A - METAL CD LIST


A New Dawn - Falling from grace 4/5 (awesome symphonic/gothic/power metal debut with a wide variety of both female and male vocals, including 3 female vocalists)
A Tortured Soul - Kiss of the thorn 3.5/5 (2nd CD of cool dark U.S. traditional metal with vocals that hit a King Diamond falsetto and an early Halford mid-range) - KIT
A Tortured Soul - Tomorrow’s door (hopefully coming soon)
Abandoned - Thrash you! 4/5 (much improved 2nd CD of old-school thrash from Germany; they fixed the guitar tone and vocals that hampered the debut) - KIT
Abandoned - Thrash notes 3.5/5 Abandoned Review - KIT
Abattoir - The only safe place 4/5 - MICHAEL
Abattoir - Vicious attack 3/5 - MICHAEL
Abomination - Curses of a deadly sin (hopefully coming soon)
Abomination - Tragedy strikes 3/5 - MICHAEL
Abomination - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Abonos - s/t 3.5/5 Abonos Review
Abordazh - Hell storm 3/5 (good but unspectacular Russian-language heavy/power metal debut in the style of Aria, Teatr Teney, Staya, Olvy and Gran-Kurazh)
Abraxas - Tomorrow's world 4.5/5 (overlooked progressive power metal debut from the 90s with terrific songs, featuring vocalist Chris Clauke of Mania fame) - JOHN
Absolute Steel - Womanizer 3.5/5 Absolute Steel Review - MICHAEL
Absolute Steel - The fair bitch project 3/5 - MICHAEL
Abstrakt Algebra - s/t 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Abyss - Sin angeles (hopefully coming soon)
Abyss - Redencion 3/5 - KIT
Accept - Predator 2/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Death row 3/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Objection overruled 3/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Eat the heat 1/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Russian roulette 4/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Metal heart 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Balls to the wall 4.5/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Restless and wild 4/5 - CRAIG
Accept - Breaker 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Accept - I'm a rebel 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Accept - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - The curse of Martha Splatterhead 3/5 (no Blaine, but there’s still more fun and insane splatterthrash anthems) - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - Oh Martha! 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - Splatter rock 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - Grinning like an undertaker 3/5 - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - Martha Spladderhead’s maddest stories ever told 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - More fun than an open casket funeral 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accused (The) - The return of... Martha Splatterhead 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accuser - Taken by the throat 3/5 - MICHAEL
Accuser - Reflections 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accuser - Repent 3/5 - MICHAEL
Accuser - Double talk 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accuser - Who dominates who? 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Accuser - The conviction 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Acid - Engine beast 3/5 - MICHAEL
Acid - Maniac 3/5 - MICHAEL
Acid - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Acid Reign - The worst of Acid Reign (hopefully coming soon)
Acid Reign - Obnoxious 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Acid Reign - The fear 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Acolyte - Oceans of blood 3/5 (very nice melodic power metal debut with symphonic, neo-classical and epic elements; nothing spectacular, but it’s a good start)
Acridity - For freedom I cry 3/5 - MICHAEL
Ad Vitam Aeternam - Abstract senses 3/5 (nicely done female fronted symphonic metal debut with some “beast” vocals; a darker/slower Leaves’ Eyes or Elis perhaps)
Adagio - Archangels in black 3.5/5 (progressive power metal band’s 4th CD, which contains their usual symphonic/neo-classical elements, but a new vocalist)
Adagio - Dominate 3.5/5 (3rd CD that incorporates a few death/thrash influences into the progressive neo-classical metal style of their first few CDs)
Adagio - Underworld 2.5/5
Adagio - Sanctus ignis 3.5/5

Adamanter - The shadow mirror 1.5/5 (unappetizing and underdeveloped power metal debut with lots of keys and a wretched production) - KIT
Adamantra - Revival 4/5 Adamantra Review
Adastra - Death or domination 3.5/5 (2nd CD of Finnish traditional metal; too diverse/uneven sometimes, but "Helsinki 1939" is a killer) - KIT
Adastra - The last sunset 3.5/5 Adastra Review - KIT
Adastreia - That which lies within 3.5/5 (great female fronted symphonic/gothic/power metal debut comparable to Epica, Nightwish, After Forever, Atargatis and so on)
Addictive - Kick ‘em hard (hopefully coming soon)
Addictive - Pity of man 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Adiastasia - Life war 2.5/5 (debut in the Italian power metal style of early Kaledon, Dragonhammer, Dark Horizon and Derdian, but I also hear Heavenblast)
Adolf Castle - Really crazy Germans 3.5/5 (quirky, tongue-in-cheek Russian melodic power metal debut ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime) - KIT
Adramelch - Broken history 3/5 (long overdue follow-up to their much acclaimed debut; a blend of progressive metal and traditional power metal that works quite well)
Adramelch - Irae melanox 3.5/5
Adrana - Perturbatio 3.5/5 Adrana Review
ADX - Division blindee 3/5 (decent comeback of French 80s-style thrash for fans of Killers, Agressor and Paradox; their 6th CD and it’s sung in French) - MICHAEL
ADX - Resurrection 3/5 - MICHAEL
ADX - Weird visions 4/5 - MICHAEL
ADX - Suprematie 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
ADX - La terreur 3/5 - MICHAEL
ADX - Execution 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Aerium (The) - Song for the dead king 2.5/5 (debut with influences from Visions of Atlantis, Epica, Nightwish and After Forever; lacking a bit in song quality though)
Afflicted - Dawn of glory 3/5 - MICHAEL
Afflicted - Prodigal sun 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
