Another year has passed us, and yet another assortment of albums have left their permanent impacts on our playlists. For me there were three absolutely outstanding discs in 2005 and everything else just kind of stacks up afterwards. Nothing really touches the top three, and if they are not currently taking up some shelf space in your collection then go out *right now* and purchase them. They are absolutely essential and you will not be sorry with the money spent. With that having been said... let us dig into the bounty of cds that 2005 yielded us.
Presenting.... The Top Eleven
Why? Because I accidentally added one too many and am now too pleased with my selections to alter it.
1. Allen/Lande - The Battle -
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No doubt about it, this is the finest disc of the year. The songs are dynamic but with huge hooks that suck you right in, and just the perfect amount of heaviness is involved making it a real metal album but with a catchy side. Brilliantly produced and put together, with two vocal performances that stun, shock and awe, make this *the* disc to own from 2005. A classic in every way.
2. Kamelot - The Black Halo - Read review by Steem
Dramatic, expansive, and an incredible attention to detail makes this a hell of an album. Kamelot has always flirted with greatness but had not achieved perfection...til now. The songs are rich and beautiful with layers of music to dive deep into. I love the dark side and elegant lyrics that accompany this great production.
3. Masterplan - Aeronautics -
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Not as overblown as Kamelot or Allen/Lande, this is more of a straight up heavy metal affair but one that flirts with a darkly delicious melodic side. Jorn Lande's vocal performance is spectacularly soulful or ball bustingly powerful depending on what is called for. This one sneaked up on me and blew me away especially the heart wrenching rocker "Back For My Life".
4. Starbreaker - Starbreaker -
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Tony Harnell is best when he's howling about love but is also quite endearing when belting it harsh and heavy. From the same songwriter/guitarist that blessed us with the material for the Allen/Lande project, this one is more modern and rougher, and sporting a slicing metallic edge. A nice concoction that holds it own.
5. Brazen Abbot - My Resurrection - Read review
Not the most cohesive of albums, but the strength of certain songs is enough to put it high on the countdown. "Dreams" is the ballad I have been waiting for Joe Lynn Turner to sing in a couple of decades and finally it has arrived. High class production and some great guitar work from Kotzev give it an edge.
6. Edge of Forever - Let the Demon Rock N Roll -
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Speaking of edges... this is likely the swan song for this band but did they ever go out with a bang or what? Terrific songwriting matches the performances in an album that makes Yngwie Malmsteen's latest sound like the imitation.
7. Jaded Heart - Helluvah Time -
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Another huge surprise, given that Bormann was out and a new guy was "in". The change made all the difference but in the complete opposite direction I was anticipating. Instead of crippling the band it put a fire under their rears and this is what they churned out: a great hard rock album full of high class tuneage.
8. Radioactive - Taken -
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Tommy Denander has appeared on so many projects over the years, but this is a standout for sure. The modern touches make for an exciting ride, along with a rotating stable of top shelf vocalists ranging from Gary Barden to Phillip Bardowell and James Christian inbetween. If AOR is your thang, then this is a must-have. Fresh and engaging.
9. TNT - All the Way to the Sun -
Read review by Michael
Yes, I love Tony Harnell as well as TNT. This may not be their brightest album but it is still good enough to make many others sound like dog food garbage. It is no "Intuition" but their current take on AOR makes for a cool listen, even if it isn't as wildly radical as "Transistor" (which I loved).
10. Bruce Turgon - Outside Looking In -
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In a year of unexpected surprises, this one kinda takes the cake. Who knew Turgon could even SING, much less with this amount of professional shine and underlying honesty. Teamed up with some brooding melodic material, it is sure to win over any number of hearts that crave something a little more... darker.
11. Gotthard - Lipservice
Ah! Finally a great comeback from one of my fav bands from the 90s. The energy and fire has returned and "Lipservice" just shines like a gem. It is very refreshing to hear them back into form after the last couple of albums that have fizzled more than sizzled.
Best Songs (25)
Allen/Lande - Where Have the Angels Gone
Allen/Lande - Silent Rage
Brazen Abbot - Dreams
Brazen Abbot - Rage of Angels
Bad Habit - To Love You
Broke[N]Blue - How Does It Feel
Bruce Turgon - These Tears Must Fall
Edge Of Forever - One Last Surrender
Frameshift - Blade
Gotthard - Said N Done
Harem Scarem - Dagger
Hartmann - Brazen
(I know its a cover...)
HIM - Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly
Jaded Heart - Dreams You'll Never See
Joe Lynn Turner - All Alone
Kamelot - The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)
Kamelot - Moonlight
Masterplan - Back For My Life
(song of the year!)
Masterplan - Falling Sparrow
Philip Bardowell - Dreamin With My Eyes Wide Open
Radioactive - Shattered
Russell Allen's Atomic Soul - Losin You
Silver - Save Me
Starbreaker - Underneath the Fallen Sky
TNT - Driving
