This Year In Metal: 2007

Hello and welcome to this, a summary of some of the best, and the not-so-best of 2007 in metal. Below is a ranking of the ten best albums of 2007, the ten best songs of 2007, and a few disappointments of 2007. Also, to round things off, I've written down some albums which are worth to look forward to next year, for various reasons. But now, let's get things rolling with the 10th Best Album of 2007, which is...

10. Dream Theater: Systematic Chaos

Why is this here? Seldom does one piece almost by itself propel an album to heights like this, but this is one of those rare cases. Without the 25 minute epic dubbed "In the Presence Of Enemies," Systematic Chaos would've been somewhat mediocre, landing around 20-25 or so on the 2007 list. There're bits and pieces on SC which do not reflect all too well on the band, like "The Dark Eternal Night" and "Prophets Of War," but pieces such as "ITPOE," "The Ministry Of Lost Souls" and "Forsaken" put the case for this album in a strong position. A quick mention should also go out to John Petrucci's guitarplaying: the man hasn't played this well (not saying that he's ever been bad) in years. The solo in "Constant Motion" is one of my favorite solos this year, and one of his best since way-back-when.

Despite a somewhat flawed tracklisting and some dodgy passages, "Systematic Chaos" is at #10 this year, mainly because of what seems to be DT's forte: managing to work themes and write free, flowing music that just goes wherever the hell they want.

Continuing on a much, much more brutal note, at #9 we have...

9. Behemoth: The Apostasy

Like an angry beast pushed into the dark, Behemoth charge back into the spotlight and boy does this album tear you a new one. Brutal, fast, technical, ugly and above all -- extremely well written. The Apostasy has all the elements you can ask for a technical, modern blackened death metal album. The production complements the music perfectly; it is raw, rugged and rough. Also, the drumming by Inferno here is one of the best performances of 2007, as well as Nergal's growl which is definitely in the upper echelons when it comes to delivering a vocal style such as this. Some albums post-Reign In Blood are, like the classic album itself, an exercise in over-pummeling the listener and beating him/her into submission with sonical WMDs. And of course some are better than others. The Apostasy, while a bit more diverse, is a very succesful attempt in the aforementioned exercise -- and hence it lands in the top 10. It's always nice to hear a band whose name fits the agenda.

Grab yourself a cup of coffee, as we venture onto #8 which is...

8. Devin Townsend: Ziltoid The Omniscient

Devin Townsend is one of the most eccentric musicians out there, and ZTO is as weird as you'd expect. The album's plot basically consists of a fourth dimensional alien called Ziltoid who threatens Earth with annihilation unless he gets the perfect cup of coffee. How can you not love such a starting point? Devin of course plays nigh everything himself, including programming the drums, and it gives the album that sound which is oh-so typical for Devin. The melodies, the vocals, the arrangements, everything just reeks of Devin and a job damn well done. The album ranges from progressive to metal, from brutal to Floyd-esque, all wrapped up in a humorous story, complete with dialogues, interludes and narratives about an alien and a cup of coffee. This album helps us remember that there's no harm in mixing comedy with metal – metal can be fun and still 100% quality.

On with the helmets, swords and shields, for at #7 we find...

7. Primordial: To The Nameless Dead

A late release and a late entry to this list, but there's no doubt that To The Nameless Dead belongs up here. Many productions these days sound sterile and lack dynamics, but this album's production definitely hits home. A truly dynamic production caressing an album full of emotion conveyed through vocals, lyrics and music that manage to paint vivid images of battle, war and loss. The best example of this would probably be "Gallows Hymn." Just go listen to it. For the history conscious amongst us, it is perhaps even more interesting, depicting events such as the fall of Rome and entering the dark ages.

To The Nameless Dead manages to throw black, folk and a handful of death into a melting pot and create an atmospheric, beautiful, ugly, brutal and at the same time soothing album. That is no small feat, and thus it lands on #7.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think we need wizards, for at #6 we find...

6. Electric Wizard: Witchcult Today

This album could be voted Most Aquired Taste, seeing it's hardly easy listening. Trance inducing, trippy, cozily progressive and crushingly heavy are all descriptions that fit the bill and combined sum up the album quite well. The trip (pun intended) that this album takes you on is quite an extraordinary one. What seems to be the reocurring theme with quality releases this year, is that the production complements and enhances the music. Witchcult Today has the 1970s overdriven fuzz brought back in full form, very much unlike the prickless plastic productions of recent years.The album is of course not all production -- it has some great tunes on there too, such as "Torquemada 71" (the jam-like solosections in this one are just God-like) and the title track. Bruisingly slow and crushing yet melodic and psychadelic, this album is like a revived Black Sabbath with new ideas and expanded horizons. As far as doomy albums go this year, you can only do one better.

At #5, a band from a land with a thousand or so lakes...

5. Amorphis: Silent Waters

The songwriting skills of this group are undeniable. Silent Waters didn't come around for me until after about a dozen spins, which in itself pretty much guarantees that the album is a keeper and in for the long haul. The story of the album is taken from an episode from the Finnish national epic, the "Kalevala," and thus the music was written to fit the lyrics, which is fairly unusual. Without belittling the amazing songwriting by Holopainen & Co, the Most Valuable Player of the album is without doubt Tomi Juotsen and his vocal performance. There're precious few who can pull off quality growling and clean, melodic and beautiful singing while making it all sound so convincing and sincere. Few albums have been littered with as many quality melodies as this one, most of them vocal ones -- but the greatest strength of this album does not lie in an abundance of riffs, but that there's an overwhelming sense of meaning and completion to the entire piece. Such a feat is rare in music, regardless of day and age.