After All - This violent decline 3.5/5 (convincing rebound for veteran Belgian melodic thrashers; fans of better Perzonal War and Abandoned, take note) - KIT
After All - The vermin breed 2.5/5 (Johns-produced Belgian thrash let down by too many mediocre moments) - KIT
After All - Mercury rising (hopefully coming soon)
After All - Dead loss (hopefully coming soon)
After All - Transcendent (hopefully coming soon)
After All - Wonder (hopefully coming soon)
After Forever - s/t 3.5/5 (their last few CDs were disappointing, but this is a focused and consistent CD from one of the more popular symphonic/gothic metal bands)
After Forever - Remagine 2.5/5 (very unfocused 4th CD that has some great songs, but unfortunately some weird off-the-wall songs as well)
After Forever - Invisible circles 2.5/5 After Forever Review
After Forever - Decipher 3.5/5
After Forever - Prison of desire 4/5
Aftermath (Swe) - Tides of sorrow 3.5/5 (upbeat female fronted symphonic/gothic/power metal debut with terrific vocals and strong songwriting; very promising start)
Aftermath (AZ, U.S.) - Don't cheer me up 4/5 - MICHAEL
Aftermath (IL, U.S.) - Eyes of tomorrow 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Aftershok - Burning chrome 3/5 (2nd CD that's a major improvement over the debut, speedier and with more power metal influences shining through) - KIT
Aftershok - Unfinished business 2/5 - KIT
Afterworld - Connecting animals 2/5 (lesser quality 2nd CD from this power metal band with gruff vocals) - JOHN
Afterworld - Dark side of mind 2.5/5 - JOHN
Age of Evil - Living a sick dream 3/5 (debut that’s a mismash of old/new metal styles from these Arizona teens; some songs are great, but some are painful) - KIT
Agent Steel - Alienigma 4/5 Agent Steel Review - CRAIG
Agent Steel - Order of the illuminati 3.5/5 Agent Steel Review - CRAIG
Agent Steel - Omega conspiracy 3/5 - CRAIG
Agent Steel - Unstoppable force 4/5 - CRAIG
Agent Steel - Skeptics apocalypse 4/5 - CRAIG
Aggression - Forgotten skeleton 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Aggression - The full treatment 3/5 - MICHAEL
Aggressor - By any means necessary 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Aghonya - Oxygen 3.5/5 (exciting female fronted symphonic/gothic metal debut with a progressive side; overall is like a mix of After Forever and Ebony Ark)
Agressor - Victim of yourself 3/5 - MICHAEL
Agonizer - Birth/The end 4/5 Agonizer Review - SEAN
Agony - The first defiance 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Ahoora - All in blood with you (hopefully coming soon)
Ahoora - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Ahrcana - Into the prophecy 3/5 (catchy debut similar to Mesmerize; has some very cool guitar work)
Aina - Days of rising doom 3.5/5 (very good metal opera with a massive story and a collaboration of popular members from other bands)
Airborn - Legend of Madog 3.5/5 (3rd CD of power metal with plenty of speed and some fun choruses; has a few average songs, but most of the songs are winners)
Airborn - D-generation 3.5/5 (very solid 2nd CD that's consistent with their fast-paced and exciting debut)
Airborn - Against the world 3.5/5
Airdash - Both ends of the path (hopefully coming soon)
Airdash - Hospital hallucinations take one 3/5 - MICHAEL
Airdash - Thank God it’s monday (hopefully coming soon)
Airged L’amh - Ode to salvation 4/5 Airged L’amh Review - CRAIG
Airged L’Amh - The silver arm 3/5 Airged L’Amh Review - CRAIG
Airged L’Amh - The silver arm 3/5 Airged L’Amh Review - KIT
Airged L’Amh - One eyed god (hopefully coming soon)
Airwolf - Victory bells 3/5 - MICHAEL
Akashic - A brand new day 2/5 (disappointing 2nd CD of progressive metal that has less power metal and neo-classical influences than their debut; for prog fans only)
Akashic - Timeless realm 3.5/5 (very pleasing debut similar to Symphony X, but with an Evergrey feel in spots)
Alas - Absolute purity 2/5 (female fronted heavy/gothic metal debut with vocals that don’t seem to fit the music)
Alas Negras - Solo dos monedas 2.5/5 (good Spanish traditional metal debut drowning in a woefully substandard production job) - KIT
Albatrhoz - La vision de los profetas 3.5/5 Albatrhoz Review - KIT
Alcatrazz - Dangerous games 3/5 - MICHAEL
Alcatrazz - Disturbing the peace 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Alcatrazz - No parole from rock 'n' roll 3/5 - MICHAEL
Alestorm - Black sails at midnight 4/5 Alestorm Review - CRAIG B
Alestorm - Captain Morgan’s revenge 4/5 Alestorm Review - CRAIG B
Alhambra - Fadista 3.5/5 Alhambra Review
Alhambra - A far cry to you 3.5/5
Aliy Rassvet - Wings of angels 3/5 (Russian-language debut with some strong highlights, but is hampered by a tin-can production and occasional loss of focus) - KIT
Alkateya - Lycanthropy 3/5 (epic true metal debut from Portugal at times channeling a strong NWOBHM flavor) - KIT
Alkemyst - Through painful lanes 3.5/5 Alkemyst Review
Alkemyst - Meeting in the mist 3.5/5 (great debut from France in the Italian power metal style with a slight progressive touch)

Alkonost - Stone heart blood 3.5/5 (Russian-language folk metal band returns with their “beauty and the beast” vocals and sweet melodies; one of their slower CDs)
Alkonost - Songs of the eternal oak 2.5/5 (their first CD, now re-released with more songs and is sung in Russian this time; not as good as some of their other CDs)
Alkonost - The path we’ve never made 4/5 Alkonost Review
Alkonost - Mezhmirie 4/5
Alkonost - Between the worlds 3.5/5
Alkonost - s/t 3/5
All Souls’ Day - Into the mourning 3.5/5 All Souls’ Day Review - KIT
Allegro - s/t 2.5/5 (nice debut of Brazilian melodic power metal with a soft vocalist similar to Wonderland's)
Allen, Russell - Atomic soul 3.5/5 Allen, Russell Review - DAVID
Allen-Lande - The revenge (hopefully coming soon)
Allen-Lande - The battle 4/5 Allen-Lande Review - DAVID
Alltheniko - Devasterpiece 4/5 Alltheniko Review - KIT
Alltheniko - We will fight! 3.5/5 (enthusiastic Italian power/thrash metal debut with scorching riffs and screamy old-school thrash vocals) - KIT
Almah - Fragile equality 4/5 (fantastic 2nd CD of Brazilian power metal; highly recommended to fans of Angra, Shaman, Aquaria, Glory Opera, Symmetrya, etc.)
