Anniversary Series - 2002!

It turns out that the heat of August isn't any less intense than it was in July, but I'm surviving.  At least I can pull together another Anniversary Series article, this time for 2002.  Just like 1997, though, it's mostly going to be power metal, so let's get into it!

First off, we get the epic conclusion of Tobais Sammet's Avantasia storyline with The Metal Opera Part Two!  Starting with a massive 14 minute track to recap the story so far, it's certainly starts as it means to go on!  Other metal epics from the year include the second album by Dragonland, continuing their own fantasy story with a Holy War, which I reviewed a few years ago, and the next serving of Nightwish with Century Child.  Featuring incredible tracks like "End of All Hope," "Dead to the World," and "Ocean Soul," the band really expanded the power and scope of symphonic metal.

HammerFall also released an incredible album with Crimson Thunder, which gave us great songs like  the title track, "Hearts on Fire," "Hero's Return," and "The Unforgiving Blade."  Even the covers of "Angel of Mercy" and "Rising Force" are incredible!  Along with HammerFall was Dream Evil's debut album Dragonslayer, providing excellent power metal tracks like "Chasing the Dragon,"  "The Prophecy," and "The 7th Day."  Thunderstone would also debut this year with their self-titled album, which has some solid material like "Let the Demons Free" and "Me, My Enemy."

However, it's not all power metal.  Post-grunge would have a few solid albums as well.  Canadians Our Lady Peace would find international success with Gravity, powered by their big hit "Somewhere Out There," but the rest of the album is quite good as well.  3 Doors Down would follow up their massive debut with Away from the Sun.  It's probably not as good as their first album, but it does have some solid stuff such as the title track, "When I'm Gone," and "Going Down in Flames."

I know there are plenty of other great songs and albums I'm missing, so be sure to share them in the comments.  I know I could have found more, but this month kinda caught me by surprise.  However, I do plan on getting to a Last Played article between now and the end of the month.  Until then, check out the playlist below and rock on! \m/