At #4, the best album from an aforementioned genre this year...

4. Candlemass: King Of The Grey Islands

Definitely the least expected quality release this year, with the departure of vocalist Messiah (which means no more Doom Dance live, thus the world is a much lesser place). But, enter Rob Lowe, delivering one of the finest vocal performances all year. I suppose the lesson of this album is that thou shalt not underestimate Leif Edling's songwriting. Conjuring up a story about a bloke who lives out his life in self-pity on a grey island could be one of the ultimate doom-concepts. Either way, it makes room for song absolutely killer tunes, filled with darkness and despair, describing the character and his being. Killer cuts such as "Demonia 6" and "Embracing The Styx" are robust testaments to the band and their continued importance for the genre. "King Of The Grey Islands" manages to hit home with songs that lack nothing yet do not outstay their welcome.

Onwards to #3, an album perhaps even more surprising than the one just mentioned...

3. Machine Head: The Blackening

I definitely did not expect Machine Head to conjure up an album of this scope or quality. They've written their fair share of metal anthems, but that they were a band that would eventually write one of the most amibitious thrash albums of all time, that I did not anticipate. Machine Head dared to take the sound they established on "Through The Ashes Of Empires and expand on it, write longer, more complex and more progressive material, and they pulled it off. The Blackening manages to blow by in around an hour, and it doesn't seem to be a minute over 40. There're more get-up-from-your-chair-air-guitar-along-and-throw-the-horns-to-the-imaginary-crowd-moments on this album than all the others combined. Just look to the solosection in "Aesthetics Of Hate" for an example. The harmonized leads, the riffs, the breakdowns, the vitriol in Flynn's vocals and lyrics, it all makes for a great, great album. Flynn & Co indeed managed to write their version of Master Of Puppets.

Not long left now. It's time for a stroll down Brutal Avenue, for at #2 we find...

2. Nile: Ithyphallic

Yes indeed, in 2007 Nile confirmed their position as one of the best death metal bands ever. Nile have again crafted an album that takes you places -- Egypt to be specific. Not many bands in the death metal genre have such a truly unmistakenable sound, yet you immediately know it's Nile when you hear them. Technical and brutal death metal combined with ambient sections and strong Egyptian themes is the gist of their sound. Ithyphallic is not Nile's best album, but it's still full of quality riffs, melodies, breakdowns and instrumental performances that blow your mind. Kollias seriously is sick on this album -- the man is so much more than speed. Ithyphallic, as I said, isn't Nile's best album, but it still ends up at second place this year. It just shows you what quality combined with originality can do for you.

Now, the moment I hope some have been waiting for, the Best Album of 2007 is...

1. Between The Buried And Me: Colors

Hands down, there is no doubt whatsoever that this is the best this year, and one of the best albums released in the past decade. Taking death metal, grind, hardcore, progressive rock, technical stuff along the lines of Dream Theater, ambience, jazz and a good chunk of Pink Floyd and various other rock bands, putting them all in a big blender and then create a coherent and enjoyable entity... it should be impossible.

But, BTBAM have managed to do just that. Transcending more genres than should be allowed, the outcome is one that deserves platinum sales, Grammy nominations, #1 spots on Best-lists and the influential status of many of the artists whom the band has been inspired by.

Some albums, in no particular order, that nearly made the list, but fell just outside of the top 10:

Vomitory: Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize

Shatter Messiah: God Burns Like Flesh

Shadows Fall: Threads Of Life

Entombed: Serpent Saints – The Ten Amendments

Monstrosity: Spiritual Apocalypse

Devildriver: The Last Kind Words

Vicious Art: Pick Up This Sick Child

Shining: V - Halmstad

Top 10 Songs this year, in no particular order:

Dream Theater: "In The Presence Of Enemies"

Between The Buried And Me: "Ants Of The Sky"

Machine Head: "Halo"

Shadows Fall: "Redemption"

Exodus: "Funeral Hymn"

Symphony X: "Set The World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)"

Shatter Messiah: "God Burns Like Flesh"

Candlemass: "Embracing The Styx"

Entombed: "Serpent Saints"

Nile: "As He Creates, So He Destroys"

Some albums this year didn't live up to expectations, for various reasons. One of those would be Megadeth's United Abominations. Musically an OK, if uneventful album, that tries to straddle the fine line between thrash and commercially accesible metal, but in the end quite a heartless effort by MegaDave. Ultimately, what truly sunk the album was the absence of decent vocal melodies and the atrocious lyrics. Lashing out at the UN is fine, but tripe along the lines of the title track and "Sleepwalker" should never have made it onto a Megadeth album.

Another album that didn't quite live up to what it could've been is Iced Earth's Framing Armageddon. Jon Schaffer who wrote some of the best metal tunes and epics of the '90s finally seems to have lost it. Despite having a fellow like Tim 'Ripper' Owens belting out the vocals, Framing Armageddon didn't live up to the promise of the first single, nor the potential of the storyline. But, let's hope Jon & Co can redeem themselves with part 2 of the story due next year.

