The best of albums from 2004 starts with my twenty favorite albums, I have also this year some other categories, Best Live Album, Best Instrumental Album, Best Female Vocalists, Best Male Vocalists, Best Newcomer and Best Demo. It`s always hard to take the decision to choose between all the releases from last year, but after going through all the releases, I have made a list with twenty of what I mean is the best albums + some other favs. Last year showed us that it is still a lot of potential in the Hard Rock and Metal business, with a lot of new bands and with some of the a bit older ones still keeping the flame burning. I hope you enjoy my favorites, and also hope that some of you get curious about the bands and invest in their albums.
Best Albums 2004
1. Within Temptation - The Silent Force
When I received this album and started to listen to it I was very sure from
the beginning that it would be my big favorite in 2004! I personally think
this album stands for something very special, all melodies, vocals, band,
symphonic and choir arrangements is just superb. Within Temptation
is also a very young band who in very short time has received a lot of success
with selling gold both in Netherlands and Germany with The Silent
Force. The style this band has musically has become very popular
the last years with top places on the charts and a lot of playing time on
radio and TV. I think that this is very positive for the whole music industry
to wake up and see that there isn`t impossible to put effort into Metal and
Hard Rock bands. Another thing is that many people are getting more interested
in Metal and Hard Rock by seeing videos and hear their songs being played
on radio.
http://www.within-temptation.com/
http://www.bmg.no/
2. Dragonland - Starfall
The Swedish band Dragonland was a hidden secret
for me until I received their third album Starfall, in October
last year. From the first time I heard their album I thought
these Swedish guys really have made something out of the ordinary. Dragonland`s
music is hard to describe, because they put a lot
of influences into their music,and they are really trying to do something
with the very cliche filled Power Metal genre, by adding a whole lot of new
elements into the genre. And believe me when I say that this is really something
that stands out in the crowd. Prog-elements, Viking-Metal, Folk music, Enigmatic
Arabian dances, 80's Hard Rock riffs, super modern drum samples, keyboards
and synths are some of the things you will hear in their music. So for me:
listening To Starfall, from start to finish has really been an experience
in music, you will discover new things all the time, and I personally never
get tired listening to their music. So if you are looking for something out
of the ordinary you can, with my strong recommendations check out Dragonland.
http://www.dragonland.se/
http://www.centurymedia.de/
3. Power Quest - Neverworld
In March 2001, the British band Power Quest was conceived by keyboardist
and songwriter Steve Williams. Their second album Neverworld
was released 15th March 2004. For me this was my first acquaintance with Power
Quest, and the songs made a deep impression on me from the first
listening. Big guitars, great drumming and very nice keyboards and bass lines
and one of the most impressive things, the vocals from Alessio on top
of the whole thing. The nine songs are like nine active volcanoes erupting
in your face. One of the things I think is the strongest with Power Quest,
is that they have a very good sense for nice melody lines and the change between
the up tempo melodic power metal songs to the more mid tempo melodic metal
is quite unique and done in a way that is just fantastic!
http://www.power-quest.co
http://www.frontiers.it/
4. Wuthering Heights - Far From The Madding Crowd
I have followed Wuthering Heights since their debut Within in October 1999. On that time I came over their debut on an local record shop, and their music blew me away immediately. The style they have managed to come up with is something very special with inspirations from Folk Music to Power and Speed Metal and Progressive Metal and Rock. Far From The Madding Crowd was released in January 2004, and was the first album I chose as Album Of The Month, last year. All the songs made on this disc has a lot of different styles and parts, and you will never get bored when you listen to the album. One single song can change from Speed Metal to Folk Music and Progressive Metal and Rock, and it`s done on such a perfect way that you never have heard before.
http://www.wutheringheights.dk/
http://www.locomotivemusic.com/
http://www.intromental.com/
5. Leave`s Eyes - Lovelorn
Leave`s Eyes was one of the newcomers last year with their
debut Lovelorn released May 24. 2004.
Comprised by former Theatre Of Tragedy vocalist Liv Kristine
together with the lineup from Atrocity, I got totally thrilled by
this band. I still listen a lot to this CD, and it`s getting
better and better each time I hear it, they mix together Gothic Metal, Symphonic
Metal with wonderful harmonies, an epic atmosphere, and varied arrangements
who will touch fans of the Gothic Metal genre deeply. in my opinion this is
absolutely a "must-have" in the collection for fans of gothic metal
and related.
http://www.leaveseyes.com/
http://www.napalmrecords.com/
http://www.tubarec.com/
6. Icon & The Black Roses
The Portuguese band Icon & The Black Roses is also a
new band from last year. They released their self titled debut on the 26th
of April 2004. We are being served a mixture of 80's Glam Rock with Gothic
Metal, Melancholic Rock and elements from synth pop with an heavy metal edge.
