Top 10 - 2014 / By Lotty
December 24, 2014
No. 10
Band: Evil Scarecrow
Album: Galactic Hunt
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2002
Label: Independent
'CRABULON CRABULON CRABULON'
This was one of the most anthemic chants of 2014 and over the course of Bloodstock I witnessed metal heads all over chanting this with their hands formed as pincers whilst scuttling left and right. I call this the EVIL SCARECROW effect and I am happy to announce that they are kicking off my top ten albums of 2014 with their release "Galactic Hunt". From what I understand this album was funded by their loyal fan base so with tracks such as "Frankingstein's Mirror", "Dance Of The Cyclops" and the anthemic single "Crabulon" I can concur punters have got their monies worth.
No. 9
Band: The Treatment
Album: Running With The Dogs
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2008
Label: Spinefarm/Universal
After witnessing Cambridge Hard Rock group THE TREATMENT conquer my home town with their hard hitting, no nonsense rock music in 2011 I have not looked back. The release of their latest album "Running With The Dogs" only reinforces the conclusion that they are back and remain stronger than ever before. The album consists of many highlights such as "I Bleed Rock 'N Roll", "Get The Party On" and my personal favourite track "Emergency". If you wish to hear what a love child created by AEROSMITH and AC/DC would sound like then give this album a whirl.
No. 8
Band: Starkill
Album: Virus Of The Mind
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2012
Label: Century Media Records
This powerful Melodic Death Metal force from Chicago first came under my Metal radar when I saw them support Finnish Metal warriors TURISAS and since then STARKILL have been favourites of mine since. Their latest release "Virus Of The Mind" is a no nonsense Metal masterpiece with phenomenal guitar work, angry death growls and some fantastic melodies that make you want to perform windmills with your glossy hair all day long, no matter where you happen to be.
No. 7
Band: H.E.A.T
Album: Tearing Down The Walls
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2007
Record Label: Gain/Sony Music
In the Scandinavian plains you have seen some of the greatest acts of Rock and Metal emerge from its depths and Sweden's answer to BON JOVI better known as H.E.A.T are no exception. Their latest album "Tearing Down The Walls" had me dancing and singing along like there was no tomorrow, with songs that are bound to fill arenas one day such as "A Shot At Redemption", "Tearing Down The Walls" and "Laughing At Tomorrow" it's no wonder H.E.A.T capture the hearts of Hard Rock fans.
No. 6
Band: NeonFly
Album: Strangers In Paradise
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2008
Label: Rising Records
As I have mentioned in my previous review; London Melodic Metal outfit NEONFLY first caught my attention when they filled in for the main support on DRAGONFORCE's "Maximum Overload" tour. Their album "Strangers In Paradise" is a beautiful Melodic Metal creation that has stadium sound songs that will lift your mood in a heartbeat. These tunes that I speak of include "Better Angels", "Sons Of Liberty" and beautiful ballad "Falling Star".
No. 5
Band: Wolf
Album: Devil Seed
General Info
Year Of Formation: 1995
Label: Century Media Records
If you after some Old School Heavy Metal carnage then rugged Swedish warriors WOLF are your answer. When I heard there was going to be new release from this Scandinavian quartet I was more than thrilled and had every right to be. With killer tracks such as "Shark Attack", "I Am Pain" and "The Dark Passenger", this only shows WOLF continue to uphold their claim of 'creating Heavy Metal for Heavy Metal bastards.'
No. 4
Band: Alestorm
Album: Sunset On The Golden Age
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2006
Record Label: Napalm Records
'We are here to drink your beer and steal your rum at the point of gun' were the words on every ALESTORM fan's lips. With the rest of the voyage completed grandly on their swashbuckling vessel "Sunset On The Golden Age" only shows these Scottish Pirates are back with a vengeance. It opens magnificently with "Walk The Plank" and from that point on it only gets better; this is proved by tracks such as "Magnetic North", "Surf Squid Warfare" and their brilliant cover of TAIO CRUISE hit "Hangover" which fitted well with live shows.
No. 3
Band: Amaranthe
Album: Massive Addictive
General Info
Year Of Formation: 2011
Label: Spinefarm/Universal records
The Swedish/Danish Melodic Death Metal outfit AMARANTHE always impress me with their music and the latest instalment to their discography was no exception. The ticker starts in the form of opening track "Dynamite" and from that moment on the album just gets better and better. There is an eclectic selection of fantastic tracks such as the heartfelt "True" to the fist pumping single "Drop Dead Cynical"; there is a track to suit every mood. With its mixture of melodic pop tunes toughened up by the metal growls this album ticks all my boxes for the perfect creation.
No. 2
Band: Tuomas Holopainen
Album: The Life And Times Of Scrooge
General Info
Year Of Formation:
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
With his ability to write the most beautiful songs and music, musical maestro and NIGHTWISH main man Tuomas Holopainen has always been an idol of mine. When I first heard he was going to be releasing this new concept album featuring Scrooge McDuck I was at first sceptical but at the first listen of the opening song "Glasgow 1877" I was blown away instantly. After listening to this album several times this year I am convinced that Holopainen could easily be the next Danny Elfman with his Tim Burton-esque compositions that tell a grand story.
No. 1
Band: Evergrey
Album: Hymns For The Broken
General Info
Year Of Formation: 1998
Label: AFM Records
One of the most complex yet beautiful creations ever to make an entrance in the history of metal is here; I am talking about EVERGREY's newest album "Hymns For The Broken". This album just has the complete package of the perfect album ever to hit the scene; it contains the most enchanting melodies such as "King Of Errors", "Barricades" and "Missing You" that contain some of the deepest messages regarding our society. As well as the haunting melodies that melt faces at the first listen, the circumstance this album was created in adds to the exquisiteness and intensity of this groundbreaking masterpiece. I should also mention that this album celebrates the return of the original line-up. The ability to listen to this album over and over again, the stunning melodies and intriguing back story are the main reasonsEVERGREY's "Hymns For The Broken" is my number one album of 2014.
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