The final album I'll mention that could've been something special is Vital Remains' Icons Of Evil. The preceding release Dechristianize was/is an amazing lesson in technical death metal, but ultimately Icons... turned out to be pretty much the same thing in a different package. Icons Of Evil certainly wasn't bad, but being the carbon copy of your big brother isn't doing the album any favors.

To round off 2007, let's look into 2008; here's my list of five albums to look forward to, for various reasons:

Nevermore
2005's This Godless Endeavor was an amazing display in brutal riffs and soaring leads, with great vocals and thoughtful lyrics. If the next one is as good, I've already got my #1 for 2008.

Testament
Formation Of Damnation is due on April 29th, the first Testament album since 1999s blistering The Gathering, has all the ingredients to be one of the best next year. Paul Bostaph on drums, Alex Skolnick and Greg Peterson back in the fold, and the core of the band in Peterson/Billy... can they possibly fail?

In Flames
2006's Come Clarity was a return to form after two disappointing releases. Their studio diaries has kept my interest up and from what we've heard, it can be really good.

Metallica
Might be good, might be bad, either way, we're all anticipating the heck out of it.

Opeth
Can they top Ghost Reveries? Has the line-up changes harmed them?

Immortal
One the best black metal bands ever return. Let's hope they get it out before the snow melts and they lose their muse.

Well, that was all for 2007. Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and I'll see you all in 2008 with new columns and reviews. Thanks for a good year.

Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2007

POSTED: 12/24/2007 - 03:56 am

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Comments

[shadowsofbodom]

I could not agree more with the top choice. Colors is possibly one of the best albums i have ever bought. I love BTBAM and Im glad this list has them at number one. I saw them perform the entire CD live and Paul and Dusty were flawless with the guitar harmonies!

As for the other bands, shadows fall is awesome and in my opinion could have been on the list but i am not really a fan of many of the others (except having liked machine head and dream theater for a bit). However, I can see the list is definitely metal for once.

I am also looking forward to seeing what in flames will come up with and what the hell metallica plans on doing after st. anger.

[South-of-Heaven]

Machine Head: "Halo"
Candlemass: "Embracing The Styx"
Nile: "As He Creates, So He Destroys"

I agree totally \m/

[M.O.P]

i dont know half those bands.

[Diamond Dave]

i reckon symphony x's paradise lost could have at least edged out systematic chaos

but then again i only really like the title track and set the world on fire... but theyre both 10/10's for me

[Orkin]

Agree with the no1 going to BTBAM. Totally.

[duncang]

The absence of Dark Tranquillity's 'Fiction' in the 10, yet alone the honourable mentions makes me disappointed in you Pete :p

I certainly wouldn't agree with Ithyphallic being that high either, but it's all opinions anyway.

[ChucklesMginty]

Where was VR?

[666_Pounder]

BTBAM better than Nile and Behemoth? Nay.

[turbonegro111]

i still think that the blackening should have come first

[Aeternum Vale]

What a scrub, first you say jon schaffer has lost it, and then you say come clarity was a return to form.

Jesus christ, NO

[Reviewer Pete]

Now now, don't get too hung up on details guys.

[Metal_Rich]

I've got to admit, DT did disappoint. But Symphony X should have been in the top 10, and Machine Head should have been first! :P

[Golem29]

Disappointed there's no Symphony X, but overall it's a good collection of albums and a well written article.

[Confetti]

Amorphis is 5th!
Couldnt agree more. The vocals are amazing.
Like in the Her Alone song Tomi Joutsenes vocals are stunning. One of the best songs this year.

[macaroni]

how did the blackening not come first?

[Mahoru]

\m/(>.

[Raziel2p]

I'm kinda disappointed that Symphony X - Paradise Lost isn't even mentioned, but oh well. I like the list, except Machine Head.

[Reviewer Pete]

I can almost swear I put Paradise Lost as one of the albums that was very close to making the top 10. I apologize.

[drumpat]

"We will be remembered for this!"
-Colors- 2007

[freddaahh]

I love those "top ten metal songs." There was even some Exodus up there. Good show. But, I would have rated "United Abominations" in the top ten for "Washington is Next!" only.

[Noverion]

Man, tripe like Sleep Walker and Washington is next??? what the hell?! i admit sleepwalker aint the best song but Washington is next is an insane song, as well as Gears of War and Never Walk Alone, and while it wasnt one of the best albus ive heard it doesnt deserve to be talked downthat badly. Mustchek out BTBAM album definately.

[Reviewer Pete]

Noverion wrote:
Man, tripe like Sleep Walker and Washington is next??? what the hell?!

"Washington is Next" isn't the titletrack...

[Shabalaba]

I think Machine Head Should have been #1, that was a truely amazing album, i listened to i for about a month non stop

[metal_matt]

Great to see that BTBAM are getting some good reviews round here very pleased also to see the inclusion of bands like DT and Sym X where as most websites/magazines will stick to your more 'mainstream' metal.

[SmarterChild]

'Ire Works' by Dillinger should really be up there as well. It's utterly immense.

[buckethead_jr]

Colours > The Blackening

I agree that SX should have been on but good list.

[THE NEKRYPH]

NILE NILE NILE NILE!!!!! Alas, if only Necrophagist released their album this year....oh well, next year will be their time of glory...

[Emenius Sleepus]

M.O.P wrote:

i dont know half those bands.

lol... every single one is quite well known.

BTBAM>Electric Wizard? I don't think so...

[cados121]

dethklok??