The result has become an album filled with goodies and from song to song it
changes much throughout the album, sometimes they remind me of hitsongs from
the 80`s and other times they give us guitar riffs that can go from Dream
Theater to Billy Idol. With a wide array of influences from bands like Guns
N' Roses, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative, Kiss, Paradise Lost, Whitesnake,
HIM, etc., they have managed to make one of the best albums I have ever heard
in this genre!
http://www.iconandtheblackroses.com/
http://www.dark-wings.de/
7. Heimdall - hard As Iron
The Italians Heimdall really impressed me with their fourth
album Hard As Iron, released on the 10th of May 2004.
Heimdall play Epic Power Metal with a very strong symphonic
feel, but you will also hear inspirations of Melodic Metal and Progressive
Metal in their songs. Hard As Iron was definitely one of
the strongest releases in it`s special genre last year. The more I listen
to this CD the more I like it and to compare their music with other bands
is a bit hard because I think they have manage to make a sound and style who
take a step up of the average of metal bands today. Vocalist Giacomo
Mercaldo has a voice with a very wide range, and he sometimes sounds
like a singer in a musical with his baritone/opera like style of singing,
but at the same time he can be compared to vocalists like Geoff Tate and Zak
Stevens. I am very impressed over the skills from the whole band, the songwriting
holds high quality with nice arrangements with choir and instrumental parts
who is awesome.
http://www.heimdall.it/
http://www.scarletrecords.it/
8. Infinity`s Call - Light In The Dark
The band Infinity`s Call was founded in November 2001 in
Ulm, South Germany, by Eberhard Paduch and Philipp
Zanella. The debut, Light In The Dark, had its release
at the end of last year. What these guys have done is making
an album that I think takes a step away from many bands in their genre. The
band plays Melodic Hard Rock with a mystical, dramatic touch, with some Metal
and Progressive elements. Musically they remind me of Magnum, Second Heat,
Guild Of Ages and Domain. The production and sound are very good and let the
instrumentation and vocals be very pleasing to listen to. All 13 songs are
great with a special mood and feel and they have made a deep impression on
me.
So check out Infinity`s Call, now!!!!
http://www.infinityscall.de/
9. Visions Of Atlantis - Cast Away
In Austria, August 2000, Werner Fiedler, Mike Koren, Christian Stani
and Chris Kamper decided to work on a concept inspired by
the enigmas surrounding Atlantis. Later that summer they were joined by singer
Nicole Bogner, and Visions Of Atlantis was
formed. When this album was released on the 29th of November 2004, I had been
waiting for it for a long time and the expectations were high when I for the
first time sat down and listened to Cast Away. Visions
Of Atlantis play Symphonic Bombastic Metal with emotional lyrics,
classical arrangements and nice melodies. Another great thing is the mixed
vocal parts between Nicole`s soprano and the clear voice
from Mario. Today there are few bands who do exactly this,
and I have to admit that the mix between soprano and clear vocals are much
better than what a lot of other bands do with mixing soprano and so called
grunts, who sounds terribly in my opinion.
http://www.visionsofatlantis.com/
http://www.napalmrecords.com/
10. Dreamaker - Human Device
The story begins when vocalist Elisa C. Martin, guitar playerAlbert
Maroto and drummer Jorge Saez leaves the band Dark Moor. They shortly
after start their own band Dreamaker to create and present their own
ideas. Dreamaker is a band you have to take notice of, don`t let their
debut Human Device go by you! Fronted by vocalist Elisa C. Martin,
who is one of the best female singers I`ve heard in many years. Dreamaker
play a mixture of power metal, progressive metal and there is also elements
of symphonic rock and melodic metal in their music. With a career from bands
like Dark Moor and Fairyland, the members in Dreamaker have made one
hell of an album!
