album of covers to songs he can't sing, that no one wants to hear anyway? To think - I once wanted Ozzy as a dad, now he is not even in the running. Lemmy, can I call you pa, old warty one?

[A-561 | R-3293]

System Of A Down
Hypnotize

Nu Metal | Album | 22 November 2005

My teenage daughter is a big fan of S.O.A.D. since the Hypnotise / Mezmerise albums were released. They sit on her shelf alongside her 'Black Eyed Peas', 'Eminem', 'My Chemical Romance' and 'Green Day' CDs. I shall say no more. No - Actually I will. WHERE DOES A BAND GET OFF RELEASING 2 THIRTY-FIVE MINUTE ALBUMS? These guys claim they are all for the fans. Fans would have preferred to have only wasted their money on one of these pieces of crap, rather than both I think. In the immortal words of Spinal Tap - SHIT SANDWICH.

mk's Metal Top 10

Well, what a year! This year has involved the greatest number of releases to listen to than in previous years (almost nudging 100 releases I think). Not necessarily as good quality - maybe 2004 was the best year of recent memory, but still it saw some hopeful expectations and anticipations from big bands with what would hopefully be big releases. Some delivered, some didn't. Well in my opinion at least. I'd say it could be a sign that I'm out of touch, but when there is so much good quality out there it's dog-eat-dog. And it would be completely disrespectful of me not to start my list without a special - no - VERY special mention of the New York Boys who re-united this year. If anything good is to come from Dime's demise, it's the fact that these boys got themselves back together - well that's what they say publicly even though it may not necessarily be the case. Who do I speak of? Why none other than Anthrax. Better still we got to see them live - and here I was thinking I had missed my chance. It rates as one of the top experiences - thinking you've missed out on seeing a band you grew up with an loved, only for them to re-unite and come to your home town - WOW!! There's plenty doing the reunion tour thing these days but this was the best present I could think of having. Now having calmed down, I present THE list. I'm gonna count down this year to hold the suspension (DON'T SCROLL OR YOU'LL RUIN IT!!).

[A-433 | R-2707]

Paths Of Possession
Promises In Blood

Death Metal | Album | 2005

Featuring none other than 'Corpsegrinder' Fisher on vox - the man that sung all those famous lyrics with Cannibal Corpse. If you're expecting the same, then you won't get it. Certainly not as brutal, but a worthy debut that got my attention.

[A-348 | R-2144]

Exodus
Shovel Headed Kill Machine

Thrash Metal | Album | 4 October 2005

You know what you're gonna get with these guys. Although I really loved Souza on Tempo Of The Damned. He has a great voice, so I must admit I was a little disappointed to hear him go, but Dukes in a lot of ways is similar. As a result, they haven't lost any of their touch. I must admit they have some awesome riffs loaded in this release. Brilliant!

[A-720 | R-3811]

Annihilator
Schizo Deluxe

Thrash Metal | Album | 8 November 2005

I'm the first to admit I never really liked early work from this band. And I'll be honest and tell you why - it's as superficial as their album covers. Sure Alice In Hell is a classic and they are held together by one of the all-time great guitarists in Jeff Waters, but seriously check Never Neverland and Set The World On Fire covers - what tha?!?!?! Anyway this one grabbed my interest more than Exodus as the thrash release of the year. I even had to go back and listen to the 2004 release of All For You to realised I'd missed the return to form of this great band.

[A-75 | R-306]

Opeth
Ghost Reveries

Death Metal (Progressive) | Album | 30 August 2005

OK, here we go. Most definitely the most anticipated release of 2005. It had all the billing. Blackwater Park onto the mix of Deliverance and Damnation, what was Mikael going to do next? Let me tell you what he did (as seen through my eyes): Signed to RoadRunner (a big family feud Bu-bowww!), Signed a Keyboardist (again Bu-boww), Released a 5min music video for the 8+min Grand Conjuration (Bu-bowww), Completely screwed the listening pleasure with that damn song Atonement smack in the middle of my ears being brutalised (Bu-..well you get the drift now). In all honestly I can forgive him all flaws (yes - even the keyboardist) EXCEPT for the last one there. It ruined it for me. So why is it at number 6? The rest is a masterpiece. Cannot wait to see them in a couple of weeks time - Beware Mikael - I will have some eggs at the ready just in case you decide to play that song live!!

[A-441 | R-2750]

Nevermore
This Godless Endeavour

Thrash Metal | Album | 26 July 2005

There has been a lot said about this release. Was one album that I listened to early in the piece to 'get it out of the way'. But like a piece of chewing gum on your shoe, it just stuck. It has stood the test of time as I've listened to countless others which truly shows the quality of this effort. Bittersweet Feast is just a killer track!!

[A-192 | R-1370]

Judas Priest
Angel Of Retribution

Heavy Metal | Album | 23 February 2005

I own none of their previously releases and have deliberately avoided them all these years. but hell, this release can't be avoided. I don't have much else to say about this release apart from OUT! DEMONS OUT!

[A-1138 | R-4842]

YOB
The Unreal Never Lived

Metal | Album | 2005

Another gloomy, slow paced grunt of a band with a guy who has some resemblance I think to a Mustaine vox. They have reportedly spit up now, but again - as is my passion this year, the tempo is perfect for digging pits in your backyard on a grey afternoon!

[A-134 | R-915]

Candlemass
Candlemass

Doom Metal | Album | 22 May 2005

Much like last year, my number one is completely unexpected. There is not much I can say about this release apart from WOW! Right from the opening riff of Black Dwarf I was hooked. The album then sprawls into a consistent chug of guitar - like a perfectly oiled engine - it holds my attention for the entire album. Again a surprise, but one that leaves me excited for 2006 - what new surprises await us??

mk's Metal Honourable Mentions

[A-1291 | R-5219]

Sargeist
Disciple Of The Heinous Path

Death Metal | Album | 30 September 2005

[A-584 | R-3444]

Pelican
The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw

Metal | Album | 2005

[A-89 | R-2828]

Gojira
From Mars To Sirius

Death Metal | Album | 2005

[A-782 | R-3950]

Deathspell Omega
Kenose

Black Metal | Album | 2005

[A-393 | R-2354]

Obituary
Frozen In Time

Death Metal | Album | 12 June 2005

Love Tardy's voice!!

[A-533 | R-3225]

Akercocke
Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone

Death Metal (Blackened) | Album | 10 October 2005

[A-1355 | R-5323]

Rumpelstiltskin Grinder
Buried In The Front Yard.

Thrash Metal (Crossover) | Album | 11 September 2005

The burglar metallers!

mk's Metal Dishonourable Mentions

[A-364 | R-2232]

Trivium
Ascendancy

Metal | Album | 15 March 2005

Metalcore tries to take over the world, thanks to fools like Trivium.

[A-607 | R-3566]

Korn
See You On The Other Side

Nu Metal | Album | 6 December 2005

Seems like the prayers of Brian 'Head' Welch have done their trick. Get back on the drugs Jonathan - you make me sick.

[A-561 | R-3293]

System Of A Down
Hypnotize

Nu Metal | Album | 22 November 2005

The worst mistake in metal has to go to Daron who thinks he can sing better than Serj in SOAD. What a fool!!