Best Albums of 2017
1. Iced Earth - Incorruptible
Iced Earth released one of their best albums in the career, Incorruptible grows with each listening.Schaffer and new guitarist Jake Dreyer from Progressive Metal band Witherfall meshes extremely well throughout the album.The opening track the "Viking" (tv-series inspired) "Great Heathen Army" sets the tone with with crunchy guitar work and delectable riffs "Seven Headed Whore" is the best track along with "Clear the Way (December 13th, 1862)" a 9.5-minute epic about the Battle of Fredderickson (the American Civil War) that will give you goosebumps.
2. Arch Enemy - Will To Power
Will To Power opens with "The Race" a bombardment of teeth gritting riffs with edgy and dark soloing. The great empowerment anthem "The World Is Yours" truly shines . Arch Enemy jumps the shark with “Reason to Believe" the worst song in the AE catalog a dreadfull (EMO cut your wrists song) I would love to hear more clean singing from Alissa White-Gluz in AE but not in the"Reason to Belive" songwriting style. Killer and stellar guitar work all trough the abum from Jeff Loomis and Michael Amott.
3. The Dark Element - S / T
This year's "Dark Horse" in all categories goes to The Dark Element where former Nightwish singer Anette Olzon joins former Sonata Arctica guitarist Jani Liimatainen. Together they create a powerful symphonic / melodic hardrock album with interesting and thoughtful lyrics. "Here's To You" is the song that gets stuck in your head, and you will will be humming it, a lot. "My Sweet Mystery" and "Ghost And The Reaper" are the are other stand-out tracks.
4. Kreator - Gods of Violence
The teutonic thrash metal legends Kreator release Gods of Violence the title-track is a true high-octane thrashing work-of-art with Mille and Sami Yli-Sirniö blasting their infuriated riffs like whirlwinds. Powerful, melodic thrash metal with devastating speed and soaring melodies all throughout the album.
5. Beast In Black - Berseker
After being fired from his own band Battle Beast, Anton Kabanen created Beast In Black and drafted talented Greek singer Yannis Papadopoulos. The title track drives aggressively full steam ahead before the mega choruses of "Blind and Frozen".
6.Europe - Walk This Earth
The grandiose title track with a seventies feel is one of Europe's best songs of all time. The mighty"Kingdom United" with "GTO" a speeding up-tempo rocker with heavy Norum riffs and catchy hooks are highlights.
7.Inglorious - II
Heavy classic 70s hard rock with superb vocals. The album contains high peaks like "I Do not Need Your Lovin" with is arena-rock vibe and the fantastic "High Class Woman".
8.Battle Beast - Bringer of Pain
After they fired their band leader, Battle Beast has gone more towards a melodic sound than the previous more metal sounding albums. I prefer the more metal sounding style of songs on Bringer of Pain like "Straight For The Heart" that will truly rattle your spine, the fast bombastic title track and the bonus song "God of War" Noora Louhimo is a outstanding singer with great vocal range.Halford comes to mind when she belts out her powerful vocals.
9.Crazy Lixx - Ruff Justice
The "Poor Man's Steel Panther" has delivered a truly hilarious sleaze / eightes metal album. Best tracks are "Hunter of the Heart" with its attractive, low-budget 80's music video. "XIII" and "Killer" are also really good.
10. Alice Cooper - Paranormal
The haunting sinister title track is phenomenal! I would love a Alice Cooper album in the style of the title track .The voice/song effect on the excellent "Fireball" is just terrible almost destroys the song.