[l)ragonForce]

Behemoth!!! Nile!!! Dream Theater!!! very good im glad it wasn't metal core
Can't wait for the new Opeth cd

[ctb]

Doom Metal FTW!!!

[zachyboy006]

I Know One Of These Bands. Metalcore/Hardcore's Better.

[Cnorris666]

Ok, although I do agree with him about Sleepwalker being a lazily written piece of crap, come on.
Devildriver DEFINITELY deserved to be on the top 10.
Oh well, they had the new Behemoth and Nile Cd's, I'm happy.

[suggy88]

Another album to look foreward to for 2008 is Protest The Hero - Fortress

[racerXazn]

well i guess we all agree that systematic chaos deserved a spot ^^

[Wakisazhi]

Wtf? Where the hell is Dethklok? Heck I think it's rather biased also to oust out United Abominations like that. I don't see how this article really merits being worthy of a "This Year In Metal" type of thing if it's based on only one person's opinion. Although I have to give props for the Devin Townsend nod I feel that it was a bit of an eh choice as I never really saw it as a complete metal album, really it comes across then that any album with at least a couple metal songs can be a metal album then.

[Matt786]

pretty good list, he s right about the megadeth album although i reckon devidriver should be higher.

[Bearcat_89]

Wakisazhi wrote:

Wtf? Where the hell is Dethklok?

My thoughts exactly

[Underjoggle]

Where's Dethklok?
I thought that was a fantastic album, except for The Lost Vikings.

[Kelicon]

Underjoggle wrote:

Where's Dethklok?
I thought that was a fantastic album, except for The Lost Vikings.

agreed, but i thought that was an awesome song, only one on Dethklok was hatredcopter than kinda annoyed me. but in my opinion...

5) "III: Over the Under" -Down
4) "Dethalbum" -Dethklok
3) "Threads of Life" -Shadows Fall
2) "The Blackening" -Machine Head
1) "The Last Kind Words" -Devildriver

Reason being, Devildriver has improved so much musically and lyrically since their first album. The new one was amazing. Machine Head's new album was the revitalization of the current metal scene in my opinion. It gave me hope that music and still be good. Shadows Fall just completely lived up to it's expectations, if not is their best album to date. Dethklok doesn't even need an explanation. Down wasn't mentioned anywhere there. i thought their 3rd release was definately worth the effort.

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Ugh...I hate between the buried and me. I hate (newer) hardcore influenced metal...

[FS Guitar]

LAAAMMEEEEE

except for number one

[HumanitysDeath]

BTBAM as number? Fucking right! That album deserves that spot.

[MAKETHEMSUFFER!]

zachyboy006 wrote:

I Know One Of These Bands. Metalcore/Hardcore's Better.

no.....just no. Anyway i think the blackening should be No 1 IMO.

[TomD03]

I agree with ziltoid and behemoth...

Where's Manegarm? Symphony X? Ensiferum? Helloween? Gamma Ray? Sonata Arctica (under disappointments, mind you)?

Seriously
There were way better albums out this year than those listed...

[mr. riff]

I bought Colors on the day of its release and its just one of those masterpiece albums. It's not your average hardcore/ metalcore album and I still get shivers at the climax solo on the last track. Definetly deserves the top spot.

[Ichimaru]

United Abominations was a good album! Certainly better than most of the albums on that list.

[Reviewer Pete]

TomD03 wrote:
Sonata Arctica (under disappointments, mind you)?

Are you saying anyone really had any expectations for Sonata Arctica? :p

And yeah, Devildriver's album was solid, great at times, but it doesn't have the depth to end up at top 10, not on a year like this.

[silentshane420]

Pingis_Or_Death wrote:

Ugh...I hate between the buried and me. I hate (newer) hardcore influenced metal...

Why? Honestly what the fukk is wrong with hardcore influenced metal?!?! I have never got you fukkin "pureists" or what ever you call yourselves. Most of those "hardcore influenced metal bands" are just as good or better than all the other "metal" bands you listen to.

[silentshane420]

I like this list. i agree with most of it. BTBAM as #1, pretty fukkin good, i must say. But there could have been a few other albums on there. but besides that, it spot on.

[senorpepe]

Yeah Pete, Machine Head really should have been first. One because it was amazing, and two because it really just came out of nowhere. and Three because it was ****ing amazing. I got it when it came out, and I'm STILL hooked on it. And I was never a huge Machine Head fan to begin with.

[FallenSaint]

Again, Megadeth got screwed over. United Abomination aim was not to create another "generic thrash album".
We all know Dave is very open with polilical stands, but in this album he wanted to really point out what the **** is wrong with everything and calling people and groups out. Most bands don't have the balls to say "Fuck you UN, this is what the **** you doing wrong". You can even see that in The System has Failed album in which people said they were "dissapointed". Yes like one or 2 tracks were a bit weak but most albums have shitty 7 or 8 songs and one or 2 good ones that become singles.In like a month, you get used to it and call it the greatest album ever. If an album gets you to really think, beyond the music and solos, the song/album has succeeded in my eyes. This world is going to hell and changes must be made, radical ones.

lol thnaks for reading my rant, I got a bit carried away.

