This year's Top 5 was another that came together pretty quickly. However, my obsession with epic styles of metal ensures that there isn't a whole lot of variety on this one (and those who review my "Anniversary" article for this year will see some familiar faces). Still, there was plenty of good stuff to consider, including the album by Final Sign that I reviewed as part of my Divebomb Mystery Box article. As always, I can't listen to everything, and these are just my personal favorites, but here are my Top 5 for 2015!
A few years ago, I bought a stack of CDs from Pure Steel records and reviewed them all. Out of the bunch, this was my favorite, largely because it was the only power metal album I picked up. Nevertheless, it remains a pretty good album, with its post-apocalyptic themes making it stand out. I still think it's a shame the band never did put together a follow up, as I saw a lot of potential. Nevertheless, it finds itself here at #5 for being just a solid chunk of metal.
Back when I reviewed this a few years ago, I thought the album was fine, but not great, as it didn't match how much I loved the Roy Khan albums. Listening to it again, I wonder if my standards were just far too high, as this is some very good symphonic metal. Karevik does a great job providing the voice for the album, and the band still has a knack for the epic, and so it finds a slot here in my Top 5.
I know I just reviewed this, but I can't deny when Sorcerer is rolling out their style of doom! Melodramatic, epic, and powerful, these guys had it right from the start with their (sorta) debut album. In any case, now that I've heard all their albums, I look forward to whatever they do next. For now, this album's excellence puts it here in my Top 5.
I reviewed this five years ago when I was doing my Anniversary Article series, and I found it to be a worthy follow up to their excellent debut album. Since, things have been quiet (likely because both Jani and Timo have been busy with other things), but I still think their particular blend of symphonic power metal is pretty incredible.
Another I reviewed five years ago, I had a hard time deciding to go with Cain's Offering or Visigoth for my #1 album for this year. However, I think the dense, somewhat doomy atmosphere is what gives Visigoth the edge, as well as some fun, epic songs. Drifting between US power metal to Sabbath-like doom, the album has quite a lot to offer, and with Jake Rogers on the mic, this album really soars.
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