Almah - Fragile equality 4/5 Almah Review - JOHN
Almah - s/t 3/5 (Angra vocalist’s debut that has a wide song variety, but I like most of the songs; fans of Angra, Shaman and Symbols check it out)
Almas Militares - s/t 4/5 (high-velocity Spanish-language melodic power metal that’s like a less thrashy and more epic Sheratan; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Almas Militares - Nubes de gloria (hopefully coming soon)
Almora - Kiyamet senfonisi 3/5 (female fronted folk metal band is back with their 5th CD, but it’s less exciting than previous efforts; their first CD entirely sung in Turkish)
Almora - 1945 4/5 (female fronted folk metal band's excellent 4th CD, but the total running time is much too short)
Almora - 1945 3.5/5 Almora Review - MICHAEL
Almora - Shehrazad 4.5/5 Almora Review
Almora - Kalihora's song 4.5/5
Almora - Gates of time 4/5
Alogia - Secret spheres of art 4/5 Alogia Review - DAVID
Alogia - Price o zivotu (hopefully coming soon)
Alogia - Price o vremenu (hopefully coming soon)
Alsion - Dawn of a new age 2.5/5 Alsion Review
Alsion - A kingdom beyond 2/5
Altaria - Unholy 2.5/5 (4th CD of melodic metal, but with more hard rock leanings this time that simply don’t interest me; nothing horrible, but nothing special either)
Altaria - The fallen empire 3.5/5 (predictable but thoroughly enjoyable 3rd CD of melodic metal with plenty of guitar/keyboard solos and memorable choruses)
Altaria - Divinity 4/5 (fantastic 2nd CD with a new singer; catchy and passionate melodic metal at a very high level)
Altaria - Invitation 3/5 (fine debut of catchy melodic metal with the voice from Requiem, very memorable!)
Amaran - Pristine in bondage 3/5 (intriguing hybrid of melodic death styled music with good female vocals a la Anneke or Scabbia; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Amaran - A world depraved 3.5/5 - KIT
Amazon - Victoria Regia 3.5/5 Amazon Review
Amber - The black way 3.5/5 (intriguing Russian metal with male/female clean vocals, folky guitars, and a mix of power metal and subdued bits; formerly Ambehr) - KIT
Amberian Dawn - The clouds of northland thunder 4.5/5 Amberian Dawn Review
Amberian Dawn - River of Tuoni 4/5 Amberian Dawn Review
Amederia - Sometimes we have wings 4/5 (powerful atmospheric/gothic/doom metal debut with “beauty and the beast” vocals and a massive Draconian influence; killer!)
Amok - Downhill without brakes 4/5 Amok Review - CRAIG B
Amon Amarth - Twilight of the thunder god 4/5 (truly a noble melodic effort from the striving kings of Sweden; their 7th CD) - MICHAEL
Amon Amarth - With Oden on our side 3/5 - MICHAEL
Amon Amarth - Fate of norns 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Amon Amarth - Versus the world 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Amon Amarth - The crusher 3/5 - MICHAEL
Amon Amarth - The avenger 3/5 - MICHAEL
Amon Amarth - Once sent from the golden hall 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Skyforger 4/5 (searing syncretic blend of brutality, Finnish folk melodies, hippy vibes, and consistent experimentation; their 9th CD) - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Silent waters 3.5/5 (Finnish legends find their own sound with a new singer, finally rediscovering their roots and legacy) - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Eclipse 3/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Far from the sun 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Am universum 3/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Tuonela 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Elegy 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - Tales from the thousand lakes 4/5 - MICHAEL
Amorphis - The karelian isthmus 3/5 - MICHAEL
Amulance - The rage within and the aftermath 4/5 (long-lost demos from cult 80s U.S. speed metal act unearthed, cleaned up, and unleashed) - KIT
Amulance - Feel the pain 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anabioz - Through darkness 3/5 (folk metal debut from Russia with “beauty and the beast” vocals, a la Alkonost; strong musically, but merely decent vocally)
Anachronia - The endless agony 3/5 (interesting female fronted debut with slight similarities to Leaves’ Eyes, Elis and Midnattsol; took some time to grow on me)
Anacrusis - Screams and whispers 4.5/5 - CRAIG
Anacrusis - Manic impressions 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Anacrusis - Reason 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Anacrusis - Suffering hour 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Anadies - Prevail 4/5 (wonderful 2nd CD of female fronted melodic/gothic metal that’s overall somewhere between Liquid Sky and Diluvium; surely recommended)
Anadies - Formamentum 3.5/5
Ancara - Beyond the dark 3/5 (2nd CD of melodic metal with a hard rock edge; sits between Altaria and Last Tribe, but isn’t quite as good as the CDs from these bands)
Ancara - The dawn 2.5/5
Ancestral - The ancient curse 4/5 Ancestral Review
Andem - Daughter of moonlight 4.5/5 Andem Review
Andem - Pendulum of life 4.5/5 Andem Review
Andralls - Inner trauma (hopefully coming soon)
Andralls - Force against mind 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Andralls - Massacre, corruption, destruction 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Andrea, Jose - Donde el corazon to lleve 3/5 (solo project debut from the Mago de Oz vocalist) - MICHAEL