[Confetti]

FallenSaint wrote:

Again, Megadeth got screwed over. United Abomination aim was not to create another "generic thrash album".
We all know Dave is very open with polilical stands, but in this album he wanted to really point out what the **** is wrong with everything and calling people and groups out. Most bands don't have the balls to say "Fuck you UN, this is what the **** you doing wrong". You can even see that in The System has Failed album in which people said they were "dissapointed". Yes like one or 2 tracks were a bit weak but most albums have shitty 7 or 8 songs and one or 2 good ones that become singles.In like a month, you get used to it and call it the greatest album ever. If an album gets you to really think, beyond the music and solos, the song/album has succeeded in my eyes. This world is going to hell and changes must be made, radical ones.

lol thnaks for reading my rant, I got a bit carried away.

lol after reading it i agree even with the ranting part. *mosh* *puts United abominations to the record player*

[Holywars83]

Megadeth's new album was great and aounded awesome live the two times i saw them this year. it's so ingrained with Thrash it coiuld have come out between Peace Sells and So Far.... Let's all be thankful Dave can still kick ass unlike that whiney band Metallica. Heres to hoping that the new Metalicca album does indeed sound like Master Of Puppets like the band promises. Biggest disappointment of the year was VR's Libetard. All the songs sound like b sides to the great Contraband debut. I'm sure it made Axl laugh out loud.

[shinguards13]

suggy88 wrote:

Another album to look foreward to for 2008 is Protest The Hero - Fortress

Dman right ^__^

[Ca1am1ty]

woot,Between The Buried And Me rule

[johnnypark1]

Uhm...TOOL?

[sleepwalker16]

WTF????

Arch Enemy - Rise of The Tyrant????
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play????

Where are these albums????

[Holywars83]

Also, where's the love for that heavy Type O Negative Album Dead Again. They are playing their asses off on that album. A refreshingly original metal album.

[puddnhead]

The Apostasy should be number one in my opinion.

Arch Enemy's Rise of the Tyrant should be in the biggest disappointments.

[YourMessiah666]

As i lay dying? Black Dahlia murder? Anterior?

[Reviewer Pete]

johnnypark1 wrote:

Uhm...TOOL?

The metallicness of Tool is questionable. Great band though.

"Arch Enemy - Rise of The Tyrant????
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play????

Where are these albums????"

Nowhere near this list, where they belong.

[Hammett5]

wtf... there missing alot, god damn and to whoever said tool .. they are not metal... GTFO.

[sleepwalker16]

Reviewer Pete wrote:
Nowhere near this list, where they belong.

yea, I know, Electric Wizard deserves to be there while better music doesn't.

[Rockford_rocks]

Good list, but I completely disagree about United Abominations, it definitely belongs on the top 10 best albums, for it kicks a ton of ass.

[Sinten]

overall good list, I would have done it differently but I won't nitpick as many others are doing.

[SickMetal]

needz moar Vital Remains.

Symphony X should've been there as well IMO

[Scourge441]

Holy crap, this list blows. You missed out on Riverside, Symphony X, Swallow the Sun, Mors Principium Est, and The Red Chord.

And this is just stupidity:

In Flames
2006's Come Clarity was a return to form after two disappointing releases. Their studio diaries has kept my interest up and from what we've heard, it can be really good.

Come Clarity was even more of a disappointment than Reroute and Soundtrack. Those two albums at least sounded fresh and different, even if they were nu-metal. Come Clarity was just In Flames ripping off every crappy metalcore act to come out in the last five years, except without the breakdowns.

[xCoilx]

there are alot of good bands or at least better bands that should be there.=[awell i think ill check some of these guys out.

[emoleafsfan]

I don't even know any of these bands... why is metal so popular like I don't even get it.

[Holywars83]

emosleafsfan

Grab yourself a copy of Judas Priest Screaming For Vengeance and you will understand metal.

[Agent_00Funk]

I agree with Colors being number one, that album is hands down amazing. Behemoth's The Apostasy was great too, glad to see both albums made the list.

[Reviewer Pete]

Sinten wrote:

overall good list, I would have done it differently but I won't nitpick as many others are doing.

Cheers. People really are taking this too seriously.

[The Spoon]

Colors was definately a winner. i like this lsit hahahaha

[FLNagle]

YES!

Colors totally is number one.

i ALMOST got to see BTBAM live last month... but it snowed a crapload and no one would drive me and my friends.

i was PISSED.

[Amerikhastan]

No Megadeth?!!! No Symphony X!!

[Misterhustle24]

emoleafsfan wrote:

I don't even know any of these bands... why is metal so popular like I don't even get it.

well obviously not your name is "EMOsleafsfan"....why is emo so popular like I don't even get it. Go listen to your horrible music and take your ignorant comments with you.

[roarinflames]

dude
united abominations kicked ass
i dont care what they say

[Golem29]

I love how everyone seems to assume the one album released this year that they've actually heard should automatically get on a top 10 list like this. I mean, for example, I like Megadeth, but United Abominations doesn't come close to any of these. It's easy to set a bad album as a benchmark when it's all you've listened to....

Dethklok are a comedy band when I last checked too, they shouldn't be anywhere near even a vaguely serious list.

Some people really need to turn on their objectivity meters when listening.

[Andraysexy]

cados121 wrote:

dethklok??

lmfao. I wish Protest the Hero were a little bit more well known, because they might have been added in the "looking foward to" section. I do agree with BTBAM. if not for just the amazing song writing, but the flawless musicianship. I'm happy to see a band labeled "hardcore" not dance around like retards on stage.

