Maiden33's Top 25 Albums of 2011

[ravenheart]

Originally Posted by Maiden33

#23:
Charred Walls of the Damned - Cold Winds on Timeless Days

CWotD's debut album showed some promise, but ultimately didn't exactly blow my mind. I felt like if they corrected a few things about it, they would have a great project - and I have to say that most of those things have been fixed. The songs here seem a bit more well-composed and memorable than the majority of what's on their self-titled debut. The style is still basically tech-death with Tim Owens singing instead of having harsh vocals. Outstanding playing, and some really strong and surprisingly melodic songs. My biggest complaint is that the album just feels too long - it should have been 10 tracks instead of 12.
Featured Track: "Zero Span"

The first couple of tracks I heard from this, I really thought they'd solved most of the problems the first album had. Then I listened to the rest of it, and realised they hadn't. It still sounds like Tim's recorded vocals for different songs to the ones the band is playing.

[Dextrimental]

Originally Posted by ravenheart

It still sounds like Tim's recorded vocals for different songs to the ones the band is playing.

I was trying to work out what irked me about that record, and that's exactly it.

[Maiden33]

Originally Posted by jhdeity

Yeah I missed that show due to that night being a big party night of some sort. Halloween maybe? I remember being out and thinking how much more fun i'd be having seeing Saxon for the 1st time in 15 or so years.

It was only Oct. 15th so it probably wasn't Halloween related. It was an awesome night. Final night of the tour, my friends and I basically got to hang out with the band after the show, I did a shot with Paul Quinn. Quite awesome.

[Maiden33]

#22:
Arch/Matheos - Sympathetic Resonance

Those who love the voice of John Arch from his tenure with Fates Warning back in the early/mid 80's were given a teaser of a return back in 2003 with his EP "A Twist of Fate". Arch is back now with a full album, featuring the entire current lineup of Fates Warning (minus Ray Alder, of course) behind him. As a result, the musicianship is absolutely top-notch, not question about it. The production also shines, and the songs (only 6, but 3 are over 10 minutes) are very strong as well. The only thing that stops me from loving this so much more is that I just am not a huge fan of John Arch's voice. I never have been, and that probably won't ever change. If Alder had sung on this as a Fates Warning record, it would probably be in the top 10 or 15. Nevertheless, it's still a great record.
Featured track: "Midnight Serenade" (Official Video)

[maidenpriest]

Originally Posted by Maiden33

#22:
Arch/Matheos - Sympathetic Resonance

Those who love the voice of John Arch from his tenure with Fates Warning back in the early/mid 80's were given a teaser of a return back in 2003 with his EP "A Twist of Fate". Arch is back now with a full album, featuring the entire current lineup of Fates Warning (minus Ray Alder, of course) behind him. As a result, the musicianship is absolutely top-notch, not question about it. The production also shines, and the songs (only 6, but 3 are over 10 minutes) are very strong as well. The only thing that stops me from loving this so much more is that I just am not a huge fan of John Arch's voice. I never have been, and that probably won't ever change. If Alder had sung on this as a Fates Warning record, it would probably be in the top 10 or 15. Nevertheless, it's still a great record.
Featured track: "Midnight Serenade" (Official Video)

Love this album. Neurotically Wired and Stained Glass Sky are definitely major highlights for me. I agree that if Alder would've sang this album it would've been much better but I like Arch as well so this was a good album.

[jhdeity]

Originally Posted by Maiden33

It was only Oct. 15th so it probably wasn't Halloween related. It was an awesome night. Final night of the tour, my friends and I basically got to hang out with the band after the show, I did a shot with Paul Quinn. Quite awesome.

Ah, it was my buddy's bachelor party. I was 15 min away at Scores and after an hour I was wishing I was at the show. I did set up the coolest 4-girl mosh pit lap dance ever that night. After that I got bored though.

Listened to teh whole cd. I gotta give Saxon credit. After writing them off asfter that Apple cover album Innocence? (name escapes me) they have really put out some incredible music.

[MPF]

I'm glad to see Arch/Matheos ranked so high!

[Maiden33]

Originally Posted by jhdeity

Ah, it was my buddy's bachelor party. I was 15 min away at Scores and after an hour I was wishing I was at the show. I did set up the coolest 4-girl mosh pit lap dance ever that night. After that I got bored though.

Listened to teh whole cd. I gotta give Saxon credit. After writing them off asfter that Apple cover album Innocence? (name escapes me) they have really put out some incredible music.

Yeah, their first 5 records are classic metal at its finest but starting with Crusader in '84 they went downhill. Starting in '97 though (Unleash the Beast album) they really came into their second prime. Every record since has been at least solid with a few great tracks - honestly 2004's Lionheart is my favorite Saxon disc, period.

[jhdeity]

Originally Posted by Maiden33

Yeah, their first 5 records are classic metal at its finest but starting with Crusader in '84 they went downhill. Starting in '97 though (Unleash the Beast album) they really came into their second prime. Every record since has been at least solid with a few great tracks - honestly 2004's Lionheart is my favorite Saxon disc, period.

Yeah Crusader was the last one I kinda liked. It took a while to grow on me and I only liked a few songs. Power & the Glory on the other hand I liked start to finish.

Thanks for reminding me about Lionheart. I went and picked it up but never had a chance to listen to it.

[SomewhereInTime72]

Huh, I didn't even know about this one. Definitely seems like I gotta check it out though.