Angband - Rising from Apadama 2.5/5 (Iranian band's debut CD in the vein of Iced Earth and Control Denied; not very competitive though) - KIT
Angel Dust - Of human bondage 3.5/5 (great CD from a band that may be the first to have me thinking of Megadeth at times)
Angel Dust - Of human bondage 3.5/5 Angel Dust Review - CRAIG
Angel Dust - Enlighten the darkness 4/5
Angel Dust - Bleed 4/5
Angel Dust - Border of reality 3/5
Angel Dust - To dust you will decay 3/5
Angel Dust - Into the dark past 3/5
Angel of Eden - The end of never 3.5/5 (strong neo-classical power metal debut with lots of speed; for fans of Iron Mask, At Vance, Steel Seal and Magic Kingdom)
Angel Witch - Frontal assault 3/5 - MICHAEL
Angel Witch - Screamin’ and bleedin’ 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Angel Witch - s/t 4/5 - MICHAEL
Angeldark - Angelique 4/5 Angeldark Review
Angels Grace - New era rising 3/5 (fine debut mostly in the progressive metal genre, but contains influences from some of Angra’s earlier material)
Angelus Apatrida - Give 'em war 3/5 (Exodus-inspired thrash from Spain with some Violator and Sepultura influences; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Angelus Apatrida - Evil unleashed 3/5 - MICHAEL

Angra - Aurora consurgens 4/5 (6th CD with newfound heaviness that has really pulled me in, but their previous 2 CDs are more memorable and overall a bit better)
Angra - Temple of shadows 4.5/5 (brilliant 5th CD that blends their previous CD ’Rebirth’ with the band DGM)
Angra - Temple of shadows 4/5 Angra Review - JOHN
Angra - Rebirth 4.5/5 (excellent 4th CD that's a nice come back with the excitement factor)
Angra - Rebirth 4.5/5 Angra Review - CRAIG
Angra - Fireworks 3/5
Angra - Holy land 3.5/5
Angra - Angels cry 4/5
Angtoria - God has a plan for us all 4.5/5 (glorious female fronted symphonic metal debut with sensational vocals, and is quite similar to Leaves’ Eyes)
Angtoria - 2004 Demo 3/5 Angtoria Review
Anguish - Symmetry 1.5/5 (ultimately forgettable progressive metal) - JOHN
Anguish - Lost days of infancy (hopefully coming soon)
Anguish Force - Invincible Imperium Italicum 3.5/5 Anguish Force Review - CRAIG B
Anguish Force - City of ice (hopefully coming soon)
Anguish Force - s/t 3.5/5 (high-octane, unpolished Italian power metal debut with killer riffage and memorable songs) - KIT
Animal - Virus 4/5 Animal Review - KIT
Animal - Violent new breed (hopefully coming soon)
Animal - 900 lb. Steam (hopefully coming soon)
Ankhara - Sombras del pasado (hopefully coming soon)
Ankhara - ll 3.5/5 (huge step forward for Spanish power metal hopefuls) - KIT
Ankhara - Dueno del tiempo 2/5 - KIT
Anihilated - The ultimate desecration 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anihilated - Created by hate 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Annihilator - Metal 1/5 Annihilator Review - CRAIG B
Annihilator - Schizo deluxe 2.5/5 Annihilator Review - JOHN
Annihilator - All for you 2/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Waking the fury 3/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Carnival diablos 4/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Criteria for a black widow 3.5/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Remains 1.5/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Refresh the demon 2/5 - KIT
Annihilator - King of the kill 3/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Set the world on fire 3.5/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Never, neverland 4/5 - KIT
Annihilator - Alice in hell 4.5/5 - KIT
Anthem - Black empire (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Immortal (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Eternal warrior (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Overload (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Seven hills (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Heavy metal anthem 2/5 - KIT
Anthem - Domestic booty (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - No smoke without fire (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Hunting time (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Gypsy ways (hopefully coming soon)
Anthem - Bound to break 3/5 - KIT
Anthem - Tightrope 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anthem - s/t 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anthenora - Soulgrinder 3/5 (2nd CD sees these Italians moving away from Maiden worship and exploring crunchier, thrashier realms) - KIT
Anthenora - The last command 3/5 - KIT
Anthrax - We've come for you all 2/5
Anthrax - Volume 8 2.5/5
Anthrax - Stomp 442 1.5/5
Anthrax - Sound of white noise 4.5/5
Anthrax - Persistence of time 4/5
Anthrax - State of euphoria 4/5
Anthrax - Among the living 4/5
Anthrax - Spreading the disease 3.5/5
Anthrax - Fistful of metal 2.5/5
Antiquus - Eleutheria 3.5/5 (2nd CD that’s a quirky conceptual sci-fi epic from Canada; imagine Jag Panzer but with looser playing and more jams) - KIT
Antiquus - Ramayana 3/5 - MICHAEL
Antonini, Eddy - When water became ice 3.5/5 Antonini, Eddy Review - DAVID

Anubis Gate - The detached 3.5/5 (progressive/power metal band’s 4th CD that’s very well done in all areas, but it doesn’t quite reach the “excellent” level for me)
Anubis Gate - Andromeda unchained 3.5/5 (3rd CD of melodic progressive/power metal that features a new vocalist; should appeal to fans of Pagan’s Mind)
Anubis Gate - A perfect forever 4/5 (fantastic 2nd CD that’s more upbeat/exciting than the debut and is probably heavier as well)