The only downside is, when all those stupid girls mosh to poser hardcore bands, I usually get to touch a booby :P

[Sleepwalker 666]

Where the hell is SLAYER!!!!!

[Reviewer Pete]

Sleepwalker 666 wrote:

Where the hell is SLAYER!!!!!

Hopefully writing the follow-up to their last release, Christ Illusion from 2006.

[Andraysexy]

YourMessiah666 wrote:

As i lay dying? Black Dahlia murder? Anterior?

Also... come on dude... we're not talking about "Top 10 Manufactured Metal Bands". In regards to the Tool comment, as they are infact my fav band, their one tough cookie to crack as far as genre goes. Progressive is unquestionable, but prog what? I'll leave that open for debate.

[Andraysexy]

i meant to type "they're", not "their". I know my grammar lol

[SchecterC-1+Man]

FUCK YEAH! BTBAM is rightfully number ****ing ONE.

[slayer1516]

Wow...almost no emo, glam or mallcore bands! Thank god

[..NEM..]

Well written list. Looking forward to look up some of these albums.


And a little disappointed that Symphony X weren't even mentioned. :S

[joshjhasarrived]

In The Presence Of Enemies FTW!!!

[Page/Rhoads]

No Megadeth? Why?

[SchecterC-1+Man]

(Sorry for the double post...) Also, I think PTH should've been on the looking forward to list too....From blood meat and sequoia throne alone, it sounds like it will kick Kezia's ASS for sure


Plus it just sounds awesome.

[darkfire_storm]

M.O.P wrote:

i dont know half those bands.

you got me beat, i only recognized maybe 3 of them... yeah, dream theater, shadows fall, and machine head... am i sheltered or does that list just kinda suck?

[MrGuitar123]

I defiantly don't think BTBAM should be #1 it should have been Machine Head, I thought Illypathic was a bit disappointing for a Nile release. Symphony X should have been on Top 10. But whatever, its a good list overall.

[Dirtydeeds468]

darkfire_storm wrote:

M.O.P wrote:

i dont know half those bands.

you got me beat, i only recognized maybe 3 of them... yeah, dream theater, shadows fall, and machine head... am i sheltered or does that list just kinda suck?

No, it's just made up of bands that tend to be recognized more by people who have really looked into metal.

But at the same time, none of those bands are obscure or anything. BTBAM are pretty popular, in fact.

[HeXeL]

The author of the article must be a death metal fan. There is no way any other album can even compare to Machine Head's The Blackening. The Blackening is, hands down, the best metal album to come out this year.

[richardsmith199]

Lol what about slipknot's album for the 2008 list? Like you said for metallica, it'll either be their best or shit :S

[Reviewer Pete]

HeXeL wrote:

The author of the article must be a death metal fan. There is no way any other album can even compare to Machine Head's The Blackening. The Blackening is, hands down, the best metal album to come out this year.

I'm a fan of death. And black. And prog. And heavy. And thrash. And any other style of metal that's good.

[Flying Afros]

FallenSaint wrote:

Again, Megadeth got screwed over. United Abomination aim was not to create another "generic thrash album".
We all know Dave is very open with polilical stands, but in this album he wanted to really point out what the **** is wrong with everything and calling people and groups out. Most bands don't have the balls to say "Fuck you UN, this is what the **** you doing wrong". You can even see that in The System has Failed album in which people said they were "dissapointed". Yes like one or 2 tracks were a bit weak but most albums have shitty 7 or 8 songs and one or 2 good ones that become singles.In like a month, you get used to it and call it the greatest album ever. If an album gets you to really think, beyond the music and solos, the song/album has succeeded in my eyes. This world is going to hell and changes must be made, radical ones.

lol thnaks for reading my rant, I got a bit carried away.

good point. megadeth rules

[KileManA7X]

Devin Townsend my number one!

[walla]

what about Architects - Ruin? that was an amazing album

[humpacow6]

i cant wait to see what the hell metallica plans to do...

[Gregray88]

The Blackening easily deserves #1. I dont think Colors deserves a spot in the list at all. Threads of Life should have been in the top 5. Why wasn't this a vote like last year? I much rather appreciate the views of thousands of people rather than one guy.

[slashNpage77]

how the hell did that guy not like united abominations??! IMO it is probably the best album of 2007!! followed by systematic chaos and snakes and arrows of course. but seriously, that album was great!! there was plenty of good vocal melodies and riffs, and i personally loved the lyrics. i dont know what the hell this guy was on when he listened to it...

[slashNpage77]

also, cant wait for new nevermore material, they have become one of my favorite bands

[normaljeans]

btbam ownsssss
colors was ridiculous.

[rockybo]

This is a list made by a pseudo-metal fan. Between the Buried and Me had the best metal album of the year? It's not even metal, it's a bunch of pussy *core bullshit.

Also, how does a band like Black Dahlia Murder not even break the top 10? It's good to know you get all your metal recommendations from 14-year-olds.

[Toaster Pastry]

Iced Earth probably will be able to redeem themselves next year since Matt Barlow is finally coming back.

[OnspringFan]

you've GOT to be kidding me. I've only heard of about 3 of those bands on your 'top 10', and you listed Megadeth's best album since Cryptic Writings and the ridiculously metal epic Framing Armageddon as the disappointing albums? i think you got it reversed; Glen Drover kicks the crap out of Marty Freedman, hes on par with Petrucci in the speed and accuraccy department. and for Jon Schaeffer, I don't think anyone can write riffs that nasty.