http://www.dreamaker.net/
http://www.arisemetal.com/
11. Higher Ground - A Thousand Pieces
Higher Ground is from Sandviken in Sweden and their story
started back in 1994. It is always hard to pick out albums of all releases
I receive, but I was very sure about this album from the beginning. When I
sum up all releases in the Melodic Rock, AOR genre so far this year, A
Thousand Pieces from Higher Ground turns out as
my absolute number one favorite! Higher Ground
mix Melodic Rock, Pop/ Rock and AOR in a way I like very good. There are also
elements of more Modern Rock and Hard Rock in their music, and they have managed
to make their own style.The eleven songs are all very good with no fillers,
their music takes a step away from most bands in this genre, and they sound
different.
http://www.higherground.nu/
http://www.germusica.com/
12. House Of Shakira - First Class
I have followed House Of Shakira from the beginning and listened a
lot to their releases through the years. It has always been something special
about House Of Shakira`s music that you don`t find with many other
bands. They have a unique way to write songs who, in my opinion, goes a bit
deeper into your soul than songs from many other bands. Their music is a mix
of Melodic Rock, Hard Rock and AOR, and with First Class they prove
they are in the elite of these bands today. Vocalist Andreas Eklund
is one of my personal favorite singers in the music scene today, and I think
his voice is better than ever on First Class. Guitarist, keyboardist
Anders Lundström and guitarist Mats Hallstensson is without
a doubt two very good skilled guitarists with a big specter of nice solos
and riffs. The rhythm section with bassplayer Per Schelander and drummer
Tony Andersson sounds very tight and precise. So check out House
Of Shakira!
http://www.house-of-shakira.nu/
http://www.lionmusic.com/
13. Private Line - 21st Century Pirates
The first time I got to know Private Line was in November 2003, then with
their mini CD Six Songs Of Hellcity Trendkill. Their first full-length
CD, 21st Century Pirates, from last year continues
much in the same direction as the mini CD from 2003. When I sit down and listens
to their new album my thoughts go back in time to bands like Hanoi Rocks,
Motley Crue, Skid Row and Tigertailz. Some of the songs goes straight to your
head and when I have just heard the CD, I want more. Vocalist Sammy
has a great voice and he matches singers like Vince Neil, Mike Monroe and
Sebastian Bach without problems. The music is a mix of glam rock, sleaze,
punk rock, melodic rock and metal.
http://www.privatelineweb.com/
14. The Carburetors - Pain Is Temporary, Glory Is Forever
Norwegian Oslo based band Carburetors has existed for about five years.
Fast forward rock`n roll is what they call their music. They have released
one single and two 7" Vinyl Singles, with the tracks Burning Rubber
and Burnout. Each of the singles were printed in 1000 copies and were
sold out immediately on concerts and by record shops in Norway. The video
of the song Burnout has been played on several TV Stations in Norway
and was one of the most seen videos on the program Svisj, on NRK2 (Norwegian
National TV) last summer. Their first album, Pain Is Temporary - Glory
Is Forever, was released on the 5th of January 2004, and I must
say that this is the most powerful straight forward rock`n roll band I have
ever heard in Norway!
http://www.thecarburetors.com/
http://www.facefront.no/
http://www.vme.no/
15. Grand Illusion - Ordinary just Won`t Do
A few bands set deeper traces in me than others, and Grand Illusion
is definitely one of these bands. I have personally followed this band since
their first album. Since their debut, The Book of How To Make It, their
musical style has changed a lot. Ordinary Just Won`t Do,
is so far the best album I have heard from them, and compared to their later
releases, who were more Melodic Rock, AOR oriented, they have with their latest
album put a bit more power into their music. I will say they sound like a
mix between TNT, Unruly Child and Kansas. Grand Illusion are one of
very few bands today who manage to write songs who has the exactly right Melodic
Hard Rock punch and drive, with great melody lines and refrains who sometimes
can be comparable with ABBA!
http://www.godispascen.se/gi/
http://www.germusica.com/
16. Twilight Guardians - Wasteland
Twilight Guardians is a really interesting band from the
land of the thousand lakes. For me this is the first album I hear with Twilight
Guardians and already after a few listenings of Wasteland I was blown
away by their songs! They play a mix of Melodic Metal and Power Metal who
are very impressive.