Anubis Gate - Purification 3.5/5 (nice debut that reminds me of the Pagan's Mind debut 'Infinity divine')
Anvil - This is thirteen 3/5 (being a triad means less metal on mettle; songs are still hard/heavy, and 13 is not unlucky given recent Sundance fame) - MICHAEL
Anvil - Back to basics 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Still going strong 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Plenty of power 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Speed of sound 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Absolutely no alternative 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Plugged in permanent 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Worth the weight 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Pound for pound 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Strength of steel 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Forged in fire 4/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Metal on metal 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil - Hard 'n' heavy 3/5 - MICHAEL
Anvil Bitch - Rise to offend 3/5 - MICHAEL
Apocalypse - Faithless (hopefully coming soon)
Apocalypse - s/t 3.5/5 - KIT
Apocrypha - Area 54 3.5/5 (3rd CD of thrash metal with catchy songs and great lead guitar work) - JOHN
Apocrypha - The eyes of time 3.5/5 (2nd CD of riffy, neo-classical power metal with high-pitched vocals) - JOHN
Apocrypha - The forgotten scroll 4.5/5 (epic, neo-classical power metal debut with gruff melodic vocals; classic stuff!) - JOHN
Apollo Ra - Ra pariah 2.5/5 - KIT
Aquaria - Shambala 4/5 Aquaria Review - JOHN
Aquaria - Luxaeterna 3.5/5 Aquaria Review - JOHN
Arachnes - In praise of science 2.5/5 (5th CD of Italian progressive power metal that’s not as memorable or enjoyable as their previous CDs)
Arachnes - Primary fear 3.5/5 (4th CD that continues with their cool style of keyboard work)
Arachnes - Apocalypse 3.5/5
Arachnes - Parallel worlds 3/5
Arachnes - The goddess temple 1.5/5
Aragon - Eternal quest 2.5/5 (decent traditional power metal debut with a few highlights)
Aragorn - The night is burning 3/5 - MICHAEL
Arakain - Restart 3/5 (decent thrash comeback with slight modern elements from these eternal Czech Republic legends who have been around since 1982) - MICHAEL
Arakain - Labyrint (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Warning! (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Metalmorfoza (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Archeology (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Forest Gump (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Farao (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Apage satanas (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - S.O.S. (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Legendy (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Thrash (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Salto mortale (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Black jack (hopefully coming soon)
Arakain - Schizofrenie 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Arakain - Thrash the trash 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Arbitrator - Children of apocalypse (hopefully coming soon)
Arbitrator - Voice of the dead 3/5 (effective Russian thrash metal following the Sodom/Destruction/Kreator blueprint; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Arbitrator - Kill their religion (hopefully coming soon)
Arcadia - Flight to the rainbow 3.5/5 (another exciting Japanese power metal CD for fans of the style; their 2nd CD, and it’s a bit better than the debut)
Arcadia - Tales of Fantasia 3/5
Arcana XXII - Your fatal embrace (hopefully coming soon)
Arcana XXII - This burning darkness 2.5/5 (2nd CD of quirky traditional/doom from Namibia like 'Icon'-era Paradise Lost; vocals sometimes annoy) - KIT
Arcana XXII - Fallen from grace (hopefully coming soon)

Arch Nemesis - Of mind and fantasy 3/5 (worthwhile 2nd CD of dark progressive power metal from Norway; like a more eclectic, versatile Evergrey) - KIT
Arch Nemesis - Shadows in the mirror 2.5/5
Archaic Revival - Pagan evolution 3.5/5 (dark gothic/heavy metal debut with a symphonic presence and a lovely female vocalist that fits the music perfectly; great stuff)
Archetype - Dawning 4/5 Archetype Review - CRAIG
Archontes - Book one: The child of two worlds 2/5 Archontes Review
Archontes - The world where shadows come to life 1.5/5
Archontes - Saga of eternity 1/5
Arctic Flame - Declaration 3.5/5 Arctic Flame Review - CRAIG
Arctic Flame - Primeval aggressor 3.5/5 Arctic Flame Review - CRAIG
Arda - The sea of disappearing 3/5 (Russian-language power metal band improves with this 2nd CD, but they’re not up there with Epidemia yet)
Arda - About eternal wondering and about the earth 2.5/5 (Russian-language power metal debut that reminds me of Dreamtale in a few spots)
Area51 - Daemonicus 3.5/5 Area51 Review
Area51 - Ankh 3/5
Arghon - Equilibrium 3/5 Arghon Review
Argir - Light of silver 3.5/5 (very cool Russian-language traditional/classic heavy metal debut that’s like a lightweight Aria)
Argos - Guerra final 4/5 (fiery Mexican speed/power metal debut a la Saratoga and Sheratan; I only wish it were longer) - KIT
Argument Soul - Conflict of crisis (hopefully coming soon)
Argument Soul - Reviving the truth 2.5/5 (mostly good Japanese power metal debut with some stylistic inconsistency and a subpar vocalist) - KIT