[Reviewer Pete]

OnspringFan wrote:
I've only heard of about 3 of those bands on your 'top 10'

This is why the rest of your post is rather amusing.

[Reviewer Pete]

rockybo wrote:

This is a list made by a pseudo-metal fan. Between the Buried and Me had the best metal album of the year? It's not even metal, it's a bunch of pussy *core bullshit.

Also, how does a band like Black Dahlia Murder not even break the top 10? It's good to know you get all your metal recommendations from 14-year-olds.

Sorry mate, but I'm not the one who put itching powder in your codpiece.

[Golem29]

rockybo wrote:

This is a list made by a pseudo-metal fan. Between the Buried and Me had the best metal album of the year? It's not even metal, it's a bunch of pussy *core bullshit.

Also, how does a band like Black Dahlia Murder not even break the top 10? It's good to know you get all your metal recommendations from 14-year-olds.

Given that Black Dahlia Murder are described partially as a metalcore band... way to self own.

[rodgab3]

OH MAN!!! BTBAM is an AWESOME BAND!! i saw them live about 2 weeks ago and they were AMAZING the played a whole 90 minute set non stop, and actually came back out for TWO ENCORE!! each encore they played two songs. they hit EVERY note and sounded PERFECT!!

[codeezie]

the only way you would ever disagree with Colors being the number one spot is if you haven't heard it yet.

go listen to it, then come talk to me.

[Heavens_To_Hell]

Only album I think was missing was Ire Works by Dillinger Escape Plan.


Apart from that the list made a lot of sense.

[codeezie]

rockybo wrote:

This is a list made by a pseudo-metal fan. Between the Buried and Me had the best metal album of the year? It's not even metal, it's a bunch of pussy *core bullshit.

Also, how does a band like Black Dahlia Murder not even break the top 10? It's good to know you get all your metal recommendations from 14-year-olds.


you don't know shit, bro. you're gonna call out BTBAM and anyone who likes them as psuedo-metal fans, then right after allign yourself with an act like Black Dahlia Murder?

you've gotta be kidding me.

[parano1dph]

im missing nightwishs dark passion play on #10!

[OnspringFan]

Nightwish is AWESOME. black dahlia murder is a useless hardcore band that fits in with the likes of norma jean and crap like that.

[Corey Taylor]

why isn't the upcoming slipknot album one of the albums to look forward to in 08'? that is gonna make my year i can already tell

[OnspringFan]

and i fail to see how my post is amusing, considering megadeth and iced earth are two of the most influential and amazing metal bands of all time; the rest of those are all death metal, which is a very limited and mostly just a bunch of noise-filled genre.

[loganrocksabass]

i was reading this, and the whole time i was going down the list, i was thinking, "btbam better be on here or i'm going to kill them"
totally agree with the #1 spot

[PastaOfMuppets]

rockybo wrote:

This is a list made by a pseudo-metal fan. Between the Buried and Me had the best metal album of the year? It's not even metal, it's a bunch of pussy *core bullshit.

Also, how does a band like Black Dahlia Murder not even break the top 10? It's good to know you get all your metal recommendations from 14-year-olds.

If you aren't a troll I feel sorry for you.

[samerika]

Where's Avenged sevenfold?


hahh just kidding .

Merry xmas!

[XzX_Patrick_XzX]

my top five would be:

5.)Nile - Ithyphallic
4.)Machine Head - The Blackening
3.)Devildriver - The Last Kind Words
2.)Down - Over The Under
1.)Shadows Fall - Threads Of Life

and i can't ****ing wait for testamnet's new cd

[KevP714]

i kno at least one person has mentioned that As I Lay Dying isnt on the list anywhere... and i dont care who wants to flame an cry about it, but im gonna call u out on it... and btw, whoever said AILD is manufactured, GO TO HELL!!!!! i admit AILD is a bit mainstream, but come on, just listen to An Ocean Between Us... the guys did a great job on this one. if u cant at least recognize this album for what its worth... then f*ck you u biast piece of crap....

love Behemoth btw tho XD

[NosferatuZodd09]

nocturnal pwned, metalcore my ass, what do you ****ers play as an instrument, spoons?

[LazyLatinoRocke]

Corey Taylor wrote:

why isn't the upcoming slipknot album one of the albums to look forward to in 08'? that is gonna make my year i can already tell

Because Slipknot is Nu Metal. they sound good though

[KnifelineAttack]

I actually liked Systematic Chaos. Granted it doesn't compare to say Awake or Images and Words, but James LaBrie is not quite the singer he once was. You are correct in saying the album really wouldn't be much without ITPOE.

I do think Symphony X should've been up there though, or at least on the list.


Just for the hell of it, I think DT and SymX should switch drummers for a week just so for that period of time everyone in DT's first initial would be a "J" and everyone in SymX would be named Mike except Russ Allen. Just a thought. lol

[HeXeL]

codeezie wrote:

the only way you would ever disagree with Colors being the number one spot is if you haven't heard it yet.

go listen to it, then come talk to me.

You know what, I did check them out when I read this list. I did listen to the whole album trying to what was so special about it. And I will say that it doesn't deserve #1 slot. Golden medal was rightfully earned by Machine Head's The Blackening as said by the majority of posters here. Its true that I haven't heard half the bands on the list. It is also true that Megadeth deserves a spot on that list, United Abominations was a solid album.