http://www.twilight-guardians.com/
http://www.spinefarm.fi/
http://www.tubarec.com/
17. From The Inside - St
One of the finest Melodic Rock / Hard Rock releases last was with From
The Inside. I discovered Danny Vaughn for the first time with Waysted,
and have since then followed him with Tyketto and Vaughn. Ever
since the first time I heard Danny`s voice, I have liked his
singing, and I think he has one of the strongest voices in the Melodic
Rock / Hard Rock scene today. From The Inside is an album in the finest
tradition of the Tyketto style. Danny has written most of the
material by himself, but he has also got some help from producer and songwriter
Fabrizio Grossi (Over The Edge, Vertigo, Perfect World) and Desmond
Child. This is classic melodic rock at its best and with a great producer-job
from Fabrizio Grossi, who manages to get forward the exactly right
elements in both music and sound, this record has become a pearl!
http://www.frontiers.it/
http://www.vaughn.de/
18. Kick Axe - IV
Kick Axe returned last year with their comeback album IV.
Kick Axe are one of the greatest bands to come out of Canada
in the eighties. With their debut, Vices from 1983 they received a gold record.
They toured with several rock heavyweights such as Judas Priest, Scorpions,
Metallica, Rush, Quiet Riot, and Whitesnake. IV contains 14 brand new
original songs, and for those of you who have listened to the earlier releases
fromKick Axe, I will say you really have something to check out here!
http://www.kickaxe.net/
19. Virtuocity - Northern Twilight Symphony
Virtuocity is definitely one of the most exciting melodic neo-classical
heavy metal bands I`ve heard last year. The title of the album, Northern
Twilight Symphony, says it all, the music is very much inspired of
classical music and their sound is very symphonic in parts of their songs.
I really like the style of their music and they have managed to climb a bit
further than the average of bands in this genre. The songs are built up with
classically inspirations and the keyboards laying on top of the songs has
a very classical sound.
http://www.thevirtuocity.com/
http://www.spinefarm.fi/
20. Human Temple - Insomnia
I waited a long time for this CD since I wrote about their demo Walk between
shadows back in May 2003. With the demo I heard a band with great potential,
and the debut from Human Temple is just outstanding!! All the material
on Insomnia is of epic quality, pushed and teased to the outer limits
of melodic intensity. The songs are crafted with a sense of maturity and expertise,
certain tracks can honestly be placed alongside some of the greatest moments
in hard rock history. The production from Jari is crystal clear, it jumps
out and hits you, crisp, instant and mighty. Human Temple plays a mix
of the eighties and nineties melodic hard rock, melodic rock and AOR. But
at the same time they have managed to established their own identity
with this album.
http://www.humantemple.com/
http://www.mtm-music.com/
Best Newcomer
Voyager - Element V
I must say that Voyager was really a big surprise at the
end of last year. After a lot of listening I think Voyager
stands for one of the most interesting releases in their special genre lately.
This band is something special, and they have managed to make their own style
who is a mix of almost every musical direction you can think of. By listening
to their album Element V, you will hear everything from Power
Metal, Melodic Metal, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal, Gothic Metal and
Black Metal. But what makes the band sound so special is that they, in an
eminent way, mix elements of Folk music, Enigmatic Arabian dances, 80's Hard
Rock riffs, Techno and Dance elements and a lot of other inspirations into
their music. In many ways I think this album was a test for me as listener,
and it took me a while to get familiar with their songs. If you are searching
for something that takes a big step away from the ordinary cliche filled Power
Metal genre and related, you can check out Voyager!
http://www.voyager-australia.com/
http://www.dvsrecords.com/
Best Live Album
Karnataka - Strange Behaviour live
Karnataka was formed in the late 90`s and became one of UK`s leading
bands in their genre. With their two first albums Karnataka, 1998,
and The Storm in 2000 they managed to get attention from magazines,
radio and webzines in Europe, Asia and America. In the UK they were voted
Best New Band in 2000 and Best Female Vocalist in 2000, 2001 and 2002 from
the Classic Rock Society awards. They since the start built up a great reputation
as live band with European concerts with Porcupine Tree, and they also performed
in the USA at The Classic Rock Festival, where they filmed The DVD Live
In The USA. With Their third CD, Delicate Flame Of Desire,
it really took off for Karnataka, the feedback was huge with great
reviews of the album and their live concerts was really something that people
enjoyed. The Classic Rock Society 'Best Of The Year Awards 2003' held in Rotherham,
voted Karnataka as Best Band, Best Album (Delicate Flame Of Desire),
Best Female Vocalist (Rachel Jones). In November last year
they recorded a double live album called Strange Behaviour, who was
released the 28 June 2004. After this the band split up and each of the members
are now working with different projects and bands.
http://www.karnataka.org.uk/
Best Instrumental album
Bob Katsionis - Imaginary Force
When I month after month are receiving and writing about a lot of releases
from around the world there are some releases who goes a bit deeper down in
to my soul than others. It`s not so often I write about instrumental albums,
but Imaginary Force from Bob Katsionis has
made a big impression on me. Bob has managed to make an album
that sounds different to many other instrumental albums. One of the things
I think is very strong with this album is the variation from song to song.