Argus - s/t 3.5/5 Argus Review - KIT
Aria - Armageddon 4/5 Aria Review - KIT
Aria - Christening by fire 3.5/5 - KIT
Aria - Chimera 4/5 - KIT
Aria - Generator of evil 3/5 - KIT
Aria - Night is shorter than day 4.5/5 - KIT
Aria - Blood for blood 4.5/5 - KIT
Aria - Play with fire 4.5/5 - KIT
Aria - Hero of asphalt 4/5 - KIT
Aria - Whom are you with? 4/5 - KIT
Aria - Megalomania 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Ariadna Project - Parallel worlds 4.5/5 Ariadna Project Review
Arida Vortex - Flames of sunset 3.5/5 (2nd CD of Russian power metal with catchy guitar work; in the style of Celesty, Axenstar, Conquest and Guardians of Time)
Arida Vortex - Evil sorcery 3.5/5 (outstanding Russian power metal debut with some really nice guitar solos)
Ark Storm - The everlasting wheel (hopefully coming soon)
Ark Storm - Beginning of the new legend (hopefully coming soon)
Ark Storm - No boundaries (hopefully coming soon)
Arktida - On the horizon 4/5 (fantastic Russian-language power metal debut with symphonic highlights; for fans of Epidemia, Arda, Retriem and Charizma)
Armada (The) - Rage of the armada 2/5 (okay LMP progressive power metal debut lacking in the pizzazz department) - KIT
Armageddon (Hun) - Valaszra varva 3.5/5 (well done Hungarian traditional metal debut with enough cool galloping melodies to offset the moderate production) - KIT
Armageddon (Swe) - Three 3/5 (3rd CD from Arch Enemy's Chris Amott's power metal band; lighter catchier offering) - JOHN
Armageddon (Swe) - Embrace the mystery 2.5/5 - JOHN
Armageddon (Swe) - Crossing the rubicon 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Armagedon - El imperio del mal (hopefully coming soon)
Armagedon - Ecologia 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Armed Forces - No guts... no glory!!! 3/5 - KIT
Armed Forces - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
Armed Forces - Take on the nation 3/5 - MICHAEL
Armored Saint - Revelation 3.5/5
Armored Saint - Symbol of salvation 5/5
Armored Saint - Raising fear 3/5
Armored Saint - Delirious nomad 3.5/5
Armored Saint - March of the saint 3/5
Armory - The dawn of enlightenment 5/5 Armory Review
Arnion - Fall like rain 1.5/5 Arnion Review - CRAIG B
Arrow (The) - Lady nite (hopefully coming soon)
Arrow (The) - Keeper of souls 4/5 (2nd CD of top-quality Russian-language melodic power metal; buy or die for fans of the genre) - KIT
Arrow (The) - Children of gods 3/5 - KIT
Arryan Path - Road to Macedonia 2.5/5 Arryan Path Review - CRAIG B
Ars Amandi - Desterrado entre suenos (hopefully coming soon)
Ars Amandi - Camino al destino (hopefully coming soon)
Ars Amandi - En tierra firme (hopefully coming soon)
Ars Amandi - Autoctono 4/5 - KIT
Artch - For the sake of mankind 4/5 (classic power metal with tremendous vocals; their 2nd CD) - JOHN
Artch - Another return to church hill 3/5 - JOHN
Arteria - Searching for new life 3/5 (uneven Russian metal featuring ex-Aria guitarist and a killer Aria cover tune; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Arteria - Fly to the light (hopefully coming soon)

Arthemis - Black society 3/5 (Italian power metal band returns with their 5th CD, but with hard rock influences this time; good, though it’s their most diverse CD to date)
Arthemis - Back from the heat 3/5 (though good, this Italian power metal band’s 4th CD doesn’t improve over their previous CDs and fails to take them to the next level)
Arthemis - Golden dawn 3/5 (3rd CD of exciting Italian power metal that contains very short songs throughout)
Arthemis - The damned ship 3/5
Arthemis - Church of the holy ghost 1/5
Artillery - B.A.C.K. 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Artillery - By inheritance 4/5 - CRAIG
Artillery - Terror squad 3/5 - CRAIG
Artillery - Fear of tomorrow 3/5 - CRAIG
Arwen - Illusions 3/5 (improved 2nd CD with all the ingredients, but not quite up there with bands like Angra and Sagga (Holy) yet)
Arwen - Memories of a dream 2/5
Arya - The vision 4/5 Arya Review
Asgard - Dark horizons 3/5 (reissued German traditional metal debut from 1988; akin to early Running Wild, Gravestone and Iron Angel) - KIT
Ashent - Deconstructive 3.5/5 (2nd CD of progressive metal with some moments of power metal; quite good, and it continues where the debut left off)
Ashent - Flaws of elation 3.5/5 Ashent Review
ASKA - Absolute power 4.5/5 - KIT
ASKA - Absolute power 4.5/5 ASKA Review - CRAIG
ASKA - Avenger 4/5 - KIT
ASKA - Nine tongues 2.5/5 - KIT
ASKA - Immortal (hopefully coming soon)
ASKA - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
Asperity - The final demand 4/5 (fantastic debut that has some Tad Morose-like catchiness and choruses)
Aspire - In defiance of fortune 2.5/5 (decent 3rd CD of symphonic power metal, but I don’t think it’s as catchy or as memorable as their previous ‘The age of reckoning’)
Aspire - In defiance of fortune 2.5/5 Aspire Review - TOM
Aspire - The age of reckoning 3.5/5 (catchy 2nd CD of epic/symphonic power metal that’s an improvement over the debut)
Aspire - Quest eternal 3/5 (very good symphonic power metal debut that wins with the songwriting aspect, but the drums are a bit overbearing at times)
Asrai - Pearls in dirt 3/5 (female fronted gothic rock/metal band is back with their 3rd CD; has some great songs, but some average songs as well)
Asrai - Touch in the dark 3/5 (good female fronted gothic metal similar to Within Temptation with a touch of Xandria)