[Reviewer Pete]

HeXeL wrote:
You know what, I did check them out when I read this list. I did listen to the whole album trying to what was so special about it. And I will say that it doesn't deserve #1 slot. Golden medal was rightfully earned by Machine Head's The Blackening as said by the majority of posters here. Its true that I haven't heard half the bands on the list. It is also true that Megadeth deserves a spot on that list, United Abominations was a solid album.

One listen ain't enough.

[cookdizzle]

I liked Static-X's Cannibal, I know its not 'METAL' but it falls in to a sub-genre so they should have at least gotten a mention seeing as Cannibal is probably their best since WDT

[djn419]

all good albums, but i feel as though The Absence and The Black Dahlia Murder should have been listed.

[PastaOfMuppets]

Reviewer Pete wrote:

HeXeL wrote:
You know what, I did check them out when I read this list. I did listen to the whole album trying to what was so special about it. And I will say that it doesn't deserve #1 slot. Golden medal was rightfully earned by Machine Head's The Blackening as said by the majority of posters here. Its true that I haven't heard half the bands on the list. It is also true that Megadeth deserves a spot on that list, United Abominations was a solid album.

One listen ain't enough.

Truer words are yet to be spoken.

[Reviewer Pete]

Anyways, HeXeL, big deal. 'The Blackening' is a brilliant album, it's got a high position on the list, which is no small feat...it's a great album, big deal if it's first, second, third or sixth...

[The Spoon]

NosferatuZodd09 wrote:

nocturnal pwned, metalcore my ass, what do you ****ers play as an instrument, spoons?

Yes

[carrotcake]

Oh yeah, my favorite band got the number 1 metal album!

BTBAM FTW!

[Reviewer Pete]

HeXeL wrote:
Golden medal was rightfully earned by Machine Head's The Blackening as said by the majority of posters here.

Oh, and for the record...
Pick of the majority of the voters upon your post: 11 for Colors - 9 for Blackening (and then I'm still omitting 3-4 guys who just said "Colors! Fuck yeah! rather than "Colors is rightfully #1)"
Pick of majority upon my post...
Colors 12 - Blackening 9

So, if you're gonna make statements...back 'em up.

[metal_maniac#1]

cados121 wrote:

dethklok??

exactly... and yes, the blackening should be #1, but that's been said enough, and nocturnal was pretty badass, but that's just an opinion.

[Von.]

Wow, I'm actually very surprised. I figured I'd be vomiting in my mouth reading the fan-boy-yet-tough summaries of Avenged Sevenfold or some other noise pollution. Machine Head aside, the list is actually listenable.

Props.

[!normajean!]

zachyboy006 wrote:

I Know One Of These Bands. Metalcore/Hardcore's Better.

youre my new hero. metalcore/hardcore owns all other music.

[Lrn2play]

yea WTF DUDE
this list SUCKS
real list
1. Dethalbum
2. Dethalbum
3. Dethalbum
4. Dethalbum
5. Dethalbum
6. Dethalbum
7. Dethalbum
8. Dethalbum
9. Dethalbum
10.Dethalbum

[HeXeL]

It is obvious that a fan of a band would indeed cheer after seeing them having #1 spot. I'm not saying they are a bad band nor that their album was poorly done, all I was saying is that Machine Head definitely made a stronger album this year. It is your right to disagree with my statement just as I have the right to disagree with yours. No need to bash me for sharing the same opinion as many magazine editors who claim "The Blackening" to be contemporary "Master of Puppets."

[NegativeCreep38]

couldnt be more right with number one. but i think darkest hour's deliver us deserves a spot on this list

[Guitar Hurrican]

dream theater owns...they shoulda made #1

[J.Priest]

Where is Megadeth????? We want Megadeth!!!!! Come on!!!!! >=(

[PerpetualBurn]

BTBAM definitely deserve the #1. IMO, Colors is the best album to come out since Dream Theater's Scenes From a Memory.

[piratemetalhead]

T

[AMusicalViking]

BTBAM over Nile and Behemoth? DT not even mentioned?

This makes me a sad panda.

[123-Trav]

The Blackening is thrash now is it? Did i miss something?

[SGRocker0791]

This proves more how UG members are so lol'able.

Scourge441:

Come Clarity was even more of a disappointment than Reroute and Soundtrack. Those two albums at least sounded fresh and different, even if they were nu-metal. Come Clarity was just In Flames ripping off every crappy metalcore act to come out in the last five years, except without the breakdowns.

Besides a few songs, In Flames were NEVER Nu-Metal. R2R and STYE are not MDM, of course, but they are not Nu-Metal. And CC isn't Metalcore AT ALL. Anders' vocals are not Hardcore style. To me, In Flames' newer stuff is just Melodic/Heavy Metal.

[The devil spawn]

Behemoth got 9 and dimmu borgir didnt even get 10?Bull$hit!And I absolutly hate between the buried and me.Crapy hardcore bands.What ever happened to the real metal?

[The devil spawn]

BTBAM sucks!Nobody likes them except the people that dont know what real music is.If you could pit the guitarist in BTBAM aginst Randy Rhoads(dead),who do you think will win?Randy Rhoads!

[The devil spawn]

Most of you need to learn what really metal is.I dont agree with the list but BTBAM should not even be up there.

[The devil spawn]

Megadeth???
Dethklok????
Dimmu Borgir?????