Musically Bob takes us through a lot of different styles
like fast Melodic Power Metal songs to more mid tempo Melodic Metal songs,
who are spiced up with some elements of progressive rock and some jazz and
fusion elements. The instrumental performing from Bob is
on a very high level and done with such perfection and creativeness that I
will say it is the strongest instrumental album I`ve heard in a very long
time! The album is full to the very brim with class, quality, atmosphere and
a production from Bob who is crystal clear. With help from
drummer Fotis Bernando and bassplayer Stavros Giannakopoulos
plus some guest performances from the two well known Greece guitar playersTheodore
Ziras and Alex Flouros, this album has become something
really special worth taking notice of! The fast and dynamic opener The
Imaginary Force will hit you down directly with tasteful riffs, solos
and beautiful played keyboards. The twelve songs are all very strong, and
as I said earlier, with a lot of variation in the songs. March Of
The Spirits is much more melodic and easier to recognize, the melody
played with piano is great and the guitar solo at the end of the song is really
nice. Sing For The Day is maybe one of the songs on the CD
that can be compared to and who reminds me of instrumental albums from Joe
Satriani, Steve Morse and Vinnie Moore, but the difference between Bob`s
album and the mentioned ones is that the keyboards are much more forward in
the songs on Bob`s CD. A great example on that is with song
number four, Galaxy. Is It Me Or The Weather, All
My Naked Hopes and Separated is my personal favorites
on the CD. Check out Bob Katsionis album Imaginary
Force and you will be surprised!
http://www.nightfallstar.com/
bobkatsionis@hotmail.com
http://www.lionmusic.com/
Best Demo
Abacorn - Demo
I must say that after listening a lot to this demo, I think this is the best
demo I`ve heard in 2004! Abacorn play a blend of Heavy Metal,
Melodic Metal and Melodic Hard Rock with Heavy modern sounding guitars. They
have managed to get forward a tasteful sound and originality in their songs
and believe me when I say it sounds really massive when these guys turn up
the volume and play! Their music is a bit hard to describe, but they sometimes
remind me of Black Sabbath mixed together with newer bands like Trouble, Masters
Of Reality and Mister Kite. The six songs are really impressive listening.
Vocalist Miche has a wide range in his voice, both the raw
side and more melodic calm style of his voice suits the songs perfectly. I
already after the first listenings thought these songs sounded impressive.
Compared to other bands I`ve heard the last year, I think Abacorn
have managed to get forward an own sound. The style of the music isn`t exactly
revolutionary, but it is something about it that makes it sound a bit different
compared to other bands. The heavy sounding guitars and the tight rhythm section
is pleasant to listen to, and you will know what I mean when you hear songs
like Bad Drug, All Your Ways and Fade Away.
The songs are nicely built up with melodic verses and great choruses and you
will also take notice of the many nice instrumental parts in their songs.
The song r.o.m. is my absolute favorite. I have played this
song over and over again, and it has got stuck in my head. Big Sleep
slows the tempo down a little with nice melodic verses, the song increases
round the refrain parts and the guitars sounds massive. Sweet Revenge
ends the album, and from the start of this six tracker till the end, Abacorn
delivers six great songs who is impressive listening! And if this band isn`t
been picked up by a record company very soon I will be very disappointed.
http://www.abacorn.com/
Best Female Vocalist
1. Sharon den Adel - Within Temptation
Sharon den Adel
2. Elisa C. Martin - Dreamaker
3. Liv Kristine Espenaes - Leave`s Eyes
4. Rachel Jones - Karnataka
5. Andrea Dätwyler - Lunatica
Best Male Vocalist
1. Jonas Heidgert - Dragonland
Jonas
2. Alessio Garavello
- Power Quest
3. Danny Vaughn - From The Inside
4. Nils Patrik Johansson - Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights
5. Ebby Paduch - Infinity`s Call