Asrai - As voices speak 1/5
Assailant - Wicked dream 3/5 (2nd CD that continues with the aggressive vocal style, but there are more progressive/keyboard elements this time)
Assailant - Wicked dream 3/5 Assailant Review - SEAN
Assailant - Nemesis within 3/5 (debut with aggressive vocals; sounds like a blend of Persuader, Brainstorm, Savage Circus and heavier Nocturnal Rites)
Assassin - The club 2/5 (a terribly hindered stale-art experience from the raging mob from Germany who have remained real friends; their 3rd CD) - MICHAEL
Assassin - Interstellar experience 4/5 - MICHAEL
Assassin - The upcoming terror 4/5 - MICHAEL
Assault - Survival in the street 4/5 - MICHAEL
Assedium - Fighting for the flame 4/5 Assedium Review - CRAIG
Assedium - Rise of the warlords 4/5 Assedium Review - CRAIG
Assorted Heap - Mindwaves (hopefully coming soon)
Assorted Heap - The experience of horror 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Astral Doors - New revelation 4.5/5 Astral Doors Review - KIT
Astral Doors - Astralism 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Astral Doors - Evil is forever 4/5 (colossal 2nd CD of Rainbow meets Martin-era Sabbath with songs superior to the debut) - KIT
Astral Doors - Of the father and of the son 3.5/5 Astral Doors Review - KIT
Asynja - Through the misty air 3.5/5 Asynja Review
At Vance - VII 3/5 (long-running German melodic power metal band gives us another solid but predictable CD)
At Vance - Chained 3.5/5 (another solid CD of melodic heavy/power metal with a few neo-classical parts and high quality vocals throughout)
At Vance - Chained 3/5 At Vance Review - DAVID
At Vance - The evil in you 3.5/5 (well done 5th CD of neo-classical German power metal with fantastic vocals)
At Vance - Only human 4/5
At Vance - Only human 4/5 At Vance Review - DAVID
At Vance - Dragonchaser 3/5
At Vance - Dragonchaser 3.5/5 At Vance Review - DAVID
At Vance - Heart of steel 2.5/5
At Vance - Heart of steel 3/5 At Vance Review - DAVID
At Vance - No escape 2/5

At War - Infidel 3.5/5 (Virginia combat thrashers return ordered to kill, and kill again with more Motorhead rip chasin' hammer-crushing riffs; their 3rd CD) - MICHAEL
At War - Retaliatory strike 3/5 - MICHAEL
At War - Ordered to kill 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atargatis - Nova 3.5/5 (2nd CD that has more of a commercial edge than their debut, but it’s still plenty heavy with a satisfying amount of speed)
Atargatis - Nova 3/5 Atargatis Review - CRAIG B
Atargatis - Wasteland 4/5 (awesome female fronted debut with a good amount of speed; for fans of After Forever, Leaves’ Eyes, Nightwish, Epica and so on)
Atheist - Elements 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Atheist - Unquestionable presence 4/5 - MICHAEL
Atheist - Piece of time 3/5 - MICHAEL
Athena - Twilight of days 3/5 (3rd CD with a new vocalist of the high-pitched variety and a musical direction that's much more towards power metal)
Athena - A new religion? 4/5 (excellent 2nd CD of Italian progressive power metal a la Labyrinth and Vision Divine; their only CD that features Fabio Lione on vocals)
Athena - Inside the moon 2.5/5
Athlantis - s/t 3/5 (solid debut from Italian metal supergroup featuring a triumvirate of fine vocalists, including Rob Tyrant and Wild Steel) - KIT
Atlain - Living in the dark 4/5 - KIT
Atlain - G.O.E. 4/5 - KIT
Atom God - History re-written 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Atom God - Wow (hopefully coming soon)
Atomic Tornado - Tornado eye 3/5 (Japanese-language power metal debut a la Concerto Moon, Prophesia, Black Masquerade, Azrael, Double Dealer and Seven Seas)
Atomica - Hilfe! 2.5/5 (uneven female fronted gothic metal debut with some power metal parts; there are certainly highlights, but there are some average songs as well)
Atomkraft - Future warriors 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Werk 80 II 2.5/5 (more industrialized epicene 80s renditions with less passion and emotion than original) - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Atlantis 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Gemini 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Werk 80 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Willenskraft 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Die liebe 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Calling the rain 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Blut 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Longing for death 3/5 - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Hallucinations 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Atrophy - Violent by nature 4/5 - MICHAEL
Atrophy - Socialized hate 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Attack - The secret place 4.5/5 - JOHN
Attack - Seven years in the past 4/5 - JOHN
Attack - Destinies of war 4.5/5 - JOHN
Attack - Beastkiller 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Attack - Return of the evil 3/5 - JOHN
Attack - Danger in the air 2.5/5 - JOHN
Attacker - The unknown 4/5 Attacker Review - KIT
Attacker - Soul taker 3.5/5 - KIT
Attacker - The second coming 4/5 - KIT
Attacker - Battle at helm's deep 3.5/5 - KIT
Attentat Rock - Strike (hopefully coming soon)
Attentat Rock - Le gang des saigneurs 3/5 - MICHAEL
Attentat Rock - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
Attila - Rolling thunder 3/5 - MICHAEL
