The best releases of 2008

MEXDefenderOfSteel · Post by **MEXDefenderOfSteel** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:37 pm

still i cant get into Portrait´s sound, idk whats the big deal there

...

MassOfKthulu · Post by **MassOfKthulu** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:05 pm

it sounds very similar in song structures and modes to the second dark quarterer release,but in no way a repetition of the songs.if you like DQ,u cant go wrong with this

Helm · Post by **Helm** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:53 pm

I don't know if it's the best of anything, but Litany have put an album out and from what I can tell it is really worth your attention if you like epic doom metal.

Stormspell · Post by **Stormspell** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 11:04 pm

MEXDefenderOfSteel wrote:still i cant get into Portrait´s sound, idk whats the big deal there ...

Yeah, I thought I've definitely won the prize for worst release productionwise with Necromantic Maelstrom, but seems Iron Kodex managed to give me a good run for my money with Portrait...

Post by **DaN** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 11:20 pm

stormspell wrote:
MEXDefenderOfSteel wrote:still i cant get into Portrait´s sound, idk whats the big deal there ...
Yeah, I thought I've definitely won the prize for worst release productionwise with Necromantic Maelstrom, but seems Iron Kodex managed to give me a good run for my money with Portrait...

Huh? Really? The production never struck me as even remotely flawed..

mordred · Post by **mordred** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 2:23 pm

DaN wrote:
stormspell wrote:
MEXDefenderOfSteel wrote:still i cant get into Portrait´s sound, idk whats the big deal there ...
Yeah, I thought I've definitely won the prize for worst release productionwise with Necromantic Maelstrom, but seems Iron Kodex managed to give me a good run for my money with Portrait...
Huh? Really? The production never struck me as even remotely flawed..

No, more like flawless to my ears.

'pataphysicien · Post by **'pataphysicien** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:40 pm

mordred wrote:I bought that second Fall of the Idols album from I Hate at a record fair. It's an improvement from the first one, the guitar tone is a lot more colorful and melancholic. The songs are quite nice too, I just wished that Fall of the Idols had had a vocalist because it's not that fun all instrumental. I know, they have a guy that's talking and barking and moaning some lyrics throughout the songs, but that doesn't count, it would be really cool if they just found a singer.

hehe, I see where you're getting at, but for me the singer does just fine. I don't think I'd want it any other way on that particular album. unorthodox and emotional, fits the atmosphere perfectly.

mordred wrote:The Wandering Midget album was actually a big disappointment for me. I have the first cd with their demos, called "I am the Gate", and it really rules. For some reason the debut full length just never gets under my skin. I have played 25 times for sure and tried different angles, it just does not happen.

I had a similar experience when I first got it. "I am the Gate" rules indeed and the album is somewhat different. I think the production does a lot, the demo material is just much more raw sounding. the songs are more instant hits as well maybe? no matter, both very good releases. to me the "The Serpent Coven" feels like a rock album sometimes, The Doors on Doom after a Reverend Bizarre gig perhaps.

mordred wrote:Speaking of finish doom metal, I think the Lord Vicar album blows the above two away.

I can't say I was overwhelmed with the EP. I think my RB fanboydom is a bit responsible for my ambivalence there, but I digest. what I have heard from the album so far sounds promising and of course I'll have to get it eventually.

'pataphysicien · Post by **'pataphysicien** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:32 pm

I'd also add to my list:

Ogre - Plague of the Planet
TGoS - Conqueror

and since it says 'best releases'

The River - Broken Window EP

no full length, but at least something to keep me busy until the album comes out. and what I have heard from the Portrait album did indeed sound flawless to my ears

The_Real_Mordred · Post by **The_Real_Mordred** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 7:41 pm

'pataphysicien wrote: Ogre - Plague of the Planet

Need to hear that one!

Stormspell · Post by **Stormspell** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 1:07 am

mordred wrote:
DaN wrote:Huh? Really? The production never struck me as even remotely flawed..
No, more like flawless to my ears.

Uh, and I discovered I sold out all copies without leaving one for meself, doh! I'll address this issue once restock and listen to the CD once again.

Shadow Kingdom · Post by **Shadow Kingdom** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:01 am

Nicko McBuff wrote:
What did I manage to buy? IRONSWORD 3rd album... not bad, although not kicking my arse as much as the previous, MANILLA ROAD enough said,.

... Are you serious? Drink some good brew and try it again!

Nicko McBuff · Post by **Nicko McBuff** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:37 am

Shadow Kingdom wrote:
Nicko McBuff wrote:
What did I manage to buy? IRONSWORD 3rd album... not bad, although not kicking my arse as much as the previous, MANILLA ROAD enough said,.
... Are you serious? Drink some good brew and try it again!

Don't get me wrong... it's good, its grown on me after a few more spins, its now up to the arse kicking level, its boot is starting to leave bruises.

Nicko McBuff · Post by **Nicko McBuff** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:40 am

Hey guys, what is the Power Metal recommendation of the year? The best 2008 release of that sub in your opinion, if any? Pharaoh? should I get that next?

Shadow Kingdom · Post by **Shadow Kingdom** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:25 pm

Nicko McBuff wrote:Hey guys, what is the Power Metal recommendation of the year? The best 2008 release of that sub in your opinion, if any? Pharaoh? should I get that next?

What the hell is Power Metal these days? Seriously, I don't understand this term now.

nightsblood · Post by **nightsblood** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:07 pm

Not a banner year IMO. I heard about 2 dozen 2008 releases. While many of them are quite good (Pharaoh, Jex Thoth, Gates of Slumber, The Devils Blood, Nachtmystium), there are only 2 albums I give an 'A'

Stormwarrior- heading north. Hard to go wrong with early Helloween worship.

Dragonforce- ultra beatdown. Dumb title, dumb art, but incredibly fun. I realize the tr00 kvlt thing to do is bash them for being a popular band featured on video games and what not, but IMO they're one of the most entertaining bands of recent years, and UB is a great rebound from the disappointing Inhuman Rampage (and no, I've never played Guitar Hero in my life

)

Witchfinder General was the biggest flop IMO (covered in other threads).