Audiovision - The calling 3.5/5 Audiovision Review - JOHN
Auspex - Resolutio 4/5 Auspex Review
Austrian Death Machine - Total brutal 3.5/5 (humorous thrash debut; audible vocals, melodies and awesome Ahnold imitation/references) - MICHAEL
Autumn - Altitude 4/5 (smooth, memorable and thoroughly enjoyable 4th CD from this female fronted gothic metal band; features a talented new vocalist)
Autumn - My new time 3/5 (female fronted band’s 3rd CD, which is a bit lighter than their previous CDs and is more along the lines of standard gothic metal)
Autumn - Summer’s end 3.5/5 (great 2nd CD that continues where the debut left off, like a crunchier Dakrua or a slightly mellower Ebony Ark)
Autumn - When lust evokes the curse 3/5 (female fronted debut reminding me of Dakrua and Ebony Ark, but is less upbeat and more symphonic)
Auvernia - Towards eternity 4/5 Auvernia Review
Avalanch - Muerte y vida (hopefully coming soon)
Avalanch - El hijo prodigo 3/5 - MICHAEL
Avalanch - Mother earth (hopefully coming soon)
Avalanch - Los puetoas han muerto 1/5 (disappointing wimpy outing from abdicated Spanish metal kings; their 5th CD) - KIT
Avalanch - El angel caido 4/5 - KIT
Avalanch - Llanto de un heroe 5/5 - KIT
Avalanch - The eternal flame 2.5/5 - KIT
Avalanch - Ready for the glory 3/5 - MICHAEL
Avalanche - To be free 2/5 - JOHN
Avalanche - Here comes the king 2.5/5 - JOHN
Avalon - Eurasia (hopefully coming soon)
Avalon - Vision eden 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Avalon - Mystic places 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Avalon - Why now? 2.5 - CRAIG
Avantasia - The scarecrow 3.5/5 Avantasia Review - CRAIG B
Avantasia - Lost in space pt. 2 (EP) 3.5/5 Avantasia Review - CRAIG B
Avantasia - Lost in space pt. 1 (EP) 3/5 Avantasia Review - CRAIG B
Avantasia - The metal opera pt. ll 4/5 Avantasia Review - DAVID
Avantasia - The metal opera pt. l 4.5/5 Avantasia Review - DAVID

Avenger - Prayers of steel 4/5 - MICHAEL
Avenger of Blood - Death brigade 2.5/5 (Kreator clones return with their 2nd CD, but with uninspired riffage) - MICHAEL
Avenger of Blood - Complete annihilation 3/5 Avenger of Blood Review - MICHAEL
Avian - Ashes and madness 3.5/5 Avian Review
Avian - From the depths of time 3/5 Avian Review
Awake - Illumination 3/5 (progressive power metal extremely similar to Evergrey both vocally and musically, but with less speed; band was formerly known as Humanity)
Axehammer - Windrider 4/5 Axehammer Review - KIT
Axehammer - Lord of the realm 4/5 - KIT
Axenstar - The final requiem 4/5 (one of the proven better power metal bands returns with another fast and exciting CD; highly recommended)
Axenstar - The inquisition 4/5 Axenstar Review
Axenstar - Far from heaven 4/5
Axenstar - Perpetual twilight 3.5/5
Axe Witch - Hooked on high heels 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axe Witch - The lord of flies 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axe Witch - Visions of the past 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Axiom - A moment of insanity 3/5 (side-project debut from Italian band Landguard; progressive power metal with lots of keys, a variety of vocals and a modern twist)
Axxis - Utopia 4/5 Axxis Review - MICHAEL
Axxis - Doom of destiny 4/5 (another stellar effort, with enjoyable songs and melodies which never disappoint!) - MICHAEL
Axxis - Doom of destiny 4/5 Axxis Review - SEAN
Axxis - Paradise in flames 3.5/5 Axxis Review - MICHAEL
Axxis - Time machine 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - Pure & rough 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - Eyes of darkness 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - Back to the kingdom 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - Voodoo vibes 3/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - Matters of survival 2/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - The big thrill 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - II 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Axxis - Kingdom of the knight 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Ayik, Taylan - Yalniz hayal 3/5 (engaging W.A.S.P. worship from Turkey, including Lawless-type vocals/songwriting; better than the 'Neon god' releases, for sure) - KIT
Ayreon - 01011001 3.5/5 (another strong, albeit familiar progressive metal rock opera; not as superb as 'The human equation' though) - JOHN
Ayreon - The human equation 5/5 - JOHN
Ayreon - Universal migrator part ll: Flight of the migrator 4/5 - JOHN
Ayreon - Universal migrator part l: The dream sequencer 4.5/5 - JOHN
Ayreon - Ayreonauts only 2.5/5 - JOHN
Ayreon - Into the electric castle/A space opera 4/5 - JOHN
Ayreon - Actual fantasy 2/5 - JOHN
Ayreon - The final experiment 5/5 - JOHN
Azeroth - II (hopefully coming soon)
Azeroth - s/t 4/5 - KIT
Azotic Reign - Abstract maledictions 3/5 - KIT
Azrael (Jpn) - Sunrise in the dreamland 3.5/5 (great 3rd CD of Japanese power metal with high-pitched vocals, and it’s their best to date; features the vocalist of Prophesia)
Azrael (Jpn) - King of the steely nation 3/5
Azrael (Jpn) - Run for the night 3/5
Azrael (Spa) - Libre (hopefully coming soon)
Azrael (Spa) - Dimension IV 3.5/5 (another contender in the Spanish power metal sweepstakes) - KIT
Azrael (Spa) - Mafia 2.5/5 - KIT
Azrael (Spa) - Futuro (hopefully coming soon)
Azrael (Spa) - Nada por nadie (hopefully coming soon)



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